Taproot Edmonton Logo

Headlines: Oct. 28, 2024

· The Pulse
By
Comments
  • The City of Edmonton identified a fifth elm tree infected with Dutch elm disease in the Killarney neighbourhood, where four other infected trees were identified. The City said it is working with the property owner to remove the tree to prevent further spread, while continuing to monitor and assess trees within a one-kilometre zone. Residents are urged to help contain the disease by not transporting firewood, pruning elm trees between October and March, and reporting signs of infection to 311.
  • The City of Edmonton introduced a two-year pilot program to provide free snow removal services to low-income seniors and residents with disabilities or mobility challenges. The Assisted Snow Removal Program is intended to improve safety and accessibility during the winter by clearing primary walkways and public sidewalks next to properties within 24 hours of a snowfall. Eligible residents can apply online.
  • The City of Edmonton has hired former Conservative MP Monte Solberg to lobby for its interests with the UCP government ahead of the 2025 provincial budget amid ongoing financial challenges, CTV reported. Edmonton Mayor Amarjeet Sohi has criticized the province for only paying 50% of its property taxes on provincial buildings in the city, leading to an $80-million shortfall since 2019. Edmonton's lobbying effort is part of a broader trend of Alberta municipalities engaging in lobbying activities. Edmonton did not disclose how much its lobbying contract cost because it is less than $250,000 and not subject to public reporting requirements.
  • CUPE Local 474, representing public school custodians, has not yet served a 72-hour strike notice, despite a 97% vote in favour of striking if negotiations with the Edmonton Public School Board remain at an impasse. The provincial government's wage caps and mandated bargaining restrictions are key issues in the ongoing labour dispute. Educational assistants and support staff rallied at the Alberta legislature on Oct. 24 to protest low wages and the province's decision to implement a disputes inquiry board.
  • The Mustard Seed has closed its building on 96 Street in Edmonton, a historic site recognized for its gothic revival architecture, due to maintenance challenges and safety concerns. The building, which is on the City of Edmonton's inventory of historic resources but is not a protected site, is likely to be demolished and eventually replaced. The closure means the relocation of the organization's food depot program to the Mustard Seed Health and Wellness Centre on 105 Avenue.
  • Refuge Mission Hall, a volunteer-based soup kitchen in downtown Edmonton, has seen a significant rise in demand, now serving more than 200 people some nights. The organization, led by president Colin Chong, is open year-round, and relies heavily on donations. Chong noted an increase in homeless women accessing services, some of whom avoid shelters because of safety concerns.
  • Jerry Dolynchuk's home in north Edmonton, known as Maisie's Magical Christmas House, has been transformed for Halloween for the fourth straight year with a "The Nightmare Before Christmas" theme, featuring elaborate decorations like life-size werewolves and Beetlejuice. This year, Dolynchuk said he has spent about $150,000 on the display and is collecting donations for Second Chance Animal Rescue in memory of his mother. Dolynchuk has a goal to raise $10,000 and plans to switch to Christmas decorations on Nov. 1.
  • CBC News profiled Pipestone Timber Company, a custom sawmill south of Edmonton. "A lot of the lumber I sell, I know exactly where that tree grew," owner Haley Cochrane told CBC Edmonton AM host Mark Connolly.
  • Edmonton high school students Saras Agrawal and Rateb Ajamieh founded Prints4Play, a project that recycles 3D printed waste from the University of Alberta into new filament to create and donate toys to local organizations for free. The pair have produced about 1,000 toys so far, and aim to double that number by the end of the year.
  • CBC News offered a behind-the-scenes look at the effort involved in creating the big-screen presentations during live Edmonton Oilers games at Rogers Place. The production team meticulously plans and executes the game-day experience for fans, ensuring every moment is timed perfectly.
  • The Edmonton Elks ended their season by defeating the Toronto Argonauts 31-30 in an overtime victory at Commonwealth Stadium. Despite the game having no impact on the team's CFL standings, the win offered hope for the team's future as the Elks improved their record this year to 7-11 from last year's 4-14.