The Pulse
May 13, 2026
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Here's what you need to know about Edmonton today.
Bosco turns up the volume on community while considering development
An organization that supports people-serving non-profits in northeast Edmonton has launched a podcast series on community belonging as it considers what to do next with its sizable land.
Across three episodes of The Bosco Neighbourhood Podcast, hosts Soni Dasmohapatra and Darine Moukhaiber help tell the stories of the people who bring communities together at the John Bosco Child and Family Services Foundation.
"We chose voices that are not usually at the centre of conversations about city planning or neighbourhood revitalization," Bosco Foundation CEO Shelley Sabo told Taproot. "We have a lot of groups (at Bosco) that already work collectively, and I think there's a lot that our neighbours can learn. Our common theme is that we are an abundant community; we have many assets to build on."
The organization offers support services such as volunteer recruitment, bursaries, and fundraising assistance. But it primarily provides affordable space to groups that serve individuals and families at its 50,000-square-foot complex on 3.5 acres at 6770 129 Avenue NW, near the boundary of Balwin and Belvedere.
"If we want neighbourhood development to build social equity, we need to turn up the volume on their stories," Sabo said of the podcast's guests, who are supported at Bosco.
Building social equity involves 1.5 acres of unused land on the Bosco property, she said. It is zoned for a seniors' affordable housing project, and there are seven housing sites within a six-block radius. Sabo said she wants to make sure whatever Bosco builds falls into "the continuum of what already exists." So the foundation is exploring what serves the neighbourhood best. A $25,000 grant from the Edmonton Community Foundation is funding that work, which entails six to eight months of "learning our way forward," Sabo said.
Bosco is not alone in this quest. Activating the land that not-for-profits own is among the topics to be explored this week at the Housing Forward summit on affordable housing.
Closer than you think.
In Siegfried, a young hero faces the unknown — and himself. This epic story of identity and courage is brought into an intimate space where every breath and every moment feels immediate, personal, and impossible to look away from.
Monday & Friday are going quickly · May 25, 27, 29 & 31 · Maclab Theatre at the Citadel
Headlines: May 13, 2026
- Edmonton Mayor Andrew Knack defended the city's bike lane strategy amid provincial plans to introduce new regulations. Alberta Transportation Minister Devin Dreeshen said the province plans to develop legislation affecting municipal bike lanes, potentially removing certain lanes. Knack advocated for collaboration between cities and the province, emphasizing Edmonton's bike lanes have been data-driven since their inception. Dreeshen's concerns include bike lanes reducing motorist space, exacerbating parking and mobility issues for seniors, and affecting emergency services.
- Edmonton Transit Service is introducing a shuttle service to enhance accessibility for fans attending Edmonton Riverhawks baseball games. Starting this season, the shuttle will run from Churchill Square to RE/MAX Field before games and return after games in an effort to reduce parking congestion and encourage transit use among attendees. The Riverhawks' opening game is scheduled for May 29 at RE/MAX Field.
- Edmonton Public Schools is considering dropping its requirement for second language instruction from Grades 4 to 9, a policy in place for 20 years. Superintendent Ron Thompson stated that the shift is driven by school space constraints and the growing number of English language learners. Trustees requested a report on engagement objectives for the policy, with potential consultations throughout the 2026–27 school year.
- Edmonton's Hawrelak Park unveiled new gender-neutral washrooms, prompting mixed reactions. While some criticized them, Coun. Michael Janz pointed to reduced wait times due to all-gender facilities. Janz noted that increased usage flexibility mirrors common settings like homes and portable toilets.
- A collision between a Valley Line LRT train and a Tesla car caused a fire and shut down the 75/66 Street overpass over Whitemud Drive in south Edmonton on May 12. The driver of the Tesla ran a red light and turned directly into the LRT's path. The car then caught fire and was dragged off the road. The driver was hospitalized as a precaution, while train passengers were unharmed. Edmonton Transit Service provided replacement buses, as train services were disrupted.
- Elections Alberta, which is investigating the alleged misuse of the voters list by the pro-separatist Centurion Project, led by David Parker, said Parker is not cooperating with the inquiry. Parker, founder of Take Back Alberta, has refused to sign a statutory declaration to cease using the list of electors. Allegations suggest that the Centurion Project obtained data from the Republican Party of Alberta. NDP Leader Naheed Nenshi criticized Premier Danielle Smith for not condemning the separatist movement.
- A rapidly growing wildfire near Whitecourt forced more than 100 residents to evacuate from Woodlands County on May 11. The fire, which started south of Highway 43, has already consumed one home and crosses 51 hectares. Strong winds have complicated firefighting efforts, prompting fears of a shift toward Whitecourt. Alberta Wildfire crews, equipped with heavy machinery and helicopters, have made progress in containing the fire. A mandatory evacuation order remains for areas south of Highway 43.
Correction: This file has been updated to correct the location of the shuttle to and from Edmonton Riverhawks games this season, as well as the date of the home opener.
Building Alberta's future workforce early
A message from CAREERS: The Next Generation:
Alberta has a surprising challenge: youth unemployment. Despite being known as a province full of opportunity, nearly 14% of Albertans aged 15 to 24 struggle to find work, one of the highest youth unemployment rates in Canada.
According to Stefan Rutkowski, president and CEO of CAREERS: The Next Generation, part of the issue is that many young people are graduating high school with less work experience than previous generations.
"A lot of youth go through high school now with less work experience than they did in the past," says Rutkowski. "They don't work part-time jobs as much or at all anymore, so they're missing out on foundational skills training. It's important to engage youth early."
That's where CAREERS comes in. Founded in Fort McMurray in 1997, the non-profit organization began when Syncrude executives recognized a growing number of retirement-age workers and the need to foster the next generation of skilled employees. While the trades were the organization's original focus, CAREERS has since expanded into new industries and career pathways across Alberta.
"The trades were at the core, but we have branched out into other industrial sectors," Rutkowski says. "Agriculture is the second largest. We are in health, forestry, environment, and information and communication technologies. We started in aviation and manufacturing, too."
The process is simple. Students from nearly every Alberta high school can apply through the CAREERS website. Representatives connect with students to learn more about their interests and experience, schools help support the application process, and CAREERS matches students with vetted employers for potential interviews and paid internship opportunities.
The program benefits both youth and industry. Students gain valuable workplace experience and exposure to potential career pathways before making major post-secondary decisions. Employers, meanwhile, help shape the future workforce while addressing labour shortages within their industries.
"And employers have a hand in developing the skills that industry will need in the future," Rutkowski says.
Participating employers can also access support through the Alberta Youth Employment Incentive Program, which helps offset wages for employers hiring youth between the ages of 15 and 24.
For CAREERS, ensuring internships are paid is an important part of the model.
"We believe it's important that youth are seen as valuable intern employees," says Rutkowski. "We want to make sure young people understand that they're getting paid, so they need to show up and do valuable work."
The impact has been significant. Last year alone, CAREERS facilitated more than 5,600 internships for Alberta youth. As industries evolve and career pathways continue to shift, programs like CAREERS are helping bridge the gap between education and employment, while giving young people the opportunity to explore careers before committing to a path.
"We want to help them understand there are a bunch of different career pathways that they can explore or embark on at that age," Rutkowski says. "The CAREERS program might help them figure out what they want to do."
To learn more or apply, visit CAREERS: The Next Generation.
Happenings: May 13, 2026
Here are some events happening today in the Edmonton area.
- Edmonton Real Estate Forum starting at 8am at Edmonton Convention Centre
- Bento and Shorts: Cost of Connection starting at 12pm at Landmark Cinemas 9 (Edmonton City Centre)
- Luncheon with the Hon. Steven MacKinnon: Strengthening Canada's Supply Chains and Trade Corridors starting at 12pm at Fairmont Hotel Macdonald
- BIPOC Media Lab: Masterclass with Baljit Sangra starting at 2:30pm at Art Gallery of Alberta
- Health Innovation Networking Event starting at 4:30pm at Bison Lodge
- Spring Info Eve starting at 5pm at Moyer Recreation Centre
- Bioeconomy Guild Night starting at 5pm at MKT Fresh Food | Beer Market
- Salsa in the Square – Cumbia Night starting at 6pm at Churchill Square
- Have You Heard Judi Singh? starting at 7pm at Garneau Theatre
- Matchmaking 2 starting at 7pm at Capitol Theatre
- In the Room - Film Screening starting at 7pm at Art Gallery of Alberta
And here are some upcoming events to keep in mind:
- May 20: Celebrate a Year of Parachutes for Pets at Parachutes for Pets
- May 23: Cat Meet-up in the Park at Paul Kane Park
- May 28: Love Unleashed Event at The Creative Hive Event Centre
Visit the Taproot Edmonton Calendar for many more events in the Edmonton region.
The Taproot Mini - No. 208
Test your crossword prowess and deploy a little of your Edmonton knowledge. Complete the puzzle.
Learn more about 4-Across and 8-Across in this Taproot story.
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