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Headlines: Sept. 3, 2026

· The Pulse
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  • Edmonton city council is considering additional funding for volunteer groups helping clean up Chinatown. Members of council's executive committee voted unanimously on Sept. 2 to develop a pilot program, which will be considered during upcoming four-year budget deliberations. A survey identified concerns including inconsistent cleanups, overflowing bins, illegal dumping and hazardous waste. The City currently has three cleanup teams serving Chinatown through its Centre City Optimization Program, with a combined budget of just over $1 million.
  • The City of Edmonton launched its Shop Local campaign amid rising prices and tensions over the Canada-U.S. trade war. The City said in a news release that residents can find promotions through the Shop Local Deals Directory. The City said 97% of nearly 30,000 businesses in Edmonton are small businesses and that $66 of every $100 spent at a small business stays in Edmonton's economy.
  • University of Alberta Hospital installed a weapons detection system at its emergency department entrance, becoming Edmonton's second ER with this screening after Royal Alexandra Hospital installed one earlier this year. Patients and visitors now have to pass through screening, with secondary checks when the system flags possible prohibited items.
  • The historic former Downtown YMCA is nearing the end of a $35-million redevelopment after almost nine years of work. Renamed Williams Hall, the building will open 90 affordable one-bedroom units in late fall, along with commercial and office space. Beljan Development acquired the property around 2018, but construction was delayed by the pandemic before resuming in 2023 with $15.05 million in government funding. The project preserves elements of the decades-old building, including remnants of its former swimming pool.
  • The Edmonton Police Commission moved its remaining 2026 public meetings online and paused in-person public speakers, citing safety concerns after disruptions at a July meeting, when public speakers criticized Edmonton Police Service Chief Warren Driechel's trip to Israel. Written submissions will continue to be accepted, and the commission will revisit the policy change in 2027.
  • The Edmonton Police Service said it charged a 19-year-old man with seven counts of mischief over $5,000 after a downtown vandalism spree that caused about $100,000 in damage, including shattered glass panels at the 100 Street Funicular. Police said the allegations also involved damage at two LRT stations and ATB Place.
  • A 135.2-metre, 1,157-tonne industrial load will move from Tofield to Fort Saskatchewan starting at 4 a.m. on Sept. 4. Officials warned it would slow traffic as it will occupy the full highway and shoulders, travelling at a maximum speed of 50 kilometres per hour.