Edmonton Daily Digest — Feb 26, 2026

Budget shock: Alberta’s 2026 budget shows a $9.4‑billion deficit, tabled Feb. 26 by Finance Minister Nate Horner and criticized by NDP Leader Naheed Nenshi and Canadian Taxpayers Federation’s Kris Simms. This budget adds $360 million in new fees this year and hikes the education property tax (typical Calgary homeowner +$340, Edmonton +$154), drawing sharp reactions from Calgary Mayor Jeromy Farkas and more conciliatory comments from Edmonton’s Andrew Knack.

Priceless theft: A WWE Hall of Fame ring belonging to the late British Bulldog was stolen from Harry Smith’s trailer in Lloydminster before a tour stop; some gear was later found but the ring remains missing. WWE star Natalya offered a US$5,000 reward and RCMP are asking anyone with information to come forward.

Lab breakthrough: Researchers at the University of Lethbridge (Trushar Patel and Higor Pereira) discovered a new role for RMRP RNA in cancer cell energy and mapped its 3D structure — a finding published in PNAS. Because RMRP is elevated in breast, lung, prostate and colorectal cancers, this could open new research paths for treatments, though it’s not an immediate cure.

Tools recovered: Police linked thefts from volunteer fire halls in Water Valley and Calahoo (Nov–Dec 2025) to a string of 14 Edmonton break‑ins where stolen Jaws of Life were used; damaged and stolen goods totalled $750,000–$1 million. RCMP recovered most tools valued about $110,000 and arrested three men — Logan Murrell (30), Tristin Kaiser (42) and Abram Dyck (47) — who now face more than 200 charges.

Pembina moves ahead: Pembina Pipeline reported Q4 earnings of $489 million (78¢/share), down from $572 million a year earlier, and revenue of $1.91 billion (vs. $2.15B). The company sanctioned two pipeline expansions totalling $425 million — a $310M, 95‑km NGL line (120,000 bpd) in B.C. and a $115M phase connecting Taylor to Gordondale, Alta. — set to enter service next year, CEO Scott Burrows said.

Big picture: Alberta’s overall budget paints a tough picture — a $9.4B deficit, projected taxpayer‑supported debt near $109B, Health at $34.4B (up ~5.8%) and Education $10.8B (up ~7%). The government forecasts WTI at US$60.50/barrel, keeps income taxes steady but adds measures like a 6% vehicle rental tax in 2027 and a tourism levy increase to 6% in April.

How it hits your wallet: The budget expects $360M more this year from fees and licences (and $424M more over two years); typical homeowners face Calgary +$340 and Edmonton +$154 on the education portion alone. Other changes include a 6% passenger vehicle rental tax (effective Jan 1, 2027, ~$36M/year), tourism levy rising to 6% (projected $200M), speeding fines up 30–50%, Red Seal exam fees $150, and many registry/licensing and land‑title fee hikes.

Police meet AI: With staffing gaps, Alberta police are adopting AI — Calgary’s CPS rolled out Microsoft Copilot in 2024 (about 800 users) and Tsuut’ina uses Axon Draft One for draft reports, while EPS is testing Axon facial‑recognition with up to 50 officers. Experts and privacy officials (including OIPC’s Diane McLeod and lawyers like Balfour Der) stress human oversight, transparency and legal safeguards amid worries about bias and AI “hallucinations.”

Storm watch: Environment Canada warned of heavy snow and high winds for southern Alberta — up to 30 cm in places (Icefields Parkway could see >30 cm) and winds gusting to 130 km/h near Lethbridge; Calgary is forecast about 7 cm and Edmonton could see strong gusts to 80 km/h. Temperatures dip to around −8°C Friday but should rebound into the weekend.

End of an era: Calgary’s iconic Ranchman’s Cookhouse & Dancehall (54 years old, 9615 Macleod Trail S.) will relocate in 2027 because the property is being redeveloped. The owners signed a lease for a larger nearby space, and this year’s Stampede will be the final one at the current building.

Fugitive caught: Calgary police arrested Brandon Lane Tallman, 30, after he tried to flee by climbing down building balconies; he faced 25 outstanding warrants and now has more than 30 charges. Officers seized a folding combat knife; the older charges date back to 2023 and include drug and firearm‑related offences.