The Pulse: Feb. 2, 2026

This week, councillors are set to discuss transit-oriented development in Century Park, an audit of the 2025 municipal election, and community engagement during the neighbourhood renewal process.

There is a utility committee meeting on Feb. 2, a public hearing on Feb. 3, and an audit committee meeting on Feb. 4.

Here are some key items on the agenda:

• K&H Land Development has applied to rezone land adjacent to the Century Park LRT Station and Transit Centre to facilitate the development of about eight hectares of vacant land, some of which is now used for park-and-ride, into a transit-oriented development. The original plan for the development designated 27 Avenue as a pedestrian-oriented main street. The proposed rezoning would result in a vehicle-oriented design instead, to support the businesses that will eventually open along 27 Avenue, the developer said. If council approves the rezoning, the developer could build mixed-use buildings up to 22 storeys tall.
• The Office of the City Auditor released a report about the 2025 municipal election, highlighting issues with the computer system and paperwork that may have contributed to long lines. The report said that staff found it difficult to operate the technology and recommended better training in future elections.
• An audit recommends that city staff be clearer about how feedback is used during neighbourhood renewal to prevent confusion and frustration around which designs residents can influence. Administration has four levels of engagement, ranging from the advise level (where staff consider public feedback in designs) to the decide level (where residents make decisions directly). The Office of the City Auditor said it observed interactions where residents were asked to provide feedback, but it wasn't clear how designers would use that feedback. Administration said it will be more clear when engaging residents.
• The 2026 operating plan for EPCOR Water Services involves streamlining lot grading and new service applications for housing developers. The plan, which will be reviewed by utility committee, said water and sewer connections grew nearly 50% last year, mainly due to increased infill development. The improvements are expected to provide greater certainty to developers. Other plans for 2026 include spending $288 million to support the performance and resiliency of its assets, planning for flood mitigation at its Gold Bar Wastewater Treatment Plant, and replacing prioritized distribution mains.

• The City of Edmonton says 470 properties have been demolished following the introduction of the Problem Property Initiative. Of those, 263 have been redeveloped or are in the permitting process. Since April 2022, the Community Property Safety Team has secured almost 1,200 properties. Additionally, the city implemented a derelict residential tax subclass in 2023, which applied to 202 properties in 2024. Options for a commercial derelict tax subclass are set to be presented this spring.
• Coun. Michael Janz will introduce a motion asking Edmonton Mayor Andrew Knack to lobby Alberta's government to revisit rules on restrictive covenants, which contribute to food deserts. Edmonton communities like Griesbach have lacked local grocery stores for 13 years due to these covenants, such as one Sobeys implemented after acquiring Canada Safeway. This push follows Manitoba's June 2025 legislation preventing new grocery store exclusivity clauses. Service Alberta Minister Dale Nally said the government is monitoring the changes in Manitoba.
• Edmonton city councillors Keren Tang, Michael Janz, and Mike Elliott say the Alberta separatist movement is creating economic uncertainty and discouraging investment. Tang warned the rhetoric undermines efforts to attract business and diversify the city's tax base. "Stability is really critical for attracting investment," she said. Janz said the debate is a distraction, while Elliott cautioned the issue is fueling anxiety among residents worried about jobs, pensions and federal benefits. Meanwhile, Edmonton business leaders warn that Alberta separation would saddle a new country with $600 billion in debt, requiring decades to recover economically. The Edmonton Chamber of Commerce also said last week that separatist discussions deter investment in Edmonton and the province and the province.
• A 'Living Portraits' initiative at Edmonton City Hall as part of Black History Month events invites visitors to engage with local Black artists. This public art and augmented reality display celebrates Black artists in Edmonton and will run until June 16. Developed under the City of Edmonton's Anti-Black Racism Action Plan, the exhibition features five panels with portraits that engage viewers through recognition, personal images, and augmented reality where artists speak about their lives and culture.
• New Alberta laws taking effect in September require provincial approval for sexual health and sexual orientation or gender identity materials, a process critics say has narrowed options. As of Jan. 26, 164 resources and 11 organizations were approved. Edmonton Public Schools had 20 of 80 submitted resources approved, none within the 90-day target. The Fyrefly Institute at the University of Alberta is struggling to gain approval for its presentations.
• Former Alberta Party president Lindsay Amantea filed a counterclaim on Jan. 29 against the United Conservative Association, seeking $500,000 in damages and dismissal of its trademark infringement suit. This counters a November 2025 lawsuit by the United Conservative Party (UCP), which named Amantea, Peter Guthrie, and Scott Sinclair, after Guthrie and Sinclair planned to rename the Alberta Party to "Progressive Conservatives," a name Guthrie later adjusted to "Progressive Tory Party of Alberta." Amantea argues terms like "progressive" and "conservative" are not unique trademarks. Sinclair has since decided to remain an independent MLA.
• Edmonton Oilers defenceman Evan Bouchard was named the NHL's third star of the month for his performance in January 2026. Bouchard led all defencemen with 23 points (eight goals, 15 assists) in 15 games.

Here are some events happening today in the Edmonton area.

• Get Up to Speed on Extended Producer Responsibility starting at 12pm online
• Black History Month Initiative Fund Event starting at 1:30pm at Edmonton City Hall
• Reimagining Home Collaborative Printmaking Workshop starting at 4pm at University of Alberta
• Silent Book Club starting at 7pm at St. Albert Public Library (Downtown)
• Science on Tap: The Power of AI starting at 7pm at The Rec Room South Edmonton
• Come ye, and behold, as we assuredly DIE-NASTY starting at 7:30pm at Varscona Theatre

And here are some upcoming events to keep in mind:

• Feb. 8: Where We Rest: A Gathering Place at YWCA Edmonton Cushing House
• Feb. 12: Passive Solar Greenhouse Workshop at Millhurt Community Hall
• Feb. 17: Have your say on nuclear energy in Alberta

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

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