- New data from Statistics Canada shows that the Edmonton census metropolitan area's crime severity index — which measures both the volume and severity of crime indexed against 2006 figures — increased 3.44% from 2021 to 2022. The violent crime severity index decreased 2.38% while the non-violent crime severity index increased 6.31% over the same period. The Edmonton Police Service said the data shows that "Edmonton maintained a consistent ranking in the majority of the comparative crime statistics categories from 2021 to 2022." Published EPS figures show that all three indexes have decreased since 2018 in the City of Edmonton itself, with the total crime severity index dropping 15% in that time. But Police Chief Dale McFee told reporters that violent crime is up so far in 2023 and that his No. 1 priority is to hire more officers. "We get what we tolerate. If there's no accountability, then we shouldn't expect anything but chaos," McFee said. He also suggested police will introduce a new approach for dealing with drug use in the coming weeks.
- K-Days welcomed about 557,000 people over its 10-day run this year, far lower than the 760,000 people that went through the gates in 2022. "Explore Edmonton is very happy with this year's event as we were able to provide Edmontonians and guests with a wide variety of entertainment, rides, food, and local activations," said Arlindo Gomes, vice-president of business development and venue management. Taste of Edmonton also saw attendance drop, from about 300,000 in 2022 to 270,000 this year. Both festivals cited poor weather as a factor.
- The Edmonton Public Library has named award-winning singer, songwriter, producer, and educator Mallory Chipman as its inaugural musician in residence. "To be the inaugural artist in this position is an honour I do not take lightly, and I look forward to facilitating musical opportunities and celebrating the artistic excellence in our community over the coming year," Chipman said. Her term concludes on May 31, 2024.
- A visualization shared by Dustin Bajer, founder of Shrubscriber, illustrates the cooling effect that trees have on the city. The map makes clear that areas of the city with a larger tree canopy are several degrees cooler than areas with fewer trees. The city's goal is to reach total canopy coverage of 20% by 2071, but it is unclear where those new trees would be located. Last year, Bajer spoke with NAIT students about where planting more trees might do the most social good in Edmonton.
- The struggling Edmonton Elks promoted Jarious Jackson from pass game coordinator and quarterbacks coach to offensive coordinator. He takes over immediately, while former offensive coordinator Stephen McAdoo will remain on staff in an advisory role. Jackson told TSN that quarterback Taylor Cornelius will be demoted to the third spot, with Jarret Doege and Tre Ford now vying to become the team's primary quarterback.
- The Edmonton International Airport has signed on to a new initiative led by Action Coalition on Human Trafficking (ACT) Alberta that provides translated materials to Canadian newcomers about their rights in the province. QR codes to access materials in English, French, Spanish, Punjabi, Chinese, and Tagalog will be installed in washrooms at the airport.
- The Edmonton Aboriginal Seniors Centre is receiving nearly $300,000 in federal funding for a project intended to build capacity for Indigenous seniors to address gender-based violence. The funding is part of nearly $1.7 million announced to help address Pillar 4 of the National Action Plan to End Gender-based Violence.
- Premier Danielle Smith's mandate letter to Mike Ellis, the minister of public safety and emergency services, asks for the exploration of continued sheriff deployment in Edmonton but does not mention the proposed provincial police force. "Increasing the role for sheriffs is not about replacing the RCMP. It's about augmenting and supporting the RCMP," Ellis told reporters.
