- The Edmonton Pride Parade will return to downtown Edmonton on Aug. 23 from 1pm to 3pm. The event will begin at Churchill Square and wind through downtown to Fan Park at ICE District, where post-parade festivities will continue. Extensive road closures will be in effect from 10am to 4pm. Edmonton Transit Service advises using LRT and anticipating bus detours.
- Edmonton residents are using restrictive covenants as a legal tool to prevent multi-unit infill developments in their neighbourhoods. This practice allows neighbours to legally restrict higher-density housing options in an effort to maintain the existing character of their communities.
- The Chinatown Business Improvement Area and local businesses have criticized the City of Edmonton's plan to establish a new transit lane on 101 Street between Kingsway and 107A Avenue. Starting construction in September, the southbound lane will operate from 6am to 6pm, eliminating daytime on-street parking for eight businesses. While the City aims to improve transit reliability, businesses argue the parking loss is "completely crushing," as the space is essential for customer access and deliveries. The business association has submitted a petition opposing the City's suggestion of alternative parking.
- An overnight fire destroyed Architectural Clearinghouse, a family-owned discount construction supply store in Edmonton's Kingsway area, on Aug. 21. Edmonton Fire Rescue Services responded to the two-alarm blaze near 119 Street NW and 115 Avenue NW at 9:32pm on Aug. 20, taking until 2:35am to bring it under control. Brenda Mydlak, whose family has owned the business since 1994, expressed grief over the loss of their livelihood, which reclaimed and resold discounted construction materials. No injuries were reported.
- The Alberta Serious Incident Response Team (ASIRT) is investigating an officer-involved shooting that happened Aug. 12. ASIRT said an Edmonton Police Service officer shot an armed suspect inside an apartment near 121 Street and Jasper Avenue NW after police responded to a report of a man with weapons. An officer positioned in a fire truck bucket outside the building, discharged their firearm, hitting the suspect. The man was taken to hospital for injuries before being taken into custody. ASIRT is now investigating the officer's use of force.
- The Alberta government pledged $895,000 through its sports event grant program to support nine national and international competitions in Edmonton, St. Albert, Calgary, and Camrose between August and December. The funding assists organizations with facility rentals, venue enhancements, and promotional campaigns. Upcoming events in the Edmonton area include the Pan American Canoe Championships and Canadian Cross Triathlon Championships in Edmonton, and the Canadian BMX Championships in St. Albert.
- U.S. President Donald Trump's tariffs, particularly on steel and aluminum, are significantly affecting Alberta small businesses, with more than 70% reporting higher expenses. The Canadian Federation of Independent Business released findings on Aug. 21, indicating that nearly 20% of small businesses may close within six months if the tariff situation persists. Heather Thomson of the Edmonton Chamber of Commerce said that investment is stalling, raising concerns about potential layoffs in Edmonton by mid-2026. Alberta is the third-hardest hit province by the tariffs.
Headlines: Aug. 22, 2025
By Mariam Ibrahim