- Edmonton city council approved a contentious master agreement for a new event park at ICE District, alongside plans to build 2,500 housing units in the Village at ICE District and to demolish the Coliseum. The $408.2-million project, shared by the city, province, and OEG, passed with a vote of nine to four. Councillors expressed concerns about public funds for private projects and potential competition with the Edmonton Convention Centre. In a release, Edmonton City Manager Eddie Robar and Downtown Business Association CEO Puneeta McBryan highlighted the investment's potential to boost housing, public infrastructure, and economic opportunities in Edmonton's core. OEG has committed to completing the first 354 housing units by late 2028.
- Nearly 70% of candidates in the upcoming Edmonton and Calgary municipal elections are running as independents, Postmedia reported, despite new provincial legislation allowing candidates to list a party label for the first time in decades. In Edmonton, 60 of 81 candidates are independents, with 21 affiliated with either Principled Accountable Coalition for Edmonton or Better Edmonton. Better Edmonton is led by mayoral candidate Coun. Tim Cartmell and includes incumbent Karen Principe. Candidates have until Sept. 22 to complete nominations for the Oct. 20 election.
- Alberta teachers, represented by the Alberta Teachers' Association (ATA), resumed mediated contract talks aiming to avoid a potential provincewide strike that could start as early as next week. ATA President Jason Schilling said that teachers, who voted 95% in favour of strike action, are demanding improvements in pay, classroom conditions, and resources. Premier Danielle Smith believes current funding levels are adequate, but Schilling argues issues stem from chronic underfunding. Edmonton Public Schools is developing contingency plans, while St. Albert Public Schools advised families to prepare for alternate childcare arrangements if a strike happens.
- The Evelyn Memorial Search Team, a group from Manitoba, has joined the search for missing teenager Samuel Bird. The group is using AquaEye, a sonar device, to search the North Saskatchewan River. Bird was last seen in June in the west Edmonton neighbourhood of Canora.
- Alberta Transportation Minister Devin Dreeshen joined Edmonton residents angry over new bike lanes in the Delton neighbourhood. Residents, including Jeremiah Rawling who led a 700-name petition, expressed frustration that city council ignored its opposition to lanes planned for 124 Avenue, 92 Street, and 96 Street. They argue Edmonton's $100-million Active Transportation Network Expansion Program relies on outdated 2019 consultations and duplicates existing infrastructure. Karl Tracksdorf of Bike Edmonton, while supporting design modifications, warned provincial intervention could add red tape and increase costs.
- Former Alberta Deputy Premier Thomas Lukaszuk is taking his "Forever Canadian" petition to the streets to establish remaining in Canada as Alberta's official policy. He aims to collect 294,000 signatures by the end of October for a referendum. This effort, supported by 3,000 volunteers, contrasts with the Alberta Prosperity Project's push for a referendum on Alberta becoming a sovereign country.
- First-year students at the University of Alberta experienced nerves and emotions during their move-in day on Aug. 25. This event marked the start of their university journey, welcoming the Class of 2029 to the Edmonton campus ahead of the fall semester.
- The Edmonton Oilers prospect pipeline ranked 31st in the NHL for 2025, dropping from 30th in 2024. The Athletic reported that the assessment highlights Matthew Savoie and Isaac Howard as the only "legit pro prospects" poised to help soon.
Headlines: Aug. 26, 2025
By Mariam Ibrahim