Edmonton Notes for 6/26/2010

Here are my weekly Edmonton notes:

• While everyone argues about what will put Edmonton on the map, we can celebrate being on the board – the Monopoly board, that is!
• Turns out it was Taylor! The Oilers selected Taylor Hall with their first ever number one draft pick.
• The Province is finally handing out some GreenTRIP funding. Edmonton and Calgary will receive $800 million each.
• Edmonton will receive one additional MLA the next time Albertans go to the polls. Dave has the scoop on the new Electoral Boundaries here.
• Here’s a really great column from Paula Simons on Travel Alberta and it’s apparent neglect of Edmonton.
• Greenery and more food vendors are among the suggestions in a new City report that looks at ways to enliven Churchill Square.
• Wondering what happened to the whale at West Edmonton Mall? Brittney has the scoop.
• The City of Edmonton officially launched the Apps4Edmonton competition this week!
• Congratulations to REACH Edmonton, which announced its new board of directors on Tuesday evening.
• Unfortunately, City Council voted against a pilot project of public transit service from Century Park to the Edmonton International Airport.
• Local radio station The Bounce was sold to Rogers Broadcasting this week.
• On Monday, Council approved a downtown LRT route that will one day make it possible to travel from Mill Woods to Lewis Estates in a single train.
• Karen Kleiss has the story behind the massive house explosion that happened in Edmonton last wee.
• The City’s Master Composter Recycler Program marked its 20th anniversary this year. The program has recognized 661 volunteers who have given a total of 35,000 hours of their time to educate fellow Edmontonians. You can do your part by getting involved in The Way We Green.
• Another interesting column from Scott McKeen. Density is key! Chris has some great thoughts on walkability.
• For more headlines from the past week, check out theedmontonian.com.
• Happening tomorrow (Sunday) at Sir Wilfrid Laurier Park – Pets in the Park!
• Also tomorrow is Star Wars: In Concert.
• The Works Art & Design Festival kicked off yesterday, and runs until July 7.
• Monday night is the big Canada Celebrates event at Commonwealth Stadium, celebrating our Olympic athletes and armed forces.
• The Freewill Shakespeare Festival kicks off on Tuesday!
• Thursday is of course Canada Day, and there will be lots of cool stuff happening around the city, like the Silly Summer Parade in Old Strathcona.

I had my first waffle from Eva Sweet today at the City Market:

Also today was Safe Streets, a community fair in Central McDougall: