Edmonton’s River Valley park system is how many times larger than New York’s Central Park?

Happy Monday!

Hopefully you've had a great weekend.

Today we take a look at the discussions over the local separatist movement. Got an opinion? Share it on our page HERE.

Also: Check out today's 'Food and Drink' section, and 'Happy hour' too. Wow!

Now, on to today's Buzz! 

Edmonton city councillors are voicing urgent concerns over the rising Alberta separatist movement, warning of major economic risks and growing instability.

Councillor Keren Tang pointed out that separatist rhetoric undermines efforts to attract new investment and diversify the city’s economy, adding uncertainty that drives businesses away.

The Edmonton Chamber of Commerce echoed these fears, revealing that an independent Alberta could face a daunting $600 billion debt—including federal obligations and pensions—threatening both growth and jobs.

Business leaders stress that even talk of a separation referendum could chill investor confidence, deepening economic challenges like slowing job growth and stagnant household income.

Some neighborhoods, such as McCauley, are seeing property value spikes that fuel concerns over affordability and gentrification.

Edmonton’s leaders urge unity and stability, emphasizing that collaborative action within Canada remains crucial for future prosperity.

1. Outdoor and Nature🌲

Skating at City Hall: Lace up your skates and enjoy a classic winter experience at the iconic City Hall Plaza. The rink features festive lights and free skate rentals on a first-come, first-served basis. Date: February 2 – 6 Location: City Hall Plaza Cost: Free admission Click for details

Silver Skate Festival: Edmonton’s longest-running winter festival kicks off with various activities including fire sculptures, snow art, and public skating. Date: February 6 (Opening Day) Location: Sir Wilfrid Laurier Park Cost: Free admission Click for details

International Festival of Winter Cinema: Snuggle up for an outdoor movie night featuring films that celebrate winter life. This is the world's only outdoor winter film festival. Date: February 6 Location: Sir Wilfrid Laurier Park Cost: Free/Donation-based Click for details

Winter Walking in the River Valley: Explore the snowy trails of North America’s largest urban parkland. February is a peak time for "winter city" hikers to enjoy the scenery. Date: February 2 – 6 Location: Edmonton River Valley Cost: Free Click for details

Deep Freeze Ice Sculpture Viewing: While the main festival ends in January, many of the world-class ice and snow sculptures remain on display for the community to visit during the following week. Date: February 2 – 6 Location: Alberta Avenue (118 Ave) Cost: Free Click for details

2. Shows & Entertainment 📺 🎭

Free Open Mic Comedy: Catch local comedians testing out new material. It's a great way to experience Edmonton's burgeoning comedy scene without a cover charge. Date: February 2 – 6 (Check venue specific nights) Location: Various local bars (e.g., The Grindstone) Cost: Free Click for details

The Setlist Edmonton – February Session: A curated night of music showcasing local artists and bands in an intimate venue setting. Date: February 6 (9:00 PM) Location: Rocky Mountain Icehouse Cost: $17.31 (Paid) Click for details

Lennie Gallant at New Moon Folk Club: Enjoy a performance by this renowned Canadian singer-songwriter in a legendary local folk music venue. Date: February 6 Location: New Moon Folk Club (St. Basil’s Cultural Centre) Cost: Paid Click for details

Laser Floyd: Dark Side of the Moon: Experience the classic Pink Floyd album set to a mind-bending laser light show in the Zeidler Dome. Date: February 6 Location: TELUS World of Science Cost: Paid Click for details

Death of a Salesman: The Citadel Theatre presents a powerful rendition of this classic American play. Date: February 2 – 6 Location: Citadel Theatre Cost: Paid (Prices vary) Click for details

3. Arts, Crafts & Culture 🎨 

Exhibition: LIVING PORTRAITS: A special exhibit recognizing the legacy of Black Canadians through visual storytelling, launched for Black History Month. Date: February 2 – 6 Location: City Hall Cost: Free Click for details

Tales of Orquevaux Art Exhibition: A curated art show featuring works inspired by residency experiences at Chateau d'Orquevaux. Date: February 6 (8:00 PM) Location: ArtsHub Creative Studios Cost: Free Click for details

African Sculptures and Weaving Traditions: Step into a world of rhythm and artistic mastery with a stunning collection of traditional African sculptures and Kente weaving. Date: February 6 (7:00 PM) Location: Leduc Arts Foundry Cost: Free admission Click for details

"Flight Paths" Solo Art Exhibit: A solo exhibition by Sterling Komant exploring abstract concepts through visual art. Date: February 2 – 6 Location: InfoEdmonton Featured Gallery Cost: Free Click for details

Pysanky for Peace Exhibition: An exhibit celebrating the Ukrainian tradition of Pysanky (Easter egg decorating) as a symbol of hope and peace. Date: February 2 – 6 Location: Community Cultural Centres Cost: Free Click for details

COE Black History Month Initiative Fund Event: An educational event featuring activities for all ages to celebrate Black History Month. Date: February 2 (1:00 PM – 3:00 PM) Location: City Hall Cost: Free Click for details

Michaels Makebreak: Valentine's Painting: A drop-in craft session for kids to make a Pollock-style painting for Valentine's Day. Date: February 1 (Prior to the week, but materials often available for self-guided use) Location: Participating Michaels stores Cost: Free Click for details

Explore the Muttart Conservatory: Visit the "Prehistoric Paradise" feature pyramid, where kids can see dinosaurs tucked among tropical plants. Date: February 2 – 6 Location: Muttart Conservatory Cost: Paid (Free for children under 2) Click for details

Jurassic World by Brickman: A massive LEGO exhibition featuring life-sized dinosaurs from the Jurassic World franchise. Date: February 2 – 6 Location: TELUS World of Science Cost: Paid Click for details

Edmonton Public Library Kids Program: EPL branches offer various free daily programming for toddlers and school-age children, including Lego clubs and storytimes. Date: February 2 – 6 Location: Various EPL Branches Cost: Free Click for details

Open Jam – hosted by Commercial Allstar Band: An inclusive night for musicians to join on stage and for fans to enjoy live blues and rock without a cover. Date: February 4 (8:00 PM) Location: The Commercial - Blues On Whyte Cost: Free Click for details

THE WILD COMPANY – Live Performance: A free live music night featuring local bands in one of Edmonton's most storied live music venues. Date: February 5 (8:00 PM) Location: The Commercial - Blues On Whyte Cost: Free Click for details

Friday Night Trivia: Gather a team for a fun, competitive night of general knowledge trivia at a local pub. Date: February 6 Location: Various locations Cost: Free to play Click for details

Greta Bar – Arcade and DJ Night: Enjoy retro arcade games and live DJs. Admission is free, though game credits are paid. Date: February 6 Location: Greta Bar YEG Cost: Free admission Click for details

HEADRUSH – Live Performance: High-energy live music to kick off the weekend. Date: February 6 (8:00 PM) Location: The Commercial - Blues On Whyte Cost: Free Click for details

Edmonton Oilers vs. Toronto Maple Leafs: One of the most anticipated home games of the year as the Oilers take on the Leafs. Date: February 3 (6:30 PM) Location: Rogers Place Cost: Paid Click for details

Edmonton Oil Kings vs. Moose Jaw Warriors: Cheer on the city’s WHL team in a fast-paced junior hockey matchup. Date: February 6 (7:00 PM) Location: Rogers Place Cost: Paid (Starting at $24.25) Click for details

Pandas Open – Track & Field: Watch university athletes compete in this major indoor track and field meet. Date: February 6 Location: U of A Butterdome Cost: Check gate prices Click for details

Drop-In Public Skating: Many community rinks offer free drop-in skating times during the weekdays. Date: February 2 – 6 Location: Various Community Rec Centres Cost: Free Click for details

Commonwealth Stadium Free Track Access: During specific weekday hours, the indoor track is often open to the public for walking and running. Date: February 2 – 6 Location: Commonwealth Stadium Cost: Free (Limited hours) Click for details

Edmonton Social Meet Up Group (Ages 18-35): A peer support and social gathering for young adults to connect in a relaxed environment. Date: February 2 (1:00 PM – 3:00 PM) Location: CNIB Edmonton Cost: Free Click for details

First Lego League Kids STEM Program: A group for young minds to learn about robotics and teamwork through LEGO. Date: Ongoing (Check site for specific Feb 2-6 dates) Location: CNIB Edmonton Cost: Free Click for details

Old Time Radio Meetup: Join fellow enthusiasts to listen to and discuss classic radio shows from the past. Date: February 1 (First Sunday – materials shared during week) Location: Online/In-person hybrid Cost: Free Click for details

Chinatown Cultural Destination Meetup: Gatherings focused on supporting Chinatown’s culture and heritage. Date: February 2 – 6 Location: Various spots in Chinatown Cost: Free Click for details

Leisure Centres Open Houses: Attend a free open house to meet others in the community and try out local recreation services. Date: Various dates in February Location: City Community Rec Centres Cost: Free Click for details

8. Food, Drink and Happy Hours🍿🍾

Our Food, Drink, and Happy Hour updates are now in our sister publication - Edmunchie.com - The Delicious newsletter. Go here now.

City Reinstates Photo Radar at High-Collision Intersections to Enhance Transit Safety

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