- Edmonton Mayor Andrew Knack will embark on an 11-day trade mission to China and Japan from April 5 to April 15. Knack will be joined by city manager Eddie Robar and representatives from Edmonton Global and the Edmonton International Airport. The trip aims to promote Edmonton's manufacturing and clean-energy industries, attracting foreign investment to bolster the non-residential tax base. Edmonton Global, which is covering the costs of the trip, projects that the mission could yield $2 billion in capital investment and create 300-400 permanent jobs. Delegates will visit Beijing, Tianjin, Wuhan, and Tokyo.
- A proposed housing redevelopment near RE/MAX Field in Edmonton would eliminate the main parking lot used by the Edmonton Riverhawks as part of the city's River Crossing plan. City administration is seeking funding to launch Phase 1, including new roads and residential lots. The Riverhawks support the project but stress the need for careful planning to maintain fan access. Parking will remain unchanged this season, with shuttle service planned, and construction could begin later this summer if the plans are approved.
- Edmonton Mayor Andrew Knack appointed Blake Desjarlais as his new chief of staff on April 2. Desjarlais, a former NDP Member of Parliament for Edmonton-Griesbach from 2021 to 2025, becomes the second Métis individual to hold the role, taking over from Gabrielle Blatz. Blatz stepped down after she was elected the provincial women's representative of the Otipemisiwak Métis Government of Alberta. Knack said that Desjarlais was selected from hundreds of applicants. Desjarlais was also Alberta's sole Indigenous Member of Parliament and the first openly two-spirit person elected to Parliament.
- Environment Canada has issued weather alerts for a wintry storm expected to drift across Alberta into the morning of April 7. Much of northern Alberta is expected to see significant snowfall. Challenging travel conditions, reduced visibility, and poor road conditions are expected, particularly on Highway 93. Drivers are advised to prepare and maintain safe following distances.
- Hundreds of people marched through Edmonton's core on Good Friday for the 46th annual Outdoor Way of the Cross procession, which began and ended at Sacred Heart Church of the First Peoples. The two-hour event saw participants from various faith groups pray for justice.
- Alberta Sheriffs closed a north Edmonton home on April 2, after a year-long investigation into drug-related activity and suspicious behaviour. The Sheriffs' Safer Communities and Neighbourhoods (SCAN) unit, collaborating with the Edmonton Police Service, acted on several resident complaints. After attempts to resolve issues failed, the Court of King's Bench approved a 90-day closure. Additional restrictions will remain until June 30, 2028.
- The Edifier Awards recognized Raj Malhotra and Sunny Kakar of The Sifarish Network as community builders; Marshall McAlister, Robert Paterson, and Cary Williams of North Roads Investment Counsel as trailblazers; Catherine Crowston of the Art Gallery of Alberta as arts leader; Kristiena Bobocel of Eye District as maverick; Steve Hogle of the Edmonton Riverhawks as citizen champion; and Zaki Hirabe of the Edmonton Police Service's Community Council as community leader. The annual program from Edify honours those who contribute to civil, social, and business life in Edmonton. They'll be honoured at an event on April 23.
- Work on Edmonton's Beverly Bridge is set to resume this week after a winter pause, with traffic reduced to two lanes and shifted to the south side starting April 7. The speed limit will be reduced to 60 km/h, with changes expected to last until late October. The project is now focused on repairing the north side of the bridge, including paving, barrier work, and girder replacements. Built in 1972, the bridge carries eastbound Yellowhead Trail traffic over the North Saskatchewan River and is undergoing a $16.7-million rehabilitation to extend its lifespan.
- A new CBRE report on Edmonton's real estate market indicates that the office vacancy rate edged up slightly to 19.1% in the first quarter of 2026, but major downtown deals, including ATCO's move to the former CWB building, signal building momentum. Dave Young of CBRE noted that top-tier buildings are outperforming struggling lower-tier spaces, suggesting potential for housing conversions with city incentives.
- A man was charged after stabbing another man in the Royal Alexandra Hospital emergency room in Edmonton on April 3. The 42-year-old victim suffered life-threatening injuries and was treated on site. Police arrested the assailant and charged him with assault with a weapon, assault causing bodily harm, and two counts of failure to comply with probation. The province said enhanced security measures, including more personnel and an approved weapons-screening program, are being implemented.
- Edmonton Oilers coach Kris Knoblauch said that forward Leon Draisaitl, who injured his knee on March 15 in a game against Nashville, is not expected to return for the start of the playoffs.
- The Edmonton Oilers have signed forward William Nicholl to a three-year entry-level contract, set to begin in the 2026-27 season. Nicholl, a 19-year-old left-shot forward born in Ottawa, was selected by Edmonton 196th overall in the seventh round of the 2024 NHL Draft.
Headlines: April 7, 2026
By Mariam Ibrahim