- Edmonton Mayor Andrew Knack expressed significant frustration over neighbourhood snow removal, suggesting the city should tow vehicles that ignore a parking ban implemented for residential roads starting Jan. 12. Knack said it's "incredibly infuriating" that parked cars hinder effective clearing, causing delays. While city crews meet directed service levels, Knack said current resources are insufficient. The mayor called for an honest conversation throughout 2026 with Edmontonians about the cost and funding methods for improved snow removal.
- The City of Edmonton is currently accepting submissions for its 2026 Chinatown Vibrancy Fund, allocating $480,000 to revitalize the historic Edmonton neighbourhood. The funding, part of an extension announced in January 2025 that covered both 2025 and 2026, aims to attract visitors and address social disorder and crime. Since its inception in 2024, the fund has supported 28 projects, including Lunar New Year celebrations. Project proposals should focus on economic development, celebration, and safety. Applications close on Feb. 28.
- The City of Edmonton will explore new policies to address derelict commercial properties after a fire damaged an abandoned building next to The Aviary on 111 Avenue. Coun. Ashley Salvador, who spearheaded the 2024 residential derelict tax subclass, advocated for expanding similar measures to non-residential sites citywide. A City report in March is expected to detail options, with implementation for a non-residential subclass expected to take several years.
- Edmonton has experienced a dramatic surge in transit violence, with the Edmonton Police Service reporting that 22% of offenders commit nearly half of the crimes. Transit-related violent crime more than doubled between 2015 and 2024, with physical assaults increasing 260%, CBC reported. While rates peaked in 2023, they have since begun to ease. Mayor Andrew Knack prioritizes warming spaces for the homeless, and Mike Ellis, the minister of public safety for Alberta, supports federal bail reform and provincial funding for 50 additional police officers in Edmonton.
- The City of Edmonton mailed out 2026 property tax assessment notices on Jan. 12. Residential values saw significant increases in areas like Glengarry (15.7%) and Wellington (14.9%). In the non-residential sector, hotels and motels rose 10.3% in value, while downtown offices decreased 3.1%. Property owners can discuss their assessment by calling 311, with unresolved cases potentially going to the assessment review board after March 23. The provincial education levy will be finalized in April.
Headlines: Jan. 14, 2026
By Mariam Ibrahim