A recent Edmonton Police Service (EPS) survey shows that 36% of Edmontonians feel unsafe walking alone after dark, and 72% feel unsafe using transit alone at night. Residents believe crime and social disorder are on the rise, with top concerns including homelessness, drug use, and repeat offenders. While many support police involvement in addressing these issues, there's recognition that broader, coordinated solutions are needed. Public demand for more police visibility is high, especially on transit and in high-crime areas. Despite some resident concerns, most respondents see police as approachable and supportive.
Edmonton has seen 20 traffic fatalities so far in 2025, prompting concerns from City officials, especially in light of the Province’s decision to limit photo radar enforcement. Councillor Ashley Salvador is urging Alberta’s Transportation Minister to reverse the cuts, arguing that photo radar is an effective, data-backed safety tool. The Province restricted its use to only school, playground, and construction zones, calling it a “cash cow,” while offering funding for alternative safety measures like speed signs and better lighting. Edmonton has since stopped photo radar enforcement in school zones, citing lost revenue from broader restrictions. Interim Police Chief Devin Laforce stressed the human toll of the fatalities and emphasized that speeding plays a role in many of the crashes. While police haven’t taken a position on photo radar, they continue traffic enforcement through traditional methods and public education. Salvador warned that without strong enforcement, the City’s broader traffic safety efforts could fall short.
Councillor Tim Cartmell apologized for missing a critical City Council vote on infill housing that could have reduced mid-block units from eight to six. His absence - caused by a pre-planned vacation in a remote area with no internet - drew criticism, as his vote might have tipped the balance in favour of the motion, which was narrowly defeated 6-5. Cartmell acknowledged the frustration from constituents and colleagues, including fellow Councillor Michael Janz, who said residents were disappointed. The missed vote follows Cartmell’s failed attempt to introduce a moratorium on infill permits just a week earlier. He said the vacation had been long-planned and emphasized that he hadn’t intended to miss the meeting.
As debate over infill intensifies in Edmonton, developers with BILD Edmonton Metro are renewing calls for urban expansion to the south, releasing a report that argues sprawl offers long-term financial benefits. They’re urging the next City Council to lift the pause on planning new suburbs beyond 41 Avenue, particularly in annexed lands that have sat undeveloped since 2019. The group claims developers have already invested about $3.2 billion in infrastructure like roads and sewers in areas such as Windermere and Heritage Valley, and that this kind of growth pays for itself over time. They argue that sprawl is not a burden on taxpayers and that Edmonton can grow both outward and through infill. However, the report does not account for major City costs like policing and public transit. As the fall election nears, developers hope to bring the issue of suburban growth back onto the municipal agenda.
Premier Danielle Smith kicked off KDays 2025 by flipping pancakes at the annual Premier’s Pancake Breakfast at Klondike Park, which drew thousands of attendees. The first 5,000 guests received free admission to the fair. Smith, alongside Explore Edmonton staff and volunteers, greeted families and officially opened the 10-day event, celebrating its role in showcasing Edmonton’s culture and heritage. KDays, which began in 1879, is one of Alberta’s largest annual festivals, attracting nearly 750,000 visitors last year. This year’s event includes new features like a second music stage, international competitions, expanded youth programming, and a showcase for local innovators and artists.
The Alberta government has paused its plan to demolish the former Royal Alberta Museum in Edmonton following public opposition, particularly from an online survey that showed 57% of respondents preferred preserving and repurposing the historic site. Originally, the government cited high maintenance and renovation costs as reasons for converting the site into green space. However, Infrastructure Minister Martin Long announced a final call for development proposals, acknowledging the community’s feedback and the building’s heritage value. Premier Danielle Smith noted that redevelopment interest exists, but financial feasibility will be key. Proposals can be submitted until September 26th. The museum building, opened in 1967, has been vacant since RAM moved to a new downtown location in 2018.
