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Headlines: Oct. 22, 2026

· The Pulse
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  • BioWare is closing after more than three decades and ending development of the next Mass Effect game. "What generations of BioWare built together is something to celebrate and remember," the company wrote in a social media post. Digital Alberta said it was ready to support affected workers, including those looking to start studios.
  • Edmonton city council approved a motion to develop a proposal for a night-time economy office to coordinate evening and late-night activities. The package will outline staffing and operating costs for a team dedicated to supporting businesses and events after regular business hours. Mayor Andrew Knack said a dedicated staff member working at night could help businesses navigate permits and other municipal requirements when daytime staff are unavailable. The proposal will be discussed during upcoming budget talks.
  • The 17 Street bridges over Yellowhead Trail will close to all traffic for demolition and replacement on Oct. 22. The City of Edmonton expects to reopen both bridges in 2028. Drivers can detour using nearby interchanges or temporary crossovers on Yellowhead Trail.
  • Edmonton's Food Bank has seen visits increase by more than 103% since the pandemic, with women and children under 18 accounting for much of the growth, as rising living costs leave more Albertans struggling to afford food. According to Food Banks Canada's annual HungerCount report, food bank use across Alberta has increased more than 150% since the pandemic, with nearly 39% of single-person households relying on the services. Rising costs for rent, fuel and utilities are forcing households to cut grocery budgets, while more working Albertans, including newcomers, struggle to afford basic necessities.
  • More than 300 Wainwright residents lined the highway to support soldiers leaving for Edmonton after the fatal CFB Wainwright fire. The fire killed four soldiers and injured 39. Premier Danielle Smith said on Oct. 21 that 27 people remained in hospital, including 13 in critical condition.
  • Elections Alberta is facing criticism from First Nations leaders over ballot shortages, understaffing, and delays at polling stations during the Oct. 19 referendum, despite efforts to increase Indigenous voter turnout. Treaty 8 First Nations Grand Chief Trevor Mercredi said some polling stations opened late or ran out of ballots, while Fort Chipewyan required a helicopter delivery because of its remote location. Elections Alberta said it delivered additional ballots to at least five First Nations communities, but acknowledged that about 20 voters at Samson Cree Nation in Maskwacis were unable to vote because extra ballots did not arrive in time.
  • Alberta Premier Danielle Smith urged separatist members of the United Conservative Party to leave if they cannot support the party's position that Alberta should remain in Canada. Following the Oct. 19 referendum, Smith said the UCP is not an independence party and expects its candidates and provincial and constituency board members to uphold that stance. However, separatist figures Mitch Sylvestre and Chris Scott criticized Smith's position, arguing it could alienate supporters and deepen divisions within the conservative movement.
  • The Edmonton Oilers will mark Treaty Six's 150th anniversary at its Indigenous Celebration game against Carolina on Oct. 22 at 7pm. The event at Rogers Place will include a pre-game ceremony honouring Indigenous Elders and youth, plus Métis dancers and fiddlers.