Regional Roundup
Sept. 23, 2026

Economic development

• Strathcona County launched Go Strathco, a tourism identity intended to increase the region's visibility and visitor economy. The identity will appear in tourism guides, on social media, in digital campaigns, and on a new website.
• Costco has purchased 20 acres in Stony Plain for a warehouse anchoring a planned power centre. The project is expected to include a gas bar, a separate liquor store, and about 1,000 parking spaces. It is targeted to open in summer 2027.
• Calgary-based Wolf Midstream has reached a final investment decision on a $500-million expansion of its NGL North System. The project will add about 0.6 billion cubic feet per day of processing capacity, including a third de-ethanizer, a 37-megawatt cogeneration plant, and a rail terminal in Sturgeon County, which the municipality said would support industrial growth and local contractors.
• Applied Pharmaceutical Innovation received $21.9 million from the federal government toward a $23.5-million initiative to develop domestic supplies of broad-spectrum antibiotics and other antimicrobials. The products are expected to be made at API's Critical Medicines Production Centre in Edmonton, which is scheduled to open next year. Other opening-day highlights of Life Sciences Week included a panel on Canadian medical countermeasures and dual-use innovation, as well as tours at the Edmonton Research Park and the Femtech Connect event put on by Antigoni Studios.
• St. Albert Mayor Scott Olivieri highlighted several initiatives meant to help the city grow from about 75,000 to 100,000 residents at his State of the City address on Sept. 16. He noted the Northeast Servicing Project, which city council agreed to borrow up to $88 million for after the federal government pledged $28 million, making St. Albert the first to receive grant funding through the Build Canada Strong Fund. "The investment, trust and acknowledgement received from our prime minister confirms we are doing things right and they believe we are well positioned to continue this trajectory," Olivieri said. "This growth will be strategic, responsible and in tandem with all the necessary requirements and services to keep the character and fabric that makes St. Albert a benchmark community."

Municipalities

• Strathcona County has declared a state of agricultural disaster after historic rainfall left 20% to 30% of annual cropland submerged, with wheat and canola losses estimated at tens of millions. The declaration does not trigger financial help, and the county said it would ask Alberta to recognize the situation and work on support measures.
• St. Albert council adjourned a public hearing on infill changes until Oct. 6 to seek more information about services and infrastructure. The proposal would allow narrower lots and smaller homes in mature neighbourhoods and encourage taller buildings along St. Albert Trail. The city risks losing remaining Housing Accelerator Fund money if it rejects the changes.
• St. Albert Fire Services welcomed Rob Van Hecke as its new fire chief and emergency medical services director. He previously served in the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo.
• Devon youth gained work experience and learned about careers available through the town at the inaugural 4×4 Youth Micro Work Experience Program.
• The Town of Stony Plain and the Parkland Potters' Guild unveiled the Rooted in Clay mural to mark the guild's 50th anniversary.
• The City of Spruce Grove added seven locally made artworks and photographs to its Municipal Art Collection, bringing the collection to 277 pieces.
• Municipalities throughout Alberta will accept more materials for recycling starting on Oct. 1 as the province shifts to extended producer responsibility. Circular Materials will oversee the recycling of new packaging and paper products.
• Sturgeon County is inviting residents, visitors, and staff to pledge an action for reconciliation in recognition of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Find more calls for public engagement in Spruce Grove, Parkland County, Morinville, Strathcona County, and the City of Leduc in Taproot's "Your turn" feature.

Headlines

• Kiwi Nurseries in Acheson has cancelled its annual pumpkin festival and upcoming Christmas festival after a failed crop. Heavy rain left the farm with 45 to 55 pumpkins, compared with more than 1,000 typically, and washed out two fields.
• A group of Alberta teens, led by 16-year-old Kiera Lang, have transformed their summer into a learning opportunity by managing a community garden through the Beaumont and District Agricultural Society. They grew vegetables and flowers to sell at the Beaumont Farmers Market, gaining agricultural and business skills along the way. The effort was supported by a $16,000 grant from the Canada Post Community Foundation.
• The St. Albert and District Community League remains closed after mould was found in its basement. Consultants are conducting air-quality tests to determine whether the upper hall can reopen, which the community league president hopes can happen within weeks, while the basement will require remediation.
• A new Emergency Health Services Alberta station in Redwater is now fully operational, replacing a trailer with a two-bay ambulance garage, crew quarters, and training and support spaces.
• Cruising the Downtown: Celebrating Edmonton's Queer History, edited by St. Albert's Kristopher Wells and published by NeWest Press, won the awards for regional book of the year and book design of the year at the 2026 Alberta Book Publishing Awards, presented on Sept. 17. Wells, who now serves in the Canadian Senate, said the work grew out of years of community research through the Edmonton Queer History Project. "I'm always astonished at the stories that we discovered that I had no knowledge of," he told the St. Albert Gazette. "It's largely an invisible history. It's a history that's often been written out of official history." The book was designed by Natalie Olsen.
• The Fort Saskatchewan Public Library opened a new play structure called the Imagination Station with a $10,000 grant from Twice by Nice. The station for children six and under came from a request from the community for more non-digital play options.
• St. Albert's fall real estate market has slowed slightly compared with recent years, according to realtor Kurtis Drummond. The market has more inventory, which means that listings in the $500,000-to-$700,000 range are still selling, but not as quickly.
• Elk Island Public Schools has opened the $53-million Forest Grove School in Sherwood Park, replacing École Campbelltown and Sherwood Heights Junior High. The K-9 school, which can accommodate 1,015 students, offers English and French immersion programming.

Happenings

Here are some events coming up soon:

• Sept. 23: Alberta Business Awards of Distinction starting at 6:30pm at Maclab Centre for the Performing Arts
• Sept. 23-24: WorkFirst Alberta Summit at Edmonton EXPO Centre
• Sept. 23-25: Lab2Market Summit at University of Alberta
• Sept. 24: Canada's Hydrogen Hubs: Real Progress, Real Impact starting at 11am online
• Sept. 24: StrikeUP Signature Series: Make Your Mark starting at 11am online
• Sept. 24: Disability Justice and Employment starting at 12pm online
• Sept. 26: Belcourt Brosseau Métis Awards: 25th Anniversary Celebration starting at 3:45pm at Edmonton Inn and Conference Centre

And here are more to keep in mind:

• Oct. 5-9: Edmonton Startup Week at various downtown locations
• Oct. 15: Regional Economic Development Summit at Matrix Hotel
• Oct. 21: Alberta Family Business Institute Signature Event at Edmonton Convention Centre

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