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Headlines: Feb. 18, 2025

· The Pulse
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  • The City of Edmonton will begin clearing snow and ice from more than 3,000 cul-de-sacs on Feb. 18. The work will happen on weekdays from 8am to 4pm and is expected to take six weeks to complete. The City is urging residents to park in driveways or garages, and "no parking" signs may be posted 24 hours in advance if vehicles must be moved.
  • Data from Edmonton's second annual business census shows a growing and diverse local economy, with 17,655 businesses employing more than 342,000 people, the City of Edmonton said in a release. The 2024 census expanded beyond downtown to include multiple districts, revealing that small businesses account for 98% of all surveyed establishments. The data, which captures industry, demographics, and employment trends, helps shape City programs and policies. The City plans to extend the census citywide by 2026.
  • The Alberta government announced plans to build 11 new schools, including five in Edmonton, through public-private partnerships. This plan is part of a broader strategy to address rapid enrollment growth and alleviate space shortages in schools. The construction will happen under a $2.1-billion, three-year funding commitment, with the elementary and junior high schools expected to be completed by 2028. The province has also committed to a broader $8.6-billion school construction program over seven years to further address the growing demand for school spaces across Alberta.
  • The Edmonton Downtown Revitalization Coalition is concerned that planned bridge closures for construction will hinder the city's downtown recovery. Five key bridges are scheduled for repair in the coming years, with construction set to begin this year on the Dawson, Wellington, and southbound Low Level bridges. The coalition warned that simultaneous infrastructure projects, including LRT roadwork, could severely affect businesses and commuters. The City of Edmonton says it is exploring phased construction schedules and detours to minimize disruptions.
  • Lime has introduced a winter pilot in Edmonton, offering e-bikes earlier than usual this year after a successful trial last winter. The bikes feature winter tires and reflective wraps for added safety. They are available on priority bike paths cleared within 24 hours of snow. The program, which started in January, aims to test demand for winter cycling, with Lime collecting feedback to determine whether to continue next year.
  • A two-alarm fire at Avenue Trading Post pawn shop on 118 Avenue in Edmonton broke out early on Feb. 16, causing significant damage to the building. Edmonton Fire Rescue Services responded quickly, but freezing temperatures created hazardous conditions as water from firefighting efforts turned to ice. No injuries were reported. The 1959 building, which also housed other businesses, had been listed for sale by its owners.
  • Edmonton Global has launched a Regional Tariff Ad Hoc Working Group to address uncertainty over potential U.S. tariffs and their impact on the Edmonton Metropolitan Region. The group aims to coordinate industry and government efforts, strengthen advocacy, and develop strategic recommendations. It will also focus on mitigating trade disruptions, enhancing policy engagement, and positioning the region for economic resilience. The group includes representatives from a dozen local organizations and businesses, including Explore Edmonton, the Edmonton Chamber of Commerce, and Edmonton International Airport.
  • BILD Edmonton Metro hosted its inaugural Economic Forecast Dinner on Feb. 12 where economists Stéfane Marion and Catherine Rothrock analyzed Canada's economic challenges and Alberta's resilience. Marion warned that trade tensions with the U.S., high tariffs, and excessive regulations threaten Canada's economic stability, while Rothrock highlighted Alberta's strong housing market, rising employment, and growing investment in non-residential construction as signs of optimism.
  • The owners of Patricia Street Deli in Jasper are planning to reopen their business in downtown Edmonton after last summer's wildfires destroyed their original location. Owners Wendy and Glen Leitch are turning to crowdfunding to finance the new venture, and plan to maintain the deli's name and traditions while expanding their offerings.
  • An Edmonton U-11 youth soccer team was scammed out of nearly $40,000. The team had spent three years fundraising for an international tournament in Las Vegas but days before their planned departure, parents discovered the money was gone and no bookings were made. The team's head coach is now missing, and the team was not registered for the tournament. The Edmonton Police Service is investigating.
  • The PWHL's Takeover Tour hit Edmonton on Feb. 16, with a sold-out crowd at Rogers Place watching the Toronto Sceptres beat the Ottawa Charge 3-2 in overtime. The game was seen as a chance to showcase the league's growth and expansion potential.
  • Kids from Edmonton and surrounding areas took part in a hockey tournament over the weekend to raise money for the Stollery Children's Hospital. The tournament, which is in its 14th year, raised nearly $575,000 for the hospital this year.
  • Phyllis Stark, 83, discovered a love for pinball three years ago when her daughter introduced her to an arcade in Edmonton. Since then, Phyllis has become a regular at the arcade, attending a monthly ladies' pinball night. "When you're my age, anything that gets you out of the house is a bonus," she said.
  • Financial difficulties could force the closure of House of Wheels, Edmonton's only indoor facility for skateboarding, scootering, and BMX biking. CEO Brent Purnell says the venue has an annual shortfall of at least $250,000, making it unsustainable without additional funding. Skateboarder Gregory Woytkiw has started a petition to urge the City of Edmonton to support the park.
  • During her weekly radio show, Alberta Premier Danielle Smith asked for patience as allegations of improper procurement practices within Alberta Health Services are investigated. The controversy follows a wrongful dismissal lawsuit filed by former AHS CEO Athana Mentzelopoulos, who claims she was fired for opposing the procurement of private surgery contracts. Smith emphasized the need for a thorough, independent internal review alongside an auditor general investigation. While Smith defended Health Minister Adriana LaGrange's work to restructure Alberta's healthcare system, she also confirmed that Infrastructure Minister Peter Guthrie has called for LaGrange to be moved from her cabinet portfolio while the allegations are investigated.