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Headlines: Sept. 11, 2026

· The Pulse
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  • Three Edmonton community projects are among 16 organizations shortlisted for the Governor General's History Award for Excellence in Community Programming. They are AfroQuiz and AfroCademy, led by the Council of Canadians of African and Caribbean Heritage, the Philippine Arts Council Alberta project Echoes of Identity: Tracking Filipino Cultural Landscapes, and Where We Came From, led by Chúng Ta Cùng Nhau Vietnamese-Edmonton Cultural Society. The award recognizes initiatives that encourage public engagement in Canadian history and will honour two recipients — one from a francophone community and one from an anglophone community — each receiving $2,500 and a trip to receive their award.
  • The University of Alberta signed a Joint Declaration of Intent with Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft, described as Europe's premier applied research organization, following President Bill Flanagan's March visit to Munich. The transatlantic partnership will explore collaboration across agricultural technologies, health and pandemic preparedness, energy systems, and aerospace.
  • The City of Edmonton is replacing the Fulton Creek culvert along 34 Street between Roper Road and 64 Avenue starting Sept. 14, requiring a full closure of 34 Street until late fall. The nearly 70-year-old culvert, located near Pylypow Wetlands, must be replaced to maintain proper drainage and help prevent flooding. The City said that the full closure allows crews to work safely and efficiently, reducing overall construction costs and minimizing long-term impacts on the community.
  • The Edmonton Police Service and the City of Edmonton conducted an Operation 24 Hours traffic enforcement blitz on Sept. 3, issuing 555 traffic violations. Notably, one driver was recorded speeding at 101 km/h in a 50 km/h construction zone on Yellowhead Trail and must appear in court. Violations included 181 speeding tickets, 166 non-hazardous infractions, 108 hazardous moving violations, 87 red-light violations, and seven distracted driving incidents. The campaign aims to curb dangerous driving behaviours, especially with students back in school.
  • The Edmonton Police Service announced charges against a 27-year-old man in the stabbing of two worshippers at a Sikh temple in northeast Edmonton on Aug. 21. Austin Sim-Pelletier faces two counts of assault causing bodily harm, possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose, and mischief. The two victims, aged 51 and 75, were taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Police said there is no evidence to support hate crime charges at this time. They said Sim-Pelletier had been released from federal prison the day before the attack.
  • Saddle Lake Cree Nation announced plans to establish a safe haven for gender-affirming medical care on its reserve land, defying Alberta's provincial restrictions. Chief Dale Steinhauer said access to health care is a treaty right and falls under the nation's inherent jurisdiction. The nation, located 170 kilometres northeast of Edmonton, is working to attract clinicians and has started fundraising to develop its health law and defend it against potential legal challenges.
  • The Edmonton Oilers' signing of forward Alex Formenton to a one-year contract has sparked intense backlash among fans and community members. Formenton was acquitted in 2025 of sexual assault charges stemming from an incident following a Hockey Canada gala in London, Ontario, though an independent appeal board found he breached Hockey Canada's code of conduct. Formenton was later reinstated to the NHL by Hockey Canada. Oilers superfan Mary Loewen, known as Mama Stanley, announced she will no longer support the team and launched a petition calling for the Oilers to reverse the signing, saying the decision conflicts with the values expected from an organization with influence over children, families, and the wider community.