The Pulse: Jan. 20, 2025

This week, council returns from the holiday break to discuss installing cell service in underground transit areas, taxing derelict properties at a higher rate, and the redevelopment of St. Anthony School.

There is a community and public services committee meeting scheduled on Jan. 20 at 9:30am and a special city council meeting scheduled on Jan. 20 at 1:30pm. There is an urban planning committee meeting scheduled on Jan. 21, an executive committee meeting scheduled on Jan. 22, and a public hearing scheduled on Jan. 24.

Here are key items on this week's agenda:

• LRT tunnels could have 5G cellphone service by next spring, should executive committee approve single-source agreements with TELUS. The company has proposed a 5G and 5G+ cellular network that could be used by all telecommunications providers in LRT tunnels and underground stations. TELUS would operate the system for up to 30 years. In 2023, city council approved $4.7 million to improve emergency communications in LRT tunnels and stations, but pending committee approval, the funding will be used for this project instead. Administration said the agreements also include promotional opportunities for TELUS. The agreements are scheduled to be reviewed on Jan. 22.
• A tax subclass that was introduced in 2024 appears to have encouraged owners of derelict properties to demolish, remediate, or sell their properties, according to a report that is scheduled to be presented to council's executive committee on Jan. 22. The derelict residential tax subclass applies to properties in mature neighbourhoods that show serious signs of neglect and is intended to encourage owners to maintain or improve the properties. Administration said 30% of the houses assessed as derelict in 2024 have already been demolished, compared to 0.25% of properties in the mature area. The subclass generated a net positive revenue of $184,000, which will help offset the cost of otherwise dealing with derelict properties. Administration said it would take few additional resources to expand the subclass to the rest of the city as soon as the 2027 tax year.
• Beljan Development's project to redevelop St. Anthony School and an adjacent parking lot could reach a new milestone as council is scheduled to vote on the property's rezoning at a public hearing on Jan. 24. The school, the first Catholic school on Edmonton's south side, is not a municipal historic resource and the current and proposed zoning would not protect it from demolition. Beljan's development manager Leah Kinsella told CBC Edmonton in September that the company plans to preserve the St. Anthony building, located at 10425 84 Avenue NW, and seek historical designation while accommodating new commercial retail tenants. While the lot's current zoning allows for a building of up to five storeys, the rezoning would allow for a building of up to nine storeys. Some residents oppose the application, saying that redeveloping the parking lot will affect the theatres, businesses, and special events in the area and that the new development will congest traffic. Those in support said adding housing will make the neighbourhood more vibrant and add customers and audiences for the businesses and theatres nearby.

• Edmonton Mayor Amarjeet Sohi is defending the city's process for appointing members to the Edmonton Police Commission after the Edmonton Police Service requested a provincial investigation into two recent appointments. "Our recruitment process is very sound. It is fair, it's inclusive and very robust," said Sohi, who suggested the provincial government's involvement could discourage community participation. The police service raised concerns about the two appointees' "public-facing activities," leading to the resignation of one appointee, Dan Jones. The other appointee, Renee Vaugeois, said in an online post that she has "done nothing wrong but to be someone who publicly shares perspectives on policing issues that have made folks uncomfortable," adding that she is currently weighing her options.
• Edmonton's economy, which grew in 2024 due to high immigration and a strong housing market, faces uncertainty in 2025, because of potential U.S. tariffs under president-elect Donald Trump and changes in federal immigration policy, City of Edmonton chief corporate economist Felicia Mutheardy told Postmedia. While housing construction is expected to remain elevated, Mutheardy said there is uncertainty about whether it will surpass 2024 levels.
• Edmonton entrepreneur Kemi Bolatito-Bello launched Scooly, an AI-powered platform designed to connect international students and immigrants with vetted experts and schools. "Scooly was founded to solve immigration fraud for international students and immigrants," Bolatito-Bello told CBC. A recent survey commissioned by CBC News found that 90% of newcomers supported stricter oversight of immigration consultants and lawyers. Both the federal and provincial governments are implementing measures to improve protections against immigration fraud.
• More Edmontonians are attending arts events in the city, with 87% attending at least one event in the past year, up from 64% in 2022, according to a survey by the Edmonton Arts Council. However, 77% of respondents reported facing barriers such as high ticket prices, lack of information, and time constraints. Workshop West Playwrights' Theatre in Edmonton has implemented pay-what-you-will ticketing to build its audience, leading to more sales and increased subscribers.
• Edmontonians flocked to Alberta Avenue for the 18th annual Deep Freeze Festival despite the bitter cold. The festival, which ran from Jan. 18 to 19, featured ice sculptures, bonfires, ball hockey, and the signature deep freezer races. "I think we really embrace winter because it's something we actually really cherish," said Christy Morin, the festival's executive and artistic director.
• Edmonton resident Sheila O'Kelly, 72, is involved in a legal battle to recover costs to repair her sinking porch and balcony, which she claims are due to construction deficiencies in her home built by Paramount Home Builders in 2015. O'Kelly filed lawsuits in 2023 against both the builder and her warranty providers for negligence and breach of contract. Both companies deny the allegations, and her claims have not been proven in court. Her case highlights the complexities of navigating home warranties and construction disputes as new residential building projects increase in the province.
• A group of MacEwan University students held a rally on Jan. 18 to mark the ceasefire in Gaza. An organizer with the group said it was made up of several local organizations that came together to commemorate the development and mourn the lives lost over the past 15 months.
• The Edmonton Police Service and City of Edmonton park rangers were in the final stages of dismantling an elaborate encampment near Fulton Creek in southeast Edmonton, which was discovered in October and included amenities like solar panels and running water. "When we begin the process of dismantling encampments, it's important to note that these are active construction zones," said police acting Sgt. Chris McFarlane, who asked the public to stay away from the site.
• Alberta Premier Danielle Smith will no longer attend Donald Trump's inauguration ceremony due to limited access after the event was moved indoors. However, Smith's office said she plans to attend events at the Canadian embassy and the Republican Governors' Association reception in Washington. Smith's visit coincides with potential U.S. tariffs on Canadian goods, which she has addressed through an "Alberta First" strategy, including a meeting with Trump at Mar-a-Lago. Her approach has drawn criticism from other Canadian leaders for undermining a united Canadian front.
• Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid could be suspended from upcoming games after he received a match penalty late in the team's 3-2 game against Vancouver on Jan. 18 for cross-checking Canuck Conor Garland. The incident, which is being reviewed by the NHL, sparked a skirmish involving multiple players, with Vancouver's Tyler Myers also receiving a match penalty for striking Evan Bouchard.
• The Edmonton Oilers have placed veteran forward Derek Ryan on waivers, marking a potential end to an NHL career that began at age 29 after a unique journey through university and European hockey. Ryan, known for his versatility and faceoff skills, played nearly a decade in the NHL, including two seasons with the Oilers. Meanwhile, Oilers GM Stan Bowman is focused on strengthening the team's prospect pool by targeting top-end amateur talent for NHL contracts this spring, a shift from former GM Ken Holland's strategy of signing players to AHL-only deals.

Here are some events happening today in the Edmonton area.

• Library Lunchtime Concerts starting at 12:15pm at Edmonton Public Library (Stanley A. Milner)
• Messed Up Monday starting at 6pm at Pub 1905
• In-Person nêhiyawêwin (Cree Language) Classes starting at 6pm at Edmonton Public Library (Highlands)

And here are some upcoming events to keep in mind:

• Jan. 27: Meeting of the Secret LongTree Society at Felice Cafe
• Jan. 29-Feb. 1: Flying Canoë Volant
• Jan. 30: Constructing an AI-Enhanced Healthcare Chatbot for Patient Triage at Edmonton Unlimited

Visit the beta version of the Taproot Edmonton Calendar for many more events in the Edmonton region.