- Edmonton city council's community and public services committee heard concerns about the proposed public spaces bylaw, with some fearing it could disproportionately affect vulnerable populations. More than 50 people signed up to speak at the meeting, with the majority asking councillors not to approve the bylaw. Mayor Amarjeet Sohi emphasized that enforcement officers would be directed to offer support rather than punishment. However, critics argued that the fines could criminalize homelessness and called for more supportive measures instead.
- Edmonton International Airport welcomed 7.92 million passengers in 2024, nearly reaching pre-pandemic levels and marking a 5.6% increase from 2023. The airport expanded its nonstop destinations, including new routes to Atlanta, and announced future connections to Chicago, Houston, and Salt Lake City for 2025. The airport also added infrastructure upgrades, new retail and dining options, a flight simulator and a drone delivery program.
- As Edmonton's population continues to increase, the demand for more diverse housing options is also growing, including bigger apartments and multi-family units in a variety of neighbourhoods across the city. While the City of Edmonton is moving in the right direction by creating more housing to accommodate a growing population, University of Alberta professor Sandeep Agrawal told CBC News it also needs to ensure there are adequate school spaces and resources to deliver municipal services across the city.
- The family of Eric Omeasoo, the 13-year-old boy fatally stabbed at the MacEwan LRT station, is seeking answers and justice in the wake of his killing. His grandmother described him as a compassionate and humorous boy who loved basketball. She said his family has questions about what happened and why no one has been charged with his killing. The Edmonton Police Service is investigating the case, which marks the city's first homicide of 2025, amid concerns about violence at transit stations.
- Alberta Public Safety Minister Mike Ellis has appointed two new members to the Edmonton Police Commission. The appointments of developer Mike Saunders and Stantec communications director Jessica Jacobs-Mino come as the province investigates Police Chief Dale McFee's concerns over city council's commissioner appointment process.
- CUPE Local 3550, representing more than 3,000 striking support staff and educational assistants who work at Edmonton Public Schools, is seeking a 31% wage increase over six years. "No dates have been confirmed at this time, but it seems that we're both eager and willing to get back to the table to reach a deal as quickly as possible," union local president Mandy Lamoureaux said. The strike, which is in its fifth week, is impacting students, particularly those with special needs.
- A new sloth exhibit opens at the Edmonton Valley Zoo on Feb. 11. The immersive habitat is home to the zoo's pair of two-toed sloths, Luna and BB Cop. The new habitat also offers a behind-the-scenes experience for an additional cost, said Teresa Melton with the zoo.
- An oversized load consisting of an EO Reactor used in oil refining will be transported from Dacro Industries Inc. in south Edmonton to the Shell Scotford Complex in Fort Saskatchewan beginning Feb. 11. The load is expected to cause significant traffic delays as it travels at a maximum speed of 30 km/h and requires the full width of the highway. The move will happen over three days and will be escorted by guide vehicles and occasionally by police to manage traffic. Drivers in the area should be aware of potential delays and watch for traffic control personnel.
- Sunwing Vacations has announced its summer flight schedule, which includes weekly flights from Edmonton to Cancun. The company is also continuing a transition where all Sunwing package customers will travel on WestJet flights starting May 29.
- A recent Leger poll indicates that fewer than 25% of Albertans support leaving the Canada Pension Plan to establish a new provincial pension plan, with 55% opposed and 22% undecided. Support for a provincial plan is higher among men and residents outside Edmonton and Calgary, while opposition is strongest among those aged 55 and older.
- Edmonton is set to host a hard-hitting rock and roll festival this summer at the Exhibition Lands Racetrack. The Rockin' Thunder festival will happen on July 11 and 12 featuring headliners Def Leppard and Weezer, along with a variety of other acts. Tickets are on sale now.
- Jared Priestner, owner of Go Auto's Team Ford in Edmonton, received the Edsel B. Ford II Salute to Dealer Award for outstanding community impact, including support for initiatives like Thrive School, the Kids with Cancer Society, Fuels the Schools, and Fresh Hoops.
- Premier Danielle Smith announced she will join a Council of the Federation mission to Washington, D.C. from Feb. 11 to 13. The trip, involving Canada's 13 provincial and territorial premiers, aims to engage with U.S. lawmakers and industry, focusing on trade relations, border security, and energy. Smith emphasized the importance of restoring the "mutually beneficial and enduring friendship" between Canada and the U.S. The trip comes after the U.S. announced tariffs on most Canadian goods, which were delayed 30 days after a conversation between President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Feb. 3.
Headlines: Feb. 11, 2025
By Mariam Ibrahim