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Headlines: June 10, 2025

· The Pulse
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  • Businesses in Edmonton's Belgravia neighbourhood are reporting significant drops in sales since an EPCOR construction project began on 76 Avenue. Vijay Kumar of Belgravia Hub estimates a 20% to 50% decrease. Michael Cohen, president of the Belgravia Community League, notes an increase in up-zoning and infill development, turning the neighbourhood into a "continuous construction site." The City plans to conduct a traffic study, and EPCOR expects the project to finish by the end of June.
  • Cyclist numbers in Edmonton's downtown core rose by over 15% from 2022 to 2024, while overall active transportation usage increased 7%, Coun. Michael Janz wrote in a recent blog post. Winter ridership jumped 43%, reflecting broader year-round engagement with the city's cycling infrastructure. Data from 49 monitoring sites and Lime e-bike stats show continued growth, including a 164% spike in e-bike use in April–May 2025 compared to 2023.
  • So Pretty Cara Cotter, an Edmonton-area jewelry business, announced an NHL licensing deal to create team-themed jewelry. Founder Cara Cotter has designed a jewelry line for four NHL teams, including the Edmonton Oilers, and the collections are expected to be available in Fall 2025.
  • The family of Trevor Jason Freeman, who died in custody at the Edmonton courthouse on June 16, 2023, after being sentenced to 6 1/2 years for manslaughter with a firearm, is seeking answers. In April, three Alberta sheriffs were charged with failing to provide the necessaries of life in connection with Freeman's death. Freeman, 43, was convicted of manslaughter in the 2021 death of Ryan Dustin Moffat. According to police, Freeman suffered a medical episode after his sentencing. Sheriffs Adam Zasada, Brent Roy, and Sgt. Karin Simmons are facing charges, with court appearances scheduled in June.
  • A fire at the Murad Building near 150 Street and Stony Plain Road on June 9 impacted traffic in the area. Edmonton Fire Rescue Services reported the fire around 5:20am and had it under control by about 6:30am. No injuries were reported, and the building, which houses an antique store and a pawn shop, was unoccupied.
  • After attacking two people in Edmonton's Forest Heights neighbourhood in late May, a moose and her calf were relocated to an area outside the city on June 3. Alberta Fish and Wildlife tranquilized the moose in the Holyrood community before moving the pair.
  • In his latest article, Postmedia columnist Keith Gerein took stock of the Better Edmonton party launched by mayoral candidate and current city councillor Tim Cartmell. Gerein wrote that the party has a diverse slate of 13 council candidates and aims to present a clear political brand to voters, but faces questions regarding internal policy disagreements and candidate independence. The launch included a downtown headquarters and an indication of strong financial backing, potentially positioning Better Edmonton as a significant contender in the October municipal election.
  • Due to warm and dry weather forecasts, fire bans remained in effect across Alberta's Forest Protection Area as of June 9. These measures aim to mitigate wildfire risks. The fire ban impacts recreational activities and industrial operations within the designated area. Meanwhile, Saddle Hills County in northwestern Alberta issued an evacuation order due to a wildfire on June 9 for residents near Blueberry Mountain, including Moonshine Lake Provincial Park. The evacuation zone is between Range Road 95 and Highway 725, and Township Road 794 and Township Road 810.
  • Several American hockey fans travelled to Sunrise, Florida, to cheer on the Edmonton Oilers in Game 3 of the Stanley Cup Final. Sonya Gabriel, originally from Calgary, has been an Oilers fan since childhood. Jay McIntyre and his son Kyle, from Philadelphia, are fans of every NHL team except the Flyers and Panthers, and hope to see Connor McDavid lift the Cup. Shelly Shively, from Elk Rapids, Michigan, became an Oilers fan in 1987 after picking Mark Messier as her favourite player during the Rendez-Vous series.