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Headlines: Nov. 12, 2024

· The Pulse
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  • Edmonton city councillors debated travel expenses during a committee meeting on Nov. 6, particularly travel costs to the Calgary Stampede. Councillors spent about $8,900 in 2024 and nearly $16,000 in 2023 to attend the event, according to public expense reports. Coun. Erin Rutherford pushed for cuts to shared travel funds because of Edmonton's ongoing financial constraints, while others argued events like the Stampede are important for networking and advocacy. Councillors ultimately decided to maintain travel budgets for three key events.
  • While Mayfield Investments Ltd., which owns Camrose Casino, is in receivership because of $38 million owed to ATB Financial, it still plans to relocate the casino to Edmonton. Despite opposition from Edmonton non-profits concerned about the loss of charitable gaming revenues, Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis (AGLC) approved the relocation, though further municipal approvals are needed. Meanwhile, the Camrose Casino is continuing its operations under an interim licence issued by the AGLC as Mayfield seeks new financing to exit receivership.
  • The City of Edmonton's "Here to Help" campaign, which increased the number of transit peace officers at eight transit centres from Aug. 28 to Sept. 20, resulted in a 33% decrease in calls at these locations and a 25% decrease across the entire Edmonton Transit Service network compared to 2023, the City said. The targeted stations included Century Park, Southgate, University, Coliseum, Clareview, MacEwan, Northgate, and Westmount.
  • MacEwan University is addressing the under-representation of Indigenous scholars in academia by creating a tenure-track position in the Department of Biological Sciences, in partnership with the kihêw waciston Indigenous Centre. The role aims to integrate Indigenous perspectives into the curriculum and provide mentorship, with a focus on lived experiences rather than focusing solely on academic qualifications.
  • The Beverly Memorial Cenotaph, which is Edmonton's oldest, hosted its 104th Remembrance Day service, featuring speeches, wreath-laying, and performances to honour veterans. A planned flyby by the 408 Tactical Helicopter Squadron was cancelled due to weather.
  • Edmonton's Kingsway Legion, the largest in the city, says it is faring better financially after struggling to stay open after the pandemic, thanks in part to a $20,000 fundraiser. Hundreds of people attended the legion on Remembrance Day for its annual event to honour veterans. Legion president Robert Torrie emphasized the importance of initiatives like the Edmonton Poppy Fund to fund its operations and support veterans and their families.
  • Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid is just five points away from reaching 1,000 career points in the NHL. McDavid, who has 995 points from 339 goals and 656 assists over 657 games, is set to become the fourth fastest player in NHL history to reach this mark.
  • Edmonton Oilers owner Daryl Katz ranked 29th on Maclean's list of Canada's richest people with a net worth of $5.84 billion. Katz initially made his fortune by expanding Rexall pharmacies and selling the business to McKesson for $3 billion in 2016. He bought the Oilers in 2008, helping to revive the team and fund the $600-million Rogers Place arena. Through his company, OEG Inc., Katz now invests in ventures like Dark Castle Entertainment and several restaurant groups, while his most ambitious project is a $2.5-billion transformation of downtown Edmonton into a sports and entertainment district, Maclean's reported.
  • Rollers Roller Rink in Edmonton has relocated to a new, larger venue at 14648 134 Avenue, with 2,300 square metres of skating space. The new location, which it says is the largest roller skating rink in Canada, features a new floor, vibrant decorations, and a skate shop, party rooms, and concession area.
  • The provincial government has appointed Ray Gilmour as interim CEO of the Alberta Investment Management Corporation (AIMCo). The province has outlined a renewed focus for the organization after dismissing the entire board and four executives last week. The organization, which manages more than $168.9 billion in assets, is continuing to invest globally for a variety of Alberta-based funds.