Reg Rygus

What's on in Edmonton this weekend? Learn the basics of Métis flower beadwork and how to bead a Prairie Rose with Métis artist Connie Kulhavy, check out the new exhibit Pysanka & Petrykivka by Daena Diduck and Natalia Stativa-Zharko at the Alberta Council for the Ukrainian Arts, experience Edmonton through the eyes of young artists from racialized backgrounds at Love Letters to YEG, step into a world of joie de vivre as singer Mireille Rijavec and pianist Roxanne Classed bring their signature cabaret back at Brie, Baguette, and a Broad, wake up to spring with a concert celebrating the vibrant and expressive world of handbell music at Uniquely Ours, and so much more!

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Hello BetterInfillers—

The unintended consequences of the sweeping changes imposed by the 2020 City Plan and the subsequent zoning bylaw keep rolling over Edmonton’s neighbourhoods.

That eight-plex being built beside you? Those “rowhouses” planned down the block? Under the city’s de-regulated zoning bylaw, you can’t assume they’ll be rented as apartments. It’s quite possible they’ll be rented by the bedroom, becoming, in effect, lodging houses.

On March 3, Global News ran a story about rooms in new infills being rented by the day and even the hour. These infills were described as seven- or eight-unit buildings, and neighbours were surprised to learn they had up to 32 bedrooms.

With the help of community members, Global reporter Sarah Ryan found unregulated online advertising for these infills in at least two neighbourhoods. The ad began with this: “Are you looking for a room ($35 to $65/night) short term stay in Edmonton, no contract and flexible days/nights, or hourly stays…”. The landlord offered to take cash. (See full text below.)

When interviewed by Global News, councillor Michael Janz said, “That’s a business bylaw issue…owners need to be held accountable.” But accountability doesn’t seem to be coming from city hall. Community members took the issue there months ago and nothing changed. Shortly after Global aired its story the landlord took the ad down.

It’s difficult to see this as just a “business bylaw issue.” After all, it’s the new zoning bylaw under which construction of these buildings is approved. As Rhonda Bell of McKernan told Global News, “When it walks like a duck and moves like a duck and quacks like a duck — at some point people have to call it a duck.”

It’s time to start calling some of these infills what they are --lodging houses-- and treating them accordingly. These aren’t providing homes for families. Lodging houses have a role, but they pose particular issues for fire safety, health, and social impacts, and there are no managers on site. When rooms are rented by the hour and paid for with cash, city hall shouldn’t pretend these are good for the community.

Lodging houses, whether approved or not, are going up in various neighbourhoods. In September, a developer applied for a lodging house in Belgravia, asking for a total of 28 sleeping units on a fifty-foot lot. Under the zoning bylaw, a sleeping unit can have up to two people. A single-family home had stood on the lot, which was in the middle of a block where several new homes had been built, including next door. The new zoning bylaw meant neighbours had no say about the application.

To their credit, the city’s development officer turned down the application because the maximum number of sleeping units allowed for a lodging house under RS zoning is eight.

But here’s the catch: the building was already built. It had been completed in 2024, the first year of the new zoning bylaw. Tenants say they rent by the room and share bathrooms, kitchens, and living areas, which sounds like a de facto lodging house.

Neighbours are left with a series of questions:

🡪 How was a building with more than twenty-five bedrooms, with shared kitchens and bathrooms, allowed to be built when lodging houses are restricted to a maximum of eight sleeping units with two people each?

🡪 Was the building built in accordance with the plans submitted to the city?

🡪What is happening at the location now? Is it being run as an illegal lodging house? Are city inspectors visiting the site to enforce bylaws?

Infill like this is happening for a reason. Edmonton was built around neighbourhoods, but the 2020 City Plan eliminated neighbourhoods from the planning process. It was part of the blanket zoning, one-size-fits-all, de-regulate infill mindset of the times, and Edmonton took it to an extreme in Canada. As a result, at city hall it doesn’t much matter what happens next door, or on your block, or in your neighbourhood, because that’s not part of the plan.

And yet, what the city allows to happen next door makes all the difference.

--from the team at BetterInfill

See the full Global News story here: https://globalnews.ca/news/11715263/edmonton-infills-rooming-house/

Double click on the image below to get the full text of the ad referred to in the Global News story.

• The Utility Committee will meet on Monday at 9:30 am. On the agenda is the Waste Reduction Roadmap ‘30, a five-year plan running from 2026 to 2030 aimed at cutting residential waste per person to 14% below 2019 levels. The roadmap builds on earlier efforts that already reduced waste per person by about 10% by 2025 and forms part of the City’s longer-term goal to achieve a 20% reduction by 2044. The plan includes 14 actions across 5 focus areas, such as making it easier to donate and reuse items, encouraging reusable food containers, reducing waste at public events, preventing food waste at home, and cutting waste from City operations. Initiatives under the plan include a curbside giveaway weekend pilot, promoting reusable cups and foodware, expanding donation drop-off opportunities, and providing tools to help events operate with less waste. Developing the plan involved research across dozens of jurisdictions and engagement with more than 5,000 residents and organizations. The program is expected to cost about $1.5 million over five years, with $300,000 already allocated for 2026.
• The Council Services Committee will meet on Wednesday at 9:30 am. The agenda includes a report on options for office upgrades within the Office of the Councillors. Following a December 2025 motion, Administration consulted with councillors between January and February 2026 to identify needs and priorities. Feedback highlighted inequities in lighting and cable services, preferences for flexible workspaces, concerns about wall and window coverings, and a lack of clarity around budgets for maintenance. Current policy allows some discretionary expenses through the ward budget for communications, furnishings, and decor, while the common budget covers office furnishings with a total annual maximum of $11,278 for all 12 offices. Larger projects, such as structural changes, would require coordination through Integrated Infrastructure Services. The report also recommends exploring dedicated budget line items for accessibility and maintenance to address individual needs and provide clearer funding guidance, noting that annual budget carry-forwards cannot be used for these purposes.
• Edmonton officials say property tax revenue is now being used to cover a growing funding gap in traffic safety after provincial restrictions significantly reduced photo radar use. Previously, revenue from automated traffic enforcement helped cover the costs of traffic safety programs, keeping the system largely revenue neutral, but changes introduced by the Alberta government have sharply reduced those funds. City Administrators estimate the program will face a $4.4-million deficit in 2026 and an ongoing annual shortfall of about $14.7 million. Mayor Andrew Knack said the City has limited options to fund traffic safety and that property taxes are currently the only way to make up the lost revenue. The City plans to present a new long-term funding proposal later this year while also adapting to the new rules, including investing in road design changes such as speed bumps and curb extensions. Knack also suggested the Province should reconsider its restrictions on photo radar, arguing the tool previously helped reduce dangerous driving and improve road safety.
• Chinatown businesses are urging City Council to restore street parking on 101 Street, saying the removal of parking spaces to create a dedicated bus lane is hurting local shops. A representative speaking for business owners said many customers, particularly seniors with mobility challenges, relied on the street parking and are now forced to park in nearby alleys that face issues with garbage and disorder. Some Councillors indicated the decision could still be reviewed at a committee meeting later in March, with Mayor Andrew Knack suggesting the bus lane might only be necessary during peak hours. At the same time, the City is considering several proposals as part of a broader Chinatown revitalization plan, including installing surveillance cameras, hiring a dedicated cleaning team, adding secure waste bins, and building a staffed public washroom. The proposals could cost around $5 million, with the largest expense being a $3.3-million camera system to improve safety. Council is also exploring changes to the 97 Street overpass, which community members say divides the neighbourhood and hinders revitalization efforts.
• Edmonton is planning a busy 2026 road construction season with 109 projects scheduled, including 28 road projects, three bridge upgrades, and 78 utility-related works across the city. Officials say the extensive work is needed to maintain infrastructure and accommodate rapid population growth that has added more than 100,000 residents and tens of thousands of vehicles. To reduce disruptions, the City plans to expand a pilot program that closes certain intersections so crews can work around the clock, after most pilot projects were completed ahead of schedule. Some projects have been postponed, including repairs to the Low Level Bridge and work on 107 Avenue, which have been pushed to 2027 to limit congestion. The City will instead prioritize projects such as the Wellington Bridge, sections of Terwillegar Drive, and major arterial road upgrades. Drivers should still expect delays on several key routes, including the Yellowhead Trail, Whitemud Drive, and areas affected by ongoing LRT expansion projects. Officials say while the City will try to avoid overlapping construction zones, some disruptions are unavoidable due to years of deferred infrastructure maintenance.

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ON THE AGENDA

Stephanie Swensrude

This week, councillors will review the waste reduction roadmap for the next four years, vote on rezoning applications, and continue planning the 2027-2030 budget.

There is a utility committee meeting on March 9, a public hearing on March 10, a council services committee meeting on March 11, a city manager and city auditor performance evaluation committee meeting on March 12, and a special city council meeting on March 13.

Here are some key items on the agenda:

• Utility committee will be asked to approve the 2026-2030 Waste Reduction Roadmap. Administration said it aims to pilot a Curbside Giveaway Weekend where residents are encouraged to place items on the curb with a “free” sign for others to take. Such programs exist in Winnipeg and Spruce Grove. The roadmap also calls for a circular foodware pilot where businesses and event planners provide reusable dishes and cups. Administration intends to research how it can be easier for businesses to borrow reusable items.
• A preliminary waste characterization study suggests that more food scraps are being sorted out of the garbage collected from apartments and condos. In 2022, before administration rolled out green cart and recycling collection to some multi-unit buildings, food scraps made up about 45% of garbage collected from apartments and condos. In 2025, that number was 39%. There was also a decrease in Eco Station waste, such as electronics, building materials, and bulky items. However, the amount of recyclable material in the garbage stream increased.
• Council will review a rezoning application at 7404 108 Street NW. There is a seven-unit complex on the site. The applicant has applied to rezone the property to the small-medium scale transition residential zone, which would allow for a three-storey building with larger site coverage. Administration supports the application because the lot is a corner site near a secondary corridor. Some residents in Queen Alexandra oppose it because they feel a larger building could lead to more parking congestion and would not fit with the neighbourhood’s character.
• There is a lack of clarity regarding the budget for furniture and equipment maintenance in the office of the councillors, says a report that will be presented to council services committee. Administration has outlined adjustments to the budget available for the office of the councillors. The report said that the ward budget in Edmonton is about $2 per constituent, compared to $3 to $7.50 in other large Canadian cities. The proposed adjustment is included in a private document and will not be considered until the 2027-2030 budget deliberations at the end of the year.
• City departments will continue presentations at a special city council meeting on March 13 as part of the new results-based budget process.

• Alberta and the federal government have reached an agreement that would give the Province greater authority over environmental and impact assessments for major infrastructure projects. Under the deal, Ottawa will recognize Alberta as best positioned to lead reviews for projects primarily under provincial jurisdiction, while federal and provincial regulators will coordinate assessments for projects that involve both levels of government. Both governments say the goal is to streamline approvals and reduce duplication, allowing projects such as pipelines, rail, and power infrastructure to move forward more quickly. The agreement builds on a previous memorandum of understanding between the two governments and is similar to arrangements Ottawa has signed with other provinces.
• Alberta’s utilities regulator has rejected a proposal to build a natural gas power plant that would supply electricity to a massive AI data centre complex planned for Olds. The Alberta Utilities Commission said the application contained significant deficiencies, including incomplete information, inconsistencies in documents, and insufficient environmental and noise assessments. The proposed 1.4-gigawatt facility - intended to power what the developer called Canada’s largest data centre campus - would have generated roughly enough electricity to power a city the size of Edmonton. Residents near the proposed site had raised concerns about noise, water use, environmental impacts, and limited consultation, with some saying they only learned about the project after it was announced by the provincial government. While the decision blocks the project for now, the developer is allowed to submit a new application that addresses the regulator’s concerns.
• Alberta’s Transportation Minister says the Province will release its long-awaited passenger rail master plan within the next few weeks. The plan is expected to outline proposals for a high-speed rail connection between Edmonton and Calgary, including links to both cities’ international airports. Officials say the corridor is a priority because about 80% of Alberta’s population lives between the two cities. Passenger rail in the region has been discussed for more than a decade and could still take many years to build. The provincial government previously announced plans to create a Crown corporation to oversee rail development as population growth increases pressure on highways. The Minister also emphasized that private sector investment will play a key role in making the project a reality.
• Alberta’s government is scrapping its controversial value-based wine tax after just one year, a move welcomed by retailers and the hospitality industry. The tax, introduced in the previous budget, added extra charges based on the price of a bottle, meaning more expensive wines were taxed more heavily. In the latest provincial budget, the government announced it will return to a standard volume-based tax starting April 1st, though the rate will increase by $0.58 per litre. Officials say the tax proved unpopular and generated far less revenue than expected, bringing in about $10 million instead of the projected $22 - $23 million annually. Industry representatives say the tax discouraged purchases of higher-end wines and hurt a niche segment of the market. 
• Alberta MLAs are now operating under a revised set of legislative rules after the government passed changes to the assembly’s standing orders. One major change replaces the old time allocation process with “programming motions,” allowing cabinet ministers to set a fixed number of debate hours covering multiple stages of a bill. The rules also limit opposition MLAs to three written questions at a time and extend the government’s timeline to respond, potentially up to 120 sitting days. Another change restricts each caucus or independent MLA to one request per day for an urgent or emergency debate. Finally, starting March 19th, Thursday sittings will begin earlier at 10:00 am and end at 2:30 pm, a change intended to help MLAs return to their constituencies sooner. The government says the changes will increase debate time and improve efficiency, while the Opposition argues they could limit scrutiny and reduce meaningful debate.

What's on in Edmonton this weekend? Enjoy a collaborative singer-in-the-round concert celebrating the women in the Folkways Records catalogue, attend the opening reception of BEING by Natalie Gerber at Alberta Craft, get transported to the magical Land of Oz in the Citadel’s enchanting retelling of The Wizard of Oz, celebrate one of the most radical and influential figures of postwar experimental music at Ghosts in the Machine: A Celebration of David Tudor’s 100th Year, recognize International Women’s Day with a concert featuring powerhouse RIWO, watch all of the 2026 OSCAR® nominated Animation Shorts at the Edmonton International Film Festival’s annual OSCAR® Nominated Short Films Fundraiser, and so much more!

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Hello KEP neighbours!

As our new board begins working together, you may notice ongoing updates and changes to our programs, facilities, and communications. We appreciate your patience and input as we strive to make KEP an even more welcoming, active, and safe community.

March may still feel like winter here in King Edward Park, but there’s plenty of ways to stay active, connected, and involved this month.

Community Survey (Closing March 13th)

This survey is critical to helping us prioritize programming, communications, and operational improvements as a new board.

Items: 

• KEP Fun Facts 
• Community Engagement Opportunity: Duncan Innes Park
• Reminders
• ODR Update
• Community Swim Update
• Stay Connected

KEP Fun Facts

King Edward Park is a strong and vibrant community with a rich history of community engagement:

• Approximately 5,000 people live in King Edward Park.
• KEP had the first community league hall in Edmonton in 1923!
• Earlier this month, the league shared that they may have to dissolve if they could not find more volunteers. A Special General Meeting was called, requiring at least 15 attendees and 8 board members to continue. Last weekend neighbours absolutely packed the hall, with a line out the door, to elect the new board and ensure the league continues.

Community leagues offer vital programming year-round, events, and opportunities to celebrate and connect with one another. None of this would be possible without dedicated volunteers who care about their community and want to make it a better place for everyone.

Thanks to everyone who attended the meeting, to the Edmonton Federation of Community Leagues for facilitating the elections, to the outgoing board members, and to the new board members who have stepped up.

Share Your Favourite Thing About KEP! What makes King Edward Park special to you?

👉 Reply to this email with a fun fact, favourite memory, or community tip. We’ll highlight submissions in next month’s newsletter.

Engagement Opportunity

Duncan Innes Park is getting a new playground and the City is looking for input on the design! Meet the project team at an in-person event at Spirit of Hope Church on March 7th between 12 and 2pm to check out options and help select a preferred playground design. Please feel free to share the attached poster with interested parties!

Reminders

Snow & Sidewalk Safety ❄️

Spring is still a few weeks away, and many of our sidewalks remain snowy or icy. Let’s look out for one another: it’s tough to walk safely on an unshoveled sidewalk even for those without mobility challenges — and especially difficult for seniors, folks with disabilities, families with strollers, and neighbours recovering from injuries.

Rink at Duncan Innes Park Still Open!

Our full-size outdoor rink at Duncan Innes Park (8008 – 81 St) remains open daily, weather permitting, from sunrise to 11 PM.

Some friendly reminders while enjoying the ice:

• Helmets are strongly encouraged for everyone
• Please remove nets and scrapers after use so they don’t freeze into the surface
• Push shovelled snow toward the south boards — this helps keep the ice smooth for others

Let’s keep our outdoor rink a fun and respectful space for all who visit!

🏊 Community Swim Update

Community swim continues during March! Due to pool closures, swim times have shifted:

• Commonwealth: Sundays 1–3 PM
• The Meadows Recreation Centre: Friday 6–8 PM

Swims are free with your community league membership. Haven’t joined yet? Details on how to sign up are below.

With Bonnie Doon pool closed again from February 2, 2026 - April 7, 2026.

The league has moved the swim to the Meadows with the exception of the following March 21, 28 and April 3 and 4

KEP League Membership 

Have you purchased your 2026 membership yet?

For just $20, you get big benefits: access to community swims, complimentary Tool Library membership (with proof), free skating at the outdoor rink, free or discounted City recreation passes, and more. 

Ways to purchase:

• Online: CLICK HERE

Stay Connected

Stay Connected

• Email: kep.membership@gmail.com 
• Website: KingEdwardPark.org 

ON TAP

Stephanie SWensrude

This week, councillors will begin hearing presentations about the 2027-2030 budget, review a new attainable housing incentive, and get an update on the Chinatown Strategy.

There is a community and public services committee meeting on March 2, an urban planning committee meeting on March 3, an executive committee meeting on March 4, and a special city council meeting on March 5 and 6.

Here are some key items on the agenda:

• City departments will begin delivering presentations at a special city council meeting on March 5 and 6 as part of the new results-based budget process. Staff will present an overview of the branch with a line-by-line budget and information on the funding model, key drivers of cost increases, structural budget variances, staffing composition, outputs and deliverables, services and service levels, benchmark comparisons with other municipalities, and audit information, where applicable. The presentations are expected to continue throughout March and will give council an overview of department and branch budgets before it decides on the four-year budget in December.
• Council’s executive committee will review the Downtown Attainable Housing Incentive, which is expected to fund between 570 and 850 units fixed at 30% of Edmonton’s median renter income. The incentive would be funded through the extended downtown community revitalization levy and is structured as a 10-year tax rebate. Applicants are required to construct a new rental building with at least 25% of units meeting the attainable housing criteria for at least 10 years. Executive committee is expected to recommend a course of action to council, which will make the final decision at a future meeting.
• Executive committee will review a report weighing the benefits and drawbacks of selling a parcel of land in the Edmonton Research Park to Applied Pharmaceutical Innovation for a nominal fee. API leased two parcels from the city for $1 starting in 2023, and has requested an unconditional nominal-value land sale without development timelines to help it obtain financing to complete its new facility. The sale would increase property tax revenue for the city, help remove barriers to research-intensive economic development, and finalize the sale or lease of the last parcel of city-owned land in the research park. However, the report said, the sale comes with reputational risk and creates preferential treatment within the city’s biotechnology leasing program.
• Construction of the new Harbin Gate in Chinatown is expected to begin soon, according to an annual update on the city’s Chinatown Strategy. The previous gate was removed in 2017 during construction of the Valley Line Southeast LRT. The new gate will be built on 97 Street between Jasper Avenue and 101A Avenue, where the original Chinatown began. Administration said the Chinatown Transformation Collaborative is working with the University of Alberta to create a tourism strategy for the neighbourhood. The report also highlights achievements from 2025. The city renovated Mary Burlie Park, worked with the Chinatown Business Improvement Association to retain businesses, and advanced neighbourhood renewal with a focus on walkability, accessibility, and streetscape quality. Executive committee will review the update on March 4. Applications for the Chinatown Vibrancy Fund closed on Feb. 28. Council has directed administration to bring options for extending the fund to the 2027-2030 budget deliberations in December.

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• This morning, at 9:30 am, there will be a meeting of the Community and Public Services Committee. The agenda includes an overview of complaints and enforcement related to election signage during the 2025 municipal general election. Between March and November 2025, the City received approximately 240 complaints, resulting in 135 warnings and no tickets, reflecting recent changes to the provincial Election Act that limit municipal authority over election signs. By comparison, 298 complaints were recorded during the 2021 election, when three tickets and 26 warnings were issued. Election sign concerns were handled by Community Standards Peace Officers as part of their regular duties, with no overtime or additional staffing deployed despite increased workload during the election period. Officers focused largely on education and compliance, and upcoming bylaw amendments will clarify that the City’s Public Spaces Bylaw does not apply to election signage, aligning municipal rules with provincial legislation.
• The Executive Committee will meet on Wednesday at 9:30 am. The Committee will receive an update on Edmonton’s Chinatown Strategy, a long-term, community-driven framework supporting revitalization, cultural vibrancy, economic development, and safety. In 2025, the City focused on community-led cultural programming, business support, and advancement of public realm projects, including the Chinatown Gate, Mary Burlie Park renewal, and streetscape improvements. Council renewed the Chinatown Vibrancy Fund, providing $480,000 annually to support festivals, public art, and initiatives like Chinatown Dining Week, Lunar New Year, and the new Chinatown Chow Down culinary experiences. The Chinatown Transformation Collaborative delivered guided food tours, cultural workshops, and participated in international events, engaging over 1,000 participants. Administration also advanced the Public Space Management Framework to support year-round activation, cleanliness, safety, and community partnerships, while maintaining quarterly coordination with the Chinatown BIA and Chinese Benevolent Association. Safety and public order remained a priority, and Administration plans to continue funding and monitor outcomes through a performance report card. Future steps include implementing funded initiatives and developing a tourism strategy.
• The Committee will also discuss a proposed Downtown Attainable Housing Incentive Program to encourage new residential development in the downtown core, addressing high construction costs and low rental rates that have limited development without support. The program offers developers a tax rebate grant for up to 10 years based on the proportion of units classified as attainable, rented at no more than 30% of median renter income, with a minimum of 25% of units required to qualify. Funded through the Capital City Downtown Community Revitalization Levy (CRL) with an initial $30 million budget, the program is expected to support 570 to 850 attainable units and up to 3,400 total units, leveraging private investment and creating construction jobs. The program will be monitored annually to ensure effectiveness and adjust to market conditions. While it aims to increase downtown population and economic activity, it does not specifically target households in core housing need.
• City Council has set four key strategic priorities for its current four-year term: economic development, growth management, quality services, and safety, guided by the principles of affordability, fiscal sustainability, and relationship-driven governance. Mayor Andrew Knack emphasized that the process was about focusing on what matters most rather than trying to tackle every issue, allowing the City to align its budget, measure progress, and hold Council and administration accountable. Council plans to set metrics to ensure the City Manager and administration follow the strategic direction, with public reporting to show progress and explain any shortcomings. The goal is to limit priorities to help prevent distractions from day-to-day concerns, support clear decision-making on motions and budget allocations, and provide voters with a clear framework to evaluate Council performance in the next election. Knack highlighted the distinction between Council governance and City Administration operations, noting that clear direction is needed to assess effectiveness. 
• On Thursday, at 9:30 am, there will be a Special City Council Meeting. Administration will present detailed budget information from various departments and branches to City Council to support decision-making for the 2027-2030 budget. These presentations will cover branch overviews, funding models, cost drivers, staffing, services, service levels, and, where possible, comparisons with other municipalities. The purpose is to provide Council with the foundational knowledge needed to make informed decisions in the next budget cycle, rather than to debate the current budget. Additional meetings will take place, if required, on March 6th, 13th, 24th, 25th, and 27th.

• Alberta’s 2026 budget projects a $9.4-billion deficit, marking a second straight year deep in the red and setting up four consecutive deficits, which would violate the Province’s own fiscal framework limiting consecutive shortfalls. Finance Minister Nate Horner acknowledged the difficult outlook and signalled the government may revisit its fiscal rules as revenues decline, largely due to a $3.1-billion drop in non-renewable resource income tied to lower oil price forecasts. Total revenue is expected to fall to $74.6 billion, while expenses rise to $83.9 billion, driven in part by increased spending in education, health, and social services. The Province’s total debt is projected to climb to $128.7 billion in 2026-27, with further increases anticipated in the following years and growing debt-servicing costs. The budget also includes tax and fee hikes, such as higher education property taxes and a new 6% vehicle rental tax.
• Alberta is advancing plans for its Alberta Sheriffs Police Service (ASPS) through Bill 15, which would allow roughly 600 sheriffs already performing “police-like” duties to become fully trained police officers with six weeks of additional training. The legislation transfers the staff and budget of the Alberta Sheriffs branch to the new Crown corporation, while the remaining sheriffs continue roles like courthouse security and prisoner transport. Public Safety Minister Mike Ellis framed the move as enhancing safety and providing faster response times, but critics have raised concerns about training adequacy, recruitment challenges, cost transparency, and potential overwork for sheriffs who don’t transition. The government says that the new service supplements rather than replaces the RCMP.
• Alberta’s government plans to introduce legislation this spring giving the Province greater control over immigration and regulating medical assistance in dying (MAID). House Leader Joseph Schow said the immigration bill would license international recruiters and increase oversight of employers hiring foreign workers, aiming for a fair and transparent process. The MAID legislation would restrict access for certain groups, including mature minors, individuals with only a mental health condition, adults without decision-making capacity, and those making advanced requests, while strengthening oversight of health-care workers involved. Other legislation will address major projects, red tape reduction, and the potential creation of an independent provincial police service. The spring sitting is scheduled to run until May 14th.
• Half of the recall petitions launched against United Conservative Party MLAs have now failed, with four more efforts recently falling short, according to Elections Alberta. One of the unsuccessful campaigns targeted Agriculture Minister R.J. Sigurdson, gathering only about 9% of the nearly 16,000 signatures required to trigger a vote in his riding. Petitions against other caucus members, including Muhammad Yaseen and Speaker Ric McIver, also failed to meet the threshold, while one effort was withdrawn before the deadline. There are still 12 active petitions against UCP members, including one aimed at the premier, as well as two targeting Alberta NDP MLAs. Many petition organizers cited concerns over the government’s use of the notwithstanding clause and dissatisfaction with local representation. To force a recall vote, organizers must collect signatures equal to 60% of ballots cast in the 2023 election within a three-month window.
• Alberta is once again challenging Ottawa’s Impact Assessment Act in court, arguing that the federal law oversteps constitutional boundaries by regulating projects like pipelines, mines, and ports that fall primarily under provincial jurisdiction. The legislation, enacted in 2019 and amended after a Supreme Court ruling, is intended to assess environmental, economic, health, and social impacts of major projects, but Alberta contends its core purpose remains unconstitutional. Environmental group Ecojustice is intervening to defend the Act, emphasizing that it promotes responsible decision-making rather than blocking development, while the Canadian Constitution Foundation supports Alberta’s position, citing provincial control over local resources. The legal dispute comes amid efforts to expand energy infrastructure and exports, including a recently signed energy agreement between Premier Danielle Smith and Prime Minister Mark Carney covering pipelines and carbon capture projects.

What's on in Edmonton this weekend? Enjoy an exclusive presentation and celebration of G. F. Handel’s rarely performed oratorio, Hercules!, celebrate Black History Month through the art of figure drawing in a workshop with Shaihiem Small, join the Edmonton Youth Orchestra for the Thelma Johannes O’Neill Memorial concert, check out FAVA FEST 2026 that shines a spotlight on the depth and diversity of talent within the local film community, and so much more!

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Valley Line West LRT: Preparing for the 2026 construction season The City of Edmonton and Marigold Infrastructure Partners (MIP) are preparing for another busy construction season on the Valley Line West LRT project. While details are still being finalized, some of the most disruptive work for commuters, businesses and residents will occur along 102 Avenue between 102 Street and 107 Street, and along 87 Avenue between 156 Street and Anthony Henday Drive. To stay informed about Valley Line West construction, sign up for the City's newsletter and MIP's construction notices. Find information about the project on the Valley Line West LRT website. Build a blueprint towards a Climate Resilient Home Extreme weather and storms can test how our homes perform when it matters the most.

The City’s interactive Climate Resilient Home online tool is designed to build a customized blueprint for homeowners and builders to make thoughtful choices towards creating a more climate-resilient home. By identifying potential risks and simple actions, the tool can help homeowners understand how and where to start to enhance the safety and comfort of their home, regardless of the forecast.

Discover how to improve your home's climate resiliency by using Climate Resilient Home.  Industrial, Commercial and Institutional companies participate in waste reduction pilot program Edmontonians have been doing great in sorting their food waste by making sure they are putting it on their food scraps carts for disposal. Now, thanks to funding from the City of Edmonton Climate Task Force, Edmonton Waste Services is getting the commercial sector involved in this work in a new pilot program. 

The new program has two goals: rescue edible surplus food and collect and compost inedible food. Participants in this program are what we call the ICI sector: industrial, commercial and institutional. The City is running a pilot project for this by partnering with the Circular Innovation Council, a waste collection company, a food rescue organization and 30 non-residential organic waste generators, including institutions such as schools, hospitals, supermarkets, restaurants and hotels during this pilot.

Waste from the Industrial, Commercial and Institutional sector amounts to about 770,000 tonnes, 25 percent of which is food waste.

During the year this pilot project will run, Waste Services estimates the City will avoid nearly 2,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent from landfills and transportation, and over 300 tonnes of organic waste will be turned into 150 tonnes of rich compost. Additionally, the pilot hopes to see 30,000 meals created from rescued food and provided to equity-deserving Edmontonians seeking access to nutritious, fresh and culturally appropriate food. For more information, visit Industrial, Commercial and Institutional Waste.

ON THE AGENDA

Stephanie Swensrude

This week, councillors are set to discuss an integrated approach to construction planning, a rezoning application in Wîhkwêntôwin, and aging infrastructure.

There is an infrastructure committee meeting on Feb. 23, a public hearing on Feb. 24, and an audit committee meeting on Feb. 25.

Here are some key items on the agenda:

• Administration said it will make changes to construction plans for a more integrated, proactive, and coordinated approach, after what it called a “challenging traffic season” in 2025. In a report set to be presented to infrastructure committee, the city said it has deferred the construction of the northbound Low Level Bridge until 2027 and has hired a manager to focus on integrating projects and minimizing traffic impacts downtown. Administration will also work with contractors on schedules that allow for work to be completed faster, as it did with the accelerated Valley Line West construction last year. Jason Meliefste, branch manager of infrastructure delivery, told CBC Edmonton the city is keen to avoid overlapping construction projects this year.
• Administration said it does not support a rezoning application for a lot in Wîhkwêntôwin because the proposed zone allows for development that would not align with the neighbourhood’s heritage-defining features. The report said the site at 11202 99 Avenue NW is located in a dense node of unique historic buildings. The Armstrong Residence, a historic building that once sat on the property, was demolished in September. The current zoning allows for a four-storey building, and the report says the developer wants to rezone the property to allow for a mixed-use, three-storey building with a wider variety of potential commercial uses. Administration said it offered to work with the applicant to create a direct control zone that mimics the proposed zone while regulating architectural controls. Council is scheduled to debate the application on Feb. 24.
• StreetSide Developments has proposed rezoning a church and park space at 11520 Ellerslie Road SW to allow for small and medium-sized forms of housing. The developer proposes rezoning part of the lot along Ellerslie Road SW to allow for a six-storey tower and another part for a three-storey development. Administration heard from about 150 residents who said they oppose the rezoning because it could make traffic and parking congestion worse, and because the church and open space are well-used by the community.
• The replacement value of Edmonton’s infrastructure assets has grown by 37% to nearly $40 billion between 2013 and 2025, according to a report that will be presented to council’s infrastructure committee. More than 50% of the assets are in good or very good condition, but administration said investment must be increased to prevent assets from falling into poor condition. The report is meant to provide context for upcoming council decisions, including the 2027-2030 capital budget deliberations that are scheduled for later this year.

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• The Infrastructure Committee will meet on Monday at 9:30 am. The Committee will discuss the City of Edmonton’s 2026 Traffic Management Plan. It focuses on reducing congestion and disruptions caused by major construction projects, building on lessons from the challenging 2025 season. The plan emphasizes five key priorities: improved sequencing of projects, prioritizing innovation, proactive operational coordination, better integration with developers and utility companies, and enhanced communication with residents and businesses. Traffic modelling will guide project timing, lane restrictions, and signal adjustments, while communications will include newsletters, project websites, social media, real-time navigation updates, and community engagement events. Major City projects include Valley Line West LRT, Capital Line South LRT, Yellowhead Trail upgrades, and Whitemud Drive improvements, with developer and utility projects also affecting arterial roads. Mitigation strategies include traffic calming in adjacent neighbourhoods, accommodating vulnerable road users, and ensuring multi-modal access. Traffic relief is expected in fall 2026 as key projects such as Wellington Bridge, 95 Avenue, and Terwillegar Stage 2 are completed.
• The Audit Committee meets Wednesday at 9:30 am. On the agenda is a recent data analytics audit of the City of Edmonton’s gift card program for attractions and recreation centres. The audit found that controls were only partially effective. While gift card sales and redemptions were properly recorded in the accounting system, significant issues were identified with access and data integrity. Access to gift card records is not restricted to employees with a valid business need, with over 500 active accounts belonging to terminated staff or unrelated departments, creating potential risks for unauthorized access or fraud. Data integrity problems were also noted: about 14% of gift card reference numbers did not meet the required 5-digit format, 7% contained non-numeric characters, and some duplicates or out-of-range numbers were present, which could hinder citizen redemption and open opportunities for misuse. The audit recommends implementing a formal access management plan to limit user permissions and enhancing data validation procedures, including staff training and software improvements, to ensure accurate gift card numbers. To support ongoing monitoring, an internal dashboard has been created, providing weekly automated updates on flagged transactions and audit metrics. Management has committed to completing access controls by June 30th, 2026, and improving data integrity by March 31st, 2027. 
• Edmonton has emerged as Canada’s leader in new cycling infrastructure, adding 517 km of weighted bike lanes between 2022 and 2024 - more than double Calgary and over three times Toronto. A Simon Fraser University study highlighted the City’s fast-paced development, including a well-connected network along the river, downtown, and neighbourhoods, with a focus on protected, high-comfort routes. While Edmonton expands its cycling network, other cities and provinces, such as Ontario, Winnipeg, Halifax, and Charlottetown, are slowing, pausing, or even removing bike lanes due to budget, planning, or political pressures. Officials and advocacy groups stress the importance of thoughtful design that balances cycling access with road and parking needs.
• The City brought in 100 private graders to bolster snow-clearing efforts as a winter storm and deep freeze hit the region. Crews began working around the clock, expanding from 20 to 120 graders, alongside roughly 120 plow trucks, in an effort to clear major routes quickly. A Phase 1 parking ban took effect Wednesday at 7:00 am, restricting parking on major roads, arterials, collector roads, and transit routes, with officials hoping early contractor deployment would improve road conditions sooner. The City has faced criticism in past snow events over slow clearing and low compliance with residential bans, but reports say compliance improved during the most recent Phase 2 effort. A broader review of snow and ice operations is planned later this year, as budget pressures and expanding infrastructure continue to challenge winter maintenance efforts.
• Edmonton Riverbend MP Matt Jeneroux has crossed the floor to join the Liberal Party, citing a "national unity crisis". Previously a provincial MLA and long-time Conservative representative, Jeneroux will now serve as a special adviser on economic and security partnerships under Prime Minister Mark Carney. This move marks the third Conservative defection recently, bringing the Liberal seat count to 169 - just three shy of a majority. If the government sweeps three upcoming byelections in Toronto and Montreal, they could secure a majority through these parliamentary shifts. Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre condemned the decision, stating it betrays Edmonton voters who supported affordability and the resource sector.

• Premier Danielle Smith says Alberta will hold referendums on October 19th with 5 yes/no questions on immigration and additional questions on constitutional changes. Smith said she is seeking a mandate to pursue policies that would restrict eligibility for provincially funded programs to citizens, permanent residents, and those with an “Alberta-approved immigration status,” and to require non-permanent residents to live in Alberta for 12 months before qualifying for provincial programs. Other questions include requiring proof of citizenship to vote in provincial elections, seeking more provincial control over immigration, and whether Alberta should charge a fee to non-permanent residents to access health care and education. Smith tied the proposals to pressures on services and a tougher financial outlook, ahead of Budget 2026 on February 26th, while promising no drastic cuts to social services.
• A third recall petition, this time against UCP MLA Nolan Dyck, has failed to meet the signature threshold, while another petition against Children and Family Services Minister Searle Turton was withdrawn. Dyck’s petition gathered just over 1,000 signatures - about 10% of the required number. The petitioner said the effort still engaged the community, noting some supporters had voted for Dyck in 2023 but felt misrepresented. The withdrawal of the petition against Turton’s was blamed, by the petitioner, on delays and confusion over privacy assurances from Elections Alberta, though Elections Alberta disputes this. Petitioners had three months to collect signatures equal to 60% of the votes cast in each riding in the last election.
• Alberta is investing $400 million to purchase five new water bombers for its aging wildfire-fighting fleet, with the first delivery from De Havilland expected in 2031. The Canadair DHC-515 amphibious planes can refill their 6,100-litre tanks from water sources in about 12 seconds, enhancing rapid response capabilities. The purchase is separate from the Province’s annual $160-million wildfire response budget and aims to ensure fleet renewal as current Alberta-owned aircraft, built in the late 1980s, near the end of their service lives. Forestry Minister Todd Loewen highlighted the proactive approach to replacing aging planes, while Premier Danielle Smith emphasized the investment’s role in long-term wildfire preparedness. The deal is expected to strengthen the Province’s ability to respond to increasingly intense wildfire seasons. 
• The Alberta government has released its first classroom size and complexity data in six years, accompanied by $143-million for specialized "complexity teams". This funding targets K-6 schools facing the highest pressures, primarily within the Edmonton and Calgary school boards. Complexity is determined by student composition (including disabilities and language needs and is ranked on a scale from low to high), class size, and the number of students requiring additional support. Notably, 62% of Calgary classrooms and 34% of Edmonton classrooms report high occurrence rates, meaning 11 or more students per class have complex needs. 
• Alberta’s tourism sector is outpacing the national average, reaching a record $15.2 billion in visitor spending last year. While Canadian tourism overall saw declines in international and US travel, Alberta recorded growth of 4% and 5%, respectively. Travel Alberta’s "Higher Ground" strategy aims for $25 billion by 2035 by promoting year-round destinations beyond the Rocky Mountains and expanding direct flight access. A key pillar of the agency's plan is the Indigenous tourism sector, which has received $12 million in taxpayer support since 2021 to meet high international demand for authentic cultural storytelling.