Edmonton Notes for December 9, 2018

Here are my weekly Edmonton notes:

Headlines

• According to the City’s chief economist John Rose, Edmonton’s GDP per capita peaked in 2014 and won’t reach similar levels again until the 2030s. “It’s going to be a long hard grind, and for a lot of people it’s going to be a real adjustment to get used to the fact that we’re not going back into another boom,” Rose said, speaking to reporters at the Economic Society of Northern Alberta conference in Edmonton. That aside, Edmonton’s economy won’t be as impacted by cuts to oil production as Calgary’s will.
• The Edmonton Police Service will get an extra $75 million over four years, which is $12 million less than they asked for. Council also voted to keep the police request for a new helicopter on the table, funded with debt instead of taxes, perhaps.
• In other budget news, Council voted to take on $112 million in debt to pay for the Terwillegar Drive expressway, approved $16 million for the Coronation Community Recreation Centre, approved $27.5 million for the Stadium LRT Station upgrade and $3 million for design and planning for the 40 Avenue LRT Station using the Alberta Community Transit Fund and debt financing. The Lewis Farms Recreation Centre has received tentative approval but funding won’t be confirmed until next year.
• “Taxes should be higher in St. Albert and Strathcona County and Leduc and Beaumont, because the free ride is over,” Mayor Don Iveson said on Friday, referring to the idea that neighbouring municipalities should pitch in to cover attractions within the City of Edmonton.
• Thales handed over its Metro Line signalling system work on December 4, and the City will now spend several months evaluating the system. “Most of the field testing will take place outside of service hours in order to minimize impacts to Edmonton Transit Service customers, motorists and pedestrians.”
• The Province is adding 28 new paramedics and 5 ambulances to Edmonton to help provide faster emergency care.
• Edmonton and Red Deer will co-host the 2021 IIHF World Junior Hockey Championships. “This marks the third time Edmonton will host the annual under-20 international and the second time for Red Deer.”
• Stantec is looking to light up Ice District with LEDs and digital signs that could display advertising.
• Four Edmontonians were recognized this weekend at the 12th annual Human Rights Awards, including Greg Lopez, Ahmed Knowmadic, and Mahamad Accord.
• If Edmonton hosted the JUNO Awards in 2022, it could bring in about $3.5 million for the local economy. Our city hosted the awards in 2004.
• In the latest episode of Speaking Municipally, Troy and I discuss the latest budget news, the Metro Line LRT, and our transit stations.
• Get the latest on Media, Tech, Health Innovation, Music, and Council with Taproot Edmonton’s latest roundups.

Holiday Light-up at the Legislature, photo by Premier of Alberta

Upcoming Events

• Candy Cane Lane is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year! The lights are on and sleigh rides are available until December 23.
• The lights are now on at the Alberta Legislature grounds! Until December 23 you can enjoy musical performances in addition to the lights.
• The Stollery Children’s Hospital is hosting the 22nd annual Snowflake Gala at the Shaw Conference Centre on Monday evening.
• MADE is hosting In Situ: The New RAM Building with Donna Clare on Wednesday evening.
• The Edmonton Singing Christmas Tree runs Thursday to Sunday at the Northern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium.
• The Oilers host the Flyers on Friday night at Rogers Place.
• The 124 Grand Market presents Holiday Bazaar from Friday to Sunday behind MacEwan University.
• Linda Hoang and Sharon Yeo are hosting an Instagrammable Walls of Downtown Photo Walk on Saturday afternoon from 1-4pm. Meet at Churchill Square!
• Saturday is your final opportunity to participate in the Gingerbread House Workshop at the City Market inside City Hall.
• A Very Ritchie Christmas takes place at the Ritchie Community Hall on Saturday evening.
• Yule Ave: A Merry Christmas takes place on Saturday and Sunday at Alberta Avenue.

2021 IIHF World Junior Hockey Championships Announcement, photo by Government of Alberta

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