Community News Updates from CJSR
368 episodes - English - Latest episode: over 1 year ago -Daily 1-minute community news updates for Edmontonians.
Originally, this project shared news bites about COVID-19 in Edmonton, how it's impacting people in our community, and support services available. A pop-up podcast published every weekday by CJSR 88.5 FM, Edmonton's campus and community radio station.
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Episodes
10 Reasons to Walk for Transportation
October 15, 2021 12:00 - 1 minute - 2.24 MBThere’s a lot of reasons to doff your walking shoes and head out to wherever it is you need to go. Here’s ten: 1. A nearly 5 k walk takes about 45 minutes 2. Walking gives you an emotional boost as it ramps up your endorphins 3. Walking helps to keep you trim, but it’s not the be-all or end all in weight loss. If you are actively seeking to change your bodyshape, it’s best to consult professionals. 4. If you decide to rely on alternative transportation as your m...
Alberta Government October 12 Update for COVID-19
October 13, 2021 12:00 - 1 minute - 1.64 MBVaccine verification app (AB Covid Records Verifier) launched, province projected to spend north of $15million toward latest vaccine incentive, 72% of eligible Albertans are fully vaccinated (compared to 82% Canadians). Source: https://www.alberta.ca/news.aspx Produced by Saveta Cartwright
Contact Tracing Brought Back to Schools
October 12, 2021 06:00 - 55 seconds - 1.28 MBThe Alberta government has reinstated contact tracing for schools in the province. For more information: https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/edmonton/alberta-to-resume-contact-tracing-in-schools-provide-rapid-testing-kits-to-families-1.6200640 Produced by Hannah Cunningham
Campus News : 10/11/21
October 11, 2021 12:00 - 59 seconds - 1.39 MBWith another update released this past Friday, the university released that numbers are down but precautions are on the rise . The university once again reminds you to have your campusready pass on you if you are a student, faculty or staff member with regular pass checking due to start on November 1st. Also noted is that the current number of cases has steadily fallen from 61 at the beginning of September to 11 as of October 2nd, included in these were 59 cases associated with an o...
Restrictions for Restaurants, Cafes, Bars, Pubs and Nightclubs
October 09, 2021 12:00 - 1 minute - 2.02 MBAs of September 20, 2021, restaurants, cafes, bars, pubs and nightclubs must implement the Restrictions Exemption Program, which means they will require proof of vaccination or negative test results, as well as mandatory masking, to continue operating as usual. If they do not implement the restrictions exemption program, then Indoor dining is not permitted. Outdoor dining only with a maximum of 6 people per table (one household or 2 close contacts for those living alone) while the...
COVID-19 Underscores the Need to Address the 'Invisible Pandemic' of Diet-Related Chronic Diseases
October 06, 2021 12:00 - 1 minute - 1.73 MBKim Raine, the primary investigator on Alberta's Nutrition Report Card, says the newly released 2021 report card shows that the pandemic has made it harder for children to eat well, but also suggests that nutrition-focused public health policies can make a positive difference Source: https://www.ualberta.ca/folio/2021/09/covid-19-underscores-need-to-address-invisible-pandemic-of-diet-related-chronic-diseases-researcher.html Produced by Saveta Cartwright.
St. Albert School Moves Online for Two Weeks
October 05, 2021 12:00 - 58 seconds - 1.36 MBUpdates for schools: Wildrose Elementary School in St. Albert moves online for two weeks. Link: https://www.spschools.org/district_operations/covid-19/school_covid_tracker Produced by Hannah Cunningham.
Campus Ready Pass
October 04, 2021 15:08 - 1 minute - 1.57 MBThe University of Alberta has released new proof of vaccination requirements for students, staff, and community members on campus. More information at https://ualberta.ca/covid-19 Produced by Jarret Kamm.
Bike Sidewalk Sale
October 01, 2021 23:31 - 1 minute - 2.38 MBIf you’ve been wondering how to score a bike that can be your reliable ride through-out the year, Bike Edmonton is having an “as-is sidewalk rummage sale” Saturday between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Go check out their outdoor sale in front of their downtown shop, located at 10612 – 105 Avenue. They have a lot of one-off and unusual items that would be gems in the hands of the right person. They have BMXs, vintage cruisers, and a lot of bikes and bike frames that they don't have the capacit...
Canadian Social Survey: COVID-19 and Well-being
September 29, 2021 15:38 - 1 minute - 1.55 MBSince March 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted many aspects of life for Canadians. During the period from April to June 2021, one-quarter of Canadians reported experiencing high levels of stress most days, and nearly half of Canadians considered that their stress levels were worse than prior to the pandemic. This was particularly true among women; those aged 25 to 54; the LGBTQ2+ population; and those living with children. Furthermore, almost one in five Canadians aged 25 to 44...
SOS Crowdsourcing Outbreak Information
September 28, 2021 12:00 - 59 seconds - 1.39 MBAn advocacy group called Support Our Students Alberta (SOS) is crowdsourcing outbreak information in primary and secondary schools, because the province is not sharing outbreak information. Links: https://www.supportourstudents.ca/school-outbreaks.html Produced by Hannah Cunningham.
U of A Weekly Update
September 27, 2021 15:29 - 1 minute - 1.81 MBAlberta’s Chief Medical Officer of Health updated the province’s definition for those who it considers to be fully vaccinated to recognize World Health Organization approved vaccines. This brings welcome news for some international students and employees who may have already received a full set of COVID-19 vaccines outside of Canada. To See a full list of the approved vaccines visit https://www.ualberta.ca/covid-19 If you are now fully vaccinated please update your U of A vaccina...
October 3 Bike School and International Walk to School Week, Oct 3-9
September 24, 2021 12:00 - 1 minute - 2.29 MBThe next Ever Active Schools City Cycling clinic is October 3, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Parkdale Cromdale community league. You’ll learn to ride on Edmonton bicycle infrastructure, meet other cyclists, and have your bike tuned up. To participate contact Ever Active Schools at https://everactive.org/projects/ast/city-cycling-strategies/ Although we’ve all heard how far our parents walked to their school and about the various perils they encountered on the way, there’s been a for...
Albertans Experiencing Increased Anxiety in the Current Pandemic Situation
September 23, 2021 12:00 - 1 minute - 1.46 MBNew data, from the eighth poll collected by Mental Health Research Canada, shows Albertans are reporting higher anxiety than any other province, surpassing Ontario for the first time since the pandemic began. Source: https://www.mhrc.ca/findings-of-poll-8 Produced by Saveta Cartwright.
School Districts Take on Contact Tracing
September 21, 2021 12:00 - 1 minute - 1.43 MBUpdates for students: School districts take on contact tracing. Link: https://calgary.ctvnews.ca/schools-taking-over-calgary-board-assumes-responsibility-for-covid-19-notifications-1.5582382 Produced by Hannah Cunningham.
Cargo Bikes
September 17, 2021 14:05 - 1 minute - 2.15 MBUp your active transportation game by investing in a cargo bike. Not only will you be able to get yourself to the office, the game, or the store, you can also haul other people AND all the things you or they might need. What is a cargo bike you ask? It’s a sturdy bike built for heavy loads and often two or more people. They vary in size and number of wheels, they have a longer wheelbase than regular bikes and have space either in the front or the back for cargo. They’re customizable...
In-Person Classes Cancelled, Public Health Emergency Declared
September 16, 2021 15:26 - 1 minute - 1.59 MBAll in-person classes are cancelled until Monday at the University of Alberta, and the Government of Alberta has declared a public health emergency. With over 18,000 active Covid-19 cases in Alberta and hundreds of Covid-19 patients in intensive care units, the provincial government just announced major new health restrictions. Starting September 20, businesses will have to either ask for proof of vaccination/a negative Covid-19 test, or be subject to new limits on capacity and serv...
Outbreaks in Alberta School Districts
September 14, 2021 12:00 - 59 seconds - 1.38 MBUpdates on outbreaks in Alberta school districts. Source: https://globalnews.ca/news/8177796/alberta-schools-covid-19-outbreaks/ Produced by Hannah Cunningham.
Campus Update
September 13, 2021 12:00 - 1 minute - 1.72 MBAs a new week arrives and a semester begins once again, the University of Alberta has announced a new update to ongoing efforts to mitigate the physical risks with students back on campus. In the most recent update the university details recent issues pertaining to an event held at Beercade in late August that lead to students, some of which fully vaccinated, contracting Covid-19. The university also notes that even with a vaccination rate of 90% the most immediate risks are still th...
Active Transportation in the River Valley
September 10, 2021 18:51 - 1 minute - 2.38 MBWe’re seeing increasingly stormy weather which should not hinder our active transportation, we just need to be clever about it. So, direct from the weather whiz kids.com. When you’re out and about keep one eye on the sky or on your favourite weather app, and you’ll be fine, particularly if you follow these guidelines: Remember: All thunderstorms produce lightning and are dangerous. If you hear the sound of thunder, then you are in danger from lightning. Lightning kills between 75 to...
Alberta’s Monetary Incentives for Covid-19 Vaccinations Not Effective
September 08, 2021 17:40 - 1 minute - 1.78 MBDoctors in Alberta say the answer to increasing vaccine rates is not more incentives, but a vaccine passport or mandate that will restrict those without a first or second dose from visiting certain public places. Source: https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/edmonton/alberta-vaccine-lottery-1.6166369 Produced by Saveta Cartwright.
Changes to Safe Passing Laws for Edmonton
September 03, 2021 22:23 - 1 minute - 2.29 MBCity Council recently created a bylaw to make it mandatory to pass bikes by either a metre on roads with a speed limit of 60 kph or 1.5 metres on roads over 60 kph. This requirement is effective September 30, 2021. While bicycles are considered slow moving vehicles and legally allowed on Edmonton streets, there is always the potential for a close pass, which can make riding scary. Generally, cyclists should ride a metre away from the curb. If there are cars parked along the curb, t...
Greater Mutual Understanding of Teachers and Parents Resulting from Remote Schooling
September 02, 2021 12:00 - 1 minute - 1.83 MBA study funded by Alberta School Councils’ Association found that parents and teachers have greater understanding toward each other when it comes to student’s education and that meeting virtually as the need arises, rather than twice a year, can lead to better education outcomes for the children. Source: https://www.albertaschoolcouncils.ca/public/download/files/169642 Produced by Saveta Cartwright.
In-person Learning, Online, or a Combination Offered in Edmonton
August 31, 2021 15:41 - 1 minute - 1.45 MBUpdates on options for primary and secondary schools: In-person learning, online, or a combination offered in Edmonton. Link: https://edmontonjournal.com/news/local-news/online-learning-edmonton-schools Produced by Hannah Cunningham.
U of A Vaccination Declaration
August 30, 2021 12:00 - 1 minute - 1.77 MBUpdates for the University of Alberta: As of September 1st, university students, faculty and staff are required to confidentially self-declare their vaccination status before participating in on campus activities. Those who are aren't fully vaccinated and those who don't wish to disclose their status will need regular rapid screening at a university rapid testing station, and will need to receive a negative result before resuming activities. Requests to declare your status will be ...
E-bikes in Edmonton
August 27, 2021 12:00 - 1 minute - 2.75 MBE-bikes are becoming very popular and can be an excellent entry to commuting or an augmentation to your riding generally. They’re particularly helpful if you’re hauling kiddos or doggos or other types of cargo as they can assist you with the extra weight you’re hauling about. They are also quite useful if acoustic bikes make your knees sore. And, although it seems as easy as attaching a two-stroke motor to your regular bike, that’s a poor idea, for a whole host of reasons, starting ...
COVID Protocols for Edmonton Area School Districts
August 24, 2021 12:00 - 1 minute - 1.53 MBAn update on COVID Protocols for Edmonton area school districts. Article link: https://edmontonjournal.com/news/local-news/edmonton-area-school-boards-plan-for-back-to-school-during-covid-19-pandemic Produced by Hannah Cunningham.
U of A Health Update
August 23, 2021 15:28 - 1 minute - 1.79 MBOn August 17th the University of Alberta announced new plans and measures for the upcoming university semester. Three universities have come together (including the University of Lethbridge and University of Calgary) to establish new protocols. One of the first changes starting September 1st: all three universities will require all those who are unvaccinated and coming to campus to undergo regular rapid testing. Students, faculty and staff who aren't fully vaccinated will need a nega...
LRT and Mechanical Changes
August 20, 2021 12:00 - 1 minute - 2.38 MBBig changes are afoot ahem, for cycling in Edmonton! As of August 30 you can ride the LRT with your bicycle at any time, on any day and in any direction! This is an important changes for multi-modal transportation and will help you get where you want to go. There are a few other resources for getting where you want to go. One of them are bike mechanic classes. If you’re looking to ride, but worried about how to keep your bike wheels turning smoothly check around for classes, such as ...
Mental Health Programs for Black LGBTQI+ Canadians
August 19, 2021 12:00 - 1 minute - 1.49 MBThe government of Canada is making an investment in mental health programs for Black LGBTQI+ Canadians. The funding will be used to research information on the experiences and barriers faced by LGBTQI+ individuals as they navigate services for mental health, substance use, addictions, sexually transmitted and blood-borne infections, and criminal justice involvement. Source: https://www.newswire.ca/news-releases/government-of-canada-supports-mental-health-programs-for-black-lgbtqi-ca...
New Guidelines Released for Back-to-school in Alberta
August 17, 2021 12:00 - 1 minute - 1.48 MBNew guidelines have been released for the return to school this fall in Alberta. Link to guidelines document: https://open.alberta.ca/dataset/0721a26b-c4ce-4345-971f-4ff9da32052c/resource/328bf258-bb1a-459b-b705-16b525390240/download/health-guidance-respiratory-illness-prevention-and-management-in-schools.pdf Produced by Hannah Cunningham.
U of A Fall Safety Measures
August 16, 2021 12:00 - 1 minute - 1.56 MBOn August 6th the university put out an article with some of the latest updates on a couple of important safety measures that will be present going ahead with the upcoming academic year. This article outlines a Covid-19 survey that they are asking students, faculty and staff to answer the 3 question survey by Monday, August 16th. Also mentioned is a newly required course that goes over Covid-19 safety and what to do to protect yourself and others around you. All students and staff ar...
Multi-modality and Active transportation
August 13, 2021 12:00 - 1 minute - 2.24 MBAn update on tips for multi-modal active transportation in Edmonton this summer. Produced by Karly Coleman.
Impacts of COVID-19 on Ethnocultural Communities in Edmonton
August 12, 2021 15:08 - 1 minute - 1.9 MBA new study “has shown the entangled, systemic issues that result in poor health among people in vulnerable circumstances in ethnocultural communities, and the exacerbating impact of COVID-19, which also increased barriers to mitigation. Cultural brokering and community social capital were key supports for people in this crisis and our findings can support policy and interventions that may reduce harm and support community resiliency.” Source: https://www.cmaj.ca/content/193/31/E120...
Diplomas and PATs to return to Alberta Schools
August 10, 2021 12:00 - 59 seconds - 1.38 MBThis fall, diplomas and PATs to return to Alberta schools. Resources: Government of Alberta 'Preparing for a new school year': https://www.alberta.ca/k-12-learning-during-covid-19.aspx CBC article on concerned parents: https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/edmonton/alberta-parents-question-safety-of-sending-children-to-school-with-no-covid-19-pandemic-restrictions-1.6123396 Produced by Hannah Cunningham.
U of A Return for Fall
August 09, 2021 12:00 - 1 minute - 1.94 MBAs of August 9th, there will be approximately 27 days until the 2021 fall semester will commence at the University of Alberta. It will be the first time that many students will be physically back on campus since 2020. At least eighty percent of the university's classes will be delivered in person this fall, and that means that we can expect up to 30,000 students to be back at it. Produced by Jarret Kamm.
Active Transportation in Stormy Weather
August 06, 2021 12:00 - 1 minute - 2.29 MBWe’re seeing increasingly stormy weather which should not hinder our active transportation, we just need to be clever about it. So, direct from the weather whiz kids.com. When you’re out and about keep one eye on the sky or on your favourite weather app, and you’ll be fine, particularly if you follow these guidelines: Remember: All thunderstorms produce lightning and are dangerous. If you hear the sound of thunder, then you are in danger from lightning. Lightning kills between 75 to...
Study on Personality Traits and Pandemic Mental Health
August 05, 2021 12:00 - 1 minute - 2.19 MBIndividual differences such as personality could contribute to people’s behaviours during a pandemic. The study examines how personality traits of neuroticism and extroversion (using the Five-Factor Model as our framework) are related to the mental health of Canadians during the COVID-19 pandemic. Source: https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0251097 Produced by Saveta Cartwright.
COVID-19 Numbers for Last Week of July
August 03, 2021 14:28 - 1 minute - 1.4 MBAn update on COVID-19 cases in Alberta as of the last week of July. Produced by Hannah Cunningham.
Library Makerspaces
August 02, 2021 12:00 - 1 minute - 1.99 MBIf this year has made your creative itch ... itchier, a resource rich place that is accessible for yourself or friends is the Makerspaces that are offered by Edmonton Public Libraries. The Stanley Milner branch is offering Heat Presses, Recording Studios, Vinyl Cutting, A digital conversion station for your old home movies and photographs, not to mention 3D printing and a variety of computer software. Whatever the project, there are Makerspace assistants always on hand. Since the ser...
Alberta Announces Changes to Provincial Health Restrictions
July 30, 2021 12:00 - 1 minute - 2.55 MBThere have been recent changes to provincial health restrictions taking effect in August. Some of these changes include reducing requirements for isolation, removing mask requirements for public transportation, and ending contact tracing. The World Health Organization recommends lowering your risks by knowing your risk and normalizing mask wearing They also recommend three actions to keep you safe when you’re in an area of widespread covid-19 transmission: 1. Location – open air s...
Virtual Reality-Assisted Trauma Therapy
July 28, 2021 19:58 - 1 minute - 1.64 MBThe University of Alberta-led Heroes in Mind, Advocacy and Research Consortium (HiMARC) that supports mental health for military, veterans and first responders received $362,000 as part of the Alberta government's COVID-19 Mental Health and Addiction Action Plan for two programs that build resilience or rehabilitate those suffering from PTSD or moral injury. HiMARC aims to enhance resilience, address trauma and mental health challenges when they arise, and facilitate successful retu...
Clothing and Gear Considerations
July 23, 2021 12:00 - 1 minute - 2.52 MBActive transportation does not require much in the line of clothing or gear. If you are inclined, you can walk in the clothes you might wear to your destination, which makes it perfect for getting where you want to go. Some things to consider if you’re branching out to other modes: - First if you’re travelling at twilight, when the time changes or at night, consider reflective clothing and lights so you can both see and be seen. - Second, if you prefer to work up a sweat by say, rac...
Literacy Program to Address COVID-19 learning loss
July 22, 2021 12:00 - 1 minute - 1.79 MBA new program for kindergarten to Grade 3 students will help measure how classroom disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic are affecting student learning. Source: https://www.alberta.ca/release.cfm?xID=7770987312573-A3D6-9C8C-1537318FF44D4BCF Produced by Saveta Cartwright.
Edmonton Valley Zoo is Back
July 19, 2021 12:00 - 1 minute - 1.99 MBThe Edmonton Valley Zoo is back, with some newer guidelines, including a daily attendance limit of 200 tickets per half hour time slot. Pets, balloons and bubbles are some of the new things not currently allowed to attend the zoo per the Covid-19 restrictions. One of the other additions is that the zoo currently operates on a one way route through the entire park. While food and beverages are still sold, all of the indoor animal exhibits may be closed or have one way access, but th...
Water in the City
July 16, 2021 12:00 - 1 minute - 2.38 MBIt’s hot in the city lately and extreme heat can be dangerous. Be sure to drink plenty of water even before feeling thirsty and stay in a cool place. It is important to watch for symptoms of heat illness. These include: - dizziness/fainting - nausea/vomiting - rapid breathing and heartbeat - extreme thirst - decreased urination with unusually dark urine - lack of sweat - confusion - fainting - unconsciousness So if you’ve been thirsting for an active transportation adventure but wor...
AHS Virtual Wellness Courses
July 15, 2021 12:00 - 1 minute - 1.66 MBAlberta Health Services has launched a new online wellness series that is free for Albertans. Five workshops are offered, each workshop covering a different topic. Participants are free to attend any or all of the classes. First set of classes are offered starting July 20th. Source: https://www.albertahealthservices.ca/news/Page16026.aspx Produced by Saveta Cartwright.
Options for Summer Camps in 2021
July 13, 2021 12:00 - 1 minute - 1.44 MBUpdates for youth, including options for summer camps in 2021. Link to faculty of science at-home courses for kids: https://www.ualberta.ca/camps/science/index.html Produced by Hannah Cunningham.
$400 Million for Active Transportation Fund
July 09, 2021 12:00 - 1 minute - 2.34 MBIn April of this year, The Government of Canada announced $400 million for Canada's first active transportation fund, and the development of Canada's first National Active Transportation Strategy. This money will be used to build infrastructure across Canada the will help you become an active traveller wherever you are. The strategy includes raising awareness about the benefits of active transportation, promoting its use, coordinating the planning design, standards and regulations ar...
Research on Financial Strain During Covid-19
July 08, 2021 12:00 - 1 minute - 1.93 MBThe University of Alberta School of Public Health's Dr. Nykiforuk and her team are studying the effects and causes of financial strain linked to mental and physical health issues. Study to provide actionable items for governments to implement. Source: https://www.ualberta.ca/public-health/news/2021/february/financial-strain-top-source-of-worry-in-covid-19-mental-health-crisis-public-health-researcher.html Produced by Saveta Cartwright.