As the final hours of 2025 tick away, Edmonton Mayor Andrew Knack described the past twelve months as a "surreal" period for the city during a year-end interview with CTV News Edmonton.
Jeremy Thompson of CTV News Edmonton sat down with the Mayor to discuss the triumphs, trials, and transitions that defined the year, while also looking ahead to the hurdles awaiting in 2026.
A Year of Significant Challenges and Change
While specific details of the wide-ranging conversation were not fully disclosed, the Mayor's characterization of 2025 as "surreal" suggests a year marked by unexpected events and significant pressures. Municipal governments across Canada, including Edmonton's, have navigated complex issues ranging from economic fluctuations and housing affordability to ongoing debates about public safety and infrastructure.
The interview, conducted on December 31, 2025, provided a platform for Mayor Knack to offer his perspective on the city's resilience and the collective efforts of its citizens and administration.
Looking Forward to the New Year
The discussion naturally pivoted from reflection to anticipation, focusing on the challenges slated for 2026. Every new year brings a fresh set of priorities for municipal leadership, and Edmonton is no exception.
Key areas of focus likely include budary deliberations, continued work on public transit expansions like the Valley Line, and strategies for community safety and wellness. The Mayor's outlook would set the tone for the city's administrative and political agenda as residents step into the new year.
The Broader Canadian Context
Mayor Knack's reflections come amidst a national backdrop of notable year-end stories. From the tragic murder charges laid in Brampton and a fatal crash sentencing in Nova Scotia, to the positive news of Stanley Park's Seawall reopening and Canada finalizing its men's Olympic hockey roster, December 31st was a day of reckoning and anticipation across the country.
In Alberta specifically, issues like the Christmas Day house fire that displaced an Edmonton family and the impending utility rate increases from Manitoba Hydro for 2026 highlight the mixed reality of local and regional concerns that civic leaders must address.
As Edmontonians prepare to ring in 2026, the Mayor's candid assessment of a "surreal" 2025 serves as both a closing chapter and a foundation for the work ahead. The full interview offers valuable insight into the state of the city from its highest elected official.
