Here are my weekly Edmonton notes:
- CTV ran an “Ask the Mayor” segment this week – you can watch the two part video here.
- According to the City of Edmonton, the 23rd Avenue Interchange is progressing on schedule.
- The federal government announced $14.8 million in funding through the Infrastructure Stimulus Fund of Canada’s Economic Action Plan for the construction of the new GO Community Centre. It will be a 200,000 square foot facility located on the U of A South Campus.
- The feds also gave $33,900 to the Kaleido Arts Family Festival, which runs September 25th to 27th on Alberta Avenue.
- A third funding announcement from the feds: NorQuest College received $1.4 million.
- Two great events this past week: DemoCampEdmonton8 and Twestival Local 2009.
- In a new report, the Edmonton Police Commission says that to maintain existing policing levels, they need a budget boost of $19 million. Council capped the increase at 3%, roughly 5.6% short. As a result, they may be expanding photo radar.
- Village at Griesbach is Edmonton’s first Stage 2 LEED ND (neighbourhood development) Gold certified community.
- It’s official: Mike Comrie is an Oiler once again. The one-year deal is worth $1.125 million. The Oilers play their first preseason game Tuesday against the Flames. Their first preseason game at home is Wednesday against the Islanders.
- Check it out – the first issue of Profile Edmonton, featuring Student Union Executives from the U of A, NAIT, and MacEwan.
- By the time a new biofuels facility is operational in 2012, Edmonton will be diverting about 90% of its waste from the landfill. The new $90 million facility is more than four times the size of a football field.
- A few weeks ago I wrote about Gariepy Block, speculating that a vodka bar would be opening there soon. This week the Journal confirmed the story, and got the details.
- Visualeyez 2009 starts Wednesday! Edmonton Fashion Week kicks off on Thursday! Edmonton Code Camp takes place on Saturday!