Mayors of Canada's largest cities are calling for the federal government to focus on infrastructure, homelessness, and organized crime and extortion in its next budget to support stronger downtowns and economic growth. The Big City Mayors' Caucus, representing 23 of Canada's largest cities, announced the three priorities at the Federation of Canadian Municipalities conference in Edmonton on June 4. "Canada's economic success depends on vibrant downtowns, where housing, public safety, mobility and infrastructure work together to create places of opportunity, foster civic pride, support local businesses, and build strong, connected communities," caucus chair Josh Morgan said in a release.
The mayors want the federal government to enhance the Canada Public Transit Fund and the community stream of the Build Communities Strong Fund so cities have predictable and stable revenue to support growth. They also want help to decrease homelessness, noting that cities are driving innovative solutions but need sustained or increased funding to meet the challenge. The mayors want the federal government to invest $3.5 billion annually to reduce chronic homelessness by at least 50% by 2030, and to ensure homelessness prevention and response are central to an updated national housing strategy. They also called on the federal government to establish an intergovernmental working group with frontline experts to coordinate Housing First solutions.
The final priority is to tackle organized crime and an increase in illicit drug supply, gun violence, and extortion. The caucus wants the federal government to enhance the Building Safer Communities Fund to scale community-led crime prevention models to end gun and gang violence and to establish a table to bring together experts from the federal departments of public safety, immigration, and justice with municipal sector partners to better understand and address organized crime. "This should include consideration of international best practices, immigration pathways, and enforcement gaps, so communities feel safe," Mayor Andrew Knack said at the news conference. The conference continues until June 7.
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Economic development
The federal government's updated AI strategy builds on the momentum that the Alberta Machine Intelligence Institute and its sister institutes have generated over the past decade, said Amii CEO Cam Linke. "We are energized by this commitment and ready to deepen our work, cementing our nation's competitive edge and making AI work for everyone," he said in response to the AI for All strategy unveiled on June 4.
Applied Pharmaceutical Innovation has unveiled the Critical Medicines Production Centre, an 83,000-square-foot sterile pharmaceutical manufacturing facility in Edmonton. Built as part of the Canadian Critical Drug Initiative, it will produce sterile fill-and-finish medications to address domestic drug shortages and support Canada's pharmaceutical supply chain.
The City of Edmonton launched the Turn Up Downtown campaign, featuring more than 1,000 events aimed at enhancing downtown's vibrancy from May to December. Highlights include block parties, fitness programs, and expanded LRT station activations. This initiative, part of the Downtown Action Plan, aims to foster community connections and economic growth by supporting local businesses and cultural activities, collaborating with the Edmonton Arts Council and other local groups.
Edmonton Mayor Andrew Knack blogged about recent trade missions to China and Japan, including a January visit to Harbin marking 40 years as sister cities and an April mission with Edmonton Global focused on advanced manufacturing, clean energy, logistics, and research partnerships. He said one company from the mission has since visited Edmonton to evaluate potential investment sites, and a Kumamoto delegation also visited to explore shared opportunities in advanced industry, innovation, and agriculture.
Edmonton is among North America's fastest-growing tech ecosystems, according to Dealroom's 2026 Global Tech Ecosystem Index. The city earned 18th place in North America in the rising stars category, with its top sectors being AI, gaming, and space. Calgary ranked ninth in the same category. "These rankings reflect the province's continued growth trajectory in the innovation sector," Start Alberta said. Technology and Innovation Minister Nate Glubish welcomed the recognition: "No one doubts anymore that Alberta is a tech giant," he posted.
Edmonton's ICE District will host free watch parties for 97 World Cup games, including all of Team Canada's matches, OEG, the City of Edmonton, and Explore Edmonton announced. Dubbed "Edmonton's Summer of Soccer," the event offers food trucks, DJ entertainment, and family-friendly activities.
Edmonton will host the 2027 World Triathlon Multisport Championships from July 16 to 25, 2027, welcoming elite and age-group athletes from over 60 countries. The event will feature competitions in six disciplines, including duathlon and cross triathlon. Antonio Arimany, president of World Triathlon, praised Edmonton as a key partner due to its history of hosting successful multisport events. Stephen Bourdeau of Edmonton's local organizing committee highlighted the city's passion for sport and commitment to delivering an exceptional event.
St. Albert announced it will host the 2029 Special Olympics Alberta Summer Games. "Our City is honoured to host such an important and empowering event," said Mayor Scott Olivieri. "It is a privilege to be invited to celebrate the excellence and dedication that these athletes, coaches, and families exemplify."
The Good Game YEG podcast discussed the North American Games Industry Summit, a new B2B event launching June 18 to 19 in Edmonton alongside Game Con Canada. Marc Belisle and Chris Meilleur of Meibel Consulting, Ronnie Villanueva of Edmonton Screen, and John Nguyen of Xsolla discussed what the event will mean for indie developers. Mobile Syrup also previewed NAGIS and Game Con Canada, and Edmonton Screen has published a feature on what the summit means for local studios, noting that Edmonton was chosen over larger markets like Vancouver for the five-year event.
River Cree Resort and Casino in Enoch has completed its exterior renovations as part of a $200-million expansion plan, which aims to transform it into a "10-minute city," with amenities and attractions reachable within 10 minutes on foot or by transit.
Scandinave Group plans to open its Nordic spa in Edmonton in 2028, building on the city's year-round visitor offering. Co-founder Vincent Damphousse, a former Edmonton Oilers player, said the retreat will be "a nice add-on to everything that Edmonton is offering already."
ECSD Dual Credit program taps students' potential
Bee wasn't sure she'd finish high school. Now she's not only graduating, but she has also earned post-secondary credits and is on her way to a rewarding career through the Educational Assistant Dual Credit program at Edmonton Catholic Schools. If you have a young student in your life with untapped potential, this could be the program for them.
Swift Charge is partnering with InnVest Hotels, Canada's largest hotel owner and operator. The deal will bring Swift Charge stations to more than 75 locations across Canada, with more than 300 chargers expected in the full rollout. "We're proud to support InnVest as they expand EV charging across their portfolio", Swift Charge CEO Sheldon Zhang said in a release. "Our focus is on delivering a dependable, hotel-tailored charging experience that works consistently across a wide range of locations and operating environments."
The owners of Brio Bakery seem to have found the recipe for keeping an Edmonton food institution not only alive but thriving. Customers adjusted to new ownership when Brio changed hands in 2023, and now the bakery has expanded to Whyte Avenue. "Lots of regulars are happy they don't have to cross the river anymore," Milos Cvijanovic told Taproot. "But there are also a lot of new faces. Many people heard about us and now have the chance to come." The founders of Jack's Burger Shack are hoping for a similarly smooth transition and growth for their successors, too, as they seek to sell their 13-year-old business.
Coun. Anne Stevenson proposed revisiting property tax relief for businesses affected by prolonged construction, following the closure of Khazana Restaurant in downtown Edmonton. The restaurant, a staple since 1998, cited ongoing LRT construction and reduced accessibility as reasons for its closure. Stevenson emphasized the need for council to consider compensating businesses lacking proper municipal services due to construction. Mayor Andrew Knack previously advocated for similar compensation plans, which were not implemented.
Bar Clementine and Birch and Bear Pizza at Jasper Avenue and 119 Street NW have had to dismantle their patios to allow for construction. Clementine owner Andrew Borley expressed frustration to Global News Edmonton over the financial effect on his business and short notice of the decision.
AltaML co-founder and serial entrepreneur Nicole Janssen joined the Executive Wins podcast to discuss her transition to Diffusion Advisory, where she now works with organizations, governments, and academia to improve Canada's commercialization and adoption of AI.
Labo Coffee has launched a quest board to help young people connect and help each other out. Co-founder Atty Vohra, a former game designer, created a system to allow participants to earn experience points for completing submitted side quests. "It's meant to be a very low-stakes way to get to know somebody, to get help for something that's been on your list for a while," he told Taproot.
The Social Impact Innovation Hub is gathering technology builders for a monthly Tech for Good Alliance event, with the inaugural session set for June 24 at Arcadia Brewing. Founder Michelle Frechette described the hub's work as three-pronged: finding a physical space for social-good organizations, running a Tech for Good Alliance to work on solving problems, and hosting In The Loop networking events for social innovators.
Real estate
The City of Edmonton and the Edmonton Community Foundation launched the $2-million Faith Lands Affordable Housing Incentive to support faith-based charities in exploring affordable housing developments on their properties. The initiative offers up to $135,000 for pre-construction work such as feasibility studies. Supported partly by $1 million from the federal Housing Accelerator Fund, the program aims to ease financial risks and unlock new housing opportunities.
IslamicFamily is seeking a real estate lawyer for its first affordable housing project, a development worth more than $30 million that aims to create more than 200 new bedrooms. The project draws on federal and provincial grants alongside what the organization describes as Canada's first institutional-quality Shariah-compliant housing investment fund.
One in three Edmontonians now rent, and Edify explored what's driving the shift toward long-term renting — from renters seeking financial and lifestyle flexibility to developers who find that long-term tenants build community within buildings.
Upfield Capital, in partnership with Arrowleaf Real Estate, has acquired Cornerstone at Uplands, a 181-unit purpose-built townhome rental community under construction in Edmonton. The Vancouver-based firm is targeting the missing middle of the rental market, where townhomes represent less than 5% of Edmonton's rental inventory.
Sturgeon County council voted down the Pinnacle Village subdivision outline plan in a 3-3 vote, blocking a proposed 100-lot neighbourhood in the Sturgeon Valley. Opponents said they were concerned about density, traffic, and the character of the area, while supporters said the plan would provide smaller, more affordable homes. Developer Pinnacorp Investments said it plans to revise the proposal and reapply in six months.
Developer Royop has proposed Loxley Commons, a 248-unit purpose-built rental building near Sherwood Park Mall. The six-storey project would include an underground parkade and has an anticipated opening of winter 2028–29, pending a development permit from Strathcona County.
Beaumont and St. Albert both brought new construction debris rules into effect, requiring construction sites to use lidded containers and keep all materials within property lines. St. Albert's bylaw sets fines of $1,000 per day per offence plus possible business licence suspension; Beaumont's fines start at $1,000 for a first offence and reach $5,000 for a third.
The City of Edmonton has won the 2026 Municipal Inspiring Workplace Award from the Canadian Association of Municipal Administrators for its Corporate Employee Recognition and Appreciation Framework. The framework promotes employee recognition through formal awards and day-to-day appreciation initiatives across the organization. City officials say the program has helped unify workplace recognition efforts and generated high employee engagement, including more than 30,000 peer-to-peer acts of gratitude through its e-card program.
Edify has published profiles of "Six Who Inspire," featuring entrepreneur and former MLA Sine Chadi, dental technology pioneer Daniel W. Yeung, and former Edmonton mayor Bill Smith. The feature also includes profiles of philanthropists Bob and Barbara Walker and educator Jill Fenton.
CPA Alberta featured certified executive coach Jason Labonte on its Uncommon Sense podcast, discussing how executive coaching can help professionals sharpen leadership skills and the changing demands on today's leaders.
Max Reinthaler, a veteran and Calgary firefighter completing his MBA at the University of Alberta, reflected on the Business on the Frontlines program, which took him to Cambodia to study economic development firsthand. "Landing in Cambodia was a defining moment for me," he said.
Happenings
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