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Headlines: April 28, 2025

· The Pulse
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  • The Edmonton Downtown Business Association (EDBA) is ending the Downtown Spark after four years, citing funding challenges and a shift in its mandate. CEO Puneeta McBryan of the EDBA noted the festival, known for its large art installations, was initially supported by COVID-19 recovery funding, which is no longer available. Instead, the EDBA will focus on smaller events throughout the spring and summer, including the Summer Block Party Series on Rice Howard Way, and the Edmonton Downtown Farmers Market, which will run every Saturday until Thanksgiving.
  • Premier Danielle Smith, Edmonton Mayor Amarjeet Sohi, and Calgary Mayor Jyoti Gondek were among the Albertans who expressed their condolences following an attack at a Filipino festival in Vancouver on April 26 that killed at least 11 people. Balay Coffee in Edmonton has opened as a safe space and started a "Bayanihan Fund" to provide food and support, while Harlijk Mirasol of the Alberta Philippine Heritage and Festival Society said local Filipino leaders are planning a meeting to determine how to best support the Vancouver community. About 22% of Canada's Filipino population lives in Alberta.
  • The Valley Line Southeast LRT, which since starting service in November 2023 has provided more than 3.79 million rides, won an Award of Excellence in Project Management at the Consulting Engineers of Alberta Showcase Awards Gala in early April. The 13-kilometre line from Mill Woods to downtown Edmonton is the first phase of the 27-kilometre Valley Line. The total funding was approximately $1.8 billion, with contributions from the Government of Canada, the Government of Alberta, and the City of Edmonton.
  • Rehabilitation of the Coliseum LRT bridge is expected to reduce the capacity of the Capital and Metro LRT lines. Only one track will be available for trains to cross the bridge beginning April 28 until mid-September.
  • The Edmonton Police Service is investigating an arson that caused extensive damage to a building under construction in Crestwood near 141 Street and 98 Avenue. The fire happened around 8am on April 23, and is believed to have been deliberately set. Police are asking residents to check security and dashcam footage for suspicious activity between midnight and 7am on April 23, and to contact Crime Stoppers with any information.
  • Bill and Kathy Wagner from San Diego became Edmonton Oilers fans after being quarantined in a Jasper hotel with COVID-19 in 2022. They were on a trip from Jasper to Vancouver when they contracted the virus and started watching Oilers playoff games while stuck in their hotel. To celebrate their 45th wedding anniversary, the couple drove across Canada and attended their first Oilers game at Rogers Place on April 14. They have "Jasper" and "Alberta" jerseys to show support for the town's wildfire recovery.
  • The Edmonton Police Service has charged six teenagers in connection with a possible hate crime against members of the 2SLGBTQ+ community. Police said the youths allegedly lured and violently assaulted a victim through the dating app Grindr. The attack left the victim seriously injured and the investigation is ongoing.
  • Postmedia columnist Keith Gerein argues that Canadian political discourse has become increasingly hyper-partisan, characterized by lying, deception, and the vilification of institutions. He suggests several ways individuals can promote healthier discourse, including reducing time on social media, diversifying information sources, and engaging in real conversations. Gerein urges Canadians to participate in sustaining democracy and hopes that political leaders will practice humility.
  • Liberal Leader Mark Carney campaigned in southeast Edmonton on April 27, the day before the federal election. Carney met with Liberal Party candidate Amarjeet Sohi ahead of the rally. Sohi is taking a leave of absence as Edmonton's mayor to run in the election.
  • According to Elections Canada data, more than 815,000 Albertans voted at advance polling stations ahead of the April 28 federal election, an increase from 2021. Calgary Crowfoot had the fourth-highest advance voter turnout in Canada, while St. Albert-Sturgeon River and Sherwood Park-Fort Saskatchewan also reported high numbers. Advance polls were open throughout Easter weekend, and the agency increased the number of voting tables and workers at advance polls for this election.
  • Mykel Lewsaw, who has a passion for antiques, is the new owner of the Old Strathcona Antique Mall. Lewsaw, who also owns the nearby Rocky Mountain Antique Mall, will take over in June. "It's always been a passion of mine. I've always liked antiques," the 26-year-old said.
  • University of Alberta grad student Arne Andres is developing the Atlas app, which uses AI to identify accessibility barriers such as bumps and gaps in Edmonton. Andres, who uses a power wheelchair, is working with the start-up Click and Push to launch the app by the end of 2025. The app can scan pictures and videos to highlight barriers, and can also be used in real time with a GoPro.
  • Several Albertans received the King Charles III Coronation Medal in recognition of their contributions to the community. Habitat for Humanity volunteers Ted McClung, Geoff Baxter, and Reno Laseur were among those honoured at a ceremony on April 25.
  • A wildfire near Maskwacis, approximately 80 kilometres south of Edmonton, destroyed four homes on April 25, two on Samson Cree Nation and two on the Ermineskin Cree Nation. The Maskwacis Fire Department declared a state of emergency, and multiple agencies responded to bring the fire under control. Highway 611 in Samson Cree Nation was closed between 2 Mile Road and 3 Mile Road due to the fire, but later reopened.
  • Emails to Premier Danielle Smith's office showed unanimous opposition to her appearance at a PragerU fundraiser in Florida on March 27, where she spoke with far-right commentator Ben Shapiro. The emails, obtained by Postmedia through a freedom of information request, came from Albertans, Canadians, and Americans, with many criticizing the use of taxpayer money for the trip and questioning Smith's priorities. Smith defended the appearance, stating it allowed her to share Alberta's priorities with an influential audience.