Edmonton’s November 29 Headlines
Any party with a Green Man is a party I can get behind.
Good morning, Grey Cup hangovers. What a party! (The game itself was a little “meh” until the last 10 minutes or so.)
If it’s any consolation to Saskatchewan Roughriders fans, those Alouettes are handling a Grey Cup I made out with. I hope that helps, even just a little.
If you were at the game (and every Roughriders fan I know was) you can thank homeless people for clearing snow from your seat. (If you’ve got an extra sleeping bag, you can donate it to the homeless.) There were a tonne more volunteers that made the whole festival a good time, and a success.
This story says a downtown arena would do for us, what we just saw with the Grey Cup. I don’t remember a zip line in the Katz Group’s arena proposal. I do think, however, the Indy would be better served by following more of the cues of the Grey Cup celebrations. I wasn’t going to the game but it felt like downtown was still for me.
Oh yeah…The Indy is back. (more…)
Arena open house (and a new idea)
30,000 people have completed an online questionnaire, with hundreds of people attending these open houses.
As I’ve been mentioning, I attended the last of the downtown arena open houses, last week. It was a better time than I expected.
There was lots of information around the Robbins Health Centre at MacEwan University, and lots of Post-Its with ideas and questions going up on boards asking about things such as funding. (They kept calling them “stickies” though.)
I made it just in time for the discussion groups. (The first half of the evenings were open houses where people could check out information and ask questions of City of Edmonton staff, with the second half being the discussion groups.)
After an introduction about what we’d be talking about, and some history on the project, we were shuffled off into classrooms.
On the history of the downtown arena…it goes back to 2007. In February of that year we heard about renovating Rexall Place and the potential cost of that. Then, in 2008, we had a group look at whether downtown could handle an arena. They said it could. Soon after, Oilers owner Daryl Katz put forward his support for a downtown arena. (Initially $100-million for an arena, then it changed to $100-million for the entertainment district around the arena, then, seeing how everyone thought he was putting money into the arena in the first place, $100-million into the arena, then he said it would be $100-million for both arena and entertainment district.) The arena itself is supposed to cost more than $400-million. That leaves the City of Edmonton (you and me) on the hook for at least $300-million in the current plan.
For further reading, including how such an arena could/couldn’t fit into long-term plans, we were directed to the City’s Downtown Plan and The Way We Grow.
Here’s why the evening went better than I had expected: the discussion wasn’t split into for/against or pay for it/don’t give the billionaire a dime. There was some actual gray area amongst the group. I didn’t expect that and it was nice to know people are considering and thinking up all kinds of options for the arena (and for Edmonton, in general).
The biggest themes that kept coming up in the discussion the 14 of us had were:
- The city should get revenue of some sort if it puts money into the arena.
- The city should push ahead with its LRT plans. (Not exactly related to the arena, but it kept coming up, so it seems important.)
We were asked whether we were in favour of the Katz arena project, how to fund it, and a few items to the arena itself (design, impact on surrounding community, etc…). I think the facilitator did a good job of keeping the conversation going, making sure everyone had a chance to speak, and ensuring a few didn’t monopolize the conversation. It’s up to the recorder to make sure the important points, and feelings, are accurately captured and conveyed to city council.
I think my group leaned in favour of building a downtown arena. I don’t know if they necessarily leaned in favour of THIS arena plan though. I say that for a couple of reasons. The numerous other projects in Edmonton’s downtown (The Quarters, McCauley, Walterdale Bridge, 109 Street, 104 Street, LRT) that require city attention, and money, which could be jeopardized in some way, and the funding question. (more…)
The Fall
As the caption to today’s picture in the Headlines mentioned, I was at “The Fall” last night.
It was a mix of Guru Digital Art College graduation, tech networking, tweetup, and general goodbye to summer. Though, this great weather does mean we can still cling to the hope of summer.
Images of the evening after the jump. (more…)
Music for lunch
We’re going to flip things today, and give you an event before the headlines.
That would be because I never get to mention lunchtime performances of the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra (ESO). Today, that changes!
At lunch (doors at the Winspear open at 11:30) you can hear organ duets (on Canada’s largest concert organ), from Duo Majoya (Marnie Giesbrecht and Joachim Segger). Update: The ESO is sponsoring this performance, not a part of it.
Tickets are free and can (still?) be picked up at ATB locations in the downtown. (City Centre, ATB Place, Oliver Square).
Keep your eyes on the ESO and Winspear, since they do this free music at lunch thing every so often. It’s a more nutritious option than a hot dog.
(Of course that thing about the hot dog isn’t true. You still need to eat.)
We love a parade
Yes, it’s Capital Ex time again, Edmonton.
And our stomachs are already begging us not to order this 1kg hamburger:
But, before all the excitement at Northlands really gets going, it begins with a parade.
Now, just like last year, we’re going to put out the call to you, the good readers of the edmontonian, to provide us with a photo (or video, we’re not picky) of some sweet, parade action.
We do this for two reasons: you do good work and Sally is banned from the parade due to that one year she wore a costume of fresh mini donuts, only to have the hot oil sear her skin, forcing her to run screaming, and fairly nude, frightening children and adults alike.
If, like last year, we don’t end up having any Capital Ex parade pictures to post, we can always depend on our buddy Ryan giving us a play-by-play of Shaw TV’s play-by-play.
Don’t forget, the parade is going to cause downtown traffic mayhem, Wednesday night, Thursday morning, and Thursday afternoon.
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And, if you don’t want to work your way through all those links (but they’re worth it…) you can read Ryan’s 2009 parade review at his blog.
Edmonton’s Pitching a Tent, or Tent City, or The Tent Commandments, or Tent Angry Men, or anything Tent Related Jeff can think of that is funnier than this
So, here’s a question: How come everyone in the greater Edmonton area knew about this giant tent on 107 St., except me?
On twitter, folks are like, “Oh yeah, that’s just the party tent they put up downtown every year.” WHAT?! This is a thing? And not only is it a thing, it’s a thing that has apparently been around so long, you guys are all jaded and blase about it?
Well, call me Pollyanna, but IT’S A GIANT TENT DOWNTOWN. A GIANT TENT CONSTRUCTED PURELY SO THAT IT MIGHT BE FILLED WITH PARTIES. That impresses me. (Incidentally, it also impresses me that our buddy Rene went out of his way to provide photographic evidence that a tent is indeed being erected (hee hee) in the downtown area. Thanks man!)
Obviously, my interest is now piqued, and I would like more information about this “party tent”. I visited its website and its facebook page, but it doesn’t really explain who built the tent, where they came from, or what their motives might be. There is, however, a list of upcoming tent performances, and opportunities to apply for jobs inside of the tent. There are also photos of girls inside the tent in bikinis, girls inside the tent kissing, and musical performers. And Dennis Rodman…wait, what?
WHAT THE HELL IS GOING ON INSIDE OF THAT TENT?!
Anyway, the party tent is on twitter, and it has recently tweeted that there will be a kickoff party going on inside of it tomorrow night. Any more details you guys could give me would greatly appreciated.
Enchanted, I’m sure
The headline is supposed to allude to the word “enchante” which will in turn allude to our latest festival. I’ll keep future headlines clear and direct. (Or at least funny and punny.)
It’s time once again for francophone music stars to shine. Edmonton Chante kicks off its 6th year Thursday.
There are plenty of Alberta artists in the mix. Check the schedule to find out when and where everyone is playing.
Checking out french and French-Canadian music is a central affair, as the venues are on Whyte Avenue, near Whyte and downtown.
I’m going to stop you before you tell me that you don’t speak French and this wouldn’t be your kind of thing. Music (like food and love) is a universal language, thus eliminating excuses not to embrace Edmonton, and Alberta’s french heritage.
What’s coming to Gariepy Block?
[Have I told you guys how much we love it when we get guest bloggers? And not just because it means we get to play Brickbreaker for like 8 extra minutes instead of working. Don't get me wrong, that's great - but it's so cool to see what you guys have to say. It's especially cool when someone like our buddy Mack D. Male contributes because, as he's proven here, he's quite the super sleuth. You're a regular Magnum P.I., Sir! - sally]
By Mack D. Male
If you’ve been downtown near Jasper Avenue and 100th Street lately, you may have noticed the signs – something is coming this fall:
I’ve done some sleuthing online, and I have some information to share. But first, it’s time for a history lesson!
The building in question is known as Gariepy Block. Here’s what the Edmonton Historical Board plaque near the front door says:
In 1893 Joseph H. Gariepy built his first frame building here at the northwest corner of Jasper Avenue and McDougall Avenue (100 Street). Later a three-story brick building was added just west of it. The telephone exchange was located on the third floor of this latter building. The C.N.R. also had the property under lease for a number of years. The Gariepy and Lessard Store is remembered as one of the outfitters that supplied Klondikers for the 1897-1898 Gold Rush. The block was replaced by this existing building in 1961.
Joseph Gariepy went on to play a prominent role in Edmonton’s history. He was a founding member and president of the Edmonton Board of Trade, and served as an Alderman on Edmonton Town Council in 1896. He died on July 6, 1927.
Now then, what’s launching this fall? Is it something that Joseph Gariepy would have been proud of? (more…)
ProCura builds for the future. And steals my post office.
That's a nice looking Rexall you've got there...
Do you know what opens today?
A big and shiny Rexall Drugs, in a new office building on Jasper Avenue, at 108 Street.
Formerly known as the Professional Building this is a re-design under ProCura, an Alberta property company. It’s going to be called the Intact Building, named for its main tenant, Intact Insurance (also a formerly known as), formerly known as ING.
A couple of things to note about this; the building looks pretty sweet, it’s been built and designed with LEED Gold Standards in mind (LEED stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design), which should make it an example of environmental design in Edmonton, it’s stealing my post office.
The new Rexall going in at the corner of Jasper and 108 is an expanded version of the drug store that was at Jasper and 112 Street. That housed the post office I used for work because it was super-convenient. I like your style, ProCura, but I also like not having to walk very far for a post office. Let’s call it even.
This means there is a nice new Canada Post bureau in the building for those of you lucky enough to work near 108 Street. (The building itself is still under renovation, and it doesn’t look like office tenants are moving in quite yet.)
ProCura may also sound familar because they were in the news when Journal columnist Scott McKeen was talking about their ownership of land near Jasper and 109 Street (including this building and the old Mayfair Hotel) and how bullish the company appeared to be on downtown Edmonton’s future.
This all, also, means that if you’re looking for some storefront retail space on Jasper, I know a spot over in the 112 Street block that’s available…
104 Street rocks my socks
Old buildings to the left of me, new ones to the right...
Sometimes, living near Whyte Avenue, I forget there are other pedestrian-friendly areas of the city that are totally sweet. It can happen in a city that so often reminds me that I shouldn’t venture more than 20 steps without something on four wheels carrying me around.
But 104 Street, between 100 and 104 Avenues, might be one of the best spots to enjoy a high-density, walkable urban area.
Thinking about it, I don’t know why the City of Edmonton doesn’t just make 104 Street pedestrian-only (say, the same blocks that are closed north-south during the market). Businesses and condos already have entrances in the back lanes, and people in the area have to adjust for Saturdays through the summer. I’d settle for pedestrian-only in daylight hours, but all week. (Points to e-mail my city councillors with, I guess.)
Great, fairly traded, coffee and yummy cookie.
Enjoying a fine latte at Credo Coffee, I had time to think about what this street is becoming. Of course, summer Saturdays, 104 Street is shut-down to traffic of the vehicular kind from Jasper to 103 Avenue for the City Market. You can’t get much more pedestrian-friendly.
The market’s not new, and while Sobey’s Urban Fresh has added a livability to the area, we’re now seeing a small business boom as work on new condos nears completion. The street is also retaining some of the older brick buildings, which is always great to see.
You’ve got one of my favourite stores, and one that speaks to a sustainable city; Carbon. It’s got plenty of stuff for around the home (and for every room) which makes it both a destination and a neighbourhood store.
You can't shop much more green than this.
There’s the Blue Plate Diner, always a great choice for local and delicious food. You’ve got tapas (Tzin), wine (deVine) and furniture and home decor at 29 Armstrong, all of which make the street a stop for those looking to shop.
Some of them cater to an evening out or a great brunch and other shops are for people living in the neighbourhood. There’s a tailor and hair dresser, which could be destination stores but mostly speak to living close by.
With an LRT stop right underneath Jasper and 104 it’s clearly an area that’s going to appeal to those looking to ditch the car a little more often, or completely.
104 Street might not qualify as a hidden gem but it’s worth a reminder to check out this strip, especially on a Saturday when closed to traffic. It’s nice to know that even in the city of cars we have places that cater to the walking public.
Could we go all pedestrian all the time?
Indy Themed BBQ!
Before all you Harrison Ford fans get too amped up, I mean the EDMONTON INDY. The one with cars. Not the one with Shia LeBeouf.
And before all you EDMONTON INDY fans get too amped up, this barbeque, located at Jasper and 103 St., is meant for tenants of the Canadian Western Bank building. I think. 
Am I going to mention that from an outsider’s perspective, there appeared to be no system of checks and balances to ensure that all of the people getting food originated from the Canadian Western Bank building? No, I’m not. What do you think this is, “Corporate Landlord-Tenant Appreciation Barbeque Crashers?” Do I look like Vince Vaughn?
I’m just here to report the facts. I’m pretty much the Walter Cronkite of Free Food (R.I.P).
Letter from the Editor – Jeff – July 20/09
Great view. But when does my wifi kick in?
How do you do it, Edmonton? How do you make time for your passions?
Not that this website is the greatest thing in forever to come along and rock your world, but I’m pushing hard and going to bed too late. I also was writing for the website last week, while vacationing in Ontario. If I had a Blackberry I’d have been writing from the limo at the wedding of my good friends.
I know that Sally is also squeezing the edmontonian into all minutes of her free time. We also have people sending us photos and stories.
Why am I giving up beautiful sleep for this?
Have a pint on me
Tasty beverage. Name of a new bar.
Last week the edmontonian reported on The Fox closing down. In that story we mentioned the Oil City Hospitality Group had bought the bar.
Now let’s talk about what it’s going to become.
The Coordinator of Responsible Hospitality Edmonton’s “Public Safety Compliance Team” said The Fox was a nightclub that attracted her police-badge wearing comrades. And it wasn’t because of cheap drink specials.
It closed down earlier this year ago. About 8 weeks ago, the Oil City group bought the location. Because it seems that’s their corner (they own The Bank, Rock Stars, Oil City Roadhouse and Fluid, which are all around 109 Street and Jasper).
Oil City’s Mike Sainchuk says the crime (like shootings) at The Fox hurt their reputation. “It gives us a bad name…to our area, being so close to us.”
He says (and the public safety team agrees) that Oil City Hospitality has “taken a lot of steps, security, to improve, to work with the public safety team.” (more…)
Oil City gets foxy
Some reno work is already happening.
This has been a week of stories about bars no longer serving up alcohol in Edmonton. First it’s Stolli’s, and now it’s The Fox.
Until today, what I knew about The Fox could be summed up pretty easily:
- It was the scene of a some higher profile violence, like shootings.
- It was once called The Fox and the Hound (or Fox and Hound).
- It was downtown, across the street from a Swiss Chalet Express, which is local by the geographic designation of deliciousness.
Before we get to the new details, some background…
The bear necessities, for a curfew
Once again, people seemed to miss a very important detail to a story. A
detail, which could change Edmonton for the better.
This week, everyone freaked out at the possibility of a human hand being found in a bush downtown. I’ll admit, I was worried. I quickly did a hand check of all those in the room, and after a brief moment of panic, found out we were okay.
Then the wheels began to turn… British Columbia has its severed feet.
Surely you recall the foot that washed up on the beach, the foot found by a
jogger, etc… The random, no explanation severed feet. This severed hand
could’ve been our foot.
Our second contest, umm, delayed
Due to circumstances out of our control, the edmontonian‘s upcoming “Find the hidden bear paw in downtown Edmonton” contest is postponed indefinitely.
Oops.
Happy Canada Day, Edmonton
We don't skimp on the show.
I want to ride my bicycle
Free tune-ups were just part of the fun.
As mentioned in a weekend update, the Bikeology Festival took over Beaver Hills House Park on Saturday.
The weather couldn’t have been better as hundreds of bicyclists (and surely a casual passerby or two) grabbed themselves free smoothies, got a free tune-up for their ride and just enjoyed the afternoon. There was also an ETS bus parked at the festival, so riders could practice loading their bikes on the front rack.(You can always practice that little trick at Mountain Equipment Co-op on 124 Street too.)
It’s all for bike month.
It’s also about gathering the city’s many different kinds of cyclists in one place. If you check out the flickr pool you’ll see commuting bikes, casual bikes, high-end bikes, bikes that just power blenders (for the free smoothies of course) and other wheeled-rides that reinvent the bicycle as you may know it.
For a winter city there’s certainly a thriving culture of bicyclists. And recently those around City Hall have kicked around the idea of expanding the city’s trail and path system.
If you missed out on the fun, just want to know more about bicycling in Edmonton, or have something to share you can drop your thoughts in a comment.
More at bikeology.ca. You can also follow bikeology on Twitter at twitter.com/@bikeology
North- SIIIIDE!
Just had to share this: a great photo of downtown, taken from Ada Blvd. Thanks Lorraine!
Dreamspeakers’ Fest: Walk of Honour Festivities
I managed to make it over to the Dreamspeakers’s Festival Walk of Honour Festivities on my lunch break this afternoon. What a turnout, and what a cool event – I snapped some terrible cell phone pictures so you guys could check it out. I seriously would’ve stayed there all afternoon if I hadn’t had to go back to work. A giant barbeque, a bunch of great entertainment, and a chance to experience some breathtaking aboriginal culture that I, the whitest person alive, would probably not have had otherwise.
(The dancers especially blew my mind, and I’ll be trying to upload some shaky cell phone video of it later on this evening. If anybody makes it out to any of this weekend’s events, be sure to send us some descriptions, pictures or video! I’d love to see more.)
Anyway, if you’re downtown and get a chance, definitely swing by Beaver Hills House Park at Jasper and 105 St., and check out the shiny new Walk of Honour Display. Whoever designed it should be lauded – they’ve really made something important and spectacular – and the plaques all have really interesting biographies on these esteemed members of Canada’s aboriginal film community. (more…)
