- After two days of debate, Edmonton city council extended the Community Revitalization Levy for 10 years until 2044. Mayor Amarjeet Sohi said the levy will help build more housing downtown and support arts and culture organizations. The extension allows the City of Edmonton to borrow against future tax revenue to fund revitalization projects. Councillors debated whether provincial support for the CRL was conditional on including projects tied to Oilers Entertainment Group, such as a $250 million event park and infrastructure for the ICE District.
- Edmonton will host various family-friendly events for Canada Day on July 1, including fireworks, activities at the Alberta legislature, and celebrations at the Edmonton Valley Zoo and Muttart Conservatory. Canada Day fireworks will light up the river valley at 11pm from Kinsmen Park, while the Alberta legislature will offer free entertainment and activities from noon to 4pm. Road closures will be in effect around Kinsmen Park, with parking restrictions on various streets from 7pm to midnight.
- Premier Danielle Smith said she intends to challenge a temporary injunction blocking Bill 26, which restricts gender-affirming care for youth. Justice Allison Kuntz granted the injunction after arguments that the law could cause irreparable harm. Smith said she believes the reverse is true and wants to "battle this out" in higher courts rather than use the notwithstanding clause, which she considers a "last resort." The provincial legislature isn't scheduled to sit again until October, so the notwithstanding clause couldn't be invoked before then.
- Renters in Edmonton's North Glenora neighbourhood say they are being demovicted from their 1950s-era townhomes by the end of August as Regency Developments redevelops the Glenora Patio Homes, CityNews reported. Residents, some paying as little as $900 a month, say the offers made to assist with relocation are insufficient, especially given the lack of affordable options in the city. Raj Dhunna of Regency Developments says that the company is keeping its promises, citing CMHC funding for affordable units in the new Sona Park building and a $400 rental credit for tenants who leave early.
- Ron Glen, president of the Alberta Construction Association, warned Edmonton city council's infrastructure committee of a looming financial disaster related to road infrastructure. Glen noted that provincial funding to municipalities has decreased, leading to more reconstruction being required instead of rehabilitation, which significantly increases costs. Alberta Transportation Minister Devin Dreeshen stated that the government is making "significant investments," including $2 billion for infrastructure projects in the Edmonton region.
- FlixBus, which now owns Greyhound, will launch daily bus trips beginning July 1 between Regina, Saskatoon, and North Battleford, and will also offer daily service to Edmonton and Calgary from those Saskatchewan hubs. According to Sara Tohamy of FlixBus, strategic partnerships manager, there is demand for affordability, given the expense of gas and flights.
- Residents in the Highlands neighbourhood rallied to urge the City of Edmonton to convert a transit loop into a pocket park instead of rezoning it for infill housing.
- Edmonton Oilers General Manager Stan Bowman said the team is ready to begin contract talks with Connor McDavid, who is eligible to sign a new contract as early as July 2. McDavid, entering the final year of his eight-year, $100 million contract, has indicated he wants to take time to regroup before making a decision about his future. Bowman also noted that contract talks have begun with Evan Bouchard, who can become a restricted free agent. McDavid said winning a Stanley Cup is a top priority.
- Marla Smith, an Edmonton disability advocate, is asking property owners to trim trees and shrubs that encroach on sidewalks, making them difficult to navigate for people with mobility challenges, CityNews reported. Smith notes that overgrown vegetation, along with obstacles like e-scooters and construction debris, create barriers for wheelchair users and seniors. Under Edmonton's Community Standards Bylaw, property owners must maintain vegetation growing onto sidewalks adjacent to their property. Residents can report obstructions to the City by calling 311.
- Alberta Finance Minister Nate Horner announced an $8.3 billion surplus for the 2024 to 25 fiscal year, attributing it to increased tax revenue from population growth and higher-than-expected oil royalties. The province's non-renewable resource revenue totalled $22 billion, with bitumen royalties making up more than $17 billion. Alberta also received a $713 million lump sum payment as part of its $3.1 billion share of the tobacco class action settlement.
- Stephen Buffalo, CEO of the Indian Resource Council and member of the Samson Cree Nation south of Edmonton, has joined the Alberta Next panel as its 15th member. The panel, announced by Premier Danielle Smith on June 24, will consult with Albertans on how the province can push back against the federal government. Buffalo's appointment aims to ensure Indigenous perspectives are central to these discussions, Postmedia reported.
Headlines: June 30, 2025
By Mariam Ibrahim