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Headlines: Dec. 17, 2024

· The Pulse
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  • Various City of Edmonton services and facilities will adjust their hours during the holiday season. Edmonton Transit Service will have reduced services from Dec. 23 to 25 and Dec. 27 to 31. Transit will be free on New Year's Eve from 6pm and ETS will offer extended service on some routes. Waste collection won't happen on Dec. 25 and Jan. 1, and Christmas tree disposal is scheduled from Jan. 20 to Feb. 3. City facilities, such as the Edmonton Valley Zoo, Muttart Conservatory, and recreation centres, will have modified hours or closures on certain dates, and 311 services will be closed on Dec. 25, 26, and Jan. 1.
  • The Alberta Motor Association launched a Know Before the Tow campaign to educate Edmonton drivers about their rights and protect them from towing scams, which have been on the rise. The campaign emphasizes drivers' rights, including choosing their towing service, accessing their vehicle for personal items, and receiving a quote and itemized invoice before paying, in an effort to prevent predatory towing practices in the province.
  • Housing starts in Edmonton have surged by 48% from January to November 2024, with 16,939 new units initiated compared to 11,427 during the same period in 2023. With an overall 35% rise in residential construction, Alberta now leads Canada in per capita housing starts. The provincial government credits the increase to its efforts to reduce barriers and expedite construction processes, partnering with industry groups such as BILD Alberta to meet increasing housing demands.
  • Some Candy Cane Lane residents were frustrated to receive icy sidewalk warnings the day before the event's start, despite an agreement for the City of Edmonton to handle snow clearing during the event period from Dec. 13 to Jan. 3. The City said that pre-event inspections ensure pedestrian safety, noting that residents are responsible for sidewalk maintenance outside the designated event period.
  • Explore Edmonton published a video highlighting major events and community milestones over the past year, including the Canadian Finals Rodeo's 50th anniversary in Edmonton and the Canadian Country Music Awards at Rogers Place. The video also highlighted the economic impact of dozens of events, along with Edmonton's global recognition in areas like sports and tourism.
  • A group of 285 specialized support workers at Edmonton Public Schools has voted 73.4% in favour of joining CUPE Local 3550. The workers, who have roles in mental health, occupational therapy, speech-language pathology, and other specialized areas, will join non-teaching staff already represented by the union. CUPE Alberta President Rory Gill said the workers unionized to gain a stronger collective voice after previous efforts to address workplace issues fell short.
  • The Alberta government has appointed Tony Cardinal as the new Indigenous Patient Safety Investigator and Advocate to enhance health care delivery for First Nations, Métis, and Inuit patients, address systemic racism, and ensure culturally safe care. The move follows the cutting of an Indigenous elder's braids in an Edmonton hospital, highlighting the need for culturally respectful treatment.
  • Alberta Premier Danielle Smith said she would use the notwithstanding clause as a "last resort" to uphold a new provincial law banning gender-affirming treatments for minors, which is currently being challenged in court by LGBTQ+ advocacy groups. Critics argue the law, which restricts treatments like puberty blockers and hormone therapy for those under 16, violates Charter rights and will harm transgender youth. Smith said the law was carefully crafted and believes it will withstand legal scrutiny.
  • Canada Post says operations will resume on Dec. 17 after the Canada Industrial Relations Board ordered 55,000 striking employees to return to work. The company reached an agreement with the Canadian Union of Postal Workers to implement a retroactive 5% wage increase, and the union members will work under extended contracts until May. While the company will not accept new mail on Dec. 17, it warned that clearing the mail backlog will take time. The union said it plans to challenge the return-to-work order in court.
  • Edmonton Oilers forward Leon Draisaitl was named the NHL's top star of the week after scoring three goals and six assists in three games, leading the team to three consecutive victories. Draisaitl is currently tied for the league lead in goals, and leads in game-winning goals with seven. His recent success puts him in fifth place in the NHL scoring race with 45 points.
  • The Edmonton Elks have signed Javon Leake to a two-year contract extension after a standout season. Leake, who joined the Elks last year from the Toronto Argonauts, recorded 1,715 all-purpose yards and continues to be a key asset for the Elks as they aim to improve their performance next season.