- The City of Edmonton reminded residents that an elm tree pruning ban begins April 1 and will last until Sept. 30. This measure helps prevent the spread of Dutch elm disease, a contagious fungal infection transmitted by bark beetles that are active during this period and attracted to fresh tree cuts. It was first detected in Edmonton in August 2024, with seven trees testing positive. Residents should report signs of the disease to 311.
- Edmonton's downtown community revitalization levy could post a $412-million surplus by 2044, but only if no new projects are approved and the City meets revenue targets. The fund is currently in deficit and expected to dip further before recovering as developments generate tax revenue. Council has already earmarked $33.4 million for the Winspear Centre expansion, which could reduce the surplus. Officials say the outlook depends on market conditions as several projects still await funding.
- The City of Edmonton released its 2025-2026 Annual Service Plans, outlining priorities, performance targets, and budgets across transit, infrastructure, and waste services. Key initiatives include expanding cellular service in LRT tunnels, launching an integrated transit control centre and introducing a mobile hydrogen fuelling station. The plans also highlight a drone program for wildfire resilience, improved road monitoring and expanded recycling and food scraps collection for apartments and condos.
- NorQuest College in Edmonton is reducing its workforce by about 100 positions by mid-April 2026 due to financial strain and enrolment projections. The University of Alberta has also made strategic workforce reductions, while NAIT and Lakeland College report no current layoff plans. The trend across Alberta post-secondary institutions stems from stagnant provincial funding and a 65% drop in international student approvals following 2024 federal immigration cuts. The 2026 provincial budget includes a 3% operating support increase.
- The province's new electoral map raises the number of legislature seats to 89, with Edmonton gaining one seat overall but undergoing major boundary changes, according to the final report from the Alberta Electoral Boundaries Commission. Rapid growth in the south led to two new constituencies, while several central ridings will be consolidated and redrawn. The plan also introduces more hybrid urban-rural ridings, including two in Edmonton, following legislative changes. The new map will take effect for the next provincial election.
- Edmonton has avoided the "missing-middle" housing problem prevalent in other Canadian cities, according to Canada Mortgage and Housing Corp.'s Spring 2026 Housing Supply Report. Favourable zoning rules, downtown revitalization, and infill development opportunities contribute to affordable housing options. In 2025, middle housing starts, including townhomes and low-rise apartments, reached nearly 12,000. In February, the average single-family detached home price in Edmonton was more than $571,000.
- The Alberta government said it will propose a universal code of conduct for municipal councils across the province, including those in Edmonton and surrounding areas. The new system would replace local codes repealed in 2025. Complaints will be handled by independent third parties selected by municipalities from a provincial roster, with an appeal commissioner also appointed by the province. The legislation will also require a public "sunshine list" for municipal staff salaries.
Headlines: March 27, 2026
By Mariam Ibrahim