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Headlines: July 1, 2025

· The Pulse
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  • Environment Canada has issued heat warnings for much of central Alberta, including Edmonton and Calgary, forecasting temperatures reaching 29C with overnight lows near 14C for the next two days. The weather agency advises residents to reschedule outdoor activities, limit sun exposure, take breaks, and drink plenty of water. Conditions are expected to cool down on July 3.
  • Edmonton city council's public hearing on proposed zoning bylaw changes, specifically capping single-lot developments at six units, faced delays on June 30. A motion to move the topic to the top of the agenda was defeated, pushing the debate to at least July 3 and potentially August, after the summer break. Coun. Tim Cartmell, who planned to introduce a motion for a moratorium on infill projects, called the situation an "absolute mess," Postmedia reported. The proposed changes, initiated after residents in Glenora and Crestwood sought restrictive covenants, have sparked debate between residents, developers, and City of Edmonton officials, raising concerns about development rights, affordability, and community impact.
  • A proposal to construct residential buildings up to 17 storeys high in Edmonton's river valley has raised concerns about flood risk, CBC reported. Submitted by Dub Architects on behalf of Five Oaks Inc., the project includes the restoration of the historic Rossdale Brewery and could create up to 490 residential units along 100 Street in the Rossdale neighbourhood. While the development would be outside the floodway, organizations like the Edmonton River Valley Conservation Coalition are concerned about building so close to the water.
  • Edmonton festivals face conflicting rules for cannabis sales and consumption, creating confusion for organizers, CityNews reported. City Coun. Michael Janz says the City of Edmonton needs clearer regulations for events like Folk Fest and K-Days, especially for beer gardens and other adult-designated areas. Last year the Fringe Festival had a cannabis tent, but it will be absent this year, and K-Days' cannabis plans also failed. Amber Rooke of the Works Art and Design Festival says clearer rules for events that want to feature both alcohol and cannabis would be welcome.
  • Edmonton is considering a plan to widen several roads to address growing traffic congestion in the Lewis Farms area, CityNews reported. The proposed project, pending city council approval, would be funded by developers and includes widening 215 Street southbound between 100 Avenue and 92 Avenue; Whitemud Drive westbound between Lewis Estates Boulevard to east of 215 Street; and Webber Greens Drive westbound from the commercial area to east of Suder Greens Drive.
  • The Alberta government is launching an action team to address aggression in schools, with a report and recommendations expected by the fall, potentially leading to changes as early as the 2025 to 2026 school year. Education Minister Demetrios Nicolaides said the 20-member team will include teachers, education assistants, and representatives from school boards and the Alberta Teachers' Association.
  • Elections Alberta approved Thomas Lukaszuk's application for a petition to make it official policy for Alberta to remain in Canada, CityNews reported. Lukaszuk, a former provincial deputy premier, aims to thwart separatist efforts. Premier Danielle Smith's move to lower the threshold for initiating referendums won't apply in this case because the new rules take effect on July 1. Lukaszuk must gather 293,976 signatures within 90 days, instead of the lower threshold of 177,000 signatures and 120-day timeline under the new rules. The question being posed is "Do you agree that Alberta should remain in Canada?"
  • The Edmonton Oilers reportedly signed Evan Bouchard to a four-year, $10.5 million AAV contract extension, the Athletic reported, citing sources. The 25-year-old defenceman led the Oilers in average ice time during both the regular season and playoffs. In the last two seasons, Bouchard had a $3.9 million cap hit and became one of the best offensive defencemen in the NHL, ranking third among NHL rearguards with 149 points. Connor McDavid said that Bouchard is an important part of the Oilers' future.
  • The Edmonton Oilers re-signed Kasperi Kapanen to a one-year, $1.3 million contract. Kapanen, acquired on waivers from the St. Louis Blues, showed promise in the 2025 playoffs. The Oilers also re-signed centre Noah Philp to a one-year deal for $775,000.
  • The Edmonton Oilers began their Development Camp on June 30 with 27 players in attendance, including first-round draft picks Matt Savoie and Sam O'Reilly, and second-round pick Beau Akey. The camp, which includes on-ice sessions and team-building activities, concludes July 3 with a three-on-three tournament at 2pm in the Downtown Community Arena, which is free for fans to attend.