- Edmonton city council is proposing smaller shelters to be located in more areas across the city. This strategy aims to better distribute aid for people experiencing homelessness, moving away from large, centralized facilities. Council believes this approach could provide more accessible and effective aid, integrating services into various communities within Edmonton.
- Most of Edmonton's 13 mayoral candidates intend to review or repeal the city's single-use plastics bylaw if they win the Oct. 20 election. The bylaw, enacted July 1, 2023, banned plastic bags and Styrofoam, while introducing fees for paper and reusable bags. Candidates like Omar Mohammad and Tim Cartmell argue it's ineffective and costly. Coun. Andrew Knack, who initially supported the bylaw, said he would review its financial impact on consumers. Environmentalist Michael Kalmanovitch, however, advocates for keeping the ban, stating going back would be a "waste."
- Edmonton Elections opened a hiring fair to recruit ballot counters and standby workers for the Oct. 20 municipal election, as well as for advance voting from Oct. 7-11.
- The Miller Residence, valued for its Arts and Crafts influences and connection to early residential development in Edmonton's Alberta Avenue area, and the Massey Ferguson Building will receive grants from the City of Edmonton's Heritage Conservation program for renovation work. These buildings are Edmonton's 194th and 195th designated historic resources. Concurrently, the City's heritage planning team is developing a new city-wide Heritage Places Strategy to replace the existing plan, broadening the historical lens, addressing climate adaptation, and guiding preservation in a densifying city.
- The City of Edmonton and Commonwealth Stadium are seeking capital funds from the province to renovate the facility in Edmonton. Concourse congestion, specifically highlighted during a recent Morgan Wallen concert and other major events, has underscored the need for significant upgrades. Officials aim to address these limitations to improve the stadium experience.
- Postmedia columnist Keith Gerein's analysis of a recent Edmonton mayoral debate suggests the event began to separate contenders. Rahim Jaffer offered clear policy, proposing 500 new police officers and a 22% tax cut, appealing to voters seeking wholesale change. Gerein wrote that Michael Walters gained confidence, focusing on homelessness and debating the City's role in addressing it with Jaffer and Andrew Knack. Walters warned against the City fully taking on housing and addiction responsibilities without provincial support. Tim Cartmell's performance was less impactful, Gerein wrote, despite speaking well on constituent issues like infill.
- The province announced expanded addiction detox capacity at the new George Spady Society location in Edmonton. This initiative aims to enhance access to crucial addiction treatment services for individuals in the region. The province is providing more than $13 million in funding.
- The Alberta government launched the $185 million WorkFirst Alberta employment service program. This program, available to all Albertans, including those with disabilities, offers resume assistance, workshops, training, and wraparound services like child care, transportation, and mental health support. The province plans to expand it in 2026 to include a jobseeker-employer matching service.
- The Edmonton Oilers will open their 2025 Training Camp on Sept. 17, with medical and fitness testing at Rogers Place in Edmonton. Head Coach Kris Knoblauch and his staff will lead 55 players (six goaltenders, 16 defencemen, 33 forwards) through on-ice sessions starting Sept. 18 at Rogers Place and the Downtown Community Arena. The Oilers' eight-game preseason begins Sept. 21 against the Calgary Flames, and the regular season starts at home on Oct. 8, also against the Flames.
- Connor McDavid will enter Edmonton Oilers training camp on Sept. 17 without a contract extension, despite being eligible since July 1. His current deal commits him only through the 2025-26 season. While dialogue with agent Judd Moldaver and Oilers management remains cordial, McDavid's primary hesitation stems from concerns about the team's aging roster and its long-term ability to consistently contend for the Stanley Cup, rather than financial terms or contract length, The Athletic reported.
- The Edmonton Elks added linebacker Xander Mueller and defensive lineman Gavin Meyer to the team roster. The team also released defensive lineman Eli Mostaert.
Headlines: Sept. 17, 2025
By Mariam Ibrahim