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!

Edmonton now has a direct flight to continental Europe, so what’s Air Canada’s problem? Do the police really need a $7.2 million helicopter? What’s the future of the rodeo? Can Northlands find a future in agriculture? What about Rexall Place, what’s going to happen with that building now that the new arena is under construction? We discuss those questions and more.

Here are some relevant links for this episode:

• KLM’s new flight between Edmonton and Amsterdam
• Proposed $7.2 million helicopter for the Edmonton Police Service
• Edmonton leaders gather to speak on fast-growing city’s priorities
• Northlands announces Arena Strategy Committee
• Hicks on Biz: Face of agriculture changing
• Cell Phone & Wi-Fi Coverage in LRT Stations and Tunnels

Thanks for listening!

Our discussion was prompted by the resignation of President and CEO Richard Andersen on January 20. That’s a big change on its own, and we hear there are more on the way. At the root of the problem is that Northlands doesn’t seem to know what kind of organization it wants to be. Is it agriculturally-focused? Will it be the sports & entertainment destination, especially with the new downtown arena on the horizon?

Is it time for a complete reinvention of Northlands? What does the future of the organization look like? We discuss those questions and more.

Here are some relevant links for this episode:

• Northlands by the numbers
• Richard L. Andersen, CFE is stepping down as the President and CEO of Northlands
• Rexall Place ranked #26 in the world by Pollstar!
• Hicks on Biz: Farewell to the family farm
• Photo: Cattle and AGA

Thanks for listening!