Edmonton Notes for 11/14/2010

I’ve been experimenting with another Edmonton-focused blog this week. I call it Edmonton Etcetera. As I come across Edmonton stuff online, I post it there. I see it as sort of in between Twitter and this blog. Check it out (here’s the archive of recent entries) and let me know what you think – I’ll write more about it later.

Here are my weekly Edmonton notes:

• The proposed 2011 Operating Budget would see a 3% tax increase for civic services and 2% to continue the Neighbourhood Renewal Funding Program. Council will discuss the budget until December 7 (and later if required).
• The Government of Canada announced an investment of $452,914 in the Grey Cup this weekend under the Marquee Tourism Events Program.
• I hope this doesn’t result in the lost of even more money, but it seems Council has decided to try to save the Indy.
• It’s not finished yet, but the end is in sight for construction on the Quesnell Bridge. Water-proofing and paving will happen next year.
• The City has won two Awards of Merit from the Alberta Professional Planners Institute for its Residential Infill Guidelines and its Secondary Suites program.
• The latest litter audit shows a 29% reduction in litter on city streets, and a big drop in the number of cigarette butts too.
• On both Monday evening and Tuesday evening, the LRT will be running on a 20 minute frequency from 8pm until end of service, while crews continue to upgrade the overhead power system.
• Canada’s first independent wine store, Edmonton’s own The Wine Cellar, celebrated its 25th birthday on Friday.
• EEDC reports that membership in the Edmonton Capital Region Tourism Partnership program has grown by more than 50% in the last year.
• Great post from Avnish on the anti-racism campaign and surrounding controversy.
• Here are the 2010 Christmas Checkstop Statistics for Week 1.
• Congrats to the Alberta Aviation Museum for winning a national award from the Canadian Aviation Preservation Association.
• You’ve got until Tuesday at noon to enter the 2010 Grey Cup Contest from EEDC.
• A new mobile carrier is gearing up to launch in Edmonton. Mobilicity will announce details on Tuesday.
• Surprising no one, the Edmonton Eskimos fired coach Richie Hall on Friday.
• Very thoughtful post from Alex: 15 Steps to a Better Edmonton.
• Congrats to the Edmonton Food Bank for being among 36 Canadian charities named as a “Top Pick”.
• Want to setup a free wireless hotspot at your business? Request one online from Edmonton-based Mesh Canada.
• Candy Cane Lane officially opens at 7pm on Friday, December 10.
• For more headlines from the past week, check out theedmontonian.com.
• CFR wraps up today. It has certainly been an eventful week!
• Homeward Trust is hosting a conference on homelessness this week, called The Road Home.
• EEDC’s annual Economic Outlook Luncheon takes place on Tuesday at the Shaw Conference Centre.
• There are two more downtown arena open houses this week: Monday evening, and Wednesday evening.
• The Oilers are in action at home this week, on Wednesday against Chicago and on Friday against Phoenix.
• Also Monday evening: an open house for the Boyle Renaissance & The Quarters redevelopment plans.
• Coming up on Wednesday – Launch Party 2. You can check out the preview here.
• The Oil Kings host the Red Deer Rebels on Saturday.
• The 2010 Festival of Ideas kicks off on Tuesday.
• Next Saturday is the AGA’s Refinery party. Don’t miss it!
• Exposure: Edmonton’s Queer Arts & Culture Festival started Friday and runs until Sunday.
• Are you a fan of AMC’s The Walking Dead? Check out Edmonton Zombeers tonight!
• For more upcoming events, check out ShareEdmonton.

We’ve had great weather for November, and more than a few beautiful sunrises too.

Houses around the city are getting ready for the holidays!

If you’re looking to get into the Christmas spirit, check out the Green & Gold themed tree in Churchill Square.