Greatest Boom Ever

Lethbridge City Council voted unanimously in favour of approving its 2026-2029 Strategic Plan to set a clear direction for this Council term during Tuesday’s meeting.        Read more:  https://tinyurl.com/2snxcjfb  

Representatives with the city  say   in order for  the 75-megawatt phase of the  Saamis  Solar project to continue, it must meet four key criteria designed to increase public confidence in its success.       Read more:  https://tinyurl.com/cdcryuxc     

While Byron Bay had its own reality show and is home to global celebrities, there are some sea-change towns that are now more expensive than the prized Northern Rivers enclave.     Read more:  https://tinyurl.com/y944va7x  

During a time of surging fuel prices, Albertans are getting a rare reprieve  in  one critical household cost — electricity bills.   Read more:  https://tinyurl.com/museybfd  

The federal Liberals say they’re getting a windfall from better-than-expected fiscal revenues and are largely putting that money back into circulation to support households and build up the economy.   Read more:  https://tinyurl.com/6t5wvdj8  

Edmonton city council passed the 2026 tax bylaw Tuesday after cementing a 6.9 per cent tax levy increase earlier in the month.       Read more:  https://tinyurl.com/4xj5jepr     

An effort to revitalize the Quarters neighbourhood directly east of Downtown Edmonton is projected to take longer to recover costs since its community revitalization levy (CRL) faces a funding shortfall of nearly $64 million.       Read more:  https://tinyurl.com/m3e3ecp3  

After selling off a large chunk of its Canadian assets nearly a decade ago, U.K.-based energy giant Shell is now expanding its operations in Alberta and British Columbia by acquiring Calgary-based ARC Resources for $22 billion.       Read more:  https://tinyurl.com/25xjba8b      

A months-long road closure has begun in downtown Okotoks.       Read more:  https://tinyurl.com/5n995xmt        

St. Albert Council said no to more downtown parking, after they voted down a motion that could have seen more than 30 additional stalls through a pilot project.   Read more:  https://tinyurl.com/azdcvscu  

Strathcona County council approved its 2026–27 RCMP policing priorities Tuesday, maintaining a focus on property crime, family violence, traffic  safety  and drug enforcement following the most extensive public consultation on policing in five years.       Read more:  https://tinyurl.com/5cu39teh  

    Alberta's economy stands at a crossroads as we move through 2026, with inflationary pressures shaping the financial landscape for households and businesses alike. After the turbulent economic conditions of recent years, understanding  what's  ahead  for  inflation in Alberta has never been more important for financial planning.   Current Inflation Picture   Alberta's inflation is projected to average approximately 2.5% in 2026, according to ATB  Financial's  Economic Outlook 2 . This  represents  a moderate increase from the Bank of Canada's target range but  remains  significantly lower than the peak inflation rates experienced in 2021-2022. The province's inflation forecast aligns closely with national trends, though regional factors continue to create unique pressures.   Recent data shows some volatility in inflation rates, with the national headline rate reaching 2.3% in January 2026 before slowing to 1.8...