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Hey Edmonton! Happy last day of April.
We are heading into what looks like a genuinely beautiful long weekend and I have a packed issue for you today. The Royal Alex just changed the rules at the ER door, Edmonton schools are weighing in on the October referendum day and Ottawa just dropped a massive investment into the skilled trades. Let us get into it.💛
🏥 The Royal Alex Is Changing the Rules at the ER Door
If you or someone you love ends up at the Royal Alexandra Hospital emergency room, things look a little different now.
Alberta Health Services has introduced a strict one bag, one visitor policy for all patients entering the ER
The change comes after a patient was stabbed in the waiting room earlier this month, leaving a 42-year-old man with life-threatening injuries
Security will search all bags before entry and AHS says arrangements are in place to store extra bags if needed
The Royal Alex handles roughly 200 patients a day, the busiest ER in Edmonton. Medical staff are cautiously optimistic, though some have raised concerns about how the policy will work for vulnerable patients. Worth knowing before you go.
🏫 Edmonton Schools Are Closing for Referendum Day
Mark your calendars and plan your childcare, Edmonton parents.
Edmonton Public and Edmonton Catholic school divisions have both confirmed they will close schools on October 19, 2026, the day of Alberta's provincial referendum
The referendum puts nine questions to Albertans, including topics related to Alberta separation and immigration policies
This affects families across both major school divisions throughout Edmonton
Whether you are for or against what is on the ballot, your kids are getting a day off. What you do with that information is up to you.
🌊 Draper Is Watching the River, and So Should You
A northern Alberta community is on alert this morning and residents are being told to be ready to move.
An evacuation alert has been issued for Draper, a community about 12 kilometres southeast of Fort McMurray along the Clearwater River
An ice jam is backing water up toward the neighbourhood, putting access roads at risk
Residents do not have to leave yet but should be packed and ready to go on short notice
Draper has roughly 137 residents. No evacuation order has been issued as of this morning, but conditions are being monitored closely.
🔨 Ottawa Just Dropped $5.9 Billion on Skilled Trades
Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne tabled Canada's Spring Economic Update on Tuesday and for trades workers it is a big deal.
The government is spending $5.9 billion over five years to recruit, train and hire between 80,000 and 100,000 new Red Seal skilled trades workers by 2031
Apprentices in class training will get a $400 per week income top-up, and those who complete their Red Seal certification will receive a one-time $5,000 bonus
Employers who hire first-year apprentices are eligible for up to $10,000 in wage subsidies
The overall update came in with a lower-than-expected deficit of $65.3 billion. Whether you love those numbers or not, the message is clear: Canada is betting on the trades. Know someone heading that way? Share this one.
🛢️ Trump Says the Blockade Stays, Oil Hits $118 - Day 61
The Iran conflict is not getting any cheaper at the pump and there is no deal in sight.
President Trump confirmed the U.S. naval blockade of Iran continues until the country agrees to dismantle its nuclear program, Iran has refused
Brent crude jumped 6 percent on Wednesday, closing at $118 a barrel
The United Arab Emirates announced it is withdrawing from OPEC this week, a direct consequence of the Strait of Hormuz disruption
Before the war started, roughly 15 million barrels of oil per day moved through the Strait of Hormuz. That number has dropped to a fraction of normal. For Alberta producers, $118 oil is a windfall. For the rest of the world, the longer this drags on, the more it stings.
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Edmonton local Weather
Day⬆ 9° higher than historical avg, Night⬆5° higher than historical avg.
🌤️ Edmonton Weather - Thursday April 30th
Thursday is looking like a proper spring day, Edmonton. Expect sunshine and a high of 18°C, the kind of afternoon that makes you want to cancel plans and just sit outside. Overnight turns cloudy with a low of plus 4°C, so grab a layer if you are heading out late.
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📅 Events Happening This Week in Edmonton
Thursday, April 30
🎥 Edmonton Short Film Festival – Women Filmmakers Pop‑Up Screening 🎟️ Details
🗓 Apr 30 · ⏰ 7:00–9:00 PM (doors 6:30) · 📍 Waffle Bird – 10347 80 Ave NW
FREE evening of short films by Alberta women, sponsored by Waffle Bird.🎨 Jabulani Arts Festival (Opening Night) 🎟️ Details
🗓 Apr 30–May 3 · ⏰ Evening · 📍 The Roxy Theatre – 10708 124 St NW
3rd‑annual festival of African, Caribbean, and Black musicians, dancers, poets, and visual artists in Edmonton.
Friday, May 1
🎪 Cherry Lane Cinco de Mayo Theme Week (2nd Night) 🎟️ Details
🗓 Apr 30–May 2 · ⏰ Special dinner & drinks · 📍 Cherry Lane Bed & Breakfast (East of Edmonton)
Week‑long Mexican‑themed meals, drinks, and desserts at this charming spot just outside the city.🧵 Work of Our Hands Spring Showcase – Friday Preview 🎟️ Details
🗓 May 1 · ⏰ 1:00–4:00 PM (booked slots) · 📍 Pottery by Heather – 4740–50 St, Bon Accord
Hand‑crafted pottery, art, jewelry, and goods from local makers in a cozy, appointment‑only afternoon.
Saturday, May 2
🦋 AJR 🎟️ Details
🗓 May 2 · ⏰ 7:30 PM (doors) · 📍 Rogers Place – 10220 104 Ave NW
New York pop‑rock trio AJR bring their slick, theatrical show to Edmonton as part of their 2026 tour.🍦 Dilly’s Ice Cream Artisan Market 🎟️ Details
🗓 May 2 · ⏰ 10:00 AM–4:00 PM · 📍 123 Street Transit Centre – 11012 123 St NW
Food truck park meets handmade market, featuring local vendors, crafts, and of course, cold treats.🐴 Lamont Bullarama Supreme 🎟️ Details
🗓 May 2 · ⏰ Evening (roughly 6–10 PM) · 📍 Lamont Rodeo Grounds – 195014 Township 552
Professional bull riding action followed by an adult‑only dance and live band just outside the city.🚴 Edmonton Steps for Life Walk 🎟️ Details
🗓 May 2 · ⏰ 6:00 PM (registration/open) · 📍 Rundle Park – 14500 Rundle Park Rd NW
4‑knight‑time walk supporting the Canadian Cancer Society, with live music and community activities.
BET YOU DID NOT KNOW 🤔
Edmonton and the surrounding region produces more than 60 percent of Canada's total hydrogen supply, over 2.5 million tonnes every single year.
That is not a future goal. That is happening right now, quietly, in your backyard. While the world debates what clean energy looks like, Edmonton is already one of the largest hydrogen producing regions on the planet.
Did you know that? Drop a 🙋 in the comments if this one surprised you.