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Monday's Scoop: Edmonton Homeowners Furious Over 6.9% Property Tax Increase - What's Coming Next?
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Monday's Scoop: Edmonton Homeowners Furious Over 6.9% Property Tax Increase - What's Coming Next?
Edmonton Buzz Team :)
Dec 8, 2025
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Trivia QuestionâWhat type of bear, found in Alberta's mountains, is actually a color phase of black bears? Answer at the bottom of the newsletter |
Happy Monday!
This week's issue is loaded with lots of things to do. đĽł
Today we have a big story... Yup - 2026 will see a Property tax hike!
Here we go!
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The big story...! | ||
In the news this week |
Edmonton City Council has approved a 6.9 per cent property tax increase for 2026, following an intense four-day budget debate at City Hall.
The hike, passed by an 11-2 vote, means the average homeowner will pay about $245 more next year, compounding strain amid inflation and rising living costs.
Council cited several factors for the increase, including runaway inflation, rapid population growth, and the need to replenish financial reserves.
Controversial new spending â such as ongoing funding for Explore Edmonton and more peace officers â pushed the property tax higher than anticipated.
Dissenting councillors and business advocates criticized Council for not making deeper spending cuts, warning the tax hike will worsen affordability for residents and make the city less attractive to small businesses.
Looking ahead, City leaders admit structural deficits remain, foreshadowing more tough choices when planning the next budget cycle. Read More... |
Supporting local! | ||
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What's happening? | ||
Things to do this week |
1. Outdoor and Natuređ˛ |
Candy Cane Lane: Experience over 50 years of holiday tradition with spectacular outdoor light displays in Edmonton's Crestwood neighbourhood. Walk or drive through streets transformed by festive decorations created by residents. Date: December 12, 2025 â January 2, 2026 Location: 148th Street from 99th to 92nd Avenue, Edmonton Cost: Free admission Click for details
Zoominescence at Edmonton Valley Zoo: A spectacular winter festival featuring artistic light installations, custom local art pieces, and magical animal-themed displays set within the unique outdoor setting of the Edmonton Valley Zoo. Date: December 5, 2025 â January 4, 2026 (ongoing this week) Location: Edmonton Valley Zoo, 13315 Buena Vista Road NW Cost: Ticket prices vary Click for details
Canadian Tire Magic of Lights: Drive through 2.5 kilometres of dazzling LED displays featuring over 2 million twinkling lights, including a 200-foot tunnel of lights and animated holiday themes. Date: November 20, 2025 â January 3, 2026 (ongoing this week) Location: RAD Torque Raceway, 50342 Range Road 253, Leduc County Cost: Pass prices vary Click for details
River Valley Winter Activities: Explore Edmonton's extensive river valley park system with winter hiking, snowshoeing, and outdoor picnic sites. Emily Murphy Park and Rundle Park offer playground areas and skating paths (weather permitting). Date: Ongoing daily Location: Various River Valley locations Cost: Free admission Click for details
Muttart Conservatory Winter Gardens: Stroll through four glass pyramids featuring different climate environments, currently decorated with seasonal holiday displays, lights, and festive decor. A warm botanical escape from winter weather. Date: Open weekends 10 AM â 5 PM Location: 9626 96A Street NW Cost: $14.95 adult admission Click for details |
2. Shows & Entertainment đş đ |
CAN vs. USA Rivalry Series (Women's Hockey): Watch Canada's National Women's Hockey Team face off against Team USA in the final games before the 2026 Winter Olympics. High-energy elite hockey at its finest! Date: December 10 & 13, 2025 Location: Rogers Place, 10220 104th Avenue NW Cost: Tickets start at $50 Click for details
Star Wars VI: Return of the Jedi in Concert: Experience the iconic 1983 film on the big screen while the 78-piece FILMharmonique Orchestra performs John Williams' legendary score live! Date: December 12-13, 2025, 7:30 PM Location: Northern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium, 11455 87th Avenue NW Cost: Ticket prices vary Click for details
Hotel Mira Live Concert: Catch this rising indie rock band live at Midway Music Hall during their Pity Party North American Tour. Date: December 11, 2025 Location: Midway Music Hall Cost: Ticket prices vary Click for details
Sun Kil Moon with Special Guests: Intimate evening with acclaimed singer-songwriter Mark Kozelek performing at the Starlite Room. Date: December 11, 2025, 8:00 PM Location: The Starlite Room Cost: Ticket prices vary Click for details
A Christmas Carol at Citadel Theatre: David van Belle's beloved adaptation returns with nostalgic 1950s setting, featuring classic songs like "I'll Be Home for Christmas" and "White Christmas." Date: November 22 â December 24, 2025 (ongoing this week) Location: Citadel Theatre, 9828 101A Avenue NW Cost: Ticket prices vary Click for details |
3. Arts, Crafts & Culture đ¨ |
Edmonton Christmas Market: Three weeks of curated artisan showcases, glowing market huts, live performances, chef-driven culinary events, and festive workshops at the historic Fort Edmonton Park. Date: November 29 â December 21, 2025 (ongoing this week) Location: Fort Edmonton Park, 7000 143rd Street NW Cost: Starts at $20.95 Click for details
Art-O-Rama 2025: Affordable, original small-format artworks in various media including painting, sculpture, drawing, printmaking, photography, ceramics, and jewelry by leading and emerging artists. Date: December 6-13, 2025, 10 AM â 7 PM Location: Harcourt House Cost: Free entry Click for details
Fire's Burning Exhibition: Explore humanity's complex relationship with fire through works from the Art Gallery of Alberta's permanent collection, examining fire's power to create, transform, and destroy. Date: June 21, 2025 â January 4, 2026 (ongoing this week) Location: Art Gallery of Alberta, 2 Sir Winston Churchill Square NW Cost: $13.33 adult admission Click for details
Nabe Gduzahan: The Work of Eugene Alexis: Vibrant paintings celebrating the heritage and strength of the Stoney Nakota people, featuring dynamic colors, intricate details, and narratives of pride and resilience. Date: October 25, 2025 â January 25, 2026 (ongoing this week) Location: Art Gallery of Alberta, 2 Sir Winston Churchill Square NW Cost: $13.33 adult admission Click for details
Holiday Magic at City Hall: Free choral and handbell performances by Edmonton school choirs in the beautiful City Hall atrium. Date: December 2-5, 2025, 11 AM â 2 PM (ends this week) Location: Edmonton City Hall Cost: Free admission Click for details |
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Glow Edmonton: Over 100,000 square feet of indoor family fun with millions of twinkling lights, the Enchanted Forest, interactive displays, live shows, Santa visits, and the Merry Makers Market. Date: December 4-31, 2025, 4 PM â 9 PM (ongoing this week) Location: Edmonton EXPO Centre, 7515 118th Avenue NW Cost: Starts at $23.99 for adults Click for details
Santa Claus at the Muttart: Santa visits the Winter Wonderland feature pyramid at the Muttart Conservatory! Kids can meet Santa surrounded by beautiful botanical displays. Date: December 3-21, 2025 (ongoing this week, check website for specific times) Location: Muttart Conservatory, 9626 96A Street NW Cost: Regular admission ($14.95 adult) Click for details
Telus World of Science: Experience IMAX screenings, navigate through interactive mazes, try awesome games and challenges, and explore the planetarium with Laser Floyd and Laser Taylor Swift shows. Date: Open daily except Mondays, 9 AM â 5 PM Location: 11211 142nd Street NW Cost: $24.95 general adult admission Click for details
A Kidsmas Carol: A delightful, family-friendly twist on the holiday classic where kids are invited to join the fun interactively and help discover the true spirit of Christmas. Date: November 29 â December 14, 2025, 1:00 PM (ongoing this week) Location: Capitol Theatre Cost: Ticket prices vary Click for details
World Waterpark at West Edmonton Mall: North America's largest indoor waterpark with massive slides, wave pool, and tropical atmosphere perfect for a winter escape! Date: Open daily (hours vary) Location: West Edmonton Mall, 8882 170th Street NW Cost: Ticket prices vary Click for details |
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University Pub Trivia Night: Many bars near the U of A and MacEwan campuses host free weekly trivia nights. Gather a team, test your knowledge, and win bragging rights and small prizes.
The Jingle Bar: Edmonton's most magical Christmas pop-up bar featuring twinkling lights, festive cocktails, and holiday-themed entertainment in a dazzling seasonal atmosphere. Date: December 3-21, 2025 (ongoing this week, times vary) Location: The Creative Hive Cost: Free entry (drinks priced separately) Click for details
NGHTMRE at Union Hall: High-energy electronic dance music performance by acclaimed DJ and producer NGHTMRE. Date: December 6, 2025 (just ended but checking for upcoming shows) Location: Union Hall Cost: Ticket prices vary Click for details
Trivecta at Union Hall: Electronic music experience with melodic bass and progressive sounds from rising EDM artist Trivecta. Date: December 13, 2025 Location: Union Hall Cost: Ticket prices vary Click for details
Live Music at Starlite Room: Multiple live music acts throughout the week in an intimate venue setting, featuring various genres from indie to alternative rock. Date: Various dates December 8-12 Location: The Starlite Room Cost: Varies by show Click for details
Late Night Happy Hour at Downtown Venues: Various downtown restaurants and bars offering late-night happy hour specials including Earls, Cactus Club, Joey, and Blanco starting at 9 PM. Date: Daily throughout the week Location: Multiple downtown locations Cost: Varies by venue Click for details |
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Edmonton Oilers vs. Buffalo Sabres: Catch the high-flying Oilers in NHL action at Rogers Place! Connor McDavid and the team take on the Buffalo Sabres. Date: Tuesday, December 9, 2025, 7:00 PM Location: Rogers Place, 10220 104th Avenue NW Cost: $100-$300 average Click for details
Edmonton Oilers vs. Detroit Red Wings: Another exciting home game as the Oilers face off against the Detroit Red Wings. Date: Wednesday, December 11, 2025, 7:00 PM Location: Rogers Place, 10220 104th Avenue NW Cost: $100-$300 average Click for details
CAN vs. USA Women's Hockey Rivalry Series: Watch elite women's hockey as Canada faces Team USA in games that will determine Olympic momentum heading into 2026. Date: December 10 & 13, 2025, 7:00 PM Location: Rogers Place, 10220 104th Avenue NW Cost: Starting at $50 Click for details
Edmonton Oil Kings vs. Prince Albert Raiders: Western Hockey League action featuring Edmonton's junior hockey team in an exciting matchup. Date: December 7, 2025 (recently passed) Location: Rogers Place, 10220 104th Avenue NW Cost: Tickets vary Click for details
Free Public Skating: Lace up and hit the ice at various free outdoor skating rinks across Edmonton, including community league rinks and the Victoria Park Ice Way (weather permitting). Date: Daily throughout winter Location: Various Edmonton locations Cost: Free Click for details
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FP Walk in Downtown Edmonton: Join a friendly walking group for a stroll on both sides of the North Saskatchewan River. Great way to meet people and stay active! Date: Monday, December 8, 2025, 9:30 AM Location: Downtown Edmonton (meeting point specified on Meetup) Cost: Free Click for details
Languages and Beer Meetup: Practice foreign languages in a casual bar setting. Sign up indicating which language(s) you'd like to practice and your native language. Date: Friday, December 12, 2025, 7:00 PM Location: Various bars (check Meetup for location) Cost: Free (drinks at own expense) Click for details
MPI Member Meet Up: Meeting Professionals International networking event for event planners and industry professionals in a casual drop-in format. Date: Wednesday, December 10, 2025, 6:00-8:00 PM Location: Square 1 Coffee Cost: Free for members Click for details
Let's Learn MCP | Model Context Protocol: Developer and tech meetup exploring Model Context Protocol. Great for networking with Edmonton's tech community. Date: Sunday, December 8, 2025 Location: Check dev.events for venue Cost: Free Click for details
Coffee & Connections for Singles: Casual, pressure-free environment for Edmonton singles (30s-60s) who appreciate the art of conversation over coffee. Date: Various dates (check Meetup for specific December dates) Location: Various coffee shops Cost: Free (coffee at own expense) Click for details |
8. Food, Drink and Happy Hoursđżđž |
Our Food, Drink, and Happy Hour updates are now in our sister publication - Edmunchie.com - The Delicious newsletter. Go here now. |
In coming... | ||
This Week's Weather |
5-Day Daily Weather Forecast
đ Monday, December 8, 2025 đĽď¸ Mix of Sun and Clouds High: -9°C | Low: -13°C Summary: The week starts with a mix of sun and clouds and relatively milder temperatures, though conditions will turn increasingly cold overnight as a system of moderate snow begins to move in.
đ Tuesday, December 9, 2025 âď¸ Scattered Flurries High: -13°C | Low: -17°C Summary: A significant drop in temperature is expected today, officially ushering in the deep cold. Scattered flurries will persist throughout the day under cloudy skies.
đ Wednesday, December 10, 2025 đ¨ď¸ Flurries High: -11°C | Low: -20°C Summary: Expect a day dominated by cold and continuous flurries, with temperatures barely reaching -19°C. Overnight lows will plunge to the lowest point of the period, requiring extra layers.
đ Thursday, December 11, 2025 𼜠A Few Flurries High: -20°C | Low: -29°C Summary: This will be the coldest day of the work week, with extremely frigid conditions and highs barely above the overnight low. Isolated flurries are expected, but the primary concern is the bone-chilling cold.
đ Friday, December 12, 2025 âď¸ Snow High: -23°C | Low: -27°C Summary: A major snowfall event is forecast to close out the week. Expect continuous snow, with potential for heavy accumulation throughout the day and night, keeping temperatures stable but deeply cold. source: weather.gc.ca |
Also.. | ||
Related stories from Edmonton Scoop |
đĄ Answer to Trivia Question: Glacier bears (or blue bears) |
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