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Headlines: May 26, 2026

· The Pulse
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  • At council's infrastructure committee meeting on May 25, city councillors discussed a report that says Edmonton's High Level and Low Level bridges need replacement after reaching the end of their lifespan. Mayor Andrew Knack advocated for an expanded High Level Bridge that would include vehicle lanes, bus rapid transit, active transportation, and possibly a streetcar. Estimated replacement costs could exceed $380 million. Coun. Reed Clarke highlighted the need for support from provincial and federal governments, citing historical assistance in the bridge's initial construction.
  • In an interview with CBC News, Edmonton Mayor Andrew Knack criticized Alberta's upcoming referendum on separating from Canada as unnecessary and a distraction. Premier Danielle Smith proposed the referendum question, sparking concerns about its effect on economic development and investment in Edmonton. Knack plans to engage Edmontonians through community events to oppose the separation movement and emphasize the city's focus on pressing issues, such as housing and mental health. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Mark Carney said he would advocate for Canadian unity, and called the push for separation a "dangerous bluff."
  • The City of Edmonton, with funding from the Government of Alberta, is moving forward with Stage 3 of the Terwillegar Drive Expansion project, which includes upgrades such as a new northbound bridge and the repurposing of an existing bridge over Anthony Henday Drive. The project also features new loop ramps and a pedestrian/cyclist bridge. Construction is anticipated to complete by this fall. Lane reductions could cause traffic disruptions.
  • Edmonton Fire Rescue Services will host open houses at eight fire stations from May to August, including the new Blatchford Station 8 and renovated Highlands Station 7. Residents can meet firefighters, explore fire trucks, and learn fire safety tips.
  • Edmonton and Peace River are seeking provincial changes to address derelict commercial properties. Both municipalities are teaming up to propose changes to the Municipal Government Act that would enable a derelict tax subclass for non-residential buildings, which currently only cities like Edmonton and Calgary are legally allowed to introduce. Edmonton Coun. Ashley Salvador initiated a council motion to bring the issue forward, which passed unanimously. Council plans to present the proposal at the upcoming Alberta Municipalities convention.
  • Former Alberta Health Services CEO Athana Mentzelopoulos told an Edmonton court she fears for her safety, alleging she is being harassed by a pair of podcasters. Mentzelopoulos, who is suing for wrongful termination, claimed the podcasters are pressuring her to abandon her $1.7 million lawsuit against the health authority and the Alberta government. Her lawyer, Brett Code, cited more than 300 podcast mentions, and said some included threats and intimidation. A restraining order and contempt ruling are being sought against the podcasters. A judicial decision is expected within a week.
  • The Edmonton Oilers signed Aku Raty to a one-year, two-way contract valued at $850,000. Raty, a forward from Oulu, Finland, led his former team, Karpat, in scoring with 57 points in 51 games during the 2025–26 season in Finland's Liiga. Originally drafted by the Arizona Coyotes in 2019, Raty has also played in the AHL for the Tucson Roadrunners and Rockford IceHogs, and made his NHL debut on April 17, 2024, with one assist against the Oilers.