Author Archives: mastermaq

Episode 19: YEGQUEST

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In our nineteenth episode we discuss YEGQUEST. We recorded this episode a while ago, but the hashtag remains as popular as ever on Twitter!

Why do we identify as either northsiders or southsiders? Why do we stick close to home and only rarely venture outside our comfort zones? What’s out there to see if you want to explore Edmonton? We discuss these questions and more, plus we share some ideas on places to check out!

Here are some relevant links for this episode:

Thanks for listening. Get out there and explore!

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Episode 18: Wayfinding

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In our eighteenth episode, we discuss the Edmonton Wayfinding Project, which aims to help people get around the city. Have you ever been lost trying to get from point A to point B? Yes you have!

Why is it called Coliseum Station? How far can you make it on the pedway without going outside? Why haven’t our wayfinding systems, for both vehicles as well as cyclists, transit riders, and pedestrians, improved over the years? We discuss these questions and more. We also talk about what the Edmonton Wayfinding Project is trying to accomplish.

Here’s a few relevant links for this episode:

Thanks for listening!

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Episode 17: Campaign Contributions

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In our seventeenth episode we discuss campaign contributions made during municipal elections. Should developers and unions be able to make donations? Do those donations influence politicians once they are elected? Should elected officials excuse themselves from decisions for which they might have a conflict of interest?

We discuss those questions and more. The cost of running a campaign for council has risen quite a bit over the last four elections, from about $22,000 in 2001 on average to more than $56,000 in 2010. Candidates need to raise the money, but as Graham says, “money buys influence.”

Here are some relevant links for this episode:

Thanks for listening!

Full disclosure: Mack is volunteering for Don Iveson’s campaign for mayor.

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Episode 16: Smart City Technology

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In our sixteenth episode we discuss so-called “smart city” technology like digital parking meters and GPS on buses. We’re finally moving forward with some of these things, but why is it taking so long? Why do we always need a pilot?

The EPark technology is basically Calgary’s ParkPlus system rebranded, and it will let you pay for parking with a credit card. You don’t even need a ticket – just punch in your license plate number. The Smart Bus technology is rolling out on two routes this summer and it’ll eventually bring us real-time transit locations so you can see exactly how far away your bus is.

Here are some relevant links for this episode:

Thanks for listening!

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Episode 15: Early Election Action

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In our fifteenth episode we discuss some of the latest campaign announcements that have taken place. The municipal election doesn’t take place until October, but that hasn’t stopped a number of candidates from kicking off their campaigns, including three current councillors running for mayor.

Things really got underway with the approval of the arena deal and the announcement the very next day by Kerry Diotte that he would run for mayor. In recent weeks, both Karen Leibovici and Don Iveson have announced that they too will run for the top seat. With Amarjeet Sohi’s decision to run again for council, it looks as though the big names for mayor have all come forward. There’s a long way to go before a winner is declared, but that doesn’t stop us from comparing them!

Here are some relevant links for this episode:

There’s much more to come on this topic. Thanks for listening!

Disclosure: Mack is volunteering for Don Iveson’s campaign.

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Episode 14: Attractive Architecture

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In our fourteenth episode we discuss architecture and the improved look of new buildings in Edmonton. Are we really seeing less “crap” these days?

From the Art Gallery of Alberta to the new control tower at the Edmonton International Airport, we’re seeing some really exciting new architecture in our city. Will these and other projects collectively raise the game in Edmonton, forcing new developments to be attractively designed too?

Here are some relevant links for this episode:

Thanks for listening!

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Episode 13: Civic Precinct Master Plan

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In our thirteenth episode we discuss the Civic Precinct Master Plan. Council decided at the end of April to put a stop to the $50 million plan, but of course, it’ll be back.

Why is anyone working on this project? How can we possibly afford it alongside all of the other priorities that we have? What else could we be spending that money on? We tackle these questions and much, much more.

Here are some relevant links for this episode:

Council has asked for two reports to come back in Q1 2014 – one to better understand concerns of festival groups, and one to find a way to deal with the LRT design, funding, and integration as part of the SE LRT budget.

As always, we welcome your feedback!

I’m a little behind in getting our episodes posted, but we should be back on track soon!

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Episode 12: Eat Alberta

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In our 12th episode we discuss Eat Alberta 2013, a hands-on food skills conference that took place on April 20. Mack was one of the organizers, and Graham was one of the attendees!

We discuss a bit of Eat Alberta’s history, and Graham tells us all about the sessions he attended during the day – bread making, mushrooms, and more. We end the episode with a special treat – we taste fresh ricotta cheese made by Graham himself!

Apologies for the delay in getting this episode posted…we’ll be back on schedule soon!

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Episode 11: Social Media & The Yeggies

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In our eleventh episode we take a bit of a break from urban affairs in Edmonton and talk all about social media. We discuss why people do it and how to get the most out of social media. We also talk about The Yeggies, an awards show taking place in May 4 to celebrate Edmonton’s online content creators:

The Edmonton New Media Awards, or the Yeggies, is an annual awards show created to recognize and celebrate outstanding social media content creators in the capital region. It’s an awards show to highlight some of the amazing talent we have here in Edmonton — from people who code websites themselves, to those who write, speak, draw, all on their own time. Yeggies recipients inspire, evoke, inform, educate and entertain us, and they do it because they have a passion for it.

Mack received two nominations for his blog, in the “Best in Political or Current Affairs” and “Best in Edmonton” categories. You can check out the full list of nominees here.

Who knows, maybe one day Mack & Cheese will be nominated!

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Episode 10: Potholes

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Potholes: everyone is talking about them, and so are we! In our tenth episode we talk all about the springtime nuisance. Since 2000, the City of Edmonton has filled more than 5.6 million potholes, yet every year, we deal with another 430,000 of them.

What are the pothole stats? Is this year an unusually bad year? What causes all those darn potholes? Is there anything we can do about it? We discuss these questions and more.

Here are some relevant links for this episode:

If you have any feedback, get in touch! Thanks for listening!

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