- Edmonton city council approved four strategic priorities for its current four-year term during an in camera meeting on Feb. 20. The priorities are economic development, growth management, quality services, and safety. Three guiding principles — affordability, fiscal sustainability, and relationship-driven — were also established. Mayor Andrew Knack said the approach aims to restructure the city's budget and prevent distractions from day-to-day concerns. "It was just making sure that we were thoughtful about identifying what Edmontonians told us loud and clear," he said.
- A rare total lunar eclipse will be visible over Edmonton early on March 3. Also known as a blood moon, it is the only total lunar eclipse visible from the region this year. Frank Florian of the TELUS World of Science - Edmonton said a partial eclipse will begin around 2:50am, with totality lasting about half an hour from 4:04am. The science centre will hold a free public viewing at its observatory, which opens at 2am. The next total lunar eclipse visible in Edmonton won't be until June 25, 2029.
- Some members of Edmonton's Iranian community expressed hope after United States and Israeli strikes in Iran killed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. More than 200 people rallied in downtown Edmonton supporting regime change on March 1. Payman Parseyan, former president of the Iranian Heritage Society of Edmonton, expressed a newfound hope, while Behnam Arbabi, who owns Lotus House of Kabob, said that his family members in Iran want a better life. Prime Minister Mark Carney and Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand backed the military action but confirmed that Canada is not participating.
- CBC News profiled the Skillcity Institute in Edmonton, which helps marginalized newcomers and youth forge meaningful careers. The non-profit, operating from the Clareview Recreation Centre, has supported more than 6,000 people over the past decade, including 4,260 who found employment or additional training.
- Edmonton Police Service officers joined more than 100 participants at Summerside Lake on March 1 for the annual Polar Plunge to support Special Olympics Alberta. The event raised funds and awareness for inclusive sport programs. The money will provide training, competition opportunities, and leadership programming for more than 3,000 athletes living with cognitive challenges across Alberta.
- The Assembly of Treaty Chiefs of Treaty No. 6, Treaty No. 7, and Treaty No. 8 unanimously passed a vote of non-confidence in the United Conservative Party government on Feb. 26 during a meeting at the River Cree Resort in Enoch. Chiefs cited the government's refusal to respect Treaty-based constitutional responsibilities, its perceived support for a separatist agenda, and what Treaty No. 6 First Nations Grand Chief Joey Pete described as "promoting ignorance and intolerance."
- Red Deer city council unanimously approved zoning for Project Nexus, a contentious permanent homeless shelter campus. The proposal, transforming a north-end warehouse into a centralized hub for shelter, health care, and social resources, followed a two-day public hearing on Feb. 25 and 26. The Red Deer Homeless Foundation will spearhead the project with Hope Mission.
Headlines: March 2, 2026
By Mariam Ibrahim