Edmonton Notes for 3/20/2011

I’m writing this using the excellent free wi-fi at the Edmonton International Airport. So glad we have this now. Here are my weekly Edmonton notes:

• The weather has been great this week – that means it’s pothole season.
• The City of Edmonton was recognized as a leader in accessibility this week by the Canadian Paraplegic Association, receiving the Percy Wickman Accessibility Award for the Terwillegar Recreation Centre.
• Edmonton’s faith communities have joined forces to formally pledge their support for Edmonton’s 10-Year Plan to End Homelessness.
• Northlands and Junior Achievement Northern Alberta announced a new partnership this week that will help educate more than 16,000 students about being prepared for the work world.
• Contracting out snow removal would not result in proven cost savings, according to a city report.
• Apparently the cost of building a reconstructed movie theatre at Fort Edmonton Park is rising – an additional $2.8 million is required.
• Construction on Capital Boulevard, 108 Street between MacEwan and the Legislature, is set to begin in May.
• TOTEM is opening a new $20 million, 52,000 square foot store in Ellerslie, the second location that will apply for LEED certification.
• After six years, Tu Gallery on 124 Street is closing its doors.
• A new city report says the City needs to hire ten more transit peace officers to improve ETS security.
• Is Danielle Smith a friend or foe of Edmonton’s LRT expansion plans? David Staples thinks she has to do more.
• The federal government is contributing $1.5 million toward a new biomass heating system at Sherwood Park’s Centre in the Park. They’re also spending $3.5 million on a new genomics lab at the University of Alberta.
• Technology that stops ice from forming on roadways is being tested on the Anthony Henday bridge over the North Saskatchewan River in the southwest.
• For more headlines from the past week, check out theedmontonian.com.
• The 2010 Annual Policing Plan Report Card is now available from the Edmonton Police Commission and the Edmonton Police Service.
• The deadline to nominate someone for the 2011 Mayor’s Awards is Friday, March 25.
• There’s another public information session on the Walterdale Bridge replacement scheduled for Tuesday evening at the TransAlta Arts Barns.
• Twestival is happening here in Edmonton on Thursday at. The event is supporting the Edmonton Public Schools Foundation. Get your tickets here!
• Western Canada Fashion Week kicks off on Thursday evening.
• The Edmonton Rush are hosting the Minnesota Swarm at Rexall Place on Friday evening.
• The Edmonton Symphony Orchestra is launching its 60th season on Friday with a free lunchtime concert at the Winspear Centre. Don’t miss it!
• Calgary is in town on Saturday evening to take on the Oilers.
• Edmonton Water Week is taking place from March 21 to Saturday, March 26.
• For more upcoming events, check out ShareEdmonton.

This is what 105 Street looks like north of 107 Avenue now that the City removed a number of trees to make way for the North LRT extension.

There’s a beautiful mural on 107 Avenue, except that it is hidden most of the winter by snow!

This is the biggest puddle (aka mini-lake) I have seen, located at 104 Street and 103 Avenue downtown. You?