In this Urban Brief Edmonton Edition…
Ottawa Just Handed Alberta The Keys And It Could Change Everything For Edmonton's Economy
For years Alberta has been fighting Ottawa over who gets to approve major projects. Today, Alberta won.
⚡ The moment: Prime Minister Mark Carney and Premier Danielle Smith jointly announced a deal today bringing a "one project, one review" approach to major project approvals — meaning projects under Alberta's jurisdiction will now rely on the provincial regulatory process alone.
Here's what this actually means for everyday Albertans:
Smith says the deal "removes the need for federal approvals of projects squarely within the province's jurisdiction", and promises shovels in the ground sooner
Any assessment under the new framework must be completed within a maximum of two years, cutting the approval delays that have killed projects for over a decade
Ottawa will also defer to Alberta to lead Indigenous consultations for projects under provincial jurisdiction.
The deal is still in draft form and open for public feedback before being finalized later this month
Alberta fought this battle all the way to the Supreme Court, and today, a decade of frustration turned into a landmark agreement.
This is the kind of deal that builds pipelines, creates jobs and puts money back into Alberta communities. Think your friends know about it? Share this and let's talk about what it means 👇
Nine Years, $8.7 Million And A Community's Patience Edmonton's Chinatown Gate Is Finally Coming Back
Edmonton's Chinatown has been waiting since 2017. On Monday, the wait is finally over.
⚡ The moment: Construction begins Monday on Edmonton's new Chinatown gate, replacing the original Harbin Gate that was dismantled to make way for the Valley Line LRT nine years ago. The city has budgeted $8.7 million for the project, with completion expected in early 2027.
Here's the full story behind the gate:
The new gate will sit on 97th Street between Jasper Avenue and 101A Avenue the site of Edmonton's original Chinatown dating back over 100 years
The original gate opened in 1987 as a gift from Edmonton's sister city Harbin, China, symbolizing friendship and cultural exchange between the two cities
The design uses a mix of traditional clay tiles and polystyrene, a decision that has sparked debate within the community about preserving authenticity
Budget pressures caused by global supply chain disruptions and steel tariffs forced designers to scale back the original vision from $6 million to an $8.7 million revised design
It took a court battle, a pandemic, a trade war and nine years of community advocacy. But Edmonton's Chinatown is getting its symbol back.
Edmonton, what does the return of the Harbin Gate mean to you and your community? Drop your thoughts below 👇
The Hurricanes Just Blew The Roof Off Rogers Place And The Oilers Have Some Serious Questions To Answer
Last night was supposed to be a statement game. Instead it became a reality check.
⚡ The moment: Jackson Blake scored twice and K'Andre Miller racked up three assists as the Carolina Hurricanes handed the Edmonton Oilers a brutal 6-3 loss at Rogers Place on Friday night. The mood in the building went from electric to silent fast.
Here's where things stand after a rough night:
The Oilers have now lost six of their last eight games, dropping to 30-25-8 on the season.
The loss comes just 24 hours after adding Dickinson and Dach at the trade deadline, the new pieces hadn't even laced up yet
The Hurricanes were ruthless, opportunistic and exposed exactly the defensive vulnerabilities Edmonton was hoping Murphy and the new additions would fix
The playoff push is very much alive, but last night was a reminder that moves on paper mean nothing without execution on ice
The deadline buzz was real. The result was not. Time to respond.
The deadline is done. The moves are made. Now it's time to show up. Oilers fans, are you still believers after last night? Tell us straight 👇
Sherwood Park's Most Talked About Grocery Store Is Closing Its Doors Next Week, And The Numbers Behind Why Are Staggering
It was the grocery store that made you feel like a celebrity chef just walking through the door. Now it's gone.
⚡ The moment: L'OCA Quality Market will permanently close its Sherwood Park flagship and Edmonton Parkview locations on March 12, less than two years after opening. Sources familiar with the business say the operation has been losing approximately $1 million per month.
Here's what made L'OCA so special, and why it ultimately couldn't survive:
The 45,000 square foot Sherwood Park flagship converted a former Rona building into a culinary marketplace featuring chefs, artisans, two full restaurants and Canada's largest indoor wood burning grill
A planned third location in St. Albert's Erin Ridge North neighbourhood has been cancelled as part of the company's wind down
The concept was extraordinary, but $1 million in monthly losses is a brutal reminder that spectacular ideas still have to make financial sense
Hundreds of staff across both locations now face uncertainty as of March 12
Edmonton loved L'OCA. Edmonton just didn't visit often enough to keep it alive.
Did you ever shop at L'OCA? What's your favourite memory from the store, and what do you wish could have been done differently to save it? Share your story 👇
178 People Were Killed In One Night. The World Barely Noticed.
While the global news cycle obsesses over the Middle East and trade wars, a devastating massacre unfolded in East Africa, and almost nobody is paying attention.
⚡ The moment: On March 2, armed assailants attacked the Ruweng Administrative Area in northern South Sudan. Local officials say unidentified armed youths allegedly linked to the Sudan People's Liberation Army in Opposition carried out the assault — killing at least 90 civilians including women, children and the elderly, along with 79 soldiers. Many survivors fled to a nearby UN peacekeeping base for safety.
Here's what you need to know:
Catholic bishops across Sudan and South Sudan condemned the killings as "a fresh descent into the abyss of human depravity, where the sanctity of life is trampled upon with alarming impunity"
Bishop Christian Carlassare of Bentiu said the guns were heard at his own parish. "Our land is being wounded by conflict. We do not need to experience more conflicts".
South Sudan gained independence in 2011 but descended into civil war in 2013, killing nearly 400,000 people and forcing millions from their homes.
A fragile 2018 peace deal has been slowly unravelling, and attacks like this signal the situation is deteriorating fast
178 lives. One night. Zero headlines.
Some stories don't trend. Some stories just matter. Share this one with someone who needs to know the world is bigger than the headlines 👇
Edmonton local Weather
Day ⬆9° higher than historical avg, Night ⬆8° higher than historical avg.
It's a classic Edmonton Friday, partly cloudy with a high of just 4°C and a 35% chance of snow flurries rolling through during the day. Not exactly patio weather, but hey, you live here by choice! 😄
Bundle up if you're heading out to the Oilers game tonight or the Craft Beer Festival this weekend, that cold isn't going anywhere just yet. The good news? Saturday climbs to a positively balmy 7°C with only a 10% chance of rain. Spring is teasing us, Edmonton. Don't fall for it. 🌨️
📅 Events Happening This Weekend in Edmonton & surrounding areas
🍻 Edmonton Craft Beer Festival Tickets
🗓 March 7. ⏰12:30–4:30 p.m. & 6:00–10:00 p.m.
📍 Edmonton EXPO Centre
One of the city’s biggest tasting events, showcasing breweries, distilleries, and local food vendors from across Canada under one roof.💃 Salsachata Latin social and Dance performance Tickets
🗓 March 7 🕑 8:00 PM
📍 #204, 10575 115 Street NW, EdmontonETOWN SALSA hosts Latin dance classes for beginners through advanced levels, including salsa, bachata, and other Latin styles. Singles and couples are welcome, with drop-in lessons and multi-week programs available.
🎤 Josh Ross – Country Concert Tickets
🗓 March 7 🕑 8:00 PM
📍 Northern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium
Canadian country star Josh Ross performs live with his latest tour stop in Edmonton.🩰 Ballet Jörgen – A Midsummer Night’s Dream Tickets
🗓 March 7
📍 Arden Theatre (St. Albert)
A family-friendly ballet inspired by Shakespeare’s classic comedy set in a Canadian woodland landscape.❄️ Sherwood Park Winter Carnival
📅 March 7 🕙 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
📍 50 Spruce Avenue, Sherwood Park
A community winter festival featuring horse-drawn carriage rides, activities, entertainment, and giveaways. Click here for more details🎭 The Wizard of Oz – Live Musical Tickets
📅 March 7 – April 12, 2026
🕢 Evening shows: 7:30 PM | Matinees: 1:30 PM
📍 Citadel Theatre, 9828 101A Ave, EdmontonThe Citadel Theatre brings the classic story of Dorothy and her journey down the Yellow Brick Road to life in a vibrant stage musical featuring iconic songs, colourful characters, and a magical adventure for all ages
🛷 102.3 NOW! Radio Cardboard Cup
🗓 March 7 🕙 10:30 AM – 2:00 PM
📍 Edmonton Ski Club Race your cardboard sled down the hill for up to $1,000 in prizes! ⚠️ Registration is FULL, but spectating is FREE and you won't want to miss it! More info here
🎪 2026 Wildlife Festival – Tickets
🗓 March 7 · ⏰ 11:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. (check listing to confirm end time)
📍 Edmonton EXPO Centre
Get up close to reptiles and exotic animals at an all‑ages wildlife expo with live demonstrations, educational talks, and photo ops.🎭 FAVA New Media & Film Festival Details
🗓 March 6–8 · ⏰ Various times
📍 Venues across Edmonton
Screenings, workshops, and talks showcasing film, video, and media art from local and international creators, plus chances to meet the artists.🍴 NOSH Food Fest – Sherwood Park Details
🗓 March 7–8 · ⏰ From 10:00 a.m.
📍 401 Festival Lane, Sherwood Park
A massive indoor food and makers’ market with 100+ vendors, giving you two days to snack, shop local, and discover new Alberta food businesses.🛍 Edmonton’s Biggest Shopping Event Details
🗓 March 7–8 · ⏰ 12:00–9:00 p.m.
📍 Vivann (formerly Maharaja Banquet Hall), Edmonton
A large indoor market with clothing, jewelry, décor, and more from multiple vendors—good for fashion, gifts, and small‑business browsing
Guess the Temperature…
We told you yesterday it was sitting at a chilly 2°C today in Edmonton, but what's the weekend HIGH going to be? 🤔
Here's your challenge:
What will Edmonton's warmest temperature be this Sunday March 8?
Drop your guess in the comments, closest answer wins a shoutout in Issue 5! 🏆
(Hint: it's warmer than you think for this time of year 👀)