Was Crashed Ice a success? The party reminded us a little of the Grey Cup back in 2010. Was it a good investment? Will the event return to Edmonton in the future? A group of local businesses calling itself Celebrate Edmonton sponsored the VIP area of the event. What’s that group all about? Haven’t we seen this before? What’s the deal with the changing wetland policy? The City is working on a Community Energy Transition Strategy that is supposed to make Edmonton more sustainable and environmentally friendly. Is such a strategy required? Will it be worth the cost? We discuss those questions and more.

Here are some relevant links for this episode:

• Red Bull Crashed Ice
• Red Bull Crashed Ice 2015, Edmonton report and video
• Celebrate Edmonton out to buff and shine city’s image
• Impact of the Alberta Wetlands Policy on City Wetlands
• Edmonton’s Community Energy Transition Strategy

Thanks for listening!

Why are our hospitals falling apart? Why haven’t we planned properly to maintain them? Are we doing a better job with other things, like neighbourhood renewal? Why can’t the Oilers seem to turn things around when other teams have been able to? Are fans finally starting to stay away from games as a result? What’s going on with the Northlands Arena Strategy Committee? Is the cancelled Santa Claus Parade a bad thing or an opportunity? Are we tough enough to get outside? Why hasn’t Earth’s General Store found success on 104 Street?

We discuss those questions and more!

Here are some relevant links for this episode:

• From burst pipes to invading ant colonies, problems plague Alberta’s hospitals
• Oilers standing pat, GM Craig MacTavish says
• Janet Riopel named Edmonton Chamber of Commerce president
• Northlands Arena Strategy Committee launches Exploration Subcommittee
• Northlands Arena Strategy Committee launches Engagement Subcommittee
• You better not cry, you better not pout: Santa Claus indoor mall parade cancelled
• Your Guide to Winter 2014/2015 Festivals & Events in Edmonton
• Earth’s General Store marketing survey

Thanks for listening!

Have you seen the new wayfinding signs downtown? This is your last week to provide feedback to the City of Edmonton! Another cool new initiative was the online census, which wrapped up on Sunday night. Door-to-door collection starts May 10.

Graham has a bee in his bonnet about NIMBYism and people complaining about things moving ahead at the last minute, but Mack feels there is a lot more that could be done with public engagement. Certainly you need to do your part as a citizen to pay attention and to learn about the things that are important to you, but there’s also a responsibility on the part of the City to make it easier for citizens to be consulted on projects.

What’s with these French events coming up? A late night art festival and an outdoor dinner in white are both coming to Edmonton.

Here are some relevant links for this episode:

• Finding your way around downtown Edmonton is about to get easier
• Walk Edmonton Lays Out New Direction in Urban Wayfinding
• Edmonton’s 2014 Municipal Census goes online
• Edmonton’s Online Census Over Soon
• City of Edmonton: Public Engagement
• Nuit Blanche festival coming to Edmonton
• Diner en Blanc Edmonton

Thanks for listening!

Edmonton hosted the Commonwealth Games in 1978, resulting in some big benefits for the city, including Commonwealth Stadium. The bid for the 2022 games is between us and Durban, South Africa. Formal bids are due next March, with the winner being selected in September 2015.

Is this the kind of thing Edmonton should be pursuing? Will it result in any positives for the City? Should we count on an increase in tourism? What about new infrastructure? We discuss those questions and more.

Here are some relevant links for this episode:

• City to Compete for 2022 Commonwealth Games
• Edmonton announces bid to host the 2022 Commonwealth Games

Thanks for listening!