EPS Chief Dale McFee (left) speaks next to EPF Chair Ashif Mawji during the launch of the Catalytic Converter Challenge that will utilize the Community Solutions Accelerator (CSA) to seek ideas and technological innovations from the public to help solve the problem of rising catalytic converter theft, and offer up to $50,000 for a viable solution during a news conference in Edmonton, on Wednesday, Aug. 31, 2022. Photo by Ian KucerakPhoto by Ian Kucerak /Postmedia
A new partnership aims to combat a tsunami of catalytic converter thefts in the Edmonton area.
The devices, coveted for the precious metals like platinum and palladium they contain, are being cut from cars and trucks and carried off at an alarming rate according to the Edmonton Police Service, the Alberta Motor Association and Kal Tire. Such thefts increased 80 per cent between 2020 and 2022.
“It’s a growing problem that has very real consequences for those affected,” the AMA wrote in a news release. “Those consequences can include time lost to repairs, money needed to pay for repairs, and the hit that a person can feel to their sense of personal security.”
An AMA survey showed that nine in 10 Albertans are aware of the increase in converter thefts, but just three in 10 believe it will happen to them. So, the EPS and the AMA are partnering with the tire retailer to offer at-cost VIN number engravings: $40 for the first converter, and $20 for each additional converter on the vehicle.
Each vehicle will also receive a pair of warning decals to let potential thieves know that the converter is traceable.
“Catalytic converter engraving is an easy way for us to help law enforcement and be proactive against this pervasive crime,” Jeff Kasbrick, AMA’s vice-president of advocacy and operations, said in the release. “That’s why we’re pleased to be partnering with Kal Tire in this joint effort to support the work of law enforcement in communities across Alberta.”
The service will be available at participating Kal Tire locations in Edmonton until Aug. 31. Kal Tire will also provide at-cost engraving of catalytic converters at select locations across Alberta: also participating in the engraving program this summer are the Camrose Police Service, Lethbridge Police Service, and Medicine Hat Police Service.
This follows a similar “successful program” the Calgary Police Service ran earlier this year.
“Engraving the VIN on your vehicle’s catalytic converter, and having the warning decal visible, will help deter thieves and reduce the chance of it being stolen,” EPS crime suppression and investigation division Supt. Derek McIntyre said in the release. “We want to make it impossible for thieves to make money from this crime of opportunity, and we are very grateful for the support of the AMA and Kal Tire in helping us address this multimillion-dollar problem.”
<img src="https://www.mtlblog.com/media-library/snowfall-in-a-montreal-street-winter-scene-of-traditional-architecture-winter-street-in-montreal-with-traditional-style-archi.jpg?id=56479841&width=1200&height=800&coordinates=132%2C0%2C132%2C0"/><br/><br/><p>With real estate prices perpetually rising, you probably don't need us to tell you that buying a home in Montreal in 2025 isn't cheap. </p><p>But according to <a href="https://wealthvieu.com/ca/income-afford-home/" target="_blank">WealthVieu’s latest income-to-afford-a-home report</a>, most buyers now need a six-figure salary to afford one — especially single-family homes. </p><p>The report, which has been updated with January 2025 mortgage rates and home price data, breaks down how much income it takes to afford a median-priced home across Montreal and nearby areas like Laval and the South Shore.</p><p>According to Wealthvieu, Montreal's housing market kicked off the year with a 36% increase in sales compared to January 2024. At the same time, the median price for single-family homes rose 11% year-over-year, nearing the $600,000 mark. Condos and plexes (2-5 unit buildings) also saw price jumps of 8%, with median prices nearing $450,000 and $800,000, respectively.</p><p>With all that in mind, here's how much income you need to buy a single-family median-priced home in and around Montreal this year:</p><h2>Single-family homes (January 2025)</h2><ul><li>Montreal census metropolitan area (CMA): $143,136 for a $590,700 home</li><li>Island of Montreal: $185,367 for a $791,500 home</li><li>Laval: $142,989 for a $590,000 home</li><li>North Shore: $132,358 for a $539,450 home</li><li>South Shore: $144,882 for a $599,000 home</li><li>Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu: $126,585 income for a $512,000 home</li></ul><p>If a house feels out of reach, a condo may be a more affordable option. And in some areas, you can still get one with a five-figure income.</p><h2>Condos (January 2025)</h2><ul><li>Montreal CMA: $107,236 for a $420,000 condo</li><li>Island of Montreal: $116,911 for a $466,000 condo</li><li>North Shore: $93,146 for a $353,000 condo</li><li>South Shore: $100,927 for a $390,000 condo</li></ul><p>WealthVieu's data also breaks down what it takes to afford a home on a $100,000 salary. Following the 28/36 rule, you could manage a $2,163 monthly mortgage payment, which would allow you to buy a $430,438 home with a $50,000 down payment.</p><p>For context, As per <a href="https://www.mtlblog.com/tag/statistics-canada" target="_blank">Statistic Canada</a>, the <a href="https://www.mtlblog.com/quebec-salary-2025" target="_blank">average weekly earnings in Quebec</a> were $1,229.18 in November of 2024, which works out to about $63,917 per year before taxes. That's less than the national average of $1,285.91 per week (about $66,867 annually).</p><p>Curious what your dough can get you, <a href="https://wealthvieu.com/ca/mortgage-affordability-calculator/?a=110000&b=645&c=80000&d=7.013714113461678&e=30&f=36&g=0&h=0&i=0&j=0" target="_blank">WealthVue's home affordability calculator</a> can help you figure out what fits your budget.</p><em>Love this? Check out our <a href="https://www.mtlblog.com/notices/" target="_blank">MTL Blog noticeboard</a> for details on jobs, benefits, travel info and more!</em>
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