The Pulse: Jan. 5, 2026

Looking back on 2025 in Edmonton's food and beverage scene, we saw a decision by the owner of the Italian Centre Shop to double down on her neighbourhood, the consolidation of a beloved bakery on 124 Street, and the expansion of a homegrown coffee chain. Here's what happened next and what to expect on some of the other food stories Taproot brought you:

As butter chicken odyssey nears goal, Singh is giving back to the community (Aug. 19, 2025)

The original story: Ramneek Singh told Taproot that his Butter Chicken Odyssey, a quest to review 50 butter chicken dishes, raised his profile enough to host events and raise $7,950 for Chutney, one of the 25 businesses ravaged by arson at Millwoods Plaza 34 in April. Singh also appeared on a PBS show called Pati Jinich Explores PanAmericana, which dedicated an episode to Alberta.

Then what? Singh's odyssey is now complete. He told CTV Edmonton that Zaika, where he eventually co-created a special bone-in, triple-spiced version of the dish, was one of the highlights. Singh was also invited to talk to Grade 7 students at Highlands School about creative writing. Plus, he's held some sold-out dining events called the Butter Chicken Bash.

What's next? Singh's next quest is Mill Woods Dreamer, a series "using restaurant reviews to honour every neighbourhood in Mill Woods." He started in late December with a review of The Punjab Parantha Hut. Singh also intends to host more events in 2026, which he will announce on Facebook and Instagram.

Happy Beer Street brewers propose car-free street for patios and pedestrians (June 6, 2025)

The original story: Bent Stick Brewing, Shiddy's Distilling and Rumpus Room, and the yet-to-open Yeasty Boys Brewing were working with the City of Edmonton to establish an entertainment district on their part of Happy Beer Street, in the area of 99 Street and 78 Avenue. The city has entertainment districts on a stretch of Rice Howard Way and on a portion of 104 Street, allowing for the street to be closed to vehicle traffic and permitting patrons to consume food and alcohol outside. Bent Stick Brewing co-owner Cole Boyd told Taproot the proposed district on the south side would encourage collaboration among the avenue's breweries. "We can maybe put some light music on the patio, we can do markets, we can really make it a hub for entertainment and use our beers to sort of facilitate that," Boyd said.

Then what? The breweries on 78 Avenue tried out "extended patios" throughout the year, with events such as the Shiddy's Birthday Block Party in June. The city conducted a survey to gauge support for the proposed district, and the majority of respondents were positive, driven by the belief that the entertainment district would inject energy into the neighbourhood and boost local businesses. The 11% who opposed the proposed district raised concerns about potential noise and public disturbance, social issues related to alcohol consumption, and the potential loss of parking.

What's next? Edmonton city council's executive committee is scheduled to review the proposed bylaw that would establish the entertainment district at a meeting on Feb. 11. Meanwhile, Sea Change Brewing, the parent company of Shiddy's, is working on a location in Calgary and plans to open another Flat Boy Burgers inside its Beaumont location. Sea Change also collaborated with Edmonton-born actor Steven Ogg for a short film called Home Strange Home.

Fruit rescue crew seeks funds to teach rather than harvest (March 20, 2025)

The original story: The Operation Fruit Rescue Edmonton team switched its focus from harvesting fruit that would otherwise go to waste to educating people on how to grow, care for, harvest, and preserve fruit. The change arose after a partnership with the Leftovers Foundation, a social enterprise that specializes in rescuing food from going to waste and circulating it to people in need.

Then what? The fruit rescue crew has raised $1,450 in a GoFundMe campaign to help cover the costs of the transition. Organizer Rob Cooper told Taproot that the non-profit held five workshops in 2025, covering topics such as tree-planting, apple maggot management, fermentation, canning, and jam-making. The organization received fruit donations, too, salvaging 7,000 pounds of apples from residential trees, as well as some cherries and plums. The fruit was used at three inaugural Apple Cider Celebration events, in partnership with Sakaw Gardens, Millhurst Community League, Riverdale Community League, and Avonmore Community League. Participants generated 1,050 litres of cider.

What's next? Operation Fruit Rescue Edmonton plans to deploy community-led fruit-picking teams, including youth teams that will pick fruit for elderly and disabled neighbours, Cooper said. The rescue crew is targeting 25,000 pounds of rescued apples and more than 3,000 litres of cider produced at its next Apple Cider Celebrations. Meanwhile, the organization is holding a perogy-making workshop on Jan. 13 and a solar greenhouse workshop on Feb. 12, both at the Millhurst Community League building.

• Edmonton Mayor Andrew Knack embarked on a three-day trade mission to Harbin, China on Jan. 3, accompanied by Explore Edmonton representatives. The trip aims to strengthen economic ties and cultural co-operation with Edmonton's sister city, promoting winter tourism and commemorating the 40th anniversary of their partnership. Invited by Harbin Mayor Wang Hesheng to the 42nd Harbin Ice and Snow Festival, delegates will attend expos and meet local businesses. The City of Edmonton's flight costs total $4,818.94, while Explore Edmonton allocated $20,000 for its participation.
• Despite an overall reduction in crime, a City of Edmonton report found that Edmontonians feel unsafe due to social disorder and visible extreme poverty. Deputy City Manager Jennifer Flamen presented the safety and security report to council on Dec. 17, stating Edmonton's violent crime rate is now lower than national and provincial averages, with police interventions up 31.4% and the crime rate dropping 6% since 2019. The Edmonton Police Service also reported violent crimes down 10% from the previous year. However, violent incidents involving firearms, knives, and caustic sprays have increased compared to 2019 figures.
• The City of Edmonton continues to grapple with an annual $2-million problem related to vandalism and graffiti, with incidents spiking since the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2024, the City received 2,474 graffiti complaints. During a December meeting, councillors voted to retain a $2.061 million budget for prevention efforts. The City has hired more peace officers, while the Edmonton Police Service has improved investigations, made significant arrests, and pursues charges for repeat offenders.
• The City of Edmonton plans to seek provincial permission to reinstate photo radar at 10 high-risk intersections, including 97 Street and 167 Avenue, and Calgary Trail and 34 Avenue. This comes after the Alberta government restricted automated traffic enforcement in April 2025. Jessica Lamarre with the City of Edmonton said the municipality must prove high collision rates, serious injuries, or fatalities. A University of Alberta study found an 87% increase in vehicles speeding 20-29 km/h over the limit, while Debbie Hammond of Safer Roads Alliance highlighted Edmonton's more than 30 traffic deaths in 2025.
• Edmonton Mayor Andrew Knack plans to refine budgeting, address infill concerns, and boost intergovernmental collaboration. In a year-end interview with CBC, Knack outlined his intention to restructure the city's budget process to prevent large property tax increases. He also said he aims to resolve the infill debate by making refinements to zoning rules, addressing concerns like building height and tree preservation, and expressed optimism about aligning with the provincial and federal government on homelessness, mental health, and addiction initiatives.
• Edmonton municipal officials issued 245 tickets for parking ban violations within a two-week period leading up to Dec. 31. The tickets were issued to drivers who failed to comply with temporary parking restrictions put in place to facilitate snow removal efforts across the city.
• Family and friends mourned the death of Prashant Sreekumar after he died in the emergency room of Grey Nuns Hospital in Edmonton on Dec. 22 following an eight-hour wait to be seen for chest pains. The 44-year-old accountant was remembered as a loving husband and father of three. His wife, Niharika Sreekumar, publicly called for an investigation. The Alberta government, Covenant Health, and the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner are reviewing the death.
• Edmonton experienced its fifth wettest December on record, receiving 50.2 millimetres of precipitation, which was 425% above average, and 59.9 centimetres of snow, marking the snowiest December in more than a decade. More snow was forecast for the week of Jan. 2, but warmer temperatures are expected to arrive by Jan. 6.
• Charges are pending after two male patients allegedly assaulted a healthcare worker at Alberta Hospital Edmonton on Christmas Day. The worker sustained serious, non-life-threatening injuries and was released from the hospital. The Alberta Union of Provincial Employees criticized Recovery Alberta, which operates the psychiatric facility, for not following proper reporting procedures and called for improved resources and safeguards. The Edmonton Police Service and Occupational Health and Safety are investigating.
• Edmonton's first baby of 2026, a boy weighing six pounds, four ounces, was born at 12:03am on Jan. 1 at Grey Nuns Community Hospital to parents Stephanie Fernandez and Elrick Obligar. Alberta Health Services announced the birth, noting the baby was yet unnamed.
• A piece by University of Alberta urban economist Murtaza Haider and real estate industry veteran Stephen Moranis, published in the Financial Post, argues that cities must function first as labour markets to lift productivity and wages. The authors wrote that Edmonton Mayor Andrew Knack understands this priority, while many municipal councils remain focused on cosmetic urban projects with little economic impact. Using Edmonton as an example, they argue that affordability and beautification matter only when anchored by strong job creation, concluding that Edmonton's long-term success depends on sustained investment in high-quality jobs and innovation rather than symbolic civic upgrades.
• Several Edmonton-area leaders were recognized in the Dec. 31, 2025, Order of Canada appointments. D. Lorne J. Tyrrell was promoted to Companion for his global impact in virology and leadership at the University of Alberta, including his role in Canada's pandemic response. Bert Cecil Crowfoot was named an Officer for advancing Indigenous journalism through the Aboriginal Multi-Media Society of Alberta. Those appointed as members include Phyllis A. Arnold for education and philanthropy, Chris Dodd, a Deaf performing artist and founder of SOUND OFF, and Eddy Isaacs for leadership in energy and environmental research.
• Edmonton Police Service Chief Warren Driechel, the first local hire for the position in 20 years, told CBC that he doesn't regret publicly criticizing a plea deal in a child's death case, despite receiving backlash from legal groups. Driechel said his aim was to address systemic issues within the justice system and ensure accountability. He said his priority is to enhance the perception of safety in Edmonton by reducing demand on police services and increasing visible, proactive policing, specifically addressing public concerns about downtown disorder, open-air drug use, and encampments.
• In a year-end interview published by CBC in late December, Alberta Premier Danielle Smith justified her government's decision to impose a teachers' contract in fall 2025, overriding teachers' Charter rights and ending a strike that affected 750,000 students. Smith said the government's $2.6 billion budget for the contract could not meet the demands from the Alberta Teachers' Association for an additional $2 billion. She emphasized avoiding 61 local strikes and maintaining school board flexibility regarding staffing rather than defining pupil-teacher ratios. Smith also committed to addressing classroom complexity and aggression issues.
• Edmonton Strathcona MP Heather McPherson says her federal NDP leadership bid is focused on winning more seats and expanding the party's presence in Parliament. In a December interview with The Tyee, part of a series with NDP leadership candidates, she argued the party must win back working-class voters from Conservatives. McPherson is the only contender who won a seat in the last federal election and says her record shows she can deliver victories. First elected in 2019, she has held senior caucus roles and advanced legislation on workers' rights and pensions. She is one of five candidates seeking the party's leadership.
• Elections Alberta announced that it gave the Alberta Prosperity Project the green light to collect signatures for a referendum on Alberta's separation from Canada. Mitch Sylvestre and the group have until May 2 to gather just under 178,000 signatures for the question: "Do you agree that the province of Alberta should cease to be a part of Canada to become an independent state?" Sylvestre has previously cited federal restrictions on oil development and dim hopes for electoral change in Ottawa as reasons for the campaign.
• The Edmonton Oilers have recalled forwards Isaac Howard and Quinn Hutson from the AHL's Bakersfield Condors. Howard, 21, recorded 10 goals and 13 assists for 23 points in 16 games with the Condors, while Hutson, 24, tallied 19 goals and 13 assists for 32 points in 26 games with Bakersfield.

Here are some events happening today in the Edmonton area.

• Silent Book Club at starting at 7pm at St. Albert Public Library
• Enchanted Forest in Fort Saskatchewan (until Jan. 7)
• Canadian Top Gunn: The 80's Take Flight at Jubilations Dinner Theatre (until Jan. 25)
• Legislature Lights Segway Adventure at Alberta Legislature Grounds (until Jan. 31)
• Jubilations Junior: Barbie and Ken Save Christmas at Jubilations Dinner Theatre (until Jan. 10)
• Ice Castles at Fan Park (until Feb. 16)

And here are some upcoming events to keep in mind:

• Jan. 9: Friendly Fridays: New Year, New Opportunities at Edmonton Research Park
• Jan. 10: Tony Cashman/Send & Receive at Garneau Theatre
• Jan. 15: 2026 REALTORS Housing Forecast at Edmonton EXPO Centre

Visit the Taproot Edmonton Calendar for many more events in the Edmonton region.

Test your crossword prowess and deploy a little of your Edmonton knowledge. Complete the puzzle.

You'll find events like 5-Across and 1-Down in the newly revamped Taproot Edmonton Calendar!