Edmonton’s municipal election is underway. There are 140 candidates, including 13 for Mayor, 81 for 12 City Council seats, and roughly 50 for School Board Trustee positions., The nomination period closed last Monday at noon, though candidates hadthe option to withdraw by the following day. The City will soon mail voter information cards to all registered electors and provide special ballot packages for those unable to vote in person. Election day is set for October 20th.
Alberta Health officials are raising alarms over a surge in carfentanil-related deaths in Edmonton, warning that the opioid crisis has reached a dangerous stage. Carfentanil, a drug more than 100 times stronger than fentanyl, was present in 68% of the 338 opioid-related deaths assessed in 2025 so far, while fentanyl was found in 93%. From January to May, the province recorded 507 opioid-related deaths, a figure lower than recent years but still above pre-pandemic levels. Advocates say relying heavily on bed-based treatment has not been enough and recommend exploring alternatives such as expanded day shelter access, overdose response teams, safer supply measures, and supervised sites that accommodate inhalation. The government says it has invested in new supports, including a recovery community planned with Enoch Cree Nation, as concerns grow about carfentanil production and distribution in the Edmonton area.
The new Warehouse Park in the downtown core is nearing completion after more than a year of construction, transforming old surface parking lots on 107 Street into a $48.1-million multi-use space. The park will feature an off-leash dog area, playground, fire pits, a tobogganing hill, a basketball court convertible to an outdoor skating rink, public washrooms, and a large light installation mimicking the northern lights. Planning began in 2010 as part of the City’s downtown capital plan, aiming to provide green space, attract investment, and create a year-round hub for residents and visitors. Community leaders and local business owners see it as a significant upgrade from the previous neglected parking lot, despite temporary construction challenges and limited parking. The City anticipates opening the park later this fall, with hopes it will host festivals and community events, enhancing downtown Edmonton’s livability and vibrancy.
Speaking of parks, construction on Edmonton’s new mountain bike park at Queen Elizabeth Park is progressing, with the dirt jump line fully complete and the park overall about 30 - 40% finished. The community-led project, supported by over 100 volunteers, will feature four courses: a dirt jump line, an asphalt pump track, and flow and skill trail lines. The project, initially proposed in the 2013 Queen Elizabeth Park master plan, received a development permit this summer and is funded through donations and government grants totaling $1.2 million. Volunteers and construction teams have been actively working on the park, with soft openings planned for each course later this year. The grand opening is scheduled for summer 2026, with organizers particularly excited about beginner jump lines to support learning riders and families.
Edmonton’s new Police Chief, Warren Driechel, says his top priority is making the Edmonton Police Service more proactive rather than reactive. He wants officers to be more visible in the community, engage with residents, and focus on public safety before crimes occur. Driechel emphasized that administrative and technical barriers currently limit officers’ ability to be out in the community and is exploring tools such as online reporting and virtual investigations to free up resources. He also stressed the importance of maintaining productive relationships with City Council, the Mayor, and other emergency services. Addressing past criticism from a steroid scandal earlier in his career, Driechel asked the public to judge him on his current leadership and commitment. He plans to spend more time visible in the community while supporting his officers and fostering partnerships across Edmonton.
