- Edmonton Police Service Chief Warren Driechel says the service has changed its gifts policy since former chief Dale McFee attended Edmonton Oilers games in businessman Sam Mraiche's box. In a year-end interview, Driechel told Postmedia that McFee's attendance complied with the policy in place at the time. The issue drew scrutiny after questions surfaced about whether the tickets constituted an inappropriate benefit. Driechel said the updated policy now provides clearer limits to avoid similar concerns in the future.
- Downtown Edmonton's Beaver Hills House Park and Michael Phair Park have reopened after two years of renewal work, providing enhanced outdoor spaces. The renovations improved amenities, safety, and accessibility by removing a dividing wall. A new washroom facility will open in winter 2026, with a bouldering wall and decorative lighting in Michael Phair Park scheduled for spring 2026.
- Some City of Edmonton services will see changes during the holiday season, including modified operating hours and service levels. Edmonton Transit Service will operate on reduced schedules from Dec. 22 to Jan. 5, offering fare-free transit from 6pm on Dec. 31 to 3am on Jan. 1. Waste collection is suspended Dec. 25 and Jan. 1, with regular Thursday pickups shifted to Dec. 22 and 29. Eco Stations will be closed on Dec. 25, Dec. 26, and Jan. 1. Christmas tree curb pickup is discontinued. Residents can instead use Community Recycling Depots or Eco Stations to dispose of natural Christmas trees. City Hall, the Muttart Conservatory, and recreation centres will have adjusted hours or closures, primarily on Dec. 25 and Dec. 26. School zone snow removal will occur Dec. 22 to Jan. 4.
- Schools and hospitals in the Edmonton region are grappling with virus outbreaks ahead of the holidays. Sixteen Elk Island Public Schools, 10 Edmonton Catholic Schools, and four Greater St. Albert Catholic Schools reported outbreaks, leading some to cancel holiday events. School divisions are increasing cleaning and advising sick students to stay home.
- The Alberta government plans to test a 120 km/h speed limit on select rural divided highways in 2026. This follows a survey that found 68% of 59,400 respondents supported the increase. The province said the trial will include monitoring and safety evaluation. The Alberta Motor Association said decisions like this must prioritize safety, research, education, and enforcement.
- The Alberta government increased the citizen initiative petition fee from $500 to $25,000, a 5,000% hike. The increase discourages "frivolous applications," Justice Minister Mickey Amery's office said. The fee is refundable if signature thresholds are met. Elections Alberta will waive the new fee for Corb Lund's application to stop coal mining in Alberta's Rockies if filed by Jan. 11.
- The Alberta government appointed Vivien Suttorp as the new chief medical officer of health, succeeding Sunil Sookram, who served as interim CMOH since April. Suttorp brings more than 25 years of experience in public health, including 17 years as the lead medical officer of health for the South Zone, the province said. In her new role, she will oversee public health priorities for all Albertans, monitor health, advise on emerging threats, and lead disease prevention and health promotion initiatives across the province.
Correction: This file has been updated to more accurately reflect when garbage will be collected over the holidays.