- Budget deliberations are underway at Edmonton city hall, with councillors looking for ways to reduce the proposed 8.1% tax increase. Several organizations presented to council on Dec. 2, including Explore Edmonton, which is asking for $6 million on top of the $11.7 million it gets from the city every year, to continue managing the Edmonton EXPO Centre and Edmonton Convention Centre. CEO Traci Bednard said the organization faces increased costs due to taking on K-Days and Farmfair from Northlands, and budget cuts that have reached their limit. The city currently covers about 14% of Explore Edmonton's approximately $90-million budget.
- The Alberta government will reduce photo radar sites by 70% and restrict their use to playgrounds, school zones, and construction sites starting April 1. "These changes will once and for all kill the photo radar cash cow in Alberta," said Transportation Minister Devin Dreeshen. The City of Edmonton said that from 2019 to 2021, photo radar led to a 63% decrease in the number of drivers who received a ticket, and collisions fell 20% during the same period. "It's not what you take away, it's what you leave behind, and they have not committed to a strategy to keep Edmontonians and children safe on the roads," said Coun. Michael Janz. A news release from the province said municipalities will be able to request additional photo radar sites "on an exceptional basis" for high collision areas.
- The City of Edmonton is advancing the Imagine Jasper Avenue project, seeking a contractor for its second phase, which will revitalize the stretch from 114 Street to 124 Street with improved pedestrian and cyclist infrastructure, "similar to what was recently constructed on Jasper Avenue between 109 Street and 114 Street." Construction on Phase 2 of the project is expected to start next year and take three years to complete.
- By the end of 2024, the Edmonton International Airport expects to have served 7.8 million passengers, nearing pre-pandemic levels, and marking a 4.3% increase from last year. During the busy holiday season, travellers are encouraged to arrive early and use online check-in. Popular travel destinations include Cancún, Phoenix, and Puerto Vallarta, with the busiest days anticipated on Dec. 20, 23, and 27.
- Mark Kilam has been appointed as the new head coach of the Edmonton Elks, bringing extensive experience from his two-decade tenure with the Calgary Stampeders, where he served as special teams coordinator and assistant head coach. Kilam, an Edmonton native and University of Alberta graduate, won three Grey Cup championships with the Stampeders. "The EE are an icon of the CFL and I couldn't be more proud to represent the Green and Gold, Edmonton, and all of Northern Alberta," he said.
- Edmonton Oilers forward Jeff Skinner has been fined $2,000 by the NHL for embellishment during a game against the New York Rangers on Nov. 23, following an earlier warning issued in October. The fine will go to the Players' Emergency Assistance Fund.
