Here are my weekly Edmonton notes:
- Tunneling crews working on the North LRT extension to NAIT broke through the wall at Churchill Station this week, a major milestone for the project. The $755-million project is expected to be completed and operational in 2014. Here’s a video of the celebration:
- For much, much more on the North LRT, check out the Transforming Edmonton blog.
- Managing our infrastructure in the long term is an issue that probably should be getting more attention. The City announced this week that it is backing the FCM proposal which calls for a national, 20-year plan with predictable funding to maintain and develop infrastructure. FCM would like to see annual federal investments dedicated to municipal infrastructure increase from $3.25 billion to $5.75 billion.
- The new Citizen Dashboard was launched this week. The initial version focuses on Transportation Services but it will eventually expand to support all of The Way Ahead plans. Great to see this use of open data!
- The big business story of the week was the news that Leon’s is acquiring The Brick for $700 million. The deal is expected to close in the first quarter of 2013. The Brick was founded right here in Edmonton back in 1971.
- City Council approved the Food & Urban Agriculture Strategy this week. A report will be released in early 2013 with details on implementation and costs.
- Yikes, what a headline: $10 million to live in Edmonton? No thanks. Before you get too worked up about it though, read Todd’s response.
- A new subdivision in the northwest Edmonton community of Oxford will require all homebuilders to meet eco-friendly guidelines for conservation and efficiency, a first for Edmonton.
- Since the program launched in October 2006, Curb the Danger has taken over 52,000 calls from the public which resulted in 5,026 impaired drivers being removed from the streets.
- Congratulations to Darrell Krushelnicki (the “Hummer Hero”) and the 25 other local heroes recognized for their bravery.
- Look for a third location of the Italian Centre Shop to open in the west end in May 2013.
- The proposed 2013 Operating Budget would see a tax increase of 4% for civic services and 1.5% for the Neighbourhood Renewal Program, which works out to $98 per year for the typical Edmonton household.
- Check out the The 40 Below Project, an effort to “collect words, stories, and artwork about and inspired by the city of Edmonton in winter.” The project was created by Jason Lee Norman and is accepting submissions until December 31.
- MacEwan University has appointed Dr. John Corlett vice president academic and provost.
- Have you seen the Nov 6/Nov 7 photo of Edmonton? It has an impressive 141 notes on Tumblr.
- Having trouble getting the new $20 bills to work in ETS fare machines? They’re working on it.
- DECL has started a new blog series called #YEGDT Notes. Don’t miss it!
Great photo of a snowy residential street by Nico Humby.
Here are some upcoming events:
- Mobile Monday Edmonton returns tomorrow night with TELUS CTO Ibrahim Gedeon.
- Also Monday night is a dialogue between the Mayor and the Human Services Sector.
- Justin Trudeau will be in town on Tuesday for a rally at the Citadel Theatre.
- The next Capital Ideas event takes place on Wednesday at the Edmonton Journal during lunch. Garner Beggs, Janis Galloway, and Lazina McKenzie are the featured speakers.
- Make It Edmonton returns this week (Thursday to Sunday). Note it has moved locations and can now be found at The Enjoy Centre.
- It’s a busy week at home for the Oil Kings! They host the Swift Current Broncos on Tuesday, the Moose Jaw Warriors on Friday, and the Medicine Hat Tigers on Saturday.
- Head on over to Latitude 53 on Saturday evening for The Fine Art of Schmoozy.
- For more upcoming events, check out ShareEdmonton.
The tree is now lit in Churchill Square! Paula Kirman has more photos from the light up event here.
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