- Edmonton city councillors expect drivers will see relief on roads this 2026 construction season after the 2025 season led to significant congestion. During city council's infrastructure committee meeting on Feb. 23, administration outlined plans for ongoing projects, including the Wellington Bridge and Stage 2 of the Terwillegar Drive expansion. While some delays are still expected on 215 Street, 50 Street and Anthony Henday Drive, and 41 Avenue SW, the City said it aims to improve communication.
- Edmonton Mayor Andrew Knack warned of an infrastructure deficit on Feb. 23, highlighting a $1.5 billion renewal deficit. With nearly $40 billion in city assets and a growing population, administration told city council's infrastructure committee meeting that aging assets, including one-third of enforcement, policing, and waste-management vehicles, are in poor condition and threaten essential services. Knack advocated for starting a dedicated renewal fund sooner than its planned 2029 kickoff and exploring "dual-use" infrastructure solutions.
- Edmonton Transit Service ridership declined by 1.8 million passengers in the last three months of 2025, compared to the same period in 2024, according to data obtained by CityNews. Factors contributing to the decrease included ongoing construction, rising transit fares, and a shift from bus services to the LRT.
- The Alberta Serious Incident Response Team is investigating the death of a man who went into medical distress during an arrest by Edmonton Police Service officers on Feb. 21. Police responded to a report of an assault near 129 Avenue and 119 Street where they said they encountered an incoherent and intoxicated man who resisted arrest. During the incident, the man experienced medical distress; officers provided aid and called emergency medical services. Paramedics transported the man to hospital, where he later died.
- The Alberta government announced $7.7 billion in funding for physician services in Alberta's upcoming Budget 2026, a $1.4 billion increase from last year. This funding includes $7.3 billion for services, funding, treatments, and training, plus $450 million for recruiting and training doctors. During the funding announcement, Premier Danielle Smith acknowledged the delay in implementing triage-liaison physicians, intended to ease hospital pressures and previously promised for February, saying that the province will negotiate with the Alberta Medical Association in March.
- Alberta Minister of Primary and Preventative Health Services Adriana LaGrange addressed communication concerns regarding a broad measles warning issued for Parkland County, west of Edmonton. The advisory followed 17 confirmed measles cases. LaGrange said that health officials issued a wide alert because they couldn't pinpoint a specific location. Parkland County Mayor Rod Shaigec and officials from nearby Spruce Grove expressed confusion and concern over the lack of direct notification or specific details. The advisory urges individuals living or travelling to Parkland County to be aware of the current measles risk and encourages vaccination.
Headlines: Feb. 24, 2026
By Mariam Ibrahim