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Headlines: June 25, 2025

· The Pulse
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  • Edmonton's Green Shacks, offering free drop-in activities for children aged six to 12, will open locations across the city on July 2. The program provides games, crafts, sports, and other activities in neighbourhood parks.
  • The City of Edmonton and Treaty 8 First Nations of Alberta signed a letter of intent, formalizing their commitment to support Indigenous-led affordable housing in Edmonton. The agreement, signed by Mayor Amarjeet Sohi and Grand Chief Trevor Mercredi, aims to strengthen collaboration and calls for investment from other levels of government. In 2023, the City launched an Indigenous-led Housing stream within the Affordable Housing Investment Program (AHIP) and, in 2024, approved $8.3 million in AHIP grants for Indigenous-led housing. Edmonton has nearly 88,000 Indigenous residents.
  • Edmonton Mayor Amarjeet Sohi promoted the benefits of the downtown Community Revitalization Levy at a press briefing on June 24. His comments came ahead of a public hearing this week where councillors will decide whether to extend the levy. Sohi said that the levy has supported downtown development, including three new office towers and more than 3,500 residential units. Funds from the CRL extension could be used toward the Winspear Centre expansion project, transit infrastructure improvements, and the construction of 2,500 new residential units, but some have raised concerns it would unfairly support projects near Rogers Place associated with the Oilers Entertainment Group. Leaders from Qualico, Free Play for Kids, and the Winspear Centre also spoke in support of the extension.
  • Edmonton property owners are reminded that the annual property tax deadline is June 30. Notices were sent in May, and those who haven't received one should contact 311. A 5% penalty will be applied to outstanding amounts starting July 1. Property taxes can be paid in person at most financial institutions, or via telephone or online banking. Edmonton residents can also review balances and confirm payments online.
  • Despite the Edmonton Oilers' loss in the Stanley Cup Final, the city saw an economic benefit of $266.7 million, according to Explore Edmonton. This follows a $280 million boost last year. Explore Edmonton CEO Traci Bednard said that sport tourism creates an "incredible energy," and that the playoff run had a global impact. The city saw 80,000 overnight stays and game days drew up to 30,000 people downtown.
  • Edmonton Coun. Tim Cartmell, who is running for mayor in the upcoming municipal election, plans to call for a moratorium on all new infill development at a public hearing on June 30, citing concerns that Edmonton's infill strategy has outpaced infrastructure, planning, and public trust. Coun. Andrew Knack, who is also running for mayor, expressed concerns about halting housing development amid a housing crisis, while the Infill Development in Edmonton Association said that a moratorium would create housing affordability problems.
  • Despite Alberta having rejected excited delirium as a cause of death, the term was used extensively in the autopsy report of 46-year-old Mazin Zaim, who died after being arrested by Edmonton Police Service officers in October 2023. Zaim's family believes he was experiencing a mental health crisis and allege police used excessive force.
  • The federal government announced $11 million in funding for seven Alberta businesses and organizations to leverage AI, digital adoption, and advanced manufacturing. The funding, managed through PrairiesCan, aims to enhance productivity, scale operations, boost production efficiencies, and tackle challenges with innovative technologies. Edmonton-based Crust Craft will receive $2 million to relocate and install advanced automated production lines at its commercial bakery, while RAM Elevators + Lifts will receive $2 million to expand its manufacturing capacity, and samdesk, also based in Edmonton, will receive $1.8 million to commercialize an AI-powered platform for crisis and travel risk management.
  • Alberta's auditor general, Doug Wylie, received nearly $1 million in additional funding to investigate allegations of overpriced private healthcare contracts and potential government interference. The investigation was initiated following allegations from Athana Mentzelopoulos, the former head of Alberta Health Services, who is suing the government for wrongful dismissal and claims she faced political interference for scrutinizing those contracts. The province denies any wrongdoing.
  • Premier Danielle Smith named 15 members to the Alberta Next panel, including former Court of Appeal justice Bruce McDonald and economist Trevor Tombe, to consult on how Alberta can push back against the federal government. Smith, who will chair the panel, said it will gauge Albertans' priorities through town halls and an online survey, with recommendations potentially leading to citizen-led referendum questions in 2026, including one on Alberta separating from Canada.