- Edmonton city council’s community and public services committee is recommending that council reinstate towing during winter parking bans but reduce the parking ban violation fine from $250 to $150. Coun. Erin Rutherford said the current $250 fine, implemented in 2022, is too high, particularly for seniors and refugees. A City of Edmonton report indicated that Edmonton’s fine is higher than those in Calgary, Fort McMurray, Winnipeg, Montreal, Ottawa, and Halifax, but unlike Edmonton, those cities tow vehicles. The committee voted to recommend spending about $100,000 on towing and to reduce the fine to $150, with a $100 option for early payment.
- Edmonton city council’s urban planning committee approved a motion on June 17 asking administration to prepare amendments to zoning bylaw 20001, reducing the maximum number of homes allowed on interior lots in the small-scale residential (RS) zone from eight to six, despite opposition from some residents and housing advocates. Mayor Amarjeet Sohi acknowledged concerns about density but emphasized the importance of infill goals for financial and environmental sustainability. The proposed changes are scheduled for a public hearing on June 30. The RS zone, which was introduced to increase urban density, has already led to more multi-dwelling housing permits, particularly for row housing, according to City of Edmonton administration.
- The Edmonton Downtown Business Association hosted a summit on June 17 to discuss improving downtown safety and vibrancy. Attendees, including residents, business owners, and nonprofit organizations, addressed issues like security, affordable housing, and drug use. The association said it is seeking funding to run its Downtown Core Patrol Service during the day, in addition to the current overnight patrols. Community leaders cited the need for more support in Edmonton’s social services sector and suggested that government employees returning to offices would improve vibrancy.
- The Edmonton Oilers’ Stanley Cup hopes were dashed for the second consecutive year as they fell to the Florida Panthers 5-1 in Game 6 of the final, ending the series 4-2. Despite Edmonton’s strong start, defensive errors led to a 2-0 deficit in the first period. Florida’s Sam Reinhart scored four goals. Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl’s efforts were not enough to overcome Florida’s defence.
- As students head into summer break, the ALERT Internet Child Exploitation unit is warning Alberta parents about the rise of AI-generated deepfakes in child sexual abuse investigations. These realistic-looking images, videos, and audio recordings are being used for cyberbullying and harassment in schools, according to Const. Stephanie Bosch. She encouraged parents to discuss online activities with their children and create a safe space for them to report such incidents.
- Edmonton’s Jasper Place High School has discovered asbestos and notified students and staff of potential exposure. The discovery was made after a wall was taken down in the boys locker room by a non-staff member at the school.
- NAIT autobody students have spent months restoring a 1951 Lincoln Cosmopolitan convertible that was used during Queen Elizabeth II’s 1951 visit to Canada. The car will be on display at NAIT’s annual car show on June 21 at the school’s Patricia campus. It runs from 12pm to 4pm.
- Alberta voters can cast ballots in three provincial byelections. The seats became vacant following the resignations of Rachel Notley in Edmonton-Strathcona, Rod Loyola in Edmonton-Ellerslie, and Nathan Cooper in Olds-Didsbury-Three Hills. NDP Leader Naheed Nenshi is running in Edmonton-Strathcona. In Edmonton-Ellerslie, UCP candidate Naresh Bhardwaj is facing off against NDP candidate Gurtej Singh Brar. Cam Davies, leader of the Alberta Republican Party, is running in Olds-Didsbury-Three Hills, where Tara Sawyer is the UCP candidate and Beverley Toews is the NDP candidate. Advance polls are open until June 21, with election day on June 23.
- The Health Sciences Association of Alberta, representing 30,000 healthcare workers, is urging Premier Danielle Smith’s government to continue providing free COVID-19 vaccines to all front-line workers and Albertans. Union vice-president Leanne Alfaro argues that vaccines are crucial for protecting vulnerable individuals and maintaining a strong healthcare system. The province’s new policy aims to reduce waste and recover costs by limiting free COVID shots to those most in need, meaning most Albertans, including healthcare workers and independently living seniors, will have to pay out of pocket.
- The Canadian government will launch the Canada Strong Pass on June 21, offering free admission for several attractions, including national historic sites, parks, and marine conservation areas, plus a 25% discount on camping fees. The pass also provides free admission to national museums for children aged 17 and under, and a 50% discount for young adults aged 18 to 24.
Correction: This file has been updated to reflect that it was urban planning committee, not Edmonton city council as a whole, that passed a motion asking administration to prepare amendments to reduce the maximum number of residences from eight to six on interior lots in the small-scale residential zone.