- With three Canadian teams in the NHL playoffs, including the Edmonton Oilers, businesses anticipate a boost in consumer spending. Puneeta McBryan of the Edmonton Downtown Business Association notes the city's unique enthusiasm, with downtown Edmonton experiencing a significant increase in foot traffic during games. According to Moneris data, Edmonton's ICE District saw spending more than triple during the Stanley Cup Finals run last year. The increased activity also benefits businesses beyond Rogers Place.
- A Las Vegas business owner placed billboards across Edmonton taunting the Edmonton Oilers with a reference to the game-winning Vegas Golden Knights goal scored with 0.4 seconds remaining in Game 3. Jonathan Fine of PKWY Tavern Taphouse and Grille in Las Vegas said that at least one ad company pulled the billboards due to complaints, but that he meant it all in good fun. In Game 4, the Oilers defeated the Vegas Golden Knights 3-0. The team is now one win away from eliminating Vegas and moving forward in the playoffs.
- The Castledowns Pointe condo in north Edmonton, which was evacuated in September 2023 due to structural flaws, has been sold to Harmani, an Alberta-based developer, for $5.1 million. The company plans to repair and rent the 83 units, with reconstruction expected to take at least 18 months. The sale, approved by the Court of King's Bench on April 21, will provide some financial relief to former residents, though the distribution of proceeds is not expected until later this year.
- Alberta has reported 39 new cases of measles as of May 13, bringing the total to 365 since early March. The government stated that 30 of the new cases are in the south zone, which accounts for more than half of all cases. The province last week announced plans to launch a new vaccination campaign in an effort to slow the spread of the highly contagious disease. Nearly 300 cases are in youth under 18, with 114 cases in children under five, and 19 people have been hospitalized.
- The Principled Accountable Coalition for Edmonton (PACE), Edmonton's first municipal political party, announced six candidates for the upcoming election in October. The candidates include Albert Mazzocca for Ward Dene, Fidel Ammar for Ward tastawiyiniwak, Hali Kaur for Ward Karhiio, Justin Thomas for Ward Métis, Ken Ropcean for Ward sipiwiyiniwak, and Rob Fediuk for Ward Anirniq. PACE is still seeking candidates for the remaining council positions, including a mayoral candidate.
- Alberta has unveiled a 10-year plan to end gender-based violence, estimating 18,800 people are victims of intimate partner violence each year in the province. Tanya Fir, Alberta's minister of arts, culture and status of women, says the province is calling it the most comprehensive strategy in the country. The strategy was developed in consultation with more than 500 Albertans, the province said.
- Ric McIver was voted in as the new Speaker of the Alberta legislature on May 13 after resigning as municipal affairs minister. McIver, who has served as an MLA since 2012, pledged to be non-partisan in his new role. The position became vacant after Nathan Cooper stepped down to become Alberta's envoy to Washington D.C. Joseph Schow will take over McIver's municipal affairs portfolio on an interim basis.
- The Alberta Union of Provincial Employees (AUPE), representing approximately 23,000 Alberta government workers, has voted 90% in favour of strike action to back demands for wage increases, improved working conditions, and job security. Union president Guy Smith said the union is willing to negotiate, though a strike date has not been set. The strike vote is valid for four months.
- Students from McNally High School in Edmonton are building sheds and playhouses for Habitat for Humanity. The structures will be sold at Habitat for Humanity stores to help support more families secure affordable housing.
- Following the recent federal election, Prime Minister Mark Carney appointed his new cabinet, which includes Edmonton Centre MP Eleanor Olszewski as the minister of emergency management and community resilience, as well as minister responsible for Prairies Economic Development Canada. The appointment has drawn mixed reactions, with Alberta Premier Danielle Smith expressing concern over Julie Dabrusin as the new Environment and Climate Change Minister, citing her opposition to oilsands expansion. However, Tim Hodgson's appointment as minister of energy and natural resources was praised by some in the energy sector.
- Residents north of Edmonton who were under an evacuation order due to a wildfire near the Redwater provincial recreation area in Sturgeon County were allowed to return home on May 13. The fire, now classified as "being held" at 3,230 hectares, is not expected to grow, though hot spots remain. While the evacuation order has been lifted, Sturgeon County remains under a state of local emergency.
Headlines: May 14, 2025
By Mariam Ibrahim