In this Urban Brief Edmonton Edition…
Alberta Just Tightened the Rules on Assisted Dying and Families Need to Know
The province introduced Bill 18 today, bringing significant new restrictions to Medical Assistance in Dying that will affect Albertans navigating end of life decisions.
Patients must now make a written request witnessed by two independent people with no financial interest in the estate
The reflection period before MAID can be administered has been extended from 10 days to 90 days for non terminal patients
Doctors with conscientious objections are no longer required to provide an effective referral to another provider
This is one of the most personal decisions a family can face. Make sure you know what has changed.
Edmonton Is Testing a Smarter Way to Respond to Emergencies
Alberta Health Services launched a new pilot program this week that sends non urgent response vehicles to lower priority calls, freeing up ambulances for life threatening emergencies.
The HELP-U pilot deploys specially trained community paramedics in non emergency vehicles to calls that do not require a full ambulance response
The program launched in northeast Edmonton and will expand based on results
Similar programs in other Canadian cities have reduced ambulance wait times by up to 20%
A smarter emergency system benefits every single person in this city. This one is worth watching closely.
Edmonton Police Are Asking for Your Help After a Suspicious Death on the North Side
Police are investigating a suspicious death in north Edmonton and need dashcam and doorbell footage from anyone in the area on Monday night.
The death was discovered Monday evening in a residential neighbourhood near 137 Avenue and 50 Street
Edmonton Police Service Major Crimes has taken over the investigation
Police are asking anyone with dashcam or doorbell camera footage from the area between 6pm and midnight Monday to contact them immediately
If you were in that area Monday evening your footage could be critical. Contact EPS at 780 423 4567 or Crime Stoppers at 1 800 222 8477.
Your Grocery Bill Just Got More Expensive and Alberta Ranchers Are Feeling It Too
Beef prices across Canada have hit record highs and both shoppers and ranchers in Alberta are caught in the middle.
The average price of ground beef in Canada has risen 18% in the past 12 months, hitting nearly $10 per kilogram at major retailers
Alberta ranchers say their input costs including feed, fuel and labour have outpaced the price increases at the farm gate
Trade uncertainty with the US is adding pressure as Canadian beef exports face potential new tariff threats
Next time you reach for that package of ground beef, the price tag will tell you everything about where our economy is right now.
The Bank of Canada Held Interest Rates Today and the Reason Will Sound Familiar
The Bank of Canada announced today it is holding its key interest rate steady, citing ongoing uncertainty from the Iran war and global trade tensions.
The overnight rate remains at 2.75%, unchanged from the previous announcement
The Bank warned that while inflation is cooling, the Iran war is creating unpredictable energy price pressures
Governor Tiff Macklem said the Bank can only help manage inflation over the long term and cannot shield Canadians from short term global shocks
For every Albertan with a mortgage, a line of credit or a small business loan, this decision matters. Stay informed.
France Just Suggested Canada Could Join the European Union and Canada is Not Saying No
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot openly floated the idea of Canada joining the EU at the Europe 2026 conference in Berlin today, suggesting Iceland would join in weeks or months and adding "maybe Canada at some point."
Barrot was speaking about the EU's role as a third superpower balancing the influence of the US and China
Prime Minister Mark Carney previously dismissed full EU membership last June, saying he wants broader ties with Europe but not as a member
The idea has been floated by Alberta politician Thomas Lukaszuk among others, while critics say adding Brussels to existing federal and provincial rules would be a nightmare
With Canada rethinking its relationship with the US, the world is suddenly full of very interesting questions. What do you think — could you see Canada in the EU?
Edmonton local Weather
Day⬆6° higher than historical avg, ⬆ 9° higher than historical avg.
🌤️ Edmonton Weather - Thursday March 18
Thursday brings a mild 7°C but come prepared, there is a 65% chance of rain making it one of the wetter days this week. Grab that umbrella before you head out the door!
Spruce Grove Just Got Its Most Exciting New Pizza Joint and They Are Giving Away Free Pizza on Friday
Lil Ava's Pizza is officially opening its doors in Spruce Grove this Friday March 20 and they are celebrating in the best way possible, with free pizza!
This is not just another pizza place. Lil Ava's is a homegrown brand built on fresh ingredients, classic flavours with creative twists and a founder who personally signs every single pizza box as a commitment to quality. Their 10th location has landed right here in Spruce Grove at 183 Highway 16A, Unit 106, and the community is already buzzing.
Grand Opening is Friday March 20, doors open at 11:00am
Two lucky winners will receive a House Special and a Canadian Eh pizza absolutely free - winners announced at 5:00pm Friday
To enter the giveaway follow their page, like the post, share it and tag 3 friends
Gluten free crust is available for just $5 extra and they carry a full menu of specialty pizzas, pastas, salads and wings
Open daily 11:00am to 11:00pm. Spruce Grove your new favourite pizza night just arrived!
📍 183 Highway 16A, Unit 106, Spruce Grove 🌐 Visit Lil Ava's Pizza online
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📅 Events Happening This Week in Edmonton
Edmonton Oilers vs Florida Panthers Grab your tickets here
🗓 March 19 · ⏰ 7:00pm
📍 Rogers Place, Edmonton The Oilers are back on home ice taking on the Florida Panthers. With Draisaitl out, Rogers Place energy has never been more important. Come loud!
🎬 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.”George Thorogood and The Destroyers Live Tickets at Ticketmaster
🗓 March 19 · ⏰ 8:00pm
📍 River Cree Resort and Casino, Enoch Rock and blues legend George Thorogood brings Bad to the Bone to life just outside Edmonton. A classic night out for music lovers of every generation.
Mike Plume Live at The Starlite Room Tickets via Ticketmaster
🗓 March 19 · ⏰ 7:00pm
📍 The Starlite Room, Edmonton One of Edmonton's most beloved singer songwriters takes the stage for an intimate night of original music. A perfect Thursday night out.
Edmonton Boat and Sportsmen's Show Tickets and 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.
Escape Wonderland Book here
🗓 March 19 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.
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
📖 Story Corner
The Farmer Who Planted for Strangers
An elderly Alberta farmer who had been tending his land for over 50 years noticed his hands were getting slower and his knees were giving out. One spring he planted his usual crop knowing he likely could not bring in the full harvest alone.
Without saying a word to anyone, his neighbours showed up one morning with their equipment and got to work. No phone calls. No organising. Just people who had been watching out for each other their whole lives doing what came naturally.
When he asked how he could repay them, one neighbour smiled and said simply — "Plant something beautiful next year."
He planted sunflowers along every fence line that fall. They are still there today.🌻