Edmonton Notes for January 14, 2018

Here are my weekly Edmonton notes:

Headlines

• At EEDC’s annual Impact luncheon on Tuesday, outgoing CEO Brad Ferguson said Edmonton should strive for 4% annual economic growth. “Growth opportunities will be hard to find and the competition has never been as fierce,” he said.
• David Staples was a fan of Mayor Don Iveson’s remarks at the luncheon: “Iveson isn’t quite yet at former mayor Bill Smith levels of civic boosterism, but he’s now on the same page, pushing the same story as our business community.”
• Former mayor Stephen Mandel announced he will run for the leadership of the Alberta Party. As the Journal’s editorial board wrote: “the more things change, the more they stay the same.”
• ETS fares are going up as of February 1 “by approximately three per cent for adult, post-secondary, youth and seniors’ monthly passes and tickets.” Additionally the Route 747 will now be $10 or four regular ETS tickets.
• The Make it Awkward Inclusivity Summit, slated to take place February 1-3 at the Westin, is taking heat for ticket prices exceeding $400. “You can’t have a conversation about discrimination while excluding those who are affected or want to learn, but can’t afford to attend,” wrote Danielle Paradis. The City is also being criticized for its contribution of $30,000 given that Make it Awkward is a private company, not a non-profit organization. The estimated price tag for the three-day conference is $140,000, which just sounds absolutely ridiculous to me.
• The Valley Zoo ended up with a dishonourable mention from California-based In Defense of Animals recently regarding the treatment of Lucy the elephant, prompting a response from the City. “We take great exception to the continued misinformation about the care Lucy receives in Edmonton,” said Edmonton Valley Zoo director Denise Prefontaine.
• This week Council will discuss participating in a bid to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup. A report on the issue estimates $170 million in economic impact.
• URBN Cowork, which launched in Sherwood Park in May 2017, has opened a second location in Edmonton at 22 Avenue and 90 Street.
• Pretty amazing coincidence that the Oilers played in Vegas as Connor McDavid turns 21! There were thousands of Edmonton fans in attendance at the game that Edmonton won.
• Bonnie Doon Shopping Centre is planning a major overhaul “that will include building high-density housing, shops and improved connections to a nearby Valley Line LRT station.”
• A group of local doctors has created a Cards Against Humanity-inspired game called “Doctors Against Tragedies” to teach people about the risks of fentanyl use.
• The CFR won’t be finding a new home at Rogers Place after OEG confirmed it won’t be bidding to host the event.
• Deloitte has been hired by the City of Edmonton to investigate harassment complaints. Staff can call if they feel they are being harassed, bullied, or discriminated against in the workplace, and the firm is also working on a set of recommendations for the City.
• Are you a local expert? Edmonton Tourism is looking for “YEG Experts” to help personalize visit experiences.
• For more recent headlines, check out ShareEdmonton.

Upcoming Events

• Nerd Nite Edmonton is back on Tuesday evening at the ATB Financial Arts Barns.
• The City is hosting an Evolving Infill Launch Party on Wednesday at City Hall. The event is an opportunity to review the new set of draft infill actions.
• The Oliver Community League is hosting Make Something Oliver on Wednesday to “imagine what could make Oliver even more amazing.”
• Edmonton Opera is hosting Opera 101: HMS Pinafore on Wednesday evening at CKUA.
• The Edmonton Whisky Festival takes place on Wednesday at the Delta Edmonton South.
• A Taste of Animethon is at the Shaw Conference Centre on Friday and Saturday.
• Head over to the Legislature grounds on Saturday for March On Edmonton, the official Women’s March anniversary.
• The next Oilers home game is on Saturday at Rogers Place against the Canucks.
• Sunday is World Snow Day!
• Bridal Fantasy Edmonton takes place on Sunday at the Edmonton Expo Centre.
• The inaugural Chinatown Dining Week is coming up from January 20-28!
• For more upcoming events, check out Taproot Edmonton’s guide to winter festivals and events!

Ice Castle Edmonton, photo by Jason Woodhead