Very interesting timing for the Prentice announcement about a salary cut, just days after City Council approved an independent committee’s increase of their own wages. But is that really what the announcement is about, or is it more about the unions? What is going to happen with taxes in Alberta? Does our City Council need to make any symbolic cuts like the Province is? When might a provincial election be called?

We also discuss winter, from a variety of angles. People enjoy winter all over the world, why can’t we enjoy it here? Do we have to stay locked indoors during the winter? When can I get some mulled wine outside? Why is this canal idea for Rossdale coming forward now, if we already have Touch the Water? We agree Edmontonians should be able to enjoy access to the river, but what’s the best way to do that? With all the construction happening downtown, what changes are needed to improve construction hoarding? We discuss those questions and more.

Here are some relevant links for this episode:

• Premier Jim Prentice and cabinet take 5% wage cut
• City councillors defend 3.8% salary hike
• Winter Cities Shake-Up 2015
• Canal development proposed for Rossdale
• Mechanized Access and Touch the Water Promenade
• Freezeway could come to Edmonton next winter
• Coming up at City Council: February 2-6, 2015

Thanks for listening!

We also talk about our inability to preserve historical buildings, and the way the Rossdale Power Plant fits in with the other plans that are in place nearby (such as the West Rossdale Urban Design Plan and the new Walterdale Bridge).

Here are some relevant links for this episode:

• Rossdale Power Plant – Status Update (PDF)
• West Rossdale Urban Design Plan
• River Valley Alliance – 2012-2016 Capital Project
• CBC: City faces $87M cost for Rossdale renovations
• CBC: Historic designation stands in way of Rossdale demolition

What do you think should happen to the Rossdale Power Plant? Let us know!