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Regional Roundup
Oct. 21, 2026

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Mayors reflect on how best to grow

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As the Edmonton region's population continues to grow, it's not easy to keep current residents happy while still making room for new ones, three mayors said during an Oct. 15 event to launch the State of the Region report from BILD Edmonton Metro. Some don't want their communities to change at all. "I think my residents are the first to tell you to stop building," said Fort Saskatchewan Mayor Lisa Makin. "(They don't) really understand the consequences of that action." The BILD report shows Fort Saskatchewan had an average five-year population growth rate of 2%, which put it fifth behind Beaumont's 5.1%, Edmonton's 3.4%, Leduc's 3.2%, and Spruce Grove's 2.8%. Makin said people may fear change, but new neighbourhoods bring new amenities, and they are attractive. "They're rich in what they offer these residents," she said at the launch event at the Royal Glenora Club. "Kids can still walk to school, and I think that that is what residents still want it to feel like in 10 years."

Sturgeon County's average five-year population growth rate was just 0.2%. Mayor Alanna Hnatiw wants to drive that number up, but her constituents are not so sure. "I think residents would like to see it look like it did 10 years ago," she said with a laugh. Sturgeonites are tied to their agricultural roots and are used to open spaces; meanwhile, big changes are coming with the Meta data centre. It's a lot to adjust to. "We have an AI hyperscaler coming in, and half my residents don't even have broadband," Hnatiw said. However, residents are coming to terms with some variations of housing stock, Hnatiw added. "People are aging out that don't want to leave the community, but also don't want another 4,000-square-foot home anymore, but they're still tied to Sturgeon County," she said. That said, residents remain concerned about gentle densification such as secondary and backyard suites.

Strathcona County residents are similarly concerned about getting too cityfied while still welcoming a variety of housing options, suggested Mayor Rod Frank. "You have to react to the market, and we have such a variety of housing now in our community — we never say the word 'infill' lately, but other than that, things are going well," he said, acknowledging Edmonton's infill debate. All in all, these are good problems to have, he said. "I'd much rather have to deal with growth than try to find growth."

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Referendum

  • News outlets projected that Albertans decisively rejected a proposal to pursue separation from Canada, with results showing about 75% voting to remain in the country as of the afternoon of Oct. 20. While unofficial results on the other nine referendum questions are expected by Oct. 23, the "yes" response was leading in all but one as of midday on Oct. 20. Premier Danielle Smith said in a social media post she was "very pleased to see the initial results." Prime Minister Mark Carney posted that "Albertans made a clear choice … Above all, Albertans chose Canada."
  • Of the ridings in the Edmonton region, support for remaining in Canada was lowest in Drayton Valley-Devon at 54.7%. Support for remaining was highest in St. Albert at 83%.
  • Some voters from Louis Bull Tribe, Ermineskin Nation, and Samson Cree Nation reported long wait times after polling stations ran out of ballots. Sherwood Park News cited reports that some Samson voters who arrived before polls closed were turned away.

Economic development

Municipalities

  • Sturgeon County council said traffic safety needs a specialized approach in the Industrial Heartland, especially as construction continues on Meta's data centre. Mayor Alanna Hnatiw said the provincial government needs "to acknowledge that between turnarounds and mega projects, they need to have a different set of expectations for traffic in this area … I'm glad to hear that the other mayors are gonna be showing up to speak to the knock-on effects of this, and the need for the province to invest some of the money back into the area that they extract a lot from." The county has planned intersection upgrades and raised its public-awareness campaign budget to as much as $50,000.
  • St. Albert Coun. Neil Korotash is pushing the city to find ways to improve the appearance of a stalled downtown redevelopment site. The former Blind Pig Pub site at 32 St. Anne Street has faced years of delays. "We're working on downtown vibrancy, and we've got this hole in the ground when people come into our city or drive down St. Albert Trail that looks awful, weeds haven't been mowed all summer," he said. Korotash also proposed a tax subclass for derelict non-residential properties, an option that is currently limited to Edmonton and Calgary.
  • The City of Spruce Grove is scheduled to transfer ambulance service delivery from an integrated model to a provincially operated model on Nov. 1. The city projected the integrated model would cost about $937,846 in its first year without service enhancements after the province changed its benchmark funding model. Two advanced life support ambulances will remain in the city, and Spruce Grove Fire Services will continue to deliver medical first response.
  • St. Albert Mayor Scott Olivieri said an independent legal review found no conflict of interest in his vote against expanded infill development. A statutory inquiry had questioned his ties to Midtown Boulevard Inc., a residential infill company. Olivieri said the company has no properties or past projects in St. Albert.
  • The City of St. Albert is inviting residents to register accessible and allergy-friendly trick-or-treating locations on its Halloween map. Residents can add ground-level or curbside treat stations and homes offering non-edible treats.
  • The City of Spruce Grove recognized Heavy Metal Equipment & Rentals with its Community Spirit Award and named Lea-Der Group of Companies its Employer of the Year. The city has also launched the Community Recognition Awards in five categories.
  • The Town of Stony Plain recognized the Parkland Potters' Guild with its Award of Creative Excellence. "For five decades, the Parkland Potters' Guild has demonstrated what can be accomplished through a shared passion for the arts and a commitment to giving back," Mayor William Choy said. "Their dedication has helped make Stony Plain a more vibrant and welcoming place, and we are proud to recognize their achievements with this well-deserved honour."
  • Beaumont will end its automated traffic enforcement program on Dec. 6. The city said the program is no longer financially viable after provincial changes reduced eligible enforcement sites from 79 to 24. Earlier tickets remain valid, and conventional RCMP and municipal enforcement will continue.
  • The City of Leduc launched an open data portal with datasets on utilities, infrastructure, and environmental information. It offers self-service access to residents, businesses, developers, and researchers.
  • The City of Leduc launched a façade and capital enhancement grant program for commercial property and business owners in the city's urban centre. Successful applicants may receive reimbursement for up to 50% of eligible costs, with grants up to $25,000 based on property and project type. Applications close Jan. 6.
  • Sturgeon County and six neighbouring counties agreed that formal intermunicipal collaboration frameworks are not required along their shared boundaries. The counties are Barrhead, Lac Ste. Anne, Lamont, Parkland, Thorhild, and Westlock, which share limited services with Sturgeon County.

Budget season

  • Sturgeon County's proposed 2027 budget recommends no municipal tax rate increase and more than $190 million in municipal projects over three years. The county called it its largest multi-year infrastructure plan ever. Projects include a new fire hall, broadband expansion, and road upgrades. A public hearing is set for Oct. 28.
  • Leduc city council will begin public deliberations on its proposed 2027 budget on Oct. 26. Sessions on grants, infrastructure, and corporate services will run into November. Council is expected to consider budget approval on Dec. 7.
  • St. Albert's proposed 2027 budget includes a $244-million municipal operating budget and a 4.5% property tax increase. A survey is open until Nov. 5, and residents are invited to share their thoughts in person at council meetings throughout October, November, and December.
  • The City of Spruce Grove released highlights of its proposed 2027-2029 budget and fiscal plan ahead of committee meetings scheduled for Nov. 2 to 5. Residents can ask questions in person or in writing. Council is scheduled to consider the revised plan on Dec. 7.

Headlines

Happenings

Here are some events coming up soon:

And here are more to keep in mind:

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

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