Just five more sleeps until Christmas! Here are my weekly Edmonton notes:
Headlines
- Council unanimously approved the End Poverty Edmonton strategy on Tuesday. “A coalition is building, and we are helping to incubate the movement,” said Mayor Don Iveson.
- According to Dave’s latest update, there are now 21 candidates intending to run in the Ward 12 by-election in February. He’s got a list of candidates here.
- Construction on the northeast leg of Anthony Henday Drive “has made significant headway this year” and is slated to complete in fall 2016.
- No word on where the funding might come from, but he $60 million building proposed by Boyle Street Community Services this week is definitely interesting. It would include housing, a hotel, a bistro, palliative care, and more.
- Despite the economic downturn, Edmontonians are still coming forward to help those in need this holiday season. Volunteer numbers were up for Santas Anonymous, the Christmas Bureau has reached 50% of its goal, and volunteer hours are up at the Food Bank.
- Phil has crowned a winner in The Great Edmonton Perogy Showdown! The top five provide a great list of places to check out!
- It was neat to see my name on this list of Edmonton’s top social media influencers and even better that someone else made the list for a change!
- EIA says that December 24 will be its busiest day of the year, so if you’re travelling or picking someone up, plan ahead and be patient.
- Here’s an introduction to the new Community Infill Panel from Transforming Edmonton.
- They also wrote about the Imagine Jasper Avenue project. You have until January 4, 2016 to fill out the survey.
- On January 1, the Province is adding three demerits to the $287 penalty for distracted driving.
- Good news Oilers fans! Connor McDavid has been skating here in Edmonton for the past week. Hopefully he’ll be back in the lineup soon.
- The Elephant & Castle location on Whyte Avenue is closing tomorrow. There’s a chance that a rebranded venture could open there in the new year.
- From Dave Sutherland, here’s an exclusive look inside Edmonton’s Ultima condos.
- I meant to link to this story last week: plans for condo towers in The Quarters at 95 Street and Jasper Avenue have fallen through, leaving a big hole in the ground. The City has taken possession of the land back and is already exploring other options.
- Apparently today was the annual Christmas Bird Count here in Edmonton. Four hundred people spent the morning counting!
- The City says that “waste and recycling volumes double in Edmonton” during the holidays, so be sure to dispose of things correctly. “Old electronics, strings of broken Christmas lights and any hazardous material should go to an Eco Station.” You can learn more here.
- For more recent headlines, check out ShareEdmonton.
101A Avenue, photo by Jeff Wallace
Stay safe this holiday season! The Province has a reminder about the numbers you can call or text to get help over the holidays,.
Upcoming Events
- Holiday events continue! Check out Celebrate the Season, Candy Cane Lane, Christmas Reflections, and A Christmas Carol among other great events!
- The Oilers return home to host the Jets on Monday.
- Don’t forget you have until December 29 to see the Magna Carta at the Alberta Legislature.
- Friday is of course Christmas, with Boxing Day to follow on Saturday.
- If you’re planning ahead, check out Linda’s roundup of great New Year’s Eve events!
- Want a sneak peek at Rogers Place? The City says to mark your calendars for 11am on Saturday, January 16, 2016.
- For more upcoming events, check out ShareEdmonton.
Ice District – December 2015, photo by Jeff Wallace
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