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Headlines: Sept. 18, 2026

· The Pulse
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  • Edmonton Police Service Chief Warren Driechel said Alberta's process for releasing former detainees needs better coordination with shelters and other social services. His comments follow two recent videos showing former detainees being dropped off in Edmonton's Chinatown, prompting calls from community members and city officials for clearer release protocols. Driechel said police are not directly notified of releases and must search a database to find information about statutory releases. He suggested the province improve communication, map available service providers and ensure people being released are directly connected with appropriate supports. He said the police service will continue working with organizations such as Hope Mission to support people after their release.
  • Edmonton Coun. Michael Janz wants the city to revisit its street parking system in high-demand neighbourhoods, including Garneau, and consider charging drivers to park on residential streets. Janz says some of the revenue, currently directed to general city revenue, could instead be returned to homeowners in affected areas. Students and residents say parking near the University of Alberta is difficult, with some students saying they would be willing to pay for more street-parking options. Councillors are expected to receive an update on parking revenue and costs in early 2027, with further discussions planned during the city's December budget process.
  • The Edmonton Transit Service will hold open houses at D.L. MacDonald Garage on Sept. 26 and Ferrier Garage on Oct. 3. Visitors are encouraged to take transit or use shuttle service because there is no public parking on site.
  • The Edmonton Police Service is asking the public to help identify a man seen in surveillance footage near the former El Cortez restaurant on Whyte Avenue around the time of a June 25 fire. Investigators determined that two fires were deliberately set between 7:40pm and 9:45pm, with the second causing extensive damage to the building. No injuries or damage to neighbouring buildings were reported. Police are also seeking witnesses and anyone with photos or video of the fires.
  • About 30 people protested against a planned 68-unit affordable housing development at a surplus school site in Mill Woods, saying residents were not adequately informed or consulted about the project. More than 800 residents have signed a petition calling for construction to be paused while concerns about the development are addressed. Marisa Redmond of the Right at Home Housing Society said the project was always intended as affordable housing and that an earlier proposal for seniors' housing was abandoned in 2012. The City of Edmonton said residents were notified at several stages beginning in 2024 and that the developer held a community open house and survey in September 2025. A counter-protester said there had been ample consultation and welcomed future residents to the neighbourhood.
  • The Alberta NDP nominated Trisha Estabrooks as its candidate in Edmonton-Strathcona for the next provincial election.
  • More than 509,000 Albertans have applied to vote by mail in the Oct. 19 referendum, according to Elections Alberta. The agency said it had also received nearly 48,000 applications for referendum-day jobs but still needs more workers in a dozen ridings.