The Pulse: May 29, 2023

This week, a public hearing will take place on May 30. Community and public services committee will meet on May 31, urban planning committee will meet on June 1, and executive committee will meet on June 2.

Here are some of the key items on the agenda:

• The latest update on the city's Indigenous Framework highlights the key accomplishments of 2022, including relationship-building and continued learning. This fall, the city will host an Indigenous Framework Annual Gathering to honour a commitment made "to bring Elders, Knowledge Keepers, senior leaders, staff, and community together to share and celebrate progress of the Framework's implementation."
• According to a survey conducted in March 2023, 80% of respondents agree that more should be done to address homelessness in Edmonton, and 73% agree the city should do more regardless of the responsibility of the other orders of government. Administration is now conducting a cost analysis of its efforts to respond to homelessness and will prepare a draft Corporate Homelessness Plan for council's review in the first quarter of 2024.
• Charter Bylaw 20503 and Bylaw 20502 will allow for the development of the Downtown Warehouse Campus Park by closing portions of 107 Street between 102 Avenue and Jasper Avenue, and by amending the Zoning Bylaw accordingly.

• The Edmonton Public School Board approved a $1.3 billion budget for 2023-24, but trustees were disappointed because they say it won't provide sufficient support for students. While the total budget increased this year, student enrolment increased at a higher rate, which board chair Trisha Estabrooks said actually amounts to a cut. "We need a funding model that is adequate, that is sustainable, that takes into account growing school divisions," Estabrooks said. Trustees urged parents to consider the issue when voting in the provincial election on May 29 and to ask candidates how they plan to adequately fund public education in Alberta.
• Ahead of the provincial election, CBC News published an in-depth piece featuring interviews with conservative supporters in Edmonton, which is an NDP stronghold. Zahir Shivji, a conservative voter in Edmonton-Glenora, said he supports the UCP's economic policies and believes they are supportive of small businesses, which his family owns. Richard Wong, the UCP candidate in Edmonton-City Centre, said he knows the race will be a "big uphill battle" but hopes to win over voters by emphasizing his values and experience, even if they do not support the UCP brand.
• Record numbers of Alberta voters have turned out for advance polls, with 758,550 people having voted as of May 27, according to Elections Alberta. That represents an 8.29% increase over 2019 numbers, when 700,476 votes were cast at advance polls. The province-wide vote anywhere system, which allowed voters to cast their advance ballot in a different electoral district from their own, could have helped contribute to the record numbers.
• The Ukrainian Canadian Congress - Alberta Provincial Council said in a release it is disappointed the Edmonton Heritage Festival will allow Russian participation at this year's event, which "undermines the principles of peace, justice, and respect for human rights that our multicultural society is built upon." Postmedia reported that it received a response from the festival's Instagram page indicating that the list of pavilions is not yet finalized and will be released 50 days before the event, which is scheduled for Aug. 5-7 at the Edmonton Exhibition Lands. The Russian pavilion was approved in 2022, but pulled out before the festival took place.
• Edmonton-based GoAuto announced a $500,000 donation to the Edmonton Public Schools Foundation and a partnership with the Edmonton Stingers Fresh Hoops program, which refurbishes outdoor basketball courts at public schools. Representatives from each organization will be on hand June 1 at Delton School for a cheque presentation and the unveiling of a refurbished court. GoAuto also announced a donation-matching program until 2025 for up to another $500,000, for a possible total donation of $1.5 million. The public can make donations on the foundation's website.
• The Edmonton Stingers opened their Canadian Elite Basketball League season with a pair of losses against the Calgary Surge. The Stingers lost 74-70 in Calgary on May 27 and 82-81 in Edmonton on May 28. Stingers head coach Jordan Baker said he looks forward to a new rivalry between the Alberta teams, with Calgary's introduction to the league this season.
• The Edmonton Elks announced on May 28 they have cut 18 players, including national defensive back Hakeem Johnson and American quarterback Khalil Tate, one day after they closed out their pre-season with a 25-23 loss against the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.
• Condor Airlines announced a new non-stop flight from Edmonton International Airport (YEG) to Frankfurt, which began May 26. The airline will operate the route twice a week with Boeing 767-300 aircraft and offer three classes of service. Myron Keehn, President and CEO of YEG, said the new flight improves access to Europe for the region's businesses and freight community, while enhancing commercial and tourism prospects in both markets.

May 29 is Election Day in Alberta; voting locations are open from 9am to 8pm. This week also offers opportunities to learn about innovation clusters, financial literacy, building a city for all ages, and improving community safety, as well as a couple of downtown musical experiences.

• May 29, 11am: Best Practices in Building Innovative Communities and Research Parks — from Waterloo to Alberta, presented by Technology Alberta and the Edmonton Research Park Business Consortium
• May 30, 12pm: Live at Lunch: Dana Wylie Duo at Churchill Square
• May 31, 5pm: Downtown Spark presents Soundclash, Battle of the DJs: Umbral vs Nab DJ at Alex Decoteau Park
• May 31, 5:30pm: Uncork Your Potential: Wine & Cheese Volunteer Information Night, presented by Women and Money
• June 1, 5pm: Towards an Age-Ready Future: How can Edmonton Grow with the People in it?, presented by UDI-Edmonton Metro and Coun. Andrew Knack
• June 1: 6pm: The Science and Secrets of Ending Violent Crime with Dr. Irvin Waller, presented by Coun. Michael Janz

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

Photo: Folk singer Dana Wylie will perform with Brennan Cameron in Churchill Square as part of the Edmonton Arts Council's Live at Lunch series. (Dana Wylie)