- Hawrelak Park will reopen on March 13, marking the end of a three-year rehabilitation project. The park features a new playground, lakefront promenade, modernized pavilion, and paved multi-use trails, with a grand opening celebration planned for May 30.
- An interim post-election report found that long waits and complex procedures frustrated voters during Edmonton's 2025 municipal election, with 16% waiting more than an hour to vote. Changes driven by provincial legislation, including a ban on electronic tabulators and introduction of a permanent electors register, contributed to delays and confusion at polling stations. The city auditor recommended more comprehensive hands-on training for election workers ahead of the next municipal election in 2029.
- Ward O-day'min Coun. Anne Stevenson says that new Edmonton neighbourhoods, including the proposed Kettle Lakes expansion within the Decoteau area, are projected to be a net financial loss for the city. Stevenson said that approving such developments means approving future tax increases for residents, as city costs surpass revenue. She is advocating for revenue-neutral new developments, increased commercial and industrial growth, and higher density in new neighbourhoods.
- The King Edward Park Community League in Edmonton is on the verge of closing due to a severe lack of volunteers and a shrinking board and is set to discuss permanent closure on Feb. 22. If it closes, the community risks losing amenities like its halls, skating rink, and tennis courts, along with the capacity to organize events and access grants.
- A Feb. 5 report from CBRE indicates that high construction costs and rising development fees are "dampening" Edmonton's real estate market, despite a low 5% industrial vacancy rate expected to drop to 4.5% in 2026. CBRE's Mark Anderson said that construction prices for improvement projects have nearly doubled to $150-$175 per square foot.
- A teachers' convention kicked off at the Edmonton Convention Centre on Feb. 5. The North Central Teachers' Convention Association is hosting the two-day event, featuring 200 speakers. It is the first of nine provincewide teachers' conferences planned.
- The Alberta government is facing scrutiny over slow progress on a combat sports regulation review, triggered by the November 2024 death of Trokon Dousuah following an amateur MMA match in Enoch, west of Edmonton, CBC reported. Alberta is the only Canadian province without centralized regulation. Sport Edmonton has already implemented stricter athlete safety measures in response to the 2017 death of Tim Hague.
- A group of 171 Alberta lawyers from the Law Society of Alberta published an open letter on Feb. 5, warning that Premier Danielle Smith's policies and rhetoric threaten the province's democratic institutions. The letter cited Smith's recent remarks about directing judges, characterizations of judges as "activist," and willingness to use the notwithstanding clause as examples of a sustained attack on the judicial branch. In response, the province said it aims to strengthen public trust and protect the rule of law.
- Edmonton Oilers forward Leon Draisaitl criticized the team's inconsistency and leadership after a 4-3 loss to Calgary Flames, saying problems start with the coaches and extend through the lineup. He cited poor defense, a weak penalty kill and shaky goaltending as Edmonton clings to a playoff spot in a tight Pacific Division, warning the team must improve quickly after the Olympic break.
Headlines: Feb. 6, 2026
By Mariam Ibrahim