Edmonton Notes for 7/13/2014

Here are my weekly Edmonton notes:

Headlines

• Edmonton and Calgary are bending over backwards to find ways to fund critical LRT expansion, but the Province is “willing to resume planning” on an outer ring road that could cost $11 billion? I thought the idea of a second ring road beyond Anthony Henday was scrapped when the Capital Region Board decided it wasn’t a priority for the region back in 2012, but unfortunately a few mayors are still pushing for the idea. We need to be planning and building for 2040, not 1960.
• The Province wants to redesign our license plates. Have you voted for your favorite new license plate design yet? You have until August 19 to do so. A petition to keep the existing design currently has over 3,300 supporters.
• It’s still a common question whenever a discussion turns to the new downtown arena – what’s going to happen to Rexall Place? Northlands is working on a long-term master plan to answer that very question.
• Three new Albertans have been appointed to Travel Alberta’s board of directors, but none of them are from Edmonton and the only one from northern Alberta was a southerner until September.
• In June, EPS received 809 calls reporting impaired drivers which led to 65 charges, 25 license suspensions, and 60 warning letters. There have been 4,296 calls so far this year.
• EPS is looking to buy two new helicopters at a cost of $14 million over five years. Councillors will consider the request this fall.
• The City invites you to check out expanded facilities, a new cafe, and more educational opportunities at the latest Valley Zoo features called Entry Plaza and Wander Trail.
• Here’s an update on the second week of #31DaysOfYEG. Have you participated yet?
• Can’t wait for Earth’s General Store to open on 104 Street! Here’s an update.
• Province-wide library usage has been shrinking over the last five years, but membership and visitor growth at the Edmonton Public Library is bucking that trend.
• Read this OilersNation post about the history of the Oilers rebuild so you’re prepared when the conversation at your next summer BBQ turns to the Oilers.
• Look at that, even Premier Hancock is doing a weekly recap now! Anyone know if he actually writes anything on that blog?
• Council decided to move forward with 30 km/h speed limits for school zones around elementary schools, despite questions about how effective the change will be.
• I can get behind this: ETS needs more accessible signage.
• Wondering where the best burgers in Edmonton can be found? Phil tried them all, and narrowed it down to his top five.
• The Local Good highlights eleven local email lists that will keep you up-to-date on what’s happening in Edmonton.

High Level Looking Rad by Jeff Wallace

Upcoming Events

• The first Make Something Monday event takes place bright and early at Startup Edmonton. The theme this week is social entrepreneurship.
• Odysseo continues its run under the White Big Top this week.
• Dishcrawl is back with its latest event on Tuesday evening, this time in the 124 Street area.
• Head over to the Edmonton Journal on Wednesday for the next Capital Ideas Edmonton event, How do turn an idea into a business?
• Wednesday is when the Edmonton stop on the Five Hole for Food tour takes place. Check out all the action behind the library downtown in Centennial Plaza.
• The 2014 edition of Taste of Edmonton kicks off on Thursday in Churchill Square!
• Wear white on Thursday evening for Diner en Blanc, location TBA to attendees at the last possible minute!
• The annual K-Days Parade starts Friday at 10am at 99 Street and 102 Avenue. The gates at Northlands open immediately following the parade at noon to start another season of K-Days.
• If you’re looking to take in some baseball, the Prospects host the Saskatoon Yellow Jackets on Friday and Saturday at Telus Field.
• On Saturday, why not help to plant an edible forest in the river valley?
• For more upcoming events, check out ShareEdmonton.

Street Performers, photo by IQRemix