Edmonton Notes for 9/2/2012

I didn’t get back into the city until late last night, so decided I would finish my notes and post them today instead. Here are my latest Edmonton notes:

• The provincial government released its first quarter results on Thursday and projected a $3 billion deficit. In other province-related news, Dave took a look at what candidates spent in the 2012 election.
• There are 15 new schools opening across the province in 2012-2013, including four here in Edmonton: Bessie Nichols School, Mother Margaret Mary Catholic High School, Michael Strembitsky School, Major General Griesbach School.
• The Hamptons has more kids under 15 years old than any other neighbourhood in Edmonton, the Journal reports. The neighbourhood is located in the southwest, outside Anthony Henday Drive.
• Here is the latest Council Roundup from the City.
• Last week it was Hall, this week it was Eberle. The Oilers star has signed a six-year, $36 million contract extension.
• The Downtown Business Association released a new report this week that estimates the downtown area could see new development worth up to $4.8 billion over the next five years.
• We learned last week that Edmonton Transit’s Smart Bus initiative would finally be getting underway next year, and now we know that the contract has been awarded to Trapeze Group.
• Homeward Trust is looking for 400 volunteers to assist in the 2012 Homeless Count, taking place on Tuesday, October 16. Volunteer applications must be received prior to October 1.
• Guru Digital Arts College has moved into its new home alongside Startup Edmonton in the Mercer Warehouse.
• Today is the final day to enjoy the City of Edmonton’s outdoor pools.
• Has anyone seen the new “Ghost Rails” sculpture in Hazeldean that commemorates the Edmonton, Yukon and Pacific Railway that once ran through the area?
• A mock chemical attack on an LRT train took place last weekend, with 60 volunteer passengers. Sounds like it was a success.
• Strathcona County has been selected to host the Canada 55+ Games in 2014.
• Wednesday is the first day of classes for the 2012-2013 academic year at the University of Alberta. “The U of A will begin its 104th year of classes with more than 39,000 students—the most the university has ever had—walking the five campuses that make up the institution.”
• Happy 100th Birthday to the Alberta Legislature building! Glad to hear the weather turned out ok for the big party after all!

Alberta Legislature 100 Anniversary by Darren Kirby

Here are some upcoming events:

• Among other things, City Council’s Transportation & Infrastructure Committee will be talking about the Smart Bus initiative on Tuesday.
• On Wednesday, Executive Committee will be discussing a wide range of items, including the Stadium TOD, family-oriented development initiatives, and the naming of South Campus LRT station.
• Very cool event taking place on Wednesday evening: A Streetcar Named Rapidfire. Then on Friday, head over to the Citadel for Rapid Fire Theatre’s first Theatresports in their new home.
• Avenue Edmonton is hosting the SCTV Retrospective with Joe Flaherty on Thursday at the Garneau Theatre.
• This should be entertaining! Bowl-Off 2012: Downtown vs. Oliver, takes place on Friday evening.
• The Eskimos host the Stampeders on Friday night at Commonwealth Stadium.
• The Kaleido Family Arts Festival gets underway on Friday and runs all weekend on Alberta Avenue!
• Head over to Victoria Park on Saturday for the Edmonton Gorilla Run.
• My least favorite children’s movie of all time , Dumbo, is playing at the Garneau Theatre on Saturday afternoon. Seriously that movie freaks me out.
• Another great fundraiser takes place on Saturday afternoon: Edmonton’s Finest vs. Eskimo’s Greatest.
• Join us on Saturday evening for What the Truck?! at Churchill Square! With three new trucks and twelve total, it’s going to be a great time!
• For more upcoming events, check out ShareEdmonton.

B-Boy Dancing by Ian McKenzie