- Edmonton has been called "Canada's frostbite capital" by the Canadian Frostbite Care Network, as amputations due to frostbite in the Edmonton area jumped from 81 in 2023 to 120 in 2024. Healthcare workers at Hope Mission and the Royal Alexandra Hospital note the issue disproportionately affects the homeless population, linking the increase to complex crises including homelessness and drug addiction. The province highlighted its efforts to reduce frostbite amputations, citing a $220 million investment to address homelessness in Budget 2025 and a new frostbite guide for frontline workers.
- The City of Edmonton invites residents to apply for volunteer appointments to 15 civic agencies, with approximately 39 vacancies. Appointments begin May 1. These roles advise city council and carry out delegated responsibilities, offering a chance to contribute to municipal programs and community priorities. Residents can apply online by Jan. 25.
- Alberta employers owe workers more than $3.7 million in unpaid wages across 400 claims against 265 employers in 2025, an 80% increase from 2024, Postmedia reported. This amount includes various forms of pay, like vacation and overtime. Sirona Pharma Inc., a medical cannabis company in Yellowhead County, is the largest violator, owing $302,855. Global Empire Corporation, a former Edmonton call centre, owes more than $200,000.
- Edmonton Coun. Anne Stevenson, who has a background in city planning, advocates for Indigenous-led and community-centred housing. Stevenson spoke to Alberta Native News about her work, including an early $1 million investment in NiGiNan Housing Ventures. She also highlighted the 2020 opening of Omamoo Wango Gamik, a NiGiNan site that supports pregnant women experiencing homelessness to help families stay together, and emphasized providing housing for high-needs individuals.
- The Edmonton Police Service has charged a 16-year-old in a fatal collision on May 23, 2025, that killed a 71-year-old man. The crash happened at 97 Street and 165 Avenue when the driver of a northbound Cadillac Escalade collided with a southbound Honda Civic turning left. Police allege the teenager was driving without a licence and that the SUV was unregistered and uninsured. Speed is also believed to be a factor. Charges include dangerous operation causing death, driving an uninsured motor vehicle, operating an unregistered motor vehicle, and failing to hold a valid operator's licence.
- The Edmonton Police Service is asking for the public's help locating 33-year-old Shelby Crane, who escaped from the Stan Daniels Healing Centre in Edmonton early on Jan. 1. Crane, serving a 10-year, six-month sentence for manslaughter and other offences, was discovered missing during a routine headcount. A Canada-wide warrant has been issued for Crane, who is described as six feet, two inches tall, 214 pounds, with brown eyes, black hair, and several distinctive tattoos. Anyone with information should contact EPS at 780-423-4567 or Crime Stoppers.
Headlines: Jan. 6, 2026
By Mariam Ibrahim