The Pulse
Sept. 25, 2026

This week's roundup of calls for public engagement includes an opportunity to shape CKUA's centenary celebrations, a survey about neighbourhood renewal in Parkview, and applications for advisory boards in Fort Saskatchewan.

As the country's first educational and public broadcaster prepares for its 100th anniversary on Nov. 21, 2027, CKUA is asking its audience how it should celebrate. A survey is open until Sept. 25.

CKUA said it is exploring ways that the centenary could leave a lasting legacy. Options include a centenary album, an ongoing prize or award for artists, or initiatives to support emerging artists.

It seems the broadcaster is also considering in-person birthday celebrations in Alberta's two largest cities as well as community events across the province, echoing back to the Touch the Transmitter series that the station launched in 1997 after funding cuts and turmoil forced it off the air for five weeks before listeners rallied to save it.

CKUA is gauging interest in limited-edition merch, a showcase of stories from its archives, and live concerts. The organization also asks if it should prioritize collaborations with musicians, artists, festivals, local businesses, and arts organizations.

The station aims to raise $18 million by December 2027 through The Centenary Club campaign. CKUA is also accepting applications until Nov. 16 to join its board of directors.

CKUA faced a severe financial emergency in 2024 after a "perfect storm" of pressures threatened the station's future. The station raised the $3 million needed to keep it on air, including $1 million in a "do-or-die" campaign and a $10.9-million investment from PrairiesCan. The station also said it found efficiencies in capital costs and negotiated with its lender to defer debt payments.

• Increased infill construction in Edmonton has highlighted ongoing safety concerns, including improper excavation practices, lack of fall protection, and asbestos management. Alberta Occupational Health and Safety conducted 433 proactive inspections at Edmonton residential sites over the past two years, with fall protection, excavation safety and hazardous materials among the top enforcement concerns. Despite existing regulations, violations persist, underscoring the need for strict enforcement to prevent fatalities. University of Alberta engineering professor Renato Macciotta said excavation collapses can also damage neighbouring foundations, basements and roads, underscoring the need for proper shoring and other safety measures.
• The City of Edmonton will begin yard waste collection every Monday from Sept. 28 to Nov. 23. Residents are encouraged to use see-through plastic or double-ply paper bags, with no limit on the number of bags they put out. Residents can check collection dates online or through the WasteWise App. Yard waste from contractors is also eligible for collection. However, elm tree waste will not be collected due to the risk of spreading Dutch elm disease. Elm-related waste should be burned or taken to the Edmonton Waste Management Centre. Residents can drop off yard waste for free at Eco Stations.
• Edmonton Valley Zoo announced the death of Scarp, a beloved 25-year-old three-banded armadillo, after a "long and meaningful life." Known for his appearances in educational programs and events at the zoo, Scarp brought joy to countless visitors. Native to South America, three-banded armadillos are unique for their ability to curl into a perfect ball.
• A man experiencing homelessness who is suing the Edmonton Police Service over a 2024 encampment cleanup is facing an application requiring him to pay $8,400 in security for costs. Dwayne Cardinal alleges officers used excessive force during his arrest, including deploying a Taser, kicking him and dragging him to a police vehicle. The police service argues Cardinal is unlikely to have assets to cover its legal costs if he loses, citing his monthly income support of less than $600. The allegations have not been tested in court, and EPS is also seeking to have Cardinal's Charter claims struck from the lawsuit. Both applications are scheduled to be heard Oct. 14 at the Edmonton Court of King's Bench.
• Alberta municipalities are calling on the province to dedicate a share of its budget surpluses to critical infrastructure. The resolution was passed at the Alberta Municipalities annual convention in Edmonton, where delegates called for a funding framework based on project need and readiness. The association proposed allocating 10% of this year's projected $2-billion surplus to roads, bridges, water systems, transit and emergency facilities. Premier Danielle Smith said she is open to proposals for using one-time revenue on one-time projects.

On this day in 1989, Edmonton's Brick Men pro soccer team had its playoff hopes dashed in Vancouver.

The Brick Men were the third professional soccer team to call Edmonton home during the 1980s. The first, and probably best known, were the Drillers. Owned by Oilers owner Peter Pocklington, the team played from 1979 to 1982. Then came the Edmonton Eagles, which actually won the Canadian Professional Soccer League championship in 1983. And they never relinquished that title, as the league folded the day after the final game.

In 1985, Pocklington took another shot at running a pro soccer team in the city, forming the Edmonton Brick Men. The name didn't come from the city's history of brickmaking in the river valley. Rather, the team was named after its corporate sponsor, The Brick.

During their first year, the Brick Men didn't play in a league. They did take part in the Western Soccer Alliance's challenge series, which saw teams from Canada, the U.S., and Europe face off against both Canada's national team and the Brick Men. Edmonton had a solid showing during the series, with four wins, three draws, and a single loss to Scotland's Dundee FC. When the WSA started a full season the next year, Edmonton joined the league, playing out of John Ducey Park and Clarke Stadium. In their first full season, they came last of seven teams.

They jumped to the newly formed Canadian Soccer League in 1987, with a slightly better 7-7-6 showing before being knocked out of the first round of the playoffs by Vancouver. 1988 was a dismal year for the team, which won only four of 28 games.

After another playoff elimination by Vancouver the next year, the Brick Men played their final season in 1990, when they failed to make the playoffs. By then, interest in the team had withered, and attendance numbers were falling. The team was disbanded.

The Brick Men never saw the success of some of Edmonton's more storied sports teams. But that doesn't mean it didn't leave a legacy. Several well-known names in soccer played for the Brick Men early in their careers. These include Canadian Soccer Hall of Fame inductee Paul Dolan, English player and well-known soccer commentator Ray Hudson, and most notably Justin Fashanu, the soccer star who later became the first openly gay pro player.

Edmonton would see several more attempts at a pro soccer team after the Brick Men, including FC Edmonton, which folded in 2022. In recent years, interest among young players has grown significantly. In August, youth coach Marni Devlin Moses started gathering signatures to bring a pro franchise back to the city with the women's Northern Super League.

This clipping was found on Vintage Edmonton, a daily look at Edmonton's history from armchair archivist Rev Recluse of Vintage Edmonton.

Here are some events happening this weekend in the Edmonton area.

• Sept. 25: Building Adaptation Skills for the Changing Climate starting at 5pm at Edmonton Public Library (Stanley A. Milner)
• Sept. 25: Critical Mass: Remember Dr. Markland starting at 6pm at Constable Ezio Faraone Park
• Sept. 25: Love Pro Wrestling 52: Love's Shack starting at 7pm at The Rec Room (South Common)
• Sept. 25-27: AsiaFest at Currents of Windermere
• Sept. 25-27: Play the Fool Festival at Fringe Theatre Arts Barns
• Sept. 25-27: Play the North at Pe Metawe Games
• Sept. 26: Gluten Free Expo starting at 10am at Edmonton Convention Centre
• Sept. 26: Harcourt House Party Fundraiser starting at 4pm at CO*LAB
• Sept. 26: Hamilton Tiger-Cats vs. Edmonton Elks starting at 5pm at Commonwealth Stadium
• Sept. 27: Book Launch with Alice Major starting at 2pm at Audreys Books

And here are some upcoming events to keep in mind:

• Oct. 7-10: Canadian Finals Rodeo at Rogers Place
• Oct. 17: Edmonton Short Film Festival: Red Carpet Gala at Landmark Cinemas 9 (Edmonton City Centre)
• Oct. 14-18: LitFest at various locations

Visit the Taproot Edmonton Calendar for many more events in the Edmonton region.

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