- The City of Edmonton is using property taxes to fill a funding gap for traffic safety, due to revenue shortfalls from the Alberta government's removal and restriction of photo radar, which took effect in April 2025. City administration told councillors last week that a $4.4-million deficit is projected for 2026, with an annual funding gap of $14.7 million. Mayor Andrew Knack emphasized that revenue from traffic enforcement, not property taxes, should fund safety initiatives.
- Construction on a new Chinatown gate in Edmonton will begin March 9 on 97 Street, between Jasper Avenue and 101A Avenue, with completion expected in 2027. The City of Edmonton budgeted $8.7 million for the project, replacing the Harbin Gate dismantled in 2017 for the Valley Line LRT. Joanna Wong of the Chinatown Transformation Collaborative emphasized the gate's importance as a symbol of the Chinese community.
- Residents in Edmonton's McKernan neighbourhood say some multi-unit infill homes are operating as rooming houses and short-term rentals, bringing frequent turnover of guests. Neighbours argue the practice undermines the goal of creating stable or affordable housing. Mayor Andrew Knack said hourly rentals are inappropriate and the City of Edmonton is taking enforcement action while reviewing regulations on lodging houses.
- ArtBus, a free, all-ages event, will happen in Edmonton on March 21, from noon to 5pm. Free buses will take attendees on an art crawl across downtown Edmonton, offering continuous loops between nine participating galleries, including the Art Gallery of Alberta and the Alberta Craft Council. People can board special Edmonton Transit Service ArtBuses at designated stops to participate, and receive free admission to galleries and discounts with an ArtBus sticker.
- Domestic violence remains widespread in Alberta despite progress, according to the Alberta Council of Women's Shelters, Postmedia reported in an article published on International Women's Day. The federal government announced nearly $631,000 in funding to expand support tools for survivors of gender-based violence. The Edmonton Police Service laid 1,561 domestic violence charges in 2024 and responded to nearly 10,000 calls. Advocates say inflation and a shortage of affordable housing are making it harder for survivors to leave abusive partners.
- Toronto-based Vimy Pharma announced plans to produce a generic version of Ozempic, focusing on domestic manufacturing. If approved by Health Canada, mass production would happen at the Critical Medicines Production Centre in south Edmonton, operated by Applied Pharmaceutical Innovation (API). API CEO Andrew MacIsaac anticipates that the project could create about 30 direct jobs in Edmonton.
- Alberta Transportation Minister Devin Dreeshen announced that a long-awaited passenger rail master plan is expected within weeks, with an announcement hoped for in April. The plan is set to identify proponents for a high-speed rail line connecting Edmonton and Calgary, including Edmonton International Airport and the Calgary airport. The province is seeking a significant private sector investment, citing record population growth and congested highways in the corridor, home to 80% of the province's population.
Headlines: March 9, 2026
By Mariam Ibrahim