- Edmonton incumbents may face significant challenges in the upcoming municipal election, with a strong anti-incumbent sentiment reported by candidates. The Principled Accountable Coalition for Edmonton (PACE) party is running candidates in nine of 12 wards, specifically targeting current councillors. Outgoing Ward Sipiwiyiniwak Coun. Sarah Hamilton acknowledged that incumbents should prepare for difficult conversations, as voters often focus on overall council actions rather than individual voting records.
- The Edmonton Chamber of Commerce announced the five leading candidates for its mayoral debate on Sept. 12, taking place at the JW Marriott hotel and aired on Global. Selected based on a Leger poll, the frontrunners are Andrew Knack (12% support), Tim Cartmell (10%), Michael Walters (7%), Rahim Jaffer (5%), and Omar Mohammad (4%). Chamber president Doug Griffiths said the debate is important due to a high number of undecided voters, but mayoral candidate Malik Chukwudi criticized the process, arguing all candidates should be invited.
- The African Canadian Civic Engagement Council opened the Timbuktu Innovation Hub on Alberta Avenue. Co-founded by Emmanuel Onah, the hub, designed by architect Sam Oboh, aims to empower young African Edmontonian entrepreneurs by offering programs like Timbuktu Trailblazers for youth employment and the Anza entrepreneurship ecosystem. The Anza program has supported more than 70 youth, with nearly half launching their own businesses. The hub received support from the Edmonton Community Foundation, City of Edmonton, and Prairies Economic Development Canada.
- The City of Edmonton took control of managing historic Fort Edmonton Park starting Sept. 3. The transition will bring the park's management directly under the City, moving it from an arm's-length municipal organization.
- Alberta's 51,000 public, Catholic, and francophone teachers are poised to strike, and 61 school boards are authorized to lock them out, though classes continued Sept. 3. Talks broke off last week between the Alberta Teachers' Association and the Teachers' Employer Bargaining Association. Teachers rejected a 12% wage offer over four years, with ATA President Jason Schilling saying members feel disrespected. Finance Minister Nate Horner urged teachers to return to the bargaining table. Families are advised to prepare for potential disruptions.
- The Alberta Union of Provincial Employees announced Sept. 3 that its 23,000 civil servant members approved a mediated deal with the provincial government, averting a strike. The agreement, supported by 63% of voting members, includes a 12% wage increase over four years for employees such as administrative staff, some Alberta Sheriffs, social workers, and wildfire fighters.
- Alberta Education Minister Demetrios Nicolaides, released a list of 30 Edmonton and 28 Calgary public schools where "sexually explicit" graphic novels were found, including Victoria School of the Arts in central Edmonton, where Fun Home was located. The Alberta government is rewriting a ministerial order to ban books with images of sexual content, after the initial order led Edmonton Public Schools to list classics like The Handmaid's Tale for removal.
- Two organizations launched a court challenge on Sept. 3 against Alberta's pronouns legislation. Critics of the law argue it jeopardizes vulnerable students and forces them to remain closeted. The province said it will defend its position, aiming to strengthen parent-child education ties. Kim Smith, spokesperson for Edmonton Public Schools, confirmed the division requires parental confirmation of biological female status for students in competitive female-only sports and is complying with parental notification for gender-identity-related name or pronoun changes.
- The University of Alberta began flying the Treaty 6 and Métis flags on Sept. 3, marking a historic first for the institution. This step acknowledges the Indigenous territories on which the Edmonton university is located, recognizing the traditional lands of Treaty 6 First Nations and the Métis Nation.
- St. Albert city council voted to continue discussions on a controversial rezoning proposal for a new school site north of Erin Ridge North. Developer Landrex's proposal, initially for up to 21 acres, faces "significant concerns" from city planner Barb Dupuis, who said it contradicts the city's municipal development plan regarding water infrastructure and municipal reserve dedication. St. Albert Public Schools officials, including trustee Kristi Rouse and Supt. Krimsen Sumners, argue a new high school is critically needed for the city's growing student population. A second public hearing will be held on Sept. 15.
- CKUA CEO Marc Carnes is departing the organization after eight years of leadership, during which he transformed the nearly 100-year-old broadcaster into Alberta's leading media organization for diverse arts and culture programming. Adam Mitchell, chief operating officer, will serve as acting CEO. Listeners are invited to share reflections for a special program with Marc Carnes on Alberta Morning, hosted by Grant Stovel, on Sept. 10.
- Edmonton Oilers General Manager Stan Bowman says he is not rushing Connor McDavid's contract extension, saying the superstar has earned the right to handle the process at his own pace. McDavid previously told reporters he intends to win a Stanley Cup in Edmonton, prioritizing team improvement over immediate contract discussions.
- The Edmonton Oilers rookies will host the Calgary Flames rookies at Rogers Place on Sept. 12 at 7pm. The matchup features top prospects like Matt Savoie, Isaac Howard, and Beau Akey, offering fans in Edmonton a first look before the 2025–26 NHL season. Tickets go on sale Sept. 4 at 10am, priced at $20 in advance or $25 on game day. The Oilers will also play the Flames in a pre-season matchup on Sept. 21 and their season home opener on Oct. 8, both at Rogers Place.
- Red Deer city council amended a contentious rezoning proposal on Sept. 3 for a Clearview Ridge green space. Faced with strong public opposition over traffic and safety concerns, council approved duplexes but reduced the proposed high-density townhouse zoning to medium-density, capping development at 40 units.
Headlines: Sept. 4, 2025
By Mariam Ibrahim