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Headlines: Oct. 31, 2024

· The Pulse
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  • Edmonton Transit Service is proposing to expand service by adding 99 buses over the next two years to meet increasing demand. The plan, outlined in a report presented to council's executive committee, includes more frequent service on popular routes, enhanced weekend and airport services, and the introduction of conventional service to growing neighbourhoods. The need is driven by Edmonton's population growth, alongside a 28% increase in weekend ridership and a surge in on-demand service requests, officials say. ETS aims to secure funding through the Canada Public Transit Fund, with new buses projected to arrive by 2026.
  • Alberta hospitals are experiencing a surge in COVID-19 cases, which is likely to continue, experts say. The virus has caused 98 deaths in the province since the end of August, compared to one death from influenza, and has hospitalized 1,065 Albertans. Many are being hospitalized because COVID-19 is exacerbating other health problems, they haven't received their latest round of vaccinations, and the majority are more than 65 years old, said Lynora Saxinger, an infectious diseases specialist at the University of Alberta.
  • Edmonton city council's executive committee approved the sale of eight city-owned lots in the Quarters district for below-market value to e4c, a non-profit that supports vulnerable people in the inner city. The organization plans to build a facility with 19 single-person transitional housing units, about 50 shelter beds, office and service spaces, a women's emergency accommodation centre, and potential commercial space.
  • Human error led to asbestos exposure incidents affecting more than a dozen workers at Edmonton Public Schools last year, CTV News reported, based on documents obtained through a freedom of information request. The documents detail multiple cases, including a flood cleanup at Greenfield Elementary School, where 15 workers were "potentially exposed" after handling asbestos-containing materials without proper containment.
  • Edmonton city council's urban planning committee accepted administration's Climate Resilience Planning and Development Action Plan, which sets out 15 high-level priorities related to climate resilience. The City is expected to launch public engagement on the plan in the coming months. Many of its actions require changes to the City's zoning bylaw and are expected to take more than two years to implement.
  • The City of Edmonton contracted the First Nations Inspection Authority, an Indigenous-owned and operated company, to provide electrical, plumbing, gas, and HVAC inspections for buildings across the city. The partnership is a "meaningful part of our work towards a broader goal of strengthening relationships with Indigenous peoples," said Deputy Mayor Erin Rutherford. The City's efforts to reduce barriers for Indigenous businesses is guided by its Indigenous Procurement Framework, created in 2022.
  • The Edmonton Police Service recovered seven paintings that were stolen from the Grey Nuns Community Hospital. The paintings were returned to the artists, who were delighted to get the pieces back. Police said the person who stole the paintings willingly returned them and wasn't charged, adding the individual has mental health issues.
  • City of Edmonton staff and representatives of Scandinave Group held an information session at the John Janzen Nature Centre for the company's proposed Nordic spa in the Brander Gardens neighbourhood, near the North Saskatchewan River. Scandinave CEO Steve Arsenault said most public feedback so far has been positive, with concern mostly focused on traffic. Feedback will be developed into a report to help council decide on the rezoning application.
  • Jeff Bell of Edmonton Global wrote a blog post highlighting various metrics that suggest the Edmonton Region is "responding effectively" to rapid population growth when it comes to housing. Data on housing affordability, housing starts, and housing diversity show the region is an "attractive destination for new residents" and a "compelling case for balanced urban development," Bell wrote. Taproot Edmonton's ongoing Housing Complex series is exploring issues from across Edmonton's housing system.
  • Families and advocates are calling for a national inquiry in the wake of a series of incidents in August and September where nine Indigenous people were killed by police across Canada, including in Alberta. Among those making the call are the Assembly of First Nations and Edmonton Griesbach MP Blake Desjarlais. Nadalie Lightning of Maskwacis, whose 15-year-old grandson was killed by the Wetaskiwin RCMP on Aug. 30, shared her story with journalist Brandi Morin for Al Jazeera.
  • The federal government responded to the Alberta government's application for a judicial review of Ottawa's carbon tax exemption for homes that use heating oil, which Premier Danielle Smith said is unfair to people who heat their homes with natural gas. Environment Minister Steven Guilbeault and Justice Minister Arif Virani called it a "political stunt" ahead of the UCP leadership review. Less than 1% of households in Alberta rely on heating oil, which is mostly used in Atlantic Canada and Quebec, the Alberta government said in a release.
  • The Edmonton Elks have brought on Chris Morris as the team's new president and CEO. Morris spent 14 seasons as an offensive lineman with Edmonton's CFL team and recently served as head coach of the University of Alberta Golden Bears for 12 years. Meanwhile, seven Elks players, including receiver Eugene Lewis, left tackle Martez Ivey, and centre Mark Korte, were named to the West Division All-CFL Team.