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Headlines: Nov. 15, 2024

· The Pulse
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  • A motion from Edmonton Mayor Amarjeet Sohi to lower his own salary by $3,000 a year was defeated in a 7-5 vote. Sohi wanted to close a gap between his salary, set at $216,585 in 2024, and the salary of Calgary Mayor Jyoti Gondek, noting the two positions had equal salaries before pandemic wage freezes. Coun. Andrew Knack, who opposed the motion, suggested Sohi's "heart was in the right place," but decisions about politicians' pay should come from an independent body.
  • The City of Edmonton's new city manager, Eddie Robar, said during a news conference that budget constraints will be the biggest challenge in the months ahead. While the City faced a projected $34-million deficit in September, the projection is now closer to $20 million, he said.
  • An online survey from the City of Edmonton, which ran from Oct. 3 to 10, found only 16% of respondents are comfortable with tax increases beyond what council already approved for the 2023-2026 operating and capital budgets. Administration has proposed an 8.1% tax increase for 2025 as part of fall budget adjustments, up from the 7% council previously approved. Council will continue budget discussions on Dec. 2.
  • Edmonton saw a $16 million economic boost from hosting the Canadian Country Music Association Awards in September, according to Explore Edmonton. A record 14,000 attendees filled Rogers Place for the sold-out awards show on Sept. 14, making it the biggest in CCMA history.
  • The City of Edmonton says a major lane shift at 23 Avenue and 111 Street will begin "on or around" Nov. 16 to accommodate construction on an LRT underpass below 23 Avenue as part of the Capital Line South LRT extension. The lanes will shift northeast of the existing intersection for approximately two years. Two through lanes and one turning lane will be maintained in both directions, with speeds reduced to 40 km/h. Major construction along 111 Street, south of Century Park, is expected to start in spring 2025.
  • Hope Mission, Edmonton's Food Bank, and the Christmas Bureau of Edmonton are among the charities worried about the effect of a strike by Canada Post workers ahead of a busy holiday season. The food bank relies on Canada Post for fundraising and awareness, and the bureau receives most donations by mail, but all three organizations also accept donations online. Around 55,000 postal workers across Canada are now on strike.
  • Raven Van Camp, an Edmonton wheelchair user and advocate, spoke to CTV News about their difficulties finding accessible features at concert venues. Tyson Boyd, co-owner of the Starlite Room, said plans to make the venue accessible to all were derailed by the COVID-19 pandemic, and money remains the obstacle to making accessibility upgrades, like a lift. Alberta is one of the last Canadian provinces without standalone accessibility legislation.
  • The number of cases appealed to the Alberta government's Law Enforcement Review Board, the appeal body for complaints against law enforcement officers, has reached its highest in a decade, with a disproportionate number of appeals from Edmonton. In 2023, the board received a total of 61 cases, compared to 40 in 2022. Of the 61, 42 were in Edmonton, compared to 16 in Calgary.
  • The pedway at the Alberta legislature was closed to the public last winter from October 2023 to May 2024 due to safety concerns, according to documents obtained by Postmedia. As of Nov. 14, the pedway is open to the public, and Alberta Infrastructure says there are no immediate plans to close the pedway this winter season.
  • Alberta Innovates experienced "network issues" after being hit by a cyberattack. A spokesperson would not confirm when the issues began, but said the incident involved unauthorized access to the network by a third party and was quickly resolved. An investigation is underway. Technology and Innovation Minister Nate Glubish's office said the government's cyber team is providing support.
  • West Edmonton Mall has announced its holiday programming. This year, the mall will have five Santas available for photos from Nov. 16 to Dec. 24. The Grinch and his dog Max will visit the mall on Nov. 22, Dec. 1, and Dec. 11. Families can book holiday photos at North Pole Place from Nov. 18 to 21.
  • Nicky Singh, an Edmonton athlete considered one of the top pole sport competitors in the world, appeared on CBC's Edmonton AM to talk about her time at the World Pole and Aerial Championships in Sweden.