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$50,000 reward for information on missing woman | CTV News Edmonton at 11:30 for March 6, 2026
Summary
Westmount shopping center in Edmonton is undergoing a multi-million dollar renovation aimed at modernizing the space, which has seen a decline in occupancy. The project will introduce new amenities, including a food court and daycare, while maintaining operations for major tenants during construction. Local officials believe this transformation will enhance the area's appeal amidst ongoing redevelopment efforts.
Alberta's Premier, Danielle Smith, supports the cessation of the biannual time change, citing health benefits from increased evening sunlight. Rising oil prices, now exceeding $90 per barrel, could significantly impact Alberta's budget, with projections indicating a $9.4 billion deficit for the upcoming fiscal year. Economists warn that sustained high prices are necessary for meaningful fiscal improvement.
The family of Shelley Ann Backsu is offering a $50,000 reward for information regarding her disappearance in 1983, hoping to find closure after 43 years. Despite the financial incentive, concerns exist about community trust and the potential reluctance of witnesses to come forward.
Kenmore faces a severe housing crisis, with average rents for one-bedroom apartments soaring to approximately $2,659 plus utilities and vacancy rates below 1%. The local government proposes a 0.4% livability tax on empty homes to fund new housing projects, though the effectiveness of this measure remains uncertain.
Perspectives
Community updates reflect ongoing changes and challenges in Edmonton.
Support for Community Initiatives
- Highlight ongoing renovations at Westmount shopping center to modernize and attract new tenants
- Support Premier Smiths stance on stopping the time change for health benefits
- Emphasize the importance of the reward for information on Shelley Ann Backsus case to seek closure
- Propose the livability tax as a solution to Kenmores housing crisis
Concerns and Challenges
- Question the effectiveness of the Westmount renovation in attracting customers amidst changing shopping habits
- Critique the assumption that stopping the time change will improve health without addressing underlying safety issues
- Doubt the impact of the reward on community engagement due to fear and distrust
- Challenge the livability taxs potential to increase housing supply given the high demand for short-term rentals
Neutral / Shared
- Report on the rising oil prices and their implications for Albertas budget
- Mention Gavin Weisss dual focus on modeling and football as a unique opportunity
Metrics
revenue
multi-million dollar project USD
total investment in renovation
A significant investment indicates confidence in the mall's future viability.
Westmount shopping center will soon be transformed through a multi-million dollar project
duration
up to two years months
expected construction timeline
A lengthy construction period may impact current tenants and customer traffic.
Construction starts next month and is expected to take up to two years.
new_features
a daycare instead of reviving the long-closed movie theater
new offerings in the renovated mall
The choice of a daycare reflects a shift in community needs and priorities.
Instead of a theater, a daycare is coming to a new two-story section.
deficit
9.4 billion USD
next year's projected budget deficit
A significant deficit could impact public services and investments.
next year's projected $9.4 billion deficit
oil_price
90 USD
current price of oil
Higher oil prices can affect the provincial budget and economy.
The price of oil is on the rise surpassing $90 US of barrel.
pedestrian_crashes
more serious pedestrian crashes between 3 and 7 p.m.
timing of pedestrian crashes
Increased crashes during these hours highlight safety concerns.
Both Edmonton police and RCMP data show there are more serious pedestrian crashes between 3 and 7 p.m.
reward
$50,000 USD
reward for information about Shelley Ann Backsu's disappearance
This financial incentive aims to encourage individuals to provide crucial information.
$50,000 reward for anyone with new information about what happened to her.
median_price_short_term_rental
$950,000 USD
median price to buy a short-term rental home
High prices for short-term rentals limit affordable housing options.
the median price to buy a short term rental home in Kenmore is $950,000
Key entities
Timeline highlights
00:00–05:00
Westmount shopping center in Edmonton is set for a multi-million dollar renovation aimed at modernizing the space, which has been largely vacant since Dollarama's exit. The project will include a new food court, a daycare, and will maintain operations for major tenants during construction.
- Westmount shopping center, Edmontons oldest mall, is undergoing a multi-million dollar renovation to modernize the space, which has been largely empty since Dollaramas departure. The renovation will include rebuilding the food court into a new breezeway called the porch, while major tenants like Safeway and Scotia Bank will remain operational during construction
- Councillor Aaron Rutherford highlights that the updated mall will complement recent developments in the area, including new below-market housing and a recently opened velodrome and recreation center. A new two-story section of the mall will feature a daycare instead of reviving the long-closed movie theater, reflecting the communitys needs
- Construction is set to begin next month and is expected to take up to two years, indicating a significant commitment to revitalizing the shopping center. In related news, local grocery store chain Loka is closing both its locations next week, ensuring that all employees and suppliers will be compensated fully and on schedule
05:00–10:00
Danielle Smith, the Premier of Alberta, supports stopping the biannual time change, citing health benefits from more sunlight in the evening. Rising oil prices, now above $90 per barrel, could impact Alberta's budget deficit, with projections indicating a $9.4 billion shortfall next year.
- Danielle Smith, the Premier of Alberta, supports stopping the biannual time change, aligning with British Columbias recent decision. A York University biology professor argues that staying on standard time is beneficial for health, as morning sunlight helps synchronize our biological clocks
- Research indicates that pedestrian deaths increase significantly after the switch to standard time, remaining elevated until the return to daylight saving time. Data from Edmonton police and RCMP show that serious pedestrian crashes are more frequent between 3 and 7 p.m., suggesting that the timing of daylight could impact safety
- The price of oil has risen above $90 per barrel due to conflicts in the Middle East, which could affect Albertas budget deficit. Alberta and Ottawa are working on a deal to streamline the approval process for major projects, integrating provincial and federal regulatory processes to enhance efficiency
10:00–15:00
The family of Shelley Ann Backsu is offering a $50,000 reward for information about her disappearance in 1983. They hope that even the smallest detail could provide closure after 43 years.
- The family of Shelley Ann Backsu, a teenager who went missing in 1983, is offering a $50,000 reward for information regarding her disappearance. They hope that even the smallest piece of information could help them find closure after 43 years
15:00–20:00
Kenmore is experiencing a significant housing crisis, with average rents for one-bedroom apartments reaching approximately $2,659 plus utilities and vacancy rates below 1%. The local government is proposing a 0.4% livability tax on empty homes to fund new housing projects.
- Kenmore is facing a housing crunch that is making it difficult for essential workers, including newly recruited doctors, to find affordable housing. The average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Kenmore is around $2,659 plus utilities, with vacancy rates below 1%
- Local realtor Daniel McGuire noted that the demand for short-term rentals, particularly those used as Airbnbs, is exacerbating the housing market issues in Kenmore. Approximately 50% of potential buyers he meets are looking for such properties, contributing to high and steady prices
- Kenmores mayor is addressing the housing crisis by proposing a 0.4% livability tax on homes that remain empty for much of the year. This tax targets out-of-province owners and aims to fund new non-market housing projects to increase supply
- The Edmonton Wildlife Festival is taking place at the Expo Center, showcasing a variety of exotic animals, including pigs, porcupines, sloths, and boa constrictors. This event supports a nonprofit exotic animal rescue that has grown significantly since its inception
- Sled dog racers are inviting the public to attend an event in Red Deer, where 33 teams will showcase their dogs in action. The event will feature various competitions, including sprint sled races and ski-joring, where a racer on skis is pulled by a dog
20:00–25:00
Gavin Weiss, an 18-year-old University of Calgary football player, made his international debut at Milan Fashion Week by walking in the Gucci show. Despite gaining attention, he remains focused on his education and football, valuing support from family and friends.
- Gavin Weiss, an 18-year-old University of Calgary football player, made his international debut at Milan Fashion Week, walking in the Gucci show. He felt nervous but was encouraged to embody a character while on the runway
- Weiss gained attention after being featured on Guccis Instagram page, which has over 51 million followers. Despite this fame, he remains focused on his education and football, stating he doesnt crave fame
- His family and friends have shown immense support for his achievements, viewing modeling as a beneficial opportunity to help pay for his schooling. Head coach Ryan Cheyenne expressed happiness for Weiss, emphasizing the importance of allowing young athletes to pursue opportunities outside of sports
- Weiss was scouted by mode models at the Calgary Stampede when he was just 15 years old. Gucci sought models with an athletic build, which led to Weiss being selected for the show