The Pulse
Aug. 31, 2026

This week, councillors will review new climate action priorities, a proposed update to the snow-and-ice-control policy, and a new heritage places strategy.

There is a community and public services committee meeting on Aug. 31, an urban planning committee meeting on Sept. 1, and an executive committee meeting on Sept. 2.

Here are some key items on the agenda this week:

• Administration will present an updated policy and program for snow and ice control after a scheduled review. Resources and service levels this winter are expected to remain consistent with previous years; however, council can choose to fund an enhanced service level starting in winter 2027-2028. Administration said the "well maintained city" service package would stabilize operations and create year-round positions to provide festival and event support, "ensuring consistent, high-quality services that keep Edmonton's economy moving throughout the year." Council will vote on the policy at a future meeting. During record snowfall in the winter of 2025-2026, Mayor Andrew Knack said he wanted to significantly increase funding for snow clearing.
• A third-party review of the city's climate strategies and action plans highlighted the need for more focused actions, closer alignment with the municipal budget cycle, and better monitoring and evaluation, says a report set to be presented to executive committee. Administration has identified 27 action items in its update to the climate implementation priorities. The report says the first priority is to establish an ongoing and accountable relationship with Indigenous peoples regarding climate. The remaining priorities are divided into the following categories: buildings and land use, transportation, infrastructure, nature and water, and low-carbon energy and waste. About $257 million would be required to meet all 27 priorities, about half of which is planned to be presented for consideration in the 2027-2030 budget process. About $5 million can be met with existing budget, and the remaining $129 million has no planned or existing funding source. Administration said it will also transition the carbon budget to a more comprehensive climate budget, which will use the priorities as its basis and also evaluate all other city projects in the 2027-2030 budget for their contribution to both climate risk and emissions.
• Urban planning committee will review the updated heritage places strategy following nearly two years of work. The proposed new heritage places strategy includes four pillars: natural heritage, Indigenous heritage, community and cultural heritage, and built heritage. Its guiding principles are to be inclusive, integrated, community-led, living and evolving, visible and accessible, and collaborative. The strategy is presented alongside a new council policy that outlines how the strategy will be implemented. A main goal of updating the strategy is to widen the definition of "heritage places" to include not just historic buildings, but also natural spaces, cultural landscapes, and community landmarks.

• As campaigning intensified ahead of Alberta's Oct. 19 referendum, hundreds gathered at the legislature grounds for a pro-separation rally, while more than 100 people attended a pro-Canada event in Calgary. The referendum ballot will include a question on whether Alberta should begin the process for a binding separation vote.
• Former Edmonton mayor Amarjeet Sohi is now lobbying the federal government on behalf of the Oilers Entertainment Group (OEG) for funding for the proposed Village at Ice District, after promoting the project while in office, according to an Investigative Journalism Foundation report. The City of Edmonton and Alberta government have committed $138 million and $183 million, respectively, toward a $400-million deal with OEG to expand the downtown arena district, including a housing component. Federal records show Sohi, now a senior adviser with New West Public Affairs and a consultant to an OEG affiliate, has met with at least 18 government officials this year for registered lobbying communications to discuss housing, including potential funding for the Village.
• A survey of nearly 12,000 Edmontonians found deep divisions over spending priorities for the City's 2027-30 budget, particularly on policing, transit, bike lanes and housing. Residents broadly prioritized fiscal responsibility, road maintenance and existing services, with winter roads and pathways ranking highest. Many favoured user fees for some services, while others accepted modest tax increases over significant service cuts. City council will review the findings Sept. 8, with the budget expected to be finalized in December.
• Recovery Alberta says Edmonton's Henwood Treatment Centre will reopen after repairs to flood damage are completed, CBC News reported. The centre has been closed since flooding in June forced it to suspend services. Recovery Alberta estimates remediation, renovations and improvements will take one to two years and cost about $6 million. The agency said it contacted 104 patients awaiting admission to arrange alternative treatment, while some Henwood staff received layoff notices following the closure.
• The Edmonton Bike Park has pushed its official grand opening to spring 2027 after more than seven weeks of weather-related delays. The Edmonton Mountain Bike Alliance said that completed sections will open as they are ready, and some riding may be possible this fall.
• Edmonton city council is set to revisit an LRT fare-gate pilot project after a motion from Coun. Jon Morgan narrowly passed, even though the previous council shelved the idea over cost. "What I intend to do is look at fare evasion and operational efficiencies around fare collection," Morgan told Global News.
• A new Edmonton Islamic Academy elementary campus opened in Edmonton, expanding a school that began in the 1980s in the basement of Al-Rashid Mosque. "It's brand new, very shiny, but I think what matters more is that it's a safe space for our students to learn," Grade 3 teacher Benjamin Gee told CTV News during the school's grand opening.
• Edmonton-born Curtis Wright, 40, has returned to Canada after losing his legal battle to remain in the U.S. with his two young sons. Wright, a longtime U.S. resident, was detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement about 10 months ago after an old drug conviction resurfaced. He described harsh conditions in Texas detention facilities, including freezing cells, poor food and dirty showers. Wright was deported to Canada more than two weeks ago, while his sons, aged eight and 11, remain in Texas.

Here are some events happening today in the Edmonton area.

• LEGO at the Library starting at 3:30pm at Edmonton Public Library (Lois Hole)
• ClownProv The Sequel starting at 5pm at Grindstone Theatre
• Ceviche Dinner Night starting at 6pm at Fox Burger in Highlands
• Choosing a Retailer - Using the Cost Comparison Tool starting at 7pm online
• Magic Monday starting at 7pm at Sea Change Brewing
• Ghost Tours in Old Strathcona starting at 7pm outside Walterdale Theatre

And here are some upcoming events to keep in mind:

• Sept. 6: Farewell to Summer Garden Party at JW Marriott (Edmonton ICE District)
• Sept. 9: Bioeconomy Guild Night at MKT Fresh Food | Beer Market
• Sept. 11-13: Purple City Musical Festival

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

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