The Pulse: Nov. 6, 2025

Warehouse Park begins mission to activate downtown with opening celebrations

Nov. 6, 2025
By Colin Gallant

The City of Edmonton is preparing to open the 1.81-hectare O-day'min Park on Nov. 7, with events planned until Nov. 16 at the new facility.

"It's really going to be a variety of things," Tom Girvan, the director of downtown economy, told Taproot about the events. "The park was designed as a community level park, meaning small scale type of activities are going to complement the space, so there won't be any major events or major concerts or anything like that. It's just going to be really neighbourhood level activities and small scale events that are going to complement the existing use for the park, and honour how it was built and how it's designed."

A city spokesperson told Taproot the official name of the project is Warehouse Park, but the park's official name will be unveiled on Nov. 7. Taproot looked at the minutes from a Jan. 28 naming committee meeting, which show that it unanimously approved the park's name as O-day'min Park. O-day'min means strawberry or heart berry in Anishinaabe, a metaphorical term for the heart of Edmonton. O-day'min is also the name of the city ward for downtown.

The idea to replace several surface parking lots downtown with a new, city-developed park has been discussed for more than a decade. When a design was unveiled in 2023, the capital budget did not include the price to acquire the former parking lots. The budget to develop the project increased from around $40 million to $48.6 million between early project stages and completion. Girvan said the park, which crews started working on in July 2024, was completed on time.

The park's grounds cover 1.81 hectares between 106 Street and 108 Street, and between Jasper Avenue and 102 Avenue. Its features include an off-leash dog area, public washrooms (in a heated, indoor pavilion), fire pits, a toboggan hill, a sports court that can be used as an ice rink in the winter, and more.

Girvan said the park's success is evident already. As Taproot reported in September, up to 1,800 housing units are in the works downtown, including many from developers that were attracted by the new park.

"Warehouse Park is making a direct impact on the investment decisions of many of these projects," Girvan said. "There are multiple factors that go into whether or not a development project proceeds, but I'm very confident that the city's investment in Warehouse Park is helping contribute to residential projects."

Programming on Nov. 7, the official opening date, includes non-alcoholic hot toddies served by Spilt Zero Proof, live music by Abraham Lake Singers and others, and the Heart Berry animated projection piece by Sokaris Studio and J. Cat. Events take place until Nov. 16, except Remembrance Day on Nov. 11, and feature live music, literary readings, food and beverage, circus workshops, basketball games, and more.

Girvan said the park will remain a destination for gatherings during the winter months.

"There are a multitude of things that are going to be just amazing in winter," Girvan said. "We're looking to program the park in a variety of ways, and that's going to continue as part of the implementation of the Downtown Action Plan through the winter and into all of next year. We'll look at collaborating with community partners on events that are appropriate for it."

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Headlines: Nov. 6, 2025

Nov. 6, 2025
By Mariam Ibrahim

Edmonton Mayor Andrew Knack called for an overhaul of municipal funding on Nov. 5, after the 2025 federal budget was unveiled. Knack praised the budget's focus on infrastructure and housing, highlighting funding for Edmonton's Rapid Fire Theatre and Bissell Centre projects. He emphasized that municipalities, which cover up to 60% of infrastructure costs but only receive about 10 cents from every tax dollar, require stable and consistent funding rather than grants. Knack noted that Edmonton leads Canada in housing starts and is a key partner in increasing housing construction, aligning with Prime Minister Mark Carney's goals.
Edmonton infill developers are bolstering security at their properties after police and fire officials deemed eight fires at homes under construction suspicious in recent months. Six fires occurred between Oct. 18 and Nov. 2 in King Edward Park, Belgravia, and Glenora, following two others in September in the Highlands. Sean Sedgwick of the Infill Development in Edmonton Association (IDEA) confirmed builders are implementing measures like security cameras and overnight personnel. Edmonton Fire Rescue Services Chief David Lazenby urged the public to report suspicious activity and provide camera footage. Firefighters, police, and city officials met with BILD Edmonton Metro and IDEA on Nov. 5 to discuss property protection.
Edmonton was set to receive its first measurable snowfall the night of Nov. 5, with two to three centimetres in the city and five to 10 centimetres north of Edmonton in the forecast. Drivers should prepare for slushy conditions and potential traffic disruptions as temperatures hover near zero through the morning of Nov. 6. While more snow could fall on Nov. 7, warmer weather is expected by early next week.
The Edmonton Police Service held a change of command ceremony for new Chief Warren Driechel at city hall on Nov. 5. Driechel said he will boost community policing and collaborations with social agencies to address issues like social disorder, addictions, and homelessness. Mayor Andrew Knack noted community safety is Edmontonians' top concern, despite a 6% drop in the crime rate in 2024.
Nursing care staff who are members of the Alberta Union of Provincial Employees have voted 98% in favour of strike action, citing stagnant wages and unsafe conditions. AUPE President Sandra Azocar announced on Nov. 5 that the 16,000 members, primarily licensed practical nurses (LPNs) and healthcare aides, are prepared to strike as early as Nov. 17 if ongoing mediation with Alberta Health Services fails. Alberta Finance Minister Nate Horner criticized the union's demands for 40-55% salary increases for LPNs and reduced hours, stating it would cost Albertans more than $2 billion and is not market-based, noting LPNs' education differs from registered nurses. AHS's offer includes a 12% wage increase over four years.
University of Alberta education students and faculty protested against the province's Bill 2, the Back to School Act, which used the Charter's notwithstanding clause to legislate 51,000 teachers back to work and enforce a contract. Students expressed concerns about future job prospects and negotiation rights regarding salaries and class sizes, with some considering leaving Alberta. The province maintains its offer is fair and plans to hire 3,000 teachers and establish a task force on class sizes.
Alberta Health Services will trial a high-tech weapons detection system at the Royal Alexandra Hospital (RAH) emergency department in Edmonton. This two-year pilot aims to reduce rising violence against healthcare workers. The Health Sciences Association of Alberta reports increased incidents, making safety a growing concern. The AI-powered system detects knives and firearms, with RAH chosen due to its higher security needs. If successful, the technology could expand to other Alberta health facilities.
Alberta Sheriffs said they closed a problem property in west Edmonton at 15812 110A Avenue Northwest for 90 days, effective Nov. 5, due to extensive criminal activity. The property garnered more than 40 police visits in five months, with residents reporting drug influence and suspected thefts. The Safer Communities and Neighbourhoods unit will monitor the property until Feb. 3.
The YMCA of Northern Alberta has appointed Katherine O'Neill as its new president and CEO, making her the first woman to hold the position. O'Neill, who previously served as CEO of YWCA Edmonton, brings a strong background in nonprofit leadership, the organization said.
The Anglican Diocese of Edmonton expressed concerns on Nov. 5 regarding the Alberta government's use of the notwithstanding clause to force striking teachers back to work. Bishop Stephen London wrote an open letter stating that invoking the clause to end the provincewide teachers' strike threatens religious freedoms and the Charter right to freedom of association. He urged Premier Danielle Smith to remove the legislation, calling the decision "moral and spiritual." The province defended its action as preserving legislative sovereignty and being in the public interest.
Recall organizers say the UCP is limiting Elections Alberta funding, hindering democratic efforts. A UCP-dominated legislative committee approved only $1.5 million for Elections Alberta, despite Chief Electoral Officer Gordon McClure's request for $13.5 million. The funding is needed to process recall petitions, citizen initiatives, and prepare for a 2026 provincial referendum. McClure said the funding shortfall prevents processing petitions within legal timelines. Recall campaigns are targeting several UCP MLAs, including Dale Nally, minister for Service Alberta, in Morinville-St. Albert.