- The City of Edmonton says 470 properties have been demolished following the introduction of the Problem Property Initiative. Of those, 263 have been redeveloped or are in the permitting process. Since April 2022, the Community Property Safety Team has secured almost 1,200 properties. Additionally, the city implemented a derelict residential tax subclass in 2023, which applied to 202 properties in 2024. Options for a commercial derelict tax subclass are set to be presented this spring.
- Coun. Michael Janz will introduce a motion asking Edmonton Mayor Andrew Knack to lobby Alberta's government to revisit rules on restrictive covenants, which contribute to food deserts. Edmonton communities like Griesbach have lacked local grocery stores for 13 years due to these covenants, such as one Sobeys implemented after acquiring Canada Safeway. This push follows Manitoba's June 2025 legislation preventing new grocery store exclusivity clauses. Service Alberta Minister Dale Nally said the government is monitoring the changes in Manitoba.
- Edmonton city councillors Keren Tang, Michael Janz, and Mike Elliott say the Alberta separatist movement is creating economic uncertainty and discouraging investment. Tang warned the rhetoric undermines efforts to attract business and diversify the city's tax base. "Stability is really critical for attracting investment," she said. Janz said the debate is a distraction, while Elliott cautioned the issue is fueling anxiety among residents worried about jobs, pensions and federal benefits. Meanwhile, Edmonton business leaders warn that Alberta separation would saddle a new country with $600 billion in debt, requiring decades to recover economically. The Edmonton Chamber of Commerce also said last week that separatist discussions deter investment in Edmonton and the province and the province.
- A 'Living Portraits' initiative at Edmonton City Hall as part of Black History Month events invites visitors to engage with local Black artists. This public art and augmented reality display celebrates Black artists in Edmonton and will run until June 16. Developed under the City of Edmonton's Anti-Black Racism Action Plan, the exhibition features five panels with portraits that engage viewers through recognition, personal images, and augmented reality where artists speak about their lives and culture.
- New Alberta laws taking effect in September require provincial approval for sexual health and sexual orientation or gender identity materials, a process critics say has narrowed options. As of Jan. 26, 164 resources and 11 organizations were approved. Edmonton Public Schools had 20 of 80 submitted resources approved, none within the 90-day target. The Fyrefly Institute at the University of Alberta is struggling to gain approval for its presentations.
- Former Alberta Party president Lindsay Amantea filed a counterclaim on Jan. 29 against the United Conservative Association, seeking $500,000 in damages and dismissal of its trademark infringement suit. This counters a November 2025 lawsuit by the United Conservative Party (UCP), which named Amantea, Peter Guthrie, and Scott Sinclair, after Guthrie and Sinclair planned to rename the Alberta Party to "Progressive Conservatives," a name Guthrie later adjusted to "Progressive Tory Party of Alberta." Amantea argues terms like "progressive" and "conservative" are not unique trademarks. Sinclair has since decided to remain an independent MLA.
- Edmonton Oilers defenceman Evan Bouchard was named the NHL's third star of the month for his performance in January 2026. Bouchard led all defencemen with 23 points (eight goals, 15 assists) in 15 games.
Headlines: Feb. 2, 2026
By Mariam Ibrahim