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Headlines: June 4, 2025

· The Pulse
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  • Following the introduction of the RS Zone, also known as the small scale residential zone, in the City of Edmonton's zoning bylaw renewal, Edmonton more than doubled its "missing middle" housing units from 2023 to 2024, increasing from approximately 1,000 to 2,300 units. A report to city council's urban planning committee notes that multi-dwelling housing accounted for about 85% of all new units approved in RS zones, with row houses contributing significantly. The committee is considering amendments to the zoning bylaw after a year of increased housing redevelopment that has led to resident concerns about densification. City staff proposed amendments such as reducing maximum building length from 30 metres to 25 metres and limiting building entrances to four per side along interior side lot lines.
  • Lane closures on 107 Avenue between 101 and 121 Street are adding to traffic congestion for drivers travelling between west Edmonton and downtown. The 107 Avenue revitalization project, with some sections reduced to one lane in both directions from 9am to 3:30pm, compounds existing construction-related closures on 104 Avenue, Stony Plain Road, and Jasper Avenue.
  • A new report by the Montreal Economic Institute found that Alberta's emergency room wait times have not improved, with the median patient spending three hours and 48 minutes in the ER in 2024, an increase of 54 minutes since 2020. The Edmonton region had the highest median wait time at five hours and 54 minutes. The report found that the University of Alberta Hospital had the longest visits in Alberta with a median stay of eight hours and 30 minutes in 2024, followed by the Misericordia Community Hospital at seven hours and 54 minutes, and the Royal Alexandra Hospital at seven hours and 42 minutes.
  • The Edmonton Police Service has charged a 31-year-old woman with fraud and theft for allegedly defrauding five Edmonton small businesses since January. The businesses, which include a chiropractor, a restaurant, and a home organization company, were allegedly defrauded using stolen credit cards, defunct credit cards, and bad cheques, with two businesses reportedly losing more than $10,000. Police believe there may be more victims and are encouraging anyone with information to contact them.
  • In his latest article, Postmedia columnist Keith Gerein criticizes the UCP government for overreach into municipal affairs, including changes to civic elections, municipal codes of conduct, photo radar, and bike lanes. Gerein argues the UCP is taking decision-making control away from municipal governments and expresses concern over the cancellation of the south Edmonton hospital, despite investments in other infrastructure projects.
  • Bill Clark, a former staff sergeant and 44-year member of the Edmonton Police Service who retired in May 2024, has been charged with breach of trust. According to police, Clark unlawfully shared confidential investigative information with the news media. The police service's Professional Standards Branch conducted the investigation, with oversight from the Alberta Serious Incident Response Team.
  • The Arkells will headline the Rogers Festival at the Final in ICE District on June 4 before Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final between the Edmonton Oilers and Florida Panthers. The free concert will begin at 4pm in the Play Alberta Fan Park outside Rogers Place, with gates opening at 3:30pm.
  • Edmonton Mayor Amarjeet Sohi has made another bet with Sunrise Mayor Michael Ryan on the Edmonton Oilers rematch with the Florida Panthers. This year's wager involves the losing mayor reading a proclamation declaring the winning city's day in their own city. Sohi expressed confidence in the Oilers, citing their improved performance and home-game advantage, while Ryan predicted an "epic" final.
  • For Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final between the Edmonton Oilers and the Florida Panthers, Rogers Communications launched the "This is Our Ice" campaign, incorporating ice from the hometown rinks of six Oilers players into the Rogers Place ice surface.
  • According to sports researchers, so-called "WAGs" (wives and girlfriends) of athletes are experiencing a resurgence in popularity, driven by social media. The new Bar Trove and Trove Living furniture showroom in downtown Edmonton, backed by Lauren Kyle McDavid, wife of Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid, is generating buzz. Judy Liao of the University of Alberta notes the trend gained momentum during the COVID-19 pandemic as sports wives increased their social media presence.
  • Edmonton Police Service Const. Alexander Doduk pleaded not guilty to assault causing bodily harm and assault with a weapon, after allegedly injuring Justin LaFrance with a baton on Nov. 26, 2019. LaFrance testified that he was seeking police assistance after a window was broken when Doduk allegedly struck him multiple times, resulting in a broken nose, chipped tooth, and other injuries.
  • Environment and Climate Change Canada has issued wildfire air quality alerts for the Edmonton region and most of northern Alberta due to wildfire smoke causing very poor air quality and reduced visibility on June 3. Air quality in Edmonton was expected to worsen, reaching a high-risk level of 7 on the Air Quality Health Index (AQHI), but is expected to return to moderate risk levels on June 4. Environment Canada advises limiting time outdoors and keeping windows and doors closed, especially for children, seniors, and those with respiratory issues.
  • The Stollery Children's Hospital in Edmonton was recognized by ChildKind International on June 3 for its world-class pediatric pain management practices. This recognition highlights a shift in culture towards believing children about their pain and ensuring it is controlled as much as possible.
  • The Alberta Diabetes Institute is celebrating the 25th anniversary of the Edmonton Protocol, a breakthrough treatment developed by University of Alberta researchers for Type 1 diabetes. The protocol involves transplanting insulin-producing islet cells into the liver, and has allowed 330 Edmonton patients to receive nearly 750 transplants since Byron Best was the first to receive a transplant in 1999.
  • The Edmonton Oilers have signed forward Roby Jarventie to a one-year, two-way contract extension with an average annual value of $775,000. Jarventie, acquired from the Ottawa Senators in July, appeared in two games for the Bakersfield Condors last season, recording two assists.