- Edmonton Elections released final municipal election results on Oct. 24, confirming four new members of city council alongside eight incumbents. Jon Morgan, a transit worker, will represent Ward Ipiihkoohkanipiaohtsi, prioritizing infrastructure. In Ward sipiwiyiniwak, Thu Parmar, formerly with the Canadian Red Cross, aims to rebuild trust and increase engagement. Michael Elliott, who was an Edmonton Police Service staff sergeant, secured Ward pihêsiwin, focusing on public safety and inter-governmental relations. Entrepreneur Reed Clarke, former CEO of the Edmonton Stingers, won Ward Nakota Isga, emphasizing collaboration and ward-level engagement. Andrew Knack was elected mayor, while the election saw a 30.27% voter turnout, the lowest since 2007.
- After Edmonton's municipal election, the future of the Better Edmonton slate is uncertain as only three of its candidates — Karen Principe (Ward tastawiyiniwak), Michael Elliott (Ward pihêsiwin), and Reed Clarke (Ward Nakota Isga) — secured council seats. Mayoral candidate Tim Cartmell, who led the slate, lost his race. Cartmell previously stated the group would "go dormant" after the election and not "whip votes" on council. Councillors Principe and Elliott said the slate's original intention was for election collaboration, not as a council caucus. Elliott also denied rumours of affiliation with the United Conservative Party.
- Alberta school divisions, including Edmonton Catholic Schools, are preparing for classes to resume if the provincial government tables its "Back to School Act" on Oct. 27. Finance Minister Nate Horner plans to introduce the bill to end the strike by 51,000 public, Catholic, and francophone teachers, which began Oct. 6. Labour expert Christian Cook noted legislation could order teachers back within 24-48 hours, making continued striking illegal. Both Edmonton Public Schools and the Catholic division are awaiting government guidance on making up for lost instructional time. Jason Schilling, president of Alberta Teachers' Association, stated the bill does not resolve core issues like pay and class sizes.
- During her call-in radio show on Oct. 25, Alberta Premier Danielle Smith responded to the threat of broader labour action over the provincial government's plan to table legislation on Oct. 27 to force striking teachers back to work. The Alberta Federation of Labour warned of unprecedented mobilization if the government uses the notwithstanding clause. Smith did not rule out using the clause, saying teachers would be ordered back to work if they don't agree to return voluntarily. The strike involves 51,000 teachers in public, separate, and francophone schools across the province, affecting 750,000 students.
- Alberta Premier Danielle Smith said that classroom issues, including high student numbers, will be addressed once teachers return to school. Smith criticized school boards for past grant mismanagement and suggested a task force for solutions, differing from a proposal from the Alberta Teachers' Association (ATA) to involve schools and boards. Jason Schilling of the ATA expressed teacher distrust, citing a previous ignored task force and the government's request to sign a wage package before discussing classroom complexity. He estimates the ATA's class size terms would cost $2 billion.
- Edmonton Coun. Keren Tang is advocating for stronger penalties against people using illegal fireworks after a fire severely damaged a southeast Edmonton home on Oct. 20, during Diwali celebrations. Three men face arson charges for the incident at 2503 24 Street SE. Tang noted 33 reported incidents, including 13 police-issued charges, for dangerous actions and noise violations this year. A permit from Edmonton Fire Rescue Services is required to set off fireworks, with fines up to $10,000 for non-compliance.
- In an opinion piece published in Postmedia, outgoing Edmonton city councillor Sarah Hamilton outlined significant challenges for Edmonton's new 2025-2029 city council. Following an election with the lowest voter turnout since 2007, council must address critical issues like infrastructure, growth, and fiscal sustainability, she wrote. Hamilton also stressed the need to stabilize city administration for effective advice and to avoid continued acrimony with the provincial government on matters such as public safety. She also wrote that increasing voter turnout for the 2029 election should be a priority for Edmonton Elections.
- Journalist Brett McKay won first place in the 2025 Canadian Community Newsmedia Awards for the Outstanding Reporter Initiative. His series in the St. Albert Gazette explored how conspiracy theories affect local governments and democratic engagement in Alberta. Judges commended his thorough research, balanced tone, and courage in confronting a sensitive community issue.
- The Animal Care and Control Centre hosted its first pet-friendly event for Halloween, Howl-O-Ween, in Edmonton on Oct. 25. The event offered both family fun activities and important pet safety education.
- The City of Edmonton drew criticism after it evicted its downtown tenant Continental Treat Fine Bistro on Oct. 10, due to complications arising from owner Sylvester Borowka's bankruptcy. The sudden closure, just before Thanksgiving weekend, cost the restaurant $90,000 in lost sales and spoiled inventory, Borowka said. The restaurant's 35 employees are affected, and a sold-out "Witches and Wizards" Halloween event is now without a venue. City Real Estate Branch manager Chris Hodgson said the lease was terminated by the bankruptcy trustee for liability reasons.
- Alberta Public Service employees will return to full-time, in-office work starting February 2026, ending the interim hybrid model that has allowed up to two days of remote work since March 2022. Affecting nearly 12,600 government employees, the province said the policy, initially a temporary public health measure, is being discontinued to strengthen collaboration and service delivery. The Edmonton Downtown Business Association welcomed the move and anticipates increased foot traffic and vibrancy.
- The Edmonton Elks, despite missing the playoffs, expressed optimism about the team's future on Oct. 25, as a key decision looms regarding quarterbacks Cody Fajardo and Tre Ford. Fajardo, who led the team to a 7-11 record after a 1-4 start, expressed his desire to remain with the team. "If I play football next year, it will be here," he said. General Manager Ed Hervey and Head Coach Mark Kilam want Fajardo to return, but contract talks have not yet begun. Hervey indicated the team must evaluate Ford's fit, noting "something has to give," as the team prioritizes winning.
Headlines: Oct. 27, 2025
By Mariam Ibrahim