Only one Canadian centre made the list of key cities to watch on a global ranking out today — and it wasn’t Toronto, Vancouver or Calgary.
Edmonton, Alberta’s capital and the fifth largest city in Canada, was named by Oxford Economics’ Global Cities Index as an “emerging star” in North America, along with Boise, Idaho, Durham, North Carolina, Jacksonville, Florida, and San Antonio, Texas.
“These cities each have distinct strengths but are united by their productivity-led growth, an ability to move up the value chain, and their increasing strength in attracting innovative businesses and the highest-skilled workers,” said Liam Sides, a director at Oxford Economics, and lead author of the report.
The Oxford Index ranks 1,000 of the world’s major cities by evaluating their economics, human capital, quality of life, environment and governance.
New York, London, and Paris topped the index in 2026, followed by Seattle, San Francisco, Dublin, Boston, San Jose, Calif., Tokyo, and Zurich.
But this year Oxford introduced a new “cities to watch” section that highlights emerging metros that are “forging independent growth paths that key stakeholders and policymakers can no longer afford to ignore.”
Edmonton made the list because, according to these economists, it is poised for great things over the next decade. One of North American’s fastest-growing urban economies, the city has made strong gains in gross domestic product, employment and population, said the report.
Though it is known for its role in the oil and gas industry , Edmonton is in the process of diversifying its economy to support more sustainable, long-term growth, it said.
“Recent developments — such as the expansion of the Trans Mountain Pipeline to transport more oil from Edmonton to the Port of Vancouver and proposed carbon capture projects by Alberta-based oil producers — suggest the city remains firmly invested in the future of fossil fuels,” said the report.
“But as the world transitions to more sustainable energy sources, the city is well positioned to leverage its increasing dynamism for long-term growth.”
As the capital of Alberta and home to the University of Alberta, the city benefits from a strong public sector and research base.
The economists predict over the next five years the western city’s employment and population will grow at the second fastest rate of any city in the United States and Canada as high-paying jobs in business services and the oil sector attract young workers.
“Disposable incomes in the city — which are already higher than the national average — are set to rise at one of the fastest rates in Canada, boosting consumer spending,” said the report.
While home prices soared in Canada during the population boom early in the decade, Edmonton has managed to remain more affordable than many other major cities, said Oxford. This affordability is supporting the city’s growth, attracting newcomers from across the country seeking a lower cost of living.
Edmonton came 125th in the overall ranking of 1,000 cities, with only four Canadian cities making the top 100. Toronto ranked 20, Vancouver, 24, Montreal, 62, and Calgary, 69.
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Food prices fall behind overall inflation for first time in two years
Canadian caught a break in their household expenses this summer as food price growth fell behind the pace of overall inflation for the first time in two years.
Data from Statistics Canada out Monday showed that prices for store-bought food rose by 2.8 per cent in August, down from 3.1 per cent in July, and below the 3 per cent overall inflation for the month.
Dairy products led the slowdown in grocery store inflation. After a 3.1 per cent annual increase in July, prices rose by 0.7 per cent in August due to slower price increases for cheese and yogurt.
Smaller price increases for pork, condiments, spices and vinegars, and fresh fruit also contributed.
However, Robert Kavcic, a senior economist at BMO Capital Markets, warned that the slowdown may be a “false lull.”
“Given what we’re seeing with energy costs, the weather and agriculture prices through the fall and winter … We do see food prices (increasing) again,” he said.
“August was a month where a lot of the volatile items in the food basket actually came down and helped us a little bit, but that’s not something you can count on going forward.”
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Are you in the market for a home? You may ask yourself whether buying one in the middle of a trade war is a good idea. Markets may have bottomed in some regions, but job security and interest rates could trump other factors, writes Financial Post columnist Garry Marr. Read more here
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McLister on mortgages
Want to learn more about mortgages? Mortgage strategist Robert McLister’s Financial Post column can help navigate the complex sector, from the latest trends to financing opportunities you won’t want to miss. Plus check his mortgage rate page for Canada’s lowest national mortgage rates, updated daily.
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Today’s Posthaste was written by Pamela Heaven with additional reporting from Financial Post staff and Bloomberg.
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Posthaste: Move over Toronto and Vancouver, this Canadian city was just flagged the one to watch in the next decade
2026-09-15 12:15:57
