Headlines: Oct. 29, 2024

Oct. 29, 2024 · The Pulse
By Mariam Ibrahim

Edmonton Public Schools is facing an unexpected $1.69-million cost increase for the 2025 municipal election because Alberta's Bill 20 prohibits electronic tabulators. Board trustee Trisha Estabrooks criticized the additional financial burden as unfair, especially amid funding challenges and rising student enrolment. The school board is concerned about maintaining its 3.2% annual threshold for administrative costs and is working with Edmonton Elections to manage the new regulations.
The Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis Commission (AGLC) is assessing the potential relocation of the Camrose Casino to south Edmonton after its owner, Mayfield Investments Limited, went into receivership. Ernst & Young has been appointed as the receiver, and the AGLC has issued an interim licence to keep the casino operational.
Edmonton's Food Bank is struggling to keep up with a major surge in demand as it serves about 43,000 people monthly, up from 34,000 last year. Officials attribute the increase to rapid inflation, high housing costs, and inadequate social resources. The HungerCount 2024 survey showed more than two million visits to food banks across Canada in March 2024, which was the most ever recorded. Edmonton's Food Bank, which does not receive government funding, relies on community donations and is preparing for the upcoming holiday season to meet growing needs.
Private bus service FlixBus introduced a new route to connect the University of Alberta Augustana Campus in Camrose with the North Campus in Edmonton. The six-week pilot program provides free tickets for students, with community fares starting at $15, significantly reducing travel costs compared to previous options. The university, U of A Students' Union, and Augustana Students' Association are funding the pilot's free tickets for students.
Edmonton representatives joined their counterparts from six other major Canadian cities at a summit in Ottawa to call on the federal government to accelerate the Canada Public Transit Fund and develop a sustainable funding model to support essential transit services. The group highlighted the need for a collective effort to secure federal and provincial financial assistance to prevent potential service cuts and ensure transit systems can keep pace with growing urban populations.
A MacEwan University proposal to eliminate its week-long fall break failed after 68% of faculty members and students voted against it. Both the faculty and students' associations had opposed the idea, arguing the break is crucial for student mental health and well-being.
EPCOR has removed more than 20,000 invasive goldfish totalling 770 kilograms from the Glastonbury stormwater pond in west Edmonton using the chemical rotenone. The removal process is ongoing, with more fish expected to be culled throughout the week. The utility company is also continuing efforts to prevent the fish from reaching the North Saskatchewan River.
A new No Frills grocery store will open in Edmonton's Mill Woods Town Centre, filling the void left since the Co-op closed in 2023. The store is expected to open by late spring 2025, as part of efforts by Maclab Development Group to revitalize the area, which includes new residential buildings near the Valley Line LRT.
West Edmonton Mall announced the death of Clara, a beloved 30-year-old California sea lion that lived at the mall for two decades. The mall is encouraging donations to Hope for Wildlife, a non-profit wildlife rehabilitation centre, in Clara's honour.
The Alberta government introduced Bill 24, which would amend the Alberta Bill of Rights to allow workers to legally challenge vaccination requirements and expand personal and property rights, including firearm ownership. The bill aims to prevent coercion into medical treatments unless harm is likely, and would compensate landowners for the effects of government regulation. NDP Leader Naheed Nenshi questioned the government's priorities and criticized the bill's lack of focus on issues like abortion and gender-affirming care.
The Edmonton Elks are in a transitional phase as they wrap up their season. The team, which improved to a 7-4 record after a poor start, faces key questions about its future leadership and roster. Interim president and CEO Rick LeLacheur says he aims to appoint a permanent president by the Grey Cup on Nov. 17, followed by decisions on the general manager and head coach roles for 2025.