Edmonton Notes for November 4, 2018

Here are my weekly Edmonton notes:

Headlines

• This week, the Province announced $1.04 billion for the Valley Line West LRT and $131 million for the Metro Line Northwest LRT. “This funding supports our government’s commitment to invest in today’s public transportation to meet the needs of our growing population,” said Brian Mason, Minister of Transportation.
• The City released its proposed 2019-2022 Operating Budget this week. The plan calls for a tax increase of 3.3% in 2019 and 2.7% in 2020.
• As I tweeted on Thursday, a new report from the City Auditor says not only did the City spend $616 million on consultants between 2013 and 2017, they accounted for $245 million of that incorrectly!
• And just like that, winter is here! The City has some tips for winter driving. “Be patient when winter conditions slow you down.” More than 200 collisions were reported to police between 5:30am and 3:30pm on Friday. “Your vehicle is not as skilled on ice as Connor McDavid,” EPS tweeted.
• Edmonton Transit is planning to raise fares by 25 cents each year until 2021, when the cost of a single fare would be $4. “The last time ETS increased the cash fare, from $3.20 to $3.25 in 2016, city staff estimated it would cause transit ridership to drop by 430,000 rides in the ensuing year.”
• Council also discussed traffic congestion for buses this week and were unhappy that any change will have to wait for the transit network overhaul.
• Sophie Kim has been named Edmonton’s new Youth Poet Laureate. “For the 2018-19 term, Kim will promote youth civic engagement by elevating the voices of other youth in Edmonton through poetry.”
• To celebrate the 40th anniversary of Commonwealth Stadium and to prepare for hosting the Grey Cup this year, the City unveiled new exterior lighting for the stadium yesterday. How very Edmonton!
• Of course, the Eskimos won’t be playing. They won their final game of the season on Saturday, but finished with a 9-9 record.
• Avenue Edmonton released its Top 40 Under 40 for 2018 this week. Congrats to everyone recognized!
• According to the latest Labour Force Report Edmonton added 4,400 jobs in October. “The gains were all full-time positions while part-time employment edged slightly lower.” The unemployment rate was unchanged at 6.3%.
• Episode 13 of Speaking Municipally looks at Vision Zero, the police budget, and affordable housing.
• Here’s what you need to know about City Council for the week ahead.

Alberta funds Edmonton Valley Line West, photo by Government of Alberta

Upcoming Events

• Together 2018, “the second annual, internationally recognized Symposium fostering collaboration and innovation around the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Canada and beyond,” takes place Monday and Tuesday at the University of Alberta.
• The 28th Commonwealth Agriculture Conference runs Monday to Thursday at the Edmonton EXPO Centre.
• Fourpost, formerly known as RAAS, is celebrating its grand opening on Tuesday evening at West Edmonton Mall.
• The Alberta Cancer Foundation is celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Cross Cancer Institute on Tuesday night.
• Drake performs on Tuesday and Wednesday at Rogers Place.
• Farmfair International starts Wednesday and runs until Sunday at the Edmonton EXPO Centre.
• The next Green Drinks will take place on Wednesday evening at Yellowhead Brewery.
• Avenue Edmonton’s Top 40 Under 40 Gala takes place Wednesday night at the Winspear Centre.
• The City of Edmonton and the Alberta Professional Planners Institute are hosting a screening of Whose City? on Thursday night at the Garneau Theatre to celebrate World Town Planning Day.
• Ronald McDonald House of Northern Alberta is hosting the Light the House Gala on Thursday evening at the Shaw Conference Centre.
• All is Bright on 124 takes place on Saturday night. This year they have moved up to 108 Avenue!
• Armistice 100: A Tribute is coming up on Sunday, November 11 at Capital Plaza near the Alberta Legislature to mark the 100th anniversary of the signing of the WW1 Armistice. The event runs from 12:30-4pm, with the ceremony starting at 1pm.
• The Oilers are back in action at Rogers Place on Sunday evening, hosting the Avalanche.
• Edmonton’s NextGen presents City Jam 2018 on December 1 at the Starlite Room. Volunteer 10 hours with a local charity or not-for-profit before November 28 to get in!

Rutherford Manor Haunt, photo by IQRemix

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