- Three deaths in a downtown park over the weekend have renewed calls for a coordinated emergency response to the city's growing overdose crisis. Overdose deaths in Edmonton and surrounding area nearly doubled in 2020 — from 267 in 2019 to 485 last year.
- Wayne Gretzky stepped down from his role as vice chairman of the Edmonton Oilers on Tuesday, citing the pandemic and other life changes. Shortly after the announcement, the New York Post reported that Gretzky was joining Turner Network Television (TNT) as a lead analyst.
- Edmonton Public Schools expects to cut more than 400 full-time position next year — the majority teaching positions. The extra staff were hired for COVID-19 with $38.5 million in federal COVID-19 relief funds, which aren't being renewed, reports the Edmonton Journal.
- The Edmonton Police Service has created a new specialized unit that focuses on repeat offenders. The new branch, called Diversion and Desistance, will see police and social workers working with up to 65 offenders at a time with the goal of keeping them out of the criminal justice system.
- Edmonton property owners will receive their 2021 property tax notices shortly. The city is waiving the 2% administration fee to sign up for the monthly payment plan. For the first time in two decades, there is a 0% tax increase, reports the Edmonton Journal.
- The city's proposed tree permit system received heavy pushback from utility companies and infill developers on Tuesday. While the company supports a bylaw to protect the city's tree, Epcor estimated that the new permit process would require 8,000 permits and cost thousands of dollars a year.
- South Asian Albertans, including Calgary mayor Naheed Nenshi, are excited to see former city councillor Amarjeet Sohi run for mayor, reports the CBC. Edmonton has never elected a non-white mayor.
- The province is expected to unveil its reopening plan at a press conference this morning. Doctors are cautioning against easing public health measures too quickly.
