Edmonton Notes for 2/14/2009

Happy Valentine’s Day! Here are some Edmonton-related things I found interesting this week:

• The City of Edmonton Youth Council presented a cheque for $110,000 to Boyle Street Community Services. The money will be used to provide transitional housing for homeless people.
• Mayor Mandel is in China until Wednesday as part of an effort to gain support for Edmonton’s bid for the 2015 Universiade Games.
• I had an interesting chat about technology with ETS this week. Watch for an announcement on Wednesday related to Google Transit.
• Jim Gurnett, executive director of the Edmonton Mennonite Centre for Newcomers, is leaving the job in May after almost 8 years of service. Under his watch, the organization’s budget increased from $2 million to $4 million.
• One of the more controversial stories of the week: Councillor Tony Caterina would rather see the LRT expand to Mill Woods than to NAIT. There’s a very large “rant” thread about Caterina at C2E.
• The Sun reported yesterday that The City will be expanding its wireless service to four new locations this year: Central Lions Senior Recreation Centre, Dr. Wilbur McIntyre Gazebo, ACT Aquatic and Recreation Centre in Rundle Park, and City Arts Centre.
• Edmonton Twestival was a major success – we raised at least $1000 for charity:water. Thanks everyone for your support!
• Epcor is building the drinking water and wastewater facilities in Whistler for the 2010 Olympics. Kinda cool.
• Looking for something to do on Family Day? There are a bunch of Winter Light activities taking place on Monday from noon until 4pm at City Hall.
• Here are a couple new Twitter accounts you might want to follow: @CityOfEdmonton, @ctvedmonton, @EPLdotCA, @SteveTambellini (not real of course, but hilarious)

UPDATE: Forgot to mention the Agile Edmonton social, taking place on Tuesday evening at Hudson’s downtown. More information here.