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"Radical Changes: Alberta's Budget Overhauls Edmonton Education"


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Edmonton Buzz
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"Radical Changes: Alberta's Budget Overhauls Edmonton Education"

Edmonton Buzz Team :)
Jun 1, 2026
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Trivia Question❓A full-scale replica of which famous historical ship can be found floating in the mall’s Deep Sea Adventure Lake? Answer at the bottom of the newsletter |
Happy Monday! 🥂
Alberta’s Budget 2026 brings major changes to Edmonton’s education system, unveiling plans for 10 new school projects and a cutting-edge skills training facility.
Lets get to the story!
The Edmonton Buzz Team 🐝 |
Our featured story | ||
In the news this week |
The provincial government is funding eight new and two replacement schools, spread across Edmonton Public, Edmonton Catholic, and francophone divisions.
These projects will add or refurbish more than 8,400 student spaces, giving families better access to modern classrooms close to home.
Highlights include brand-new schools in Aster, River’s Edge, Stillwater, Crystallina Nera, Kirkness, and Glenridding Heights, plus replacement projects like St. Alphonsus and École Jean-Claude Mahé.
The province is also committing $384 million for the new Advanced Skills Centre at NAIT.
This state-of-the-art NAIT facility will expand training for 5,500 apprentices yearly in key trades, with construction starting this spring and opening expected in 2030.
These moves aim to equip Edmonton students and apprentices for future career success. Read More... |
Today's issue is powered by the good people at our favorite travel company | ||
Take that trip at a discount in 2026! |
What's happening? | ||
Things to do this week |
1. Outdoor and Nature |
Forest Bathing in Twin Brooks: A guided session focused on slowing down and connecting with Edmonton's urban forest through mindful movement and sensory experience. Run by the City of Edmonton's Community Forestry Program — no experience required. Date: Tuesday, June 2, 2026 Location: Twin Brooks District and Nature Park — 1510 119th St. NW Cost: Free Click for details Salsa in the Square: Free weekly Latin dance classes in Churchill Square run by ETOWN SALSA and the Edmonton Arts Council. From 6 to 8 p.m. you'll pick up basic salsa, bachata, and more in a casual outdoor setting. Beginners welcome. Date: Wednesday, June 3, 2026 (runs every Wednesday until June 24) Location: Sir Winston Churchill Square, Downtown Cost: Free Click for details 124 Grand Market (Thursday Edition): The weekly Thursday outdoor farmers market on 124th Street with local produce, artisan food, handmade goods, and vendors from across the city. Date: Thursday, June 4, 2026 — 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM Location: 108th Avenue and 124th Street Cost: Free admission Click for details Jasper Place Arts Festival: A full day of free outdoor music, movement, collaborative art-making, and community activities on the west side of the city. Now in its third year, this neighbourhood festival draws local artists and performers across multiple genres. Date: Saturday, June 6, 2026 Location: Jasper Place area, West Edmonton Cost: Free Click for details Edmonton River Valley — Hawrelak Park: With Hawrelak Park newly reopened after its $134M rehabilitation, this is a great week to explore the paved lakefront promenade, new playground, multi-use trails, and lakeside restaurant before summer crowds arrive. Drop in anytime. Date: All week, June 2–6, 2026 Location: William Hawrelak Park — 9330 Groat Rd. NW Cost: Free Click for details |
2. Shows & Entertainment 📺 |
Superheaven with Modern Color: Indie/alternative rock show at one of Edmonton's best mid-size music venues. A good pick for fans of heavier guitar-driven sounds. Date: Thursday, June 4, 2026 — 6:30 PM Location: Midway Music Hall, Downtown Cost: Ticketed Click for details Carolyn Dawn Johnson: Country artist and Juno Award winner performs live at Casino Yellowhead. A Friday night out for fans of classic Canadian country. Date: Friday, June 5, 2026 — 8:00 PM Location: Casino Yellowhead, Edmonton Cost: Ticketed Click for details Raffi in Concert: The legendary Canadian children's entertainer brings his live show to the Jubilee Auditorium. Best suited for kids old enough to sing and clap along — a genuine event for families. Date: Saturday, June 6 and Sunday, June 7, 2026 Location: Northern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium, 11455 87 Ave. NW Cost: Ticketed Click for details High Level Bridge Streetcar — Cask Series: Hop aboard Edmonton's historic streetcar for a scenic ride while sampling exclusive small-batch Alberta craft brews made specifically for these runs. Two departures every Thursday evening. Date: Thursday, June 4, 2026 — 6:00 PM and 7:20 PM Location: 10910 100th Ave. NW (High Level Bridge Streetcar stop) Cost: $63.10+ Click for details Travelling Amusement Park at Bonnie Doon Centre: Canada's largest travelling amusement park rolls into Edmonton for the week, with rides for kids and adults, midway games, and food vendors. Date: Thursday, June 4 – Sunday, June 7, 2026 Location: Bonnie Doon Centre — 8330 82nd Ave. NW Cost: Various (ride tickets purchased on-site) Click for details |
3. Arts, Crafts & Culture 🎭 |
Vietnamese Art & Heritage Exhibit — Where We Came From: Running through June 6, this exhibit by Chúng Ta Cùng Nhau Vietnamese-Edmonton Cultural Society explores Vietnamese art, identity, and culture. Drop-in viewing during gallery hours. Date: Through Saturday, June 6, 2026 Location: Bowladrome Gallery at ArtsHub Creative Studios, Edmonton Cost: Free Click for details
Art and Language Meetups for Newcomers — Art Gallery of Alberta: The AGA's ongoing series pairs Canadian art and conversation to help newcomers build community and cultural connection. A welcoming, low-key gallery experience. Date: Ongoing — check AGA calendar for June dates Location: Art Gallery of Alberta, 2 Sir Winston Churchill Square Cost: Free (check AGA for registration) Click for details
Children's Makerspace Drop-In: Kids and families can tinker with a loose-parts wall, use a green screen, try a DIY DJ booth, learn to code a robot, and explore 3D design. No registration needed. Date: Ongoing drop-in hours through June Location: Stanley A. Milner Library, Downtown Cost: Free Click for details
Riser New Works Festival — Fringe Theatre Arts Barns: New short works by Edmonton playwrights and theatre creators in an intimate festival format. Date: Wrapping up — check Fringe for remaining dates Location: Fringe Theatre Arts Barns, Old Strathcona Cost: Ticketed (typically low cost) Click for details
Butterfly Feeder Workshop: Kids make their own butterfly feeder to take home and set up for summer. On-site experts on hand to help. A quiet, creative Saturday afternoon activity. Date: Saturday, June 6, 2026 Location: Check Edmonton.family for venue details Cost: Free Click for details |
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Dogs! A Science Tail Exhibition: An interactive feature exhibition where kids discover how dogs see, hear, and experience the world. Running all summer — good for a rainy weekday. Date: All week, June 2–6 (runs May 2 – September 7, 2026) Location: Check Explore Edmonton for venue Cost: Included with admission Click for details
Fire Station Open Houses 2026: Edmonton firefighters open fire hall doors to families for behind-the-scenes tours with fire trucks, rescue equipment, and live demonstrations. Check the city website for which stations are open this week. Date: Various dates throughout 2026 Location: Various Edmonton fire stations Cost: Free Click for details
Free Recreational Swim Fridays: Free drop-in swimming at select Edmonton leisure centres every Friday. No registration required — show up early as these fill fast. Slides, rope swing, diving board, and pool toys included. Date: Friday, June 5, 2026 Location: Select Edmonton recreation centres Cost: Free Click for details
Toonie Swim — Eastglen Leisure Centre: Budget-friendly drop-in swim for $2 per person on Friday and Saturday. Date: Friday, June 5, 2026 Location: Eastglen Leisure Centre, Edmonton Cost: $2 per person Click for details
Alberta Legislature Free Family Tours: Drop in and explore the Legislative Assembly Centre with family-friendly activities and interactive history programming. No booking required for general tours. Date: All week, June 2–6, 2026 Location: Alberta Legislature Building, Downtown Cost: Free Click for details |
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DRIVEN Aftermarket Car Show — West Edmonton Mall: A coast-to-coast car culture showcase featuring aftermarket and custom vehicles, vendors, and the broader Edmonton car scene. Date: Saturday, June 6, 2026 Location: West Edmonton Mall Cost: Check event page Click for details
Pride Month Bar Events: June is Pride Month in Edmonton, and venues across the city are hosting drag brunches, DJ sets, live music, and vendor markets throughout the month. Check Churchill Square and local bar listings for this week's schedule. Date: Ongoing throughout June 2026 Location: Various downtown venues and Churchill Square Cost: Free and ticketed options Click for details
Farm Rave Pre-Party: A bass-driven, community-focused night out connecting Edmonton's electronic music scene ahead of a larger farm event. Dress up encouraged. Date: Friday, June 5 – Saturday, June 6, 2026 (10 PM – 2 AM) Location: Check Edmonton.events for venue Cost: Ticketed Click for details
JB's Friday Night Drags — Century Mile Racetrack: Street-legal drag racing every Friday night. Whether you're a fan or just looking for something different, food vendors are on site. Date: Friday, June 5, 2026 Location: Century Mile Racetrack, Nisku (near Edmonton) Cost: Check with venue Click for details
Starlite Room / Midway Regular Programming: Both venues have shows running through the week. Check their listings for Thursday and Friday night acts. Date: Thursday–Saturday, June 4–6, 2026 Location: Starlite Room / Midway Music Hall, Downtown Cost: Varies by show Click for details |
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Edmonton Riverhawks Home Games: The Riverhawks are deep into their home schedule at RE/MAX Field. Weeknight games start at 7:05 PM. Thursday is Thirsty Thursday; Friday is Fireworks Friday. Date: Tuesday–Friday, June 2–5, 2026 — 7:05 PM Location: RE/MAX Field, 10233 96 Ave. NW Cost: Ticketed (starting around $22) Click for details
Edmonton Elks — CFL Season Opener: The Elks open their 2026 regular season on the road against the Ottawa Redblacks. Catch it on TSN or head to a local sports bar with fellow Elks fans. Date: Saturday, June 6, 2026 — 5:00 PM MDT Location: TD Place Stadium, Ottawa (broadcast on TSN) Cost: Watch on TSN or at local bars Click for details
Canada Soccer Men's National Team — Highlights: Canada's men's team played an international friendly at Commonwealth Stadium on June 1 as part of their Road to 2026 FIFA World Cup preparations. Highlights and coverage available all week. Date: Highlights available all week Location: Broadcast/streaming Cost: Free (online) Click for details
Community League Drop-In Sports: Edmonton community leagues and rec centres are ramping up spring programming. Check your local centre for drop-in basketball, volleyball, and swimming this week. Date: All week, June 2–6, 2026 Location: Various Edmonton community recreation centres Cost: Free (check individual centres) Click for details |
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Reading Between the Barcode Lines - Food Politics Book Club: A book club at Magpie Books focused on food politics. Good spot to meet like-minded people and dig into where food systems meet culture and policy. Date: Monday, May 25, 2026 at 7:00 PM Location: Magpie Books, Edmonton Cost: Free Click for details
YEG Dancer - Weekly Dance Events: This ongoing Meetup group organizes Salsa, Bachata, Kizomba, Brazilian Zouk, West Coast Swing, and Ballroom events throughout the week across Edmonton. Date: Various dates - check Meetup.com for this week's schedule Location: Various Edmonton venues Cost: Varies Click for details
Meet, Mix & Mingle – Speed Dating YEG: Edmonton's recurring speed dating event brings together singles in different age brackets at various venues around the city. Check Meetup for whether an event falls this week. Date: Check Meetup.com for upcoming dates Location: Various Edmonton venues Cost: Check event listing Click for details |
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Our Food & Drink, and Happy Hours sections are now featured exclusively in our sister publication Edmunchie.com : Click here to read it
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It's getting cold... | ||
This Week's Weather |
🌤️ Edmonton Weather Forecast: June 2–6, 2026
It's a soggy start to the week - Environment Canada has a rain warning in effect through Wednesday with 50–100mm expected and gusty winds hanging around. Things improve noticeably by mid-week, with temperatures climbing into the mid-to-upper teens by Thursday and Friday as the system moves out. Plan indoor activities early in the week and save outdoor plans for the back half.
📅 Monday, June 1, 2026 🌧️ Rain / Showers 🌡️ High: 10°C | Low: 5°C
📅 Tuesday, June 2, 2026 🌧️ Rain / Showers 🌡️ High: 10°C | Low: 5°C
📅 Wednesday, June 3, 2026 🌦️ Chance of Showers, Clearing 🌡️ High: 15°C | Low: 7°C
📅 Thursday, June 4, 2026 🌤️ Partly Cloudy 🌡️ High: 18°C | Low: 8°C
📅 Friday, June 5, 2026 ⛅ Mostly Cloudy, Mild 🌡️ High: 19°C | Low: 9°C
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In coming... | ||
Related stories from Edmonton Scoop |
💡 Answer to Trivia Question: The Santa Maria (Christopher Columbus's flagship) |
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