- Elder Bob Cardinal of Enoch Cree Nation has gifted the Cree name mistahaya wîkihk (The Big One's at his home/Grizzly Bear's Home) to the Lewis Farms Community Recreation Centre in west Edmonton, the City of Edmonton said in a release. The name was approved by the Naming Committee in late April. The Lewis Farms Facility and Park Project will include an aquatic facility, twin arena, fitness centre, and an Edmonton Public Library branch. The facility is anticipated to open to the public in fall 2028, serving 75,000 area residents.
- The City of Edmonton is offering Big Bin Events and Free Eco Station Weekends for residents to drop off furniture, appliances, and other bulky household items not suitable for regular collection. These events, held on select weekends from May to September, divert waste like electronics, tires, and mattresses from landfills and help reduce illegal dumping. Residents should expect lineups, unload their own vehicles, and consider reusing items before disposal. A list of accepted items is available online.
- The City of Edmonton will conduct a prescribed burn at Jan Reimer Park on May 4, weather permitting, as a proactive wildfire prevention measure. The effort aims to reduce wildfire risk, minimize high-intensity fires, and enhance biodiversity. During the burn, Jan Reimer Park, the Terwillegar Park Footbridge, and nearby trails will close. Smoke will be visible from mid-morning to late afternoon, and Transport Canada has issued a Notice to Air Missions, prohibiting drones in the area. Crews will monitor conditions to mitigate smoke effects on nearby communities.
- The University of Alberta has appointed Brad Ferguson as its new board chair. A UofA alumnus, Ferguson is senior vice-president at Optimus SBR and previously served as president and CEO of Edmonton Economic Development Corp. and an assistant deputy minister with the Government of Alberta's Executive Council. His family has long ties to the university. His father, John Ferguson, served as board chair and chancellor. Ferguson succeeds Kate Chisholm and Guy Bridgeman in his new role.
- Edmonton-based cryptocurrency company Bitcoin Well, founded by Adam O'Brien, wants to work with federal authorities on proposed legislation to establish a financial crimes agency and a recommended ban on crypto ATMs. The federal government's spring economic update suggests banning these ATMs due to their use in scams. O'Brien argues that a ban won't eliminate fraud, citing concerns over financial privacy, and instead advocates for education and industry consultation.
- The Edmonton Police Service is seeking public tips after a stray bullet struck the bedroom wall of a Clareview home, narrowly missing a sleeping child, on April 5 around 4am. The shooting occurred near 133 Avenue and Clareview Road. Investigators believe that it was a random act by a single shooter and are also looking for information on a related vehicle. Police ask anyone with details to contact them or Crime Stoppers.
- Edmonton Oilers general manager Stan Bowman said the club will review all areas of the roster and coaching staff after a disappointing season, with no immediate decisions expected. He said injuries and inconsistency left the Oilers unable to build momentum, echoing Connor McDavid's description of the team as average. Bowman said the focus remains on winning, with offseason priorities including better goaltending, stronger defensive play and targeted roster changes. He also praised newcomers Connor Murphy and Jason Dickinson while citing young players like Matt Savoie as reasons for optimism.
- A wildfire razed at least three homes in Sandy Beach, northwest of Edmonton, triggering a local state of emergency. The blaze, which also badly damaged one other home and burned two to four hectares, is now classified as being held. Several central Alberta counties, including Leduc, Westlock, Lac Ste. Anne, Barrhead, Sturgeon, and Parkland, issued fire advisories due to dry conditions and recent grass fires. Environment Canada forecast wind gusts up to 60 km/h for the weekend, increasing fire risk. Alberta Wildfire reported 98 wildfires since March 1, which is lower than previous years, but cautioned residents about exposed dry grass.
Headlines: May 4, 2026
By Mariam Ibrahim