- The Edmonton Police Service recorded an increase in use of force incidents in the first half of 2024 compared to the previous two years, according to a report presented at an Edmonton Police Commission meeting on Sept. 19. Of the 1,081 incidents recorded, 16% resulted in injuries, with 2% requiring hospital treatment. Police attributed the rise in use of force to an increase in violent incidents, which it said grew by 23% from 2022 to 2023, and another 15% in 2024. In response, the police service is introducing new training to help officers better recognize when someone is in crisis.
- The City of Edmonton unveiled a new interactive Edmonton sign at Churchill Square, designed to attract visitors, support local artists, and brighten winter nights. Created by Vignettes Showcase and Métis artists Michelle Sound and Crystal Clark, the sign will also move to festivals and City-owned facilities during the summer.
- Earth's General Store on Whyte Avenue in Edmonton may close permanently after 33 years in business unless it can raise $150,000 by Sept. 22. The store, which is facing financial challenges due to inflationary and economic pressures, is seeking a partner or investor to stay open, rather than community donations.
- Michael Oshry, Kim Krushell, and Cheryll Watson were sanctioned for exceeding the self-contribution limit of $10,000 during their 2021 mayoral election campaigns, with penalties ranging from fines to reprimands. Both Krushell and Watson told CBC News they have since cleared their campaign debts and do not intend to run for office again, while Oshry has previously said his campaign followed the rules.
- Five bison were killed in a collision involving two pickup trucks early in the morning on Sept. 19 near the entrance of Elk Island National Park, east of Edmonton. RCMP and Parks Canada are investigating, and it's unclear whether the bison were adults or calves.
- The Edmonton Oilers Community Foundation announced that it has invested $100 million in the community since 2001. The foundation has partnered with various local organizations over the years, including KidSport and the Ben Stelter Foundation, and is urging Albertans to participate in this season's 50/50 program.
- Austin Ogonoski, a four-time sport compact champion in Alberta, spoke out against social media videos of street racing in Edmonton, calling for stiffer penalties to deter dangerous driving for social media clout. Chevy Reeves, the general manager of Rad Torque Raceway said the facility offers various tracks for safe racing. "We just have a lot of space to come and play," Reeves said.
- Earthware Reusables has expanded its reusable and refundable takeout container program to Edmonton to help reduce single-use waste. The containers are available at participating restaurants, grocery stores, hotels, and food prep businesses. The program, launched in partnership with the Alberta Bottle Depot Association, allows consumers to return the containers for a refund at bottle depots.
- Edmonton will have a busy fall housing market driven by the prospect of interest rate cuts and the city's relatively affordable home prices compared to other major Canadian cities, according to the latest outlook from RE/MAX. The market is expected to see a 6% price increase and a 15% rise in sales by the end of the year, the report says. Meanwhile, a report from Royal LePage showed luxury real estate sales in Edmonton saw year-over-year growth of 39.7% in the first eight months of 2024.
- Fort Saskatchewan Mayor Gale Katchur has apologized for controversial remarks she made during a council meeting about how the feral cat population was managed in the past. "In the old days when you lived on the farm, if there (were) cats, you threw 'em in a bag and threw 'em in the river, or they just put 'em on the exhaust pipe," Katchur said. The comments drew criticism from animal welfare groups, including the Edmonton Humane Society, which called the methods "outdated and unacceptable" in a joint statement with the Alberta SPCA. In a statement, Katchur said her comments did not align with the city's values of compassion and care.
Headlines: Sept. 20, 2024
By Ben Roth and Mariam Ibrahim