Thursday's Mild Enough to Leave the Parka Hanging Up

Morning, Edmonton. It's zero degrees out there, which after the last few days feels like a bit of a gift. UV is barely a blip at 1.0, so sunglasses are optional, though the sun does do its thing on the snow patches. You'll have about nine hours of daylight, with the sun going down at 5:54, so if you're planning anything after work, it's going to be dark by the time you're heading home. Plan your walk to the car accordingly.

For getting around, keep an eye out for detours on Route 443 and 443S heading southbound from Georgian Way and Grngrove Cr toward Heron Rd and Raven Dr. There's also a planned detour on Route 442 from Granada Bl northbound to Sherwood Dr and Gatewood Bl. If you're riding one of those routes, check the schedule before you head out, and give yourself a few extra minutes so you're not stuck wondering where the bus went.

In the news, Edmonton police say the city's budget leaves them $61.66 million short on IT and capital projects, which is going to be a conversation for a while. The city's also floated a 4.9 per cent property tax hike for 2027, so it's worth having an opinion ready if you've got one. There's a heavier story too: 17-year-old Liam Gallup was killed on Sherwood Park Freeway, and there's a vigil planned at Austin O'Brien. Please keep that family in your thoughts today. On a brighter note, students at Beechmount have been placing poppies on veterans' graves ahead of Remembrance Day, which is a lovely thing to see in the cold.

Food-wise, Hazeldean Bakery has reopened in south Edmonton with hundreds turning out to welcome the new owners, so that's a good excuse to grab something sweet on the way through. Elio's has also opened on the south side with Filipino comfort food, the kind of place that feels like it was made for a cold weeknight. And if you're into the Ave, know that Paperbirch by Chartrand is leaving the Old Strathcona Farmers' Market after two years, so get there if you've been meaning to try it.

Tonight's got plenty going on. The big one is the Oilers hosting the Anaheim Ducks at Rogers Place at 7:00 PM, so if you're heading downtown, the Ice District will be busy and you'll want to leave some extra time for parking and the LRT. If hockey isn't your thing, Allison Russell is playing the Winspear Centre at 7:30 PM, and there's a comedy show with Ryan Long at Rick Bronson's at 8:30 PM. There's also a 'Home Front & Steröid' album release for RUBBED RAW at the Starlite Room starting at 7:00 PM, if you're after something a little louder. Everything tonight is indoors, so you can dress for the cold and not worry about the weather. Enjoy the mild day, and get home safe, Edmonton.