The Pulse: Nov. 14, 2025

Commercial properties that are rundown could face higher taxes in the future, as the city considers adding a derelict tax subclass for non-residential properties.

The derelict residential tax subclass, introduced in 2024, already charges the owners of properties in mature areas that are falling into significant disrepair a higher tax rate. Mayor Andrew Knack told Taproot that administration could add a subclass for non-residential buildings and properties that have become eyesores, specifically calling out the Regency Developments property at the corner of 102 Avenue and 101 Street in Edmonton's downtown as an example.

"That site is an embarrassment, and it's so troubling that it's been allowed to exist in that state," Knack said.

The city's problem property team is seeking input on the Regency site, where the Bank of Montreal building stood until it was demolished in 2018, to understand how people feel about it. The city told Taproot the survey does not directly relate to the proposed new tax subclass, and while there is overlap between problem properties and derelict properties, they're not the same thing. Problem properties are defined by their social and safety issues, while tax assessors look at the physical state of a building to determine if it's derelict.

Regardless, Knack indicated that the proposed new tax subclass could be used on the Regency property. "When you have a derelict site like that, which is being underutilized and is not contributing, (the owners) need to make one of two decisions: They either need to invest in it and turn it into something special, or they need to sell it to somebody who will," Knack said. "It's so critical that we have (tax tools) on the non-residential side, because it's been allowed to exist in that state for far too long."

Raj Dhunna, CEO of Regency Developments, told Postmedia that the COVID-19 pandemic, inflation, and supply-chain challenges meant that the once-proposed 50-storey mixed-use building at the site was no longer feasible. He said he felt unfairly targeted by the city's survey. "We are concerned that the city chose to issue a single-site survey without recognizing the broader context or the substantial challenges facing downtown," he said. "This is particularly troubling in light of unresolved issues within the city's own portfolio and citywide safety and security concerns that continue to impact residents and businesses alike. We remain committed to working collaboratively toward solutions that support downtown Edmonton's long-term success."

A report presented to a council committee in January about the derelict residential tax subclass explains some barriers to creating a similar subclass for non-residential properties. Provincial legislation mandates that a non-residential property must be unoccupied for at least one year before it can be assessed as derelict. The report said it would be hard to prove that a property was not occupied at any point during a calendar year with enough evidence to withstand an assessment complaint. The Municipal Government Act also requires that the highest non-residential tax rate be no more than five times the lowest residential rate, meaning a derelict non-residential tax subclass could only be about 70% higher than the general non-residential rate. "As compared to the roughly 200% increase applied to the residential derelict subclass, a relatively smaller tax increase may result in relatively modest outcomes," the report said.

In January, council's executive committee asked administration to outline a strategy to expand the subclass to non-residential properties. That strategy is due before council's executive committee in March 2026.

The city said the subclass for residential properties appears to have encouraged owners to demolish, remediate, or sell their properties. Administration assessed more than 200 residential properties as derelict in 2024. At least 23 such properties were demolished, and 10 were remediated that year. Edmonton was the first city in Canada to introduce a subclass for derelict residential properties, and administration said it has responded to inquiries about the subclass from other cities in Alberta and Saskatchewan. Council approved prorated tax forgiveness for derelict property owners to encourage them to clean up their properties faster. Owners can apply for forgiveness for the part of the year that their property was cleaned up or remediated.

• Primary Care Alberta (PCA) has declared a tuberculosis outbreak in Edmonton's inner-city. This declaration came after lab tests confirmed two inner-city residents had the same infectious strain, suggesting recent local transmission. PCA has identified 12 tuberculosis cases this year connected to central Edmonton and individuals experiencing homelessness, with three sharing the outbreak strain. Living in communal spaces, such as shelters, increases infection risk. The outbreak is not considered a risk to the general public. Contact tracing is ongoing, and PCA, along with Alberta's Ministry of Primary and Preventative Health Services, is collaborating with inner-city agencies to support and screen potentially exposed people.
• The Salvation Army opened a new transitional housing program in Edmonton's Alberta Avenue area. This initiative aims to provide essential resources and shelter for individuals in need, marking a significant effort to address homelessness and assist residents in the local community. The program will help participants move towards stable, independent living.
• Coun. Mike Elliott is the second city councillor to cut ties with the Better Edmonton party less than a month after the October 2025 municipal elections, after Coun. Reed Clarke announced he would sit as an independent. Elliott confirmed his intent to not remain with the party. Coun. Karen Principe is now the sole councillor with ties to Better Edmonton. Party leader Tim Cartmell and Chair Cam Johnson noted their goal was to help candidates get elected, not maintain ongoing involvement.
• Canada faces an economic imperative to improve productivity by addressing a widespread AI literacy gap, according to Cam Linke, CEO of the Edmonton-based Alberta Machine Intelligence Institute (Amii). Linke said that Canadian companies are missing competitive advantages due to a lack of understanding about AI. To counter this, Amii has scaled efforts to provide accessible AI knowledge through platforms like "AI Literacy for Everyone," training over 250,000 learners. Joan Hertz, Amii's board chair, warns that inaction on AI poses a significant governance risk for businesses.
• An apartment building fire in west Edmonton's Canora neighbourhood displaced 22 residents and many pets after gutting the apartment building. Edmonton Fire Rescue Services responded just after 5pm on Nov. 12, initially struggling to locate the blaze hidden within walls before it spread to the attic and roof. Firefighters rescued 15 cats and some guinea pigs. The fire was declared under control at 9:19am on Nov. 13. No injuries were reported, and the Canadian Red Cross is assisting affected individuals.
• Prairie Sky remains hopeful for its project in Edmonton as the city seeks redevelopment ideas for the Rossdale Power Plant area. The City of Edmonton's call for redevelopment proposals indicates a focus on transforming the area, while Prairie Sky continues to pursue its gondola initiative.
• The A Very Indigenous Holiday Market returns to the Alberta Aviation Museum in Edmonton from Nov. 14 to 16. Organized by I.A.M. Collective, which began in 2018 to support Indigenous artists and now boasts more than 200 members, the market will feature more than 100 vendors. Attendees can also enjoy live entertainment, a silent auction, and door prizes.
• The Edmonton Police Service will conduct a live simulated training exercise at the University of Alberta on Nov. 14. The exercise, set to take place from 8am to 4pm, may cause delays for cyclists, drivers, and pedestrians.
• Edmonton's Stollery Children's Hospital welcomed Pumbaa, a two-year-old yellow lab retriever, as its new facility dog on Nov. 13. Pumbaa, the first dedicated child life services dog in Canada, was trained by Dogs with Wings Assistance Dog Society and helps patients and their families by providing emotional, physical, and procedural support. Parents Mathew and Ashley Davis credit Pumbaa with significantly helping their son Jake, a patient with a rare genetic condition, overcome fears during his hospital stay since mid-August 2025. Angela Mark of Child Life Services noted Pumbaa's ability to bring calm and smiles during difficult moments.
• A new west Edmonton dome will offer year-round opportunities to play pickleball and tennis, providing continuous access to these popular sports. This development in west Edmonton aims to benefit residents by allowing them to pursue these activities regardless of weather conditions.

On this day in 1953, Edmonton's largest movie theatre was advertising its new CinemaScope movies.

When the 1,750-seat Paramount Theatre opened downtown on Jasper Avenue in 1952, it was the largest in Western Canada. It was also one of the most luxurious, featuring an understated mid-century modern style, with Tyndall stone on the exterior, and travertine and black marble accents at the entrance. The theatre boasted a sophisticated sound system, the largest indoor screen in Western Canada, and plush seating.

The Paramount was an anchor for its corporate owner, the Famous Players theatre chain, to expand across the Prairies. But it took longer to build than anticipated. Construction originally started in 1950, but was delayed for more than a year mostly due to steel shortages.

When it was finished, the Paramount was a bright light in the growing entertainment district on Jasper Avenue. With its beaming, 17-foot vertical marquee, the theatre could be seen from blocks away to both the east and the west.

For decades, the Paramount hosted not only first-run movies, but also gatherings, lectures, and other events. It was also used to record Premier Ernest Manning's Back to the Bible Hour radio show.

The 1980s saw the rise of large multiplexes, which led to the decline of many downtown theatres. In 1985, the Paramount underwent a massive renovation. It couldn't compete with the big multiplexes in size, so it instead doubled down on comfort. Seating was reduced to 800 and the seats themselves were made even more comfy.

This allowed the Paramount to survive a bit longer, but its days were ultimately numbered. After many unprofitable years, Famous Players shut it down in 2003. Over the past 20 years, the building has been mostly empty, save for sporadic attempts to find it a new purpose. The building housed the City Centre Church for eight years, and was also used as a haunted house by Deadmonton.

In 2014, the Paramount narrowly avoided destruction. Its then-owner, ProCura, had plans to build a 40-storey tower on the lot. That plan stalled due to public backlash, partially because it would also involve closing other businesses near the theatre, including Remedy Café.

A decade later, the future of the Paramount remains uncertain. It's listed on the city's inventory of historical buildings, but is not protected from demolition. Meanwhile, almost all of the businesses along the block have now closed, including Remedy. It remains one of the last surviving examples of the movie theatres that used to be spread across downtown, which now only has one first-run theatre still in business.

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.

• Nov. 14: Edmonton Holiday Art Show & Market starting at 5pm at Chrysalis
• Nov. 14-15: PBR Canada National Finals at Rogers Place
• Nov. 14-16: A Very Indigenous Holiday Market and Culture Gathering at Fort Edmonton Park
• Until Nov. 15: Broad View International Film Festival at Garneau Theatre
• Nov. 15: Flute Day starting at 9am at Winspear Centre
• Nov. 15: Community Health Fair starting at 10am at University of Alberta Hospital
• Nov. 15: Momentary Museum | Sensing the City starting at 1:30pm at Edmonton Public Library (Millwoods)
• Nov. 15: Celebration of Lights starting at 3pm at Festival Place
• Nov. 15: Together in the Hive Mind: AREF's 2025 Gala starting at 7pm at ARCA Banquet Facility
• Nov. 16: A Taste of China Culinary Experience starting at 3:30pm at C5 North East Community Hub
• Nov. 16: Silence Illuminated starting at 7:30pm at All Saints Anglican Cathedral

And here are some upcoming events to keep in mind:

• Nov. 22: Holiday Market Hop: Riverdale, Ottewell, and Hazeldean at Riverdale Community Hall
• Nov. 24: A Conversation with Minister of Municipal Affairs, Hon. Dan Williams at Edmonton Chamber of Commerce
• Nov. 25: Decolonized Communications: Best practices for communicating with, for and about Indigenous Peoples online

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

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