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Good morning and Happy Saturday Neighbour!!
Before we get to the good news in today's issue, we want to take a moment to acknowledge a heartbreaking story from Brazeau County that has touched so many people across our region. We are thinking of that family today. 💛
💔 A Baby and a Toddler Have Died in a House Fire Southwest of Edmonton. A Family Is Grieving.
This one is hard to write. Please hold the family in your thoughts today.
Breton RCMP responded Thursday afternoon to a house fire along Township Road 482, just north of Breton in Brazeau County, about 80 kilometres southwest of Edmonton. A woman and two other children managed to escape but a baby and a toddler were trapped inside
Firefighters battled the flames but a rescue was not possible. The baby was found after the fire was extinguished. The toddler was initially unaccounted for and was confirmed dead late Friday
The cause of the fire remains under investigation. RCMP are not releasing the ages of the children or the specific address out of respect for the family
There are no words. If you are moved to do something, local mutual aid and community support networks in the Breton area welcome donations and volunteers.
♿ Edmonton, Calgary and Three Other Alberta Cities Are Telling the Province to Pause Its Disability Benefit Cuts. The Province Says No.
Five Alberta cities are speaking up — and the province is not listening.
Starting July 1, all 77,000 Albertans receiving AISH will be automatically moved to the new Alberta Disability Assistance Program, which pays $200 less per month. The city councils of Edmonton, Calgary, Red Deer, Lethbridge and Camrose have all passed motions asking the province to pause the change
Critics say the cut will push people with serious disabilities further into poverty, increase pressure on food banks and shelters, and force many to reapply through a burdensome medical review process just to stay on what they already qualify for
Minister Jason Nixon says the criticism is based on misinformation and that a pause will not happen. He argues the new program will help more Albertans access disability supports, including those who were previously ineligible
This is a story about real people in our city. Do you think the province should pause these changes before July 1?
🌿 Reminder for Edmonton Homeowners: Yard Waste Curbside Collection Starts Monday April 20.
Spring cleaning weekend just became more useful.
The City of Edmonton is kicking off yard waste curbside collection on Monday April 20 for all eligible curbside residences. Collection runs two days a week right through to June 15
Yard waste must go in clear plastic bags or double-ply paper bags. All pickups happen on Mondays so check when your collection day falls
You can also drop yard waste off at any Eco Station or add it to your food scraps cart if that is easier. Note that the elm tree pruning ban is in effect until September so hold off on any elm work for now
Perfect timing with a sunny weekend ahead. Get out there and rake, Edmonton!
🛒 A One-Time Grocery Payment Is Landing in Canadians' Accounts on June 5. Here Is Exactly What You Will Get.
Mark June 5 in your calendar and make sure you have filed your taxes.
The federal government confirmed Friday that the one-time top-up under the new Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit will be deposited on June 5. The payment goes automatically to anyone who received the GST/HST credit in January 2026, no application needed
A single person with no children will receive up to $267. A couple with two children will receive up to $533. A couple with four children could receive up to $717. The payment is on top of regular quarterly benefit amounts, meaning a family of four could receive up to $1,890 through the program in 2026
The one catch: you must have filed your 2025 taxes to qualify. If you have not filed yet, do it now. Starting July 3, the GST/HST credit is also being renamed and replaced by this new program with payments rising 25 percent for five years
Over 12 million Canadians are eligible. Spread the word to anyone who might not know this is coming.
🌍 Iran Just Opened the Strait of Hormuz. Oil Crashed More Than 10 Percent. Here Is What That Means for You.
This is the biggest economic news of the week and Alberta drivers are going to feel it.
Iran's foreign minister announced Friday morning that the Strait of Hormuz is completely open for commercial shipping for the duration of the 10-day ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon. Oil prices immediately plunged more than 10 percent, with US crude dropping to around $83 a barrel. Global stock markets hit record highs
The Strait carries roughly one-fifth of the world's oil and had been effectively shut since the conflict began in late February. The closure sent oil prices surging toward $120 a barrel, driving up fuel and food costs around the world
There are still cautions. The US naval blockade of Iranian ports remains in place and some shipping companies are waiting for clearer safety guarantees before sending vessels through. Prime Minister Carney confirmed Canada stands ready to support safe passage through diplomatic means
The timing could not be better for Albertans. The federal gas tax cut kicks in Monday April 20. Combined with oil crashing today, drivers could see meaningful relief at the pump very soon. The region is not out of the woods yet but this morning felt like a genuine exhale for the global economy.
Edmonton local Weather
Day - Same as historical avg, Night⬆2° higher than historical avg.
🌤️ Edmonton Weather - Saturday April 18th
Saturday is a beauty. A sunny high of 10°C with clear skies tonight dropping to around 1°C. Sunday climbs to 16°C and Monday looks even better at 17°C and sunny just in time for playoff Monday. Spring has arrived in Edmonton and surrounding areas. Enjoy every minute of it this weekend.
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📅 Events Happening This Week in Edmonton
Saturday, April 18
🎨 Art Battle Edmonton 🎟️ Details
🗓 Apr 18 · ⏰ 7:30 PM · 📍 Pure Casino Yellowhead (Edmonton)
Local artists compete live on canvas for cash prizes while you sip, snack, and cheer.🍕 4.20 Pizza Rave 🎟️ Details
🗓 Apr 18 · ⏰ 8 PM–1 AM · 📍 Seitan's (11219 Jasper Ave)
All-you-can-eat pizza by the slice + 5 hours of nonstop grooves from local DJ legends. Pure vibes.🎡 Spruce Grove Spring Carnival 🎟️ Details
🗓 Apr 18 · ⏰ All day · 📍 Spruce Grove (Grain Elevator Park)
Fair rides, delicious food, and fun for the whole family while raising funds for the iconic Grain Elevator.🎠 Carnival at Riverview Crossing 🎟️ Details
🗓 Apr 18 · ⏰ 10 AM–10 PM · 📍 Riverview Crossing (176 St & 137 Ave)
Almost 50 attractions including rides, games, and all your favourite fair foods. Kick-off of fair season!🍌 Despicable Me – Cineplex Family Favourites 🎟️ Details
🗓 Apr 18 · ⏰ 10 AM · 📍 Cineplex Theatres (Citywide)
Affordable family morning at the movies. No cleanup required, just big screen fun.🧡 The Lorax – Reel Family Cinema 🎟️ Details
🗓 Apr 18 · ⏰ 11 AM · 📍 Metro Cinema (8712 109 St NW)
Old-fashioned joy of a family matinee. FREE admission for all kids ages 12 and under.🧭 Play Rangers: FREE Drop-In Outdoor Adventures 🎟️ Details
🗓 Apr 18 · ⏰ 10 AM–2 PM · 📍 Whitemud Park & Northeast River Valley Park
FREE outdoor fun: orienteering, geocaching, and adventures with program leaders.🍪 Highland School Culinary Arts Cook-Off: The Cookie-Off 🎟️ Details
🗓 Apr 18 · ⏰ 11 AM–3 PM · 📍 Highlands School (11810 100 Ave NW)
Local chefs, home bakers, and students compete. Sample cookies, vote, enjoy face painting, prizes, and an auction.🛍️ Wholly Handmade Market (Day 1) 🎟️ Details
🗓 Apr 18 · ⏰ 10 AM–5 PM · 📍 401 Festival Lane (Sherwood Park)
40+ local makers, artisans, and small businesses. Perfect for unique spring gifts.🌾 Fort Saskatchewan Chamber Spring Farmers’ Market (Opening Day) 🎟️ Details
🗓 Apr 18 · ⏰ 10 AM–4 PM · 📍 Fort Saskatchewan (2nd St & 50 Ave)
Kick-off of the 2024 market season. Shop local, support regional vendors.🍻 Edmonton BeerFest 🎟️ Details
🗓 Apr 18–19 · ⏰ 2 PM–10 PM · 📍 Edmonton Convention Centre
Edmonton's biggest and longest-running beer festival. 19th year. 100+ beers, ciders, and spirits.Sunday, April 19
🐼 LEGO Treasure Hunt 🎟️ Details
🗓 Apr 19 · ⏰ 11 AM–4 PM · 📍 Participating Indigo & Chapters locations
Kids ages 6+ find animal clues hidden around the store. Free prize upon completion. Space limited—register first.🏊 Hardisty Fitness & Leisure Centre Open House 🎟️ Details
🗓 Apr 19 · ⏰ 10 AM–3 PM · 📍 Hardisty Fitness & Leisure Centre (10650 95 St NW)
FREE admission for your family. Tour the building, try out the pool, join a program, crafts, and prize giveaways.🫖 Madhatter’s Tea Party 🎟️ Details
🗓 Apr 19 · ⏰ 1–3 PM · 📍 Stageworks Academy (10424 82 Ave NW)
Wonderland-inspired tea party. Craft your own hat, play whimsical games, enjoy tasty treats.🧔 Beards and Beads at Grizzly Cubs Den 🎟️ Details
🗓 Apr 19 · ⏰ 10 AM–12 PM · 📍 Grizzly Cubs Den (12204 102 Ave NW)
Themed Daddy and Me event for kids ages 1–10. Make beaded keychains, necklaces, and more with Dad.🛍️ Wholly Handmade Market (Day 2) 🎟️ Details
🗓 Apr 19 · ⏰ 11 AM–4 PM · 📍 401 Festival Lane (Sherwood Park)
Last chance to shop 40+ local makers before they pack up.🌾 Camrose Vendor Splendor Spring Market 🎟️ Details
🗓 Apr 19 · ⏰ 10 AM–3 PM · 📍 Days Inn Camrose (6505 48 Ave)
Spring vendors benefiting the Camrose and Area Animal Shelter. Free admission.🎭 Stage Struck! One Act Play Festival (Final Day) 🎟️ Details
🗓 Apr 18–19 · ⏰ 7:30 PM · 📍 Workshop West Playwrights’ Theatre (10447 81 Ave NW)
Six new one-act plays by Edmonton writers compete for a spot at the Alberta Drama Festival. Catch the finale.🎸 Edmonton BeerFest (Final Day) 🎟️ Details
🗓 Apr 19 · ⏰ 2 PM–10 PM · 📍 Edmonton Convention Centre
Last day to taste 100+ beers, ciders, and spirits from Alberta and beyond.
📖 STORY CORNER
The man who ran across America to prove everyone wrong.
In 1980, Dick Traum became the first amputee to complete the New York City Marathon. He ran it on a prosthetic leg, finishing in just over 24 hours. Most people told him it could not be done. He did not argue with them. He just trained.
After finishing, Traum founded the Achilles Track Club, an organization that helps people with physical disabilities participate in distance running events. Tens of thousands of athletes across more than 70 countries have crossed finish lines because of what he started that day in New York.
He was once asked why he ran. He said he wanted to show his son what was possible.
Sometimes the most powerful thing you can do is simply refuse to stop.