Edmonton Notes for May 29, 2016

Here are my weekly Edmonton notes:

Headlines

• City Council has approved the EndPovertyEdmonton implementation roadmap. “With council’s endorsement of the road map, EndPovertyEdmonton will begin work on its transition from a task force. Rather than forming a new organization that will compete for resources with other non-profits, EndPovertyEdmonton will work to bring together a diverse group of agencies and organizations in order to take a more collective approach to ending poverty.”
• This week the City and Province announced a cost-shared Low Income Transit Pass. Each are paying half of the $12.4 million required over three years.
• I’ll share more on this soon, but Wednesday was the official “topping-off” ceremony for the City of Edmonton’s new office tower. The new building will allow about 2,300 City employees to consolidate into one place. The first move-ins are slated to begin in November 2016.
• The City of Edmonton Reception Centre at Northlands closed its doors on Friday, May 27. Nearly 25,000 people visited it for assistance and more than 66,000 meals were served.
• Starting July 1, United Airlines is suspending its daily flights to and from Chicago and San Francisco. They are increasing the number of flights to Denver.
• The City started sending 2016 property tax notices to residents this week. “This year, an average single-family home, assessed at $408,000, will pay $3,266 in property taxes.”
• I’m thrilled that the pocket park on 104 Street was officially named after Michael Phair this week!
• Ever wonder why most addresses in Edmonton end with NW? Paul Blinov did the research.
• The Edmonton Arena Corp. and City of Edmonton have sued HOK Architects and 360 Architecture for $4.7 million over errors and omissions affecting Rogers Place. That’s a pretty small portion of the overall budget and “is in no way unusual” according to EAC.
• Congratulations to all of the recipients of the 2016 Mayor’s Awards which “honour those who make significant contributions to Edmonton’s livability for all, and shine a spotlight on innovations in accessibility.”
• Alberta’s Fire Aid Organizing Committee has announced a concert taking place on June 29 at Commonwealth Stadium that will raise funds for the Fort McMurray United Way.
• The rainbow crosswalks are back for another year in Old Strathcona!
• ICYMI: I am very happy to announce Taproot Edmonton!
• For more recent headlines, check out ShareEdmonton.

Come Hither, photo by Kurt Bauschardt

Upcoming Events

• All this week the City of Edmonton, Reconciliation in Solidarity Edmonton (RISE), Alberta Teachers Association, Edmonton Public School Board, Edmonton Catholic School Board, and Edmonton Public Library are celebrating a year of reconciliation efforts in Edmonton.
• The Edmonton International Children’s Festival takes place this week, starting Tuesday!
• EPSB is hosting another Space for Students event on Tuesday in the Westlawn area.
• The Edmonton Pride Festival kicks off on Friday!
• Friday and Saturday is the Edmonton Craft Beer Festival at the Expo Centre.
• Saturday is the big day! 100in1Day Edmonton takes place throughout the city.
• Bonnie Fest takes place at the Bonnie Doon Community Hall on Saturday.
• Nextfest kicks off on Saturday!
• I am hoping to check out the Meet Me in McCauley Market on Saturday.
• Head over to Giovanni Caboto Park on Saturday and Sunday for the Heart of the City Festival.
• This year’s edition of the Sprouts New Play Festival for Kids takes place Saturday and Sunday at the ATB Financial Barns.
• Also Saturday and Sunday in St. Albert is the eek! Comic & Pop Culture Fest.
• For more upcoming events, check out ShareEdmonton.

Edmonton Cat Festival, photo by IQRemix