The Pulse: Jan. 13, 2026

A research project is bringing together queer youth and elders to record what brings them joy in the face of rising hatred and legislation that limits gender-affirming care for minors.

The Edmonton 2 Spirit Society is working with Halifax-based Wisdom 2 Action for the Queer Joy Photovoice Project. Five queer people between the ages of 18 and 26 and five more over the age of 50 will gather weekly to share their lived experiences and "showcase how, despite significant barriers, our 2SLGBTQIA+ communities radiate joy as a powerful form of resistance and strength," E2S posted in its call for participants.

The participants will use Photovoice to capture happy little moments, such as getting a coffee with a 2SLGBTQIA+ friend, and then follow a structured process called SHOWeD to gather insights.

"Something that we need more of is that visual representation that is a positive representation of our community and what we experience and how we navigate this world," said Ari Para, a consultant with Wisdom2Action.

At the end of weekly sessions in January, Wisdom2Action will compile the photos and create an online gallery. It also plans to mount an in-person exhibition.

The project, funded by Women and Gender Equality Canada, is particularly important right now because of Alberta's passage of Bill 9, said Beth Omeasoo, program coordinator at E2S. The legislation, which the United Conservative Party government passed in mid-December, invokes the notwithstanding clause to override Charter challenges against three pieces of legislation related to gender-diverse youth.

"I think that, especially in today's society, with everything that's going on with government, it's really easy for us to focus on those hardships and those barriers," Omeasoo told Taproot. "Right now we need to be together and support one another and be able to express something beyond this fear-mongering that the government's implementing on us."

The legislation protected by Bill 9's invocation of the notwithstanding clause limits participation in women's and girls' sports to those who were assigned female at birth; requires schools to obtain parental consent for students who want to change their name or pronouns; and prohibits gender-affirming surgery for minors and hormone treatment for those under 16. "This was a gross abuse of power that affects us all, whether it's directly or indirectly, and we need to stand with our families and communities against this hateful rhetoric," Omeasoo said.

The Queer Joy project is deliberately intergenerational. That might be challenging at first, especially if the elder participants have trouble navigating tech tools, but Omeasoo foresees that being an opportunity for connection.

"I think it'll be interesting navigating that as well, and working together as teams to support one another in those aspects," they said. "I think it's going to be a really great experience. It's definitely a needed one."

• The City of Edmonton implemented a Phase 2 parking ban on residential streets starting Jan. 12. This measure allows snowplows to clear roads to a five-centimetre snowpack, with crews working for approximately 72 hours in each neighbourhood. The City advised residents to move their vehicles to avoid fines, noting the ban could last up to two weeks. The City said vehicles will be ticketed but not towed, after it discontinued towing services and reduced enforcement due to budget cuts. A council committee will discuss Jan. 19 whether to reduce the current fine of $250 to $150.
• The City of Edmonton is seeking public input on proposed amendments to Zoning Bylaw 20001 and the District Policy. These changes will impact new infill housing development in the city's redeveloping neighbourhoods. The City will gather feedback until Jan. 29, with a verbal summary presented to city council's urban planning committee on Feb. 10.
• Edmonton's Food Bank successfully reached its $4.5 million fundraising goal during its festive campaign in November and December last year. While the campaign collected 240,000 kilograms of food, it only met 80% of its 300,000-kilogram food donation target, marking the lowest food donation percentage in five years. Spokesperson Tamisan Bencz-Knight said increased monetary donations and vendor relationships will help bridge the gap. The food bank anticipates a continued rise in demand and now operates seven days a week, including evenings, to serve more people.
• The Edmonton Police Service charged a 31-year-old man for uttering hate-motivated threats against the Jewish community in online Facebook posts discovered in December 2025. Edmonton police were alerted by Niagara Regional Police about the posts, which appear to have originated from Edmonton. The EPS Hate Crimes Unit is recommending Section 718.2 of the Criminal Code be applied in the case, which would allow the courts to consider increased sentencing. The accused, now released, lives in Saskatoon under strict conditions, including a curfew and prohibition from accessing Jewish community sites or social media.
• The Edmonton Police Service has laid charges against a 36-year-old woman following a fatal pedestrian collision in northeast Edmonton. On Nov. 15, 2025, the woman was driving a 2024 Nissan Rogue southbound on 82 Street NE when she turned left onto 153 Avenue NE, striking a 58-year-old woman who was crossing in a marked crosswalk with her dog. The pedestrian sustained life-threatening injuries and later died. The dog ran away but was found and returned home. The driver faces charges of failure to yield to a pedestrian and careless driving.
• Edmonton's Valley Line LRT controllers and train crew supervisors, represented by Amalgamated Transit Union Local 569, have approved their first collective bargaining agreement with employer TransEd. The 17 workers achieved certification from the Alberta Labour Relations Board in December 2024. The deal includes three 3% wage increases, shift premiums, paid leaves, 11 statutory holidays, vacation entitlements, comprehensive health and dental benefits, life insurance, disability coverage, and employer RRSP contributions.
• The Alberta NDP called on Premier Danielle Smith to acknowledge and address an ER capacity 'crisis' across the province. On Jan. 12, the opposition urged Smith to recognize the ongoing challenges in emergency rooms and implement measures to improve services for Albertans. Last week, the Alberta Medical Association urged the province to declare a state of emergency over crowded hospitals.
• The Edmonton Oilers announced they signed forward Quinn Hutson to a two-year contract extension on Jan. 12, with an average annual value of $875,000. Hutson, 24, has played six NHL games with the Oilers.

Here are some events happening today in the Edmonton area.

• Connections Conversations starting at 12pm online
• Life Skills: Boosting Your Brain Health starting at 12:30pm at Edmonton Public Library (Jasper Place)
• Maker Express starting at 1pm at Stony Plain Public Library
• You Want Me To WHAT?! starting at 6pm at The Bear's Den
• Plan Like a Holistic Chef Webinar starting at 6pm online
• Gluten Free Living 101 starting at 6:30pm at Community Natural Foods
• Tellaround - Story Sharing Circle starting at 7pm at Edmonton Public Library (Idylwylde)
• JP Cormier & Jake Lauzon: Guitar Sensations starting at 7:30pm at Anglican Parish of Christ Church

And here are some upcoming events to keep in mind:

• Jan. 19-22: Supply-Build Canada Showcase: From the Ground Up at Edmonton EXPO Centre
• Jan. 24: Artist Reception: Being and Becoming by Garfield Morgan and Tere Cuellar at Gallery@501
• Jan. 26: Innovation & Alberta's Economic Future with Minister Nate Glubish at Chateau Lacombe Hotel

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

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