Here are my weekly Edmonton notes:

Headlines

• City Council approved its first multi-year Operating Budget this week, with a property tax increase of 3.4% for 2016 and 2017, and a 4.8% increase in 2018. Mayor Iveson wrote about the budget: “The effort to find efficiencies and the push for greater efficacy in our operations doesn’t end with this budget, but remains core to the ongoing work of this Council.”
• During the budget discussions, a $250,000 request from the Art Gallery of Alberta was described as being for “emergency funding” but the AGA itself says “this is absolutely and unequivocally not the case.”
• According to TSN, Chris Jones has been hired as head coach and GM of the Saskatchewan Roughriders, with the official announcement expected tomorrow. I guess the Eskimos are going to be in the market for a new head coach.
• Despite that news, it was a week of Grey Cup celebrations here in Edmonton! Here are photos of the trophy arriving, a video recap of the big game, and a recap of the rally and celebration that took place in Churchill Square on Tuesday.
• Thirteen members were chosen to sit on the City’s newly formed Community Infill Panel. They will meet approximately five times a year and will serve a two-year term.
• New ETS service changes went into effect today, including eight new routes with Smart Bus technology: 35, 37, 39, 47, 70, 125, 126, 130. The ETS Street Team will be demonstrating the technology on Tuesday morning at the Northgate Transit Centre and Thursday morning at the Century Park Transit Centre.
• Monday saw more detail released for Alberta’s climate leadership plan. The government is promising that renewable energy will power up to 30% of the electricity grid by 2030. You can see the original November 22 news release here.
• Non-conventional funding models “helped give birth to two new Edmonton-themed children’s books” argues Brent Wittmeier in the Journal. It’s great to see some new options for sharing local history with kids!
• You’ve probably seen the signs on the bus and LRT advertising the Transit Strategy. Here’s part 1 and part 2 on what ETS riders need from a transit strategy, according to Spacing Edmonton’s Vincent Puhakka.
• The City has released some initial information about the Canora & West Jasper Place Side Streets Concept Planning Study. The study is expected to be complete next year.
• EPS issued 2,316 tickets during Operation 24 Hours in November. There have been 13 pedestrian fatalities in 2015, the most since 2007.
• The International Day of Persons with Disabilities was celebrated in Edmonton on December 3. The City of Edmonton has celebrated IDPD since 2003.
• Here’s a thoughtful piece by John Richardson on the construction taking place downtown: “Yeah, Ice District is a crappy name, but it’s a good thing for Edmonton’s working people.”
• Are the Edmonton Oilers as bad as their record would suggest?
• Did you know that Harbin, our sister city in China, has its very own Edmonton Road? And you thought our traffic was bad!
• Here’s what Santa looks like at each of Edmonton’s shopping malls, couresty of Raising Edmonton. Their favorites are Sherwood Park and Southgate Mall.
• For more recent headlines, check out ShareEdmonton.

Alberta Legislature Lights

Upcoming Events

• The holiday lights are now on at the Legislature grounds! Don’t forget you can also see the Magna Carta there!
• The Festival of Light starts Monday at the Valley Zoo!
• Friends of the Royal Alberta Museum Society is hosting A Moving Tribute on Monday night to bid farewell to the current building and to look ahead to the new one.
• The Oilers are doing better on this homestand! They host the Sharks on Wednesday and the Rangers on Friday.
• Dark Matters returns Thursday to the TELUS World of Science.
• Also Thursday is MADE’s 15th birthday and first annual fundraiser, taking place next to The Common.
• Starting Friday you can head out to see Candy Cane Lane!
• The Southeast Winter Fun Festival takes place on Saturday in Ottewell.
• Over in the 124 Street area, check out Cash Mob on Saturday. The businesses around High Street could definitely use a little help given that the bridge is still closed.
• For more upcoming events, check out ShareEdmonton.

#RoyalAlbertaMuseum Goodbye, Hello, photo by Greg Scratchley

Here are my weekly Edmonton notes:

Headlines

• Tonight the Edmonton Eskimos won their 14th Grey Cup, defeating the Ottawa RedBlacks in Winnipeg with a final score of 26-20! Ottawa started with a 13-0 lead but the Esks came back and played a solid game after those few opening minutes. It all came down to a coach’s challenge on pass interference which got us in position to score. Quarterback Mike Reilly was named MVP.

• With the Eskimos in the Grey Cup it was the perfect opportunity for a discussion about our team’s name. I’m not sure why this wasn’t being discussed a month ago, but whatever. The Ottawa Citizen Editorial Board wrote that “it’s time to put some traditions firmly in the past” saying we need to seriously consider changing the team’s name. Paula Simons essentially agreed, writing “let’s tackle the task of crafting a team identity that makes everyone proud” after the game is over. But I love the last little barb she got in there: “Rest assured, whatever we call our Grey Cup team, it won’t be the Greengolds.”
• Very sad news started the week, as we learned that Manmeet Singh Bhullar passed away. Here’s a statement from his family and here’s a statement from Premier Notley.
• As mentioned earlier this week, TransEd Partners was selected as the Valley Line LRT partner. Contracts should be finalized in February.
• The Journal released its always-controversial Power 30 list for 2015. Fairly predictable, I’d say.
• Finally EPS is hearing the word “no”. Or at least the word “less”. Council moved to cap budget increases for the Police to the rate of inflation plus population growth.
• The Police also had to defend their budget documents after the odd suggestion that mentally ill patients be transported to the Remand Centre was discovered.
• In other budget news, EEDC CEO Brad Ferguson voluntarily took a 2% cut. He said, “it’s the right thing to do.”
• According to Dave there are now 17 candidates who have expressed their intention to run in the Ward 12 by-election.
• In Provincial news this week, AHS CEO Vickie Kaminski resigned and Anne McGrath was appointed Deputy Chief of Staff of the Premier’s office.
• The results of the 2015 Litter Audit show a 24% reduction in large litter and a 12% reduction in small litter compared to last year.
• The new Responsible Hospitality Industry Association was introduced this week. It “consists of licensed venues owners and operators who are committed to a safe, viable and vibrant industry.”
• Pogo CarShare is celebrating its first year of operation with more than 2,000 members!
• Congratulations to Billy-Ray Belcourt, Carley-Jane Stanton, and Zia Saleh – they are the U of A’s Rhodes Scholars for 2016!
• The Bissell Centre’s Stop! Drop! And Give! campaign runs December 1 to 15. The kickoff takes place Tuesday at London Drugs in Oliver Square.
• Danielle Metcalfe-Chenail’s two-year term as Historian Laureate wraps up in March 2016 and that means the search is on for her successor.
• Three finalists have been named for the Edmonton Music Prize which will be awarded in January.
• Here are the latest urbanism headlines from Spacing Edmonton.
• Paris will be in the spotlight again this week as COP21 takes place. Premier Rachel Notley will be attending as part of the Canadian delegation.
• For more recent headlines, check out ShareEdmonton.

Edmonton – More Light! photo by Jeff Wallace

Upcoming Events

• Don’t forget you can head over to the Alberta Legislature to see the Magna Carta!
• An Evening with Edmonton’s Writers in Residence takes place on Monday evening at Yellowhead Brewery.
• The Oilers host the Bruins on Wednesday, the Stars on Friday, and the Sabres on Sunday.
• I’m looking forward to the lights at the Legislature! The light up takes place on Thursday.
• Celebrating its 25th year, the Butterdome Craft Sale takes place on the weekend!
• It won’t be long now until the new Royal Alberta Museum opens downtown, and that means the current location is closing. They’re celebrating with a Closing Party on the weekend.
• Royal Bison returns for its second weekend, Friday through Sunday.
• Luminaria takes place on Saturday and Sunday at the Devonian Botanic Garden.
• You can find many more winter festivals & events in my annual guide!
• For more upcoming events, check out ShareEdmonton.

Edmonton Festival of Trees, photo by IQRemix

We had our first big snowfall this week, but aside from a couple of days it has been pretty warm. That looks set to continue starting Tuesday, with highs above zero and lows in the -3 to -7 range.

Here are my weekly Edmonton notes:

Headlines

• The Edmonton Eskimos defeated the Calgary Stampeders today with a 45-31 victory at Commonwealth Stadium. That means the Esks will make their 25th Grey Cup appearance when they face off against the Ottawa RedBlacks on Sunday in Winnipeg.
• The Province unveiled its climate change plan today, which includes a carbon tax, will phase out coal pollution and plants by 2030, and sets a greenhouse gas emissions cap on oilsands production. Expect to hear a lot more about this in the weeks ahead.
• The City is making some very visible progress on the new Walterdale Bridge! The giant steel arches were floated into place this weekend and will soon be raised. You can watch it all unfold on the live streaming video feeds. The new bridge is slated to open to traffic by late next year.
• The new interchange at QEII and 41 Avenue SW opened to traffic on Thursday morning. The completion of the $205 million project will be celebrated with a grand opening in December.
• There were two Globe & Mail features on Edmonton this weekend: How Edmonton’s theatre community rose to the challenge of the Roxy fire, and Shape of things to come, a feature on City Architect Carol Bélanger and the impact he’s having.
• Some things I mentioned earlier this week: local startup Jobber has raised $8 million, City Centre Mall is slated to receive a $41 million investment, and Edmonton is gearing up to welcome Syrian refugees.
• Arts Habitat Edmonton’s proposed Artists Quarters building has hit a snag as the cost has ballooned to $62 million and is still at least a year away from starting.
• David Turpin was officially installed as the University of Alberta’s 13th president this week.
• Cal Nichols was named to the Order of Canada this week. He is perhaps best known for his efforts to save the Edmonton Oilers, first in 1996 to help the team receive equalization payments and then in 1998 when the team was nearly sold.
• A new University of Alberta study of people who use drugs in inner-city Edmonton shows most participants see a need for help but just 15% report having those needs met.
• According to Statistics Canada, demand for employment insurance benefits in Edmonton and Alberta is almost double what it was a year ago.
• Phil Wilson (aka Baconhound) has started a new food odyssey – this time he’s looking for the best perogies in Edmonton.
• Wondering where to buy a real Christmas tree in and around Edmonton? Here’s a good a list.
• There’s still time to have your say on the 2016-2018 Operating Budget! There’s some good Q&A content on the Transforming Edmonton blog too.
• For more recent headlines, check out ShareEdmonton.

Bridge Float, photo by Dave Sutherland

Upcoming Events

• This year’s Salute to Excellence Awards takes place Monday evening at City Hall.
• TEC Edmonton is hosting a Health Summit & Health Venture Forum on Tuesday at the Fairmont Hotel Macdonald.
• Reconciling Edmonton takes place at City Hall on Wednesday.
• This year’s edition of the Festival of Trees kicks off on Thursday at the Shaw Conference Centre.
• Make It Edmonton takes place Thursday through Sunday at the Edmonton Expo Centre!
• CITYlab is hosting a design event on Thursday evening featuring Ken Greenberg.
• Edmonton’s 46th Social Media Breakfast takes place on Friday morning at Startup Edmonton.
• Royal Bison is once again running two weekends this holiday season. The first takes place Friday through Sunday at the Old Strathcona Performing Arts Centre.
• Want to do some good on Friday night? Consider helping out at the eight annual Santas Anonymous Wrapping Tweetup!
• On Saturday evening the Art Gallery of Alberta is hosting Metal Refinery, from 9pm to late.
• There are again many markets taking place on the weekend, like the Silver Bells Winter Market, the Hand2Hand Christmas Market, and the Golden Prairie Marketplace.
• Also Saturday is the start of A Christmas Carol at the Citadel.
• Be sure to check out my guide for even more holiday & winter festivals and events!
• For more upcoming events, check out ShareEdmonton.

Winter is Inbound, photo by Jeff Wallace

Here are my weekly Edmonton notes:

Headlines

• Mayor Don Iveson has decided that taxpayers need a break, even if it means scrapping the neighbourhood renewal levy for three years. There are clearly some politics at play here, with Council looking to the other orders of government for more money. This strategy feels risky though. Should make for some interesting budget discussions in the weeks ahead.
• The 42nd Canadian Finals Rodeo wrapped up at Rexall Place today and Northlands says it and Farmfair were both big successes. A total of 183,564 people visited over the five days.
• A new group loosely affiliated with the Save Our Footbridge group launched this week. Called ERUPT (Edmontonians for Responsible Urban Public Transit), the group has issues with the Valley Line LRT and would like to see Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) explored instead.
• YEG People had a big launch event on Friday that seemed to go well judging by the social media posts I saw. The site features profiles of interesting Edmontonians. You know, like the half dozen or so similar sites that have already come and gone. I’ll be impressed if YEG People manages to last longer than a handful of profiles.
• Paul Moulton announced his retirement as Executive Director of the Edmonton Arts Council this week, a position he has held since April 2013.
• Edmonton’s Karen Smith is this year’s recipient of the Inspiration Award for Lifetime Achievement. The Inspiration Awards “recognize individuals for their outstanding commitment and leadership in family violence and sexual violence prevention.”
• Be sure to spend some time reading this excellent article in the Journal on domestic violence.
• I haven’t watched it yet, but here’s a 90 minute documentary called Standing Alone that is a “fascinating tale about the decision of a Guelph, Ontario rock act to relocate to Edmonton, Alberta in 1980 in order to move forward in their music business careers.” Sounds intriguing!
• The Edmonton Police Commission and Edmonton Police Service have released their 2015 Third Quarter Report to the Community.
• The use of e-cigarettes is now prohibited from all public places where smoking is currently banned.
• Make Something Edmonton reports that 1000 projects have been posted on the website. That’s quite the milestone!
• I am enjoying Make Something Edmonton’s profile series called Made in Edmonton. The latest entry features Bro Brick (a product I use myself).
• The University of Alberta is hoping a new $40 million residence that would accommodate 520 first-year students could be open by 2018. The project is known as Lister Hall Five.
• Have your say on urban hens, Edmonton’s transit strategy, bike safety, and much more in the latest Edmonton Insight Community survey.
• Here are the latest urbanism headlines from Spacing Edmonton.
• The Journal is once again hosting a Christmas Lights Map so you can find all of the wonderful lights around the city!
• This year the Bissell Centre is encouraging Edmontonians to turn their Christmas event into a Giving Tree Party.
• Here is Premier Rachel Notley’s statement on the Paris attacks.
• For more recent headlines, check out ShareEdmonton.

For Paris, photo by Jeff Wallace

Upcoming Events

• Metis Week in Edmonton kicked off today and runs through Saturday.
• There are workshops taking place on Tuesday and Wednesday this week to help determine transit priorities in Edmonton.
• Now that CFR is done, the Oilers are back at home. They host the Blackhawks on Wednesday, and the Devils on Friday.
• The National Housing Day Luncheon takes place on Thursday.
• Indie Handmade takes place starting Friday at The Enjoy Centre in St. Albert and runs through Sunday.
• Taking place Saturday and Sunday is The Vixens of Vintage Holiday Market at the Prince of Wales Armouries.
• All is Bright returns to 124 Street on Saturday!
• Also taking place on Saturday is Santa’s Parade of Lights, an outdoor parade taking place downtown.
• Latitude 53 invites you to The Fine Art of Schmoozy on Saturday.
• If you haven’t already checked it out, here is my Winter 2015/2016 Festivals & Events listing. I think it shows just how many great things happen in Edmonton, even during the winter months.
• Starting next week you can see the Magna Carta at the Alberta Legislature!
• For more upcoming events, check out ShareEdmonton.

Canadian Finals Rodeo, photo by IQRemix

Here are my weekly Edmonton notes:

Headlines

• Amarjeet Sohi was named Canada’s new Minister of Infrastructure and Communities this week. This is great news for Sohi of course, but also for Edmonton and indeed for cities across the country! Here’s Premier Notley’s statement on the news.
• Now attention turns to Ward 12 – who will run in the by-election to replace Sohi on Council?
• The City says that 90% of its road projects for 2015 are complete or on-track to finish by the end of the year. “Since April, we’ve completed approximately 595 lane kilometres, which is the equivalent to paving two lanes all the way from Edmonton to Calgary,” said Dorian Wandzura, General Manager for Transportation Services. Now attention turns to winter with an improved neighbourhood blading schedule and plow map.
• It’s official: President Barack Obama has rejected the Keystone XL pipeline. Premier Notley’s statement is here: “Though I am not surprised by the news coming from the White House this morning, as we have anticipated this announcement for some time, I am disappointed by the way the U.S. government chose to characterize our energy exports.” Prime Minister Trudeau also said he was disappointed.
• The Province has introduced Bill 5, the Public Sector Compensation Transparency Act. “Bill 5 will result in salary disclosure primarily for those earning more than $125,000 per year, putting the focus on higher-income earners and managers.”
• Air Canada has decided to drop its non-stop route between Edmonton and London Heathrow for 2016. At this point, who cares? We’ve got better options now with Icelandair, KLM, and soon WestJet.
• It’s particularly ridiculous that Air Canada cited the economy as the key factor in their decision when Edmonton’s economy is in better shape than Calgary’s, according to Statistics Canada.
• Want to dig into the 2016-2018 Operating Budget? The City has launched a new tool to make it easy to do just that. It’s powered by the Open Data Catalogue which means you can download all the data behind it too.
• Congratulations to everyone involved in this year’s Extra Life Edmonton – the marathon raised more than $165,000 for the Stollery Children’s Hospital!
• Here are some thoughts from Robin on improving the pedestrian experience in Edmonton. I agree that we have a ways to go. Here’s a recent New Yorker article on the same topic. The City is also reminding motorists and pedestrians (and presumably cyclists) to watch out for one another.
• And this is why I cross wherever I please after making sure it’s safe to do so: “From 2010 to 2014, 1,535 pedestrians were struck by vehicles in Edmonton. That is an average of six pedestrians per week. The majority of these pedestrians (66 per cent) were in intersections or crosswalks with right-of-way when the collision happened.“
• The Canadian Mental Health Association (Edmonton Region) has joined together with The Support Network as one organization. “All of the programs that you’ve been accessing through CMHA-Edmonton Region and The Support Network will stay the same. It’s just that together we’ll be stronger.”
• Former Edmonton Oilers GM Glen Sather will be honoured in a series of events on December 10 and 11, culminating with a banner raising ceremony at the December 11 home game against the New York Rangers.
• From Lincoln: How to Fix Transit Immediately.
• PCL Construction, one of Edmonton’s largest companies, has announced its CEO succession plan.
• Walk Edmonton is running an online survey on existing pedway signage and graphics. A consultant has been engaged to develop a concept plan for wayfinding throughout the pedway network.
• The University of Alberta has retained its top 5 spot in the annual Maclean’s ranking of Canada’s universities.
• November was proclaimed Family Violence Prevention Month by Mayor Iveson on Monday.
• I really, really like Taylor Hall and agree that he is too often overlooked. “It’s deeply surprising to me when I see his name casually floated in trade proposals, as though the Oilers would do just fine without him.” It’s absurd!
• ICYMI: Here’s my take on all the changes happening at the City of Edmonton.
• For more recent headlines, check out ShareEdmonton.

Premier Rachel Notley delivered her State of the Province address on Wednesday. Here’s a recap from AlbertaPolitics.ca.

Upcoming Events

• This week is Rodeo Week! The launch takes place at City Hall on Monday.
• There’s an interesting CEO education event taking place on Tuesday at the Shaw Conference Centre called It Will Be Live.
• Wednesday is of course Remembrance Day. Edmonton’s big ceremony takes place at the Butterdome as usual, but there are other events happening throughout the city as well.
• Farmfair International and Canadian Finals Rodeo both kick off on Wednesday at the Edmonton Expo Centre and Rexall Place, respectively.
• Friday night is the launch of YEGpeople at Edmonton City Centre.
• The City is hosting Edmonton’s Community Energy Forum on Saturday at the Shaw Conference Centre. It’s “a one-day forum to discuss issues of energy transition, climate change and building a sustainable future.”
• I’m looking forward to the Christmas on the Square Holiday Light Up in Churchill Square on Saturday evening!
• Miss Rodeo Edmonton takes place on Saturday evening at The Ranch Roadhouse.
• The Shine Lifestyle & Yoga Festival takes place Saturday and Sunday at the Enjoy Centre in St. Albert.
• For more upcoming events, check out ShareEdmonton.

Have a great Rodeo Week!

Here are my weekly Edmonton notes:

Headlines

• The first 16 pay machines for the new EPark system have been installed around City Hall. The new system is being installed downtown, on Whyte Avenue, and in the Kingsway area.
• Deron Bilous has been sworn in as minister of the newly created ministry of Economic Development and Trade. “The new ministry will bring under one umbrella work that is currently spread between several departments but is primarily concentrated in Innovation and Advanced Education and International and Intergovernmental Relations, and will be supported by several agencies, including the Alberta Innovates corporations.”
• Council approved a series of changes to the Zoning Bylaw that will allow for more urban agriculture and local food production activities within city limits.
• Council has also approved the Northern Circumpolar Secretariat initiative which partners the City with the University of Alberta, EEDC, the Edmonton Chamber of Commerce, and Edmonton Regional Airports Authority.
• Starting Monday, the North Saskatchewan River near the Walterdale Bridge will be closed to river traffic. The closure is expected to last until November 30. Let’s hope the giant arches make their way safely into place!
• It seems that Edmonton Tourism has been experimenting with bringing bloggers from other cities to Edmonton. Here’s a write-up by London-based travel blogger Mollie Bylett. And I expect we may see something soon from one of Vancouver’s most popular bloggers, Rebecca Bollwitt aka Miss604, who is in Edmonton right now. Looking forward to it! And wondering if this kind of tourism marketing is working. Thoughts?
• The aquatics area at the Meadows Community Recreation Centre will remain closed until Spring 2016 to allow warranty work to be completed.
• Higher Universe Pictures, a new effort from Brandon Rhiness and Adam Storoschuk, has launched a crowdfunding campaign to make a film called “I’m in Love with a Dead Girl”. They are looking to raise $4,000 in the next few weeks and your support will help Edmonton filmmakers. “The film will feature a cast of Edmonton actors, so any locals friends who donate will be helping the Edmonton acting community. The same goes for crew. There are many talented filmmakers in Edmonton and we want to work with them. Your donation will help us pay them the wages they deserve.”
• I love this kind of thing – an unexpected adventure underneath downtown Edmonton.
• From EPS: “The Edmonton Police Service is marking a milestone of sorts, as dispatched calls for service have increased by more than 10,000 compared to the same time last year. These calls have been answered and evaluated, and a police officer has been sent to a location to investigate.”
• The City is working on the Active Recreation & Sport Strategy, which will guide Edmonton’s approach to “supporting the active recreational and sporting needs of all Edmontonians” from 2016 to 2026. You can help shape the strategy by filling out this survey by November 8.
• If you haven’t already read the EndPovertyEdmonton strategy that was released a month go, there’s no time like the present to do so! Be sure to fill out the related survey before Halloween to help shape the work of the task force.
• It’s that time of year: the City’s municipal golf courses are now closed.
• From Transforming Edmonton: how public involvement helped determine the Valley Line route.
• The police are looking for assistance in locating David Leblanc, a 35-year-old Edmontonian who has been missing since October 15.
• For more recent headlines, check out ShareEdmonton.

One Chance, photo by Jeff Wallace

Upcoming Events

• Knifewear has moved down a few doors on Whyte Avenue and are hosting a re-opening party on Monday evening!
• The City is hosting an open house on Tuesday regarding proposed zoning changes in Glenora.
• The Edmonton Literacy Coalition is hosting an event on Tuesday at the Abbottsfield Recreation Centre on planning to meet Edmonton’s literacy needs.
• Check out the Sherwood Park Farmers’ Market on Wednesday evening at the Sherwood Park Community Centre.
• Head over to Unit B on Thursday for the 100th Anniversary of the McKenney Building.
• The Oilers host the undefeated Canadiens on Thursday, and the Flames on Saturday.
• Saturday is Halloween! Like horror films? There are lots to see this week!
• The Eskimos host the Montreal Alouettes on Sunday at Commonwealth Stadium.
• We’re starting to see a bunch of winter-themed events appearing now! The annual MEC Snowfest takes place on Sunday.
• For more upcoming events, check out ShareEdmonton.

Fort Edmonton Park Footbridge, photo by Dave Sutherland

Be sure to get out and vote! Here are my weekly Edmonton notes:

Headlines

• According to Elections Canada, an estimated 3.6 million people voted during advance polls, a 71% increase over advance polling in 2011. The general election is tomorrow of course, and Mayor Iveson and other big city mayors across Canada want to make sure cities are a focus as you make your decision about who to vote for.
• The new Edmonton Live Music Initiative is a collaboration of musicians, venue owners, industry professionals, and politicians who want to strengthen the live music scene in Edmonton.
• Wednesday marks two years since the last municipal election. Here are the results of the Edmonton Sun’s survey on Council’s performance.
• A proposed overhaul of the Royal Alexandra Hospital would cost $4.5 billion and would take place over 16 years and involve up to 20 buildings.
• Writing in The Walrus, Omar takes a look at the hype around Connor McDavid and determines that we as a city need him.
• Smart Bus Technology debuted on ETS routes 8, 9, and 512 today. More than 300 buses have now been equipped with the technology, with about 600 still to go.
• Starting Tuesday, the City will begin sending out “plain-language” development permit notification letters. The new letters are based on feedback from Edmontonians and should make it easier to understand nearby proposed developments.
• Joseph Doucet, Dean of the University of Alberta’s School of Business, has been named chair of the new Premier’s Advisory Committee on the Economy. “The 10-member Committee will provide independent, expert advice to the Premier and government as it works to support Alberta’s job creators, entrepreneurs and business leaders.”
• I was really sad to see the historic Leamington Mansions destroyed by fire this weekend. The cost of the damage is estimated at $2.65 million, but more importantly it’s another piece of Edmonton’s history lost.
• The Edmonton Catholic School Board will now be working with an expert advisor, appointed by Education Minister David Eggen, to improve board governance.
• A new state-of-the-art IMAX projector has been installed at the Telus World of Science. It’s the only one in Western Canada!
• You have until Tuesday to fill out this survey on proposed changes to row housing setbacks in small-scale infill developments.
• This news is from a couple weeks ago: Northlands let go of all of its parking lot cashiers after two separate audits showed that employees skimmed more than $1 million per year in parking fees.
• Back on Saturday, October 10 the Edmonton Eskimos clinched a home game in the playoffs! “Commonwealth Stadium will be the site of either the Western Semi-Final on November 15 or the Western Final on November 22.”
• Three Edmontonians were among those named to the Alberta Order of Excellence at the investiture ceremony this week.
• It sounds like Toronto-based Oliver & Bonacini Restaurants are coming to Ice District thanks to a partnership with the Katz Group.
• McDavid had a big night against Calgary yesterday! Too bad the first home game featuring the “Orange Surge” wasn’t as successful.
• For more recent headlines, check out ShareEdmonton.

Fall, photo by Dave Sutherland

Upcoming Events

• LitFest continues all week at venues throughout the city.
• Startup Edmonton is celebrating Edmonton Startup Week! I’m looking forward to Mega Meetup Night on Monday and Launch Party 6 on Thursday, just two of the great events taking place all week long.
• This week is Small Business Week in Edmonton also! The Small Business, Big Vision Luncheon takes place on Tuesday. Here’s a statement on Small Business Week from Premier Notley.
• On Wednesday at the University of Alberta, The Local Good is hosting a special Green Drinks event for Sustainability Week.
• The City is hosting three open houses on the EndPoverty Edmonton strategy this week, on Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday.
• The Oilers have three home games this week: against the Red Wings on Wednesday, the Capitals on Friday, and the Kings on Sunday.
• The Art Gallery of Alberta hosts Berlin Noir Nocturne on Saturday night.
• There’s a Thriller Flash Mob taking place somewhere on Saturday!
• FC Edmonton hosts Jacksonville Armada FC on Sunday at Clark Stadium.
• The next Homeless Connect Edmonton takes place Sunday at the Shaw Conference Centre.
• Already thinking ahead to Halloween? Here are some of the events taking place around the city.
• For more upcoming events, check out ShareEdmonton.

Edmonton Fall Season, photo by IQRemix

I’m on vacation at the moment in Europe, so I likely won’t be blogging much until I get home in a couple of weeks. But I am today! Here are my weekly Edmonton notes:

Headlines

• Bridget Stirling was elected as the EPSB representative in Ward G on Monday, winning the by-election to replace Sarah Hoffman with about 47% of the vote.
• The City has released its 2014 Report on the Environment. Among the report’s findings: Edmontonians, on average, used 195 litres of water per day per person, a reduction from 204 litres in 2013.
• Alberta’s minimum wage increased on October 1 to $11.20. Approximately 38,000 individuals in Alberta earn minimum wage.
• Although traffic impacts due to the Metro Line were not as bad as expected, Council is said to be considering moving NAIT Station. Sounds pretty wasteful, especially considering such a move would only be temporary.
• Crestwood, Ormsby Place, Ottewell, and Newton have all been selected to participate in the City’s Traffic Shortcutting Pilot Project. Each will have “a variety of traffic calming measures installed to dissuade drivers from speeding or shortcutting through the neighbourhoods.”
• The City is also working to convert most of its traffic signals to a new wireless control system.
• A new survey suggests that Uber has quite a bit of support in Edmonton and that its popularity is only going to grow.
• Here’s a great overview/history of Edmonton’s video game industry from Shayne Woodsmith.
• Want to join the Community Infill Panel? The panel will provide feedback to the City on infill-related initiatives. You can apply online to become a member.
• Mayor Iveson on the latest federal election debate: “If this ends up being the niqab election, I will be among the many millions of disappointed Canadians.”
• EPS recently deployed the Community Action Team (CAT) for the 50th time. “The longevity of the CAT initiative not only demonstrates its effectiveness in fighting crime, but our continued commitment to fighting crime in all city communities,” says EPS Deputy Chief Tony Harder.
• Speaking of fighting crime, it sounds like Spider-Mable had a great day on Monday!
• Roughly 80,000 to 90,000 vehicles use Highway 2 between Calgary and Edmonton every day, and now the provincial government is going to study what should be done to deal with the volume. High speed rail could be one option that is considered.
• Here’s a recap of the 2015 Edmonton Expo from Linda.
• For more recent headlines, check out ShareEdmonton.

Having a cigarette at the End of the World, photo by Dave Sutherland

Upcoming Events

• The Edmonton International Film Festival kicked off on Thursday and runs through Saturday at Landmark Cinemas in City Centre.
• A public engagement session for Alberta’s royalty review takes place in Edmonton on Tuesday at MacEwan.
• One Book One Edmonton encourages Edmontonians to read the same book, discuss it, and participate in book-related programs and events. The launch takes place on Tuesday at the Stanley Milner library downtown.
• Talk #elxn42 on Wednesday evening at the next interVivos event, taking place at Hawkeye’s Too.
• Also taking place on Wednesday and also focused on the federal election is the next Green Drinks event at the Yellowhead Brewery.
• The Edmonton Comedy Festival kicks off on Wednesday and runs through Saturday.
• The final 124 Grand Market of the year takes place on Thursday!
• The third annual Up+Downtown Music Festival takes place from Friday through Sunday at ten venues throughout the downtown.
• It’s the Thanksgiving Weekend and that means there’s just one more City Market on 104 Street left before the vendors move to City Hall for the winter.
• This year’s Litfest starts on October 15!
• For more upcoming events, check out ShareEdmonton.

Nuit Blanche Edmonton, photo by IQRemix

This week’s update comes to you from London, UK where I’ll be for the next ten days or so before heading to Paris and Amsterdam with Sharon. Yay vacation! Also, today is our one year anniversary!

Here are my weekly Edmonton notes:

Headlines

• Be on the lookout tomorrow for your friendly neighbourhood Spider-Mable! Six-year old Mable was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia in 2013 and her Children’s Wish Foundation wish was to fight crime with Spider-Man. She’ll meet with the mayor and EPS, search for a villain at West Edmonton Mall, and will rescue a “prominent Edmontonian” at the Valley Zoo.
• Did you check out Nuit Blanche on Saturday evening? I was sad to miss it, but Fish says it was “the most confident and engaging large-scale art happening this city’s ever seen.” The pictures look pretty amazing – here are some from the Sun. I hope this year was successful for the organizers and that it returns next year!
• City Council voted to move forward with the draft Vehicle for Hire Bylaw this week, after making some amendments. It’ll come back in November and could come into effect for December, with a subsequent report expected early next year. A few days after the drama at City Hall, Mayor Iveson met with Toronto Mayor John Tory to see how the two cities could work together on Uber.
• The City announced this weekend that Wi-Fi is now available at six LRT stations: University, Health Sciences/Jubilee, McKernan/Belgravia, South Campus/Fort Edmonton Park, and Century Park. Full rollout along the Capital Line is expected by the end of 2015.
• A by-election in Ward G to replace Sarah Hoffman will take place on Monday. There are eight candidates hoping to win. You can learn more here.
• Speaking of Alberta’s new political reality, here’s a feature on who holds the power now.
• The Province announced more progress on the ongoing effort to revamp the Municipal Government Act. They have committed to introducing the updated MGA in the Legislature in the spring of 2016.
• It was a fun weekend for fans of comics, superheroes, and everything else that is included in the Edmonton Comic & Entertainment Expo these days! Here are some recaps from The Journal and Gig City.
• A new bronze monument called “The Visionaries” on the University of Alberta campus “depicts Henry Marshall Tory, the U of A’s founding president, talking with Alexander Cameron Rutherford, Alberta’s first premier and later a university chancellor.” It is a gift from the Alumni Association to mark its 100th anniversary in 2015.
• Robin writes about his experiences with racism in Edmonton and asks how we can have a more meaningful, productive conversation about the issue.
• The empty lot at Whyte Avenue and 105 Street could soon disappear if the proposed Raymond Block goes ahead.
• Do you like the new orange Oilers jersey? You can get yours at the Oilers Store during any home game. The team will wear it seven times this year, including for opening night on October 15.
• David Staples asks: Which federal party is best for Edmonton?
• Jason Blower’s HelloYEG Kickstarter blew past its original goal plus a stretch goal too. You can back the project until Tuesday.
• For more recent headlines, check out ShareEdmonton.

Crane Migration, photo by RemotelyBoris

Upcoming Events

• I wish I could attend the free talk on Monday night with Taras Grescoe, the award-winning author of Straphanger, at the Art Gallery of Alberta. If you can’t make it but want to provide input into the City’s transit strategy, fill out the survey here.
• In NHL preseason action, the Oilers host the Coyotes on Tuesday and the Canucks on Thursday at Rexall Place.
• On Thursday evening, Edmonton’s NextGen presents an evening with Charles Montgomery, author of Happy City.
• There are only a couple weeks left for outdoor markets, so make the most of them! Check out the 124 Grand Market on Thursday and the City Market Downtown on Saturday.
• Edmonton Oktoberfest takes place at the Edmonton Expo Centre on Friday and Saturday!
• It’s that time of year again! River Valley Clean Up takes place on Saturday. Can’t make it? Try this instead: the 15-to-Clean Challenge runs October 4 to 11.
• The fall edition of the Edmonton Reptile & Amphibian Show takes place on Saturday and Sunday at the Sands Hotel.
• Edmonton Fire Rescue Services is holding its annual Recruitment Open House on Saturday.
• Coming up in ten days is the Edmonton Comedy Festival!
• For more upcoming events, check out ShareEdmonton.

Nuit Blanche at City Hall, photo by Geoffrey Rockwell

Here are my weekly Edmonton notes:

Headlines

• WestJet has announced it will launch non-stop service between Edmonton and London (Gatwick) in May 2016 for $299 CDN to London and £222 GBP to Edmonton. The flight will operate twice weekly from May 7 through October 22.
• The EndPoverty Edmonton task force released its strategy on Friday. “It contains 28 priority recommendations that task force members believe, working with the community and other orders of government, are a starting point to eliminate poverty in Edmonton.” Follow @endpovertyyeg on Twitter for updates. Here’s a recap of the launch.
• The Metro Mayors Alliance, made up of nine Edmonton-region mayors, has created an advisory panel chaired by former EPCOR President & CEO Don Lowry tasked with finding ways of keeping the Edmonton region globally competitive. The study will cost $600,000.
• The City announced it has completed 11 of the 23 action items in Edmonton’s Infill Roadmap. The remaining 12 actions will be completed over the next year. Also, the City was recognized for the Infill Roadmap at the APPI Awards.
• The public hearing on Uber this week had a huge list of speakers and caused quite a bit of tension as taxi drivers and Uber supporters met in Churchill Square before the meeting. Here’s a brief recap. The debate will continue on Tuesday.
• From Jennifer Rollins: An Open Letter on Domestic Violence in Edmonton.
• Courtesy of Pink Pencil Skirt, here is why Edmonton will be the coolest city in Canada by 2020.
• It sounds like the Edmonton Catholic School Board is a complete mess right now. “Tuesday’s meeting revealed the Edmonton Catholic board as hopelessly dysfunctional,” wrote Paula Simons.
• Kids are back in school so make sure you’re driving slowly around school zones! The City has implemented new markings, video cameras, flashing beacons, and other safety measures to enforce traffic safety around schools.
• The Oilers rookies defeated the Golden Bears in the 25th installment of their annual game. They had a record crowd of course, this being the season of McDavid and all. The all-time series now stands at 13-12 for the Golden Bears.
• The Oilers have signed defenceman Oscar Klefbom to a 7-year contract extension worth over $29 million.
• The University of Alberta has submitted a bid to host the CIS Women’s Basketball Championships in 2018.
• No doubt the evenings and mornings are cooler now. But colder weather doesn’t have to mean hibernation. Polished Plum invites you to embrace the colder months!
• For more recent headlines, check out ShareEdmonton.

Downtown Sunrise

Upcoming Events

• There are still days to go for Visualeyez at Latitude 53!
• The Oilers preseason starts this week with home-and-home games against Calgary on Monday night, and on Wednesday against Winnipeg.
• Western Canada Fashion Week continues this week at the ATB Financial Arts Barns.
• Celebrate National Forest Week with Root for Trees at the John Janzen Nature Centre on Tuesday.
• It’s Alumni Weekend from Thursday through Sunday at the University of Alberta! The Alumni Awards take place on Thursday night at the Jubilee and Friday is Green & Gold Day.
• Alberta Culture Days takes place throughout the province from Friday through Sunday.
• One of the arts & culture events taking place is the Galleria Arts & Culture Showcase at the EPCOR Tower downtown, from 11am to 3pm on Saturday.
• Also taking place this weekend is the Edmonton Comic & Entertainment Expo.
• The Edmonton edition of Etsy’s Made in Canada Market takes place on Saturday at Latitude 53.
• The Eskimos host the BC Lions on Saturday afternoon.
• Saturday evening from 7pm to 4am is Nuit Blanche, an all-night contemporary art event taking place at venues throughout the downtown. Here’s a preview from I Heart Edmonton.
• Prior to Nuit Blanche you can check out Downtown Dialogues, an event discussing art & architecture as economic development.
• Sunday is Free Admission Day at City of Edmonton facilities!
• The Edmonton Bridal Expo takes place on Sunday at the Shaw Conference Centre.
• For more upcoming events, check out ShareEdmonton.

Edmonton Mid Autumn Festival, photo by IQRemix