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Headlines: June 1, 2026

· The Pulse
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  • Marigold Infrastructure Partners, the consortium building the Valley Line West LRT, has been fined $120,000 after a worker was seriously injured on an LRT construction site on June 23, 2023. The incident happened as workers completed post-tensioning and a jack pressured up, causing concrete to crumble and injure the worker. Marigold pleaded guilty to violating provincial health and safety rules. The firm has 30 days to appeal the decision.
  • The City of Edmonton launched the "Turn Up Downtown" campaign, featuring more than 1,000 events aimed at enhancing downtown's vibrancy from May to December. Highlights include block parties, fitness programs, and expanded LRT station activations. This initiative, part of the Downtown Action Plan, aims to foster community connections and economic growth by supporting local businesses and cultural activities, collaborating with the Edmonton Arts Council and other local groups.
  • Fans attending the nearly sold-out World Cup sendoff match on June 1 at Edmonton's Commonwealth Stadium between Canada's men's national team and Uzbekistan should anticipate wet conditions. Environment Canada has issued a rainfall warning for Edmonton, predicting up to 100 mm of rain by June 3. Attendees can access free Edmonton Transit Service rides with match tickets after 5pm, and park-and-ride services are available at several locations, including Eaux Claires Transit Centre and NAIT. Umbrellas over 16 inches are prohibited at the game.
  • PEV Edmonton has drawn participants keen on nighttime rides through the city, spotlighting the growing popularity of personal electric vehicles (PEVs) as a social leisure activity in Edmonton. The group, led by Josh Hunter, includes various e-powered devices like scooters, bikes, and unicycles. Riders personalize their PEVs with lights and modifications. Rental options from companies like Lime, Neuron, and Bird also see increased usage during evening hours.
  • Bar Clementine on Jasper Avenue in Edmonton is being required to dismantle its patio to allow for city construction. Despite acknowledging the need for infrastructural improvements, owner Andrew Borley expressed frustration over the financial effect on his business and short notice of the decision.
  • The family of 33-year-old Travis Smith is seeking answers after he died in the Royal Alexandra Hospital emergency room waiting area on May 8. Alberta Health Services confirmed that a quality assurance review is underway but did not disclose details due to privacy laws. The family learned from police that paramedics administered naloxone to Smith before he died. The case has fueled an ongoing debate about emergency room conditions in Alberta.
  • The reflecting pool at the Alberta legislature remains closed for repairs due to a leak discovered during its seasonal start-up. Initially expected to reopen by the Victoria Day weekend, the pool was half-filled but later drained for maintenance. Alberta's infrastructure department anticipates partial operations to resume in early June while it comes up with a permanent fix. The pool underwent a $20 million refurbishment, reopening on Canada Day 2024 after major issues with the mechanical and filtration systems. Other water features on the grounds, such as the dome fountain, remain operational.
  • In his latest post, political commentator Dave Cournoyer highlighted the Water Not Coal citizen initiative and a related episode of the Daveberta Podcast featuring country music singer-songwriter and rancher Corb Lund. Lund urged Albertans to sign the petition before the campaign's deadline, arguing that new coal mining projects in the Eastern Slopes of the Rocky Mountains could threaten vital water resources. The initiative seeks to force a government response on legislation that would prohibit new coal exploration and mining projects in the region, including the proposed Grassy Mountain and Blackstone developments. Organizers plan to submit the petition to Elections Alberta on June 10 if they collect enough signatures.
  • An Alberta judge cited podcasters David Wallace and James Di Fiore for criminal contempt, accusing them of a campaign to "humiliate and demonize" former Alberta Health Services CEO Athana Mentzelopoulos. This was intended to discourage her wrongful dismissal lawsuit against the government. Court of King's Bench Justice Michael Lema described their actions as deliberate interference and approved a restraining order against them, mandating the removal of their videos. These actions also extended to alleged intimidation of ex-AHS board member Sandy Edmonstone.
  • The Edmonton Elks announced a series of roster changes following the CFL cutdown deadline. Additions to the practice roster include defensive lineman Francis Bemiy, offensive lineman Cameron Carter, and kicker Jesus Gomez. Meanwhile, the team released several players, including running back Rushawn Baker, and wide receiver Jalon Calhoun. Additionally, wide receiver Eloa Latendresse-Regimbald and linebacker Olivier Muembi moved to the retired list.