Edmonton Notes for June 26, 2016

Here are my weekly Edmonton notes:

Headlines

Will we ever find out how much the many issues plaguing the Metro Line LRT cost us? Maybe not, because the City is preparing to make a claim against signalling vendor Thales which will follow a private dispute resolution process.
WestJet announced a series of new routes this week, including new non-stop service between Edmonton and Hamilton. The new route will run four times weekly from July through September. Also, flights between Edmonton and Vancouver will now operate 54 times weekly.
The Oilers announced their 2016-2017 season schedule this week. The home opener will take place on October 12 against the Calgary Flames.
In the 2016 NHL Draft the Oilers made nine selections, including Jesse Puljujarvi at 4th overall. Here’s a roundup from The Copper & Blue.
Summer bus schedules started today, with major adjustments for routes 5, 15, 44, 69, 96, 125 and 127.
Paula wrote about the impact of sky-rocketing policing costs for events and the ridiculous way we treat some of our marquee festivals.
The City of Edmonton’s new Youth Poet Laureate is Nasra Adem. She will serve a one-year term.
Edmonton has been named Canada’s National Earth Hour Capital. Our city last won the award in 2014.
Edmonton came in at number four on the Amazon.ca list of Canadian Cities that Love to Read, behind Vancouver, Calgary, and Saskatoon. “Canada’s western cities of Vancouver, Calgary and Edmonton purchased the most Kindle titles over the past year.”
The west side of the High Level Bridge is going to be closed for most of July to accommodate the safety rail installation.
The City held a community workshop last week on the 101 Avenue Vision & Corridor Study. The draft vision and study will be developed over the summer.
From The Wanderer, here are six resources available to Edmonton entrepreneurs.
WIND Mobile recently completed a major network infrastructure upgrade in Edmonton which should mean “better network coverage, faster data speeds and improved call quality.”
Cool infographic from MacEwan on the class of 2016.
The University of Alberta Board of Governors has appointed Gitta Kulczycki to the position of vice-president (finance and administration) and Andrew Sharman to the position of vice-president (facilities and operations).
Edmonton has fallen short in its bid to host the ITU World Triathlon Grand Final in 2019. Lausanne won the bid.
The City is once again encouraging Edmontonians to go bagless this summer! If you sign up for a lawn sign you could win a mulching mower or other prizes.
For more recent headlines, check out ShareEdmonton.

What’s left of the former downtown Greyhound station

Upcoming Events

The Works continues this week downtown, anchored in Churchill Square.
The Edmonton International Jazz Festival continues this week at various locations throughout the city.
The Freewill Shakespeare Festival is taking place at Hawrelak Park.
For the first time the Winspear Centre is hosting the 2016 Edmonton Music Awards on Tuesday evening.
The Edmonton Prospects host the Regina Red Sox on Tuesday and the Melville Millionaires on Sunday.
The Fire Aid for Fort McMurray benefit concert is taking place on Wednesday at Commonwealth Stadium. The tailgate party starts at 2pm with the concert getting underway at 5pm.
Thursday is busy as always, with the Latitude 53 Patio and 124 Grand Market, among other events. Let’s hope they get some decent weather this week!
Friday is Canada Day! There are events throughout the city, with the main fireworks finale taking place at 11pm in the river valley.
The Historic Festival & Doors Open Edmonton kicks off on Sunday.
Also be sure to check out my guide to summer festivals & events for 2016!
For more upcoming events, check out ShareEdmonton.

Bay/Enterprise Square LRT Station

Edmonton Notes for June 19, 2016

Here are my weekly Edmonton notes:

Headlines

City Council has decided to explore the possibility of transferring the Drainage Services Utility to EPCOR. A third party consideration and full report will be back to Council in late October for review.
In the latest issue of The Yards, Celia Shea examines the Living Bridge three years after it started. “It is one the city’s finest examples of urban intervention, but it is not without its controversies.”
Former mayor Stephen Mandel received an honorary doctor of laws degree this week at the University of Alberta.
Douglas R. Stollery was sworn in as the University of Alberta’s 21st Chancellor. You can read his convocation address from June 15.
Construction has begun on the $186 million ETS Northeast Transit Garage located at the corner of Yellowhead Trail and Fort Road. “With more than 500,000 square feet (the equivalent of 10 football fields), the future garage will replace the 55-year-old Westwood Transit Garage.”
The City of Edmonton Youth Council is now accepting applications for new members. There are 12 vacancies for the upcoming term and the deadline to apply is July 17.
Jason Foster reports that the City is working on a bylaw change similar to one recently passed in Calgary that could make it easier to open a small craft brewery.
The Edmonton Oilers announced their 2016-2017 pre-season schedule this week. They kick off the season on September 26 with home-and-home games against Calgary.
Although the east sidewalk on the High Level Bridge is reopening this week, congestion could still be a problem as the new barriers have reduced the width of available space from 2.8 meters to 2.3 meters.
IKEA announced it is investing $28 million in Alberta with expansions at both its Edmonton and Calgary locations. Construction begins in July and is expected to be complete by next summer.
Here’s an update from Matthew Dance on the Naming Edmonton project: “We have geo-coded all of the names in the dataset! Thank-you to those who have contributed time and effort to make that happen!”
The Edmonton Food Council is looking for four new members to be part of the team starting in September. Join us!
If you’re looking for co-work space in Edmonton, check out this post from The Local Good.
Congratulations to the recipients of the 2016 Salute to Excellence Awards!
Here’s a great recap of the #100in1Day activities that took place around Edmonton a couple of weeks ago.
For more recent headlines, check out ShareEdmonton.

Weekend Strolling, photo by IQRemix

Upcoming Events

Monday is the longest day of the year! There’s a big celebration planned at the Mosaic Centre. You can of course share your day using #YEGlongday on social media.
This year’s Summer Solstice Festival starts Monday and runs through June 28 at various locations.
There’s an open house taking place Monday evening about the proposed surface parking lot north of Rogers Place. Councillor McKeen is skeptical.
Tuesday is National Aboriginal Day! There are events happening throughout the city, including a festival in Borden Park from 11am until 9pm.
Improvaganza continues this week at the Citadel Theatre. Saturday is the final day!
This year’s Freewill Shakespeare Festival starts on Tuesday at Hawrelak Park with performances of Love’s Labour’s Lost and Romeo and Juliet.
The Works Art & Design Festival kicks off on Thursday at various locations downtown but with Churchill Square as home base. The Golden Summer Gala takes place on Friday at the Fairmont Hotel Macdonald.
Head over to TEC Edmonton for lunch on Thursday to hear about the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM) Alberta Report.
Latitude 53’s Patio Series continues on Thursday evening!
The Found Festival takes place from Thursday through Sunday in Old Strathcona at Dr. Wilbert McIntyre Park.
Friday is the kick off for the 2016 Edmonton International Jazz Festival.
The Eskimos host the Ottawa REDBLACKS on Saturday evening at Commonwealth Stadium!
Doing some spring cleaning? The City is hosting another Big Bin Event on the weekend at Rexall Place.
For more upcoming events, check out ShareEdmonton.

New Pedway Bridge connecting Manulife Place & the Kelly Ramsey Building

Edmonton Food Council Recruitment, What the Truck?!, Metro Edmonton’s Future

Here’s the latest entry in my Edmonton Etcetera series, in which I share some thoughts on a few topical items in one post. Less than I’d write in a full post on each, but more than I’d include in Edmonton Notes. Have feedback? Let me know!

Edmonton Food Council Recruitment

The Edmonton Food Council is seeking four new members for three-year terms beginning in September 2016:

“As a volunteer committee of the City, the Edmonton Food Council’s primary role is to advise and act on matters related to the ongoing implementation of fresh: Edmonton’s Food and Agriculture Strategy. The Edmonton Food Council aims to engage with the community on relevant and timely issues related to food and urban agriculture.”

Open Farm Days 2015, photo by Premier of Alberta

I think we’ve had a difficult few years since the council was first established in 2013 but I am excited about the year ahead! We have agreed to focus on food security, have setup a website, and have established a few committees that have been working well together. There have been some big successes over the last couple of years including hens, bees, and the urban agriculture zoning changes, and I think there are lots of great opportunities ahead.

If you think you’d like to join us, you can apply online here. You’ll need your resume and two letters of reference to go along with the application form. The deadline to get everything in is 5pm on Monday, June 20, 2016.

What the Truck?! at Blatchford Tower

After a very successful first event of the season a few weeks ago at Northlands, we’re ready for round two! Our next What the Truck?! event takes place on Saturday, June 18, 2016 from 4-8pm at Blatchford Tower! You can see the event and RSVP on Facebook and you can check out the lineup and menus here.

CYXD – Edmonton City Centre – Last Day of Ops, photo by Jeff Wallace

The event takes place along Airport Road right in front of the old City Centre Airport control tower (see it on Street View here). There won’t be any snow thankfully, but check out that view! This is going to be a fun location because in addition to learning more about the City’s plans for Blatchford, if you bring a donation for Edmonton’s Food Bank, you can go up inside the tower to get a unique look at downtown Edmonton’s skyline.

Admission is free as always, and there’s lots of parking at either the Ramada Hotel on the west side or Aviation Museum on the east side. I hope to see you there!

Metro Edmonton’s Future

Last week the Advisory Panel on Metro Edmonton’s Future released its report. This new group was convened in September by the Metro Mayors Alliance which itself was only formalized over the summer last year. Here are the advisory panel members:

Don Lowry – Former President & CEO of EPCOR Utilities
Carman McNary – Managing Partner of the Edmonton office of Dentons Canada LLP
Stanford Blade – Dean of the Faculty of Agricultural, Life and Environmental Sciences at the University of Alberta
Phyllis Clark – Vice President, Finance and Administration, and CFO at the University of Alberta
Salima Ebrahim – Executive Director of the Banff Forum
Linda Hughes – 19th Chancellor of the University of Alberta
Reg Milley – Former President & CEO of Edmonton Airports
Liz O’Neill – Executive Director of Boys and Girls Clubs Big Brothers Big Sisters Society of Edmonton & Area
Tim Reid – President & CEO of Northlands
Andrew Ross – Executive Vice President, Northern Operations, for Clark Builders
Brad Stelfox – ALCES Group Founder
Paul Whittaker – President & CEO of the Alberta Forest Products Association

The Alliance was established “to support the global competitiveness and future prosperity of communities in the Metro Edmonton area” and the Panel was intended to “provide insight on matters for the region to further consider.” The cost of the panel was $600,000 which will be shared by the nine member municipalities which include Edmonton, Strathcona County, St. Albert, Sturgeon County, Fort Saskatchewan, the City of Leduc, Leduc County, Spruce Grove, and Parkland County. As Paula Simons noted in her column today, that group “represents nine municipalities with 95 per cent of the regional population, and 96 per cent of the regional tax assessment base.”

The report, called Be Ready, Or Be Left Behind, “provides a roadmap for creating a globally competitive, future-ready Edmonton Metro Region.” It highlights three critical systems for the region: economic development, public transit, and land use and infrastructure development. Can’t get much broader than that! At least they said public transit and not simply transportation. The report makes these recommendations:

Recommendation 1: Affirm the Metro Mayors Alliance by developing and signing a Memorandum of Understanding that spells out a commitment to plan, decide and act as one Edmonton Metro Region.
Recommendation #2: Formalize the commitment to think, plan and act as an Edmonton Metro Region through a legally binding Master Agreement.
Recommendation #3: Consistent with the signed Master Agreement, establish the structures needed to create the three key cornerstones of a globally competitive Edmonton Metro Region.
Recommendation #3a: Establish and mandate a new entity responsible for regional economic development in the Edmonton Metro Region.
Recommendation #3b: Establish and mandate an entity responsible for planning, decision-making and delivering core public transit across the Edmonton Metro Region.
Recommendation #3c: Establish a structure with the capacity and authority to facilitate and act upon regional land use planning and regional infrastructure development in the Edmonton Metro Region.

Paula noted that this could become a major election issue next year. And she notes the potential impact of this group on the Capital Region Board:

“The 24-member Capital Region Board, created, somewhat forcibly, by then-premier Ed Stelmach back in 2008, isn’t nimble enough to give metro Edmonton the leadership it needs.”

Now that the report is out, it’ll be up to the nine mayors to do something about it.

You can follow this on Twitter using the hashtag #YEGMetroRegion and/or the shorter #yegmetro as adopted by the local media.

Edmonton Notes for June 12, 2016

Here are my weekly Edmonton notes:

Headlines

Fallen police officer Constable Daniel Woodall was honoured this week by naming the park at 7304 South Terwillegar Drive after him. “The park includes a new soccer pitch, in recognition of Constable Woodall’s love of soccer. It also features an Autumn Blaze Maple Tree planted with compost created from the flowers given to police after Constable Woodall’s death.” Read more about Constable Dan Woodall and the park here. Here’s a photo of the official sign.
EPCOR has submitted a proposal to Council to consider transferring the City’s Drainage Services Utility to EPCOR. Council will consider the request on June 14 and if they decide to proceed with a review, a final decision could be made later this year. “EPCOR projects that its annual dividend to the City can be increased by about $20 million immediately following a transfer.”
The Advisory Panel on Metro Edmonton’s Future released its report this week. The report includes three recommendations and “concludes that the Edmonton Metro Region can position itself to attract jobs and investment in today’s increasingly complex global marketplace – but only if it takes steps to better leverage its opportunities and build the regional systems that other competitive regions offer today.”
A ground-breaking ceremony was held on Friday for the new Alex Decoteau Park located on the northwest corner for 105 Street and 102 Avenue. Can’t wait for this one to open next year! You can learn more about Alex Decoteau here.
The City is looking for feedback on new River Valley Park signs that have been installed at Gold Bar Park. You can fill out the online survey until July 22.
Small business owners have a new way to access permitting and licensing thanks to the new Small Business Open Window program that the City launched this week.
Non-profit, social services, and learning organizations are now invited to submit expressions of interest for leasing space at the MacEwan West Universty Campus community hub. Submissions close July 29.
The Reuse Centre has won an Emerald Award for environmental excellence in the Government Institution category. The City’s Master Naturalist Program was a finalist in another category.
At the 2016 Prairie Design Awards, the City won two awards of excellence for the Commonwealth Community Recreation Centre and the John Fry Sports Park Pavilion. It also received awards of merit for the Borden Park Pavilion, Mill Woods Park Pavilion, and Edmonton Military Commemorative Monument.
As part of Bike Month, the ETS Peace Officer Bike Patrol is returning. “Over approximately four months in 2015, the Transit Peace Officer Bike Patrol responded to 962 calls (or an average of eight calls per day), including 574 planned events and 388 incidents, ranging from alarms to misdemeanors to trespassing on LRT tracks.”
Abundant Community Edmonton “is now ready to be implemented in any Edmonton neighbourhood.” There are currently 22 participating neighbourhoods in our city.
You have until June 27 to complete this survey on the Mature Neighbourhood Overlay review. The review is action 17 on Edmonton’s Infill Roadmap.
And if you’re still not surveyed-out, fill out this online survey on traffic safety culture by July 8.
From Vintage Edmonton, here’s a great collection of Hotel Macdonald history.
Congratulations to City Hall School on another very successful Citizenship Fair!
The 29th annual Sterling Award nominations were announced this week. The awards will be given out at a gala event on June 27.
Premier Rachel Notley issued a statement today on the mass shooting in Orlando, Florida: “Albertans join with people everywhere in offering our thoughts and prayers to the victims, their families, partners and loved ones who are suffering this moment.”
Mayor Iveson and the City of Edmonton also tweeted their thoughts and shared that the High Level Bridge will show PRIDE colors tonight in support.
For more recent headlines, check out ShareEdmonton.

The new Walterdale Bridge

Upcoming Events

The Government of Alberta is hosting two workshops on Monday (AM, PM) at the Chateau Louis to discuss the proposed amendments to the Municipal Government Act.
The next Capital Ideas Edmonton event takes place on Wednesday at the Edmonton Journal. It’ll be business not as usual!
Improvaganza kicks off on Wednesday at the Citadel Theatre!
The City is hosting two public events at City Hall on Thursday to discuss Breathe, the new Green Network Strategy. Check it out during the lunch hour or in the evening from 5:30pm-8pm.
Homeward Trust is hosting its annual Stakeholder Reception on Thursday starting at 4pm.
Also Thursday evening: Latitude 53’s Patio series returns!
CKUA’s Party in the Park takes place on Friday afternoon. They’re hosting tours every 15 minutes.
Head over to the Mercer Warehouse on Friday night for the Mercer Summer Super Party!
Porkapalooza takes place Friday through Sunday at Clarke Park!
The Saskatchewan Roughriders are in town on Saturday afternoon for a pre-season game against the Edmonton Eskimos!
Also Saturday afternoon at Henry Martell Park is the Highlandia Festival.
I hope you’ll join us on Saturday evening at Blatchford Tower for our next What the Truck?! event! Bring a donation for the food bank and you can go up inside the tower to get an awesome view of downtown Edmonton.
Also taking place Saturday evening is Zoo Fest, a fundraising event in support of the Valley Zoo.
Check out even more summer festivals & events in my annual listing!
For more upcoming events, check out ShareEdmonton.

On the Edge, photo by Dave Sutherland

Edmonton Notes for June 5, 2016

Here are my weekly Edmonton notes:

Headlines

Did you check out the Edmonton Pride Festival parade and kickoff this weekend? It’s great to see the rainbow proudly displayed all across Edmonton!
Elise writes in the Journal that we should expect surprises in the new MGA. “It’s the second longest bill on the books, creating the rules that govern what cities in Alberta can and can’t do.” The Province is planning to consult with Albertans throughout the summer (the Edmonton event takes palce on Monday, June 13). They plan to have changes to the Municipal Government Act in place before the next municipal elections in 2017.
Voluntary phased re-entry of Fort McMurray began on June 1 as planned. Here’s the statement from Premier Rachel Notley. “There is still a long road ahead of us, and we will travel it together. Alberta continues to stand with you.”
The Edmonton Police Service says that officers walking the beat on Whyte Avenue this summer will have a zero tolerance policy for individuals who “cross the line and compromise the safety of others.”
Here is the latest update on the Council Initiative on Public Engagement. I’m happy to be featured as one of the working group members.
The theme for this year’s Fringe festival is: That Was Then, This Is Fringe. The festival is celebrating 35 years.
Congratulations to the 2016 Salute to Excellence Hall of Fame inductees, recognized for their contributions to arts & culture, sports, and community service in Edmonton. The awards ceremony will take place at the Winspear Centre on June 13.
Here’s a feature on the yarn bombs along Jasper Avenue outside Enterprise Square. Turns out it is “part of the Focus on Fibre Arts 2016 exhibition, My Heritage.”
This could be interesting: the City now has Business License Ambassadors as part of the Open for Business program.
Living downtown we’re not far from the river valley, Legislature grounds, or the brand new Michael Phair Park on 104 Street. Still, I’m really looking forward to Alex Decoteau Park on 105 Street. You can never have too many green spaces. Transforming Edmonton highlights some of the other “green living” spaces downtown.
And speaking of greening, Edmonton is the first Canadian city to join the Biophilic Cities Network, “an organization that helps cities all over the world integrate more nature into urban life.”
Edmonton Public and Catholic school boards held two separate reconciliation events on June 3, before walking to City Hall to mark the one year anniversary of the final TRC report. “The events, projects and safe places being created in the name of reconciliation in city schools is shaping our future leaders for change,” said Mayor Don Iveson.
Have you noticed that some local gas stations are empty? “Some western Canadian Petro-Canada stations are closed because of a fuel shortage following production problems at Suncor’s Edmonton refinery.”
For more recent headlines, check out ShareEdmonton.

Michael Phair and Mayor Don Iveson take a selfie at Michael Phair Park

Upcoming Events

This week is the 30th anniversary of Seniors’ Week in Alberta. “All Albertans are encouraged to attend an event, catch up with the seniors in your own life, or take a moment to thank an Albertan senior who has made a difference to your community.”
The Edmonton Pride Festival kicked off this weekend! Check out events all week long throughout the city. Saturday is the 2016 Edmonton Pride Run & Walk at Emily Murphy Park.
Also running this week at venues throughout Edmonton is Nextfest.
The Edmonton Prospects have three home games this week. Tuesday and Wednesday they host the Brooks Bombers, and Thursday they host the Medicine Hat Mavericks.
The next event in the #YEGparity Speaker Series runs Wednesday evening at ATB Place and features Councillor Andrew Knack, Heather MacKenzie, and Janelle Morin.
This year’s REACH Edmonton AGM takes place Thursday afternoon at the Central Lions Senior Recreation Centre.
Edmonton’s 25th Pecha Kucha Night takes place on Thursday at the Garneau Theatre. It’s a milestone!
Also Thursday evening is the In Her Shoes Gala, taking place at the River Cree.
The Human Library, which features ten human “books” like Mayor Don Iveson and Oiler Andrew Ference, takes place Thursday evening at the Mill Woods Public Library.
Fridays are always busy in the summer with great events like Park After Dark and Night Market Edmonton to check out!
If you’re interested in soccer you’ll want to check out this event about Edmonton’s soccer story on Saturday at the Commonwealth Community Recreation Centre.
I’m planning to spend Saturday and Sunday at the 2016 Edmonton Chinatown Conference. Check out Sharon’s preview if you’re thinking about going.
I recently updated my 2016 summer festivals & events post with additional suggestions from readers, bringing the list to more than 60 great events!
For more upcoming events, check out ShareEdmonton.

Edmonton Pride Parade, photo by Premier of Alberta

Edmonton Notes for May 29, 2016

Here are my weekly Edmonton notes:

Headlines

City Council has approved the EndPovertyEdmonton implementation roadmap. “With council’s endorsement of the road map, EndPovertyEdmonton will begin work on its transition from a task force. Rather than forming a new organization that will compete for resources with other non-profits, EndPovertyEdmonton will work to bring together a diverse group of agencies and organizations in order to take a more collective approach to ending poverty.”
This week the City and Province announced a cost-shared Low Income Transit Pass. Each are paying half of the $12.4 million required over three years.
I’ll share more on this soon, but Wednesday was the official “topping-off” ceremony for the City of Edmonton’s new office tower. The new building will allow about 2,300 City employees to consolidate into one place. The first move-ins are slated to begin in November 2016.
The City of Edmonton Reception Centre at Northlands closed its doors on Friday, May 27. Nearly 25,000 people visited it for assistance and more than 66,000 meals were served.
Starting July 1, United Airlines is suspending its daily flights to and from Chicago and San Francisco. They are increasing the number of flights to Denver.
The City started sending 2016 property tax notices to residents this week. “This year, an average single-family home, assessed at $408,000, will pay $3,266 in property taxes.”
I’m thrilled that the pocket park on 104 Street was officially named after Michael Phair this week!
Ever wonder why most addresses in Edmonton end with NW? Paul Blinov did the research.
The Edmonton Arena Corp. and City of Edmonton have sued HOK Architects and 360 Architecture for $4.7 million over errors and omissions affecting Rogers Place. That’s a pretty small portion of the overall budget and “is in no way unusual” according to EAC.
Congratulations to all of the recipients of the 2016 Mayor’s Awards which “honour those who make significant contributions to Edmonton’s livability for all, and shine a spotlight on innovations in accessibility.”
Alberta’s Fire Aid Organizing Committee has announced a concert taking place on June 29 at Commonwealth Stadium that will raise funds for the Fort McMurray United Way.
The rainbow crosswalks are back for another year in Old Strathcona!
ICYMI: I am very happy to announce Taproot Edmonton!
For more recent headlines, check out ShareEdmonton.

Come Hither, photo by Kurt Bauschardt

Upcoming Events

All this week the City of Edmonton, Reconciliation in Solidarity Edmonton (RISE), Alberta Teachers Association, Edmonton Public School Board, Edmonton Catholic School Board, and Edmonton Public Library are celebrating a year of reconciliation efforts in Edmonton.
The Edmonton International Children’s Festival takes place this week, starting Tuesday!
EPSB is hosting another Space for Students event on Tuesday in the Westlawn area.
The Edmonton Pride Festival kicks off on Friday!
Friday and Saturday is the Edmonton Craft Beer Festival at the Expo Centre.
Saturday is the big day! 100in1Day Edmonton takes place throughout the city.
Bonnie Fest takes place at the Bonnie Doon Community Hall on Saturday.
Nextfest kicks off on Saturday!
I am hoping to check out the Meet Me in McCauley Market on Saturday.
Head over to Giovanni Caboto Park on Saturday and Sunday for the Heart of the City Festival.
This year’s edition of the Sprouts New Play Festival for Kids takes place Saturday and Sunday at the ATB Financial Barns.
Also Saturday and Sunday in St. Albert is the eek! Comic & Pop Culture Fest.
For more upcoming events, check out ShareEdmonton.

Edmonton Cat Festival, photo by IQRemix

Edmonton Notes for May 22, 2016

It has been soggy, but I hope you’re enjoying the long weekend! Here are my weekly Edmonton notes:

Headlines

Due to the recent change in the weather, the fire ban for Edmonton was lifted on Friday. “Edmonton Fire Rescue Services is stressing that Edmonton has not reached ideal weather conditions, but the fire risk is manageable if the proper precautions are taken to ensure fire safety and prevention.”
The City of Edmonton Reception Centre continues to provide services to Fort McMurray evacuees and the old Target at Kingsway Mall was recently transformed into a “donation pick-up store” for evacuees. The Province has announced that a phased re-entry is expected to start June 1 as long as wildfire conditions do not worsen.
Here’s the latest on wildfires in Alberta: “A total of 18 wildfires are burning, with one out of control.” That one is the Fort McMurray wildfire, which is now estimated to cover 522,892 hectares.
The City has launched a new infill website. The website has “key information about new housing being integrated into Edmonton’s mature neighbourhoods and how to get involved in the process.”
“Since February 2013, EPS has lost 10 per cent of its recruits, either through resignation, termination or injury,” according to the Edmonton Journal. Apparently our recruits are better at Facebook than they are at talking to people in person.
From Michael Hingston: Where a ’90s tourist guide will take you in Edmonton, Alberta.
The Edmonton Police Service has launched Online Buyer Beware, “a campaign that urges citizens to use caution when shopping buy-and-sell websites.”
The City of Edmonton and Strathcona County recently completed and signed a joint planning study. The goal is to improve collaboration and communication along the shared 40km boundary.
Here’s an update from the City on traffic and parking around Rogers Place. “It’s a phrase you’ll hear often over the next few months: plan ahead and give yourself extra time.”
The Front Yards in Bloom program kicked off on Friday! Nominations can be made online or by calling 311 until June 30.
Ten new signs have been installed at the Neon Sign Museum! Georgia Baths, WW Arcade, Pantages Theatre, and Colonel Mustard’s are among the new signs you can check out on 104 Street.
Applications are being accepted until May 31 for the City’s second Youth Poet Laureate.
From the Edmonton City as Museum Project, here’s a feature on Edmonton’s candied past. “Right from the beginning, Edmonton has had a sweet tooth.”
The Government of Alberta has introduced Bill 16 which would make nine amendments to the Traffic Safety Act and would “clarify regulations for some transportation operations and clarify enforcement regulations.” The bill would require drivers for companies like Uber to have class 1, 2, or 4 licenses, as well as “more robust insurance” and police information checks.
New shuttle service to Fort Edmonton Park and the Edmonton Valley Zoo started this weekend. Routes 594 and 595 will run throughout the summer.
The University of Alberta Board of Governors has appointed Fraser Forbes to a five-year term as dean of the Faculty of Engineering.
If you missed the second annual Edmonton Resilience Festival, here’s a recap from The Local Good.
Team Canada won today at the World Hockey Championship with Oiler Connor McDavid scoring the winning goal. McDavid is the “youngest player in history to win golds at Under 18, World Juniors and World Championships.”
For more recent headlines, check out ShareEdmonton.

Jasper & 104, photo by Kurt Bauschardt

Upcoming Events

The City is hosting a series of public engagement sessions this week on Breathe: Edmonton’s Green Network Strategy.
EndPoverty Edmonton will be presenting its Implementation Road Map to City Council on Tuesday. “This community plan establishes 35 starting point actions that will kick start our generational goal of ending poverty in Edmonton.”
EPSB is hosting another Space for Students session on Tuesday at Rosslyn School.
Minister of Finance Joe Ceci is speaking at the Sutton Place Hotel on Wednesday.
I’m excited to host the interVivos Spring Mentorship Speed Networking event on Wednesday! It’s always fun to see the connections being made.
The TALES Storytelling Festival kicks off in Old Strathcona on Thursday!
IABC Edmontons’s Capital Awards gala will take place on Thursday at the Chateau Lacombe.
Also Thursday evening is The Walrus Talks Energy at the Royal Alberta Museum, presented by Suncor.
I’ll be at the Journalist Interrupted event on Thursday evening at MacEwan!
The Big Idea Breakfast takes place Friday morning at the Valley Zoo with a pretty good lineup of speakers!
Saturday is going to be a busy day! Maybe the unofficial kickoff to summer? There’s the Incredible High Street Race. Taking place at NAIT is the Edmonton International Cat Festival. Over near 124 Street is the Oliver Community Festival. The Edmonton Prospects host the Okotoks Dawgs at TELUS Field. Urban YEG’s For the People, By the People event takes place at Latitude 53. And of course I hope you’ll join us at Northlands from 3-8pm for our first What the Truck?! of the season!
If you can’t make it out to What the Truck?! on Saturday, how about Sunday? We’re hosting a two-day event for the first time this year!
Don’t miss my summer festivals & events listing for 2016!
For more upcoming events, check out ShareEdmonton.

Alberta Proud, photo by Dave Sutherland

Your Guide to Summer Festivals & Events in Edmonton: 2016 Edition!

It looks like summer is here to stay, and that means it’s time for my listing of summer festivals & events, powered by ShareEdmonton. Below you’ll find dozens of events with a website, dates, and links to social media for each. You’ll also find a link to the event at ShareEdmonton and a link to an iCal for the event. I hope you find this listing as useful as I do.

Festivals

Here’s my list of 50+ festivals and events you can look forward to this summer in and around Edmonton!

Event	Dates	Links
NUOVA Opera & Music Theatre Festival	May 21 – July 3
TALES Storytelling Festival	May 26-29
What the Truck?!	May 28/29 & more!
Edmonton International Cat Festival	May 28
Oliver Community Festival	May 28
International Children’s Festival	May 31 – June 4
Bikeology Festival (Bike Month)	June 1-30
NextGen Month	June 1-30
Nextfest	June 2-12
Park After Dark	June 3 – September 2
Edmonton Craft Beer Festival	June 3-4
Edmonton Pride Festival	June 3-12
100In1Day Edmonton	June 4
Edmonton Pride Parade	June 4 @ 11am
Bonnie Fest	June 4
eek! Comic & Pop Culture Fest	June 4-5
Heart of the City Festival	June 4-5
Sprouts New Play Festival for Kids	June 4-5
Edmonton Filipino Fiesta	June 11-12
Improvaganza	June 15-25
Latitude 53 Patio Series	June 16 – August 25
Mercer Summer Super Party	June 17
Beaumont Blues & Roots Festival	June 17-19
Porkapalooza BBQ Festival	June 17-19
Highlandia Festival	June 18
Summer Solstice Festival	June 20-28
Freewill Shakespeare Festival	June 21 – July 17
Slide the City	June 23
The Works Art & Design Festival	June 23 – July 5
Found Festival	June 23-26
Edmonton International Jazz Festival	June 24 – July 3
Feats Festival of Dance	June 27 – July 10
Canada Day	July 1
Sand on Whyte	July 1-10
Historic Festival & Doors Open Edmonton	July 3-10
Lawn Summer Nights	July 7-28
Whyte Avenue Art Walk	July 8-10
Edmonton International Street Performers Festival	July 8-17
Seven Music Festival	July 9
Taste of Edmonton	July 21-30
Canadian Food Championships	July 22-24
Interstellar Rodeo	July 22-24
K-Days	July 22-31
K-Days Parade	July 22 @ 10am
Servus Heritage Festival	July 30 – August 1
Rock’n August	August 2-6
Edmonton Folk Music Festival	August 4-7
Animethon	August 5-7
Cariwest	August 5-7
Cariwest Parade	August 6 @ 12pm
Edmonton Airshow	August 6-7
Edmonton International Fringe Theatre Festival	August 11-21
Edmonton Rock Music Festival	August 12-13
Edmonton Latin Festival	August 13-14
Edmonton Dragon Boat Festival	August 19-21
Edmonton Blues Festival	August 19-21
Symphony Under the Sky	August 26-28
Viva Italia Viva Edmonton	August 28
Tour of Alberta	September 1-5
SONiC BOOM	September 3-4
Kaleido Family Arts Festival	September 9-11
Strathearn Art Walk	September 10
Edmonton Comic & Entertainment Expo	September 23-25
Edmonton Oktoberfest	Sept 30 – Oct 1

You can check out a calendar view of festivals here or you can download the iCal feed for your own apps.

Markets

This year I have also decided to include a listing of the many markets you can find around Edmonton! Some are open year-round, but many are just open for the summer, usually from late May/early June to late September/early October.

Event	Dates	Links
Beverly Towne Farmers’ Market	Tuesdays, 4-8pm
Miller Crossing Farmers’ Market	Tuesdays, 4-8pm Sundays, 10am-3pm
Callingwood Farmers’ Market	Wednesdays, 2-6pm Sundays, 10am-3pm
Castle Downs Farmers’ Market	Wednesdays, 4-8pm
Sherwood Park Farmers’ Market	Wednesdays, 4-8pm
Southwest Edmonton Farmers’ Market	Wednesdays, 4-7:30pm
124 Street Grand Market	Thursdays, 4-8pm
Millwoods Farmers’ Market	Thursdays, 5-8pm
Salisbury Farmers’ Market	Thursdays, 4-7:30pm
Westmount Farmers’ Market	Thursdays, 10am-4pm
Night Market Edmonton	Fridays, 7-11pm
YEG Market District	Fridays, 4-8pm
City Market Downtown	Saturdays, 9am-3pm
Old Strathcona Farmers’ Market	Saturdays, 8am-3pm
South Common Farmers’ Market	Sat & Sun, 10am-4pm
St. Albert Farmers’ Market	Saturdays, 10am-3pm
Century Park Market	Sundays, 10am-3pm
French Quarter Grand Market	Sundays, 11am-3pm

Alberta Strong

Summer came early this year, but the lack of moisture from a relatively mild winter has meant very dry conditions and we have seen some devastating wildfires around the province already. That is very likely to continue throughout the summer (you can get updates here), so you can be sure that many of the summer festivals will be accepting donations to try to help out. We’ll be accepting donations for the food bank at all What the Truck?! events this year, for instance. Check the festival websites before you attend to see how you can contribute.

Of course, a monetary donation is always a great way to help out! You can donate to the Red Cross here to help those affected by wildfires. Or consider donating directly to Edmonton’s Food Bank or to Edmonton Emergency Relief Services. Also be sure to check out the Province’s tips for donating to charities.

Happy Summer in Edmonton

There are of course many more events listed in the ShareEdmonton calendar, so check it out! Have I missed something that should be included? Let me know in the comments and I’ll add it.

Happy summer!

Edmonton Notes for May 15, 2016

Here are my weekly Edmonton notes:

Headlines

The Fort McMurray wildfire and its effects continued to dominate the headlines in Edmonton this week. The worst appears to be over for the city, but the fire “remains out of control” and is “estimated to cover 251,000 hecatres.” A total of 15 wildfires are burning, with 2 out of control. The Province expects to share the re-entry plan for Fort McMurray evacuees within 10 days.
The Province has made an online mapping application available to “provide a high-level satellite overview of the status of the city following the wildfires.”
The City and Edmonton Emergency Relief Services opened a new centralized warehouse for donations on the weekend at 3870 98 Street. “Since May 9, the EERSS has served approximately 17,500 evacuees.” Here is the list of items most needed for evacuees. If you’d like to help out at the warehouse, you can sign up here.
The special Fort McMurray Stuff-a-Bus campaign on Saturday raised 14,765 kg of food for the Food Bank.
More than 150 animals are being cared for at the Animal Care and Control Centre, and that’s on top of the 180 that were temporarily calling the Edmonton Reception Centre home. “To date, close to 60 of the pets housed at ACCC have been reunited with their owners.”
A memorial was held Friday to honour the 51 homeless Edmontonians who died in the past year.
Our city has a long way to go to realize the goal of Vision Zero. “Despite a 50 per cent drop in injury collisions in the last decade, Edmonton’s 2015 Motor Vehicle Collisions Report shows the number of incidents rose from 2,912 in 2014 to 3,033 in 2015. There were 32 fatalities, nine more than in 2014.”
Edmonton’s late-night economy continues to grow with impact “more than doubling” from 2010-2014. Amsterdam actually has a night mayor – should Edmonton?
The Oilers announced this week that even after increasing the season set maximum to 15,000 seats at Rogers Place, all are now sold out. “The Club will continue to offer Mini-Packs and individual game tickets.” Here are some additional comments on the sales figures from CCO Stew MacDonald.
More than 2,000 people have applied for jobs at Rogers Place. A quarter of the 500 positions available have been filled. Another job fair is coming up on June 5.
Construction on improvements to the West Edmonton Mall Transit Centre begin Monday. All bus stops at the centre island are temporarily closed and new temporary stops have been added on 87 Avenue. Construction is expected to finish in early 2017.
The latest graffiti vandalism audit shows “an overall decrease in the number of incidents and locations.” The figures for 2015 show an 8.8% decrease from 2014 and a 50.6% decrease since the inaugural audit in 2010.
Metro notes that a new report from Vancity found that millenials in Edmonton have the highest discretionary income of any big city in Canada.
The Province has introduced An Act to End Predatory Lending that if passed will “bring substantive changes to the payday lending industry, including the country’s lowest borrowing rates.”
The Christmas Bureau of Edmonton is “seeking two dynamic, enthusiastic volunteers” to join its Fund Development Committee. The deadline to apply is May 27.
From YEG Date Night, here are 5 incredible places to watch the sunset in Edmonton.
Don’t forget that we’re still under a fire ban. Be smart. Also, the Province has launched a beta of its new fire bans website.
For more recent headlines, check out ShareEdmonton.

Good Morning Edmonton, photo by Dave Sutherland

Upcoming Events

Several local chefs have come together to raise funds for the Red Cross in support of the residents of Fort McMurray at #YEGFOOD for #YMM. The event takes place Monday evening at BLVD.
Selena Gomez is in town for her latest tour stop on Monday at Rexall Place.
EPSB is hosting another Space for Students community meeting on Monday, this time for students in the Britannia Area.
The City is hosting another Transit Strategy Workshop on Tuesday at the Terwillegar Rec Centre.
The next Capital Ideas Edmonton event takes place Wednesday at the Edmonton Journal on why company culture matters.
Wednesday is the kickoff for the Southwest Edmonton Farmers’ Market.
Also Wednesday is a Drop-in Interactive Session to provide feedback on how to improve Edmonton’s mature neighbourhood development regulations.
The DBA’s Spring Luncheon takes place Thursday at the Westin.
Experience JCI takes place Thursday evening at Lexus of Edmonton. It’s an “opportunity to dip your toe in the JCI pool.”
Also Thursday is the latest edition of Dark Matters at the TELUS World of Science.
Night Market Edmonton returns on Friday to Beaver Hills House Park for the summer!
Saturday is Hip Hop in the Park at the Boyle Community Centre.
The NUOVA Opera & Music Theatre Festival kicks off on Saturday.
For more upcoming events, check out ShareEdmonton.

Jasper & 104, photo by Kurt Bauschardt

Edmonton Notes for May 8, 2016

Happy Mother’s Day! Here are my weekly Edmonton notes:

Headlines

What started out as a fairly normal week quickly became anything but when the Fort McMurray wildfire swept through the city on Tuesday, destroying more than 1,600 buildings and forcing the evacuation of tens of thousands of people. The fire grew quickly throughout the week and is expected to continue burning for months. Rain is badly needed to help fight the fire. A province-wide fire ban is in place.
As of 4pm today, more than 12,000 people have received assistance from Edmonton’s Reception Centre at the Edmonton Expo Centre, and more than 500 people are staying there overnight, down from 2,000 at the peak. Edmonton’s response has also included sending firefighters and supports to the Fort McMurray area to help battle the blaze. Lots of businesses, community organizations, and individuals have stepped up throughout Edmonton, which is great to see. The pancake breakfast fundraiser held on Friday morning at Churchill Square was a big success.
“It’s always been Edmonton’s instinct to help, and help we have,” Mayor Iveson wrote. “Over the next days and months our Wood Buffalo neighbours will need our ongoing support, because the recovery will be like nothing we’ve ever done before.”
The latest update from the Province says that more than 1500 firefighters are fighting wildfires around Alberta, including the 161,000 hectare blaze around Fort McMurray.
Edmonton will no longer host the Canadian Finals Rodeo (CFR) after this year now that Council has decided against pursuing a bid for 2017. “This does not mean that the door for rodeo in Edmonton is closed forever,” Mayor Iveson wrote, noting that the Oilers Entertainment Group is looking to bring a Professional Bull Riding Association event to Edmonton.
In looking at the future of LRT development in our city, Council has decided that the west leg of the Valley Line will be its top priority, followed by the extension from NAIT to Blatchford. All other lines will be prioritized by a future Council.
Douglas R. Stollery was elected as the University of Alberta’s 21st chancellor on Friday. His four-year term starts June 15.
Edmonton Public Library CEO Pillar Martinez has received the Presidents’ Award from the Library Association of Alberta.
The Government of Alberta has restored $16 million in funding for NorQuest’s expansion. The Province is “investing a total of $61 million in NorQuest’s expansion and retrofit project in 2016-17.”
Vue Weekly has released its 2016 Golden Fork Awards. Congrats to all!
From The Gateway: What’s stopping Chinatown’s revitalization?
I love this: photographer Jerry Cordeiro has teamed up with the Inside Out project to help showcase the people of the inner city. You can see the first series of images at the Quasar Bottle Depot on 95 Street.
For the third year in a row, the City of Edmonton is in the running for the annual We Love Cities people’s choice award. The challenge ends June 19.
This weekend the new Rogers Place scoreboard arrived in Edmonton. It was assembled in Las Vegas and is 46 feet wide by 36 feet high on four sides. “It’s going to be special,” said Bob Nicholson, CEO and vice-chairman of the Oilers Entertainment Group.
Earls has backed down and released a statement saying, “we made a mistake when we moved away from Canadian beef.” I can understand why they’d go this route, but I wish they had stood by their original position.
Looking to beat the heat? Spray parks and the City Hall pool are all scheduled to be open by May 20.
For more recent headlines, check out ShareEdmonton.

Premier Notley & Mayor Iveson at the Edmonton Reception Centre

Upcoming Events

The Sage Awards take place on Wednesday, honouring the outstanding achievements and contributions of seniors in our community.
The Edmonton Heritage Council’s AGM takes place on Wednesday evening at City Hall.
Edmonton’s economy will be the topic for Thursday when the Edmonton Real Estate Forum takes place at the Shaw Conference Centre.
The Eskimos are launching their season with a party on Thursday!
Thursday evening is the 2016 season kickoff for the 124 Grand Market! Note the market has moved further south to 102 Avenue this year.
The Edmonton Bike Swap is slated to take place on Saturday.
Saturday is the final City Market at City Hall of the season. The market moves back to 104 Street on the May long weekend!
#YEGSEMICOLON‘s fundraising event takes place on Sunday at the Princess of Wales Armouries.
For more upcoming events, check out ShareEdmonton.

Lots of activity at Edmonton Emergency Relief Services this week

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Edmonton Food Council Recruitment

What the Truck?! at Blatchford Tower

Metro Edmonton’s Future

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Festivals

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Alberta Strong

Happy Summer in Edmonton

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