The Pulse
May 25, 2026

This week, councillors will hear an update on bridges in the core, vote on amendments aimed at protecting trees on infill lots, and discuss the common budget for the Office of the Councillors.

There is an infrastructure committee meeting on May 25, a public hearing on May 26, an audit committee meeting on May 27, a council services committee meeting on May 27, and a special city council meeting on May 29.

Here are some key items on the agenda this week:

• The High Level Bridge and Low Level Bridges will be decommissioned and replaced over the next 10 to 15 years, says a report to be presented to infrastructure committee. While the Low Level Bridges have been slated for demolition for some time, the city had planned to rehabilitate the High Level Bridge to extend its lifespan. But updated testing shows it could cost more than $1 billion to keep it in operation over the next 75 years. Mayor Andrew Knack acknowledged that the High Level Bridge is iconic, but said there comes a time when rehabilitation is no longer feasible. "We'll have to think about how we rebuild it in a way that respects that heritage and legacy," Knack told CTV Edmonton. The tentative timeline, pending budget deliberations in the fall, would see a new Low Level Bridge funded in the 2027-2030 budget cycle and a new High Level Bridge funded in the 2035-2039 budget cycle. Replacement bridges would be built before demolition, and the northbound Low Level Bridge would be maintained for active transportation.
• Administration has prepared amendments to the landscape securities program in the zoning bylaw, which it has put forward as an alternative to a private tree protection bylaw. The city collects a security from a developer when it gets a development permit and returns it when the developer plants the required trees and shrubs. If the landscaping isn't done, the city uses that money to do it. The program is currently applied to large-scale residential, mixed-use, and non-residential developments, and the proposed amendments would add small-scale developments. The city recommends a phased approach starting in January 2027. If council approves the changes, administration estimates that the number of securities collected would increase from 300 to nearly 5,000 annually, with two more full-time employees and two seasonal employees required. The resources for the program would come from fees that developers pay to the city. Council will vote on the amendments to the zoning bylaw at a public hearing.
• The ward budgets for the Office of the Councillors have a surplus of $74,000, in part because councillors are not fully using personnel budgets for executive assistants and council assistants. The common budget, which funds travel, office furniture, and salaries for councillors and administrative assistants, is in a deficit of $6,000 due to non-personnel costs.

• The City of Edmonton is kicking off its 2026 construction season with more than 200 infrastructure projects underway. Many are nearing completion, such as the Wellington Bridge and Dawson Bridge rehabilitation projects. Significant improvements are also expected on the Terwillegar Drive Expansion, Yellowhead Trail Freeway Conversion, and the Capital Line South and Valley Line West LRTs. Seven communities will benefit from the Neighbourhood Renewal Program with upgrades to local roads and sidewalks. The City pledged to minimize traffic disruptions by issuing frequent updates on road closures and detours.
• A survey conducted by Leger for the Edmonton Police Commission found that accountability of officers and reducing crime are top priorities for Edmontonians. Among the 1,025 survey participants, 92% deemed these issues important. Drug use and homelessness were noted as safety concerns, with 49% urging greater investment in social programs. The survey results will influence future police budget proposals.
• The Zebra Child and Youth Advocacy Centre in Edmonton introduced a new "buddy dog" named Nitro to assist traumatized children. Nitro was introduced at a fundraiser aiming to raise $100,000 for the dog program. Nitro joins other dogs Captain, Moose, and Zeppelin, providing comfort to children who have experienced abuse. The centre recorded more than 4,418 cases in 2025, marking an increased demand for services like forensic interviews and mental health support.
• The Edmonton Valley Zoo welcomed the birth of three Hudson Bay wolf pups. The pups have begun to explore outside their den, offering visitors occasional glimpses. Born blind and fully dependent, the pups are housed in the R. Mollot Arctic Wolf Habitat. The zoo provides a round-the-clock Twitch livestream for those who want to observe the pack remotely.
• The owner of the New Amsterdam Cafe on Whyte Avenue is urging the province and City of Edmonton officials to permit cannabis sales. Todd Hauck envisions offering cannabis alongside other menu items, advocating for regulations that would allow such establishments to operate legally. Hauck said the move would tap into the growing cannabis market while expanding local business offerings. The province said there are currently no plans to change existing regulations.
• Residents in Edmonton's Grovenor area petitioned against a new bike lane plan, citing concerns over inadequate consultation and how the plan could affect parking and accessibility for disabled residents. The Grovenor Community League suggested the City of Edmonton should consult with cyclists and the community to find a balanced solution. Edmonton's $100-million bike lane expansion plan, stalled by proposed provincial oversight, faces similar sentiment in other parts of the city.
• An Edmonton judge found Crystal Jean MacDonald guilty of criminal negligence causing death after her Cane Corsos fatally attacked 11-year-old Kache Grist on April 1, 2024. Justice Eric Macklin concluded that MacDonald's reckless disregard for safety led to the tragedy. Despite her knowledge of the dogs' aggressive history, she failed to implement adequate safety measures. The sentencing hearing is scheduled for Sept. 2. MacDonald's defense team is considering an appeal.
• Former Alberta MLA Thomas Lukaszuk has launched the Forever Canadian campaign in Edmonton, urging Albertans to vote to remain in Canada during a referendum set for Oct. 19. The campaign launch comes after Premier Danielle Smith announced the referendum would go forward to ask Albertans if they want to remain in Canada or begin the process to hold a binding referendum on separating. Lukaszuk said his campaign will travel across the province to counter the separatist movement.

Here are some events happening today in the Edmonton area.

• Insights and Perspective on Alberta Politics starting at 11:30am at World Trade Centre Edmonton
• The Orchards Farmers' Market starting at 3:30pm at 4059 Orchards Drive SW
• Navigating Life with ADHD and Autism starting at 6pm at Edmonton Public Library (Meadows)
• Thou Art Here Trivia Night Fundraiser starting at 6:30pm at Bent Stick Brewing
• An Evening of Hope with Dr. Jody Carrington In Support of Make-A-Wish starting at 6:30pm at Mayfield Dinner Theatre
• Audreys Book Club: Sunrise over Half-Built Houses starting at 7pm at Audreys Books
• Reading Between the Barcode Lines: A Food Politics Book Club starting at 7pm at Magpie Books
• Siegfried starting at 7:30pm at Citadel Theatre
• Come ye, and behold, as we assuredly DIE-NASTY starting at 7:30pm at Varscona Theatre
• Rough Cut Comedy - Weekly Comedy Showcase! starting at 8:30pm at River City Revival House

And here are some upcoming events to keep in mind:

• May 31: Beaver Hill Bridge Cycling Tour at Edmonton - Strathcona County Footbridge
• June 12: Spill the Tea: Readings from the 2SLGBTQIA+ Human Library at Robertson-Wesley United Church
• June 13: Housing Is A Human Right: Celebrating 40 years of ECOHH at Alberta Avenue Community 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.

Need a hint for 4-Across? You'll find one here.