Hang Up and Drive Headlines
I guess, more accurately, that headline should “Hang up, put down the sandwich, don’t do your hair and makeup, shave before you get into the car, stop tweeting on your iPad and drive.” Yes, Alberta’s new distracted driving law takes effect today. It’s a $172 ticket, so keep your eyes on the road.
Alberta is not the first province to have this kind of law.
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Edmonton councillors will talk about the community revitalization levy (CRL) in October. This is the tax zone that’s supposed to help fund the downtown arena downtown revitalization projects. I hope it goes through and we finally see something productive happen on 104 Street, at 109 Street, at the old Canada Post property, with LRT expansion, and…what? That stuff is already happening?
Are you sure? I mean, how can it happen without an arena?
Speaking of LRT…Engineering design is to begin on Edmonton’s expanding LRT system.
Edmonton’s deficit for the year is improving.
One community in each of Edmonton’s five police divisions is going to get a little more policing. This is part of a new crime reduction strategy from the Edmonton Police Service. The EPS, by the way, is stretched thin trying to solve this year’s extra homicides.
I’m a little boggled on this one. Three Edmonton newsrooms (the Sun, CTV, and CHED/iNews) have a story today on a fatality report being released. Yet, CBC had it two weeks ago. Just a strange delay.
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This school year will be the first for public education in Morinville. Which sounds really weird when I read that back. (Today is the first day of school for most students.)
A new way to move patients through the University Hospital faster will likely be applied at other hospitals after successful wait time reductions. We’re also performing more surgeries in Alberta.
Being the start of a new month all the monthly magazines are out with new issues. Alberta Venture’s got a look at the Slave Lake fire.
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The photocopiers were flying, more textbooks are likely to be required, and more online links will be provides, because the University of Alberta’s getting out of its copyright agreement with Access Copyright. (Also, check out that new Gateway website! They’ve also got a refresher on top U of A summer stories.)
U of A students are depressed, not getting exercise, and not eating enough fruits and vegetables. But they’re not doing as many drugs as you may think.
The U of A’s Faculty of Arts is cutting some language classes to save money.
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Libraries are not just “warehouses for books” anymore.
And that library story probably has a tie-in to this one about Blockbuster closing their remaining Canadian stories. (Locally, you can still find movies at Videodrome and The Movie Studio.)
August 30 Edmonton Headlines
I stumbled upon this dance floor at Churchill Square last night. Downtown is not dead!
Good morning Edmonton. I’ve got to say, I’m totally into this summer weather we’ve been having lately. It feels so good.
You know, you’d think people creating ads would take some time to think about what they were doing. But, I guess, some businesses still have to learn about social media the hard way. And by “hard way” I mean doing something that’s not all that thought out and being lambasted by people far and wide.
Hey, advertising doesn’t always work. Sometimes things get lost in translation or execution; that’s totally fair. And if something falls flat, or offends, you can apologize and explain that it wasn’t your intention. Then everyone can move on.
But then, you get businesses like Fluid Salon, which doesn’t really apologize, blames the rest of us for not “getting” their “art” and not doing enough to end domestic violence (again, you and me, not them) and you can’t help but wonder what is going on…
Also, I don’t think I saw the “media” talking about boycotting your salon so much as regular people.
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Sidenote: This is a good example of news and objectivity. Newsrooms are covering the story, but their headlines offer items like “a campaign for a local hair salon is raising eyebrows” and “ad being called ‘disgusting.’” That leaves a lot of room to say glorifying domestic violence might not offend everyone, or shouldn’t. By way of clarifying that point I offer a fake headline of ”Certain neighbours don’t like new condo plan” which is a totally acceptable place for objectivity because it’s going to be a subjective decision-making process.
If newsrooms, and the humans working in them, expressed that this was unacceptable (which I think they’re doing by non-objectively choosing to cover the story) they’d be saying to the audience that they are a part of the community and want the best for Edmonton. That’s not to say you can’t get the salon owner’s take on the ads and issue.
A couple of journalists did express actual human emotions about the ads on Twitter (and in opiniony places like blogs), but we need to see that become part of news coverage. Your audience knows you’re humans, knows you have reactions and emotions, and it’s ok to show that. It might even make stories better. Leaving room for people who might welcome domestic violence in ads, or who don’t think the moon landing happened, doesn’t make you fair and balanced, it lets down your audience.
Balancing that journalism criticism, is this story from Fish Griwkowsky in the Journal. He’s writing about local filmmaker Trevor Anderson and it says at the end of the story that the two know each other and work together. That doesn’t make the story about Anderson’s new movie any less interesting. More of this please!
I promise to keep the journalism discussions at a minimum in the rest of today’s Headlines. (more…)
August 29 Edmonton Headlines
Good morning, Edmonton!
When school resumes in the Edmonton Public School Board, junk food will not be back in class. Jamie Oliver would be so proud.
Perhaps talking about Edmonton being a big city will be the way to get Edmonton Transit to create some late-night, or 24-hour transit. It’s overdue, so let’s make it happen!
It sort of feels like Mayor Mandel has given up on his “no more crap architecture” stance when quoted about the Royal Alberta Museum designs. People have been panning the four choices for our new museum since they were unveiled by the provincial government. I’ll admit I don’t mind one of them, but nothing is really wowing me.
Cynical folks would say Mandel is backing off criticizing because he wants the provincial government to find $100-million for a downtown arena. But, hey, he could just like the designs.
Speaking of the downtown arena… “…if the same amount of money that might go into pro sports facilities could be spent on something else with a bigger impact, that’s where the money should go.”
$100-million could go a long way toward a lot of things.
Question: How can everybody love downtown without a downtown arena? Do these people hate nice things?!
Alright, before I get all riled up about the downtown arena, let’s move on. (more…)
August 26 Edmonton Headlines
Good Friday to you, Edmonton.
Do you want government money to go into the downtown arena proposal?
If your answer is “no” then I guess you hate downtown Edmonton.
The new idea from City Hall is to tax the entire downtown area to help pay off loans and construction costs of the Oilers’ new home, as well as help put some money into a few other downtown projects. It would also take away nearly a quarter-of-a-billion dollars in provincial education money (giving it to downtown projects), and potentially raise taxes across the city because extra tax revenue in this giant CRL (community revitalization levy) area would be dedicated to downtown projects and couldn’t cover any other items in the City budget.
I like downtown Edmonton. I think it’s coming along nicely. Don’t make me a bad guy for not wanting to pay Daryl Katz for an arena, City of Edmonton.
Never before had $15 sparked such anger, such fury. When the provincial government announced it was going to charge municipalities for license plate information searches done on a vehicle pulled over for a moving infraction, or a parked car breaking the rules, municipalities, including Edmonton, and police forces, couldn’t believe it. They fought, they pouted, they got their way.
My hunch is that oil prices went up enough this year to allow the provincial government to drop this fee to future budget debates. But, then, I can be really cynical.
Also, if the Alberta government really needs the $15, they should just tack it on to provincial traffic fines.
We aren’t done yet! (more…)
August 25 Edmonton Headlines
Good morning, Edmonton! Quite the busy day here, so let’s get right to things.
There’s a double-edged effect to revitalizing a business zone. Owners can charge more for rent and smaller, local, business can’t always afford to rent, and you get left with chain stores that sap the area of character. Building and property owners need to take more responsibility if they want to be part of character neighbourhoods, heritage districts, and promote local industries.
When if the downtown arena gets built I wonder what the spin-off costs to the City of Edmonton (and you and me as taxpayers) might be with Rexall Place and Northlands. There are costs there that are not part of the proposed $450-million arena pricetag.
Speaking of the downtown arena…it’s kind of tied into the entire downtown plan now. So, I guess, you either like the downtown arena getting a bunch of government cash or you hate downtown Edmonton.
Edmonton’s got the shortest commute (by a few minutes) in Canada’s largest cities. Startling: 85% of drivers have never stepped on a bus, streetcar, or train to get to work. That seems an almost impossible number to believe. People taking transit to work are riding buses and the like for about 44 minutes, compared to the Edmonton drive time of 23 minutes. BUT! Drivers are far more cranky about their commute.
Speaking of commuting to work…It was not your imagination, the Whitemud was worse than usual Wednesday morning.
Now that you’ve commuted to your office, let’s keep going. (more…)
July 29 Edmonton Headlines
I know plenty of Edmontonians will be happy to have Langano Skies back.
Can you feel that, Edmonton? It feels like the end of a week with a long weekend looming. Sorry if you’re the only guy in the office today.
Recent missing Alberta Hospital patients – one of whom has not been found – have sparked a review of safety and security at mental health facilities across the province. Let’s hope this begins a look at our entire mental health system, including interactions with police and the courts.
A new downtown development (yes, we have those without the arena even being built) is looking at a slightly later completion date, but it should spruce up the crap out of 109 Street and Jasper Avenue.
The City of Edmonton’s power bill will be going down as it replaces street lights with more efficient LED light bulbs.
You car insurance rates aren’t going up. Well, your basic rates, anyway.
An Amber Alert issued Thursday ended with a little boy being found safe with a family member. Police didn’t have a report of a missing child, but still felt there was enough information to warrant the city-wide search.
That story I linked to, from the Sun, gives a nice explanation of what police did and why. It’s exactly the kind of follow-up people need after an Amber Alert – especially one that didn’t result in criminal charges because of a kidnapping or other crimes – and other newsrooms should follow the example. We can’t have people walking away from an Amber Alert without stories clearly explaining what happened, or folks might be left to think we’re living in a city of kidnappers.
Edmonton Police are hailing the actions of a delivery man who helped run down a man after a boy reported a sexual assault.
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RCMP in Strathcona County will not face charges after shooting a man last winter.
The company behind the second-largest oil spill in Alberta history is ready to get pumping again.
Oil and gas companies are being warned about a fake environmental registry which is trying to scam them. Don’t worry, there is yet to be a company to pay any such fees.
The lack of public education in Morinville is now looking at the potential of being a civil liberties case.
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Riding the streetcar across the High Level Bridge is always fun. But riding an original 1912 Edmonton streetcar would be even more fun.
The dragonfly population is rising, and they’re eating all of our mosquitoes. I think I saw two dragonflies mating yesterday.
July 21 Northlands Headlines
Not yet.
Good morning, Edmonton. You know a day with downtown arena stories is going to be a busy day. So, dig in.
Among the news and notes from City administration’s answers to Councillor Ed Gibbons:
- Daryl Katz’s $100-million for the arena is more like $80 or $90-million, with the rest covering management over decades
- The City (you and me) will likely have to put up the money, probably borrowed, to cover the $125-million that will eventually be paid back through a ticket tax (that’s you again, if you go to anything at the arena)
- Katz Group and Oilers financials are yet to be fully opened up to City Council
- There’s nothing binding Daryl Katz to spend $100-million in development around the arena
- A community rink would be fully paid for by the City (why don’t we just build a couple of community rinks on the parking lot and call it a day?)
- The arena will cost more than $450-million when you factor in “soft costs” like design, street lights, LRT, transit, that community rink, sewers, and a bunch of other stuff I’m not smart enough to think of.
Northlands isn’t backing down. The non-profit agency wants to keep running Rexall Place if there’s a downtown arena. That likely doesn’t bode well for you and I making back any of the tax money council wants to throw into the downtown arena. There could be too much competition for arena events in a city Edmonton’s size.
On Northlands: They wanted council approval of $770,000 for new seats at Rexall Place. They got that. It’s money already in the Northlands budget, but anything over $750,000 needs a look by city council.
There were questions about Northlands’ finances (sure, councillors, I just happened to bring our audited statements with us to a meeting for a seat rubber-stamp…) and I suspect councillors will have an easier time to see the money details of Northlands than the Katz Group. Also, with council members sitting on the Northlands board, at least a few folks in City Hall yesterday should know how the non-profit is doing with cash.
Even a downtown arena fan thinks Daryl Katz could be the guy making all the wrong moves, and asking for too much money, on the deal.
Whew. That’s a lot of Northlands and arena talk. How about we shift gears for the rest of today’s Headlines? (more…)
Watch Out For That Parade
This photos is two years old but still relevant.
Capital Ex begins this weekend. But, dating back to days of yore when it was known as Klondike Days, it always begins with a parade.
That parade happens this morning. Downtown. At 10am.
You can consider yourself warned and/or delighted.
For those of you on the delight side, there are more than 100 floats, bands, entertainers and more fun that will march around 10am-12:30pm. The parade route takes them up and down 102 and 103 Avenues, between Churchill Square and 108 Street.
For those of you on the warned side, traffic delays begin at 6:30am in the east Jasper area, and extend to the parade route by 8:30. Things will be slow in the downtown until about 1pm when the route is opened up to traffic again.
Plan your morning schedules accordingly (especially if you really want to see the parade in person).
#MackAttack Headlines
Happy Twitter Birthday to Edmonton’s first tweeter, Mack Male! Five years I go I wasn’t even on Facebook.
Now on with the news!
We were talking yesterday about a push to lock up your car.
All that rain slowed down road construction. Thanks a lot, rain.
My guess is that plan B to find $100-million for the downtown arena involves a whole lot of busking by Mayor Mandel. Meanwhile…at our current arena…new seats may or may not happen…
David Staples makes a good point in his latest column in favour of government money for a downtown arena. The Alberta government shouldn’t put so much money into horse racing. (I’m pretty sure that was his point, anyway.)
Ethan Allen is moving downtown. Wait. After a downtown arena is built, right?
No more downtown arena after the jump. I promise. (more…)
Canada Day Events (and the rest of the weekend too)
Ah, the Canada Day long weekend in Edmonton. If you’re anything like me you started off by sleeping in, then dug into your traditional July 1 breakfast of back bacon+maple syrup poutine. Delicious.
And now that you’re energized by meat, fries, and gravy-syrup you need to get out and celebrate this fine country we call home.
Edmonton does Canada Day pretty damn well. You can catch the Silly Summer Parade on Whyte Avenue at lunch, then head just about anywhere for more red and white festivities; City Hall, the Alberta Legislature, Mill Woods (which has a huge party), attractions like Fort Edmonton Park (where they call it Dominion Day), the Muttart Conservatory, and Valley Zoo, and the Edmonton Garrison.
Don’t forget about fireworks! The big show is downtown in the river valley. Mill Woods also fills the sky with spectacular-ness.
The World’s Longest Flag Football Game also begins today, at noon. You can help them out, play, volunteer, cheer, and donate to the Stollery.
Speaking of sports…the Edmonton Capitals have the Maui Na Koa Ikaika in town.
Don’t think the festivals stop for a holiday. The Works Art and Design Festival continues at Churchill Square and around downtown. The musical lineup at Churchill Square continues to be amazing.
Speaking of amazing music…we’ve got this thing called the Edmonton International Jazz Festival. Yeah, that’s gonna have a great lineup too. (And is a good time to check out jazz if you’re not a regular at the Yardbird Suite.)
A new festival just began this weekend too. (New as in it just started, it’s not new to Edmonton.) The Freewill Shakespeare Festival is on in the Hawrelak Park Amphitheater. This summer you can see Othello and Twelfth Night.
Great show Saturday night at Wunderbar, with Shotgun Jimmie, Liam Trimble, and The Mitts. There’s also a big Slave Lake fire fundraising show this weekend up in Widewater (which is on Lesser Slave Lake).
Also this weekend, Edmonton is hosting the 2011 Canadian Ismaili Games. Neat.
The Jazz Works: Perfect Time(s) to Explore
Two of Edmonton’s larger, and more familiar, arts festivals are on right now.
The Works has takeover Churchill Square with art, music, and right-brain thinking (which is the creative, more intuitive side of the brain).
You’ll also find plenty of art installations and showcases throughout the downtown, everywhere from building lobbies, to hotels and restaurants.
The Works is Edmonton’s annual summer arts festival. It’s a great way to explore some art, maybe dipping your toe into things before you make the leap to galleries. (Latitude 53 also has the Visualeyez festival in September which is more experimental, edgy, and performance art.)
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The Edmonton International Jazz Festival is Edmonton’s yearly celebration of jazz. Obviously.
Every summer, jazz musicians from around the world will come and play the Yardbird Suite (Edmonton’s historic jazz club), the Winspear Centre, bars, clubs, and parks. You’d be hard-pressed to make it through the end of June without bumping into some jazz.
Like The Works being an easy way to explore art, the Jazz Festival is a simple way to listen to music you may not normally jump at. Festival passes, and show tickets, aren’t all that expensive and a festival provides a more relaxed atmosphere where newbies can mix with the longtime afficionados.
June 17 Edmonton Headlines
Yeah, this is what I’d call a Friday.
Edmonton’s City Centre Airport redevelopment should take a big step forward with the selection of the design firm which will plan the new neighbourhood. (City councillors couldn’t decide the last time this was before them, so let’s wait and see if they really can make the call next week.)
LRT planning continues, and City staff will be asking for money to buy land to lay down the new tracks. Meanwhile…on the current LRT line…yes, yes, yes! get some businesses into the stations.
Members of Edmonton’s Somali community say the Edmonton Police Service should hire some Somali-Edmontonians to help solve the many murders involving young men in their neighbourhoods. Speaking homicide…half of Edmonton high number of 2011 killings have been solved by police. Speaking of police…they’ll be training officers to better deal with drunk people in the downtown.
Sewer and water fees, your sewer and water fees, are likely to jump way up.
There won’t be a “Big Garbage Pick-Up” day anytime soon. Speaking of garbage…how much “junk” can you have in your yard before neighbours ask the City to ask you to clean it up.
The University of Alberta’s, allegedly, plagiarizing medical dean is stepping down from the position, and will have a four month leave of absence before he likely returns to the school in a teaching position.
Edmonton’s BioWare has been hacked.
Check out this crazy moth found around Edmonton.
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Will Alberta be one of the first places to slap a pricetag on water?
Some doctors are trying to make it easier for immigrants and people who don’t speak English or French to navigate the healthcare system, while others are trying to lower your expectations (they can’t all be Dr. House).
After earlier confirming that missing woman Rene Gunning, last seen at West Edmonton Mall, had been found dead in northwestern Alberta, the medical examiner is now confirming the remains found close by were that of Gunning’s companion, Krystle Knott. Project KARE, a police task force investing the death and disappearance of people in high-risk lifestyles (drugs, prostitution, hitchhiking) is on this case.
How does Alberta private liquor industry stack up against government-owned B.C. and Ontario? Why isn’t anyone else privatizing?
CN’s going to be riding more rails in Alberta.
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The Vancouver riot “kissing couple” have been identified.
And finally, a former Canadian Sentator is off to jail.
Long Tuesday Headlines
How was that long weekend for you, Edmonton? Ready to kick things off with some downtown arena? Of course you are.
There are people upset about the downtown arena decision, including some councillors who feel the vote came out of nowhere and was forced upon them in a private meeting. Can’t wait for the instant revitalization of an arena? Perhaps look at some smaller projects and initiatives that would do a lot. Northlands is broke. That’s probably not going to help their arguments in all of this.
The downtown LRT connector through Chinatown (specifically, along 102 Avenue) continues to be a point of contention.
I’m not sure if more police on the street will help prevent crimes of passion; murders that happen between family or friends, but Edmonton sure needs something different. We had homicides 22 and 23 last week and on the weekend.
An Edmonton doctor is working on some really big stem-cell research which could help improve the lungs of prematurely born children.
Smaller, independent restaurants are a little shocked at how much it costs to get a Heart and Stroke Foundation checkmark on their menus.
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With the Slave Lake fire occupying much of our news space the last couple of weeks, it’s good to have a little historical context and look back at one of the biggest-ever…
Meanwhile…evacuees are looking at what remains of their town…finding new places to call temporary home…and landing some relief money from the Alberta government…cool, rainier weather is helpful in fighting forest fires…many people have been opening their wallets to help…And Slave Lake resident, Cousin, was at Hip Hop in the Park this weekend, representing his hometown…
Sometimes a story like the current fire happens, and you’re the guy steps away from the big one…This weekend the Edmonton Journal put out a special insert on Slave Lake.
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Alberta teachers are being asked to accept five-years of fixed salary increases. And these one wouldn’t be tied into average weekly earnings (as the most recent deal was).
Another day another report questioning the health risks of the oilsands.
It only took a couple of years, but the Alberta government is finally rolling out a campaign to try and educate people about sexually transmitted infections (STIs), of which we are tops in Canada. Meanwhile…in other health news…The Calgary Herald wants the provincial government to fund fertility treatments.
Alberta’s film and television industry is trying to remain a big deal. (Hey, next weekend is the Rosies.)
Don’t forget that we’re getting a new Premier of Alberta this year (whether there’s a general election or not). Well, look at that. And that too.
Service Alberta’s got a couple of consumer warnings about a pair of contractors.
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If you’re hearing about the massive tornado that hit Joplin, Missouri (among the deadline in U.S. history – in an already busy tornado season) wondering what you can do, you can always look online for ways to help.
Alright, let’s end things on a good note, with this story about Catholic Social Services and the Rotary Centre for New Canadians, and this one about a U of A student picking up a prestigious scholarship.
May 20 Edmonton Headlines
Good Friday to you, Edmonton. Start with the downtown arena? OK!
The downtown arena is going to need money from the provincial and/or federal governments. While the provincial government says they won’t give money to a private business, I wonder if that’s not why the potential deal has the City of Edmonton owning the land and building, so it could be argued it’s a public facility. The ask better come quick, since a couple of potential Conservative premiers are ruling out the money.
The spend-crazy NDP don’t want tax money to go to the Katz Group’s new Oilers home. Because they hate the Oilers? Edmonton? Freedom? What’s with everyone wanting questions answered on this thing? Just get excited already. And, I’m sure school boards considering cutting teachers and staff to balance their budgets would agree, the Alberta government should fund the arena.
Does the arena herald a new era for downtown Edmonton? I would have argued 104 Street, a centralizing MacEwan University campus, LRT connections to the west and southeast, Capital Boulevard, and 109 Street’s makeover were doing that already.
OK, that’s the arena, now let’s see what else is going on. And there really is other stuff going on. (more…)
Edmonton Framework Agreement Headlines
So…they’re building a downtown arena.
What’s that?
The odd 9:30pm news conference caught you off guard? The vote behind closed-doors feels a little off? The fact nothing really changed from the last, seemingly tentative, steps forward, leaving construction costs $100-million short doesn’t sound like sound city planning?
I believe that is anti-Oiler, Anti-Edmonton talk.
Don’t you love the downtown, don’t you love your city?!
(I do recognize the deal uses terms like “framework” and “agreement in principle” but come on…)
On the plus-side, one can hope the City sticks to its guns and doesn’t move forward without making up the $100-million in missing money. Right now that is tied into asking the federal and provincial governments. A seat sale won’t be part of it. (We also have a pretty good idea for funding the arena.) The provincial government also has to approve a community revitalization levy (CRL) that can use taxes from a specified zone to help pay for the arena (the City has identified a pretty large swatch of the downtown for this). There has to be a public hearing on the CRL.
One can also hope Edmonton doesn’t become just another example of a city that handed money to a sports franchise to try and invigorate it’s downtown, only to be looking for ways to in invigorate it’s downtown a couple of years later. Design, and the “entertainment district” around the arena are going to be the most important parts of this.
Also, regardless of other reports and math, Daryl Katz is putting in $100-million, which is fantastic, but does account for less than 1/4 of the construction costs. That means the City of Edmonton (and/or other levels of taxpayer-funded government) must pay the majority of costs to build the arena. Katz may eventually pay $125-million of that back through a ticket tax, but you and I are paying to build his team’s arena.
Oh, and Northlands is gonna be pissed, because the Katz Group wants a non-competition clause, so Northlands doesn’t keep booking concerts, sports, the rodeo, etc… at Rexall Place. Which I presume will become some sort of housing location for wigs. (Northlands could end up non-existent, totally reinvented, or rolled into Edmonton Economic Development, as a result of all this.)
Alright, these are Edmonton Headlines, not just Arena headlines. Let’s dig in. (more…)
May 11 Edmonton Headlines
Once you see robins you know spring is here.
Good morning, Edmonton.
The Edmonton Public School Board is trying to pressure the provincial government into more funding, by prioritizing older schools. The province has recently been building new schools, so this shift of priorities increases the line in the sand the new school board trustees have been drawing after years of school closures.
Sticking with education…Could a slim education budget be to blame for cuts to a special needs program at Avonmore School? Could it be due to enrollment (which is a similar reason so many schools have recently closed in Edmonton)? Either way, it means special needs cuts.
Before you click through to this story on University of Alberta students borrowing money to go to school I want you to guess how much money, in total, the students at the U of A borrowed in 2010-2011. Alright, now that you’ve got a number in mind, head on through… (when you come back let me know if you were close to the actual figure)
It’s going to cost the City $15 to run your name when you get a parking ticket. But the fines will likely go up more than $15 very soon.
Alright, now let’s head downtown! (more…)
April 20 Edmonton Headlines
Hi there, Edmonton! Plenty of interesting and exciting things happening in the city today.
With 19 homicides this year – and it’s not even May yet – Edmonton homicide detectives are working long days, officers are being pulled in from other departments, and resources are being stretched as the body count rises so quickly.
While Scona Road and 99 Street is probably going to be one of the largest projects on city streets this year, work on the Anthony Henday ring road will also impact drivers.
A task force looking at downtown Edmonton (in a redevelopment kind of way, not a SWAT kind of way) identifies Capital Boulevard (108 Street), the Quarters (east Jasper) and Jasper Avenue as the keys to revitalizing our downtown. Oh, and the arena.
As the Edmonton Public School Board tries to find ways to keep families in the core and older neighbourhoods, one idea being kicked around is encouraging (because I don’t know if they could ban it) condo buildings and complexes to not be “adult-only.”
We’re only getting warmed up.
April 8 Edmonton Headlines
It’s all about being downtown. Our core is slowly building into an amazing, livable space and everyone wants to get in on that action.
The Oilers want a new arena downtown, the Royal Alberta Museum is moving in from Glenora. Oh, you didn’t hear?
It was announced the new Royal Alberta Museum (New!) will be built behind City Hall, north of 104 Avenue. It looks like it will be quite the new digs.
Though, while architecture may have imrpoved since the late 70-early 80s let’s try and not get crazy with tearing down everything to build new. That’s how we got the beige rectangle invasion around Jasper and 100 Street.
Speaking of downtown arenas…Northlands is ready to fight for concerts and large events. Which would throw the whole Katz Group plan into a mess; its those concerts and events they really want revenue from. And that would throw your tax dollars into a mess because the City of Edmonton is trying to work out a way to help pay for the downtown arena. It doesn’t necessarily mean bad things for Edmonton, heck we might get more concerts, but it certainly affects the profit of the Katz Group with a new arena.
The provincial government, spending on that museum, must be in a spending mood because the premier is expecting to talk with Edmonton’s mayor about some arena funding.
Oh, and while there’s plenty of parking downtown, some of it even free after 6pm, that may change with a new arena.
Outside of the downtown… (more…)
March 22 Edmonton Headlines
Does that stretch of non-frozen river look like a duck wearing a top hat. At the top there. See it?
More LRT trains! More LRT trains!
More people living downtown means more shops and services will follow. Also, more green space.
The hours of the Cromdale liquor store have been reduced in order to try and curb alcohol-fuelled violence.
People are paying less for hotel rooms in Edmonton.
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Albertans wait longer for surgeries. Except when it comes to hip fracture repair; that’s where we shine.
Dr. Raj Sherman has a prescription for electoral reform. It does not include more cowbell. The opposition continues to seek answers on doctor intimidation too.
Alberta’s environment is in good hands. Meanwhile…in the ground…drilling is off to a big start in Alberta this year.
No, we will not have hunt farms. But the government should consider retiring bill numbers that stick in people’s minds because of previous incarnations.
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Come on, coalition government…
Students at the University of Alberta are making the switch to Gmail (officially). The same students fund a refugee program that allows one student to study at the U of A each year. And, hey, students can get their taxes done for free. (Man, I really need to get on top of my taxes…)
Speaking of the U of A (just a little bit more, anyway)…they’ve got a new, crazy 3D running machine that will help identify how injured folks can better rehab their bodies.
Don’t forget that this Thursday is Twestival. And you can help raise money for the Red Cross in Japan by eating pizza today.
Friday Edmonton Headlines
Let’s finish this week with a flourish and head into the long weekend all knowledged-up.
Edmonton’s motorcycle noise bylaw has hit a snag. A rider has successfully had his ticket for being too loud tossed out.
A city committee will be talking brownfields next week. Those are abandoned sites, like gas stations, that sit empty, sometimes contaminated, yet their owners do nothing. A new split-tax proposal would see higher taxes for sites that sit unused, and tax savings for redeveloped sites. Also up for debate around City Hall next week; a pesticide ban. And where to put an indoor velodrome.
An Edmonton police officer will not have a criminal record for assaulting a handcuffed suspect in the back of a police car. He still faces a separate assault trial later this year.
As we hear about an increase in domestic violence, perhaps due to more people reporting the crimes, homicide detectives are saying Edmonton’s latest killing is family-related.
There could be more action downtown, with AIMco (The Alberta Investment Management Corporation) looking at building a new office tower on 102 Street.
Municipalities should probably have more taxing power, or a larger cut of the taxes we currently pay.
Grant MacEwan University is handing out more bursaries.
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When the spring session of the Alberta Legislature opens next week there will be a couple of new cabinet ministers, what with all the other ones running for Premier Ed Stelmach’s job.
Speaking of leadership races, with Tory Alison Redford, and now Liberal Laurie Blakeman running for top job in their parties we could be looking at Alberta’s first female Premier sometime soon. The Wildrose Alliance is, of course, headed up by Danielle Smith. The Alberta Party has a leadership contest right now too…but no women running yet. Let’s see if Rachel Notley makes a move in the NDP. Whatever ends up happening, it appears there are some strong female politicians making it known they are on the scene.
Alberta Health Services has a few new board members too. You know, because of all that cookie stuff. One of the members is fired Capital Health CEO Sheila Weatherill. So, now I’m starting to get really confused about the whole point of a superboard.
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Oilers goalie Nikolai Khabibulin is looking a re-trial on his drunk driving charges. No, not because he’s going to argue he wasn’t drinking and driving, it’s on technicalities.
There’s stuff south of Ellerslie?!
And baseball legend Fergie Jenkins was in Edmonton to unveil his stamp, in honour of his achievements and for Black History Month.
February 17: Edmonton
With the return of the cold, I think it’s fitting to begin today by talking about snow.
One of four City snow storage sites is being closed to the public. I had no idea I could just dump my snow at these sites. Speaking of snow…Councillor Kerry Diotte wants an independent review of Edmonton’s snow clearing policy and plans. Changes appear to be coming to how Edmonton does snow removal.
A couple of guys guilty of a Water Act offence previously are going to be paying out $200,000 for their latest offence.
A human trafficking case didn’t end up at trial, with people charged pleading out to lesser crimes.
The busy days continue for Edmonton homicide detectives.
Maybe the Edmonton Police Service will ask for more permanent staff in Homicide. The City could always use their new alcohol bus ads to pay for that.
On the beat. The university campus beat. Speaking of the U of A…the school’s president held a “State of the University” address this week, discussing with students the hopes, dreams, and challenges at the university.
The downtown Greyhound station is reviewing its door policy after locking out a teen who says he was robbed and couldn’t get back into the station, even with a security guard on the other side of the glass.
This op-ed says Edmonton’s downtown can’t be busy after the workday. I shall agree to disagree.
We now shall continue. (more…)
January 6 Headlines
Good morning, Edmonton.
It was yesterday when the City of Edmonton was talking about home assessments, and how they’ve mostly gone up. Today the Realtors Association of Edmonton reports home prices dropped in December, continuing a slide for most of 2010. Though, 2010 also saw a small increase in house prices. Condos fell throughout the year.
Before Christmas the City approved the downtown plan. It’s encouraging more people to move to the core.
There are some interesting, and important, questions in this story about a park in the city’s core. The plan to change Mary Burlie Park into a paid-entrance garden sounds great. The questions arise when you consider what that says about the current users of the park, the downtown and core neighbourhoods, and problems, like drug-use and homelessness, that plague every big city.
The Journal’s business page reports a head office exodus from Edmonton. One option to boost us back up is to build up local businesses into powerhouses.
You can start tossing your Christmas trees on Monday.
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It’s a tough story when someone comes to Canada for a better life and ends up dead. It’s sad.
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Iris Evans won’t have to worry about dealing with Edmonton winter for a few weeks. She’ll be talking about oil and energy in the Middle East and Europe.
While the provincial government will pay for Evans’ trip it won’t be paying for an environmental assessment on a new power transmission line.
The NDP would like the Alberta government to put more money into long-term care beds.
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The Edmonton Federation of Community Leagues (EFCL) is going to offer free equipment to young hockey players. They’ll also be offering free skating lessons. This may have you thinking about all the rinks you could be skating on in Edmonton.
If you bring your own bag to shop at Earth’s General Store you will be helping out local charities.
We may be on the cusp of a flu outbreak. Just thought you should know, in case you’re on an elevator and everything is coughing.
A local lawyer, part of the Omar Khadr case, is being honoured with a prestigious law award.
Snowmonton Headlines
Good morning to you, Edmonton.
Have you already dug out your driveway and sidewalk? It sounds like the main streets are in pretty good shape already. Side streets (the ones most of us live on) will probably take longer to clear after our snowstorm.
As I mentioned yesterday, I’m digging this snow. I was even checking out snowshoe rental options. It’s something I’ve been meaning to do for a couple of winters. Any snowshoe spots in the city I should think about hitting?
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Over at his blog, Mack’s been going over the CRL. The Community Revitalization Levy is a tax the city may use on a downtown arena district. Mack’s got a good, straightforward look at just what a CRL is, where it came from, where it’s being used in Alberta (just Edmonton and Calgary), and he will finish up with how it might play into a new arena.
Speaking of that arena…over at SEE, Maurice Tougas seems to be falling in with my idea that neither the Katz Group nor Northlands looks like the best option for a new arena, because nobody appears to have anything but their own interests at heart.
SEE’s also talking about the LRT expansion, including looking at proposed downtown stations. (The boys over at The Charrette have also been looking at LRT. Man, I love that new blog.)
Back to the arena, Mayor Mandel thinks a decision will be made in the spring.
On a somewhat related note, the new EPCOR office tower is soon to open and will increase the vacancies in other downtown buildings. That’s somewhat related because the Katz Group’s arena proposal includes more office space. That’s part of where Daryl Katz wants to put half of his $200-million. It’s just interesting to think about if that much office space will be needed in the downtown this quickly.
Let’s see what else is going on… (more…)
Downtown Planning Headlines
I’m actually excited for the pending snowfall. I’ve really been digging snow this winter, I don’t know why. Don’t hate me.
City Council is busy before Christmas. They are talking about the downtown plan, among other items.
Downtown, taller buildings will be the way forward. Townhouses may become a little more common. Oh, and parking isn’t going to be continually added, at least not for now. Now that’s a bold move. Imagine if they kept that kind of idea with the downtown arena!
And they’ve decided your street shouldn’t look like a construction site once the work day is done.
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Edmonton’s losing a couple of music promoters. But, instead of lamenting how a few people and bands have left the city in the last few years (Heck, most cities could probably say the same thing.) how about we embrace those that are here, those that choose to be here, and just dig on our great local scene?
Lamenting about lamenting now done…Onward! (more…)
