Edmonton Notes for 1/26/2014

Here are my weekly Edmonton notes:

Headlines

• Big changes are afoot at Northlands, starting with the resignation of President and CEO Richard Andersen. He joined the organization in August 2010 after moving from San Diego. The news release says: “During his time here, Richard has been an instrumental part of strengthening Northlands. We will capitalize on this momentum as we continue making Northlands the sports and entertainment destination in the region.” I’m not sure the “sports and entertainment destination” is what Northlands really wants to be…
• I think Fish raises some great questions in his opinion piece, the dark side of Light the Bridge, but I don’t agree that the river valley should remain untouched. I do hope the lighting is tastefully done – I’m not a fan of the lights on ATB’s new tower.
• According to City Manager Simon Farbrother, the downtown arena appears to be on budget and should begin construction in March. We should know for sure in mid-February.
• The Province announced on Tuesday that it will “modernize” 9 schools in Edmonton. There is no word on how much money is being committed or when it will come.
• Another year, another letter from Daryl Katz to Oilers fans. “We all thought this was going to be the year the Oilers turned the corner. Obviously, that hasn’t happened, and it hurts.”
• The best part about the Katz letter has been reading the responses. Here are some of my favorites: Edmonton Journal, Copper & Blue, OilersNation, Lowetide.
• In other Oilers news, Scotiabank is now the team’s Official Bank and the Oilers have purchased the Bakersfield Condors of the ECHL.
• For the first time ever, Alberta is going to co-host a World Economic Forum event. A regional meeting on energy, climate change, and innovation will take place in Lake Louise on April 24 and 25.
• The City introduced a new toolkit called Measuring Up this week. It aims to shift attitudes around the needs of persons with disabilities.
• Back in December, the City announced that Shirley Serviss would be its first Writer-at-Work (though I think the role is similar to what Councillor McKeen was doing before the election). Here’s her first post. She’s in the role for six months!
• Don’t miss these hidden gems from 2013, chosen by EPL staff!
• Watch this video and see how the Edmonton Police Service Tractical Section prepares for a hostage crisis.
• Did you enjoy our mini heatwave? Poor Bob Dunford.
• TEC VenturePrize 2014 officially kicked off this week! The deadline for you to submit your business plan is February 24. Winners will be announced at the awards dinner on May 7.
• The City of Edmonton is looking for three new citizens to join the Environmental Advisory Committee.
• Interested in speaking at Pecha Kucha Night 18? You have until January 31 to apply.
• When Sharon and I were in New York last month, we saw The Book of Mormon. I really liked it, and now I see the show is coming to Edmonton via Broadway Across Canada, but not until 2015.
• Celebrities love Edmonton! We know Jessica Biel loves Transcend, and this week we discovered that Colin Hanks likes our airport and Keith Urban likes the Fairmont Hotel Macdonald.

Hey Edmonton. You have a nice airport. Parts that I have seen at least. I meant that sincerely.

— Colin Hanks (@ColinHanks)

January 23, 2014

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Rarely stay at hotels – but when in Edmonton…… Love this place!!! – KU pic.twitter.com/7WcIndNhvf

— Keith Urban (@KeithUrban)

January 20, 2014

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Here’s the 2013 Year in Review video that EEDC showed at the 2014 Impact Luncheon:

Upcoming Events

• This week is International Week at the University of Alberta! The theme for 2014 is “Creating Solutions for a Healthier World.” Events run all week.
• Ice on Whyte continues all week! I bet they are happy with the sudden drop in temperatures this weekend.
• Also continuing this week is the second iteration of the National Elevator Project. Sharon and I went last night and tonight – great fun!
• The Oilers host San Jose at Rexall Place on Wednesday. The Oil Kings host the Brandon Wheat Kings on Tuesday and the Tri-City Americans on Friday.
• On Saturday, Social Media Breakfast Edmonton presents SMBCamp 2014 taking place at Startup Edmonton. Should be fun!
• The Edmonton Rush play their next home game on Saturday, against the Rochester Knighthawks.
• This is the final week for Fork Fest Winter 2014!
• Heads up that the AGA has announced the first Refinery party of 2014! Cloud Nine Refinery will take place on February 15.
• Tickets are also on sale for Latitude 53’s third annual Parka Patio, taking place on February 22.
• For more upcoming events, check out ShareEdmonton.

UPDATE: I incorrectly stated that DemoCamp was taking place on Thursday, but it has been rescheduled for February 20.

Lunar New Year Extravaganza at West Edmonton Mall, photo by iqremix