At a Glance - Week of January 26, 2026
Peter Lougheed Centre Expansion Complete
The Government of Alberta announced the completion of a $151 million expansion at the Peter Lougheed Centre in Calgary. Construction concluded in December 2025, and the new spaces are now being equipped with furniture and clinical tools. The project will provide room for 97 additional patient beds, including expanded emergency and specialized care areas, improving patient flow and reducing overcrowding.
Minister of Infrastructure, Martin Long, stated: “Albertans expect a health care system they can rely on, and strong infrastructure is part of delivering this. The investment at Peter Lougheed Centre adds capacity, improves patient flow and gives health care teams the modern, well-designed spaces they need to best care for patients.”
New Exemptions to Improve Water Access and Storage
The provincial government has introduced updated Water Act exemptions to improve water storage, conservation, and access for farmers, ranchers, communities, and businesses. The changes allow agricultural dugouts to be filled to a maximum of 7,500 cubic meters, three times the previous limit, helping producers better prepare for droughts and support resilient operations. Expanded exemptions also permit larger stormwater ponds and newly constructed wetlands to retain more water without licensing.
“Reliable access to water is essential for Alberta’s farmers and ranchers, especially as they manage drought risk and plan for the future. These practical changes respond directly to what producers and rural communities have been asking for – making it easier to store and use water responsibly so agricultural operations can remain strong, resilient and productive,” commented Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation, R. J. Sigurdson.
Province Invests in U of A Revitalization
The Alberta government is investing $27 million to revitalize the University of Alberta’s Universiade Pavilion, commonly known as the Butterdome. The funding will support exterior and roof upgrades to address safety concerns, improve energy efficiency, and enhance lighting and pedestrian safety. Renovations are scheduled to begin in spring 2026, with completion expected by fall 2027.
“The Butterdome is a long-standing cornerstone of the University of Alberta’s campus. Not only will these renovations enhance the Universiade Pavilion’s appearance, but they will improve its ability to serve as a vibrant, inclusive and sustainable space for learning, athletics and community engagement,” stated Minister of Advanced Education, Myles McDougall.
Alberta Sets Housing Starts Record in 2025
Alberta saw a record level of homebuilding activity in 2025. The province reported approximately 53,000 housing starts last year, up 14 per cent from the 46,000 recorded in 2024. Overall, housing starts across Canada increased by 5.6 per cent in 2025.
Minister of Assisted Living and Social Services, Jason Nixon, commented: “Even though we make up less than 12 per cent of Canada’s population, Alberta built nearly a quarter of all housing starts in the country last year.”