How could the LRT extension to NAIT be delayed again? Was the approach to the signaling system thought through? It’s unacceptable that the opening of the LRT has been delayed until May, the fourth such delay, and we try to make sense of it. Oh, and how do you pronounce the name of the contractor? We gave it our best shot.

We discuss CP Rail’s plans to redevelop its southside rail yards. That’s a big piece of land, which could be really valuable. Will the City extend streets like 76 Avenue that currently stop at the railyards? If so, the development could have a unifying effect on the area.

And we once again discuss Uber. It was a hot topic at Council recently, with the decision in the end being to declare them illegal until such time as the Vehicle for Hire bylaws can be updated to allow services like Uber. Since we recorded, Uber has launched a petition to urge City Council to allow Uber in Edmonton.

We end with a brief discussion about disruptive TV and movie services.

Here are some relevant links for this episode:

• EPL Makerspace
• Metro Line LRT delayed again until Spring 2015, maybe, hopefully
• CP Rail to develop yard south of Whyte Avenue
• Staples: CP redevelopment could beautify, unite Edmonton’s south side
• City Council opens the door for Uber to operate legally in Edmonton

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!

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:

• Potholes in Edmonton
• Pothole Damage Claims
• Report a Pothole

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

The City is planning to install 23 km of on-street bike routes this summer and has been conducting some open houses and other events to make people aware and to get feedback. Some people are really upset with the proposed routes, while supporters point to the fact that a very tiny percentage of the budget is spent on making Edmonton a friendlier city for cyclists.

Have the plans to add more on-street bike infrastructure really become “a nightmare” as Mayor Mandel put it? Can you really cycle in the winter? We chat about those questions and more in this episode.

Here are some relevant links for this episode:

• On-Street Bike Routes
• Edmonton Bicycle Commuters: 2013 On-street Bike Routes
• Bike lanes ‘nightmare’ for mayor
• Rough ride
• What good are (bike) plans without implementation?
• Adequate Funding Needed to Realize Edmonton’s Cycling Dreams

Bike lanes will be in the news again in a couple weeks when Administration returns to City Council’s Transportation Committee with an update on the consultation process. Stay tuned!