Edmonton Buzz
Archives
Monday's Buzz: "Edmonton Fuel Tax Drama: Suspensions Shake Up Alberta!"


Subscribe
Monday's Buzz: "Edmonton Fuel Tax Drama: Suspensions Shake Up Alberta!"

Edmonton Buzz
Archives
Monday's Buzz: "Edmonton Fuel Tax Drama: Suspensions Shake Up Alberta!"

Edmonton Buzz Team :)
Apr 20, 2026
Rather read from our website? Click here |
Trivia Question❓Which Edmonton bridge is the first in North America to be built using a "curved extradosed" cable-stayed design? Answer at the bottom of the newsletter |
Happy Monday! 🥂
A couple interesting fuel related stories going round in the city over the weekend. We highlight the Fuel tax suspension as this may have future impact for most of us.
Lets get to it!
The Edmonton Buzz Team 🐝 |
Our featured story | ||
In the news this week |
Alberta's fuel tax policy remains unchanged as the province maintains its current structure despite fluctuating oil prices and pressure from local businesses.
The province’s fuel tax relief program is triggered only if West Texas Intermediate oil averages at least $90 USD a barrel, but recent calculations fell short. This means the full 13-cent per litre tax stays in place until at least July 1.
Finance Minister Nate Horner stressed stability and adherence to the established formula, aiming to balance provincial revenue with relief for residents.
However, groups like the Canadian Federation of Independent Business and the Canadian Taxpayers Federation are urging immediate tax relief, arguing that consistently high fuel costs are impacting small businesses and commuters in Edmonton and across Alberta.
Recent federal moves to suspend fuel taxes have added pressure, especially as Edmonton faces a new 6.9% property tax hike, intensifying concerns over the growing cost of living.
Local business owners warn ongoing fuel taxes could mean higher prices for consumers and greater strain on the city’s economy. 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 |
Birding at Elk Island National Park: Explore over 80 km of trails in this nearby national park, which offers prime opportunities to spot bison and migrating spring birds. Date: April 20 – 24, 2026 Location: Elk Island National Park Cost: Free (Park entry fees apply)
Muttart Conservatory Tropical Escape: Experience the majestic botanical gardens inside the iconic pyramids, a perfect way to enjoy lush greenery while spring weather transitions. Date: April 20 – 24, 2026 Location: 9626 96a St NW Cost: $14.95
River Valley Trail Walks: Edmonton boasts the largest urban parkland in North America. April is the perfect time to witness the spring "green-up" along the North Saskatchewan River. Date: April 20 – 24, 2026 Location: Various River Valley Access Points Cost: Free Stargazing at the Beaver Hills Dark Sky Preserve: As the nights stay relatively clear before the May rains, this preserve offers unparalleled views of the spring constellations. Date: April 21 – 22, 2026 Location: Cooking Lake-Blackfoot Provincial Recreation Area Cost: Free
University of Alberta Botanic Garden Early Season Walk: Walk through the Kurimoto Japanese Garden as the first blossoms of the season begin to emerge. Date: April 20 – 24, 2026 Location: 51227 AB-60, Spruce Grove Cost: $19.00 Click for details |
2. Shows & Entertainment 📺 |
Diana Krall Live: The world-renowned jazz pianist and singer performs an intimate and sophisticated set at the Jubilee. Date: April 20, 2026 Location: Northern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium Cost: Starting at $75.00
The Sheepdogs - Out All Night Tour: A night of classic rock-inspired grooves and harmony-heavy tracks from one of Canada’s most beloved touring bands. Date: April 20, 2026 Location: Winspear Centre Cost: Starting at $45.00
Thursday Night Improv: A high-energy, unscripted comedy show where local performers create scenes based entirely on audience suggestions. Date: April 23, 2026 Location: Grindstone Theatre Cost: $15.00 Lorna Shore Global Tour: For fans of heavier music, Lorna Shore brings their explosive world tour to the Convention Centre for a high-intensity performance. Date: April 24, 2026 Location: Edmonton Convention Centre Cost: Starting at $65.00 Free Open Mic Comedy: Witness the next generation of Edmonton’s comedic talent as they test out new material in a casual, supportive setting. Date: April 21, 2026 Location: Various Venues (Check link) Cost: Free |
3. Arts, Crafts & Culture 🎭 |
Edmonton Music & Speech Arts Festival: One of North America's largest competitive festivals, showcasing thousands of performances by local music and drama students. Date: April 20 – 24, 2026 Location: Various Venues (Old Strathcona) Cost: Free admission for public sessions Wayfinders: A Constellation of Women Artists: An exhibition featuring a diverse group of female artists exploring themes of navigation, identity, and place. Date: April 20 – 24, 2026 Location: Various Downtown Galleries Cost: Free
Shumka: Back to Our Roots: A world-class dance performance celebrating the artistry and movement of Ukrainian culture through contemporary and traditional styles. Date: April 23 – 24, 2026 Location: Northern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium Cost: Starting at $35.00 L-ART-T Pop-ups: Interactive art activities and spoken word performances taking over various LRT stations across the city. Date: April 20 – 24, 2026 Location: Various LRT Stations Cost: Free
Fix, Fire, Forge Exhibit: An exploration of Alberta's unseen craft history, highlighting the industrial and artistic beauty of metal and woodwork. Date: April 24, 2026 Location: Alberta Craft Council Cost: Free |
|
Wild Rose Carnival at Riverview Crossing: A classic family-owned midway featuring rides, carnival games, and traditional fair treats. Date: April 20 – 24, 2026 Location: Riverview Crossing Cost: Free Admission (Rides are extra)
Telus World of Science Trivia Night: A family-friendly trivia event held at the science center's restaurant, designed for all ages to compete. Date: April 24, 2026 (7:00 PM) Location: 11211 142 St NW Cost: Free
"Death: Life’s Greatest Mystery" Exhibit: An interactive and thought-provoking exhibit at the Royal Alberta Museum that explores how different cultures approach the mystery of life and death. Date: April 20 – 24, 2026 Location: Royal Alberta Museum Cost: Included with Museum Admission
Salisbury Farmers Market: Take the kids to browse local goods and enjoy fresh-made snacks at this community-focused market. Date: April 23, 2026 Location: Salisbury Greenhouse Cost: Free entry
Edmonton Public Library Makerspace: A great spot for kids to explore 3D printing, sound recording, and creative tech for free during after-school hours. Date: April 20 – 24, 2026 Location: Stanley A. Milner Library Cost: Free |
|
House of Hush Burlesque: Marathon(g): A glamorous and high-energy stage performance blending comedy, dance, and burlesque storytelling. Date: April 24, 2026 Location: Varscona Theatre Cost: $35.00
Latin Dance Party: A lively evening of salsa, bachata, and merengue with introductory lessons for beginners. Date: April 24, 2026 Location: Cosmopolitan Music Society Cost: $20.00 Alt After Dark Night Market: A unique night market featuring over 35 alternative vendors, live music, and door prizes in a vibrant atmosphere. Date: April 24, 2026 Location: Old Strathcona Performing Arts Center Cost: Free entry
The Buckingham Karaoke Nights: Belt out your favorite hits at one of Edmonton’s most legendary alternative dive bars. Date: April 24, 2026 Location: 10439 82 Ave NW Cost: Free entry ChocoFest Night Market: A late-night celebration of all things chocolate, featuring 28 diverse vendors and interactive tastings. Date: April 24, 2026 Location: Millennium Place (Sherwood Park) Cost: $16.00 |
|
NHL Playoffs: Oilers vs. Ducks (Game 1): The quest for the Stanley Cup begins at Rogers Place. Join the sea of blue and orange. Date: April 20, 2026 Location: Rogers Place Cost: Free (Moss Pit/Outdoor Fan Park)
NHL Playoffs: Oilers vs. Ducks (Game 2): The series continues at home before the team heads to California. Date: April 22, 2026 Location: Rogers Place Cost: Free (Moss Pit/Outdoor Fan Park) Edmonton Riverhawks Open Training: Catch a glimpse of the baseball team preparing for their upcoming summer season at RE/MAX Field. Date: April 23, 2026 Location: RE/MAX Field Cost: Free to watch from concourse areas
Drop-in Badminton & Table Tennis: Keep active during the week with community-led drop-in sports sessions for all skill levels. Date: April 21, 2026 Location: Saville Community Sports Centre Cost: $10.00
Oilers Away Game Viewing Party: While the team is in Anaheim for Game 3, fans gather at the Fan Park for a massive outdoor screen experience. Date: April 24, 2026 Location: ICE District Fan Park Cost: Free |
|
ERIN Member Monday: A gathering for entrepreneurs and innovators to network and discuss the latest in the local tech ecosystem. Date: April 20, 2026 Location: Zoom/Online Cost: Free
Community Coffee: A weekly casual meetup for creators and business owners to connect over coffee and fresh ideas. Date: April 22, 2026 Location: Edmonton Unlimited (Downtown) Cost: Free AI for Small Business Workshop: A focused meetup discussing practical AI applications for local business owners. Date: April 23, 2026 Location: Online Cost: Free Pitch Up! Scale Up: Watch local entrepreneurs pitch their business ideas to a panel of experts and community members. Date: April 24, 2026 Location: Alberta RINs (Online/Hybrid) Cost: Free
Edmonton Poetry Festival Open Mic: A community gathering where local writers share their latest work and connect with fellow literature lovers. Date: April 20, 2026 Location: Various Venues Cost: Free |
|
Our Food & Drink, and Happy Hours sections are now featured exclusively in our sister publication Edmunchie.com : Click here to read it
|
It's getting cold... | ||
This Week's Weather |
Weather Forecast: April 20 to 24, 2026
The week starts with beautiful, unseasonably warm spring weather, perfect for the Oilers' playoff openers. However, a significant shift occurs mid-week as a cold front brings rain and a return to freezing overnight temperatures.
📅 Monday, April 20, 2026 ☀️ Mainly Sunny High: 19°C | Low: 6°C
📅 Tuesday, April 21, 2026 🌥️ Mix of Sun and Clouds High: 15°C | Low: 2°C
📅 Wednesday, April 22, 2026 🌧️ Rain (Significant) High: 6°C | Low: -2°C
📅 Thursday, April 23, 2026 ☁️ Overcast with Flurries High: 7°C | Low: -3°C
📅 Friday, April 24, 2026 ⛅ Partly Cloudy High: 5°C | Low: -2°C
Source: The Weather Network |
In coming... | ||
Related stories from Edmonton Scoop |
💡 Answer to Trivia Question: The Tawatina Bridge (the LRT bridge connecting downtown to Strathearn). |
Finally, this newsletter stays free thanks to local support. If ever you want to support our work with a small donation, click this LINK to do so. If you are a business who wishes to sponsor, just hit 'Reply' and let us know.
Thank you! |