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Headlines: Dec. 18, 2024

· The Pulse
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  • Edmonton Police Commission chair John McDougall has resigned effective immediately following controversy over his plan to continue serving from Portugal. McDougall, who has been on the commission for seven years, said that his overseas residency could distract from the commission's work, which includes hiring a new police chief next year. His decision came after Public Safety Minister Mike Ellis expressed his expectation that McDougall would step down after his relocation became permanent.
  • The City of Edmonton has extended its extreme weather response until Dec. 21 because of the severe cold. Vulnerable residents are urged to seek shelter to avoid frostbite, and anyone who sees someone sheltering outside is asked to call 211 for the Crisis Diversion Team. Special shuttle services and expanded shelter options, including additional overnight spaces at Al Rashid Mosque, are available to assist those in need.
  • Edmonton Transit Service has implemented several accessibility improvements for individuals who are blind or have low vision based on feedback from the CNIB's Get On Board campaign. The improvements include changes to emergency push strip colours, blue curb painting, and clearer bus signage. More changes are planned for 2025, including expanding blue curb painting across the city and re-tiling benches in downtown LRT stations.
  • The remains of Erum Kamal, who disappeared into the North Saskatchewan River in 2001, have been identified through DNA sequencing. Her remains were discovered in September 2023 near a golf course in northeast Edmonton, and genetic genealogy was used to confirm her identity. The identification is part of Project Match, a collaborative effort by the Edmonton Police Service, the Alberta RCMP, and the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner.
  • Whyte Avenue in Edmonton is experiencing a mix of vibrancy and vacancy, with some long-standing businesses enduring while others remain closed, including the historic Princess Theatre. Despite challenges such as high vacancy rates and changing nightlife patterns, the area continues to attract new businesses and has retained its status as a popular shopping and dining district. The Old Strathcona Business Association is working to enhance the area's appeal and encourage investment. "A lot of what we try to do is increase footfall and support making the space feel vibrant and busy," said executive director Cherie Klassen.
  • Fifteen new community peace officers were celebrated at a ceremony on Dec. 17, with five joining Edmonton's Transit Safety Team and others supporting various Alberta organizations. The officers received training in Indigenous and mental health awareness, de-escalation, and working with vulnerable populations, the City of Edmonton said in a release.
  • The Cross Cancer Institute in Edmonton has opened a new $1.4-million staff wellness centre, funded by an anonymous donor through the We Cross Cancer campaign by the Alberta Cancer Foundation. The wellness centre, designed in collaboration with architecture and engineering firm WalterFedy, includes a kitchen, a yoga and meditation area, and circadian lighting.
  • The Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation reported a 4.1% increase in purpose-built rental apartments in 2024, the largest in more than 30 years, which raised the national vacancy rate from 1.5% in 2023 to 2.2% in 2024. Despite the increase in supply, rental market conditions remain tight, with Edmonton experiencing slight rent growth acceleration due to higher rent increases for new tenants and newly completed units.
  • A report by Climate Central found that Edmonton is experiencing an increase in winter days with temperatures above 0°C due to climate change. The trend is attributed to the burning of fossil fuels and has been observed in the northern hemisphere, with Vancouver and Calgary also seeing significant increases in above-freezing winter days.
  • In an interview with Postmedia, Transportation Minister Devin Dreeshen defended the province's reduction in photo radar sites across Alberta by limiting their use to playgrounds, school zones, and construction sites. Dreeshen said the change is meant to improve traffic safety by focusing on areas needing safety enhancements rather than generating revenue, despite concerns from Edmonton city council and police about potential safety impacts.
  • Edmonton Oilers head coach Kris Knoblauch confirmed that both Connor McDavid and Darnell Nurse are okay after a collision during practice. Meanwhile, forward Viktor Arvidsson might return to play in the team's game against Boston on Dec. 19 after recovering from an injury, while Zach Hyman, who took a puck to the face in a recent game, is expected to play.
  • The Edmonton Elks traded quarterback McLeod Bethel-Thompson to the Montreal Alouettes in exchange for veteran quarterback Cody Fajardo. Fajardo is expected to bring valuable experience to the Elks, complementing quarterback Tre Ford, who recently signed a three-year extension with the team.