- Edmonton Public Library Chief Executive Officer Pilar Martinez announced she will step down in August 2026 after more than a decade as CEO and more than 25 years with the organization. During her tenure, Martinez promoted early literacy, introduced community-led services, eliminated fines, and expanded free memberships. She also oversaw the revitalization of the Stanley A. Milner Library and guided 14 new branch openings and six renovations across Edmonton, significantly enhancing access and innovation.
- Edmonton city council approved a rezoning application from Franken Homes in the Crestwood neighbourhood at 142 Street and 95 Avenue that would allow for a taller, larger building with a minimum of four units. Developer Ulco Franken said he intends to build a six-unit condo building, abandoning an earlier plan for an 11-unit apartment, and that he needed extra height to include underground parking. The proposed development addresses some community opposition to the project by including on-site parking.
- The King Thunderbird Centre, a major hub for Boyle Street Community Services, officially opened its doors in Edmonton's Chinatown on Dec. 15, having already served 2,000 people. The centre offers housing, health, and cultural programming for vulnerable populations, including a central atrium for Indigenous ceremonies. The project overcame opposition from local organizations and zoning issues in 2022, with a Class A development permit resolving the permit challenges in March 2023. CEO Jordan Reiniger said the centre provides daytime services only.
- The Art Gallery of Alberta (AGA) is facing a major decline in membership, with numbers falling from 12,000 in 2010 to 3,573 in 2024. Women for the AGA, co-chaired by Adrienne Stewart and Teresa Melton, formed in spring 2025 to increase membership to 10,000 and has already boosted it to 6,000. Courtney Higgins with the AGA attributed the drop to ongoing construction downtown, which has created accessibility challenges from areas like 104 Avenue and disruptions to the nearby library parkade. Susie Chmait of the Citadel Theatre agreed, noting similar effects for the theatre's patrons.
- The Edmonton Police Service piloted new 3D mapping technology in February 2024 at Edmonton's Churchill LRT Station, aiming to enhance safety by tracking officers and pedestrians underground. Developed with Esri Canada and funded by a $1.3 million federal grant from the Canadian Safety and Security program, the Edmonton Transit Enhanced Community Safety System aimed to address Edmonton's transit-related crime rate of 45.12 crimes per 100,000 people in 2024. The technology uses a 3D digital twin and indoor positioning where GPS fails, improving situational awareness and emergency planning for the police service. The City of Edmonton and police are evaluating the technology's future use.
- Edmonton saw a record increase in frostbite amputations last winter, with 113 procedures performed, which was more than five times the 2019 total. More than half of these affected people experiencing homelessness, contributing to 1,307 frostbite diagnoses in emergency departments. Quinn Strikwerda of the Edmonton Coalition on Housing and Homelessness emphasized the urgent need for more social housing.
- A pedestrian was struck by a Valley Line Southeast LRT train near the Bonnie Doon stop at 83 Street SE and 78 Avenue SE around 7:30am on Dec. 15. The man suffered minor injuries and was transported to hospital. The incident caused minor delays for commuters before service was restored. The Edmonton Police Service is investigating the collision.
- The Edmonton Police Service is seeking tips after a 17-year-old boy was hurt in a hit-and-run collision in west Edmonton on Dec. 15 around 1:53pm near 170 Street NW and 95 Avenue NW. The pedestrian suffered non-life-threatening injuries and was transported to hospital, while the driver fled the scene. Police described the vehicle as a silver Acura, potentially damaged on the front driver-side door and windshield. Anyone with information or footage is urged to contact police.
- Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid earned NHL First Star of the Week honours after leading the league with 10 points in four games. His performance included two goals against the Buffalo Sabres, four assists against the Detroit Red Wings, two goals and an assist against the Toronto Maple Leafs, and one assist against the Montreal Canadiens. McDavid now ranks second in overall NHL scoring with 52 points and is currently on a six-game point streak.
Correction: This file has been updated to more accurately reflect Edmonton city council's decision regarding the rezoning decision in Crestwood.