Taproot Edmonton Logo

Headlines: Aug. 15, 2025

· The Pulse
By
Comments
  • Edmonton city council's executive committee recommended a new student housing incentive program, aiming to create 500 affordable units over more than four years in the city's core, especially near MacEwan University and NorQuest College. This first-of-its-kind Canadian initiative offers eligible developers up to $30,000 per new unit using federal funds. The program addresses a severe housing shortage for Edmonton's rapidly growing student population. While encouraging, concerns persist about the units' affordability. The plan still needs final approval from city council.
  • Edmonton's emergency services are urging drivers to take caution by following "look, move, and stop" protocols when encountering emergency vehicles. This plea from the Edmonton Police Service, EMS, and the Alberta Motor Association, follows numerous close calls for first responders and tow truck operators. Drivers should exercise extra caution on major Edmonton roads like the QEII, Whitemud Drive, and Yellowhead Trail.
  • Alberta Innovates will end its accelerator programming with Plug and Play Alberta and 500 Ecosystems in November 2025. This decision concludes the Scaleup Growth and Accelerator Program pilot, as Alberta Innovates shifts its focus to new scaleup and growth programming designed to support companies across Alberta.
  • The Women's Advisory Voice of Edmonton (WAVE) is raising the alarm about harassment and discrimination faced by municipal election candidates. "We strongly oppose and condemn violence in all its forms," the group said, adding it has received reports of discrimination both online and on the campaign trail.
  • Some downtown Edmonton business owners are criticizing city plans to implement a dedicated transit lane on 101 Street by the end of 2025. They argue that removing street parking during weekday daytime hours will severely impact their businesses, citing a lack of public parking. While supporting rush hour restrictions, they feel their broader concerns are unheard. Coun. Anne Stevenson said the project will undergo a six-month review, and the City of Edmonton has adjusted parking on 108 Avenue and changed the transit lane's operational hours to end at 6pm.
  • Edmonton Police Service Const. Mohamed Elgendy was charged with assault on Aug. 14, following a 2024 traffic stop where a 52-year-old man sustained minor injuries during a physical struggle. A police service Professional Standards Branch investigation and a recommendation from the Alberta Crown Prosecution Service led to the charges. Elgendy, who has under three years of service, has been placed in a non-operational role.
  • The Health Sciences Association of Alberta (HSAA) and the Alberta government reached a tentative new labour deal on Aug. 14, following 1.5 years of bargaining. The agreement, covering more than 22,000 health professionals including paramedics and social workers, features a 12% base wage increase and market adjustments for approximately 19% of members.
  • A team is shepherding young peregrine falcons that are born on Edmonton rooftops to help them survive in the Alberta wild. This initiative aims to transition the urban-born birds into a natural habitat.
  • Court of King's Bench Justice Colin Feasby ruled that he will proceed with a review of the constitutional validity of a proposed Alberta referendum question on separating from Canada. The question, submitted by Mitch Sylvestre of the Alberta Prosperity Project, was referred by Chief Electoral Officer Gordon McClure. Feasby rejected arguments to quash the referral, emphasizing the importance of judicial scrutiny for democracy. The next hearing in Edmonton is set for November, with a ruling expected by the end of 2025.
  • The Canadian Civil Liberties Association is reiterating its criticism of a ministerial order by Alberta's Minister of Education and Childcare, for a ban on books with "explicit sexual content" and the restriction of books with "non-explicit sexual content" in school libraries for students below Grade 10. The association called the order censorship, arguing it could ban classics like 1984. The minister said the association mischaracterized the order, but in an Aug. 14 letter it argued that sweeping bans hinder critical thinking and access to diverse ideas for students across Alberta.
  • The Alberta Next panel, led by Premier Danielle Smith and 15 others, returned to Edmonton on Aug. 14 for its third summer town hall. The panel is collecting public feedback on Alberta's grievances with Ottawa and is brainstorming potential referendum questions, including withdrawing from the Canada Pension Plan and establishing a provincial police force. Previous events in Red Deer and Edmonton generated mixed reactions. The panel also faced criticism for initially biased online survey questions.