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Headlines: Dec. 4, 2024

· The Pulse
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  • Edmonton city council continued its second day of budget deliberations on Dec. 3 as it worked to reduce the proposed 8.1% property tax increase for 2025. Mayor Amarjeet Sohi proposed reallocating funds from EPCOR dividends and corporate spending to reduce the property tax levy by about 2%, while also cutting funding for neighborhood renewal. Council heard that the Yellowhead Trail Conversion project is over budget by $105 million because of inflation. Despite the cost overruns, Sohi expects city council to continue funding the project, which he said is crucial for traffic safety and the movement of goods and services, adding he hopes the City can negotiate additional funding from the federal and provincial governments.
  • Residential property owners in Edmonton can sign up for a monthly payment plan to pay their taxes in installments through automatic withdrawals, providing an alternative to annual payments. Property owners can join the plan by downloading pre-filled application forms from their MyProperty online account. Registering before Dec. 15 will ensure the first payment is withdrawn on Jan. 1, avoiding extra fees, the City of Edmonton said.
  • Edmonton has seen a significant rise in frostbite-related amputations, with a record 110 cases last year. More than half of those cases involved unhoused people. "It has been worsening over the last three years," said Matthew Douma, a critical care researcher and University of Alberta professor. Douma has developed a device to help prevent amputations by maintaining a consistent warm water temperature for treating frostbite. The device, which is gaining interest from northern regions, highlights the urgent need for better prevention and public policy to address the vulnerabilities of those most at risk.
  • The City of Edmonton is seeking 19 volunteers to join civic agencies and tribunals. The positions, available for terms of up to two years, include roles on committees like the Accessibility Advisory Committee and the Edmonton Public Library board, as well as tribunals like the Assessment Review Board. Applications are open until Jan. 12, 2025. Appointments are set to begin on May 1.
  • The Alberta government announced a review into combat sports safety following the death of an amateur fighter at a charity match outside of Edmonton. Former Edmonton Elks CEO Victor Cui will lead the review, aiming to identify gaps and establish a provincial combative sports commission. The review also comes after a fatality inquiry into the 2017 death of fighter Tim Hague in Edmonton recommended better oversight and safety regulations.
  • University of Alberta professor Damien Collins discussed the changing housing market in Edmonton on CBC Radio Active, highlighting the increasing prominence of rentals as homeownership declines. "The percentage of households who own their own homes is gradually declining," he said. The peak in Alberta hit 72%, but has now dropped to 70%, meaning that "overall people are going to be renting for longer," he added. As a result, Edmonton is seeing an increase in purpose-built rental housing. Taproot Edmonton has been exploring the city's housing system in its Housing Complex series.
  • The Pîsimoyâpiy Rainbow Healing Lodge, Alberta's first addictions recovery home for 2SLGBTQI+ individuals, opened in downtown Edmonton to provide culturally appropriate support and housing tailored for Indigenous and 2SLGBTQI+ people. Operated by Poundmaker's Lodge Treatment Centres, the facility aims to offer a safe space for healing with access to elders, therapists, and traditional ceremonies. It is set to open for clients on Dec. 15.
  • The City of Edmonton planted a record 342,157 trees and shrubs in 2024, surpassing the previous year's total of more than 230,000. The effort is part of Edmonton's goal to plant two million trees by 2030. The majority of trees were planted through the City's naturalization program, including the Root for Trees volunteer program.
  • TELUS World of Science Edmonton has been designated a Rainbow Registered attraction, an accreditation given to 2SLGBTQI+ inclusive businesses by Canada's 2SLGBTQI+ Chamber of Commerce (CGLCC). Businesses and organizations that receive the designation must meet a "stringent set of standards to ensure that 2SLGBTQI+ customers feel more welcomed and accepted," according to the CGLCC.
  • The City of Edmonton's Animal Care and Control team is holding the Paws for a Cause Pet Food Drive from Dec. 1 to Dec. 15 to collect pet supplies such as food, treats, and toys in support of Edmonton's Food Bank. Donations are being accepted at participating local pet stores, with special in-person events planned for Dec. 14 and 15.
  • Daveberta, a blog published by Alberta political commentator Dave Cournoyer, released the results of its eighth annual Best of Alberta Politics survey. Edmonton NDP MLA Janis Irwin was voted Best MLA for the fifth consecutive year, while Justice Minister Mickey Amery was voted best cabinet minister.
  • Tjorven Bellmann, the German Ambassador to Canada, visited Edmonton to discuss strengthening ties between Alberta and Germany, particularly in areas like hydrogen fuel and technology. Despite existing trade partnerships, Bellmann highlighted the imbalance in trade volumes and expressed hopes for increased cooperation and investment. Bellmann also spoke about the importance of collaboration on energy policies, youth exchanges, and city-to-city partnerships.