I had a very relaxing weekend away, but being out of town means I missed both High Level Line Day and the launch of the Commonwealth Walkway. I hope you had the opportunity to experience one or both!
Here are my weekly Edmonton notes:
Headlines
- Edmonton’s new official population is 972,223 according to the latest municipal census. We’re essentially at the 1 million mark, and the next census will make it official.
- According to a study by Argyle Group and Leger Research, City Council "received an overall score of plus-31 compared to Calgary, which received zero."
- News broke this weekend that Hardware Grill is closing its doors after more than 20 years. No word yet on why.
- A new report says that construction on the southeast leg of the Valley Line LRT is slipping further behind. "Our target service commencement date is Dec. 15, 2020, but we are trending late," said TransEd.
- An updated draft of The City Plan has been released. It’ll be presented to Urban Planning Committee on Sept. 17. The City says the plan "includes bold recommendations on how we will grow and develop to a city of two million people."
- EEDC could be forced to restructure itself after reports come back to Council on how the organization will split work and focus with Edmonton Global. EEDC recently announced a new board chair and five new board members.
- Northlands is expanding its urban 4-H clubs at its urban farm this fall. Youth have the opportunity to learn about agriculture and beekeeping.
- NorQuest College CEO Jodi Abbott has resigned and will leave her job in January, six months before the end of her contract.
- Council will likely approve plans for River Crossing this week, the new business plan for Rossdale that envisions a major redevelopment of the area, including $6 million to renovate the historic Rossdale Power Plant.
- The City is looking for its next Youth Poet Laureate. Apply by Sept. 29.
- In the latest episode of Speaking Municipally we discussed the impact of the MacKinnon report on municipalities, the River Crossing plan for Rossdale, and possible new futures for EEDC and Edmonton Global.
- Get the latest on Media, Tech, Food, Health Innovation, the Region, Music, Arts, Business, and Council with Taproot Edmonton’s latest roundups.
Upcoming Events
- Green Drinks: Climate Action is Wednesday at Yellowhead Brewery.
- FC Edmonton hosts Cavalry FC on Wednesday at Clarke Stadium.
- The Urban Encounters interior design trade show takes place on Wednesday at the Edmonton EXPO Centre.
- St. Albert’s Dig In Food Festival starts on Thursday.
- The Book Publisher Association of Alberta’s Conference and AGM runs Thursday to Saturday at the Varscona Hotel on Whyte. The annual awards gala is on Friday evening.
- The Edmonton Burlesque Festival runs Thursday to Saturday at the Myer Horowitz Theatre.
- I’m looking forward to the Kaleido Family Arts Festival which runs Friday to Sunday along Alberta Avenue.
- Saturday is Oilers Fan Day at Rogers Place.
- VegFest Edmonton takes place on Saturday at RE/MAX Field.
- Tickets are now on sale for the #boombagsYEG SUPER SEWcial, scheduled for Sept. 29 at the Ritchie Community Hall.
- Check out Taproot Edmonton’s summer festival & event guide for 2019 for more upcoming events!
Thanks for reading! Want to support my blog? Buy me a coffee!
