- The three-year rehabilitation project at Edmonton's Hawrelak Park is progressing on time and on budget, the City of Edmonton says. Significant infrastructure upgrades are already complete, including utility services, drainage, and electrical installations. The Groat Road stairs and parts of the shared pathway are finished, while work on the Main Pavilion, Heritage Amphitheatre, and landscaping is expected to continue into 2025. The park has been closed to the public since spring 2023.
- Some Edmonton food banks have adopted a shopping model rather than providing hampers in an effort to offer clients more choice. C5 Community Market allows clients to "shop" for free by appointment twice monthly. The University of Alberta Campus Food Bank adopted the same model, which has helped ensure people only take the food they need or want, said executive director Erin O'Neil. "There are elements of client dignity and making sure that food access doesn't feel shameful," she said.
- Harshandeep Singh, a 20-year-old security guard who was shot and killed while on duty at an Edmonton apartment building, was just three days into his job, a family spokesperson said. Singh came to Canada from India on a student visa about 18 months ago and was studying at NorQuest College. A GoFundMe campaign has raised more than $120,000 to help send his body back to India and cover related expenses. Mayor Amarjeet Sohi expressed his condolences following the shooting, which has drawn national attention. The Edmonton Police Service has charged Evan Rain and Judith Saulteaux with first-degree murder in connection with Singh's death.
- Edmonton's city hall parkade will reopen Dec. 13 with new security measures after being closed since a shooting in January. It will operate daily from 7:45am to midnight. Parking rates vary by time and day, with special rates during major events at Rogers Place. Visitors can pay for parking using the Hotspot Parking app or website, or EPark pay machines.
- In an interview on the Quiet Professional podcast, Edmonton police Chief Dale McFee linked immigration to increased risk and called for tighter restrictions, drawing criticism from community leaders, the Progress Report reported. Edmonton's Islamic Family and Social Services Association and the National Council of Canadian Muslims highlighted Canada's rigorous immigration process and data showing immigrants are less likely to commit crimes. The Progress Report is an independent site run by Duncan Kinney, who is currently facing what he describes as "politically-motivated" charges from the Edmonton Police Service.
- Zoe Sager, a 25-year-old wrestler from Edmonton, has become the first Canadian signed to WWE's Independent Development program, which is a pathway to a career on the world's largest professional wrestling stage. Sager, who has been performing with Love Pro Wrestling, said she is proud to represent Alberta, which has produced several big names in the wrestling world. "I'm very excited to see how this all turns out and how everything develops," Sager said.
- Edmonton Global published a recap of an online briefing it held last month discussing how the U.S. elections might affect the Edmonton region's economy. Speakers highlighted the importance of strengthening trade relations, particularly given Alberta's heavy reliance on U.S. exports, and discussed opportunities in clean energy and hydrogen development. The panel also stressed the need for diversification and a unified approach across local, provincial, and national levels.
- The Edmonton Oilers are the top-ranked Canadian team in Sportlogiq's weekly Power Rankings, moving up to seventh place because of improved goaltending and strong defensive play. Meanwhile, the Winnipeg Jets dropped to 11th due to a decline in offensive performance, and the Calgary Flames fell to 26th.
Headlines: Dec. 10, 2024
By Mariam Ibrahim