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Headlines: Aug. 20, 2025

· The Pulse
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  • Edmonton city council voted unanimously to move forward with updating the North Saskatchewan River Valley management plan, despite public concerns raised on Aug. 19. Critics, including the Edmonton River Valley Conservation Coalition and the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society, argued the proposed plan weakens environmental protections by using "should" instead of "shall," and reduces council oversight on developments under 10,000 square metres. Mayor Amarjeet Sohi said using the word "shall" would be too restrictive, aiming to balance protection with public enjoyment. Indigenous groups also raised concerns about consultation processes.
  • The Alberta government announced that Edmonton's Navigation and Support Centre will relocate from the Hope Mission Karis Centre downtown to a larger, more accessible site in the McCauley neighbourhood, near 105A Avenue and 96 Street. Operated by Hope Mission, the centre connects individuals with housing, income, and addiction services. Tim Pasma of Hope Mission expects the move will serve more people and enhance care quality. Since January 2024, the centre has assisted more than 7,780 people.
  • Edmonton city council denied one infill rezoning application while approving another on Aug. 19, Postmedia reported. Council rejected an application in a mature neighbourhood, facing frustration from Belgravia residents, who raised concerns over property values and large developments. Mayor Amarjeet Sohi said the decision honoured community trust regarding gentle density. Conversely, councillors approved rezoning a 16-metre by 40-metre corner lot at 75 Avenue and 116 Street from RS to RSM, which encountered significantly less public opposition.
  • Edmonton city council updated its pet bylaw, marking the first revisions in 20 years. The updated regulations include new rules concerning animal welfare, dog attacks, and feral cats, aiming to enhance public safety and animal care within the city.
  • The Edmonton Police Service charged three people after a woman chained herself to a structure at the Edmonton Valley Zoo. The protest was conducted to object to the captivity of Lucy, the elephant at the zoo.
  • Former Paths for People Chair Shannon Lohner argued in an opinion piece for Postmedia that Edmonton city council is locking taxpayers into decades of expensive maintenance by approving the 76 Avenue Bridge replacement in Mill Creek Ravine. Lohner, a University of Alberta urban planning student, wrote that councillors ignored advocates' calls for transparency, traffic data, and cost-saving alternatives. With an election approaching, Lohner argued that councillors should show fiscal responsibility by cancelling costly projects rather than just pursuing new ones.
  • Alberta cemeteries are adapting to serve communities amid rising inflation, limited space, and increased cremation preferences, CBC reported. Lacombe will expand its cemetery in September 2025, adding cremation plots and a scattering garden. Edmonton recorded 5,397 cremations and 1,852 burials in 2024, with cremation delaying a "crisis" in cemetery lands. The Edmonton Chevra Kadisha, overseeing Jewish cemeteries, faces near-capacity issues as its faith prohibits cremation. Cemetery plot prices are rising, although Lacombe and Slave Lake remain more affordable than Edmonton and Calgary.
  • The Edmonton Oilers will release single game tickets for the 2025-2026 NHL season on Aug. 28 at 10am via EdmontonOilers.com/Tickets. The season begins with a Battle of Alberta home opener against the Calgary Flames on Oct. 8.
  • Alberta Premier Danielle Smith's government is again shifting its expense disclosure policy following widespread criticism. The province initially removed the requirement for Smith, her ministers, and senior staff to publicly post receipts more than $100. Finance Minister Nate Horner's office confirmed that the previous policy would be reinstated, but with accommodation locations redacted for security reasons. Critics, including the Canadian Taxpayers Federation and the Opposition NDP, accused the initial change of attempting to hide government spending.
  • The Alberta government will cover the cost of COVID-19 vaccinations for healthcare workers, reversing a policy announced two months earlier that would have required most Albertans to pay. The decision follows criticism from public health experts and unions who deemed it irresponsible to charge front-line workers for workplace protection. Premier Danielle Smith said the new policy aims to prevent wastage, citing $135 million spent on unused doses. The province will also cover shots for immunocompromised individuals, people on social programs, and seniors in congregate settings, while other Albertans may pay an estimated $110 per shot.
  • The Edmonton Elks have signed American wide receiver OJ Hiliare. Hiliare, 24, joins the team after his release from the Hamilton Tiger-Cats following its 2025 CFL training camp.