Headlines: Feb. 5, 2025

Feb. 5, 2025 · The Pulse
By Mariam Ibrahim

City council approved a new bylaw to restrict the sale of knives in Edmonton convenience stores. The bylaw will take effect for individual stores when they renew their business licences. It won't apply to businesses such as sporting goods retailers and kitchen supply stores.
Edmonton city council unanimously approved a rezoning application for the site of the vacant St. Anthony School in Old Strathcona despite opposition from residents. Beljan Development plans to build an eight-storey mid-rise building on the property.
Edmonton city council approved the designation of the McClory Residence, the Brennan Residence, and the South Side Market as historic resources. The city now has 190 designated Municipal Historic Resources.
U.S. President Donald Trump's top economic adviser, Kevin Hassett, cited Edmonton as an example of Canada's drug crisis "spilling into the U.S." and said that was the impetus for proposed tariffs on Canadian goods, not a trade dispute. In response, Mayor Amarjeet Sohi noted that Edmonton is disproportionately affected by the opioid crisis and argued for more provincial support. The proposed tariffs have been paused for 30 days after Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Trump spoke earlier this week.
Porter Airlines is expanding its service to include four new daily routes from Hamilton, including one to Edmonton. The new routes will start in June.
The Alberta government announced the Alberta Disability Assistance Program, a new support program for people with disabilities who can work. The program is expected to begin in July 2026 and will exist alongside the current Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped (AISH) program. The province has not yet released details on benefit amounts and eligibility criteria.
Edmonton photographer Shane Turgeon won the grand prize from Canadian Geographic's 2024 Photos of the Year for his stunning wildlife images. Turgeon said he began his photography career by taking images with his iPhone and later expanded into professional gear when he took an interest in taking pictures of the night sky.
Robert Westbury, a prominent Edmontonian known for his contributions to education, business, and philanthropy died on Jan. 22 at the age of 88. He was involved with a variety of organizations, including the SEEDS Foundation, TransAlta Utilities, TELUS, Northlands, the Citadel Theatre, and the Edmonton Fringe Festival. He was invested into the Order of Canada in 2011 and inducted into the Alberta Order of Excellence in 2012.
The AIMCo Foundation awarded $384,100 in community grants to 20 Alberta charities focused on delivering financial literacy programming. The Africa Centre, Bissell Centre, and YWCA Edmonton were among the grant recipients.
The Alberta Cancer Foundation marked World Cancer Day on Feb. 4 by announcing that donations made in February will be matched up to $200,000 by the AGAT Foundation. The funds will support the Patient Financial Assistance Program, which helps Albertans with costs associated with cancer care.
Third-party advertiser Take Back Alberta has been fined $112,500 by Elections Alberta for violations of election financing rules, including breaking fundraising rules and improper bookkeeping. The organization's founder, David Parker, was fined $7,500 for three violations.
Edmonton-raised soccer star Alphonso Davies has agreed to a new contract with Bayern Munich, according to a report in The Athletic. The contract would keep him with the German club until 2030.