Reg Rygus

Read the latest issue of the McCauley News to get up to date with the latest regarding that area of Edmonton.

ON THE AGENDA

Stephanie Swensrude

• Administration recommends adding another public hearing to council’s calendar on Feb. 12 because of the volume of rezoning applications that have been postponed at past meetings. It also recommends adding an additional day for the urban planning committee meeting on Feb. 10 where councillors are expected to discuss changes to the zoning bylaw that would limit infill development.
• Council is set to meet in private to discuss an investment opportunity.

Lastly, here are some updates on what happened last week at committee meetings:

• Administration told community and public services committee it observed just 10% compliance at the beginning of the snow-clearing parking ban this month. Enforcement officers have given out about 2,600 parking ban tickets so far. Committee did not support amending the traffic bylaw to lower the fine for violating parking bans from $250 to $150.
• Urban planning committee recommended replacing the 1992 Ribbon of Green Master Plan with the new river valley strategy. Administration said the updated strategy balances natural preservation with public use and recreation, aligning with climate resilience. It includes provisions for greater Indigenous oversight, multi-use trails, improved accessibility, and active ecological monitoring. Council is set to vote on the recommendation.
• Executive committee voted unanimously to recommend that city council provide a $6.5-million grant to the Winspear Centre as an alternative to the organization earning parking revenue from the Century Place parkade. Committee recommended taking the grant out of the financial stabilization reserve. Several councillors said the funding source was not ideal, but it was the only option. Council will vote on the proposal at a future meeting.

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• On Tuesday, at 9:30 am, there will be a City Council meeting. On the agenda is a 2027-2036 Capital Investment Outlook. It provides a 10-year forecast of infrastructure needs to help Council make strategic funding decisions. The report emphasizes prioritizing renewal of existing assets - replacing or rehabilitating aging infrastructure - over new growth, due to limited available capital and an increasing number of aging assets. Nearly all unconstrained funding over the next decade will be directed to renewal programs, though $6.8 billion in previously approved transformational growth projects will continue over the next five years.
• Council will also discuss the 2027-2030 budget planning process. Key changes include in-person ward engagement sessions, departmental presentations, and a shift from written Q&A to a live inquiry format to facilitate immediate dialogue between Council and staff. Milestones include financial updates in March, department presentations in March, publication of the Corporate Business Plan in June, fall engagement reports, and proposed budgets released in late October/early November. A Non-Statutory Public Hearing in November will allow Edmontonians to provide direct input, while a Climate Budget will incorporate climate and emissions considerations into decision-making.
• The City is seeking ideas for the adaptive reuse of the historic Rossdale Power Plant, a landmark built in the 1930s that generated a quarter of Alberta’s power until 1970 and was decommissioned in 2008. The City has invited submissions until the end of April to guide how the building can be repurposed while preserving its heritage and aesthetic value. Previous proposals, like the Prairie Sky Gondola, were rejected due to concerns about river valley conservation, skyline impact, and respect for nearby Indigenous burial sites. The City has invested over $15 million in preservation work, including roof replacement and safety upgrades, and is now looking for innovative ways to revitalize the site without compromising its historic integrity. Heritage planners emphasize the importance of maintaining the building’s character, noting that Edmonton has lost many historic structures over the years. 
• Ward Anirniq Councillor Erin Rutherford has accused former election opponent Jesse Watson of harassment after he shared an Instagram story that she says revealed her partner’s vehicle near her home. Rutherford called the post a reckless risk to her family’s safety and privacy, describing it as “rage farming” and part of a broader trend of misinformation on social media. Watson defended the post, saying he received the image from a follower, did not disclose any private information, and shared it to highlight what he saw as irony regarding a City parking ban. Former Councillor Sarah Hamilton and Mayor Andrew Knack expressed support for Rutherford, framing the incident as part of a worrying pattern of intimidation and abuse against public officials. Rutherford emphasized that, during her campaign, she had deliberately avoided responding to Watson’s posts. Watson previously finished second to Rutherford in the 2025 municipal election.
• Edmonton Fire Rescue Services (EFRS) Chief David Lazenby is calling for six new fire stations over the next four years to keep pace with population growth in the west, southwest, and northeast areas outside Anthony Henday Drive. Rapid development in neighbourhoods like Big Lake, Riverview, Wedgwood, Chappelle, Cumberland, and Horse Hills is expected to bring around 120,000 new residents, creating longer response times without additional infrastructure. In 2025, EFRS responded to 91,000 emergency incidents, a 68% increase over five years, including more than 54,000 medical calls and over 10,000 overdose-related incidents. Aging fire apparatus and rising costs of equipment are additional budget pressures for the department. Lazenby highlighted the department’s capacity to handle compounding emergencies, recalling simultaneous large-scale operations last year, including evacuations and a peat fire. Despite growing demand, he emphasized the commitment of Edmonton’s firefighters to respond promptly, prioritizing both public safety and crew mental health. 

• US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent publicly weighed in on Alberta’s separatist movement, claiming Canada has blocked pipeline access to the Pacific. In a television interview, Bessent described Albertans as independent and said there is talk of a possible referendum on leaving Canada, framing Alberta and the US as “natural partners” because of shared energy interests. Ottawa downplayed the remarks, saying Canada will focus on strengthening its own economy and sovereignty rather than reacting to foreign commentary. Alberta’s government responded by stressing that most residents do not want to join the United States and that the Province supports remaining within a united Canada while expanding pipeline access in all directions. Meanwhile, independence organizers said their goal is sovereignty outside both Canada and the US, even as interest in the movement grows online and among some American political circles.
• Alberta has introduced a new family law process aimed at resolving divorces, child support, and parenting disputes more quickly and with less conflict. The Family Focused Protocol, launched by the Court of King’s Bench earlier this month, assigns each family a single judge to manage the case from start to finish and targets having trials scheduled within 18 months if matters are not settled. The system aims to reduce paperwork, limit repeated court applications, and allow multiple interim issues to be addressed together in a single, longer hearing. Supporters say this “conveyor belt” approach keeps cases moving and could lower legal costs while reducing emotional harm to families and children. The protocol also emphasizes early resolution and alternative dispute options to avoid unnecessary courtroom battles. About 30 justices will focus heavily on the new system, though court officials acknowledge there will be an adjustment period as lawyers and judges adapt.
• Farmers across Alberta are pushing back against proposed federal animal traceability rules, warning the changes would place heavy costs and administrative burdens on small producers. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency had planned to require faster and more detailed reporting of livestock movements through an online system, but paused the rollout after widespread industry opposition. Producers say the shortened reporting timelines, mandatory premises IDs, and added technology costs would be difficult to manage, particularly for older farmers or smaller operations. Many worry the rules could drive small farms out of business, weaken rural communities, and raise food prices for consumers. While the federal agency argues the changes would improve disease control and market access, Alberta’s agriculture minister and industry groups say the system must reflect real-world farming conditions. A petition opposing the rules has quickly gained thousands of signatures.
• Alberta has refused to participate in Ottawa’s national firearm buyback program. While the federal program is voluntary, owning the banned guns remains illegal, and owners must submit a declaration by March 31st to be eligible for possible compensation. Because Alberta will not enforce or support the program, local police and RCMP will not collect firearms through the buyback, leaving Ottawa responsible for arranging its own seizure agents or mobile collection units. Federal officials warn that compensation may not be possible unless provinces like Alberta allow the program to operate locally. Some gun owners and businesses are skeptical, citing past delays and payment disputes with earlier buyback efforts. 
• Recall campaigns targeting Alberta MLAs have faced significant challenges collecting the thousands of signatures required to trigger a recall election. The high-profile campaign against Education Minister Demetrios Nicolaides fell far short of the required threshold, ultimately failing. Organizers say the goal is increasingly symbolic - demonstrating voter dissatisfaction rather than successfully ousting MLAs. In Calgary-North, the campaign against MLA Muhammad Yaseen has struggled to gain traction, collecting only a fraction of the needed signatures despite close margins in past elections. Efforts to canvass indoors have been limited, with many businesses unwilling to host petitioners.



They had snow removal in Duggan today. There were no warning signs or internet notice. The windrow in front of the houses is enormous. As a handicapped elderly person living there, there was no access to the street. Which also means no access to their home by emergency personnel. This is not acceptable. It leaves people at risk. Last year, there was a bob cat that plowed a walkway to the street. Our city council is failing the residents of Edmonton.

What's on in Edmonton this weekend? Attend the artist talk and opening reception of Being and Becoming by Garfield Morgan and Tere Cuellar at Gallery@501, partake in an intimate and immersive exploration of art through the sense of smell at Sensory Constellations, grab some popcorn and enjoy a double-feature of BIG SHARK and THE ROOM at Metro Cinema, catch a performance of Death of a Salesman at the Citadel Theatre, join the University of Alberta Department of Music for the 2026 Kilburn Memorial Concert featuring Maya Kilburn (violin) and Pablo Esquivel (piano), and so much more!

SEE ALL UPCOMING EVENTS

Parents across Alberta expect schools to be places of learning - not platforms for political soapboxes.

But last week, an audio recording surfaced of an Alberta teacher using classroom time to mock conservative voters and energy workers.

And, while this might be the only recent recording that's leaked, we all know this isn't the only instance of this kind of thing happening in Alberta schools.

While political topics in the classroom are not inherently inappropriate, this teacher crossed the line by using their authority to push personal political views and portray those who disagree as ignorant, immoral, or beneath serious consideration.

That should concern every parent - no matter their political beliefs.

Teachers have an important role in helping students understand civic life, public debate, and different political ideas.

When handled responsibly, discussions about politics can help students learn critical thinking and respectful disagreement.

But that requires professionalism, balance, and an acknowledgment that no single viewpoint holds a monopoly on truth.

Parents don't object to discussion in the classroom; they object to indoctrination in the classroom.

When educators present their own opinions as fact, dismiss opposing views without understanding them, and ridicule people who hold different beliefs, students are no longer being taught how to think critically.

They are being conditioned to adopt a specific worldview, often without realizing it.

Classrooms deserve educators who can engage students thoughtfully, fairly, and with maturity.

Mocking entire regions of the province or the people who work in key industries undermines trust and deepens division.

Political neutrality, professionalism, and accountability in the classroom are not optional.

Parents must be able to trust that their children are being educated, not influenced behind closed doors.

This situation also raises broader questions about accountability in our education system.

Parents and taxpayers expect teachers to be hired, evaluated, and rewarded based on teaching ability, professionalism, and respect for students and families - not simply ideological conformity.

School boards should have the tools and flexibility to take action when educators break the rules, ensuring classrooms remain safe, fair, and focused on learning.

If this is the kind of education our kids are getting, then the Province needs to make it easier for school boards to fire bad teachers.

Or, worse, these are the kinds of teachers the school boards want in the first place.

It's time to put a stop to political indoctrination in our classrooms.

ON TAP

Stephanie Swensrude

This week, councillors will consider reducing fines for violating parking bans, learn about the state of municipal assets, and review a framework for promoting Edmonton.

There is a community and public services committee meeting on Jan. 19, an urban planning committee meeting on Jan. 20, and an executive committee meeting on Jan. 21.

Here are some key items on the agenda:

• The community and public services committee is to discuss amendments to the traffic bylaw that would lower the fine for violating parking bans from $250 to $150. The fine was increased from $100 to $250 in 2022 in an effort to increase compliance, but administration said it’s been challenging to discern whether it worked given the wide variety of influencing factors, including the degree to which the bylaw has been enforced. If council lowers the fine, administration estimates an annual revenue reduction of about $232,500. Councillors had also asked administration to consider reducing fines further for people who pay tickets within seven days. The report said that change would require updated ticketing software, which would cost about $80,000, and more staff, which could cost at least $70,000 annually. City council will vote on any recommended changes at a future meeting.
• Just over half of the city’s assets are in very good or good condition, according to an annual inventory of municipal assets set to be presented at council’s executive committee. While the percentage of assets in poor and very poor condition has improved slightly and is within an acceptable margin, the city must invest more to maintain the portfolio, administration said. Transit vehicles especially need investment, as more than half of the city’s buses and light rail vehicles are in poor or very poor condition. Based on the age of the Edmonton Transit Service fleet, 250 buses should be replaced every four years, not including growth to accommodate service expansion. Council voted in the fall operating budget adjustment to purchase 25 new buses to accommodate growth. The asset data is meant to provide context for upcoming city council discussions, including the 2027-2030 capital budget.
• The executive committee is scheduled to review a framework for the city’s brand, which administration said “amplifies Edmonton’s strengths and presents a clear, credible, and consistent value proposition that attracts investment, talent, and opportunity.” The framework includes high-level vision and guidance instead of specific objectives and tactics, as different partners have unique mandates, needs, and timelines, reads the report. If the executive committee approves the framework, administration will implement it.

Here are some other items on the agenda:

• Councillors will revisit a conversation postponed from a council meeting in December so that representatives from Winspear Centre can provide input. In a report set to be presented to the executive committee, administration said it does not support creating a revenue sharing agreement to allow the Winspear Centre to earn revenue from the Century Place parkade. In 2014, the city loaned the Winspear $12.9 million to construct a parking structure. It is not yet open, but it has fewer than half the number of parking stalls than were originally planned, meaning the Winspear will collect less parking revenue than expected, affecting its ability to pay back its loan. Several options are under consideration. Administration said the city has no legal obligation to provide parking revenue to the Winspear.
• The urban planning committee will consider granting authorization to applicants looking to create statutory plans for two new neighbourhoods: Kettle Lakes, a neighbourhood in Decoteau, and an industrial area north of Highway 19 in the city’s southwest.
• Council’s executive committee is scheduled to consider designating the Peter Hemingway Aquatic Centre as a municipal historic resource. Peter Hemingway, a notable Edmonton architect who also built the Muttart Conservatory, designed what was then known as the Coronation Pool as part of the Canadian centennial project. The building was renamed to honour Hemingway in 2005. While buildings that are designated municipal historic resources normally receive funding for restoration and rehabilitation, the centre has already been undergoing renovations since 2021.
• Administration recommends that council update the storefront improvement program to make it possible to reapply for funding after 10 years. This is expected to yield one or two extra applications per year, and the proposed changes can be accommodated through the program’s current budget. Administration also recommends adding the storefront refresh grant to the policy. The grant was piloted in 2019 for smaller projects that wouldn’t be eligible for the storefront improvement program. The larger grants have typically gone to property owners for large exterior building repairs, while tenants are responsible for smaller maintenance, repairs, and signage. The grants are available to business and property owners in business improvement areas and in the target areas of Little Italy and Norwood Boulevard.

Lastly, here are some updates from the last time council was in chambers:

• At a public hearing on Dec. 15, council voted 12-0 (Coun. Anne Stevenson was absent) to approve rezoning applications for 11 properties without debate, including for residential properties in Garneau and McKernan, and for a fire station in Athlone.
• Several hours of the public hearing were spent on a rezoning application in Crestwood. The rezoning passed 9-4, with Mayor Andrew Knack and councillors Karen Principe, Thu Parmar, and Reed Clarke voting against. Council also spent several hours discussing a rezoning application in Grovenor. That application passed 10-3 with Principe, Parmar, and Clarke voting against. Seven agenda items were postponed to a public hearing on Jan. 26 because of the limited time remaining in the meeting.

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• On Wednesday, at 9:30 am, there will be a meeting of the Executive Committee. On the agenda are options to address a parking revenue shortfall for the Francis Winspear Centre for Music (FWCM) following its Completion Project, which included an underground parking structure smaller than originally planned. FWCM is seeking additional revenue from the nearby City-owned Century Place parkade to meet its $12.9 million loan obligations, though the City has no legal requirement to provide this funding. Administration has proposed three options: (1) a Parking Funding Agreement, giving FWCM net revenue from after-hours and weekend parkade use, but requiring $1.1 million in security upgrades; (2) a Parkade License and Management Agreement, where FWCM would manage Century Place and cover operating costs in exchange for parking revenue; and (3) a one-time payment or loan forgiveness, estimated at $5 million, which preserves City control and avoids operating impacts. FWCM prefers the third option, though it requested $7.5 million.
• The Executive Committee will discuss the City of Edmonton’s 2025 Infrastructure State and Condition report. It provides a detailed snapshot of the City’s assets, including their quantity, replacement value, and physical condition. Edmonton’s infrastructure portfolio has grown to a replacement value of approximately $39.8 billion, up $5.1 billion from 2023, with 54.2% of assets rated Very Good or Good, 33.2% Fair, and 10.2% Poor or Very Poor. While overall conditions remain stable, aging assets, particularly in Facilities and transit rolling stock, pose risks of deterioration and increased maintenance costs if investment levels are not maintained. The report organizes assets by service area to better inform decision-making and highlights the importance of continued investment to sustain service levels, manage renewal needs, and address the “renewal gap.”
• Mayor Andrew Knack says frustration over neighbourhood snow removal has reached a tipping point, with poor compliance during parking bans making it harder for crews to do their work effectively. With Phase 2 blading underway, Knack said vehicles left on restricted streets slow plows and reduce the quality of snow clearing for entire blocks and has called for stronger enforcement, including towing and impounding vehicles, in future budgets. Knack said City crews are meeting the service levels set by council, but acknowledged those standards may no longer be sufficient, especially during one of the snowiest winters on record. After recently visiting Edmonton’s sister city of Harbin, China, he said the scale of investment and intensity of snow removal there highlighted what stronger resourcing can achieve. With major winter events like the Deep Freeze festival approaching, he added the City will look at whether additional short-term measures are needed to improve safety and accessibility.
• Edmonton’s office market showed signs of recovery in 2025, with vacancy rates falling to about 19%, close to pre-pandemic levels, according to a new CBRE report. Vacancies had peaked near 23% in 2023, but stabilization was helped by office-to-residential conversion projects and a broader return to in-person work. Commercial real estate experts say mandates bringing provincial employees back to the office are creating a ripple effect, encouraging more companies to follow suit. Several downtown towers have been partially converted to residential use, reducing excess office inventory and adding more activity to the core. Major financial institutions have also recommitted to downtown Edmonton, including National Bank’s investment in Manulife Place and ATB’s continued presence.
• Edmonton is considering a new bylaw that would require businesses to sort their waste, including organics and recyclables, as non-residential sectors generate 70% of the city’s waste, half of which is organic. The City plans to offer grants, educational toolkits, and look at programs for construction and demolition waste, while surveying businesses before finalizing the plan for a Council Committee this summer. Business owners support the idea in principle but want transparency to ensure their efforts make a difference and infrastructure improvements to handle increased organics. Similar bylaws exist in Calgary, Vancouver, Regina, and Halifax, and proponents say it levels the playing field and removes discretion from individual businesses.

• Canvassing is underway for Alberta’s Stay Free Alberta petition, which seeks a referendum on separating from Canada. Supporters at recent events expressed frustration with federal overreach, concerns over economic stability, and a desire for more control over taxes and resource exports. Many believe independence would allow Albertans to make their own decisions and better protect future generations financially. The petition, approved by Elections Alberta, requires 177,732 signatures by May 2nd, and organizers say strong turnout indicates they are on track to meet the goal. Additional canvassing events are scheduled across the province in the coming weeks.
• Tensions are escalating as US officials, including Trade Representative Jamieson Greer and Montana State Senator Steve Daines, characterize Alberta’s electricity market rules as discriminatory toward American producers. They claim that the Alberta Electricity System Operator (AESO) prevents Montana power from entering the province, which stifles cross-border investment. Alberta Utilities Minister Nathan Neudorf asserts that the Province treats all neighbouring jurisdictions equally and prioritizes grid stability. Alberta is effectively an “energy island” with limited ties to BC, Saskatchewan, and Montana, meaning curtailments can occur when supply exceeds what the system can safely manage, even if imported power is cheaper. While increasing connections would improve reliability, Neudorf says that necessary infrastructure work could cost $500 million. Another Montana State Senator, Daniel Zolnikov, cautions that investors will avoid new projects until regulatory clarity is established. 
• Wineries, retailers, and restaurants are calling on the Alberta government to repeal its new wine tax, introduced in April 2025, which imposes additional charges of 5-15% on bottles over $15 per litre. Industry representatives say the tax disrupts Alberta’s previously competitive liquor model, increases costs for restaurants, and discourages consumer spending, with some businesses absorbing the higher prices and others reducing Canadian wine purchases. The Import Vintners and Spirits Association and Wine Growers British Columbia warn that the tax has already caused declining sales and threatens small businesses, with some BC wineries considering leaving the Alberta market. Restaurant owners say the added costs are unsustainable, reducing customer visits and squeezing already tight profit margins. Industry groups argue that Alberta should maintain a simple, flat liquor tax to support business viability and consumer choice. Government officials defend the tax, noting it applies to only 16% of wines sold and remains lower than prices in other provinces.
• Alberta is introducing new regulations to expand its provincially-regulated online gambling market and attract private operators currently limited to Ontario. The changes provide a framework for companies like BetMGM, FanDuel, and DraftKings to legally accept bets in the province. The government notes that unregulated sites make up as much as 70% of Alberta’s online gambling activity. The regulations, modelled on Ontario’s system, cover virtual casinos, sports betting, tax rates, website rules, and responsible gambling measures such as self-exclusion and time or financial limits. Service Alberta Minister Dale Nally expects operators to join the market within a few months, with the intention of creating a safer and more controlled environment for Albertans. Currently, the province’s only regulated platform, Play Alberta, generated $270 million in net sales last year, up $35 million from 2023-24.
• An Alberta teacher’s audio rant criticizing the province’s conservative political culture has sparked an internal review by Elk Island Catholic Schools and criticism from Premier Danielle Smith. The recording, from a Fort Saskatchewan social studies class, included profane references to anti-Trudeau stickers and NDP lawn signs, prompting concerns about professionalism and political neutrality in the classroom. The school division says the conduct does not align with its values and is investigating, while the Alberta Teachers’ Association has declined to comment, noting it is a matter for the school.

What began in the spring of 2022 is scheduled to open ahead of schedule on Tuesday, January 27. The new facility is located in Coronation Park (111th Avenue and 142nd Street) brings a new look and new amenities to the city. Take a photo tour and mark it on your calendar to visit in person.

MILLWOODS MOSAIC has just been published to helpget the New Year off to a good start. Read it to get a behind the scenes look at news that has Millwoods in focus.

What's on in Edmonton this weekend? Pop by the Mitchell Art Gallery to check out the exhibition from where the grain itself can speak, enjoy a fresh line-up of International, National and Regional bluegrass bands at the RiverCity Bluegrass Festival, join New Music Edmonton for Drawing and Sound Gathering with artist Asal Andarzipour and sound artist Michael Reinhart, step into the heart of Edmonton’s Alberta Avenue District for a magical celebration of winter at the Deep Freeze Festival, attend Light + Vibrotactile: An Interactive Installation at Latitude 53 for a technical exploration informed by Deaf-Blind sensory experiences, join the Edmonton Recital Society as they celebrate their 20th Anniversary Season with a presentation of Benjamin Butterfield and Leanne Regehr, and so much more!

SEE ALL UPCOMING EVENTS

• On Thursday, at 4:00 pm, there will be a Special City Council Meeting. The majority of the meeting will be held in-camera to discuss Strategic Planning. The meeting will continue on Friday at 9:00 am.
• Mayor Andrew Knack is inviting residents to rethink how the City approaches snow removal after an unusually snowy start to winter. Citing snowfall well above the 30-year average, Knack acknowledged widespread frustration with road conditions while also thanking City crews who have been working around the clock to keep major routes passable. According to Environment Canada, December was among Edmonton’s wettest on record, putting added strain on an already stretched snow-clearing system. The City currently budgets about $67 million annually for snow removal, following several increases in recent years. Past reviews showed that significantly faster or more comprehensive snow removal would come with substantial additional costs. Knack argues the issue now belongs in a larger budget conversation as Edmonton prepares for its next four-year cycle.
• Edmonton’s $2.6 billion Valley Line West LRT build is progressing, but construction manager Jonathan Cox says the city risks losing hard-won skilled trades capacity if major rail projects stall after completion. Cox argues Edmonton has invested in specialized workers and expertise for building LRT in a northern climate and if future expansions remain unfunded, that talent may leave for other cities, raising costs to bring them back later. City of Edmonton Valley Line West director Brian Latte reports the project was on budget and on schedule at the end of 2025, with major intersection work completed on time. The team aims to have all tracks connected by the end of 2026, followed by extensive testing and commissioning. Reliability testing is expected to be the longest phase, with passenger service still tentatively targeted for 2029.
• Edmonton has begun replacing private security on public transit with additional peace officers, deploying 15 so far and planning to add another 15 by the end of summer. The shift is funded using money from a previous security contract and is intended to increase enforcement capacity, as peace officers have broader legal powers than private guards. Once fully implemented, the City’s transit peace officer unit will grow to 126 officers, with larger patrol teams and a stronger focus on high-incident areas. The City says this increased uniformed presence is meant to improve both actual safety and public confidence, while also supporting faster response times. Officers will continue working alongside police and outreach workers, connecting vulnerable individuals to social services when appropriate. The approach emphasizes engagement and prevention first, while still allowing for tickets, fines, or transit bans for repeat or serious offenders.
• Emergency room doctors in Edmonton are calling for a medical state of emergency in the Edmonton zone due to severe overcrowding and long wait times, citing a recent death of a 44-year-old man in the ER. Hospitals are operating at near full capacity, with admitted patients often spending days in emergency before reaching a proper hospital bed. A major factor is the high number of patients who no longer need acute care but cannot yet move to home care, rehab, or long-term care, blocking new critical cases. Doctors say the system was already stretched before this year’s severe influenza season, and ongoing staffing and systemic issues have worsened the crisis. While government statements highlight efforts to reduce Alternate Level of Care (ALC) patients and acknowledge high volumes, ER staff warn that Edmonton’s situation is among the worst in Canada. Patients in urgent need are facing unsafe delays for treatment such as antibiotics, pain relief, and emergency procedures.