Edmonton residents will continue to pay a 25-cent fee for paper bags when ordering through drive-thrus or shopping at stores. City council narrowly voted Tuesday afternoon to reject a motion that would have eliminated the paper bag fee. The decision followed discussions on the city’s Single-Use Item Bylaw, introduced in 2023. According to an administrative report, single-use waste has declined by 30 per cent since the bylaw came into effect, with retail bags accounting for the largest share of the reduction. The motion to remove the fee was defeated in a 7-6 vote, meaning the 25-cent charge

Canada’s average asking rent has declined for the 24th consecutive month, marking one of the longest downturns in the country’s rental market. According to the September 2026 report from Rentals.ca and Urbanation, the average asking rent in Canada fell to $2,034, down 4.2% from the same month last year. Rents are now at their lowest level since 2022. The national average asking rent had reached a record high of $2,202 in May 2024, but has declined steadily since then, driven by increased housing supply and easing interest rates. Urbanation President Shaun Hildebrand said major markets such

A woman has been arrested in connection with two consecutive assaults in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside. The incident happened around 4:40 p.m. Monday near East Hastings Street and Princess Avenue. Police say a mother was walking with her child in a stroller when the woman allegedly approached her and demanded money. During an ensuing confrontation, the suspect allegedly grabbed the child by the hair and pulled them. No one suffered serious physical injuries. Shortly afterward, CCTV footage captured the same woman allegedly punching another unidentified person in the face. Police arrested the

A tragic incident occurred in Langley on Tuesday night, where a motorcyclist was killed in a crash. Police said it was a single-vehicle crash, with no other vehicle involved. Langley RCMP said first responders were called to the 20500 block of 16 Avenue at around 10:15 p.m. Sgt. Zanel Sharoum said officers made every effort to save the victim, but the motorcyclist died at the scene. Sharoum said an investigation is underway to determine how the crash occurred. Roads near the scene were closed while officers gathered evidence and were reopened at around 4 a.m.

Advance voting for the Surrey municipal election has begun, with residents able to cast their ballots on October 7, 10, 14 and 15 at 10 designated locations, including the Fleetwood Community Centre and Fraser Heights Recreation Centre. Nearly 100 candidates are contesting 15 seats, including one mayor, eight council and six school trustee positions. Seven candidates are running for mayor: Brenda Locke, Linda Annis, Doug McCallum, Honveer Singh Randhawa, Mike Starchuk, Troy Van Vliet and Eagle Emons. A total of 66 candidates are running for the eight council seats, while 24 candidates are cont