- The City of Edmonton's operating budget ended 2025 with a $31.1 million surplus, defying earlier deficit predictions. The surplus was partly attributed to low fuel costs and increased recreation centre participation. Council voted to allocate $19 million to the financial stabilization reserve, bringing it to $87.4 million, and to carry $12.1 million into the 2026 budget.
- Edmonton Police Service Chief Warren Driechel faced intense criticism at a March 19 Edmonton Police Commission meeting regarding his February trip to Israel. Speakers expressed increased distrust in the police service and safety concerns amidst the ongoing violence in Gaza, with some calling for Driechel and commission Chair Ben Henderson to resign. Driechel, defending the visit as a learning opportunity, said he will not apologize or resign.
- The Edmonton Police Service announced a joint operation with other police and national agencies that led to the deportation of two men in connection with a wave of violent extortion crimes targeting Edmonton's South Asian community. A 22-year-old alleged ringleader and a 25-year-old were deported from Canada, while three others remain under investigation. Police said 51 suspects are tied to the criminal network responsible for extortions across Edmonton, Calgary, the B.C. Lower Mainland, and Ontario.
- The City of Edmonton and the Canadian Red Cross are offering free Get Ready in the Neighbourhood workshops through October to equip residents with emergency preparedness skills. The workshops help Edmontonians create family emergency plans, prepare emergency kits, and strengthen local support networks. Spring workshops are scheduled for March 26 at YWCA Cushing House and April 9 at Meadows Community Recreation Centre, from 7-9pm.
- The Ottewell Farmers' Market in Edmonton has announced a hiatus from operations this year due to scheduled EPCOR sewage and drainage upgrades. "Alternative options were explored, yet, these introduced additional accessibility challenges for patrons, vendors, and volunteers," the Ottewell Community League said in a statement.
- RCMP officers executed multiple search warrants at the west Edmonton offices of MHCare Medical and Carver PA Corporation, CBC News reported. The searches come amid an ongoing investigation, which began in February 2025, into alleged contracting irregularities at Alberta Health Services. Businessman Sam Mraiche controls the companies at the centre of probes by the RCMP, Alberta's auditor general, and a retired judge concerning contracts for personal protective equipment, children's medication, and private surgeries.
- The Otipemisiwak Métis Government welcomed its three newest elected officials on March 19. Gabrielle Blatz, previously interim chief of staff to the mayor of Edmonton, was sworn in as provincial women's representative. Bernie Ouellette became the first district captain for the Red Deer Métis District, and Kevin Metz was sworn in as the first district captain for the Calgary Nose Hill Métis District. These elections bring 17 of Alberta's 22 districts under the new governance structure.
- The Edmonton Oilers hosted their Celebrating Pride game on March 19, against the Florida Panthers at Rogers Place. The 50/50 proceeds will benefit Centre for Sexual and Gender Diversity at MacEwan University. The Oilers also said Edmonton's Pride Festival and Pride Cup ball-hockey tournament will return to ICE District from Aug. 21 to 23.
- The Edmonton Oilers announced they have recalled forward Roby Jarventie from the AHL's Bakersfield Condors on an emergency basis, placing Leon Draisaitl on long-term injured reserve. Jarventie, 23, was acquired from the Ottawa Senators in July 2024 and has recorded 17 goals and 19 assists in 52 games with the Condors this season.
Headlines: March 20, 2026
By Mariam Ibrahim