Headlines: Sept. 18, 2024

Sept. 18, 2024 · The Pulse
By Mariam Ibrahim

Edmonton Public Schools could reintroduce police officers in some schools before the end of the current school year, superintendent Darrel Robertson told a board meeting last week. The division ended the School Resource Officer program in 2020 due to community concerns, but trustees voted in April to bring the officers back. The school board says it is still in discussions with the Edmonton Police Service to determine how the new program will operate. Robertson said it could take several years to fully implement the program.
City council's urban planning committee reviewed a proposal during its Sept. 17 meeting for a pilot program to install fare gates at two LRT stations to improve transit safety and reduce fare evasion. The pilot, which would have significant upfront costs, would be in effect at Churchill and Belvedere stations for two years. Amalgamated Transit Union Local 569 president Steve Bradshaw raised concerns about the cost and effectiveness of fare gates, arguing funds would be better spent elsewhere, including increased service hours. The committee deferred its decision on the proposal to the Oct. 2 city council meeting.
Valley Line West LRT construction in Edmonton will close access roads into the Meadowlark Park neighbourhood until Oct. 31. Access to 156 Street using 93A Avenue from the west is closed beginning Sept. 18, while access to Meadowlark Road from 88A Avenue will be closed beginning Sept. 20. Drivers should use 92 Avenue or 95 Avenue as alternatives, and pedestrian access on the east side of 156 Street and Meadowlark Road will remain open, with some detours. Construction will happen from 7am to 9pm on weekdays and Saturdays, and from 9am to 7pm on Sundays.
Edmonton International Airport has launched the second phase of its commercial drone project, expanding the route of the Canary drone to the Akamihk Medical Clinic in Leduc. The project aims to enhance the delivery of time-sensitive products, support sustainable transportation, and reduce road congestion, the airport said in a release. YEG became the first airport in Canada to introduce drone delivery operations in 2021.
The Canadian Finals Rodeo will celebrate its 50th anniversary when it returns to Edmonton from Oct. 2 to 5. To mark the event's return to the city, Edmonton will host Rodeo Week from Sept. 28 to Oct. 6, featuring a variety of events and activities. The rodeo is expected to generate millions of dollars in economic activity.
Premier Danielle Smith announced an $8.6-billion school construction plan to address the strain caused by rapid student enrolment growth, with plans to create 50,000 new student spaces in Alberta over the next three years. The School Construction Accelerator Program, announced during a pre-recorded television address, aims to create a total of 200,000 student spaces within seven years. Smith said the program will allow the province to buy modular classrooms while new schools are built, and includes incentives for private and charter schools to accommodate more students.
Animal rescue organization WILDNorth is reporting an increase in bat sightings in Edmonton, particularly big brown bats migrating into urban areas. The organization says the animals should be left alone unless they're found on the ground. Residents are urged to exercise caution because the bats can carry rabies and a fungus called White-Nose Syndrome that affects other bats. Those needing assistance with grounded bats can contact WILDNorth at 780-914-4118.
The Edmonton Oilers announced they have agreed to "mutually part ways" with assistant general manager Brad Holland. Holland joined the team as a scout in 2019 and was promoted to assistant general manager in the 2022-23 season. He is the son of former Oilers general manager Ken Holland, whose contract with the team ended at the end of last season.
Sportsnet announced its 77-game broadcast schedule for the Edmonton Oilers 2024-25 season. The games will feature play-by-play from Jack Michaels, analyst Louie DeBrusk, and host Gene Principe. The Oilers kick off their season at Rogers Place on Oct. 9 against the Winnipeg Jets.