Edmonton News: Today’s Top 5 Stories Explained in Under 3 Minutes

Good morning, Edmonton. It is Thursday, February 26, 2026.

Here is what you need to know today. This morning’s update covers a significant provincial budget reveal, a shift in the city’s development landscape, corporate commitments to the downtown core, public safety warnings regarding online commerce, and the latest from the ice at Rogers Place.

1. Alberta Budget 2026: Multibillion-Dollar Deficit Forecast

The Government of Alberta introduced its 2026 provincial budget today, Thursday, February 26, 2026. The fiscal plan reveals a multibillion-dollar deficit, marking a shift in the province’s recent economic trajectory. The budget's stability relies heavily on global energy prices, with officials stating that West Texas Intermediate (WTI) oil must average at least US$74 per barrel for the province to avoid further red ink.

The deficit comes as the province faces increasing pressure on public services due to record-high population growth. Finance officials noted that while revenues remain strong by historical standards, the cost of maintaining infrastructure and service delivery has outpaced growth.

Alberta NDP Leader Naheed Nenshi criticized the budget shortly after its release. Nenshi stated that the fiscal plan fails to adequately address the rising cost of living for Edmontonians and residents across the province. The opposition leader highlighted specific concerns regarding the funding levels for health care and K-12 education, arguing that the allocations do not keep pace with inflation or the influx of new students entering the Alberta school system.

The budget includes several line items specific to the Edmonton region, including continued funding for light rail transit expansion and health-care facility upgrades, though critics argue the timelines for these projects remain extended. For more context on how provincial fiscal policies compare across the country, you can view our coverage on the Canadianist.

2. Edmonton Oilers Fall to Anaheim Ducks in High-Scoring Affair

The Edmonton Oilers returned to action at Rogers Place on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, falling 6-5 to the Anaheim Ducks. The game marked the return of captain Connor McDavid, who had been away representing Canada at the Winter Olympics.

Despite the loss, the game featured several statistical milestones. Julian Savoie recorded his first career three-point game. Savoie was instrumental in a late-game surge, scoring a power-play goal in the final minutes of the third period to tie the game. However, the momentum was short-lived as the Ducks scored the game-winning goal just 46 seconds later.

McDavid’s return provided an immediate boost to the Oilers' offensive zone entry, but defensive lapses proved costly. The Oilers surrendered five goals in the first two periods, forcing a comeback attempt that ultimately fell short. Head coach and team officials noted after the game that the transition from Olympic-sized ice and international play back to the NHL schedule remains a factor for several key players.

The loss impacts the Oilers' standing in the Pacific Division as the push toward the playoffs intensifies. The team is scheduled for a practice session today before heading out on a three-game road trip starting this weekend.

3. City Council Approves Mixed-Use Rezoning in Wîhkwêntôwin

In a 9-3 vote on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, Edmonton City Council approved the rezoning of a vacant lot at 99 Avenue and 112 Street. The site, located in the Wîhkwêntôwin neighborhood, will transition from a residential zone to a mixed-use designation.

The application was submitted by EINS Development Consulting Ltd. on behalf of the current landowners. The primary objective of the rezoning is to accommodate a larger permanent location for Stopgap Coffee. The local business has operated in the area as a temporary fixture and sought a permanent footprint that would allow for expanded services.

The decision followed a lengthy debate regarding urban density and heritage preservation. During the council session, Mayor Andrew Knack spoke in favor of the move, emphasizing that the new mixed-use zoning offers stronger heritage guarantees than the previous residential zoning. The agreement prevents the development of four-storey structures on the site, ensuring that any new construction remains at a scale compatible with the surrounding historical character of the district.

Dissenting councillors raised concerns about the precedent of converting residential land to commercial use in high-density areas. However, the majority of council determined that the community benefit of a local business and the added heritage protections outweighed those concerns.

4. Capital Power Commits to Edmonton Head Office for 10 Years

The City of Edmonton has finalized a renewed Social Objectives Agreement with Capital Power, ensuring the utility giant remains anchored in the city’s downtown core. On Wednesday, February 25, 2026, the city confirmed that the company has committed to maintaining its head office in Edmonton for at least the next 10 years.

As part of the agreement, the City of Edmonton will receive $75 million in direct payments over the duration of the contract. Additionally, Capital Power has committed to ongoing annual community funding, which supports various local initiatives and non-profit organizations within the city.

This agreement is seen as a significant win for the city’s "Downtown Recovery" strategy. Having a major corporate headquarters and its workforce committed to the city center provides a stable economic base for local retail and service providers. City officials noted that the $75 million in direct payments will be integrated into the general revenue fund to offset municipal operating costs.

Capital Power is one of the largest employers in the region’s energy sector. The 10-year commitment provides certainty for the city’s long-term planning regarding the commercial real estate market and regional employment stability. Similar economic updates for other major Canadian hubs can be found in our Montreal Daily Roundup.

5. Police Charge Three Teens in Marketplace Robbery String

The Edmonton Police Service (EPS) has announced charges against three teenage boys following a month-long investigation into a series of robberies linked to online marketplace platforms. The suspects, whose identities are protected under the Youth Criminal Justice Act, are facing charges of theft under $5,000.

The investigation revealed a pattern involving 15 separate incidents over the past 30 days. According to EPS, the suspects would pose as legitimate buyers on platforms such as Kijiji and Facebook Marketplace. When meeting with sellers to finalize the purchase of electronics or high-value items, the suspects, often accompanied by accomplices, would seize the items and flee the scene without payment. In some instances, minor physical force was used.

In response to these incidents, the Edmonton Police Service is urging residents to use caution when conducting transactions with strangers. Police recommend the use of "Buy and Sell Exchange Zones," which are designated areas in the parking lots of various EPS stations. These zones are monitored by surveillance cameras and are intended to deter criminal activity.

EPS officials reminded the public to never meet a buyer or seller in a secluded area or at a private residence if they are uncomfortable. The three suspects are scheduled to appear in court in March. For further information on local safety and community updates, you can explore the Toronto and Ottawa regional sections of our network for comparative crime prevention strategies.

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