Here are my weekly Edmonton notes:
Headlines
- Edmonton Arena District is now officially known as Ice District. “Ice District is the perfect reflection of the type of energy and feeling this area will bring to anyone who sets foot here,” said Daryl Katz. I shared a few initial thoughts here. Here is Omar’s take. Also be sure to check out Linda’s write-up of the unique marketing campaign that led to the announcement.
- Also unveiled this week were three public art concepts for Rogers Place: Essential Tree by realities:united (Berlin), Skater’s Arch by Douglas Bentham (Saskatoon), and Figures in Motion by Al Henderson (Edmonton).
- A new study by the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives revealed that Edmonton is the second worst region in Canada to be a woman. The study ranks Canada’s 24 largest metro areas “based on a comparison of how men and women are faring in five areas: economic security, leadership, health, personal security, and education.”
- Edmonton is on the shortlist to become a host city for the International Festival of Extreme Sports (FISE) World Series. The event would feature BMX, skateboarding, wakeboarding, and more. A decision is expected before the end of the year.
- After 12 seasons in charge of the Heritage Festival, executive director Jack Little is stepping down. He says it is time for “some fresh thinking.”
- Here is Lindsey McNeill (aka Screen Queen B) on how Edmonton did at the Banff World Media Festival: “What I’m really proud of is how Edmonton’s filmmakers have become a competitive force in our national industry.”
- The annual K-Days Parade took place on Friday. It was a soggy affair though considering just how much rain fell the turnout was still pretty good. This year Northlands recognized six Honorary Parade Marshals.
- Can’t say I am shocked about this: research by Edmonton’s Office of Traffic Safety shows that drivers engage in behaviour they deem dangerous.
- Like coffee? In Edmonton? Here’s a coffee lover’s guide to Edmonton.
- University of Alberta researchers have developed a supplement that will apparently help individuals suffering from gluten intolerance enjoy foods they currently have to avoid. It must still undergo human clinical trials and receive Health Canada approval.
- Wunderbar will stay open a little longer thanks to a crowdfunding campaign that raised the $4,500 goal in just two hours.
- If you’ve been thinking of adopting a cat, now’s the time according to the Edmonton Humane Society. They’ve joined the Million Cat Challenge to manage cat populations across North America.
- The Oilers agreed to terms with defenceman Justin Schultz this week. They also announced that University of Alberta Golden Bears head coach Ian Herbers will become an assistant coach with the team.
- Be like Mayor Iveson, leave your clippings on the lawn:
- Service Alberta is hosting an online competition called Apps for Alberta to show how open data can be used. You can vote for your favorite app until July 24. If you spent any time online this week, you probably saw Ranek’s Alberta Baby Name Explorer. I was one 4 boys named Mackenzie born in 1983 (there were 3 girls born that year with my name). Today it appears to be predominately a girl’s name, with 61 girls and 0 boys named Mackenzie in 2013.
- Speaking of apps, the Edmonton 311 App celebrated its first birthday this week. In that time it was downloaded 17,000 times with more than 9,000 reports filed.
- Here are the latest urbanism headlines from Spacing Edmonton, highlights edition!
- For more recent headlines, check out ShareEdmonton.
100 Fountains, photo by Jeff Wallace
Upcoming Events
- Taste of Edmonton continues this week in Churchill Square! We went twice this weekend.
- New to Taste of Edmonton this year is the Canadian Food Championships which starts on Tuesday, with most activity taking place behind the Milner Library.
- Also continuing all week is K-Days over at Northlands. Can’t wait for my annual corn dog. When you go, be sure to share your experience. And to get you in the mood, here is some Ex history from Vintage Edmonton.
- Family Nature Nights is back on Wednesday at Gold Bar Park, this time with Forest Fables.
- Don’t miss the Latitude 53 Patio on Thursday evenings throughout the summer!
- Interstellar Rodeo kicks off on Friday night at Hawrelak Park.
- The Eskimos host the Blue Bombers at Commonwealth Stadium on Saturday evening. So far this season the Esks are 2-1, but have won their last two games.
- On Sunday, FC Edmonton hosts the Atlanta Silverbacks.
- For more upcoming events, check out ShareEdmonton.
Slide The City, photo by IQRemix
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