The Pulse
Nov. 2, 2026

This week, council will hear options for the future of the downtown district energy system, consider a rezoning for a parking lot in the core, and learn more about administration's proposed business-friendly construction policy.

There is an audit committee meeting on Nov. 2, a public hearing on Nov. 3, and an infrastructure committee meeting on Nov. 4.

Here are some key items on the agenda this week:

• Infrastructure committee will hear three options for the future of the downtown district energy system, which provides heating services to the Winspear Centre and its future expansion, Chancery Hall, and Century Place. Council approved expanding the utility to the Stanley A. Milner library, Citadel Theatre, and City Hall, but that work was paused. The first option is to continue with the status quo and expand to the three other city-owned buildings. The second option would involve pausing the expansion and looking for alternate ways to expand with a minimal amount of city funding. The third option involves no expansion. Options 2 and 3 would eliminate the need for about $17.8 million in tax-supported debt plus $4 million for building modifications. The second option also involves exploring connections with privately owned downtown buildings. Administration said district energy systems could have a large impact on greenhouse gas emissions, as buildings represent 35% of the community's emissions and nearly half of the emissions from city assets.
• Council will consider a rezoning application for a lot at 103 Avenue and 106 Street NW to allow a surface parking lot to continue operating. City council voted in 2024 to regulate surface parking lots downtown and in other core neighbourhoods by requiring enhancements such as landscaping, barrier-free parking, and lighting in order to obtain a development permit. The subject parking lot is paved, which means it would be allowed to operate until June 30, 2036, if council approves the rezoning.
• Administration is developing a business-friendly construction policy and will ask council if financial compensation for businesses impacted by construction should be included in it. A report set to be presented to infrastructure committee said administration is taking an approach based on lessons from similar policies in Calgary and Montreal and will consider preventative site management, traffic disruption coordination, and business compensation. A draft policy is expected to be presented to council in spring 2027. Councillors in the previous term voted down a proposal to compensate businesses along Stony Plain Road, adjacent to the construction of the Valley Line West LRT.

• The City of Edmonton moved the High Level Bridge rehabilitation to 2027 to coincide with urgent repairs after summer storms caused landslides and erosion. The bridge will close to traffic during construction, with pedestrian access maintained when possible. The City postponed rehabilitation of the Low Level Bridge's northbound lanes to 2028 to reduce traffic disruption.
• The City of Edmonton added accessibility to its snow and ice control policy, while keeping service levels unchanged. Its winter operations also include multilingual messaging and more outreach to community groups. The City said vehicles left on the street during parking bans could receive a $250 fine.
• The Jameson pit property in Wîhkwêntôwin was listed for sale for $4 million after sitting excavated since 2021. Brokers said building permits were ready to be issued for the approved 22-storey development.
• Heavy fog delayed several flights into and out of Edmonton International Airport on Nov. 1. Environment and Climate Change Canada issued a travel advisory for much of Alberta, warning of little to no visibility.
• The Edmonton Queer History Project offers guided and year-round self-guided walking tours of downtown queer history. Stops include the Georgia Baths sign at the Neon Sign Museum and Womonspace, a lesbian social and educational society.
• Edmonton city council honoured Olive Sydor for 65 years of volunteering with the Rosslyn community league. Sydor, 97, organized events, coached softball, worked fundraisers, and served on the league's board.
• Zookeepers at the Edmonton Valley Zoo created an altar remembering more than 100 animals that had died since the zoo opened in 1959. The Día de los Muertos display, created with the Mexican Society of Edmonton, included photos, toys, food, and written tributes.
• Acute Care Alberta laid off eight senior managers in a leadership restructuring. Minister Adriana LaGrange also said triage liaison physicians were due to start at the University of Alberta Hospital over the weekend. Their role is to monitor patients in crowded emergency waiting rooms.
• The Alberta government is planning to standardize education property tax rates and freeze them for three years, starting in 2027. Proposed education property tax rates are $2.65 per $1,000 of assessed value for residential and farmland properties, and $3.98 for non-residential properties. The province estimated it would collect about $99 million less in its next budget.
• Justice Minister Mickey Amery rejected postponing Alberta's Oct. 18, 2027, election. Elections Alberta had recommended using current electoral boundaries or delaying the vote to allow sufficient preparation time. A report proposing new boundaries is due in the legislature on Nov. 2.
• Alberta kept its clocks unchanged on Nov. 1, joining other provinces that opted out of seasonal clock changes. The University of Alberta reported Google Calendar had shifted some events by an hour.
• The United Conservative Party revoked separatist leader Jeff Rath's membership, citing his public conduct toward the party and its leader. Rath said the decision targeted his criticism of Premier Danielle Smith and that he would likely appeal.

Here are some events happening this weekend in the Edmonton area.

• Sing for Life Society of Alberta Practice starting at 3:30pm at Edmonton Public Library (Stanley A. Milner)
• Well Women Collective November Edition starting at 6pm at Balance Wellness
• The Journey Through Menopause - Pelvic Floor Health starting at 6:30pm at Balance Wellness
• Nature Uncovered: Yard Magic - Harness Native Plants to Turn Your Yard into an Avian Haven starting at 7pm at Edmonton Public Library (Whitemud Crossing)

And here are some upcoming events to keep in mind:

• Nov. 15: Chronos Vocal Ensemble: Along the Way at All Saints Anglican Cathedral
• Nov. 18: Opera Pub at The Druid Irish Pub
• Nov. 20: YEG Yule Book Flood at various locations

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.

Need a hint for for 4-Across? You'll find it here.