Taproot Edmonton Logo

Headlines: Aug. 12, 2025

· The Pulse
By
Comments
  • The Edmonton Federation of Community Leagues is seeking $30 million to fund critical repairs for community halls across the city. The federation has assessed that one-quarter of Edmonton's community halls are currently in "poor" condition, highlighting an urgent need for financial support to maintain these vital community spaces.
  • Edmonton city council's community and public services committee reviewed changes to the city's pet bylaw. A report presented to the committee on Aug. 11 proposes a tiered scale to measure dog bites. During discussions, one north Edmonton resident urged council to tighten rules on pigeons, citing relentless noise from a neighbour's birds. The city currently permits up to 75 pigeons per licence and noted low public concern and complaints. The City's current animal bylaw is 20 years old.
  • The City of Edmonton has launched the Blueprint for Violence Prevention Grant, a new $1 million funding program for Edmonton-based nonprofit organizations, grassroots groups, and Business Improvement Areas. This grant supports youth-focused and place-based violence prevention initiatives, offering individual grants ranging from $100,000 to $500,000 for projects completed within two years. Applications close Sept. 24.
  • Alberta will launch an anti-speeding and dangerous driving campaign by the end of August 2025 due to a "deeply concerning" surge in fatal collisions in Edmonton. As of July 31, the Edmonton Police Service reported 21 fatal vehicle collisions. Transportation Minister Devin Dreeshen confirmed the province is collaborating with police and municipalities on enforcement. The effort comes after the province eliminated 70% of photo radar sites across Alberta beginning April 1. The City of Edmonton also ceased photo radar enforcement in schools and playgrounds effective July 1, 2025.
  • Edmonton's Food Bank reports that requests have reached an all-time high as of Aug. 11. The food bank says it is serving more than 47,000 people monthly. Meanwhile, the 2025 Edmonton Heritage Festival food drive collected 27,855 kilograms of food, the food bank said in a release.
  • More than 1,130 Edmonton firefighters, paramedics, and Edmonton Police Service (EPS) members have taken time off due to psychological injuries since 2019, spending months on workers' compensation, CBC News reported. Data shows that EPS claims quadrupled from 36 in 2019 to 148 in 2023, with total time off almost nine times higher. Paramedic claims peaked during the COVID-19 pandemic. Alberta Health Services, EPS, and Edmonton Fire Rescue Services provide support programs, while the Alberta First Responders Association also offers a mental health program called 1st Health.
  • Former Edmonton Police Commission chair John McDougall has waged a months-long social media campaign against several city councillors, drawing accusations of bullying, intimidation, and election interference, The Tyee reported. Councillors Erin Rutherford, Michael Janz, Anne Stevenson, and Keren Tang were among those targeted. The dispute has become entangled with a provincial review of Edmonton's policing governance, launched by Public Safety Minister Mike Ellis amid claims of dysfunction between city council, the commission, and the police service. Several councillors said those tensions eased after McDougall resigned from the commission in late 2024.
  • The 34th annual Servus Edmonton Marathon will bring thousands of runners to Edmonton on Aug. 17 as a qualifier for the 2026 Boston Marathon and host of national championships. Starting and finishing at the Edmonton Convention Centre, the race will affect downtown and neighbourhoods like Glenora and McCauley, with major traffic delays expected on Jasper Avenue and other key roads from 6:45am to 4pm.
  • The Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village, located east of Edmonton, remains closed for the summer season as restoration efforts continue following a devastating fire in April. The blaze destroyed the visitor reception centre, exhibition galleries, collection storage, and some artifacts, which officials called a profound loss for Alberta's Ukrainian community. While many historic structures were spared, all upcoming summer events are cancelled to allow for cleanup and restoration.
  • The Court of King's Bench in Alberta now allows smudging ceremonies. Luci Johnson, an Indigenous advocate court worker, praised the change, saying it's crucial for easing the tragedy of crime while respectfully incorporating Cree culture. Individuals, family members, or lawyers can now schedule a ceremony by completing an online form seven days in advance.
  • The City of Edmonton is seeking public input on various projects and policies. Residents can provide feedback on the Rossdale Neighbourhood Renewal design options online until Aug. 24, or attend an in-person event on Aug. 19, from 6pm-8:30pm at RE/MAX Field. Additionally, the City invites migrants living in Edmonton to complete an online survey by Sept. 15, or participate in discussion groups, to help develop a Migrant Action Plan aimed at improving outcomes for migrants.
  • St. Albert bars are not experiencing the same post-playoff business decline as some Edmonton establishments after the Edmonton Oilers playoff run. Crown and Tower Neighbourhood Pub owner Troy Marchak reported steady business and even an increase in regulars, while Kristen Yates of Dicey Reilly's noted only minor drops during long weekends.
  • Albertans can now pre-order fall COVID-19 vaccinations for October, but the cost, previously estimated at $110 per dose, is still unknown. The province will cover the cost for those in care homes, on home care, Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped recipients, and immunocompromised individuals. Vaccinations will occur at public health clinics, but not pharmacies. This policy change drew criticism from advocates concerned about accessibility and the effect on public health.
  • Edmonton-based ATB signed a deal to acquire independent investment bank Cormark Securities Inc. on Aug. 11. Cormark, which has offices in Toronto and Calgary, provides investment banking, equity research, and institutional sales and trading services. The deal is anticipated to close in the fall, subject to regulatory approvals.
  • The Edmonton Elks added 24-year-old punter Ethan Duane to their roster, the club announced Aug. 11.