- Nearly 75 people registered to speak during Edmonton city council's urban planning committee meeting discussing infill developments on Feb. 9. The committee is debating City of Edmonton administration's recommendation to cap mid-block infill developments at six units. Allan Bolstad, representing the Alberta Avenue Community League, acknowledged the city's need for inward growth but stressed residents' desire to maintain their quality of life. Marty Pawlina of BILD Edmonton Metro highlighted the city's growth of 187,000 people since 2021, while Abdul Abbasi of the University of Alberta Students' Union advocated for affordable student housing.
- Students and staff are speaking out about a proposal from the University of Alberta to eliminate Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) from its hiring policy. The draft policy, expected to go before the university's board of governors in March, would remove the practice of favouring candidates from historically underrepresented groups when qualifications are similar. This move follows university President Bill Flanagan's announcement last year to shift from EDI terminology to "Access, Community, and Belonging." The general faculties council passed a motion opposing the policy.
- The Alberta government is investing $3 million through its 2025 Active Communities Initiative into two Edmonton-based sport and recreation projects. The Edmonton Minor Soccer Association will receive $1.5 million to develop a new multisport turf facility, expanding year-round training and community programs. The Edmonton Ski Club will also get $1.5 million to construct a new modern lodge, enhancing accessibility and programming for skiers and community groups.
- WestJet announced four new flights and enhanced east-west connectivity for summer 2026, including a new non-stop seasonal service between Terrace, B.C. and Edmonton. Starting May 19, the Edmonton-Terrace route will operate twice weekly. James Jackson of the Edmonton International Airport highlighted the route's importance for connecting Alberta with northern British Columbia's industrial sectors.
- A new Angus Reid Institute survey suggests that 65% of Albertans would vote or lean towards staying in Canada if a separation referendum were held, while 29% would vote or lean to leave. The poll of 979 Albertans, conducted Feb. 2 to 6, found 54% disapprove of Premier Danielle Smith's neutral stance on Alberta separatism. The Alberta Prosperity Project's independence petition needs 178,000 signatures by May 2 for a referendum.
- The Canadian Football League will host its inaugural Coach of the Year Celebration on March 25 at The Westin Edmonton. This event, preceding the 2026 CFL Combine in Edmonton, will honour the 2025 CFL Coach of the Year, the Hugh Campbell Distinguished Leadership Award recipient, and introduce the new Ted Goveia Football Operations Award. The celebration will serve as a fundraiser for Football Alberta, supporting local amateur football. The Edmonton Elks will also recognize provincial coaches at the event.
Headlines: Feb. 10, 2026
By Mariam Ibrahim