Added a post
- Former Edmonton City Councillor Michael Walters has announced his candidacy for Mayor in the upcoming October 20th municipal election. Walters, who served on Council from 2013 to 2021, says he’s returning to politics to help unify the city and tackle key issues like housing, affordability, safety, and partnerships with other levels of government. A strong advocate for urban density, Walters believes increased infill is essential but must be implemented with community input. He criticized Council's recent decision to maintain an eight-unit cap on mid-block infill, calling it a missed opportunity. Walters previously worked as a community organizer and was awarded the Queen’s Jubilee medal for his service. He joins a growing field of Mayoral candidates, including current Councillor Andrew Knack, former Councillor Tony Caterina, ex-MP Rahim Jaffer, and others. Walters says he wants to move beyond past divisions and take a collaborative approach to solving the city’s problems.
- Residents of Edmonton’s Parkdale neighbourhood are frustrated after concertgoers for The Weeknd’s sold-out show at Commonwealth Stadium overwhelmed their streets with illegal parking. Despite no-parking signs and a residential permit system, many drivers parked in restricted zones, assuming they wouldn’t be ticketed or towed. A longtime resident filed multiple parking complaints, all of which were dismissed as duplicates, while other locals say they rarely see enforcement vehicles in action. The City issued 167 tickets and towed 30 vehicles during the event, but residents say it's not enough and want designated event parking zones. Many believe the City should better prepare for large events by expanding parking options or improving enforcement. Though public transit was used by about 15,000 attendees, others still opted to drive. Locals are now bracing for more disruption when Morgan Wallen plays two shows in September. Some residents say they are tired of feeling ignored and want more respect for the neighbourhood.
- The Beverly Business Association is appealing Council’s decision to convert the Beverly Motel on 118th Avenue into supportive housing. The Association expressed concern that rezoning a commercial property in the heart of a business district could undermine the area's economic vitality. The project is being led by Native Counselling Services of Alberta, which emphasized that the facility will not be a drop-in centre but rather a supportive, healing environment. Supporters argue the housing will contribute to revitalizing the neighbourhood. The appeal was presented to Edmonton’s Subdivision and Development Appeal Board, which now has 15 days to issue a decision. Before renovations began in December 2023, the motel had housed several long-term residents.
- Starting today, rehabilitation work will begin on the southbound Low Level Bridge, prompting significant traffic disruptions. The repairs aim to extend the life of the 1949 structure, which last underwent major upgrades in 1994. During construction, all northbound traffic will be detoured to the James MacDonald Bridge, while southbound lanes will occasionally close during off-peak hours, eventually shifting entirely to the northbound span. Two ETS bus stops will be temporarily closed, and several bus routes will be detoured. Pedestrian, cycling, and scooter access will be maintained via the northbound sidewalk. The rehabilitation is expected to continue until the end of 2025. The work is part of a broader plan that includes repairs to the Dawson Bridge and the replacement of the Wellington Bridge, which will also affect downtown traffic over the next two years.
- Construction has begun on Edmonton’s first standalone Islamic school in the city’s south side. The Omar Ibn Al-Khattab Academy will be built on nearly 40 acres of land and is scheduled to open in September 2026. Currently operating out of a smaller facility with 120 students, the new $30-million project will include 22 classrooms, sports fields, a 300-person prayer hall, a community centre, and more. Community leaders say demand for Islamic education is high, with thousands of students on waiting lists and most existing schools located in the city’s north. The new facility aims to provide a welcoming environment for both Muslim and non-Muslim community members, fostering interfaith dialogue and community connection. The project is being funded through private donations and a fundraising campaign. Councillor Keren Tang noted that the school will help ease pressure from population growth in the area.