- Edmonton Fire Rescue Services (EFRS) Chief David Lazenby called for six new fire stations to address record demand and a rapidly growing population outside Anthony Henday Drive. He said he will request the stations for the west, southwest, and northeast in the upcoming four-year city budget cycle, starting in 2026. These areas are projected to add 120,000 residents by 2030. EFRS responded to 91,000 emergency incidents in 2025, a 68% increase over five years, raising concerns about critical response times.
- A former official with Civic Service Union 52, in letters from July 2025 obtained by Postmedia, wrote that the roughly 900 union members employed with the Edmonton Police Service (EPS) face a systemic culture of workplace sexual assault, harassment, and violence. Brad Goertz, who was a labour relations officer with CSU 52 but is no longer employed by the union, said in the letters EPS management was aware but hasn't sufficiently addressed the issue. The City of Edmonton told Postmedia it lacks legal authority over EPS workplace safety for CSU 52 members and cannot investigate. EPS said it is committed to a safe environment, citing its respectful workplace department and an anonymous internal whistleblower line.
- More than 400 members of the Alberta Union of Provincial Employees who work at NorQuest College ratified a new contract earlier this month. The agreement for the Edmonton-based community college is backdated to July 2024 and includes a 12% wage increase over four years. Among the changes are an increased starting wage of $23.56 per hour, an increased healthcare spending account, improved vacation for long-service employees, and the addition of the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation as a paid day off.
- The driver of a cargo van fatally struck a woman in central Edmonton on Jan. 21. The Edmonton Police Service said the 78-year-old woman was crossing near 115 Street and 107 Avenue when she was hit. It was the city's first fatal traffic collision of the year.
- Edmonton and Calgary will co-host the 2027 International Indigenous Games & Gathering from July 25 to 31, 2027. This event replaces the previously planned 2027 North American Indigenous Games after Calgary's hosting rights were withdrawn. The gathering will feature sports, cultural showcases, youth programming, and an arts festival. Edmonton will host some sporting events and a powwow. Organizers anticipate thousands of participants.
- The province announced nearly $550,000 in additional funding for KidSport Alberta on Jan. 22. Tourism and Sport Minister Andrew Boitchenko made the announcement at the St. Francis Xavier Sport Centre in Edmonton. The funds, facilitated through the Every Kid Can Play program, will help an additional 1,500 children aged 18 or under to participate in organized sports, providing up to $350 per child for registration costs.
- Edmonton Police Service Chief Warren Driechel appeared on Edmonton AM to respond to a CBC News investigation into transit safety in Edmonton. "It's a high percentage of the same individuals that are involved in these incidents," he told host Tara McCarthy.
- Hundreds gathered in Stony Plain on Jan. 22 to sign a petition for a referendum on Alberta leaving Canada. Organized by Stay Free Alberta, the event saw people wait more than an hour to endorse the initiative. The province's chief electoral officer sanctioned the campaign, which aims to collect 178,000 signatures by May.
Headlines: Jan. 23, 2026
By Mariam Ibrahim