What's on in Edmonton this weekend? Come by City Hall for a FREE film screening, book launch and signing at Stories of Southeast Asian Refugees, enjoy top-flight musicianship spiced with quirky humour with the KUBASONICS as part of Alberta Council for the Ukrainian Arts’ Ukrainian Music on the Prairies exhibit, dance the night away at Amy van Keeken's Vinyl Dance Party, check out EYEcon at Alberta Craft that brings together Alberta artists working in contemporary craft to explore the eye as both form and function, explore 16 different independent bookstores across the Edmonton area at the return of the Edmonton Indie Bookstore Extravaganza, and so much more!

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• Downtown Edmonton pub and restaurant owners say they were “broadsided” by the City’s decision to introduce new licensing fees for year-round patios, warning the costs could force many to shut down or remove their outdoor spaces. Under the new policy, businesses will pay about $14,000 annually for all-season patios, with a temporary discount in 2026 before full fees take effect in 2027, whereas seasonal patios will cost about $3,700. Owners say they were encouraged to invest in patios through City and business association programs, but now feel the new fees undermine those efforts and threaten recent investments. Some businesses report significant financial strain, including declining post-pandemic revenues, rising property taxes, and vandalism costs, making the added fees difficult to absorb. Critics, including some councillors, argue the fees could reduce downtown vibrancy by discouraging outdoor spaces that bring people into the area. City Administration says the charges are intended to recover costs for safety infrastructure like barriers and inspections, but some owners dispute the value of those services.
• Edmonton Police Service documents and emails have revealed new details about a pilot project testing body-worn cameras equipped with artificial intelligence facial recognition, making it the first program of its kind in Canada. The system, supplied through US camera maker Axon and facial recognition vendor Corsight AI, scans faces in real time against a watchlist of roughly 7,000 individuals flagged for warrants or perceived risk. Internal privacy assessments describe the tool as a “significant adaptation” of existing bodycam technology, effectively turning it into a form of proactive surveillance, though police argue it is limited by safeguards such as distance, lighting, and officer-controlled activation. The pilot has raised major concerns among privacy experts and researchers, who warn about the lack of clear legal authority, potential data-sharing risks, and the broader implications of constant biometric monitoring of the public. Edmonton police maintain the project is a proof of concept aimed at evaluating effectiveness and ensuring compliance with privacy law and the Charter. Oversight bodies and critics remain divided, with some seeing it as a necessary innovation in policing and others calling it one of the most high-risk surveillance experiments in Canada.
• City Council voted 7-5 in favour of Ward O-day’min Councillor Anne Stevenson’s motion to restore street parking on 101 Street in Chinatown between 107 Avenue and Kingsway, reversing a dedicated bus lane pilot. Street parking will be available weekdays from 9:30 am to 3:30 pm to support local businesses. Business owners reported a decline in customers and accessibility challenges for seniors and individuals with limited mobility who rely on street-level access rather than alleyway parking. Administration will monitor the impact on bus efficiency over the next six months. Concurrently, the City is advancing Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) planning for routes B1 and B2 for the 2027–2030 budget cycle. A third route, B6, is deferred until construction on Terwilliger Drive is complete. Supported by $16.42 million in annual federal funding, the BRT system is projected to be operational by 2031 once the Southeast Transit Garage is finished
• The Downtown Revitalization Coalition (DRC) has introduced a plan aiming to make Edmonton the safest major city in Canada. Unveiled before budget deliberations, the strategy calls for better coordination of downtown programs to address persistent public disorder. A primary recommendation includes integrating the Edmonton Police Service and transit peace officers to improve response times and authority. The DRC also proposes a downtown crisis-stabilization and transfer centre, providing a non-carceral space for individuals in distress to be stabilized and connected to support services. While the provincial government has allocated funds for similar centers elsewhere, the DRC advocates for a dedicated downtown location. Councillor Anne Stevenson supports the goal of enhanced inter-agency partnership but emphasizes that available treatment and housing options remain critical.
• A builders’ advocacy group in Edmonton is calling on the City to streamline its infill housing approval process and adopt clearer design standards to support growing demand. The group’s 22-point plan argues that approvals for infill projects can take as long as large suburban developments, slowing efforts to meet the City’s goal of directing half of new housing into established neighbourhoods. It also emphasizes improving communication with residents and enforcing consistent design rules to address community concerns about neighbourhood character. The push comes amid rising tensions over infill, including community resistance, restrictive covenants, and even arson incidents targeting projects. The proposal includes ideas like pre-approved building plans to speed up development while maintaining standards. While proponents say Edmonton is a leader in housing policy, ongoing legal disputes and neighbourhood opposition continue to complicate infill expansion.

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ON THE AGENDA

Stephanie Swensrude

This week, councillors are set to discuss a potentially reduced footprint for K-Days and other major events, review a sale agreement for a proposed community centre, and hear an update on the city’s living wage requirement.

There is a community and public services committee meeting on April 20, an urban planning committee meeting on April 21, and an executive committee meeting on April 22.

Here are some key items on the agenda:

• The amount of city-owned land allocated to outdoor events at the Exhibition Lands, such as K-Days, could be reduced from 55 acres to about 21 acres, administration said in a report to urban planning committee. Redevelopment of the Exhibition Lands is underway to turn the property into a sustainable, transit-oriented neighbourhood, a shift from what the report calls “large land areas that are seldom used.” The redevelopment calls for the land leased to Explore Edmonton, which runs K-Days, to eventually be reduced to 15.7 hectares, but administration said the land where the Coliseum sits can host extra festival space once the former arena is demolished. The report said administration will continue to work with Explore Edmonton as the lands are redeveloped to ensure it has enough time to relocate storage, maintenance shops, and parking as the area redevelops.
• Executive committee will review a proposed sale agreement with the Africa Centre for a portion of Athlone Park at 13160 127 Street NW that will allow the organization to construct the African Multicultural Community Centre. An updated business case outlines three development scenarios; administration recommends that the centre use the site to balance community programming with revenue-generating components, including eight affordable housing units. The centre has introduced some measures to mitigate a potential loss of revenue in the case of vacancy, including a new endowment fund established at the Edmonton Community Foundation. The agreement proposes selling the land for $1, with a buy-back option if the centre doesn’t start construction within five years.
• Administration said it will continue work to ensure that its suppliers and contractors pay their employees a living wage by managing contracts, engaging with suppliers, and enhancing monitoring. The current living wage in the Edmonton region is $22.30 per hour.
• Administration has created a wildfire risk management strategy that focuses on managing vegetation, responding to wildfires, collaborating with neighbouring jurisdictions, and educating and preparing the community. Council’s community and public services committee will be asked to recommend one of three implementation levels, the first using existing budget and the other two requiring a funding package in the 2027-2030 budget.

• Alberta’s government is appointing a new independent panel, including members chosen by both the UCP and the NDP, to redraw riding boundaries a second time - this time with an increase of 4 seats to 91, rather than an increase of 2 seats to 89. This comes after the previous panel submitted a majority report that recommended boundaries that would have favoured the NDP, while the minority report's suggestions would have favoured the UCP. The new panel will rely on past public submissions but would not hold new public hearings due to time constraints. The move is partly based on an additional recommendation made by the previous commission's chair, who suggested adding more seats would help to draw a fairer map that was more reflective of population growth, though this recommendation was not supported by the full commission. The opposition NDP accuses the government of misrepresenting the report and attempting to gerrymander electoral boundaries ahead of the 2027 election, even raising the possibility of legal action. Hopefully, the new panel can recommend a more neutral change that lies somewhere in between the two suggestions of the previous panel, and we'll reserve our judgement until we see if that's the case.
• Alberta’s government is proposing legislation that would allow residents to access private diagnostic testing without needing a doctor’s referral, enabling people to self-request services such as MRIs, CT scans, and other screening tests at private clinics for a fee. Officials say the change is intended to expand capacity, improve early detection of disease, and reduce pressure on the public health-care system by encouraging a parallel private market for those who can pay. The Province has indicated the rollout may be gradual, starting with a limited number of test types, with more details on eligibility and scope still to come. Critics warn the policy could deepen inequality by creating faster access for wealthier patients while increasing strain on the public system through unnecessary or incidental findings. Concerns have also been raised about follow-up costs, system congestion from extra testing, and uncertainty over whether insurers would cover downstream care. The bill also includes provisions to improve access to addiction treatment medications in rural and Indigenous communities by allowing certain providers to keep limited supplies on site.
• The Alberta government is maintaining its provincial gas tax despite a federal decision to partially pause the federal tax from April to September. Finance Minister Nate Horner stated the Province will adhere to its legislative formula, which adjusts fuel tax rates based on West Texas Intermediate (WTI) oil prices, but the formula only measures the price on specific days. At the time he made his comments, the WTI exceeded the $90 threshold that would be required to adjust the provincial tax, but the price dropped back below that threshold over the weekend - emphasizing current market volatility. The government says it intends to monitor fiscal trends and notes that relief could occur by Canada Day. However, NDP leader Naheed Nenshi criticized the provincial stance, arguing that the government should provide immediate relief given the windfall from high oil prices. Horner countered by noting that Alberta already doesn't charge the provincial sales tax, whereas the federal government continues to collect GST on fuel.
• Alberta will launch its regulated online gambling market on July 13th, making it the second Canadian province to do so. Service Alberta Minister Nally reported that 32 providers have expressed interest, with 20 already paying required deposits. The initiative aims to transition users from the unregulated "grey" market, which currently accounts for 70% of activity. The new framework introduces strict advertising rules, such as prohibiting the use of professional athletes for promotion and ensuring ads do not target minors. Although the Province will collect tax revenue from operators, Nally stated that player safety is the primary focus, noting that regulation is preferable to ignoring the industry. The market opening is intended to align with the upcoming World Cup and will include both online sports betting and casino products.
• Rural Municipalities of Alberta is calling on the provincial government to reinstate a regulated grizzly bear hunt in response to increasing human–bear conflicts across rural and southern parts of the province. The group argues that a draw-based hunting system, informed by population data and conflict trends, could help manage what they see as a growing bear population while also improving public safety. They are also urging the Province to replace its current grizzly recovery strategy with a broader management plan and to increase funding for wildlife officers and conflict response teams. Local municipalities cite incidents such as bears entering outbuildings, damaging grain storage, preying on livestock, and at least one reported attack as evidence that the situation is worsening. Provincial officials maintain that their approach is guided by science and focuses on balancing public safety with conservation, noting that targeted removal of problem bears is already permitted. Environmental groups, however, argue that hunting is not an effective long-term solution and advocate instead for stronger coexistence and prevention strategies.

Since September 2008 Arnim Joop has published the Millwoods Mosaic. The latest issue is below.

What's on in Edmonton this weekend? Join the All Starz Zine Project and Creating Hope Society for their ZINE FEST featuring young local writers and artists, enjoy an unforgettable musical experience for the whole family with Beppie, Seeka Sings, and Beth Portman, discover new art at the commercial galleries of 124 Street & Area at their seasonal gallery walk, celebrate the launch of award-winning author Kristine Scarrow’s short story collection, Only Human, experience an electrifying night of incredible Edmonton talent at Sounds of YEG, and so much more!

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Help Us Clean Up Our Community

Sign-up the Capital City Clean Up!

We’re trying something new this year—and we’d love for you to be part of it 💚 We're participating in the Capital City Clean up. 

Join us as we come together to clean up the litter around our parks and green spaces, so we can all enjoy them even more this summer. It’s a simple way to connect, give back, and take pride in our community.

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP

📅 Date: Sunday, May 17

🕘 Time: 10:30 AM 

📍 Meeting Point: We’ll be gathering at two locations this year—choose the one that’s closest or most convenient for you:

• Large Hall | 7708 - 85 Street NW
• Small Hall | 8008 - 81 Street NW 

All supplies will be provided—just bring yourself, dress for the weather, and wear closed-toe shoes.

👥 All ages welcome

🧤 Gloves, grabbers, & bags provided

🌱 Make a visible difference in your community

Event Schedule: 

10:30 AM – Doors Open: check-in & supply pick-up

11:00 AM – Cleaning teams head out

12:30 PM (approx.) – Return to the large hall for light snacks, refreshments, and supply drop-off 

Save the Date!

KEP Community League Annual General Meeting

📅 Date: May 31, 2026

🕘 Time: 1:00 PM

📍 Location: Large Hall | 7708 - 85 Street NW

Please mark your calendars. Further details, agenda, and materials will be sent closer to the date. All community members are welcome to attend.

ON THE AGENDA

Stephanie Swensrude

This week, council will discuss the drivers of tax increases, vote on increasing the budget for various capital projects, and consider approving the first phase of the River Crossing Community Development.

There is a community and public services committee meeting on April 13, an executive committee meeting on April 14, an urban planning committee meeting on April 14, and a city council meeting on April 15 and 17.

Here are some key items on the agenda:

• The four main factors driving tax increases in Edmonton are the increased cost of services, population growth, slower growth in non-tax revenue, and increased operating expenses linked to new services and capital projects, says a report set to be presented to council. Administration forecasts that if no more service packages or debt-serviced capital projects are approved, the city will need tax levy increases of 5.6% in 2027, 4.3% in 2028, 3.9% in 2029, and 3.7% in 2030. Council will continue to direct administration in creating the budget before deliberations in the fall.
• Council is set to vote on amendments to borrowing bylaws that adjust how much capital projects cost. If council supports the bylaws, the budget for the replacement of light rail vehicles will increase by $80.8 million to a total of $321.3 million, the budget for the design and delivery of ramps at 137 Avenue NW and Anthony Henday Drive will increase by $8.5 million to $15 million, and the budget for the downtown district energy initiative will increase by $18.4 million $54.3 million.
• Administration will ask council to approve $15 million to begin work on the first phase of the River Crossing Community Development, which would see the construction or rehabilitation of the roads north of Re/Max Field and the first steps toward housing development on the field’s parking area. Executive committee considered the project last week and requisitioned the decision to council without a recommendation. Steve Hogle, fun advisor for the Edmonton Riverhawks, told Taproot the organization will trial a park-and-ride this season to prepare for potentially losing the lot next year.
• Council will vote on a motion from Coun. Michael Janz directing administration to bring forward two funding packages for bus rapid transit and wider sidewalks on Whyte Avenue to budget deliberations. It will also consider funding simultaneous improvements to the pedestrian realm along Whyte Avenue, which would involve removing some vehicle parking to make way for wider sidewalks. The motion also calls for an unfunded service package to advance transit priority measures across the city.
• Council will vote on a motion from urban planning committee recommending that city council direct administration to reinstate parking on 101 Street, from 107 Avenue to Kingsway, weekdays from 9:30am to 3:30pm.
• Members of the executive, urban planning, and community and public services committees will meet in private to receive governance updates from various boards and commissions.

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• The City has reported a $45,000 loss in revenue after fraudulent transactions were made through a malfunctioning Arc transit fare machine. According to the city auditor, about $65,000 in suspicious activity occurred between September 2024 and June 2025 before the issue was detected and reported to police. While more than 300 compromised Arc cards were identified and blocked, roughly $20,000 was recovered, reducing the overall financial impact. Edmonton Transit Service has since said it has strengthened its internal controls to prevent similar incidents in the future. Police say efforts to identify suspects have so far been unsuccessful, and there is no indication of organized crime involvement. 
• The Edmonton bus report card for fall 2025 shows wide gaps in on-time performance across 122 routes, with “on time” defined as leaving between one minute early and five minutes late. The best-performing routes reached about 95% reliability, but several major routes fell well below that standard. Route 8 (Abbottsfield–University) recorded about 67% on-time performance, despite being one of the busiest lines in the city. Route 106 came in at about 66.4%, while Route 107 followed at roughly 65.6%. The express Route 110X from Eaux Claires to downtown was about 65.2% on time, showing that faster commuter routes are still frequently delayed. Route 924 performed worse at about 60.8%, and the lowest-performing Route 900X dropped to about 57.4% on weekdays, falling even further on Saturdays. Overall systemwide punctuality sits around the low 80% range, slightly down from 2023 even though it remains higher than pre-pandemic levels.
• The planned Southeast Transit Garage was significantly scaled back from its original design, reducing capacity from about 430 buses to between 255 and 290. The facility, now expected to cost roughly $670 million and be completed by 2031, is intended to support both the City’s current diesel fleet and future transition to zero-emission buses. Critics argue the reduction could create long-term capacity issues, with warnings that the City may hit limits again shortly after the garage opens if transit expansion continues. Some Councillors want a full-cost comparison and a return to the original 430-bus capacity plan. The City also says federal funding discussions are still ongoing and that final budget details will be shared in upcoming budget updates.
• An audit found that the City spent about $21.9 million in 2025 on overtime to cover short-term disability absences, adding up to more than 518,000 lost work hours. These absences were linked to illness, injury, and a growing number of mental health-related claims, which have increased significantly since the pandemic. While overall disability claim rates have stayed relatively stable in line with workforce growth, officials noted a steady rise in complexity and case volume in recent years. The audit also raised concerns about management of the program, pointing to poor record keeping, inconsistent documentation, and limited follow-up on cases. In some instances, auditors found errors such as incorrect dates and incomplete medical records, raising concerns about data reliability. City staff also reported being stretched thin, with case managers handling far more files than recommended standards. Officials say they are working on reforms, including better tracking systems, improved case management, and a stronger focus on helping employees return to work sooner.
• Edmonton’s planned Ice District Event Park has officially moved into the design phase, marking a step forward in the long-delayed downtown project. The City of Edmonton and OEG Sports and Entertainment have selected a joint design team made up of DIALOG and HNTB, both firms with experience in major civic and sports venue projects. The new facility will be built next to Rogers Place and is intended to host concerts, festivals, cultural events, and sporting activities year-round, with features designed to handle both indoor and outdoor use in Edmonton’s climate. The project carries an estimated price tag of about $250 million and is part of a broader public-private agreement worth more than $400 million when combined with related developments and demolition work. Costs are being shared between the Province, which is contributing about $97 million, and the City, which is contributing about $69 million. Officials say the design process will need to balance large-scale entertainment use with affordable community access. Construction is now expected to begin in 2027 as planning work continues.

• A judge has ordered a one-month pause on the validation of signatures for a petition seeking a referendum on Alberta’s separation from Canada, temporarily blocking the Chief Electoral Officer from certifying the results. The ruling also prevents the group behind the petition from advancing the process to the Justice Minister, though it does not stop organizers from continuing to collect signatures ahead of the May 2nd deadline. The decision follows legal challenges from First Nations groups, who argue the process could violate treaty rights and the government’s duty to consult. The court found there are legal questions to consider, including potential constitutional issues, and that allowing the process to proceed could cause irreparable harm to treaty relationships. The judge concluded that pausing validation is the most balanced approach while the case is reviewed. First Nations leaders welcomed the decision, emphasizing the importance of protecting treaty rights, while organizers of the petition said their campaign will continue as planned.
• A recent poll by Leger shows the United Conservative Party holding a significant lead over the Alberta NDP, with a clear gap in voter support. The survey found that 53% of decided respondents would vote for the UCP, while 36% would choose the NDP. This double-digit advantage would result in approximately 70 seats for the UCP and just 17 seats for the NDP if an election were held today. The results suggest that voter preferences across the province have remained relatively stable in recent months. While public opinion can shift over time, the current numbers point to a strong position for the UCP.
• A stabbing in the emergency department at Edmonton’s Royal Alexandra Hospital has renewed calls for stronger hospital security measures, including weapons screening and increased protective services. The president of the United Nurses of Alberta said hospital violence has become a frequent issue, warning that staff face threats of violence almost daily and linking the problem in part to overcrowded emergency rooms. The incident involved a confrontation at the Royal Alexandra Hospital, where police intervened and a man was later charged. Alberta’s Health Minister Matt Jones said the Province is moving to speed up the rollout of weapons detection systems and increase security staffing. Officials also noted that similar screening technologies and security models are already in place or expanding in other provinces. The government says implementation at the hospital is expected in the coming months as part of broader efforts to improve safety in emergency departments.
• The Alberta government is also spending $22 million in school security upgrades following the school shooting in Tumbler Ridge, BC, earlier this year. Funding will be distributed to school boards based on student enrolment and can be used for measures such as improved surveillance cameras, window coverings, and other safety infrastructure. An additional $2 million will go toward emergency response training for school staff to better prepare them for critical incidents. The government also says it plans to introduce new provincial school safety standards later this year. Education officials say the funding is intended to improve preparedness and strengthen overall school security systems.
• The Alberta government is facing a new legal challenge over its plan to close supervised consumption sites in Calgary and Lethbridge, with a former user arguing the decision violates Charter rights. The lawsuit seeks an injunction to keep the sites open, claiming their removal would endanger lives and limit access to critical harm-reduction services. The applicant says these sites played a key role in his recovery and argues that eliminating them could lead to more overdose deaths. The province, however, maintains it is shifting toward a recovery-focused model and plans to defend its position in court. The case follows a previous ruling in Red Deer that found closing a site did not breach Charter rights, though that decision is under appeal. Legal experts say the new case may be more compelling due to the scale of usage in larger cities, but courts may still hesitate to require governments to provide specific health services.

What's on in Edmonton this weekend? Catch a high energy improv performance at Rapid Fire Theatre’s Bonfire Festival, enjoy a performance of Fringe favourite Rat Academy, celebrate Korora’s 30th anniversary with a performance from Namibia’s internationally renowned Collective Singers, attend the NorthWestFilmFest to see all three of the Edmonton Film Prize finalists’ films, join Chorale Saint-Jean to hear the première of a brand-new eight-movement work on the iconic legend of the Flying Canoe, come celebrate some of your favourite horror icons from films old and new at the Icons of Horror: A Drag Showcase, and so much more!

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• On Tuesday, at 9:30 am, there will be a Public Hearing to address several land use matters. If approved, changes in Hawks Ridge will allow for larger parks and amenities to support a planned school, while in Boyle Street, new rules permit medium-scale housing to increase residential capacity. Garneau will see a rooftop restaurant added to an existing building, and updates to Horse Hill and Quarry Ridge neighbourhood plans enable small to medium-scale housing. Blatchford is opening up for low to medium-rise residential and mixed-use development, and Rosenthal will accommodate housing with supporting infrastructure. Also, McKernan is set to allow a mid-rise mixed-use building.
• On Wednesday, at 9:30 am, there will be a meeting of the Infrastructure Committee. The Committee will hear an update on the Southeast Transit Garage project. The project is a key part of the City’s plan to transition to a zero-emission bus fleet and accommodate future growth. Land acquisition and schematic design are complete, with the facility now planned to house 255 to 290 buses, down from an initial 430 due to rising construction costs and phased fleet expansion. The project is funded through a municipal-federal partnership. Key upcoming milestones include detailed design, early site work, and phased construction, with the garage expected to be operational by late 2031. 
• Mayor Andrew Knack has appointed former NDP MP Blake Desjarlais as his new Chief of Staff, succeeding Gabrielle Blatz. Desjarlais represented Edmonton-Griesbach from 2021 to 2025. Knack emphasized that Desjarlais was chosen from hundreds of applicants for his commitment to serving all Edmontonians and claimed his prior political history would not affect his role. The Mayor expressed gratitude to Blatz, who is moving on to serve as provincial women’s representative of the Otipemisiwak Métis Government of Alberta.
• Councillor Michael Janz is calling for more data before the City moves forward with plans to remove diagonal “scramble” crosswalks along Whyte Avenue, just five years after they were installed. The proposed removal at Gateway Boulevard, 104 Street, and 105 Street is part of a plan to create dedicated bus lanes for Bus Rapid Transit. Janz noted significant public concern over pedestrian safety, citing fears of distracted drivers and the importance of street design for protecting people. He is requesting that Administration provide calculations on how the crosswalks affect transit speeds and whether other transit priority measures could offset delays. Janz emphasized that Whyte Avenue’s pedestrian traffic supports local businesses and that the street should prioritize people over commuter traffic. If implemented, pedestrians would return to crossing at traditional 90-degree intersections, with added curb extensions and turn restrictions intended to enhance safety.
• Mayor Andrew Knack and City Manager Eddie Robar have embarked on an 11-day trade mission to China and Japan to promote the City’s manufacturing and clean energy sectors. Organized and funded by Edmonton Global, the trip aims to attract foreign investment to expand the non-residential tax base and provide property tax relief to homeowners. The delegation will visit Beijing, Tianjin, Wuhan, and Tokyo to meet with leaders in agri-food, clean energy, and advanced manufacturing. Edmonton Global estimates the mission could eventually generate up to $2 billion in capital investment and create hundreds of permanent jobs. Mayor Knack emphasized that the presence of senior leadership is vital for answering investor questions regarding permitting and local business supports. 

• The Alberta government has introduced a bill aimed at limiting children’s access to sexually explicit images in public library materials. No books would be removed from libraries or "banned", but the legislation would require such content to be kept in restricted areas or controlled by staff so those 15 and under can't access it without parental permission. The Province argues this balances parental expectations with continued library services, building on earlier restrictions applied to school libraries. Critics, including opposition politicians and advocacy groups, argue the proposal amounts to censorship and could restrict access to important educational content. 
• That same bill would give the Minister of Municipal Affairs greater authority over municipalities, introducing a range of new rules and restrictions. It would establish a universal Councillor Code of Conduct with a third-party roster of investigators, allow the Minister to adjust or reject their recommendations, and impose transparency requirements, including publishing permit timelines and a “sunshine list” of staff salaries above a certain threshold. The bill would restrict municipalities from charging higher taxes on vacant properties and limit how development fees can be used, allowing them only for critical infrastructure. It also introduces automatic approval systems for certain permits and changes how charter and independent schools can build on municipal reserve lands, while preventing municipalities from charging off-site levies on those projects.
• Speaking of bills, the Alberta government has introduced Bill 25, an omnibus education proposal aimed at removing politics and ideology from schools by requiring teachers and school boards to remain neutral and impartial. The legislation would restrict flag displays to the Alberta and Canadian flags, mandate weekly playing of the national anthem, and give the Education Minister oversight over school board decisions such as naming schools, approving superintendent contracts, and repurposing vacant school buildings. Supporters say the bill reinforces professional standards for teachers, ensures civic pride, and addresses challenges around school facilities and administration. The bill also proposes digital provincial exams, enhanced support for students struggling in literacy and numeracy, and additional ministerial authority over charter schools.
• Legislation has been introduced requiring businesses to register provincially before hiring temporary foreign workers, aiming to protect vulnerable employees and give Albertans first access to jobs. Jobs and Immigration Minister Joseph Schow said the bill targets exploitation by employers and recruiters who misrepresent job conditions or illegally withhold documents, while ensuring that hiring foreign workers occurs only when local labour cannot fill positions. The legislation would create a public registry of approved employers, license immigration consultants, and establish penalties, including fines and possible imprisonment, for violations. While supporters argue it strengthens oversight and protects both workers and lawful businesses, critics warn it adds red tape, duplicates federal processes, and could burden small businesses, particularly in agriculture and manufacturing, where timely access to workers is essential.
• In the last of this week's bill news, the Province has introduced the Justice Statutes Amendment Act, aimed at improving transparency and protecting election integrity. The legislation would lower the “sunshine list” threshold for public-sector salary disclosure to $130,000 and shift reporting from twice a year to once a year. It also proposes changes to the Citizen Initiative Act and Recall Act, including allowing scrutineers to observe signature verification, extending the retention period for petition records, and implementing a 12-month freeze on petitions and recalls before and after provincial elections. Additionally, the bill would ban the creation and distribution of political deepfakes that could mislead voters, with fines of up to $10,000 for individuals and $100,000 for organizations.

Commuters along Whitemud Drive can now spot a striking new addition to the city’s public art landscape: a vibrant floral artwork climbing along the exterior of the Gerry Wright Operations and Maintenance Facility. Created by Toronto-based Afghan-Canadian artist Shaheer Zazai, In Community We Grow depicts a pixelated vine system with flowers in different stages of bloom. The pixelated floral design symbolizes growth, unity, and resilience, forming a dynamic visual story about interconnectedness and the relationships that help communities flourish.

To explore the inspiration behind In Community We Grow, we spoke with artist Shaheer Zazai about how the project evolved from his usual studio practice, and how the artwork explores transit's role in supporting movement, connection, and collective growth.

READ THE BLOG

event calendar

What's on in Edmonton this weekend? Celebrate the passing of yet another Canadian winter with an outdoor dance party at The Downtown Defrost, create a beautifully crafted Oopik Owl at an Inuit Art & Culture Workshop led by Tracy Alikamik, check out a performance of Casey & Diana at the Citadel Theatre, and so much more!

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