The Pulse
June 22, 2026

This week, councillors will discuss priorities for infrastructure renewal as well as how capital projects impact future operating costs.

There is a utility committee meeting on June 22, a public hearing on June 23, and an infrastructure committee meeting on June 24.

Here are some key items on the agenda this week:

• Administration has listed sections of roads and bridges that it would like to prioritize for some level of renewal in the 2027-2030 budget cycle. Arterial roads can receive a paving treatment, a paving treatment with concrete or base repairs, or, for the roads in the worst condition, a full reconstruction. Administration said it recommends focusing on paving treatment for the upcoming cycle. This may seem counterintuitive, given the inclination to fix the worst roads first, a report to infrastructure committee acknowledges, but it says this is the best way to manage the network "within a fiscally constrained environment." Council will debate funding for renewal projects during the 2027-2030 budget deliberations in the fall.
• Infrastructure committee will be asked to approve the creation of a dedicated renewal fund reserve, which aims to address a widening funding gap for the renewal of city-owned infrastructure. The reserve will be funded through a dedicated tax levy of up to 1% annually for the next 20 years, which would fund about 43% of the total ideal renewal needed in 2048. To narrow the gap further, council could choose to increase the renewal tax levy by 0.5%, which would fund about 60% of the total ideal renewal needed in 2048. If committee approves the fund, council will vote on it at a future meeting.
• Administration will include a capital project's operating impacts — the day-to-day funds required to operate an asset once construction is finished — in the 2027-2030 budget deliberations, says a report that will be presented to infrastructure committee. Improving projections for the operating impacts of capital (OIC) is part of the total cost of ownership (TCO) project — in other words, the cost of building, operating, maintaining, and renewing an asset through the end of its service life, as opposed to just building it. "The enhanced integration of TCO, including OICs, into budgeting processes provides council with a more robust understanding in order to evaluate long-term operating costs before approving capital infrastructure investments," the report said.

• Several Central Alberta municipalities, including Beaumont, Leduc County, and St. Albert, issued water supply advisories following heavy rainfall that overwhelmed wastewater systems. Residents are urged to limit non-essential water use to ease system strain and prevent flooding. Cities warn against using showers, toilets, and washing machines. Beaumont reported temporary water-use reduction but anticipates further rain, which could potentially set a monthly rainfall record.
• Edmonton is tackling illegal dumping at apartment and condo dumpsters by considering measures such as more free Eco-Station days, public awareness campaigns, and education for property managers. Higher fines and a large-item pickup program, are also being considered as ways to address waste like mattresses and furniture. Enforcement has been a challenge; only 240 tickets have been issued over five years.
• The City of Edmonton has given owners of non-permitted surface-level parking lots in downtown Edmonton until the end of June to comply with regulations. Failure to comply will result in the City installing concrete blocks to prevent these lots from being used.
• The Historical Society of Alberta will receive transitional funding from the provincial government after being excluded from the February budget. Previously, the society received $76,000 annually, which will continue this year, followed by decreasing amounts over the next two years. Society president Lorien Johansen said the province agreed to provide the funding to help it transition from government support. "This funding is not just an investment in our organization; it is an investment in Alberta's cultural fabric and our vibrant tourism economy," Johansen said in a release.
• Edmonton's Indigenous communities observed National Indigenous Peoples Day, emphasizing hope, wellness, and future aspirations. The celebration included traditional music, dance performances, and educational workshops aimed at fostering cultural understanding across the city. Local Indigenous leaders highlighted the importance of the day in promoting reconciliation and community empowerment.
• The Edmonton Oilers signed forward Jason Dickinson to a five-year contract with an average annual value of $4 million. Dickinson, formerly with the Chicago Blackhawks, played 17 regular-season games for the Oilers after being acquired last season, contributing a goal and three assists. Despite injuries, he also scored two goals and an assist in four playoff games.
• The Edmonton Elks added offensive linemen John Bosse and Joe Cooper to its practice roster. Bosse joins from the Toronto Argonauts, where he played 19 games over two seasons, and was part of its 2024 Grey Cup-winning team. He was selected in the 2024 CFL Canadian Draft. Cooper excelled at Slippery Rock University, earning multiple honours, including 2025 Consensus All-American, and a Shrine Bowl invitation.

Here are some events happening today in the Edmonton area.

• Understanding Emotions, Identity, and Overwhelm as an Autistic LGBTQ+ Person starting at 12pm online
• Alberta's Financial Future: A Conversation with Minister of Finance Jason Nixon starting at 12pm at Edmonton Chamber of Commerce
• Edmonton International Jazz Festival: Pazzport starting at 12pm at La Cité francophone
• The Works Art & Design Festival: Street Stage starting at 12:15pm at Churchill Square
• Edmonton International Jazz Festival: echoradia starting at 5pm at Chateau Lacombe Hotel
• Summer Solstice Music Festival: Summer Passion starting at 7pm at Trinity Lutheran Church

And here are some upcoming events to keep in mind:

• July 1: "Impact of Peace" Celebration & Ceremony at Edmonton City Hall
• July 4: Rugby Nations Cup: Canada vs Spain at Clarke Stadium
• July 11: City of Edmonton Archives Tour at Prince of Wales Armouries Heritage Centre

Visit the Taproot Edmonton Calendar for many more events in the Edmonton region.

Test your crossword prowess and deploy a little of your Edmonton knowledge. Complete the puzzle.

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