Edmonton Daily Digest — Jan 23, 2026

Big idea time for an Edmonton landmark — the city is asking for renovation plans for the Rossdale Power Plant, a nearly 100-year-old building designated a provincial historic resource in 2001, decommissioned in 2012 and fully city-owned since 2022. Applications are open until April; project lead Avril McCalla and heritage planner David Johnston say proposals must balance preserving history with new uses.

A tense courtroom week in the Chinatown murder trial — Justin Bone, 40, is accused of second-degree murder in the deaths of two men, and the trial wrapped its first week with testimony from victim Ban Phuc Hoang’s brother, Bryan, about events on May 18, 2022. More witnesses are expected and the trial continues into February.

Alberta’s film scene keeps growing — MovieMaker ranked Calgary 4th and Edmonton 22nd in North America, praising Calgary’s locations and Alberta tax credits (22–30%) and noting grants like the Alberta Made Production Grant (covers 25% up to $125,000). Edmonton’s indie scene — including Kyle Edward Ball’s low-budget hit Skinamarink — and new provincial investments ($8M last year and $5.4M for post-production support) are helping local filmmakers.

Three First Nations challenge Alberta’s separation petition in court — the Siksika, Piikani and Blood nations applied for judicial review at the Court of King’s Bench in Edmonton, saying Elections Alberta moved ahead without required consultation and asking the petition be declared unconstitutional. They cite treaty and constitutional concerns and want costs reimbursed; the province says it honours treaty rights but won’t comment further while matters are before the courts.

Diplomatic flare-up over separatism — U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent suggested at Davos that an independent Alberta would be “a natural partner” for the U.S., commenting on the province’s oil reserves and a rumoured referendum. The independence movement needs about 177,000 signatures by May 2 (10% from last provincial election), while Prime Minister-designates and Alberta’s premier say they prefer to develop energy within Canada.

Calgary man faces bail hearing in international drug-murder probe — Allistair Chapman, 33, linked to alleged drug lord Ryan Wedding, has a two-day bail hearing set for Feb. 4–5 after arrests in an FBI probe that includes charges like conspiracy to distribute cocaine and conspiracy to commit murder. Wedding reportedly turned himself in at the U.S. embassy in Mexico City; an extradition hearing date has not been set.

Care home residents and staff alarmed by mice problem — Covenant Health says it’s addressing a mice infestation at Edmonton General Continuing Care Centre (about 500 residents), hiring new pest control after reports flagged six months ago by NDP critic Sarah Hoffman. Health Canada warns droppings can be hazardous; volunteers say some residents are terrified and call for stronger protections and faster action.

Penguins overwhelm Oilers in Edmonton — Pittsburgh raced to a 3-0 lead in 37 seconds and beat the Oilers 6-2 on Jan. 23, 2026, with Anthony Mantha scoring twice and Sidney Crosby potting his 27th goal to extend a five-game points streak. The win (Penguins now 25-14-11) was their third straight and came after playing Calgary the night before, with goalie Arturs Silovs making 29 saves.