- The City of Edmonton's Downtown Action Plan Fund will distribute $3 million for revitalization projects. The initiative offers funding for beautification, recreational facilities, and one-off events, with up to $100,000 for events and beautification, and $250,000 for new amenities. Applications will be accepted over four intake periods, with the first closing March 23. Representatives from the Edmonton Downtown Business Association and Downtown Edmonton Community League expressed support for the initiative.
- Edmonton activated its extreme weather response on Feb. 26 as temperatures were expected to drop below -20°C. Environment Canada issued a snow squall watch for the area, warning of strong winds and limited visibility. City facilities open to the public, such as recreation centres and libraries, are available for warming and an expanded overnight shuttle service is available. The City noted that Al Rashid Mosque will not provide additional shelter spaces in observance of Ramadan. The response is expected to end on March 4.
- Alberta's Budget 2026 restores municipal grant funding to the City of Edmonton for provincial properties, fully reinstating payments after seven years of reductions. The grants, cut by the province in 2019 under then-premier Jason Kenney, had cost Edmonton about $16 million annually. Former mayor Amarjeet Sohi launched a campaign in 2024 to push for the funding's return, a sentiment echoed by Alberta Municipalities. Mayor Andrew Knack expressed appreciation for the move.
- The provincial government has allocated $30 million for the demolition of the old Royal Alberta Museum building in Edmonton, with completion anticipated by the 2028-29 fiscal year. Finance Minister Nate Horner said the status of the building is "status quo," as negotiations continue with an identified proponent interested in redeveloping the 1967-era building rather than tearing it down. NDP MLA Sarah Hoffman said the budget allocation sends a "terrible message" to those fighting to preserve the mid-century modern structure, which the National Trust for Canada lists as an endangered building.
- Alberta's provincial budget significantly increases the education property tax, with revenue from the tax expected to reach $3.6 billion in 2026-27. Edmonton homeowners will see a $154 increase for a median household, officials said. The budget also allocates $355 million for class size and complexity, including $55 million for a classroom complexity grant. The budget also includes funding to hire 5,000 teaching staff over three years.
- The Alberta government projected a $9.4 billion deficit for the 2026-27 fiscal year in its 2026 budget, marking three consecutive years of deficits and increased borrowing. Finance Minister Nate Horner said the province must break its own fiscal restraint laws to handle population growth. The $83.9 billion budget increases spending for health and education but decreases overall municipal funding by 1%. Alberta Municipalities warned that it will lead to higher municipal property taxes. NDP Leader Naheed Nenshi criticized the budget, citing increased fees for vulnerable Albertans and misplaced priorities.
- The Edmonton Police Service is looking for the driver of a vehicle involved in a hit-and-run that seriously injured a 31-year-old woman in the McCauley neighbourhood on Feb. 5. The driver of an SUV reportedly entered 107 Avenue from an alley west of 95 Street at 10:11pm, driving the wrong way, and struck the woman before fleeing south on 95 Street, police said. The woman was hospitalized with serious injuries. Anyone with information is asked to contact police.
- The Edmonton Elks and Spruce Grove Saints will collaborate for "Green and Goals Night" on March 14 at the Thompson Family Arena at Heavy Metal Place in Spruce Grove. The Saints will play the West Kelowna Warriors starting at 6pm, with football-themed festivities beginning two hours before puck drop. The event will feature Elks players, the cheer team, mascots, and a kid zone.
Headlines: Feb. 27, 2026
By Mariam Ibrahim