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Headlines: June 15, 2026


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  • The City of Edmonton's proposed user fee policy aims to boost financial sustainability by aligning service costs with users while maintaining accessibility for all income levels. While full cost recovery isn't required, partial recovery helps guide budget planning. Ward O-day'min Coun. Anne Stevenson expressed concerns that escalating fees could decrease demand for services. Edmonton Transit Service plans to reveal fee scenarios this summer but needs the budget for final numbers.
  • Residents of Edmonton's Parkview neighbourhood are opposing multiple infill housing projects by developer Davach Properties. Corisandra Leyton-High is leading efforts to appeal multi-unit infill plans, citing insufficient clearance for infrastructure. While her efforts were denied by the Edmonton Subdivision and Development Appeal Board in May, she has escalated the case to the Alberta Court of Appeal, with a hearing scheduled for August.
  • An infestation of tent caterpillars has overrun several Alberta campgrounds, frustrating campers and posing a challenge for park management. The caterpillars, known for defoliating trees and creating silk tents, have particularly affected the Edmonton area and surrounding regions. Despite the inconvenience, park officials said that refunds will not be issued. Campers are advised to avoid areas heavily affected by the caterpillars and to report any issues to park staff. While a natural occurrence, this year's infestation is notably severe.
  • Postmedia published an explainer on the Oct. 19 provincial referendum. Albertans will vote on 10 key questions, most notably whether Alberta should begin the process to hold a referendum on separation from Canada, which will appear as two options on the ballot: maintaining provincial status or exploring separation. Five questions address immigration, including Alberta's control over immigration, access to social services for immigrants, and fees for non-citizen use of health care and education.
  • About 56,000 households in Edmonton and Calgary will soon switch to community mailbox delivery to reduce Canada Post's financial losses. The transition is part of a broader initiative to shift four million addresses from home delivery within five years. The move comes after Canada Post reported a $541 million loss, before taxes, in November 2025. The federal government said the change could save $400 million annually. The plan also includes revising delivery standards and lifting the moratorium on rural post office closures.
  • Edmonton's Lynnwood community has opened its first accessible playground after five years of planning and construction. The new facility aims to provide an inclusive environment for children with accessibility needs, allowing them to play alongside their peers.
  • Camrose students organized a protest against sexual assault threats after the emergence of a disturbing group chat. The protest followed revelations of conversations advocating harm and offensive language toward women. Students from Camrose Composite High School called for a safer school environment. They highlighted inadequacies in current policies addressing such threats, and sought immediate action from school authorities to ensure student safety and accountability.
  • Four Alberta NDP MLAs, including Marlin Schmidt from Edmonton Gold Bar, and Lori Sigurdson from Edmonton Riverview, will not seek re-election after their current term. Schmidt, first elected in 2015, previously served as the advanced education minister, while Sigurdson held roles including seniors and housing minister. NDP Leader Naheed Nenshi commended their service and dedication. MLAs Joe Ceci from Calgary Buffalo and Luanne Metz from Calgary Varsity will also step down. The party has nominated 21 candidates for the next election.
  • During her radio show on June 13, Premier Danielle Smith defended changes to Alberta's disability support, transitioning some Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped (AISH) recipients to the Alberta Disability Assistance Program (ADAP) starting July 1. Smith said ADAP's goal is to accommodate diverse needs. Critics raised concerns over the plan, citing a recent death by suicide allegedly linked to these changes. Alberta NDP Leader Naheed Nenshi criticized the government, calling it "unspeakably cruel."