Edmonton Notes for 3/2/2014

Here are my weekly Edmonton notes:

Headlines

• It’s cold out there! Beautiful, but cold. EPCOR said freezing temperatures contributed to nine water main breaks today across the city (they were working hard on my street all day). Fortunately it looks like temperatures will gradually rise this week.
• This is shaping up to be a big week for the Galleria project as rumors circulate that the Province has agreed to support the project, with details potentially arriving in Thursday’s budget.
• Google launched Maps Gallery this week, featuring public, map-based information and the City of Edmonton was selected as one of the featured participants. You can check out the Edmonton-based data here.
• Hungry? There’s lots to enjoy in Avenue Edmonton’s Best Restaurants of 2014.
• Have you checked out the City’s new website promoting LRT? The campaign is off to a good start.
• The City confirmed this week that construction on Rogers Place will begin on Monday. The north lane of 104 Avenue will be closed between 102 Street and 104 Street for the duration of the construction.
• Want to watch the construction of the new arena unfold? Check out Denis Lemire’s near real-time webcam view.
• Interested in joining the Edmonton Fire Rescue Services? They’re accepting applications for the firefighter recruit training class of 2015 until March 31.
• ATB Financial’s Dave Mowat has been named the 2014 Allard Chair in Business at MacEwan University.
• I was sad to hear that Notables Stationers is closing in May after almost 28 years in business.
• This year marks the 135th anniversary of Northlands, and to celebrate, the Edmonton Chamber of Commerce has collected some numbers behind the milestone.
• Inching a bit closer to its agricultural roots, Northlands announced a new program called Alberta Flavour. It will see Northlands help local agri-food companies field test their products and ingredients.
• The United Way of the Capital Region announced on Thursday that it raised a record $23.3 million during last year’s fundraising campaign.
• Former Councillor and mayoral candidate Kerry Diotte has announced he will run to become the federal conservative candidate in Edmonton-Griesbach.
• Don’t miss Gig City’s “where are they now?” feature on Diotte and the other mayoral candidates from last year’s election.
• There was a big turnout today in Churchill Square to protest the policies of the Redford government.
• Looking for great coffee in the 109 Street/Legislature area? Check out the brand new District Coffee Co.!

Cool shot titled ‘Precious Treasure’ by Dave Sutherland

Upcoming Events

• The second session of Alberta’s 28th Legislature will begin on Monday at 3pm with a Speech from the Throne (pdf).
• The Oilers host Ottawa on Tuesday evening, the Islanders on Thursday, and Los Angeles on Sunday.
• Wednesday at the Shaw Conference Centre is Mayor Don Iveson’s inaugural State of the City address.
• Head over to the Yellowhead Brewery on Wednesday evening for Green Drinks, this time themed local food.
• Pecha Kucha Night 18 takes place on Thursday at the Garneau Theatre. You can check out the speaker lineup here.
• Thursday is the day the Government of Alberta will table Budget 2014.
• The Edmonton Rush became just the second team in NLL history to open their season with an 8-0 record when they defeated the Toronto Rock on Friday night. They look to keep the streak alive and break the record when Vancouver comes to town on Saturday.
• This year’s edition of EPL’s Books2Eat Gala takes place at the Radisson South on Saturday.
• Also Saturday is a cool event organized by Slow Food Edmonton at Alley Kat: Hijacked!
• For more upcoming events, check out ShareEdmonton.

Edmonton Light by Jeff Wallace