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Thursday's Buzz: Edmonton's 2026 Budget: Economic Woes vs. Community Investments 🌟💰
Thursday's Buzz: Edmonton's 2026 Budget: Economic Woes vs. Community Investments 🌟💰
Thursday's Buzz: Edmonton's 2026 Budget: Economic Woes vs. Community Investments 🌟💰
"Unlocking Edmonton's future: 2026 budget tackles economic hurdles, boosts community impact! 🌟"
Edmonton Buzz Team :)
Feb 5, 2026
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Trivia Question❓In the 1990s, West Edmonton Mall famously had more of these vessels than the Canadian Navy. What were they? Answer at the bottom of the newsletter |
Happy Thursday! 🥂
In today's issue - Lets review the highlights of the 2026 budget.
Lets get to it.
The Edmonton Buzz Team 🐝 |
Our featured story | ||
In the news this week |
Edmonton City Council has approved a 6.9% property tax increase for 2026, responding to rising inflation and rapid population growth.
This change means homeowners will pay an extra $816 per $100,000 of assessed value, up $53 from last year.
The city’s $3.5 billion operating budget will fund 70 key services, including public transit, snow clearing, and emergency response.
Highlights include $18.7 million for affordable housing, $16.8 million for transit, and $11 million for snow and ice control.
Capital spending is set to rise, with investments in new buses, fire stations, and neighbourhood renewal.
Despite higher taxes, the city notes it has achieved $1.9 billion in internal savings since 2015.
Residents are encouraged to get involved as Edmonton shapes its future amid economic uncertainty and a projected 7.9% unemployment rate in 2026. Read More... |
Today's issue is powered by the good people at our favorite travel company | ||
Take that trip at a discount in 2026! |
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What's happening? | ||
Things to do this weekend |
1. Outdoor and Nature |
Silver Skate Festival: Edmonton's longest-running winter festival. Enjoy free public skating, the Snow Sculpture Garden, and the illuminated Folk Trail. It’s the ultimate celebration of winter sport, art, and culture.
Ice Castles in the Ice District: The magical Ice Castles return to downtown Edmonton. Walk through towering structures of hand-placed icicles, explore ice tunnels, and enjoy frozen slides under LED lights.
Borden Park Sculpture Walk: Take a self-guided nature tour through Borden Park. This historic park features contemporary public art installations and sculptures set against a beautiful winter landscape.
Snow Valley Aerial Park (Snowshoeing): While the climbing structure is seasonal, the surrounding trails offer excellent snowshoeing opportunities. It is a peaceful way to see the Whitemud Creek Ravine in full winter bloom.
Elk Island National Park Stargazing: Just a short drive east of the city, this Beaver Hills Dark Sky Preserve is perfect for viewing the winter constellations or even the Northern Lights if the sky is clear.
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2. Shows & Entertainment 📺 |
Vivaldi’s Four Seasons: The Edmonton Symphony Orchestra performs Vivaldi’s iconic masterpiece. Experience the vivid musical storytelling of the seasons in the stunning Winspear Centre.
Death of a Salesman: The Citadel Theatre presents a striking production of Arthur Miller’s classic play. A gripping exploration of the American Dream, identity, and the fragility of the human spirit.
Shadow Theatre Presents: An Iliad: A modern-day retelling of Homer’s classic, where ancient myth collides with the modern world. This intimate theatrical performance is both haunting and timely.
Lennie Gallant Live: The New Moon Folk Club hosts legendary East Coast songwriter Lennie Gallant. Enjoy an evening of world-class storytelling and folk music in a cozy community setting.
Winter City Weekends – Ice Grooves: A free outdoor DJ party right in the heart of the city. Bring your skates or just dance on the plaza to the latest beats under the city lights.
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3. Arts, Crafts & Culture 🎭 |
Togather: Chinatown Art Festival: A grassroots celebration featuring local art, cultural workshops, and community storytelling. It highlights the rich heritage and artistic future of Edmonton’s Chinatown.
Vietnamese Tết Lunar New Year Festival: Celebrate the Year of the Horse with traditional music, dance performances, and cultural displays. A vibrant event for the whole community to welcome prosperity and luck.
Caribbean Oil Workers Exhibit: In honor of Black History Month, the Royal Alberta Museum presents a special look at the history of Caribbean workers and their impact on building Alberta’s economy.
Winter City Weekends – Swing ‘n Skate: Enjoy live big band music inside City Hall and free skating outside on the plaza. It’s a perfect mix of vintage culture and classic winter fun.
Art Gallery of Alberta – Free Admission Days: Explore three floors of rotating exhibitions featuring local and international artists. The building itself is an architectural marvel worth seeing.
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Edmonton RV Adventure Sale & Show: A massive show that kids actually love! Explore "tiny homes on wheels," enjoy interactive displays, and find gear for your next family camping adventure.
Lunar New Year at West Edmonton Mall: Celebrate the New Year at the world's largest shopping mall with lion dances, marketplace stalls, and cultural performances near the Ice Palace.
Silver Skate "Snow Zone": A dedicated area within the Silver Skate Festival where kids can learn to cross-country ski, try sledge hockey, or participate in the "Barnebirkie" family ski event.
Telus World of Science - Zeidler Dome: Watch immersive planetarium shows or explore the hands-on science galleries. It’s the perfect warm-up spot for families after a morning of outdoor fun.
Edmonton Valley Zoo: Winter is a great time to visit the zoo to see cold-weather animals like the Red Pandas and Arctic Wolves, which are much more active in February than in the summer.
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Dueling Piano Party: A high-energy, all-request rock-and-roll party where the audience picks the playlist. It’s a hilarious and musical night out on Whyte Avenue.
Open Decks at Evolution Wonderlounge: Edmonton's premier 2SLGBTQ+ lounge hosts an open deck night. Come support local emerging DJs and dance the night away in a safe, inclusive space.
Ice Grooves DJ Night: Why go to a club when you can dance under the stars? Local DJs spin tracks while people skate or mingle around fire pits in the heart of downtown.
Drag Queen Bingo: Start your weekend early with a hilarious evening of bingo hosted by some of Edmonton’s most fabulous drag performers.
The Buckingham - Live Punk & Alternative: Known for its vegan food and gritty vibe, The Buck hosts local and touring alternative bands. Great for those looking for a louder, more underground night out.
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Edmonton Oil Kings vs. Moose Jaw Warriors: High-paced WHL junior hockey. It’s a great way to experience the Rogers Place atmosphere at a fraction of the cost of an NHL ticket.
Super Bowl LX Watch Party at River Cree: Catch the biggest game of the year on massive screens with a full buffet, drink specials, and prize giveaways.
Silver Skate Winter Triathlon: Western Canada's oldest winter triathlon. Watch (or register to compete) as athletes run, skate, and cross-country ski through Laurier Park.
Ice Duathlon: A unique winter event combining skating and running. Even if you aren't racing, cheering on the participants at the Silver Skate oval is a local tradition.
Public Skating at City Hall: While not a professional sport, it's the city's most popular athletic pastime. Enjoy the free ice under the glass pyramid of City Hall.
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Sunday Afternoon Board Games: Join the "30s & 40s Social Group" for a relaxed afternoon of gaming and making new friends. A great way to beat the winter blues indoors.
Edmonton Sharing Meetup: A community-focused meetup where people gather to share skills, tools, and conversation. It’s a great place to meet local residents focused on sustainability.
Newcomers to Edmonton Coffee Social: A meetup specifically designed for people who have recently moved to the city. Swap stories about surviving your first winter and get tips on the best local spots.
Saturday Morning Run Club: Join a local running group for a jog through the river valley trails. All fitness levels are usually welcome, followed by coffee at a local cafe.
Edmonton Language Exchange: Practice a new language and meet people from around the world. A casual "mix and mingle" style event held at a local pub or cafe.
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Our Food & Drink, and Happy Hours sections are now featured exclusively in our sister publication Edmunchie.com : Click here
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It's getting cold... | ||
This Week's Weather |
Weekend Forecast: Edmonton, Alberta
This period offers a classic Alberta winter experience. It begins with bright sunshine and transitions into a cozy, snow-filled weekend. Temperatures remain steady and manageable for outdoor activities, provided you dress in layers for the cooler evening periods!
📅 Thursday, February 5, 2026 ☀️ Mainly Sunny High: -4°C | Low: -12°C Summary: A crisp and bright winter day. Excellent visibility for those heading out to evening shows or late-night socials.
📅 Friday, February 6, 2026 ⛅ Partly Cloudy High: -2°C | Low: -9°C Summary: Slightly warmer temperatures arrive just in time for the opening of the Silver Skate Festival. Winds remain light.
📅 Saturday, February 7, 2026 ☁️ Overcast High: -3°C | Low: -8°C Summary: A cloudier day with a slight chance of flurries in the afternoon. Perfect "mood lighting" for exploring the illuminated trails in the river valley.
📅 Sunday, February 8, 2026 ❄️ Light Snow High: -6°C | Low: -11°C Summary: Fresh snow is expected to fall throughout the day, adding a beautiful white layer for the final day of the outdoor festivities.
Source: The Weather Network - Edmonton |
In coming... | ||
Related stories from Edmonton Scoop |
💡 Answer to Trivia Question:
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