Edmonton Minute: Pothole Problems, Bike Lanes, and a Stress Intervention Dog

Edmonton Minute - Your weekly one-minute summary of Edmonton politics

This Week In Edmonton:

• There will be a meeting of the Agenda Review Committee on Tuesday at 8:30 am. Later in the morning, at 9:30 am, there will be a meeting of City Council. The agenda includes the Office of the Integrity Commissioner Annual Report 2024, the City of Edmonton 2024 Consolidated Financial Statements, the Integrity Commissioner’s 2024 Annual Report, and Sidewalk Reconstruction Local Improvements in the Ottewell Phase 2 Neighbourhood. There will also be several private items on the agenda, including appointment recommendations for the Women’s Advisory Voice of Edmonton Committee, the Edmonton Historical Board, and the Naming Committee. If the meeting does not finish on time, it will continue on Wednesday at 9:30 am.
  
  
• Edmonton is grappling with a surge in potholes following a harsh winter, with over 85,000 filled so far in 2025 - more than triple the number repaired at this time last year. The increase in road damage has boosted business for tire shops, where some customers face repairs costing up to $3,000. The City has earmarked nearly $11 million for pothole repairs and says crews are working daily when conditions allow. Despite these efforts, some residents remain frustrated with the temporary nature of the fixes. Drivers can file for compensation if their vehicle is damaged, but claims must be submitted within 30 days and are rarely approved. Many Edmontonians are calling for more lasting roadwork solutions.
  
  
• As coyote denning season begins in Edmonton, experts and City officials are urging residents to take extra caution. Pregnant coyotes will give birth through late spring, and mothers become highly protective once pups begin to emerge. Dog owners are advised to keep pets leashed and avoid known den areas. The City is continuing to promote coexistence through education, hazing techniques, and the use of non-lethal pepper ball launchers. These methods aim to reduce coyote aggression without causing harm, and officials report a drop in aggressive encounters as a result.

Last Week In Edmonton:

• Alberta Transportation Minister Devin Dreeshen has urged the City of Edmonton to scrap a major bike lane project, arguing it reduces vehicle traffic capacity and negatively affects the provincial road network. The $96-million project, already under construction, includes 30 blocks of bike lanes along with road repaving and sidewalk upgrades. Dreeshen said that there is a need for better coordination between municipal and provincial transportation efforts.
  
  
• Edmonton homebuyers have continued to show strong activity in the housing market, defying national trends of decline. While many Canadian cities are experiencing slowed sales due to economic uncertainty and tariff concerns, Edmonton is seeing rising demand, increased listings, and growing housing starts. Nearly 2,500 homes were sold in the Greater Edmonton Area last month, marking a 36.9% increase from February.
  
  
• The Edmonton Police Service introduced Blaise, its first Operational Stress Intervention Dog, to support employees facing mental health challenges. Blaise, a black Labrador Retriever, joined the force after training with BC & Alberta Guide Dogs and was taught to recognize signs of agitation and provide calming support. The initiative stemmed from a partnership with Wounded Warriors Canada, launched in 2023, aimed at offering mental health resources to police members.

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