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Headlines: June 23, 2026

· The Pulse
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  • Edmonton experienced significant rainfall over the past weekend, with totals reaching 50 to 100 millimetres across the region. While the rain provided relief to the city after a period of dry conditions, helping to replenish local water reserves, it also caused significant flooding and water restrictions, with damages reported in homes and infrastructure. The rain led to overflowing stormwater systems and more than 600 service calls made to EPCOR. Residents are urged to conserve water to prevent sewer backups. The wet weather was caused by a slow-moving low-pressure system that brought widespread rain across the province, easing concerns about drought conditions, which had been affecting agriculture and wildfire risks.
  • The CIBC building on Jasper Avenue in Edmonton, constructed in 1929, is up for sale as CIBC shifts its operations to the Ice District's modern banking centre. Previously home to the bank's main-floor branch, the five-storey building is now vacant and offers a "reposition and repurpose" opportunity. Though lacking official historical designation, it remains on Edmonton's inventory of historic resources. Heritage advocate Kyle Schole emphasized the importance of preserving such spaces, echoing past efforts to prevent its demolition.
  • Edmonton emergency departments are experiencing the longest wait and stay times in Alberta. Edmonton Zone hospitals report 65% of all emergency department stays over 48 hours as of early 2026. Misericordia Hospital alone accounts for nearly one-fifth of extended stays in the province. The average stay in Edmonton emergency departments is more than nine hours, significantly longer than the Alberta average of six hours, according to recent Alberta Health Services data. Acute Care Alberta plans to improve patient flow by enhancing community-based care to reduce pressure on emergency departments.
  • An environmental order was issued to the shuttered Enerkem Alberta Biofuels plant in northeast Edmonton due to contamination concerns, linked to abandoned infrastructure and chemical residue. The Alberta facility, which aimed to convert waste into biofuel, ceased operations in January 2024 amid financial troubles. Regulatory inspections revealed methanol and hydrocarbons contamination exceeding safe levels. Alberta Environment mandated Enerkem to detail a remediation plan, with an incomplete decommissioning raising concerns about community and environmental safety. Deloitte, which is overseeing restructuring, plans to sell remaining plant assets.
  • The Edmonton Oilers have signed Connor Murphy to a five-year contract with an average annual value of $4.1 million. Murphy, a 33-year-old defenceman, played 20 games for the Oilers last season after being acquired from the Chicago Blackhawks. During his tenure with the Oilers, he scored one goal and three assists in the regular season and two goals with one assist in the playoffs.