Should Edmonton appoint a 'night mayor?' Sohi and council are considering it
Calls to designate a "night mayor" in the Alberta capital are growing.
Some local business leaders want a city employee or councillor to be available on evenings and weekends to take calls from companies that make most of their money after 5 p.m.
"There is a lot of unbridled potential of having that type of an advocate in place and really kind of harnessing the nighttime economy," said Tyson Boyd from Starlite Room.
His downtown music venue has had a tough time during the pandemic and said the extra support would help.
"If we don’t have a strong fall or any type of support coming ahead…You know things look rather bleak," Boyd said.
The Old Strathcona Business Association is also on board with the idea.
"It’s just that recognition that this is an important industry," executive director Cherie Klassen said.
She believes some bars, restaurants, hotels and taxi companies feel like an after-thought when it comes to support from the city.
"Maybe just an organizer needs a question answered related to something that the city can help with (for example), but if it’s after 5 o’clock, that doesn’t exist," she explained.
So councillors have asked city staff to figure out the best way to support the evening economy, including appointing a dedicated “night mayor.”
The "day mayor" is cool with it.
"Our goal is to become such a thriving place in Edmonton and we need to empower people to create those kinds of opportunities during nighttime," Mayor Amarjeet Sohi said.
Advocates believe the support is needed urgently for small music venues as Edmonton is set to host the Juno Awards in March.
"I’m frankly really nervous about how many off-site venues we even have to host music events in anymore," said Puneeta McBryan with the Downtown Business Association.
Edmonton's Executive Committee is recommending that council order a study on a "night mayor" and other support for late-night businesses. The costs are not yet known.
With files from CTV News Edmonton's Jeremy Thompson
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Freedom Convoy-affiliated group being evicted from Ottawa church
The owner of a historic church in Ottawa's Lowertown neighbourhood is evicting a group with ties to the 'Freedom Convoy' occupation planning to purchase the property this fall, in an apparent dispute over unpaid rent for the facility.
Vatican shelves sexual assault probe into Cardinal Marc Ouellet
There is not enough evidence to open a formal church investigation into sexual assault allegations against a prominent Quebec cardinal, Pope Francis declared Thursday. Cardinal Marc Ouellet, an adviser to the Pope, has been accused of sexual misconduct in a class-action lawsuit filed earlier this week in Quebec Superior Court.
Apple warns of security flaw for iPhones, iPads and Macs
Apple disclosed serious security vulnerabilities for iPhones, iPads and Macs that could potentially allow attackers to take complete control of these devices.
Survival 'the only concern' as Canadian tenants struggle to pay rent
As rent prices rise, CTVNews.ca heard from a number of Canadians struggling to afford their homes. The surge in rent prices over the last few months has forced many to cut back on spending, with some having to relocate or move in with their parents.
Wolf found dead, another still missing after apparent break-in at Vancouver zoo
One of the wolves that were released during an apparent break-in at the Greater Vancouver Zoo this week has been found dead, and another remains on the loose.
Ontario ICU closed for a month has no date set to reopen
A month after an Ontario intensive care unit temporarily closed due to a “significant staff shortage,” the hospital has no timeline for when the ICU will re-open its doors.
Study finds 3 drugs, including ivermectin, did not prevent COVID hospitalization, death
A new study has found that three drugs, including the antiparasitic ivermectin, had no significant effects in treating low oxygen levels or preventing ER visits, hospitalization or death due to COVID-19.
What you can do to help mitigate shortages of fever and pain relievers
Pharmacists and health care professionals are asking the public to only buy what they need and to be up to date on all their essential immunization shots to help with Tylenol, Advil shortages.
Ontario releases plan to stabilize health-care system amid bed and staffing shortages
The next phase of Ontario's 'Plan to Stay Open' involves transferring of seniors from hospital to alternative long-term care homes, the hiring of thousands of health-care workers and a pledge to reduce surgical backlog.
Calgary
-
Cyclist struck by vehicle in northwest
A cyclist was transported to hospital Thursday night after being struck by a vehicle.
-
Suspect sought after deadly early morning shooting in Evergreen
Calgary police are investigating a shooting in the community of Evergreen that left one person dead and another fighting for their life.
-
3 store employees hurt after truck crashes into Calgary Co-op
Roads are closed around the midtown Co-op after a stolen transport truck crashed into the west side of the store Thursday afternoon, injuring three people.
Saskatoon
-
Province removes teachers named in sexual abuse allegations
The Saskatchewan NDP called on the province to remove teachers named in a multi-million dollar class action lawsuit alleging incidents of physical and verbal abuse against students by staff at the Legacy Christian Academy.
-
Langham fire chief tells town to end agreement with City of Saskatoon for emergency assistance
Langham’s fire chief is advising his town council to sever ties with the City of Saskatoon when it comes to emergency services.
-
Saskatoon police arrest two men after shooting in Mount Royal area
Saskatoon Police Service (SPS) is investigating a shooting in the Mount Royal neighbourhood Thursday morning.
Regina
-
Regina emergency crews rescue injured person from rail car
An injured person had to be rescued from inside a rail car in the Regina area on Thursday, according to Regina Fire and Protective Services.
-
Sask. on track for record-breaking drug overdose deaths in 2022
Saskatchewan drug overdose deaths are on the rise again this year.
-
Riders' Plaza of Honour inductees arrive for Friday's special halftime ceremony
Weston Dressler, Mike McCullough, and Ken Miller will be inducted into the 2022 Saskatchewan Roughriders’ Plaza of Honour during a halftime ceremony at the Aug. 19 home game.
Atlantic
-
Saint John police continue to seek answers in homicide investigation
Police say three unidentified masked men with dark clothing forced their way into an apartment where 39-year-old Justin David Breau was stabbed. The suspects ran away towards Garden Street before police arrived.
-
Nova Scotia mother with ALS uses eye-tracking technology to write her life story
Angela Parker-Brown may be unable to speak but that hasn't stopped her from using her voice. The mother from Truro, N.S., who is unable to speak due to ALS, recently published a memoir using technology that tracks her eye movements to form words and sentences.
-
City stepping up security at Halifax Public Gardens after dozens of trees damaged
The historic Public Gardens in Halifax will soon have some new features never seen before in its more than 150-year history – extra security.
Toronto
-
This is where home prices are holding steady or still going up in Ontario
House prices in sought-after areas in Ontario continue to hold steady and even increase, according to a new report.
-
Ontario releases plan to stabilize health-care system amid bed and staffing shortages
The next phase of Ontario's 'Plan to Stay Open' involves transferring of seniors from hospital to alternative long-term care homes, the hiring of thousands of health-care workers and a pledge to reduce surgical backlog.
-
Boy, 2, dead after being struck by vehicle in Mimico
A two-year-old boy has died after being struck by the driver of a vehicle in Mimico.
Montreal
-
This Afghan student escaped the Taliban regime to study in Montreal
Last year, Arzou Lashkari was ready to fly to Canada and start a new chapter of life at Concordia University. But her dream was crushed when the Taliban took control of her country, forcing her to stay home.
-
2 dead in Laurentians in presumed domestic violence, children in youth protection
A case of alleged domestic violence has left two people dead and one injured late Wednesday night in a residential town in the Laurentians. Police discovered the body of a woman in her 30s, and 42-year-old man in a car in critical condition, who later died
-
Vatican shelves sexual assault probe into Cardinal Marc Ouellet
There is not enough evidence to open a formal church investigation into sexual assault allegations against a prominent Quebec cardinal, Pope Francis declared Thursday. Cardinal Marc Ouellet, an adviser to the Pope, has been accused of sexual misconduct in a class-action lawsuit filed earlier this week in Quebec Superior Court.
Ottawa
-
Freedom Convoy-affiliated group being evicted from Ottawa church
The owner of a historic church in Ottawa's Lowertown neighbourhood is evicting a group with ties to the 'Freedom Convoy' occupation planning to purchase the property this fall, in an apparent dispute over unpaid rent for the facility.
-
Canada Post halts mail delivery in rural Ottawa because mailboxes are too short
Canada Post says it will no longer deliver mail to homes on Constance Lake Road near Dunrobin because the mailboxes are too short.
-
Ottawa asks for funding for 42 new paramedics to address hospital offload delays
Mayor Jim Watson has sent a letter to Premier Doug Ford and Health Minister Sylvia Jones requesting funding for new paramedics, and asking Ontario to recognize offload delays in hospital emergency departments as a "public safety risk."
Kitchener
-
Region approves first-ever sanctioned encampment site
The Region of Waterloo council approved a series of measures on Thursday to help ease the growing homelessness crisis, including a first-ever decision to permit an encampment.
-
Seniors worry proposed legislation will separate them from loved ones
The Ontario government’s solution for healthcare at long-term care homes is raising some concerns locally.
-
Clinton man charged with counselling to commit murder
A 75-year-old from Clinton has been charged after reports the individual was soliciting assistance in committing murder.
Northern Ontario
-
Ramsey Lake residents concerned by nearby encampment
Many homeless encampments are springing up around Sudbury.
-
Sault Ste. Marie council approves Mill Market move
The relocation of Sault Ste. Marie’s Mill Market has received final approval from city council. In an 8-3 vote, council accepted a recommendation from administration to accept a tender of over $2.9 million.
-
Driver charged with towing unsafe load walks home: OPP
A driver near Orangeville had to leave his truck and walk home after police said he was stopped for towing an unsafe load.
Winnipeg
-
Manitoba to welcome influx of Afghan refugees
Manitoba is getting ready to welcome an influx of Afghan refugees.
-
What Manitoba's minimum wage will be increasing to this fall
Manitoba's minimum wage is going up this fall. This increase will leave Manitoba with the second-lowest minimum wage in the country, according to the Retail Council of Canada – followed by Saskatchewan's expected increase to $13 per hour.
-
'We'll have more coming': Premier considers rebate cheques to help with inflation
Manitobans could be receiving more rebate cheques from the provincial government to help deal with rising inflation costs.
Vancouver
-
Sustained high heat has B.C. official urging public to 'preserve the ambulances'
The province's top ambulance officer is urging British Columbians to take extra care to avoid turning to emergency health services unless they actually need that level of care, amid fears the medical system may not be able to keep up.
-
Wolf found dead, another still missing after apparent break-in at Vancouver zoo
One of the wolves that were released during an apparent break-in at the Greater Vancouver Zoo this week has been found dead, and another remains on the loose.
-
What to expect when the Fair at the PNE returns this weekend
The long-awaited Fair at the PNE is opening Saturday after being scaled down during the pandemic. Here's what to expect.
Vancouver Island
-
'They're going to end up dead like my brother is': Victoria man's death blamed on toxic drug additive
Chris Schwede was found dead Thursday morning in his tent on Victoria's Pandora Avenue. Inside his tent was a blue-tinted form of crack cocaine that first appeared in the city on Wednesday, according to local outreach services.
-
'Major milestone': Harbour Air completes another electric seaplane test flight
B.C. company Harbour Air says it has completed its first point-to-point test flight with its electric seaplane, nicknamed the "e-Beaver."
-
Cliff jumper suffers serious injuries in plunge at Comox Lake
A 20-year-old man was airlifted to hospital Tuesday after he suffered serious injuries while cliff jumping at Comox Lake, near Cumberland, B.C. Firefighters and paramedics were called to a spot known as Devil's Ladder, a 30-metre rock face that has long attracted adventure-seekers.