Edmonton Notes for June 5, 2016

Here are my weekly Edmonton notes:

Headlines

• Did you check out the Edmonton Pride Festival parade and kickoff this weekend? It’s great to see the rainbow proudly displayed all across Edmonton!
• Elise writes in the Journal that we should expect surprises in the new MGA. “It’s the second longest bill on the books, creating the rules that govern what cities in Alberta can and can’t do.” The Province is planning to consult with Albertans throughout the summer (the Edmonton event takes palce on Monday, June 13). They plan to have changes to the Municipal Government Act in place before the next municipal elections in 2017.
• Voluntary phased re-entry of Fort McMurray began on June 1 as planned. Here’s the statement from Premier Rachel Notley. “There is still a long road ahead of us, and we will travel it together. Alberta continues to stand with you.”
• The Edmonton Police Service says that officers walking the beat on Whyte Avenue this summer will have a zero tolerance policy for individuals who “cross the line and compromise the safety of others.”
• Here is the latest update on the Council Initiative on Public Engagement. I’m happy to be featured as one of the working group members.
• The theme for this year’s Fringe festival is: That Was Then, This Is Fringe. The festival is celebrating 35 years.
• Congratulations to the 2016 Salute to Excellence Hall of Fame inductees, recognized for their contributions to arts & culture, sports, and community service in Edmonton. The awards ceremony will take place at the Winspear Centre on June 13.
• Here’s a feature on the yarn bombs along Jasper Avenue outside Enterprise Square. Turns out it is “part of the Focus on Fibre Arts 2016 exhibition, My Heritage.”
• This could be interesting: the City now has Business License Ambassadors as part of the Open for Business program.
• Living downtown we’re not far from the river valley, Legislature grounds, or the brand new Michael Phair Park on 104 Street. Still, I’m really looking forward to Alex Decoteau Park on 105 Street. You can never have too many green spaces. Transforming Edmonton highlights some of the other “green living” spaces downtown.
• And speaking of greening, Edmonton is the first Canadian city to join the Biophilic Cities Network, “an organization that helps cities all over the world integrate more nature into urban life.”
• Edmonton Public and Catholic school boards held two separate reconciliation events on June 3, before walking to City Hall to mark the one year anniversary of the final TRC report. “The events, projects and safe places being created in the name of reconciliation in city schools is shaping our future leaders for change,” said Mayor Don Iveson.
• Have you noticed that some local gas stations are empty? “Some western Canadian Petro-Canada stations are closed because of a fuel shortage following production problems at Suncor’s Edmonton refinery.”
• For more recent headlines, check out ShareEdmonton.

Michael Phair and Mayor Don Iveson take a selfie at Michael Phair Park

Upcoming Events

• This week is the 30th anniversary of Seniors’ Week in Alberta. “All Albertans are encouraged to attend an event, catch up with the seniors in your own life, or take a moment to thank an Albertan senior who has made a difference to your community.”
• The Edmonton Pride Festival kicked off this weekend! Check out events all week long throughout the city. Saturday is the 2016 Edmonton Pride Run & Walk at Emily Murphy Park.
• Also running this week at venues throughout Edmonton is Nextfest.
• The Edmonton Prospects have three home games this week. Tuesday and Wednesday they host the Brooks Bombers, and Thursday they host the Medicine Hat Mavericks.
• The next event in the #YEGparity Speaker Series runs Wednesday evening at ATB Place and features Councillor Andrew Knack, Heather MacKenzie, and Janelle Morin.
• This year’s REACH Edmonton AGM takes place Thursday afternoon at the Central Lions Senior Recreation Centre.
• Edmonton’s 25th Pecha Kucha Night takes place on Thursday at the Garneau Theatre. It’s a milestone!
• Also Thursday evening is the In Her Shoes Gala, taking place at the River Cree.
• The Human Library, which features ten human “books” like Mayor Don Iveson and Oiler Andrew Ference, takes place Thursday evening at the Mill Woods Public Library.
• Fridays are always busy in the summer with great events like Park After Dark and Night Market Edmonton to check out!
• If you’re interested in soccer you’ll want to check out this event about Edmonton’s soccer story on Saturday at the Commonwealth Community Recreation Centre.
• I’m planning to spend Saturday and Sunday at the 2016 Edmonton Chinatown Conference. Check out Sharon’s preview if you’re thinking about going.
• I recently updated my 2016 summer festivals & events post with additional suggestions from readers, bringing the list to more than 60 great events!
• For more upcoming events, check out ShareEdmonton.

Edmonton Pride Parade, photo by Premier of Alberta