- Edmonton-based development company Westrich Pacific held an open house on July 30 to share plans for a proposed 27-storey apartment building near the University of Alberta campus. The tower, planned for the corner of 87 Avenue and 117 Street, would include 285 residential units and retail space. Some Windsor Park residents voiced concerns about the building's height, potential shadow, traffic, parking, and the loss of current businesses located in the strip mall it would replace. A rezoning application will be heard by city council at a public hearing on Aug. 18.
- Edmonton mayoral candidate Andrew Knack opposes potential provincial legislation that would allow the Alberta government to remove bike lanes, arguing it infringes on municipal jurisdiction. This follows comments from Transportation Minister Devin Dreeshen, who wants Edmonton and Calgary to remove bike lanes from major corridors, citing traffic congestion. Knack invited Dreeshen to experience Edmonton's cycling infrastructure firsthand.
- In his recent article, Postmedia columnist Keith Gerein highlighted a grassroots approach to revitalizing Edmonton's downtown through a co-operative real estate investment model. Former Edmonton mayor Don Iveson and developer Tegan Martin-Drysdale are leading a project to crowd-invest in the historic Alberta Block building, once home to CKUA Radio. The initiative allows individuals to buy shares in the property for as little as $10,000, giving them both ownership and a voice in its future.
- With Edmonton and much of northern and central Alberta under heat warnings, Alberta Wildfire officials are urging caution this long weekend, as the hot, dry conditions raise the wildfire risk. The hot weather increases both the risk of fires starting and the speed at which existing fires can spread, wildfire officials said. Campers are asked to minimize fire risks, keep campfires small and controlled, and fully extinguish them when done. As of July 31, there are 53 wildfires burning in Alberta, 11 of which are out of control. The City of Edmonton does not currently have a fire ban in place.
- A new Sticks & Stones documentary, The Secret Long Tree Society, which explores a project cultivating better futures by growing 1000-year-old trees, will premiere on CBC on Aug. 2 at 8pm and will be available on-demand at CBC Gem starting Aug. 1.
- Edmonton is a hub for exporting live horses to be slaughtered for raw consumption, specifically for "basashi," a Japanese dish that must be eaten within three days of slaughter, Postmedia reported. Sen. Don Plett has defended the practice, saying that horse meat is part of culinary traditions in 77 countries and that he personally inspected a horse shipment at the Edmonton International Airport to ensure humane treatment. Activists argue the exports are not about feeding the world, but rather about providing a luxury dish for wealthy people.
- A collision between a motorcycle and a sedan at 82 Street and 167 Avenue left a 25-year-old motorcyclist dead, marking Edmonton's 21st fatal collision of 2025. The Edmonton Police Service said the motorcyclist, travelling south on 82 Street, struck a car that was waiting to turn left around 5:50pm on July 30. The 40-year-old driver of the sedan was hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries. Police believe speed was a factor in the crash. It was the seventh fatal motorcycle collision this year.
- Capital Power is seeking an opportunity to power a large-scale data centre at its Genesee Generating Station, 80 kilometres southwest of Edmonton, which now runs entirely on natural gas. CEO Avik Dey said the location is ideal, but the Alberta Electric System Operator (AESO) is not currently making enough electrical connection capacity available. The Alberta government aims to attract $100 billion in data centre investments over five years, but the AESO has placed a temporary limit on projects wanting to connect to the grid.
- An audit of Alberta medical clinics that charge membership fees suggests paying members receive more thorough care compared to non-members, with longer appointments. The province launched the audit in 2023 following concerns about clinics switching to membership models. The report reviewed 13 clinics and found that member clinics see substantially fewer patients than public clinics. While the audit found "no significant non-compliance," recommendations for the province include more regulation to address areas where insured and uninsured services overlap.
- Former Edmonton Oilers captain Jason Smith has been named the new head coach for the Edmonton Oil Kings. Smith brings NHL, WHL, and AHL coaching experience to the team. Oil Kings President and General Manager Kirt Hill said Smith is a proven leader and a great cultural fit for the team.
Headlines: Aug. 1, 2025
By Mariam Ibrahim