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Regional Roundup
May 27, 2026

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Report analyzes housing insecurity in Tri-Municipal Region

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More than 1,100 people are living in an insecure housing situation in Parkland County, Spruce Grove, and Stony Plain, says a new report. In October 2025, service providers in the Tri-Municipal Region participated in a province-wide study of housing insecurity in rural, remote, and Indigenous communities. Providers such as food banks, doctors' offices, and parenting centres asked clients to complete a survey about their housing situations. They indicated that high housing costs, health challenges, and conflict and violence were the top three reasons for such insecurity.

The survey found 162 households in which respondents identified themselves as housing insecure, meaning they felt they could easily lose their shelter. However, nearly 200 more households appeared to meet the definition of housing insecure — for example, people were living in crowded or unsafe conditions or spending more than 30% of their monthly income on housing. The report said this means many haven't accessed social services that could help improve their housing situation and recommended more community engagement to address the gap in understanding.

Among the respondents, women were four times more likely to be housing insecure than men, and nearly all Indigenous respondents were housing insecure. People who are racialized and those who identify as 2SLGBTQIA+ were also highly represented among those without secure housing. The report said that means it's important to consider whether services are inclusive and culturally appropriate. The survey found that about half of the housing insecure respondents were 45 years of age or older, and an aging population means supports should also be designed to reach older adults.

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Economic development

  • Keyera, AltaGas, and CN Rail are planning a $240-million rail terminal project in Fort Saskatchewan to move about 45,000 barrels a day of propane and butane to West Coast export facilities. The companies said the terminal is expected to enter service in mid-2028.
  • The province has committed $21 million to the University of Alberta's DEFENDS initiative, which aims to connect researchers, businesses, and the Canadian Armed Forces on dual-use technology. The university said the investment is meant to build a provincewide defence innovation network anchored in part by Edmonton's manufacturing base and Canadian Forces Base Edmonton.
  • Alberta is anticipating significant developments in AI data centres by 2026, with plans for major infrastructure expansion expected in the coming months. At the Upper Bound AI conference in Edmonton, Technology and Innovation Minister Nate Glubish and Beacon Data Centers CEO David Lane highlighted potential investments and projects that could elevate Alberta to Canada's "compute capital." Two European companies aim to invest over $1.2 billion in four data centres, while Alberta aims to attract $100 billion in five years. Concerns include jobs, water usage, and power, with requirements for self-sufficient energy generation.
  • Alberta is launching engagement sessions this year to develop a long-term plan for managing tailings ponds and mine wastewater, with the process set to include Indigenous communities, local municipalities, and environmental groups.

Municipalities

  • Spruce Grove is undertaking infrastructure improvements in the city centre area, with work expected to begin June 1 on the first phase of a watermain and sanitary main replacement project along King Street that should be completed by the end of September.
  • The City of Leduc is making progress on its plans to annex parts of Leduc County. It will conduct online surveys and drop-in open houses in June to gather feedback on the city's growth management study, which examines how much land Leduc will need to support growth over the next 50 years.
  • Staff Sgt. Scott Lande has been appointed as the permanent detachment commander of the Fort Saskatchewan RCMP, taking on the role officially after serving in an acting capacity for more than a year. Lande is "recognized for fostering a positive work environment and encouraging RCMP members to take pride in the important role they play in serving the community," the city said, adding he "is community-focused, with a strong appreciation for the partnerships that contribute to public safety in Fort Saskatchewan."
  • Morinville is hosting its first State of Morinville event on June 11, where Mayor Simon Boersma will deliver a keynote address outlining the city's priorities and highlighting recent successes as it launches its new 2026–2030 strategic plan. "As Morinville continues to grow, it's important that residents, businesses, community partners and regional leaders hear directly about the work underway, the priorities guiding our future and the capital investments that will help shape our community in the years ahead," Boersma said in a release.
  • Parkland County is inviting residents to provide feedback on updates to area structure plans to make planning documents more consistent, flexible, and user-friendly for residents, landowners, and businesses. There will be drop-in open houses on June 8 and 11.
  • The Town of Devon announced that paid parking will return to Voyageur Park beginning on June 5, with several updates to the program following a 2025 pilot season. Paid parking will be in effect on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays from June through September. Residents of Devon can park for free by registering their licence plate online. The town said it is charging for parking to manage traffic volumes and support park maintenance.
  • Parkland County is offering home energy efficiency kits for loan through its libraries and county centre, with tools to help residents test their homes' performance and identify opportunities to reduce utility costs.
  • Parkland County is encouraging residents to give feedback on a draft beef cattle code of practice from the National Farm Animal Care Council and the Canadian Cattle Association to help support responsible livestock management in the region.
  • Strathcona County said it earned high marks in its 2025 public satisfaction survey, with residents expressing strong satisfaction with county services.

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Happenings

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