- Edmonton city council rejected Ward Pihêsiwin Coun. Tim Cartmell's motion to pause development approvals for mid-block properties in small scale residential zones due to legal concerns that it would contravene the Municipal Government Act. Mayor Amarjeet Sohi ruled the moratorium out of order. Residents and industry representatives voiced concerns about the pace of development, parking, tree loss, and the number of allowable units, while others urged councillors not to make too many revisions to the zoning bylaw.
- Environment Canada has issued heat warnings for Edmonton and much of Alberta, effective July 1, as daytime temperatures are expected to reach near 30C for two days. Residents are advised to watch for signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke, especially in seniors, infants, and those with pre-existing conditions. The Alberta government reported 62 wildfires burning across the province, and fire bans are in effect in northern Alberta around High Level and Fort McMurray.
- On Canada Day, participants in the fourth annual Run for Reconciliation raised awareness for residential school survivors by running and tying orange ribbons and messages around the gazebo at the St. Albert Healing Garden.
- Mayoral candidate Rahim Jaffer proposed a free parking plan to revitalize Edmonton's downtown core and support local businesses, CityNews reported. The plan includes free parking downtown and in other key areas after 5pm, all day on weekends and holidays, and a 30-minute grace period for short stops. Weekday daytime parking would be a flat rate of $2.50 per hour, lower than the current $3.50 to $4.50 rate. Surge pricing would still apply during peak events, Jaffer said.
- The Edmonton Oilers acquired a 2027 fifth-round draft pick from the Boston Bruins in exchange for forward Viktor Arvidsson. Arvidsson, a Swedish winger, recorded 15 goals and 12 assists in 67 games for the Oilers last season, and has a contract with a $4 million cap hit for the 2025-26 season. The Oilers also signed defenceman Riley Stillman to a two-year, two-way contract with an average annual value of $775,000, and signed Edmonton-native goaltender Matt Tomkins to a two-year, two-way contract with an average annual value of $775,000.
- The Edmonton Oilers have lost forwards Corey Perry and Connor Brown in the early stages of free agency. Perry signed with the Los Angeles Kings for one year, while Brown signed a four-year, $12 million deal with the New Jersey Devils. Perry scored 19 goals in the regular season and 10 in the playoffs for the Oilers, while Brown had 13 goals in the regular season and five in the playoffs.
Headlines: July 2, 2025
By Mariam Ibrahim