- Edmonton Police Commission chair John McDougall has moved to Portugal full-time but said he intends to continue his work with the oversight board remotely. While McDougall's term as chair is set to end this month, his term as commissioner isn't set to end until December 2026. "This is not unusual, to conduct business by Zoom. It started with COVID, and the majority of organizations now have a hybrid program," he told Postmedia in an interview from Portugal. The news has sparked criticism from some who argue a role on the police commission should require local residency, which has not been mandatory since 2021. "I want a police commission that is filled with Edmontonians," said Coun. Michael Janz.
- Albertans are facing significant delays in getting new passports due to a Canada Post strike that began on Nov. 15 and a flood that temporarily closed the passport office at Canada Place in downtown Edmonton. Many experienced long waits at alternative locations such as the office at Londonderry Mall, while others travelled to Calgary to get expedited passports.
- The Edmonton Police Service is reporting a significant increase in porch piracy, with a 47% rise in parcel thefts in September and October compared to the same time last year. In some cases, thieves follow delivery trucks and snatch the parcel almost as soon as it is delivered, police said. As Christmas approaches, they urge residents to take precautions such as tracking packages, arranging secure delivery locations, and using doorbell cameras.
- Edmonton non-profit Basically Babies is seeking donations to provide sets of baby clothing and essentials to families in need. The organization has a goal of distributing 1,200 layettes, which are sets of clothing and necessities for the first year of a newborn's life. It has partnered with more than 130 agencies in Edmonton and Calgary to support families struggling with rising costs of living. Donations, including gently used baby clothes, can be dropped off at their Edmonton location. Cash donations will be matched through the organization's Quadruple Your Gift campaign until Dec. 31.
- A memorial was held in Edmonton to honour 20-year-old security guard Harshandeep Singh, who was fatally shot while patrolling an apartment building on Dec. 6. Singh was recognized as a first responder by the Alberta First Responders Association, highlighting the risks faced by security guards and calling for greater recognition of their profession. Singh, who came to Canada from India 18 months ago, was studying business at NorQuest College and aspired to become a police officer.
- Madison Feehan, a 21-year-old from Edmonton and CEO of Space Copy, is developing a 3D printer that can convert lunar soil into essential equipment for astronauts, potentially reducing the high costs and logistical challenges of space missions. Her company is working on a prototype to be tested in cislunar space, with applications also considered for extreme environments on Earth.
- Edmonton was ranked the 27th most liveable city in Canada according to a list published by the Globe and Mail, which evaluates factors like transportation and access to amenities. Calgary ranked seventh and St. Albert was two positions ahead of Edmonton in 25th place. Earlier this year, Edmonton ranked 65th on Resonance and Ipsos Research's World's Best Cities for 2025.
- Candy Cane Lane is set to delight visitors in west Edmonton for the 55th year. The festive light display has also served as an annual fundraiser for Edmonton's Food Bank by collecting more than 600,000 kilograms of food since 1993. This year, visitors also have the option to donate to the food bank via QR codes on site.
- The Edmonton Oilers are showing a resurgence reminiscent of last season's performance after a slow start, securing a 6-3 victory over division-leading Vegas Golden Knights for their fifth straight win. The team is now focused on maintaining their momentum as they look toward the playoffs.
Headlines: Dec. 16, 2024
By Mariam Ibrahim