Taproot Edmonton Logo

Headlines: June 3, 2025

· The Pulse
By
Comments
  • The Edmonton Police Commission has begun the search for a new police chief to lead the Edmonton Police Service. The commission is emphasizing the importance of finding the right candidate. The commission aims to make a recommendation by October or November. Interim Chiefs Devin LaForce and Warren Driechel have been sharing the role since Dale McFee stepped down earlier this year.
  • Edmonton city council is considering a proposal to increase fines for dog attacks and bites to better protect animals and people and encourage responsible pet ownership. Currently, the fine for a dog attack is $500, but the proposed bylaw would raise this to $2,000 if a dog seriously injures another pet and $3,000 if a dog seriously injures a person or kills another pet, with higher fines for repeat offences. Liza Sunley of the Edmonton Humane Society said the public expects accountability to increase with repeated incidents. The final version of the animal control bylaw will be presented to the council in August.
  • A new report shows that the City of Edmonton faces a $1.5-billion shortfall in its 2023-2026 capital budget for infrastructure maintenance and renewal. Ward Métis Coun. Ashley Salvador said the City needs to establish a dedicated fund to address underfunding, while Ward Dene Coun. Aaron Paquette expressed concern over provincial cuts to infrastructure funding. Municipal Affairs Minister Dan Williams stated the province is increasing funding to Edmonton, including a $10.5-million increase through the Grants in Place of Taxes program.
  • According to LGBTQ2S+ group RaricaNow, the concerns that led to the cancellation of the 2019 Pride parade remain unresolved. The main issue involves how the Edmonton Police Service participates in the event. The group did not specify which actions would resolve its concerns, but the 2019 cancellation followed a dispute about uniformed officers marching in the parade.
  • Alberta Health Services is alerting the public to a potential measles exposure at the University of Alberta Hospital on May 23 and May 28. The health authority advises anyone who visited the hospital on those dates to monitor for symptoms until June 19, and to call 811 if symptoms develop.
  • Crime Writers of Canada announced the winners of the 2025 Crime Writers of Canada Awards of Excellence, recognizing the best in Canadian crime writing since 1984. Conor Kerr won The Miller-Martin Award for Best Crime Novel for Prairie Edge, which follows cousins in Edmonton who hatch a scheme to abduct a herd of bison and release them into a downtown Edmonton park.
  • The West Edmonton Primary Care Network will officially open its clinic at Kickstand in West Edmonton Mall on June 4. Kickstand, in partnership with YMCA of Northern Alberta, will now offer youth aged 11 to 25 barrier-free access to mental health services, substance use counselling, and peer support under one roof.
  • The University of Alberta increased the price of monthly parking permits by 20% on April 1, with prices on North Campus now ranging from $135 to $320 per month. Kevin Moffitt, director of retail operations at the university, said the decision was based on operational, maintenance, and capital improvement costs, as well as comparison to other parking providers.
  • Greg Christenson of the Christenson Group of Companies, faces charges under Alberta's Consumer Protection Act for allegedly failing to return life lease entrance fees within 180 days. The Christenson Group, which owns nine retirement homes in Edmonton and central Alberta, reportedly owed $75 million to more than 200 seniors or their families by the end of 2024. Christenson's lawyers say the charges are without merit and that he intends to defend his contracts.
  • Wildfires in northern Alberta have forced more than 4,000 Albertans to flee their homes and are believed to have destroyed critical infrastructure. Meanwhile, evacuation orders for Yellowhead County residents will be lifted on June 3 at noon, according to Mayor Wade Williams. Approximately 500 people were displaced from Mercoal, Robb, and Peers, all located roughly 180 to 280 kilometres west of Edmonton. Residents are urged to be cautious upon their return as crews continue to work in the area, and conditions may remain smoky.
  • Edmonton Oilers coach Kris Knoblauch provided updates on Connor McDavid and Connor Brown ahead of the Stanley Cup Final. McDavid will fully participate in practice on June 3, and Brown will play in Game 1 against the Florida Panthers after recovering from an injury that kept him out of the last two games of the Western Conference Final. Game 1 is scheduled for June 4.