- A Phase 2 parking ban on residential roads across Edmonton will begin at 7am on Jan. 7 and last about 10 days. Snow clearing is expected to last about 72 hours in each neighbourhood. Residents must remove vehicles from roads to avoid tickets, and can check the Roadways Snow Clearing Map or subscribe to notifications for progress updates. The ban will be lifted on weekends, and parking is allowed on completed roads.
- Edmonton city council has appointed four new members of the Edmonton Police Commission. They are Carola Cunningham, Zahro Hassan, Daniel Jones, and Renée Vaugeois. Their terms are set to end Dec. 31, 2026. The selection process attracted more than 180 applicants, the City of Edmonton said in a release.
- Edmonton Fire Rescue Services is recruiting diverse and community-minded candidates to join their team, emphasizing not only physical fitness but also communication, empathy, problem-solving, resilience, and teamwork. More information on recruitment and qualifications is available online.
- Edmonton Transit Service is set to introduce a new tap payment system by mid-2025, allowing riders to pay using credit cards, Visa and Mastercard debit, or phones. The City of Edmonton is already replacing ARC card readers with the new machines at no additional cost to the public, and testing for the updated system is scheduled to begin early this year.
- Edmonton residents can dispose of their natural Christmas trees through curbside collection starting Jan. 20, or by taking them to a Community Recycling Depot or Eco Station. Artificial trees in good condition can be donated, while those in poor condition should be taken to an Eco Station or placed in black garbage carts. The City of Edmonton is encouraging residents to properly sort holiday waste by recycling wrapping paper and safely disposing of hazardous materials like batteries.
- The Edmonton Police Commission hasn't publicly disclosed the honoraria paid to its members since late 2017, despite a requirement to make the payments public, Postmedia reported. In response to Postmedia's inquiries, the commission said it will make an effort to improve transparency by separating honoraria from other budget items in future reports.
- Edmonton saw a significant increase in the removal of homeless encampments in 2024, with nearly 9,500 sites dismantled, marking a 42% rise from the previous year. Despite efforts to clean up and coordinate resources through initiatives like the navigation and support centre, Edmonton still faces challenges, with about 5,000 people experiencing homelessness but only about 2,000 shelter spaces available.
- While opioid-related deaths in Alberta have dropped 53% compared to September 2023, Edmonton continues to record the highest number of overdoses, with 395 deaths so far in 2024. Experts attribute the provincial decline to various factors, including changes in drug supply, and access to treatment and naloxone kits.
- Dale McFee is set to become Alberta's top civil servant after he steps down as chief of the Edmonton Police Service in February. In an interview with CBC, he reflected on his six years in the role, during which he helped the police service navigate challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic, debates over police funding, and public safety issues in Edmonton. McFee's tenure included addressing rising calls for police reform following the global response to George Floyd's killing, managing tensions with city council, and overseeing responses to significant incidents like the 2023 killings of two EPS officers.
- In an op-ed published in Postmedia, John McDougall, the former chair of the Edmonton Police Commission, argued that the Edmonton Police Service has made improvements despite criticisms regarding use-of-force incidents. McDougall argued that data often cited by critics contains errors and lacks context, noting that EPS has improved its ability to reduce use of force amid increasing dangers. He also pointed to initiatives like mental health partnerships and diversity in recruitment efforts.
- Edmonton-area municipalities are expected to vote on whether to remain or withdraw from the Edmonton Metropolitan Region Board after the province announced it would suspend its funding for the regional planning organization and make its membership voluntary. St. Albert's city council will discuss its position on Jan. 21, amid concerns the defunding could undermine regional growth plans and previous collaborative efforts.
- The Northlands Coliseum, closed since 2017, isn't expected to be demolished for at least another two years. The City of Edmonton has allocated $35 million for the demolition, and has plans to transform the site into an urban village with residential, commercial, and retail spaces.
- In an article for the Rat Creek Press, Edmonton Public Schools trustee Trisha Estabrooks highlighted the board's recent decision to declare six previously closed schools as surplus because of high maintenance costs and a lack of provincial funding to operate unused buildings. While some community groups have made use of the vacant school spaces, the overall costs of upkeep outweigh any rental revenue. The surplus school sites will undergo a government review process, with the potential for the province or municipal partners to acquire the properties before they are made available on the open market.
- The introduction of political parties in the 2025 municipal elections in Edmonton and Calgary could stifle independent thought and force candidates to adhere to party lines, experts argue. Despite the Alberta government's decision to allow formal parties in municipal elections, a public survey showed 70% opposition, and local officials have expressed concerns about the change. While some candidates plan to run as independents, others see advantages in party affiliation due to fundraising benefits.
- Dianne Kipnes, a prominent figure in Edmonton known for her contributions to education, healthcare, and philanthropy, died on Dec. 26 at the age of 81. Her legacy includes the establishment of the Dianne and Irving Kipnes Foundation, which has significantly supported the community, along with her work with the Kipnes Centre for Veterans and the Edmonton Opera. A funeral service was held on Dec. 30 at the Beth Shalom Synagogue in Edmonton.
- The average price of a detached home in the Edmonton area rose to $540,000 in December 2024, marking a 10.6% increase from the previous year, but a 25.4% decrease in monthly sales compared to November 2024. Prices for duplexes, townhomes, and condos also increased. Edmonton's overall housing inventory dropped 24.6% year-over-year, contributing to a seller's market in 2025.
- The Strathcona Food Bank in Sherwood Park is planning to build a new facility called the Nourish Centre to help it better meet rising demand. The food bank is launching a $5-million capital campaign to fund the project, aiming to raise half that amount within the next six months. Construction is expected to begin later this year, with the move-in anticipated by the end of 2026.
- Alberta NDP Leader Naheed Nenshi announced he will run for the Edmonton-Strathcona legislature seat following Rachel Notley's resignation, which will trigger a byelection. Observers say Nenshi, a former Calgary mayor, could strengthen his presence in Edmonton and elevate the party's profile by securing a seat in what is considered the safest NDP riding in the province. The byelection must be held by June 30, and the NDP is expected to acclaim Nenshi as its candidate later this month.
- Leon Draisaitl's upcoming $14 million annual contract with the Edmonton Oilers is proving to be a bargain as he leads the NHL in several key areas, including goals and game-winning goals, Postmedia sports journalist Robert Tychkowski wrote. Draisaitl's exceptional play has been crucial for the Oilers, especially during Connor McDavid's absence, and has helped the team to a strong record in recent games.
Headlines: Jan. 6, 2025
By Mariam Ibrahim