- Edmonton Fire Rescue Services is inviting high-school students in Grades 10 to 12 to apply for its Fire Cadet program, offering first-hand experience for those interested in emergency services careers. Through a mix of classroom learning and hands-on activities, students develop leadership, teamwork, and employment skills, learn the importance of mental and physical wellness, and gain insight into the day-to-day work of a firefighter, the City of Edmonton said in a release.
- Boston Pizza on Jasper Avenue at 106 Street, a longtime fixture, closed this week amid ongoing concerns about downtown Edmonton's recovery. While some businesses see positive signs from ICE District events and returning provincial government workers, Rocky Mountain Ice House co-owner Wayne Jones said daytime business has slowly been recovering and evenings remain stagnant. Businesses also face property tax increases and new, higher patio fees. Quinn Phillips of the Edmonton Downtown Business Association said chain restaurants face competition from other local eateries, and noted that a newer Boston Pizza nearby remains open and is often busy.
- Ward papastew Coun. Michael Janz is pushing back against a plan to remove scramble crosswalks from Whyte Avenue at Gateway Boulevard, 104 Street, and 105 Street, just five years after they were installed. The City of Edmonton plans to remove them to make way for dedicated bus lanes, aiming to speed up transit. Janz wants City officials to provide more data on the crosswalks' effect on transit delays. The City proposes replacing the scramble crosswalks with 90-degree crossings, new turn restrictions, and sidewalk curb extensions.
- Heidelberg Materials has completed the acquisition of BURNCO's assets in Edmonton. The acquired assets include six aggregates sites, two asphalt plants, a bitumen storage terminal, three ready-mixed concrete plants, and one rail-served cement distribution terminal. Oliver Patsch of Heidelberg Materials said the move strengthens its integrated footprint in the Edmonton market, expands its product portfolio, and will improve customer service.
- A second and final suspect has been charged with second-degree murder in the March 14 fatal shooting of Birinder Singh, a 22-year-old who came to Canada as an international student, as he drove with two friends on QE II Highway near Leduc. Police arrested Edmonton resident Deon Elias Libsekal, 23, on March 26 and charged him with second-degree murder and accessory after the fact. Investigators ruled out racial bias, robbery, road rage, gang initiation, and planning, and added that there was no prior interaction between the victims and the two people charged in connection with the killing.
- Alberta Teachers' Association President Jason Schilling expressed concerns about Bill 25, tabled by the Alberta government this week. The bill would mandate that teachers maintain neutrality, avoid political or ideological positions, restrict social topics, and allow only Canadian or Alberta flags in schools. Schilling questioned how sensitive subjects like the Holocaust could be taught neutrally. Education Minister Demetrios Nicolaides said teachers will still be able to teach historical events objectively.
Headlines: April 2, 2026
By Mariam Ibrahim