The Pulse: May 8, 2023

Here's what you need to know about Edmonton today.

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Essentials

  • 18°C: A mix of sun and cloud with 60% chance of showers. Risk of a thunderstorm in the afternoon. High 18. UV index 5 or moderate. (forecast)
  • Blue/Green: The High Level Bridge will be lit blue and green for the Kick-off to National Nursing Week. (details)
  • 5-1: The Edmonton Oilers (5-3) defeated the Vegas Golden Knights (5-2) in Game 2 of their second round playoff series on May 6. Leon Draisaitl scored two goals and Connor McDavid had two goals and an assist. (details)
  • 6:30pm: The Oilers play the Golden Knights at Rogers Place. (details)

The round and mirrored Energy Centre One building in Blatchford surrounded by green grass

On the agenda: Blatchford energy, 2022 audits, and municipal resolutions


By Mack Male

This week, the emergency advisory committee will hold a special meeting on May 8 to discuss the fire situation around the city. The audit committee will meet later that morning, and the performance evaluation committee for the city manager and city auditor will meet in the afternoon. The utility committee will meet on May 9, council services committee will meet in the morning on May 10, and a non-regular city council meeting will take place in the afternoon on May 10.

Here are some of the key items on the agenda:

  • Blatchford Renewable Energy has secured $23.7 million in funding from National Resources Canada, which requires matching funding from the Blatchford Utility of $55.5 million or 70% of the total project costs. The grant will enable the expansion of Energy Centre One, the growth of the distributing piping network, and the planning, design, and construction of the Sewer Heat Exchange Energy Centre. Administration proposes funding the city's portion with debt, the majority of which would not be borrowed until 2027.
  • In its 2022 annual report, the Office of the City Auditor said it completed nine performance audits, obtained 88% overall auditee satisfaction, incorporated data into 64% of its audits, and exceeded its target for employee engagement. Administration implemented 24 recommendations in 2022, with 25 outstanding, including two that are overdue — an assessment of the condition of historic resources and full implementation of the disaster recovery program. Administration says the former was to be complete by April 28 and the latter will be done by June 30.
  • City council will consider endorsing three administration-initiated resolutions for submission at the 2023 Alberta Municipalities annual convention, which will take place in Edmonton from Sept. 27 to 29. The resolutions include requests for changes to scale up the Clean Energy Improvement Program, provincial support to address affordable housing, and provincial support for the recovery of downtown and business districts. A fourth resolution initiated by Drayton Valley, on support for peace officers, will also be considered with Edmonton as a potential seconder.
Continue reading

Headlines: May 8, 2023


By Mariam Ibrahim

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Members of The Brasstactics play various horns in front of a crowd of Edmonton Oilers fans at an outdoor venue. There are signs that read "Oilers" and "Ford Tailgate Party"

Coming up this week: May 8-12, 2023


By Debbi Serafinchon

This week includes two home playoff games for the Oilers, plus a book launch, networking for Junior Achievement alumni, a startup awards ceremony, a gathering of great chefs, and the grand opening of an innovation destination.

Find even more things to do in Taproot's weekly roundups.

Photo: The Ford Tailgate Party in Fan Park at ICE District is now open to adults only. Watch the City's page on the playoffs for details on family-friendly events in Churchill Square. (Oilers/Facebook)

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