- The City of Edmonton has updated its encampment response strategy to "reflect key lessons learned in 2020," it said in a news release. The strategy outlines three types of responses aimed at discouraging the establishment of large encampments.
- The Edmonton Public School Board voted 6-2 on April 27 to ask for a non-confidence vote on the draft K-6 curriculum at the Alberta School Board Association meeting in June. "We’re saying to the government, go back, fix it, rewrite it and bring it back," said Trustee Bridget Stirling. "It’s not ready for prime time."
- City council's community and public services committee has voted against reinstating shisha lounges after the businesses were ordered to close last July. There were 45 businesses operating before the ban took effect.
- A series of fires in and near the river valley were intentionally set over the last few days, reports CTV News. One man has been arrested and charged with arson. Edmonton has had fire restrictions in place since April 16 due to dry conditions.
- Root 107, part of Downtown Spark, is now open until May 2 at 107 Street and 101 Avenue with mural art, unique seating made from recycled materials, and food trucks. The Downtown Business Association is working on keeping the space open until the fall, reports CTV News.
- Due to rising COVID-19 hospitalizations, Alberta Health Services announced on April 27 that up to 30% of scheduled surgeries would be postponed in the Edmonton, Calgary, and North zones. There are 643 people in hospital in Alberta due to COVID-19, with 145 in intensive care.
