In this Urban Brief Edmonton Edition…
Edmonton Police Have Tasered Over 1,000 People in Two Years and Now We Know the Details
A new CBC investigation has pulled back the curtain on how Edmonton police use their Tasers and the numbers are striking.
Over 2023 and 2024, Edmonton Police Service deployed Tasers more than 1,000 times. The victims ranged from a 12 year old child to a 75 year old senior. Most were people with mental health issues or addictions, concentrated in downtown Edmonton communities.
Taser use has grown from 30 incidents in 2010 to 574 in 2024, an increase of over 1,800 per cent in 15 years
Use of force reports obtained through access to information show police most frequently deployed Tasers on people identified with mental health or addiction issues
A University of Alberta criminologist noted the device emits 50,000 volts and warned transparency is urgently needed
Does Edmonton need clearer rules around when police can use Tasers? This story is sparking serious conversation.
Alberta Promised Families $10 a Day Childcare by Now, It Did Not Happen
The federal deadline for $10 a day childcare arrived this month and Alberta is not there yet.
The federal government set a March 2026 deadline to average $10 a day childcare across Canada, but Alberta says under the current terms, the target is simply not possible. Fees in Alberta have dropped significantly but are still sitting above the target.
Alberta says it would need an additional $2 to $3 billion from the federal government to actually hit the $10 a day mark
Alberta is one of five provinces including Ontario, Nova Scotia, BC and New Brunswick that have not met the target
Families in Alberta are currently paying around $15 a day on average under the existing flat fee structure
If you have young grandchildren or children in daycare right now, this one hits close to home.
Edmonton Property Owners, You Have Until March 23 to Act
If you own property in Edmonton, the deadline to challenge your 2025 assessment is just days away.
The City of Edmonton is reminding property owners to review their assessments, which reflect market value as of July 1, 2025, and determine what you pay in property taxes. You can compare your property online right now before the deadline hits.
The deadline to file a formal complaint with the Assessment Review Board is March 23 at 11:59pm
Filing a complaint costs a fee but could save you significantly if your assessment is higher than it should be
Call 311 with questions or visit to compare your property against similar ones in your neighbourhood
Do not let this deadline sneak up on you. A few minutes online could save you money.
Oilers Beat the Sharks 5-3 Tonight But Draisaitl News Casts a Shadow
The Oilers won convincingly on St. Patricks Day but the bigger story off the ice is Leon Draisaitl.
⚡ The Moment Edmonton beat San Jose 5-3 tonight at Rogers Place, a strong result. But the news every Oilers fan is focused on is that Leon Draisaitl has been ruled out for the remainder of the regular season with a lower body injury sustained in Sunday's game against Nashville.
Draisaitl led the NHL in scoring this season with 99 points before the injury
McDavid and the supporting cast will need to carry the load through the final weeks of the regular season
The Oilers next face the Florida Panthers on Thursday at Rogers Place
The playoffs are weeks away. How worried are you about heading in without Draisaitl at full strength?
A Town Just North of Edmonton May Cease to Exist, And Residents Are About to Vote on Its Future
A Town Just North of Edmonton May Cease to Exist
The Town of Gibbons is financially broken and a provincial review is now underway to decide whether it survives or dissolves entirely.
Gibbons has 3,200 residents making it far larger than any town previously facing dissolution
Residents could vote on the town's future as early as June
If dissolved, residents may face significant tax increases under Sturgeon County
This is a cautionary tale for communities right across our region.
🏥 Albertans Hit the Streets to Protect Public Healthcare
Protesters rallied outside Edmonton and Calgary MP offices Monday demanding the federal government challenge Alberta's Bill 11 before it is too late.
Bill 11 allows doctors to work in both public and private systems simultaneously
Friends of Medicare and United Nurses of Alberta say it opens the door to two tier healthcare
The federal government has not yet taken any action against the legislation
Your healthcare. Your fight. This debate is far from over.
☕ Check Your Cupboard — Tim Hortons Just Recalled 25,000 Mugs
If you picked up a Tim Hortons donut mug earlier this year, Health Canada wants you to stop using it immediately.
The mug may crack or break when filled with hot liquid posing a burn hazard
Over 25,040 units were sold across Canada between January and February 2026
Return it to any Tim Hortons location by April 22 for a full refund
Know someone who bought one as a gift this winter? Pass this along!
Canada Is Staying Out of the Iran War and Is Making That Crystal Clear
Canada was not consulted on the US and Israeli strikes that started the war and has zero intention of joining any offensive military operation.
Foreign Minister Anand confirmed Canada will not participate in any offensive military action
Trump is pressuring NATO allies to help reopen the Strait of Hormuz
Canada is focused on de-escalation and getting Canadians safely out of the region
For Albertans watching fuel prices climb, this conflict is no longer just a distant headline.
Edmonton local Weather
Day⬆10° higher than historical avg, ⬆ 8° higher than historical avg.
🌤️ Edmonton Weather - Wednesday March 18
Wednesday brings a mild 5°C with cloudy skies and a 40% chance of rain, so keep an umbrella handy. Not the most glamorous mid week weather but nothing that should slow Edmonton down!
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📅 Events Happening This Week in Edmonton
🎤 Logan Klaus – Dreams & Visions Live Details
🗓 March 18 · ⏰ 7:30 p.m.
📍 Festival Place, Sherwood Park
Local artist Logan Klaus brings his Dreams & Visions show to Festival Place, blending storytelling and live music in an intimate theatre setting.🎤 Maki FREE Comedy Night Details
🗓 March 18 · ⏰ Evening
📍 Kinshi Rinji Restaurant Lounge, Edmonton
A packed weekly stand‑up night known as Maki Happy Comedy Jam, serving up free comedy with big crowd energy in a restaurant lounge setting🎬 Free Film Screening: A Chip Odyssey at Metro Cinema Details
🗓 March 19 · ⏰ Evening
📍 Metro Cinema, Garneau
A free screening of A Chip Odyssey, a quirky documentary‑style film about snack culture and potato chips, playing one night only.😂 The Trial – Pay‑What‑You‑Can Improv Details
🗓 March 19 · ⏰ Evening
📍 Rapid Fire Theatre, Edmonton
An improvised courtroom show where comedians become judge, jury, and over‑the‑top lawyers in a chaotic, pay‑what‑you‑can legal “drama.”Edmonton Oilers vs Florida Panthers Tickets
🗓 March 19 · ⏰ 7:00pm
📍 Rogers Place, Edmonton The Oilers are back on home ice Thursday night. With Draisaitl sidelined, McDavid and crew will need every bit of Rogers Place energy behind them.
Escape Wonderland Book your spot here
🗓 March 18 to 20 · ⏰ Various times this week
📍 Edmonton An Alice in Wonderland themed escape room for just $5 — one of the best value nights out in the city right now. Great for friends, couples or family.
Union Duke Live in Concert Tickets
🗓 March 18 · ⏰ 7:00pm
📍 Shell Theatre, Dow Centennial Centre, Fort Saskatchewan Part country, part city and one part whiskey — Union Duke brings their raucous alt rock and twang sound to Fort Saskatchewan for one night only. Tickets from $35.
Edmonton Oil Kings vs Calgary Hitmen Tickets
🗓 March 18 · ⏰ 7:00pm
📍 Rogers Place, Edmonton
The Oil Kings are back on home ice Wednesday night taking on the Calgary Hitmen. A great affordable night out for the whole family.
George Thorogood and The Destroyers Live Tickets
🗓 March 19 · ⏰ Evening
📍 River Cree Resort and Casino, Enoch Rock and blues legend George Thorogood brings his powerhouse live show to just outside Edmonton. If you know who Bad to the Bone is, you already know why this is a must see.
Edmonton Boat and Sportsmen's Show Tickets & full details here
🗓 March 19 to 22 · ⏰ Various times
📍 Edmonton EXPO Centre Alberta's largest outdoor show is back with the latest boats, fishing and hunting gear. Perfect for anyone already dreaming of summer adventures. Tickets from $14.
🎭 The Wizard of Oz – Live Musical Tickets
📅 March 17 – 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
📸 Spotted in Edmonton
St. Patricks Day came and Edmonton showed up in full green glory! We want to see how you celebrated our city this week — whether it was a spontaneous moment, a hidden gem you stumbled upon or just Edmonton doing what Edmonton does best.
This week we are asking — what did you spot in Edmonton over St. Patricks Day weekend that made you smile, laugh or say "only in Edmonton"?
Drop your photo or story in the comments below and let's celebrate this city together! 📸👇
The best submission gets a shoutout in our next issue!