The Pulse: May 13, 2026

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.

• 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 the University of Alberta 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 June 1, 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.

• 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 the University of Alberta 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 June 1, 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.

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