- Edmonton city council discussed updating rules for river valley development and conservation on Aug. 18, aiming to balance protecting North America's largest urban green space with increasing public access for a growing population. Kecia Kerr of the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society voiced concerns about weakened environmental protections, reduced council scrutiny for developments under 10,000 square metres, and a lack of binding environmental limits. She highlighted that Edmonton's river valley has lost 4% of its natural areas since 2005. Mayor Amarjeet Sohi also sought clarification on permitted development sizes and plans for upgrading existing facilities within the valley.
- Homeowners in Edmonton's river valley are implementing FireSmart steps to reduce the risk of wildfires. This initiative helps residents protect their properties by taking preventive measures, which is particularly important for homes located near natural areas within the city's extensive river valley system.
- Nine Edmonton mayoral candidates laid out their platforms in an online forum on the weekend, tackling issues such as taxes, spending, housing, and bike lanes. Candidates were split between promising change at city hall and highlighting political experience, with many criticizing the outgoing council for overspending and poor communication with residents. Some pledged to freeze property taxes, cut projects, or halt new bike lanes, while others emphasized balanced budgets, housing growth, and collaborative governance. The two-hour event, hosted by LCC Media, offered voters a chance to compare messages from those vying to replace outgoing Mayor Amarjeet Sohi.
- The City of Edmonton launched a new email subscription service to send notifications on permit approvals and rezoning applications to residents. This service aims to keep residents informed about projects and permits within their specific neighbourhoods.
- Edmonton Air Canada customers encountered confusion regarding compensation policies on Aug. 18 due to an ongoing labour dispute between the airline and its flight attendants. A federal board deemed their strike illegal, but the workers defied a return-to-work order and remained on the picket line.
- Edmonton's professional wrestling scene is active and thriving with Top Talent Wrestling (TTW), owned by veteran wrestler Justin Lawrick, who performs as The Healer. TTW hosts sold-out events at Midway Music Hall featuring characters like champion Weston King, The Omen, and Ava Lawless, providing dramatic entertainment to a passionate fan base.
- The Alberta government plans to install solar energy systems at five correctional facilities, including the Edmonton Remand Centre, Edmonton Young Offender Centre, and Fort Saskatchewan Correctional Centre. The plan aims to save an estimated $1 million annually by offsetting approximately 80% of each facility's energy use. A government spokesperson said the preliminary budget ranges from $10 million to $50 million, with bids expected later in 2025 or early 2026.
- Alberta is one of three provinces that has not signed the federal government's $10-a-day child-care program extension, and is negotiating a new deal. The province's current five-year agreement, signed in November 2021, expires on March 31. The province is proposing an income-tested system, provincial management flexibility, and public funding access for both non-profit and for-profit providers. Krystal Churcher, chair of the Association of Alberta Childcare Entrepreneurs, supports the province's stance.
- Edmonton's Michelle Plouffe announced her retirement from her international basketball career on Aug. 18. Citing a knee injury and a diminished desire to play, Plouffe, alongside her twin sister Katherine, helped build Canada's 3x3 basketball program into one of the world's best, culminating in their historic qualification for the Olympics. The sisters previously transitioned from 5-on-5 basketball in 2019, with a FIBA 3x3 Women's Basketball Series held at West Edmonton Mall. Plouffe plans to remain involved with the team in a different role.
Headlines: Aug. 19, 2025
By Mariam Ibrahim