In this Urban Brief Edmonton Edition…
A Note From the Editor - Issue 20!
I honestly cannot believe we are already at Issue 20.
When I launched The Urban Brief Edmonton and Surrounding Areas just a few weeks ago, I had a simple dream, to create a newsletter that felt like a conversation between neighbours. No fluff, no noise, just the stories that matter to the people who call this incredible region home.
What I did not expect was how quickly you would show up.
Twenty issues. Nineteen straight days. Just under 2K subscribers and a nearly 50% open rate that frankly blows me away every single time I look at it. That is not a small thing. That is YOU, opening your newsletter in your inbox every day, reading, engaging and sharing with people you care about. And I am deeply grateful for every single one of you.
This newsletter is still young and there is so much more coming. More local stories, more community spotlights, more ways to connect the people and businesses that make Edmonton and surrounding areas such a special place to live.
We are just getting started and I could not be more excited about where we are headed together.
Thank you for being here. It means everything. 💛
Faith, Publisher The Urban Brief Edmonton and Surrounding Areas
🔥 Wildfire Season Is Here and Nearly Half of Albertans Say They Are Not Ready
Alberta's wildfire season officially started this month and a new provincial survey reveals a troubling reality, 44% of Albertans felt unprepared for emergencies in 2025.
Experts recommend having a go bag ready with critical documents, medications and essentials that can be grabbed in minutes
Since 2016 Alberta has seen major evacuations including 88,000 people from Fort McMurray, 38,000 in 2023 and 23,000 in 2024
The Alberta Emergency Management Agency has preparedness checklists available in 10 languages at
Do you have an emergency plan in place? This is the week to make one if you do not.
The Geese Are Back and Alberta Poultry Farmers Are Bracing for the Worst
Spring migration has returned to Alberta and with it comes one of the most stressful seasons for poultry farmers across the province.
Last year was the worst avian flu season in years with over 2.5 million birds in Alberta dying from outbreaks since 2021
Alberta has no confirmed cases in 2026 so far but farmers are on high alert as migratory waterfowl carry and spread the virus through saliva and excrement
Farmers are urged to keep flocks indoors, restrict visitor access and monitor birds closely for any signs of illness
If you have backyard chickens or pet birds this spring, now is the time to review your biosecurity measures.
💻 Virtual Care Was Supposed to Fix Our Doctor Shortage, New Research Says It Has Not
A new Canadian study involving Alberta, Ontario and Nova Scotia has found that virtual care is not actually freeing up doctors or improving access to healthcare the way many hoped it would.
Researchers found virtual care tends to just be physicians speaking to patients by phone, and phone calls still take up the same time in a doctor's day as an in person appointment
Without expanding the pool of doctors, the study says little changes for the roughly 17% of Canadians with no primary care physician
Researchers say a cultural shift is needed to involve more nurses, pharmacists and specialists in virtual care to truly make a difference
For anyone who has struggled to get a family doctor appointment in Edmonton, this study puts words to what you have already been living.
Danielle Smith Took a Saudi Government Private Jet and Now She Wants a CSIS Security Clearance
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith confirmed this week she travelled on a private plane provided by the Saudi government during a fall trip to Saudi Arabia and the UAE — and is now seeking a higher security clearance from Canada's spy agency.
Smith confirmed she and her staff accepted accommodations and travelled on a private plane provided by the Saudi government to discuss energy development and artificial intelligence
Smith told the Alberta Legislature she has started the process to get a higher CSIS security clearance so she can receive briefings on foreign interference in the province
NDP Leader Naheed Nenshi says Smith should not be trusted with the clearance given the undisclosed Saudi flight
Every Albertan has a right to know what their Premier is doing in their name. This story is far from over.
An Iranian Missile Just Hit a Kindergarten in Israel and the War Is Escalating Fast
The Middle East conflict took a devastating turn today when an Iranian ballistic missile struck a kindergarten in the Israeli city of Rishon Lezion, sending shockwaves through the region and beyond.
The missile struck the building during school hours but children had been evacuated moments earlier following an air raid warning, injuries were reported but no children were killed
Israel responded with expanded ground operations and a wave of airstrikes targeting Iranian backed positions across Lebanon
The US has moved two additional aircraft carrier groups into the region as tensions reach their highest point since the conflict began
Alberta energy markets are watching this conflict very closely, every escalation puts upward pressure on oil prices that Albertans feel at the pump.
Edmonton local Weather
Day Same as historical avg, ⬇3° lower than historical avg.
🌤️ Edmonton Weather
Monday brings a much more pleasant 3°C with mostly clear skies and only a 10% chance of snow flurries, one of the nicer days we have seen in a while! A great start to the week so make the most of it before temperatures dip again mid week. 🌤️
Feature My Business
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📅 Events Happening This Week in Edmonton
Rough Cut Comedy Night Details
🗓 March 23 · ⏰ 8:30pm to 9:30pm
📍 River City Revival House, Edmonton Kick off your week with laughs at one of downtown Edmonton's most entertaining Monday night comedy shows. Local and touring talent bringing the funny right in the heart of the city. Free entry!
Edify's Best Restaurants Tickets
🗓 March 23 · ⏰ Evening
📍 Edmonton More than 20 of Edmonton's top eateries come together for one spectacular night of local bites and beverages. A food lover's dream evening right here in our city!
Spring 2026 Edmonton Job Fair Details
🗓 March 24 · ⏰ 3:00pm to 6:00pm
📍 Polish Hall, Edmonton Connect directly with hiring managers, explore career paths and build your professional network all in one afternoon. A great opportunity for anyone looking for their next chapter!
Muttart Sound Vibes - Flow and Bloom Yoga Book your spot here
🗓 March 24 · ⏰ 6:00pm to 9:00pm
📍 Muttart Conservatory, Edmonton Welcome spring with a slow flow yoga class surrounded by the stunning Under Floral Awakening exhibit. A truly unique and peaceful Edmonton experience.
Rise Against and Destroy Boys Live Tickets
🗓 March 24 · ⏰ Evening
📍 Edmonton Convention Centre, Edmonton Punk rock legends Rise Against bring their electrifying live show to Edmonton alongside Destroy Boys and Koyo. A must see for rock and punk fans of every generation!
🎭 The Wizard of Oz – Live Musical Tickets
📅 March 23 – 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 officially here and Edmonton is slowly waking up! We want to know how you like to spend your first real taste of warm weather. Which one are you?
First patio drink of the season 🍺 OR First backyard BBQ of the season 🍖
Drop your answer in the comments - let's see which one wins Edmonton! And if you do both on the same day, you are absolutely our kind of people! 😄👇