- Edmonton city council's urban planning committee will review a report advising against stricter regulations on short-term rentals, citing challenges in enforcement and potential legal risks. Instead, the report recommends a public education campaign on existing rules and host responsibilities. Ward papastew Coun. Michael Janz, whose motion passed in April required business licences for such rentals, noted a 70% increase in licensed rentals since May 2024. However, Tracy Douglas-Blowers, President and CEO of the Alberta Hotel and Lodging Association, advocates for platforms to share data, stating current regulations lack accountability for "ghost hotels." Nuisance complaints constitute only 0.3% of total bylaw complaints.
- Former Edmonton mayor Stephen Mandel officially endorsed Michael Walters for mayor in the upcoming municipal election. Walters, currently polling at 7% support, said that he is the "moderate candidate" focused on leadership for Edmontonians. Mandel, who served as mayor from 2004 to 2013, praised Walters's ability to build consensus and address challenges like homelessness and housing, highlighting his experience as a former city councillor. Walters previously served two terms under Mayor Don Iveson.
- Alberta Education Minister Demetrios Nicolaides revised rules for school books, now banning books with explicit visual depictions of sexual acts, not written descriptions. This change follows an uproar after Edmonton Public Schools compiled a list of more than 200 books, including The Handmaid's Tale, for removal based on the original July ministerial order. Schools now have until Jan. 5 to comply and must submit a list of removed materials by the end of October.
- The Edmonton Police Service recorded 10 shootings in August, a slight increase from July, bringing the total for 2025 to 91. This represents a 7% rise compared to the 85 shootings reported by the same time in 2024. Of the August incidents, six were targeted and four resulted in injuries, with no fatalities reported. Police also seized 65 firearms in August.
- Volunteers in Edmonton have established a command post at the Dawson Park boat launch to aid in the search for 14-year-old Samuel Bird, who has been missing since June 1. His mother, Alanna Bird, continues to search daily, with efforts now entering their 14th week. Samuel was last seen leaving a friend's home in the Canora neighbourhood, and the Edmonton Police Service has deemed his disappearance suspicious. He is known to frequent West Edmonton Mall and areas in the west end and south side.
- The Alberta government announced it will defend against a court challenge to its school pronoun law. The legislation, which took effect this month, mandates parental consent for students under 16 changing names or pronouns, and parental notification for those aged 16 and 17, specifically when the request relates to gender identity. LGBTQ+ advocacy groups Egale Canada and Skipping Stone filed the challenge, arguing the law is unconstitutional, discriminatory, and harms gender-diverse youth by denying school support and forcing difficult choices.
- The Alberta government invested $713 million from a tobacco lawsuit settlement into the Heritage Savings Trust Fund in July. The payment is part of Alberta's $3.1 billion share from a $24.7 billion settlement with Canada's three largest tobacco companies. A government spokesperson said the fund, now valued at $30 billion, aims to protect future resources and strengthen healthcare for Albertans impacted by tobacco. Critics argue the funds should be allocated directly to cancer screening, treatment, and smoking cessation and prevention efforts.
- The Alberta Party is seeking approval from Elections Alberta to rebrand as the Alberta Progressive Conservative Party, following a 94% member vote on Aug. 27. Former United Conservative Party MLAs Peter Guthrie and Scott Sinclair are leading the effort. Guthrie hopes for approval by late September, allowing them to enter the legislature this fall as members of the rebranded party. The UCP, led by Premier Danielle Smith, has threatened legal action, arguing it holds the copyright.
Headlines: Sept. 9, 2025
By Mariam Ibrahim