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Headlines: June 26, 2026

· The Pulse
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  • A three-year, $34-million renovation project has been completed, upgrading nearly 2,000 subsidized homes across Edmonton. Mayor Andrew Knack and federal minister Eleanor Olszewski toured the renovated properties, which include subsidized townhomes and apartments. The project was supported by $19.6 million from the federal government and $14 million from the City of Edmonton, modernizing buildings with improved insulation, windows, and accessibility features. However, more than 10,000 families remain on Civida's waiting list for housing, according to CEO Bree Claude.
  • In a shift from light rail transit, Edmonton could prioritize bus rapid transit (BRT) for future mass transit developments due to its scalability and lower initial costs. Proposed routes include a north-south line from Castle Downs to Century Park, and an east-west line connecting West Edmonton Mall and Bonnie Doon. However, BRT's long-term costs may exceed LRT by 20% to 30%. City councillors determine later this year whether the proposed routes will get funding. Public feedback on the new BRT routes is currently being gathered through a survey.
  • Edmonton is set to experience more rain over the weekend, following a heavy rainfall last weekend that saw some areas receiving more than 100 millimetres. Environment and Climate Change Canada issued a special weather statement predicting an additional 30 to 60 mm of rain. The risk of overland flooding and infrastructure impacts is heightened due to already saturated ground. The forecast remains uncertain in terms of precise rainfall locations. Another system could bring more heavy rain to central Alberta starting the night of June 28 and into next week.
  • June's near-record rainfall has severely affected outdoor sports in the Edmonton area, flooding golf courses and delaying sports events. The Fort Saskatchewan Golf and Curling Club shut down after waterlogged conditions made play impossible. The Edmonton Minor Soccer Association postponed more than 300 games. Meteorologist Chloe Katsademas reported that 203 millimetres of rain fell this month, forecasting more rain that could surpass the June 1914 record of 216.5 millimetres.
  • The City of Edmonton is closed the east sidewalk on the High Level Bridge because of slope instability triggered by recent heavy rainfall. The west sidewalk remains open. Additionally, part of the left-turn lane on the 109 Street hill will be closed, though left turns to Saskatchewan Drive and Walterdale Hill will continue. The City will monitor the conditions and continue to provide updates.
  • As camping season arrives, the City of Edmonton is urging residents to refrain from moving firewood and contribute to stopping Dutch elm disease by following guidelines: avoid moving firewood, remove beetle habitats by adhering to the provincial pruning ban, and report symptoms like wilting leaves, outlined by city officials. The disease was first identified in Edmonton trees in 2024. A total of seven cases have so far been identified.
  • An internal disciplinary hearing has reprimanded an Edmonton Police Service officer for misconduct related to a Feb. 24, 2024, highway incident, where Const. Tanelle Achtymichuk was stopped for dangerous driving and refused a breath test. Initially charged with dangerous operation of a vehicle, Achtymichuk pleaded guilty to criminal mischief in March 2025, receiving a conditional discharge, a $100 surcharge, and seven months of probation. Despite the misconduct, she has resumed active duty.
  • Residents in Edmonton's Mill Woods area are considering the use of restrictive covenants to oppose infill developments, such as eight-plexes. At a gathering at the Knottwood Community League centre, Sheena Kolacz led the initiative to preserve neighbourhood character, citing concerns about traffic, parking, and waste. The legal tool restricts land title changes, aiming to maintain existing community structures. Rio Terrace has successfully used this method to curb infill for more than a decade. The City says infill zoning is necessary for future urban density needs.
  • The recent Game Con Canada (GCC) and North American Games Industry Summit (NAGIS) in Edmonton attracted about 40,000 attendees, highlighting the city's importance in Canada's gaming scene. Edmonton-based Lucid Rain showcased its game Inferius at GCC, winning notable awards, thanks partly to support from Edmonton Screen. The event, which also featured a BioWare panel, underscored the potential of Alberta's gaming industry, despite the lack of a provincial tax credit.
  • In an op-ed for Postmedia, MacEwan University President Annette Trimbee emphasizes the necessity of redesigning Alberta's post-secondary funding framework to address enrolment growth, community impact, and operating costs effectively. MacEwan anticipates 30,000 students by 2030, with programs tailored to labour market demands. Trimbee highlighted MacEwan's strong community connection, noting that more than 90% of its alumni stay in Alberta, contributing to the economy and various professions.
  • The Alberta Utilities Commission has approved a proposal for the Greenlight Electricity Centre, a 1,864-megawatt power plant northeast of Edmonton in Sturgeon County. This facility, a joint venture between Pembina Pipeline and Kineticor, aims to power the province's burgeoning data centre industry. Construction is set on 98 hectares in Alberta's Industrial Heartland and may employ 1,500 workers at its peak. While touted as a boost for local industrial growth, the project has raised environmental concerns due to its reliance on natural gas, prompting calls for renewable alternatives. Completion is targeted for 2031.