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Headlines: May 25, 2026

· The Pulse
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  • The City of Edmonton is kicking off its 2026 construction season with more than 200 infrastructure projects underway. Many are nearing completion, such as the Wellington Bridge and Dawson Bridge rehabilitation projects. Significant improvements are also expected on the Terwillegar Drive Expansion, Yellowhead Trail Freeway Conversion, and the Capital Line South and Valley Line West LRTs. Seven communities will benefit from the Neighbourhood Renewal Program with upgrades to local roads and sidewalks. The City pledged to minimize traffic disruptions by issuing frequent updates on road closures and detours.
  • A survey conducted by Leger for the Edmonton Police Commission found that accountability of officers and reducing crime are top priorities for Edmontonians. Among the 1,025 survey participants, 92% deemed these issues important. Drug use and homelessness were noted as safety concerns, with 49% urging greater investment in social programs. The survey results will influence future police budget proposals.
  • The Zebra Child and Youth Advocacy Centre in Edmonton introduced a new "buddy dog" named Nitro to assist traumatized children. Nitro was introduced at a fundraiser aiming to raise $100,000 for the dog program. Nitro joins other dogs Captain, Moose, and Zeppelin, providing comfort to children who have experienced abuse. The centre recorded more than 4,418 cases in 2025, marking an increased demand for services like forensic interviews and mental health support.
  • The Edmonton Valley Zoo welcomed the birth of three Hudson Bay wolf pups. The pups have begun to explore outside their den, offering visitors occasional glimpses. Born blind and fully dependent, the pups are housed in the R. Mollot Arctic Wolf Habitat. The zoo provides a round-the-clock Twitch livestream for those who want to observe the pack remotely.
  • The owner of the New Amsterdam Cafe on Whyte Avenue is urging the province and City of Edmonton officials to permit cannabis sales. Todd Hauck envisions offering cannabis alongside other menu items, advocating for regulations that would allow such establishments to operate legally. Hauck said the move would tap into the growing cannabis market while expanding local business offerings. The province said there are currently no plans to change existing regulations.
  • Residents in Edmonton's Grovenor area petitioned against a new bike lane plan, citing concerns over inadequate consultation and how the plan could affect parking and accessibility for disabled residents. The Grovenor Community League suggested the City of Edmonton should consult with cyclists and the community to find a balanced solution. Edmonton's $100-million bike lane expansion plan, stalled by proposed provincial oversight, faces similar sentiment in other parts of the city.
  • An Edmonton judge found Crystal Jean MacDonald guilty of criminal negligence causing death after her Cane Corsos fatally attacked 11-year-old Kache Grist on April 1, 2024. Justice Eric Macklin concluded that MacDonald's reckless disregard for safety led to the tragedy. Despite her knowledge of the dogs' aggressive history, she failed to implement adequate safety measures. The sentencing hearing is scheduled for Sept. 2. MacDonald's defense team is considering an appeal.
  • Former Alberta MLA Thomas Lukaszuk has launched the Forever Canadian campaign in Edmonton, urging Albertans to vote to remain in Canada during a referendum set for Oct. 19. The campaign launch comes after Premier Danielle Smith announced the referendum would go forward to ask Albertans if they want to remain in Canada or begin the process to hold a binding referendum on separating. Lukaszuk said his campaign will travel across the province to counter the separatist movement.