Reg Rygus
Construction of the Critical Medicines Production Centre (CMPC) in the Edmonton Research Park is well underway. The exterior shell is almost complete and equipment installation is anticipated to be completed by the end of the year, and full operations to commence in 2026.
When opened the CMPC will position the city as a leading hub for life sciences in Canada. In addition to end-to-end drug development the new centre will also provide infrastructure for researchers and companies to bring new therapies to market.
In January, the historic Annamoe Mansions were sold. Late April 1 notice of a drastic rate hike was posted on the doors of all 25 units. Many of the residents have lived in the apartment for years and dealt with incremental rent increases during that time, but the notice on their doors informed them this was different. The rent increase was so big that many of these residents on fixed incomes think they'll have to move. One resident said the rent hike feels like an indirect eviction notice.
The company which posted the rent notices, ARH Rentals, said the aim is to improve many aspects of the aged building and rising costs of labour, materials, energy, and operations make the rent increases necessary.
Under Alberta law landlords can increase rent once a year for periodic leases and there is no cap on the amount they can increase it by.
Support for the federal NDP may be waning elsewhere, but party leader Jagmeet Singh thinks the NDP can be the winning ballot in a number of Edmonton ridings. Singh bases his hope of painting Edmonton NDP orange on the strong following of the NDP in the provincial election and the strong candidates that will be running in Edmonton ridings.
The city's current parking meters are going to be removed beginning April 14th, but that doesn't mean free parking. The current parking meters will be replaced by a mobile-based parking payment system. The new system will be phased in over the next few months and by July 31, 2025, on-street paid parking and city parkades will only accept payments through the new HotSpot system.
Below is a list of all Edmonton ridings and the candidates that are vying for those Member of Parliament seats in the April 28th election.
- This morning, at 9:30 am, there will be a meeting of the Community and Public Services Committee. The agenda includes a report on a transition strategy for housing, shelter operations, mental health supports, and addiction treatment services currently funded by the City but that Council believes are under the jurisdiction of the Government of Alberta. The plan aims to shift financial and operational responsibility to the Province while ensuring continuity of services. Later today, at 1:30 pm, there will be a meeting of the Special Executive Committee. The Committee will discuss minor changes to the City’s Public Engagement Policy, designating the Stewart Residence as a Municipal Historic Resource, and whether or not to reinstate the Development Incentive Program. Also on the agenda is the Community Revitalization Levy. If the meeting does not conclude on time, it will continue on Wednesday at 9:30 am.
- On Tuesday, the Agenda Review Committee will meet at 8:30 am, and the Urban Planning Committee will meet at 9:30 am. At the latter meeting, the Committee will discuss regulating sleeping arrangements at shelters.
- Edmonton will remove all EPark payment machines starting April 14th, transitioning to a fully mobile-based parking system by July 31st. Drivers will need to use the HotSpot app, website, or phone service to pay for parking, with QR codes posted at parking locations for convenience. The change comes as the City's contract with Precise ParkLink expires, and replacing outdated machines would cost $2.8 million. The transition will occur in phases, with downtown and City parkades among the last locations to switch. The City is also eliminating two-hour time limits in on-street EPark zones during certain hours to accommodate longer visits.
Can you believe it’s the end of March already? We don't often explicitly ask for donations in these emails, but as we approach the end of the month, we need your help to reach our $20,000 fundraising goal. With the election heating up, your contribution will ensure we can keep advocating for Alberta, no matter the outcome. If you appreciate our efforts, please consider donating today. Thank you for your support!
Alberta plans to invest $100 million over three years in collegiate and dual-credit programs to enhance career education. This funding will include $21 million for school boards to upgrade learning spaces, such as science labs and workshops, and $4.6 million for new or improved dual-credit programs in the 2025-2026 school year. Dual-credit programs allow high school students to earn both high school and post-secondary credits, while collegiate programs offer specialized career pathways in partnership with post-secondary institutions.
The Province is preparing to regulate online gambling by opening the market to private companies like Bet365 through the proposed iGaming Alberta Act. This legislation aims to create a new Crown corporation to oversee the market and bring more players into a legal system while offering consumer protections. The goal is to prevent gambling revenue from going to offshore sites, like those in the "grey" market, and ensure safer gambling practices.
Lorne Gunter thinks that Trump and lump (the NDP's) are playing into the LIberal's hand and are the prime reason for their surging popularity.
Check out the latest issue of the Boyle McCauley news to read about what makes the Boyle McCauley a vibrant area of our city.
- There is just one meeting at City Hall this week - a meeting of the Agenda Review Committee at 8:30 am on Tuesday. The Committee will set the agenda for the April 8th meeting of City Council and the April 11th Non-Regular Audit Committee Meeting.
- Mayor Amarjeet Sohi will take an unpaid leave of absence to run as the Liberal Party candidate in Edmonton Southeast for the upcoming federal election. If elected, he will resign as Mayor, while if unsuccessful, he will return to serve out the remainder of his term. Councillor Tim Cartmell criticized Sohi’s decision, arguing it creates uncertainty for the City’s leadership. Prime Minister Mark Carney strongly endorsed Sohi, highlighting his past experience as a Liberal cabinet minister. Sohi framed his candidacy as a necessary response to US President Donald Trump’s trade policies, pledging to fight for Canada’s sovereignty, economy, and workers.
- Residents of the Garneau neighbourhood are pushing back against a proposed four-storey apartment building in a historic block, arguing it disrupts the area’s character. The developer seeks to increase height limits and add up to 15 small apartments with a potential business on the ground floor, sparking concerns over heritage preservation. Opponents note that Garneau is already one of Edmonton’s densest neighbourhoods and are advocating for maintaining smaller homes in historic areas. City Council is considering a compromise, reducing the proposed height limit to 12 metres instead of 16. While some argue the project would address housing demand near the University of Alberta, others worry about rapid zoning changes and potential speculation. Council will revisit the revised proposal next month.
- The province is disputing claims that it plans to "claw back" the Canada Disability Benefit (CDB) from AISH recipients, asserting that Alberta’s AISH program provides the highest disability benefit rate in Canada. Critics argue that Alberta is the only province that has implemented this policy. The provincial government maintains that AISH recipients still receive more than other provinces, with AISH's core rate being significantly higher. While the CDB will be treated as non-exempt income, the government assures that AISH recipients will continue to receive the same overall support.
- Alberta is investing $800 million over eight years in a new partnership to advance cancer care through research, equipment upgrades, and artificial intelligence. The Cancer Innovation Value Partnership aims to enhance early detection, reduce wait times, and improve treatment outcomes. Key initiatives include two centers of excellence, AI-driven treatment units, and the replacement of aging equipment. The project also includes a $168 million investment in diagnostic imaging and a research fund to attract global talent.
- Alberta's 2025 budget includes a $10 million allocation to support the Aboriginal Business Investment Fund (ABIF), which helps community-owned Indigenous businesses improve infrastructure and create jobs. Since its launch in 2014, the program has provided over $58 million in capital grants to more than 105 businesses, generating nearly 1,000 jobs. ABIF funding was doubled between 2022 and 2024, resulting in a record number of grants. Successful projects include Bear Hills Casino, which expanded its facilities, and an eco-tourism venture by the Alexis Nakota Sioux Nation. The initiative aims to promote economic reconciliation and foster sustainable development within Indigenous communities.