- Edmonton mayoral frontrunners Michael Walters, Tim Cartmell, Andrew Knack, and Rahim Jaffer discussed transit and taxes at a My Radio 580 forum on Sept. 30. Walters pledged to freeze transit fees and emphasized city leadership. Cartmell promised a "line by line" budget review, arguing property owners get poor value. Knack highlighted reconciliation and cautioned against austerity, noting expanded LRT and recreation services aid growth. Jaffer differentiated himself from the other candidates, saying they represent the "status quo" on crime, high taxes, and economic strength. The municipal election is set for Oct. 20.
- The City of Edmonton's seasonal ban on elm pruning will lift on Oct. 1, with officials urging residents to properly dispose of elm scraps. This measure is crucial to prevent the spread of Dutch elm disease, which the City said poses a "significant threat to the health and resilience of the urban forest."
- The Edmonton Construction Association (ECA) launched its "We Build This City" municipal election campaign, ahead of the 2025 municipal election. The campaign advocates for continued investment in Edmonton's infrastructure and growth, addressing concerns about aging infrastructure, tight budgets, and escalating project costs. Its core messages urge future municipal council members to "Don't Stop" planning and building, "Put People First" through collaboration, and "Think Big (City)" to match Edmonton's growing population and ambition.
- The Alberta government announced it will pay families of children 12 and younger $150 per week if the Alberta Teachers' Association strikes on Oct. 6. Parents can apply online, with payments starting Oct. 31. The announcement comes after 89.5% of teachers' union members rejected a contract offer, setting the stage for a provincewide strike. The government will also provide an online toolkit for home learning and intends to hire 1,500 more educational assistants by 2028, but won't cap class sizes.
- Alberta businesses are pivoting due to the looming teacher strike after the Alberta Teachers' Association rejected a contract offer. Many Edmonton-area businesses, including Prairie Gardens in Sturgeon County, Fitset Ninja in Edmonton, and Birch Bay Ranch near Sherwood Park, rely heavily on school field trips and face significant revenue losses if teachers strike on Oct. 6. To adapt, they are preparing alternative programs: Prairie Gardens will offer homeschooling farm tours, while Fitset Ninja and Birch Bay Ranch will provide day camps to support parents and retain staff.
- Albertans receiving Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped and Rent Assistance Benefit will face rent increases for community housing, effective Oct. 1, for new tenants and at current tenants' next annual income review. Jason Nixon, the minister of assisted living and social services, enacted the change on May 15, removing the previous exemption of $735 from AISH benefits when calculating rent, which will now be 30% of total income. AISH recipients will see their rent increase by $220 per month, from $349 to $570. Edmonton's Civida housing provider noted that 16% of its households rely on AISH.
Headlines: Oct. 1, 2025
By Mariam Ibrahim