Articles from Global News

The town of Calmar has begun construction on its first apartment building in 50 years, spurred by an influx of people moving there. This trend is attributed to the province's overall population growth and the high cost of living in areas like Edmonton, which are pushing residents to seek more affordable housing in rural communities. The project highlights the shifting dynamics in residential preferences as people prioritize more economical living options.

In west Edmonton, the commute to school is complicated by ongoing construction projects. Part of 87 Avenue is blocked due to LRT development and 95 Avenue is disrupted for road rehabilitation. These projects make travel difficult for students in the area.

An excavator being transported on a trailer once again collided with the Whitemud Drive overpass in Edmonton, causing disruptions in the busy interchange. This incident mirrors a similar event that occurred over two years ago at the same location. The occurrence underscores ongoing challenges with transporting large construction equipment without impacting infrastructure. Measures may need to be considered to prevent such incidents in the future.

Calgary experienced a 9% decline in home sales this August compared to last year, according to the Calgary Real Estate Board. The high inventory levels in the market are contributing to this drop in the average selling price of homes. Overall, the real estate market in Calgary is facing challenges with decreasing sales and price reductions.

The former CEO of Trans Mountain will lead Ottawa's major projects office, which is established to streamline the approval process for large industrial construction projects. This initiative aims to provide a centralized platform for industries to pitch their project ideas. The office will be based in Calgary, reflecting the region's significant role in Canada's industrial sector. This move also signals Ottawa's emphasis on facilitating large-scale infrastructure developments.

The City of Edmonton has launched a Downtown Student Housing Incentive program, allocating $15 million to support the construction of student housing projects in the downtown area. The initiative aims to address the housing needs of students and encourage the development of suitable living spaces for them. This effort reflects the city's commitment to enhancing its downtown area and supporting the local student population.

A report from Concordia University examines potential policy reforms that could alleviate housing supply issues in major Canadian cities like Calgary, Vancouver, Toronto, and Montreal. It suggests that these reforms might help ease challenges in Calgary's housing market. The study emphasizes the need for strategic policy changes to boost housing availability. This could lead to improvements in the residential building sector in these urban areas.

Residents have expressed concerns about the accessibility issues caused by the construction of the Valley Line West LRT. The construction has created difficulties for those with mobility challenges, such as individuals using walkers, in navigating the neighborhood due to roadblocks. The project has been a significant inconvenience for affected community members.

The Mustard Seed Church in Edmonton, a 113-year-old historic building, is set to be demolished due to structural issues. The church has been closed since October 2024, marking an end to its historical presence in the community. This decision has significant implications for Edmonton's architectural and heritage landscape.

A funnel cloud was observed over Edmonton on Sunday as severe weather hit the area. An apartment building was struck by lightning amidst a slow-moving, low-pressure storm system. The storm prompted warnings and concern for additional severe weather conditions. Fortunately, there were no immediate reports of injuries or significant damage beyond the lightning strike.

The Calgary Inner-City Builders Association highlights a significant increase in appeals against development permits, leading to concerns about project delays. On average, the appeal process takes 68 days to complete, costing about $500 per day of delay. These delays can have a substantial financial impact on construction projects and timelines in the region.

The Low Level southbound bridge in Edmonton is set to undergo rehabilitation, causing traffic disruptions near the downtown area. The bridge, originally constructed in 1949, last received major repairs in 1994. Having reached the end of its maintenance period, the bridge now requires extensive rehabilitation work. Commuters in the area should expect changes and plan accordingly during this construction phase.