- Residents in areas like the McLeod neighbourhood expressed frustration regarding large snow windrows left on residential streets and the City of Edmonton's decision not to tow vehicles during parking bans. Residents said blocked curbs and driveways are affecting mobility and commutes. Mayor Andrew Knack, acknowledging the issues and said that snow clearing will be a key part of next year's budget. The union representing crews said vehicles left on streets are hindering efforts.
- Organizers of the Deep Freeze Festival say unplowed streets in Edmonton's Alberta Avenue ahead of the event, scheduled for Jan. 17 and 18, are raising safety and parking concerns for the 60,000 expected attendees. Mayor Andrew Knack said he is working to address navigation and safety concerns. The City of Edmonton said it can't reschedule residential blading due to policy but completed extra clearing on specific routes.
- Edmonton's outdoor rinks are experiencing bumpy, slushy conditions due to recent warm weather. As of Jan. 14, the warmer temperatures have led to degraded ice quality, making many rinks less suitable for skating in the Edmonton area.
- Edmonton's Commonwealth Stadium will be the site of a friendly soccer match between Canada and Uzbekistan men's national teams on June 1. The game serves as preparation for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will see tournament matches played in Canada for the first time. Mayor Andrew Knack anticipates a $21 million economic impact for the city. Canadian captain and Edmonton native Alphonso Davies is expected to play in the game. Tickets go on sale Jan. 23.
- An editorial in The Globe and Mail highlighted how Edmonton's loosened zoning rules in 2024 fostered a record for building permits in 2025, predominantly for low-rise multiplexes, which created approximately 2,350 new homes. The editorial argued that this success refutes claims by politicians about a lack of demand for such housing. Housing advocate Jacob Dawang's analysis highlighted minimal impact, with only 310 out of 80,000 established Edmonton properties receiving multiplex permits. Despite these positive results, the editorial board wrote, Edmonton city council is set to debate new building restrictions in February, a move criticized as counterproductive to addressing Canada's housing crisis.
- McMan Youth, Family, and Community Services, an Edmonton child crisis prevention centre, experienced a high intake of children in January, following the holiday season. The centre noted that this post-holiday period often sees an increase in children needing assistance due to various family stressors. The centre works to provide immediate assistance and prevent further crises for vulnerable children and families in the Edmonton region.
- The Alberta government will transition in-hospital registered midwifery services from Edmonton's Royal Alexandra Hospital to the Fort Saskatchewan Community Hospital, more than 30 kilometres away. The shift means 24/7 low-risk labour, birth, postpartum, and newborn care midwifery will move to Fort Saskatchewan. Royal Alexandra Hospital will continue midwifery coverage Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 7am to 7pm until Feb. 13.
- The Alberta government plans to test the drinking water for lead and copper in more than 200 buildings owned by the province, including the legislature and the Alberta School for the Deaf in Edmonton. Infrastructure Minister Martin Long's office said the measure addresses aging infrastructure to ensure water safety. Bids for the project closed on Jan. 13, with testing and reporting expected by spring 2027.
Headlines: Jan. 15, 2026
By Mariam Ibrahim