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Headlines: July 7, 2026

· The Pulse
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  • Edmonton city council voted 9-4 to approve a rezoning plan that will allow taller buildings in part of Rossdale, including a tower of up to 15 storeys, up from the previous 12-storey limit. The special development zones apply to land bordered by Rossdale Road, 97 Avenue, 105 Street, and 102 Street, next to the historic Rossdale Burial Site. The proposal drew nearly 20 speakers at a public hearing, with many opposing the rezoning over concerns about the area's Indigenous burial grounds and cultural significance. Others, including representatives of the Edmonton River Valley Conservation Coalition, warned that the site lies on a floodplain and questioned the wisdom of encouraging more development there. Papaschase First Nation Chief Calvin Bruneau supported the rezoning for its potential economic benefits but urged the City to ensure archaeological monitoring during any future construction.
  • Brian Paisley, founder of the Edmonton International Fringe Theatre Festival, died at age 78 from severe pneumonia in Puerto Escondido, Mexico, on July 2. His passing was announced on Facebook. Paisley helped influence global fringe festivals and left a lasting legacy on Edmonton's cultural scene. The festival will mark its 45th anniversary on Aug. 13.
  • Edmonton faces rising traffic dangers and costs due to reduced use of photo radar, with extreme speeding more than doubling since restrictions were imposed, Postmedia columnist Keith Gerein wrote. A City of Edmonton report revealed a 134% increase in vehicles exceeding speed limits by over 20 km/h, and a 38% rise in red light tickets in 2025 compared to 2024. Edmonton recorded 32 traffic fatalities last year, the highest in a decade, prompting concerns over Edmonton's Vision Zero goal amid rising traffic safety complaints and high insurance costs.
  • The Edmonton Police Service is investigating a fatal collision that led to the death of an 81-year-old man on July 4. The crash occurred on June 24, when the victim's Kia Seltos was struck by a Kia Optima driven by a 22-year-old man at 97 Street and 132 Avenue. The victim, who was critically injured but in stable condition, later died in hospital. The Optima's driver and a passenger sustained non-life-threatening injuries. Police do not suspect impairment to be a factor in the crash and ask any witnesses to contact them.
  • The opening of a new bike park in Edmonton's river valley has been postponed until September. Initially slated to open this month, the delay is attributed to unforeseen construction and weather challenges, including significant rainfall in June. The park, set to be a major attraction, is designed to accommodate various skill levels and offers features like pump tracks, dirt jumps, and slopestyle courses.
  • Elections Alberta is set to verify signatures on a petition to force a referendum on Alberta's separation from Canada. Originally quashed for legal issues and a requirement for First Nations consultation, the petition found new life when a judge allowed signature verification to proceed during an appeal. Stay Free Alberta, the group behind the petition, said it has collected 302,000 signatures, which would exceed the 178,000 needed. The province is set to hold a referendum on Oct. 19, during which Albertans will consider several questions, including whether Alberta should hold a separate binding vote on separating from Canada.
  • The Edmonton Oilers have re-signed forward Owen Michaels to a two-year contract valued at $900,000 average annual value. Michaels, 23, joined the Oilers in April after three years at Western Michigan, where he recorded 69 points in 119 games.