Edmonton Morning Briefing: Monday, February 23, 2026

Good morning, Edmonton. It’s Monday, February 23, 2026.

Bundle up today. Temperatures hit -24°C this morning with mostly clear skies. Snow showers are expected throughout the day with light winds around 5.8 mph. Classic February conditions.

Here are your top 5 stories from Sunday, February 22, 2026.

1. Team Canada Takes Silver After Overtime Loss to USA

Team Canada fell 2-1 to the United States in overtime during Sunday’s Olympic gold-medal hockey game. The loss secured silver for Canada after a hard-fought tournament.

The Americans scored the winning goal in the overtime period, ending Canada’s bid for gold. The game remained tight throughout regulation time, with both teams trading goals before the 2-1 final score.

This marks Canada’s second consecutive silver medal in Olympic hockey competition. The team’s performance throughout the tournament drew strong support from Canadian fans, with watch parties held across Edmonton and other cities.

The Canadian roster featured several NHL stars who took time from their season to represent the country. Team USA’s victory gives them their first gold medal in men’s hockey since 2018.

2. King Thunderbird Centre Opens to Serve Homeless Population

Edmonton’s newest social services facility opened Sunday in a repurposed paintball arena. The King Thunderbird Centre will provide services to the city’s homeless population at its new location.

The centre moved into the former paintball facility after renovations to convert the space for social services use. The building now houses support services, temporary housing resources, and outreach programs.

City officials and social service organizations worked together on the conversion project. The paintball facility sat vacant for several months before the redevelopment began.

The King Thunderbird Centre joins other facilities across Edmonton working to address homelessness. The location provides access to transit routes and connects to existing support networks in the area.

Staff members began operations Sunday morning. The centre expects to serve dozens of individuals daily as programs ramp up over the coming weeks.

3. City Council Approves Six-Condo Infill Project

Edmonton City Council voted Sunday to approve a new six-unit condominium development. The project moves forward after a previous apartment plan for the site was cancelled.

The condominium proposal replaces an earlier application for a larger apartment building. Developers withdrew the apartment plan after concerns from nearby residents about density and parking.

The approved infill project includes six individual condominium units on a single lot. The development fits within current zoning requirements for the neighborhood.

Council members noted the revised proposal addressed community feedback from the earlier apartment application. The six-condo design reduces the total number of units while maintaining infill development goals.

Construction timelines were not announced during Sunday’s council meeting. The developer must now obtain building permits before work begins on the site.

4. Art Gallery of Alberta Reports Major Membership Decline

The Art Gallery of Alberta announced a significant drop in membership numbers Sunday. Gallery officials described the decline as “devastating” for the institution.

Membership figures fell sharply over the past year. The gallery did not release specific numbers but confirmed the decrease affects operating revenue and program funding.

Gallery leadership attributed the decline to several factors including economic conditions and changing cultural consumption patterns. The institution also faced competition from other entertainment and cultural options in the city.

The membership drop adds to challenges facing cultural institutions across Edmonton. The Art Gallery of Alberta relies on membership revenue to support exhibitions, educational programs, and community outreach.

Officials plan to review membership benefits and outreach strategies. The gallery will explore new initiatives to attract and retain members in coming months.

Arts organizations throughout the city monitor attendance and membership trends closely. The Art Gallery of Alberta’s announcement raises questions about sustainability for cultural venues.

5. Peavey Mart Plans Retail Comeback with Store Reopenings

Hardware retailer Peavey Mart announced plans Sunday to reopen locations across Western Canada. The move marks a comeback for the chain after previous closures.

Peavey Mart will begin reopening stores in several markets, though specific Edmonton locations were not confirmed. The company previously operated multiple stores in the region before scaling back operations.

The hardware chain specializes in farm supplies, tools, and outdoor equipment. Peavey Mart stores serve both urban and rural customers across the Prairie provinces.

Company officials cited improved market conditions and renewed demand for the reopening decision. The retail comeback follows a period of restructuring and planning.

Peavey Mart competes with other hardware retailers including Home Depot, Lowe’s, and Canadian Tire. The chain’s return adds another option for Edmonton-area shoppers seeking farm and hardware supplies.

Store opening dates and specific locations will be announced in coming weeks. The company plans a phased approach to reopening operations across its former markets.

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That’s your Edmonton morning briefing for Monday, February 23, 2026. Stay warm out there.