In this Urban Brief Edmonton Edition…
Edmonton's South Asian Community Has Been Targeted by Extortionists and Police Just Struck Back Hard
A joint police operation has resulted in two men being deported and 51 more suspects identified in connection with a wave of violent extortions targeting Edmonton's South Asian business community.
EPS worked alongside ALERT, RCMP and the Canada Border Services Agency after an uptick in extortion cases following Project Gaslight in 2024
As of March 12 the CBSA has issued 70 removal orders and removed 35 people from Canada
Criminal networks are recruiting newly arrived young South Asian workers and students as participants in extortion, arson, fraud and violence
If you or someone you know has been approached or threatened, contact EPS at 780 423 4567 or Crime Stoppers at 1 800 222 8477.
Getting Around Edmonton Just Got a Little Better for Blind and Low Vision Riders, But There Is Still Work to Do
Edmonton Transit Service is making meaningful strides in accessibility for riders who are blind or partially sighted, thanks to an ongoing partnership with CNIB's Get on Board campaign.
CNIB's Get on Board campaign has been active in Edmonton since 2023, gathering community insights and conveying information to ETS about barriers
Bus signage has been simplified to display only the route number and destination, making it easier for low vision riders to identify the right bus
ETS increased colour contrast on benches in underground LRT stations after consulting with CNIB members
A city where everyone can get around independently is a better city for all of us.
♻️ Northwest Edmonton Residents - Your Nearest Eco Station Closes in 11 Days
The Coronation Eco Station is closing its doors on March 31 for a major expansion and will not reopen until spring 2027.
The closure enables on-site work for the Coronation Eco Station Expansion Project, the first major upgrade since 2000
The expansion will improve traffic flow, increase waste drop-off bins and install solar and energy efficient systems
During the closure residents can use Ambleside, Kennedale and Strathcona Eco Stations
If you have been meaning to make a drop-off run, now is the time. You have until March 31.
RCMP Just Raided an Edmonton Business Tied to Alberta's Biggest Health Scandal and Danielle Smith Says She Has Not Heard a Word
RCMP officers have been executing search warrants at the Edmonton offices of MHCare Medical Corp for three days straight, as the province's multimillion dollar health contract scandal takes a dramatic new turn.
Smith's office confirmed she has not been contacted by RCMP as Mounties execute multiple search warrants into alleged misconduct in multimillion dollar government health contracts
MHCare has received $600 million in contracts from Alberta Health Services and is owned by Edmonton businessman Sam Mraiche
NDP Leader Naheed Nenshi is calling for the Justice Minister to resign and demanding a full independent public inquiry
Every Albertan deserves to know what happened with their healthcare dollars. This story is far from over.
Two Canadian Teenagers Just Plotted to Attack Two Schools Simultaneously - And Were Stopped Just in Time
A 14 year old boy in Manitoba and a 15 year old girl in Nova Scotia were arrested this week after plotting coordinated violent attacks at their schools, foiled thanks to a tip from the FBI and Interpol.
Police say the two teens had been talking online about their desire to mount a violent attack at Park View Education Centre in Bridgewater NS and Rivers Collegiate in Manitoba
The teens began allegedly planning their attacks just 10 days after the mass school shooting in Tumbler Ridge BC that killed eight people
A search of the Nova Scotia home uncovered handwritten plans, imitation weapons, a roughly made pipe bomb and clothing with hate symbols
For every parent and grandparent reading this, the system worked this time. But the conversation about youth safety, online radicalization and school security has never been more urgent.
Edmonton local Weather
Day2⬇2° lower than historical avg, ⬆ 2° higher than historical avg.
🌤️ Edmonton Weather
Friday March 20 brings a chilly 0°C with a 40% chance of snow flurries, so winter is not quite done with Edmonton yet. Layer up before you head out to any grand opening celebrations this weekend! ❄️
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📅 Events Happening This Week in Edmonton
Beethoven and Beer at the Winspear Centre Tickets
🗓 March 20 · ⏰ 8:00pm
📍 Winspear Centre, 4 Sir Winston Churchill Square, Edmonton
The Edmonton Symphony Orchestra pairs Beethoven's Pastoral Symphony with craft beer for a one of a kind evening. A perfect Friday night out for music lovers of every generation. Tickets from $40.
🎸 Black Label Society + Zakk Sabbath Tickets
🗓 March 20 · ⏰ 6:30 p.m.
📍 Midway Music Hall, Edmonton
A heavy rock double bill with Black Label Society and Zakk Sabbath, bringing a loud start to the weekend for metal fans.🤠 Cowboy Country: Over the Moon Details
🗓 March 20 · ⏰ 8:00 p.m.
📍 New Moon Folk Club, Edmonton
Roots-swing duo Over the Moon brings acoustic country energy and strong vocals to an intimate folk-club setting.🤼 War on the Catwalk Tickets
🗓 March 20 · ⏰ 8:00 p.m.
📍 Northern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium, Edmonton
A live wrestling spectacle packed with big entrances, drama, and family-friendly showmanship.Gord Bamford Live at River Cree Tickets here
🗓 March 20 · ⏰ Evening
📍 River Cree Resort and Casino, Enoch Australian born and Alberta raised country star Gord Bamford takes the stage just outside Edmonton for one unforgettable night of Canadian country music.
Black Label Society and Zakk Sabbath Live Tickets here
🗓 March 20 and 21 · ⏰ Evening
📍 Midway Music Hall, Edmonton Heavy metal legend Zakk Wylde brings two nights of powerhouse rock to Edmonton. If you love raw guitar and serious stage energy this one is for you.
Alan Doyle and The East Pointers Live Get your tickets here
🗓 March 21 · ⏰ Evening
📍 Northern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium, Edmonton Great Big Sea frontman Alan Doyle brings his beloved Celtic and folk sound to the Jubilee for a night of pure East Coast warmth. A crowd favourite every single time.
🎨 ArtBus Details
🗓 March 21 · ⏰ All day
📍 Downtown Edmonton
A free all-ages art crawl that uses special ETS buses to move visitors between galleries and artist-run centres.🏮 Lantern Parade and Performances Details
🗓 March 21 · ⏰ Evening
📍 Downtown Edmonton
A glowing lantern walk through the city, followed by live performances and community celebration.🍦 Ice Cream 101 Workshop Details
🗓 March 21 · ⏰ Time varies
📍 Made by Marcus, Edmonton
A hands-on workshop where participants learn the basics of artisan ice cream and create their own flavour.🎤 Anika Details
🗓 March 21 · ⏰ 8:00 p.m.
📍 Starlite Room, Edmonton
Vancouver-based experimental electronic artist Anika brings a genre-bending live set to the stage.🍽 Downtown Dining Week Details
🗓 March 22 · ⏰ All day
📍 Downtown Edmonton
The final day of Downtown Dining Week, with prix-fixe menus at nearly 100 participating restaurants.🎭 Dîner en Rose Details
🗓 March 22 · ⏰ Evening
📍 Dolly’s Cocktails, Edmonton
A Francophone queer burlesque-themed pop-up with food, drinks, and entertainment.💃 Drag Brunch at Campio Ritchie Details
🗓 March 22 · ⏰ Brunch hours
📍 Campio Ritchie, Edmonton
A drag bingo and brunch event mixing food, glam, and fundraising for local charities.🎵 Taylor Swift Music Bingo Details
🗓 March 22 · ⏰ 6:00 p.m.
📍 Old Yale Brewing, Beaumont
A Swiftie-themed bingo night that makes for a fun Sunday outing just outside Edmonton.Edmonton Boat and Sportsmen's Show Tickets & full details here
🗓 March 20 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
🗳️ This or That - Edmonton Edition
Spring is knocking on Edmonton's door and we want to know how you like to shake off the last of winter! We are putting it to a vote this week:
Early morning walk in the river valley 🌅 OR Lazy Saturday morning with coffee and a good book at home ☕
Drop your answer in the comments, we want to see which one wins! And if you do both, you are officially our kind of people. 😄👇