- Edmonton city council approved fall budget adjustments, resulting in a 6.9% property tax increase for 2026, addressing challenges like inflation and rapid population growth, the City of Edmonton said in a release. Operating adjustments include increased user fees for services such as animal care and transit, $11 million in ongoing funding for Explore Edmonton, and $5.8 million for more peace officers to enhance traffic safety. Council also approved $123.4 million in capital adjustments for projects like new fire stations, 25 new buses, Neighbourhood Renewal, and new school sites. An additional $12.7 million will restore the Financial Stabilization Reserve. Some councillors said council failed to show enough restraint after rejecting proposed cuts and approving spending that pushed the tax increase higher.
- The Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) expressed disappointment with the 6.9% property tax increase passed by Edmonton city council in the 2026 budget. Kayode Southwood of CFIB said the increase neglects affordability issues for businesses and citizens. Businesses currently pay more than three times the residential property tax rate, contributing 45% of the city's property taxes despite making up only 22% of property value. CFIB had recommended a 2% annual property tax shift for four years to address this disparity, warning that Edmonton's small businesses may seek more competitive jurisdictions.
- Three Edmonton-area schools were experiencing respiratory illness outbreaks as of Dec. 6. This situation coincides with lagging flu shot numbers in the region, raising concerns about the spread of respiratory illnesses within educational settings.
- Edmonton's new southbound overpass on 50 Street opened between 90 Avenue and Sherwood Park Freeway, marking the second major milestone for the 50 Street Widening and Railway Grade Separation project. This new overpass eliminates railway crossing waits, improves traffic flow, and reduces congestion, the City of Edmonton said in a release. All southbound vehicle traffic now uses the overpass, providing three lanes in each direction. The northbound overpass opened in 2024, and the full project, including pedestrian pathways, is on track for completion by the end of 2026.
- Capacity issues at Stollery Children's Hospital in Edmonton have caused chemotherapy delays for children. Sam Wong of the Alberta Medical Association said an increasing "bed crunch" is leading to cancelled surgeries and the use of common spaces for beds. A new standalone Stollery is still five to eight years away. Alberta Health Services said it is adding 10 inpatient beds for the respiratory virus season.
- Alberta Health Services issued an alert on Dec. 5 after a confirmed measles case led to potential public exposure at Edmonton's Stollery Children's Hospital emergency room between 8pm on Dec. 4 and 1:16am Dec. 5, and at the Walter Mackenzie Health Sciences Centre from 11:16pm on Dec. 4 to 2:30am on Dec. 5. Anyone present during these times is advised to monitor for symptoms like fever and rash. If symptoms appear, stay home and call the measles hotline at 1-844-944-3434 before seeking medical care.
- Sameer (Sam) Singh and Tracy F. Barry are among eight 2025 Alberta Volunteer Stars who were recognized for community leadership. Singh earned the honour for advancing anti-racism through education, municipal policy work and the Indigenous-focused board game Exploring wâhkôhtowin. Barry received the award for fighting gender discrimination through the Gradual Rising of Women Foundation, which she founded in 2016.
- The Alberta government plans to update its security guard training program, one year after security guard Harshandeep Singh, an international student, was fatally shot on Dec. 6, 2024, while on duty at an apartment building in Edmonton's Central McDougall neighbourhood. The revised 40-hour Alberta Basic Security Training course, set to launch in 2026, will enhance content, strengthen preparedness, and include more focus on de-escalation and defensive techniques.
- In an op-ed published in Postmedia, former mayor of Edmonton Amarjeet Sohi shared insights into nation-building gained from the Trans Mountain Expansion (TMX) project. He wrote that TMX tripled pipeline capacity, opened new markets, and generated $13 billion in oil revenues, $4.4 billion for provincial royalties, and $2 billion for federal taxes in its first year. Sohi said such projects require hard work, environmental oversight, and Indigenous participation. He also wrote that Alberta's prosperity is stronger in a functioning federation and that Canada's economic future depends on collective action on large infrastructure.
- The Edmonton Oilers are showing signs of recovery after a challenging start to their season. As of Dec. 7, the team holds a 4-2-1 record in their last seven games, including a 6-2 victory over the Winnipeg Jets and a 9-4 win against the Seattle Kraken. The team's offence and defence, including goaltending from Stuart Skinner, are showing improvement.
Headlines: Dec. 8, 2025
By Mariam Ibrahim