Edmonton Notes for 2/6/2011

Here are my weekly Edmonton notes:

• Residential grading completed late yesterday evening, but if you notice a section of road that still needs to be plowed, call 311. There are now giant windrows in most neighbourhoods, something the City says is “standard practice” across other major cities.
• City Council voted in favor of giving itself a 4.64% pay raise on Wednesday, a decision many disagree with.
• More turmoil in Alberta politics this week, as David Swann announced he’ll step down as leader of the Alberta Liberal party. Check out Dave’s Alberta Politics Notes for more.
• The South LRT extension to Century Park was named Alberta Construction Magazine’s 2010 winner in the Civil category.
• Expansion of the Shaw Conference Centre is a topic that never seems to go away. A new report says Edmonton needs double the conference space downtown.
• There’s another winter festival being proposed. I’d much rather see an improved Winter Light than competing festivals.
• This year is the 60th anniversary of the City of Edmonton’s Salute to Excellence. You have until Tuesday, February 22 to nominate an outstanding citizen.
• Here’s a great article on Jeff McElheran, a graffiti artist who is being paid for his art.
• John Connolly is the new publisher of the Edmonton Journal. It’ll be interesting to see if actually delivers on the “digital first” strategy.
• Former Edmonton MP Doug Roche has been nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize in 2011.
• Local radio station EZ Rock 104.9 FM has switched formats and is now Virgin Radio, a top 40 station competing with The Bounce and Hot 107.
• I’m not exactly sure why, but flex time at the City of Edmonton was in the news on Friday. Mandel doesn’t like the program, which has been in existence since at least 1982.
• For more headlines from the past week, check out theedmontonian.com.
• There are lots of daily deals in Edmonton. Do you have a favorite?
• Great article on former Edmonton radio DJ Fearless Fred.
• Looking for something other than dinner on Valentine’s Day? Here are some alternatives.
• On Friday, the University of Alberta recaptured the world record for the largest game of dodgeball.
• The Oil Kings are in action at home on Tuesday against the Prince George Cougars.
• The Oilers have a busy week at home, on Wednesday against Chicago, Saturday against Ottawa, and Sunday against Anaheim.
• Meet the Media is taking place on Friday evening at Brewsters in Oliver.
• The Edmonton Rush host the Washington Stealth on Friday evening.
• I’m really looking forward to Startup Weekend taking place from Friday-Sunday.
• Also next weekend – the World’s Longest Hockey Game begins!
• For more upcoming events, check out ShareEdmonton.

Look at those awesome snowballs! That was at Illuminations, which contained a preview of Yukigassen.

Happy Chinese New Year!