The Pulse: Oct. 17, 2025

The licence for a casino set to be moved from Camrose to south Edmonton, while still sending charity proceeds to rural Alberta, has been sold in a $5.8-million deal.

The finalized sale to Capital City Casinos is the latest step in the long-proposed relocation of a licence associated with the Camrose Casino Resort to a new site at 420 Parsons Road SW. The proposal, which has seen rural and city interests pitted against each other since 2022, was twice denied by Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis, only to reemerge and be approved. However, the matter has entered court-monitored receivership proceedings to oversee the sale. Meanwhile, Edmonton's city council has become divided on how to respond, and details on who owns the company behind the casino remain scarce. The matter will now land on the next council's lap — including, potentially, having to fund millions in road expansion to accommodate increased traffic to the south Edmonton site.

Edmonton currently has six casinos that offer the city's charitable organizations the opportunity to run casinos to raise revenues. The new casino, however, will send its funds to charities in the Camrose region, functioning as if the current Camrose Casino Resort were teleported here. The Edmonton Chamber of Voluntary Organizations and the Edmonton Federation of Community Leagues have warned that introducing a seventh casino to Edmonton without keeping the money here will decrease the amount of revenue available to city charities, many of whom rely heavily on such funds.

Rural politicians, however, have felt shortchanged by the system. "You know that Northern Alberta money has supported Edmonton's charities for years, but now, when it is time to give Northern charities their fair share, Edmonton refuses to share the largesse it has received," Bonnyville-Cold Lake-St. Paul MLA Scott Cyr wrote in response to Edmonton's opposition to the casino move.

Edmonton's city council has been almost unanimous in that opposition. In August 2022, when Capital City Casinos first applied to move it, Mayor Amarjeet Sohi sent a letter on behalf of everyone on council to AGLC detailing concerns such as the potential harm to Edmonton charities, the short consultation process, and the potential "cannibalization" of existing casinos. But in August 2024, when the matter was again before the AGLC despite a previous rejection, Sohi was joined by just nine other councillors in a decision to send another letter to AGLC, urging it to again deny the application. Three councillors voted against sending this letter: Tim Cartmell, who is now running for mayor; Jennifer Rice, who is seeking re-election in Ward Ipiihkoohkanipiaohtsi; and Karen Principe, who is seeking re-election in Ward tastawiyiniwak.

That lack of unanimity was notable to Keren Tang, the councillor seeking re-election in Ward Karhiio, where the casino is proposed to be built. "We heard pretty loud and clear from Edmontonians, not only from my ward but the rest of the city, different community organizations, and even the business community, about the harm this relocation would mean to the city," Tang told Taproot. "Edmontonians benefit when council speaks with one voice to external stakeholders on an issue this important."

Despite Edmonton's opposition, the AGLC approved Capital City's application on Oct. 10, 2024.

Some who live near 420 Parsons Road SW told Taproot they feel the community's voice has been ignored, at least by provincial bodies. "I just see zero net benefit and a whole bunch of actual and potential net negatives from this decision, which is extremely surprising to me given that an overwhelming majority of (neighbourhood) residents have clearly indicated concern," said Greg Miskie, who lives in Summerside. "It hasn't even been a discussion item, it hasn't even been a 'We understand your concerns.'"

Taproot asked all of the council members seeking election on Oct. 20 about their position on the casino and whether they were in contact with the casino proponent during the application process. We received no response from Principe, Andrew Knack (who is running for mayor), or Anne Stevenson, who is seeking re-election in Ward O-day'min. Here's what the rest said.

• The Edmonton Police Service located the remains of 14-year-old Samuel Bird in a rural area outside Edmonton and charged Bryan Farrell, 38, with second-degree murder and interfering with a body. Bird, a member of Paul First Nation, was last seen on June 1 after leaving his west Edmonton home. Farrell, arrested Oct. 15, also faces 13 other charges, including arson related to a west Edmonton property Bird visited the night he disappeared. Police are not seeking additional suspects in Bird's killing.
• Thousands of striking teachers rallied outside Rogers Place on Oct. 16, as Premier Danielle Smith addressed the Edmonton Chamber of Commerce. The Alberta Teachers' Association strike is in its second week, with bargaining stalled over wage disputes. Smith said the province is addressing demands through hiring and a "comprehensive pay package," warning that back-to-work legislation might be considered by Oct. 27 if the strike causes "irreparable harm."
• Edmonton is building more homes than ever, with Alberta recording a new high of nearly 27,000 home starts in the first half of 2025, a 30% increase. In 2024, Edmonton issued more than 15,000 building permits for new dwelling units, the most since 2005, primarily concentrated between 41 Avenue Southwest and Anthony Henday Drive in areas like The Orchards, Keswick, and Chappelle, CBC News reported. This rapid expansion follows a population increase of more than 100,000 in the last two years. Outgoing Mayor Amarjeet Sohi highlighted this growth as a success, aiming for 50% of new development to occur in established areas like Griesbach.
• A new poll for CityNews of 423 Edmontonians conducted from Sept. 30 to Oct. 6 found significant voter dissatisfaction with Edmonton mayoral candidates Tim Cartmell and Andrew Knack, the frontrunners, just days before the Oct. 20 municipal election. The Canada Pulse Insights survey revealed 39-45% of respondents felt "none of the top six candidates" — which also includes Michael Walters, Rahim Jaffer, Omar Mohammad, and Tony Caterina — have the right vision, reflect their values, or are trustworthy. The poll also indicated 74% believe Edmonton is on the wrong track, and 80% perceive outgoing Mayor Amarjeet Sohi and city council as out of touch. The poll also found that more than two-thirds of Edmonton voters think their sitting councillors do not deserve re-election, with 51% rating their ward councillor's performance as "bad."
• A CityNews-Canada Pulse Insights poll, conducted from Sept. 30 to Oct. 6, found the cost of living is the most important issue for Edmonton voters, with 40% selecting it as a top three concern. Other key issues include homelessness (34%), crime and policing (25%), and municipal spending (24%). While Edmonton's overall crime rate dropped 6% in 2024, serious offenses like opioid possession increased by 152%. Voters want officials to prioritize property tax reduction and housing affordability, according to the poll. Edmonton's municipal election is Oct. 20.
• A campaign finance analysis from Postmedia shows sharp contrasts in the fundraising bases of Edmonton's two leading mayoral contenders. Tim Cartmell's campaign has drawn more than $400,000 from donors who also contributed to Alberta's United Conservative Party, while Andrew Knack has attracted support from people connected to city administration, including several current and former municipal employees. Observers say the fundraising patterns underscore the ideological and institutional divide shaping the 2025 mayoral race. The financial disclosures come as both candidates ramp up efforts ahead of Edmonton's upcoming municipal election on Oct. 20.
• In his latest article, Postmedia columnist Keith Gerein argues that Edmonton's "infill election" reveals a significant divide between existing homeowners, who fear disruption and property value loss, and younger residents who struggle to find affordable housing. While mature neighbourhoods experience population declines, Edmonton requires diverse, affordable housing options, he wrote. New developments like Blatchford are insufficient to accommodate the 200,000 people who moved to the city from October 2021 to October 2025 alone, making uncontrolled sprawl unsustainable for Edmonton's long-term growth.
• The City of Edmonton is accepting applications for its 2026 Operating Grant for Indigenous-led Organizations, with $1 million in available funding. The grant, offered under the Community Safety and Well-Being Strategy, aims to promote the resurgence of Indigenous cultures, languages, identities, and ceremonies, ensure safe spaces, and provide education, training, employment, and economic security for Indigenous Peoples. In 2024, 22 Edmonton organizations received similar funding. The deadline for applications is 1pm on Nov. 26.
• Three Edmontonians were among nine Albertans inducted into the Alberta Order of Excellence, the province's highest honour. Businessman and philanthropist Sine Chadi was recognized for his community work with institutions such as the Al Rashid Mosque and Glenrose Hospital Foundation. Businessman and developer John Day was honoured for shaping Edmonton's and Jasper's urban and cultural landscape through his roles in law and development. Doug Stollery, president of the Stollery Charitable Foundation, was acknowledged for his leadership at the University of Alberta and his philanthropic contributions.

The responses to Taproot's listening work in the lead up to the municipal election on Oct. 20 reveal that voters care about how the city supports businesses and economic development.

Earlier this year, Taproot launched our listening campaign at several in-person and virtual events, and we posted a 2025 election question on our site. We have been gathering responses ever since, and at last count, more than 900 people have provided them. The listening was built around a simple question: "What issues do you care about as you consider who to vote for in the 2025 municipal election, and why?"

A few dozen people mentioned the economy and business in their response. While many respondents said they wanted more support for businesses, others said the city gives too much support to the private sector. Some said they want to see more investment in downtown revitalization, while others wanted to see the industrial sector on the edges of the city thrive.

Small business support

One respondent said they wanted to see policies that allow for businesses such as small neighbourhood coffee shops. "More bakeries and coffee shops, using local ingredients, local flavours. Promotion of these types of businesses, or making it easier for businesses like this to thrive EVERYWHERE and not just select areas of the city." The new zoning bylaw, which went into effect in January 2024, does make it easier to set up small-scale businesses in residential neighbourhoods.

The city also offers grants to commercial developments in residential neighbourhoods, and one-on-one support, webinars, and events aimed at entrepreneurs.

Downtown revitalization

Many survey respondents linked downtown investment with economic return.

Puneeta McBryan, outgoing CEO of the Edmonton Downtown Business Association, told CBC Edmonton earlier in the election campaign that when downtown suffers, the whole city feels it. "When we talk about our city being in fiscal distress, property taxes going up, not enough money ... that is inextricably tied to what's happening downtown."

The density of buildings and the higher ratio of non-residential properties in a typical downtown means that a city usually collects more taxes from its downtown than the rest of the city. Despite making up a tiny portion of Edmonton's footprint, downtown contributed 10% of the city's taxes at its peak in 2010. However, city administration estimated that, by 2024, the number had fallen to 5.2%. Tax revenue goes down as property values decrease, thanks to aging, empty buildings (the downtown vacancy rate was nearly 19% in the second quarter of 2025).

When it comes to their approach to economic development, a slim majority of candidates for council and mayor said they would Remove barriers to business growth when answering Taproot's candidate survey.

Thirty-one candidates chose this option. Among candidates for mayor, Tony Caterina, Abdul Malik Chukwudi, Rahim Jaffer, Omar Mohammad, Utha Nadauk, Olney Tugwell, and Michael Walters answered this way. Among candidates for council, incumbent candidates Michael Janz and Jo-Anne Wright said the same.

Twenty-six candidates chose the Invest in entrepreneurship and local businesses option. Mayoral candidates Paul Bakhmut, Tim Cartmell, Vanessa Denman, Andy Andrzej Gudanowski, and Andrew Knack chose it. Ashley Salvador was the lone incumbent council candidate to pick it.

Fourteen candidates said they would Invest in attracting new businesses to the city. This was the least popular answer among mayoral candidates, with only Ronald Stewart Billingsley, Jr choosing it, but it was the most popular among incumbent candidates for council. Aaron Paquette, Erin Rutherford, Anne Stevenson, and Keren Tang all selected this option.

Candidate Rozalia Janiszewska in Ward papastew and Jordon Woodruff in Ward Nakota Isga said they have no position on this issue.

As of this writing, 21 candidates for council and mayor have not yet completed the survey.

Edmonton has created multiple tools to develop its economy, including Edmonton Unlimited, its formative support to create Edmonton Global, its investments in startups and small businesses through the Edmonton Edge Fund, and its 2022 work on its Business Licence Bylaw, which was created to streamline processes. Council has, during this term, worked to improve processes that slow permitting and licensing. Regardless, business leaders often point to city planning, timelines, construction decisions, parking policies, tax rates, and other decisions as being central to their fortunes. During this council's term, concerns about Edmonton's non-residential tax rate, which is higher than surrounding municipalities, began to be discussed, as did the city's increasing reliance on residential property taxes due to its industrial tax base shrinking in relative terms.

On this day in 1929, there were false rumours of a plane crash involving Edmonton's famed aviation ace, Wilfred 'Wop' May.

May was born in Manitoba in 1896. He was a youth when his family moved to Edmonton. It was around this time that May got the nickname he would carry for the rest of his life, courtesy of a two-year-old cousin who couldn't pronounce "Wilfred" and instead called him 'Woppie'.

In 1916, May enlisted in the military after the outbreak of World War I. He spent a year as an instructor in Canada before being shipped out to England. When there, he volunteered to join Britain's Royal Flying Corps, the predecessor to the Royal Air Force. The use of airplanes in war was still a new idea, and even the training was risky. But May was excited by the idea of flying, and signed up.

After his training, he was assigned to an air squadron in France. It was only on his second day as a full fighter pilot that May took part in a historic battle. While trying to escape enemy aircraft after his plane's gun jammed, May found himself with a German aircraft on his tail. The chase lasted for miles, with May flying dangerously close to the ground and dodging around obstacles to keep from being shot down. Some of May's allies were eventually able to German pilot, ending the chase.

May later discovered that the plane chasing him was flown by the famed German ace, Manfred von Richthofen, better known as The Red Baron (who died due to injuries from the battle). May later said he was lucky he didn't know it was Manfred von Richthofen, or else he would have passed out from fright.

It was an auspicious start to what would be a distinguished flying career. By the end of the war, May was credited with 15 air victories and was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, becoming an ace in his own right.

When he returned to Edmonton, May partnered with his brother to open the country's first registered airline out of a rented field near the city (which is where the neighbourhood name of Mayfield comes from). The May's business venture was a vital step in building Edmonton's long history of aviation. And May's dramatic air adventures would continue: In addition to passenger flights, air mail and cargo, May's company would be one of the first barnstorming outfits in the country, performing aerial stunts to entertain crowds. The airline was also hired by Edmonton police to assist in hunting down fugitives. May would also play a crucial role in what has become known as the Race against Death, when the ace braved freezing temperatures on a dangerous flight to deliver diphtheria inoculations to northern Alberta to prevent a deadly outbreak.

Wop continued to fly for decades, until a medical exam in 1936 revealed that he was blind in one eye (something he had kept secret for years). While that ended his flying career, May made good use of his expertise during the Second World War, where he led training programs for Allied aviators in Western Canada. May died in 1952 from a stroke while on a hiking trip in the United States.

May's legendary career had a huge impact on Edmonton's aviation history. His achievements have achieved interplanetary fame — in 2014, NASA named a lumpy rock on the surface of Mars 'wopmay' in his honour. Much of May's legacy remains preserved at the Alberta Aviation Museum, which recently hosted its annual Open Cockpit Day to highlight its extensive collection of historic aircraft.

This clipping was found on Vintage Edmonton, a daily look at Edmonton's history from armchair archivist Rev Recluse of Vintage Edmonton.

Here are some events happening this weekend in the Edmonton area.

• Oct. 17: Feed The Soul YEG (until Oct. 26)
• Oct. 17: 300th Public Artwork Unveiling: Meet the artist, AJA Louden starting at 3:30pm at Balwin Community Hall
• Oct. 17: Elevate Your Charcuterie Board starting at 6pm at L'OCA Quality Market (Sherwood Park)
• Oct. 17-19: The Threads that Connect Us exhibition at AJ Ottewell Centre
• Oct. 18: Shakers and Makers Market starting at 9:30am at Southminster-Steinhauer United Church
• Oct. 18: Nourishment Centre - Open House starting at 11am at Nourishment Centre / Food Bank
• Oct. 18: Edmonton Underground Film Festival starting at 12pm at Freemasons Hall of Edmonton
• Oct. 18: Pints for Paws starting at 5pm at Edmonton Pet Advocacy Center
• Oct. 18-19: Boo at the Zoo! at Edmonton Valley Zoo
• Oct. 19: Fit for Tech starting at 9:45am at Black Tusk Athletics
• Oct. 19: Yardbird Suite Annual General Meeting starting at 1pm at Yardbird Suite
• Oct. 19: Book Launch: Gail Sidonie Sobat starting at 2pm at Audreys Books

And here are some upcoming events to keep in mind:

• Oct. 28: The History of Streetcars in Edmonton at Bison Lodge
• Oct. 31: The Headless Carrot Halloween Party at The Carrot Community Arts Coffeehouse
• Nov. 7: The Mental Health Foundation's November Lunch & Learn online

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

Test your crossword prowess and deploy a little of your Edmonton knowledge. Complete the puzzle.

Once you're done the crossword, take the Taproot Survey to see how the candidates for mayor and council in Edmonton align with you.