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Headlines: June 10, 2026

· The Pulse
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  • Edmonton Transit Service will take over as the long-term operator of the Valley Line LRT from TransEd, the City of Edmonton announced Tuesday. The one- to two-year transition begins immediately and covers both the operating Valley Line Southeast and the Valley Line West, which is scheduled to open in 2028. City Manager Eddie Robar called it "a business decision in the interests of taxpayers and transit riders — not a reflection on TransEd."
  • Edmonton Transit Service has announced summer service changes taking effect June 21, including suspending school routes and replacing conventional bus service in the Capilano and Gold Bar neighbourhoods with On Demand Transit. Route 31 will begin using the new dedicated bus lane on Terwillegar Drive, and Route 701 will detour to Gateway Boulevard as part of the Summer Streets program.
  • Edmonton city council is planning a pilot program in 2027 to charge for parking at the Muttart Conservatory, the Edmonton Valley Zoo, and Fort Edmonton Park. Council hopes to generate $5.4 million in revenue to help offset rising costs without raising property taxes. A low-income option and a potential system for escalating parking fines will also be considered.
  • Community members, Elders, and leaders gathered at Edmonton City Hall for Okîsikow Way Day to stand against domestic violence. The event commemorates the renaming of Okîsikow (Angel) Way in 2024. Co-hosted by the city's Indigenous Relations Office and the Okîsikow Way Community Working Group, the event included a civic proclamation and emphasized public recognition of Indigenous languages.
  • Following province-wide restrictions on photo radar, Edmonton saw a 128% increase in vehicles exceeding speed limits by over 30 km/h. A report for city council's urban planning committee cited analysis suggesting speeds would have been lower if photo radar had remained in place. Edmonton recorded 32 traffic deaths last year, predominantly on arterial roads, and incident severity has risen. Financially, revenue from traffic enforcement has plummeted by 90% since 2019, putting pressure on municipal budgets. Edmonton is considering expanding traffic safety measures, possibly increasing funding needs by $5.53 million.
  • Alberta's new liquor service regulation permits bars, restaurants, and pubs to serve alcohol starting at 6am, offering flexibility for special events, like the upcoming FIFA World Cup games. Previously, early service required individual approvals for each event. The Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis Commission said the changes are applicable to Class A, B, C, and F licensees. Theresa Shaw, owner of Crown and Anchor Pub in Edmonton, welcomed the change, expecting easier planning for events. Closing hours remain at 3am, with last call one hour earlier.
  • During a mechanical test on the North Saskatchewan River on June 9, the Edmonton Queen riverboat became stranded on a sandbar due to unexpected river conditions, despite its engines passing inspection. Owner Eric Warnke said they were awaiting assistance to tow the boat. On May 11, a hydraulic pump failure stranded 200 passengers during a Mother's Day cruise, but all were safely brought ashore.
  • Alberta Premier Danielle Smith has appointed Monte Solberg, a former Conservative MP and lobbyist, to an independent advisory panel tasked with redrawing Alberta's electoral boundaries. The panel includes four members, with two nominated by Smith and two by Alberta NDP Leader Naheed Nenshi. Solberg and Darwin Durnie have faced scrutiny from opposition members for their ties to the UCP and involvement with Calgary district redrawing proposals. The panel will report its findings by Oct. 22.