City of Edmonton :: News

Road Closures in Effect During Subway® Coronation Triathlon

Thu, 23 May 2013 00:00:00 MST

Hundreds of triathletes will race through northwest Edmonton on Sunday May 26, 2013 for the 29th annual Subway® Coronation Triathlon.

Road closures and detours around the Groat Road and Coronation Park areas will be in effect to ensure the safety of competitors, volunteers and spectators.

Motorists are urged to plan ahead to avoid driving delays.

Date:	Sunday May 26, 2013
Time:	5am–2pm
Location:	Peter Hemingway Fitness and Leisure Centre, 13808-111 Avenue

Road Closures

Groat Road from 111 Avenue to River Valley Road (total closure)
135 Street, 110 A Avenue to 114 Avenue (total closure except Transit)
111 Avenue from 142 Street to Groat Road (total closure)
Detour using 124 Street, 149 Street, 107 Avenue and 118 Avenue

For more information on the triathlon, please visit www.edmonton.ca/SubwayCornationTriathalon.

Development and Building Activity on the Rise

Thu, 23 May 2013 00:00:00 MST

Applications for New Multi-Family Development Permits in the City of Edmonton in the first quarter of 2013 are up 92% from the same period last year, a new report says.

Applications for New Commercial and Industrial Development Permits are up 24%, according to the Current Planning Branch Quarterly Activity Report. More Plumbing, Gas, Electrical and Building Permits have been issued compared to the same time last year. Almost 22,000 safety inspections have been carried out.

Scott Mackie, Branch Manager says, “I am impressed with the responsiveness of staff in meeting the level of demand. While our city enjoys exceptional growth, we will continue delivering effective planning and development decisions and great customer service. We are improving our services and making application processes faster and more straightforward.”

The Quarterly Report provides data and analysis on planning and development application volumes, timelines and service delivery. Learn more about building and development trends in Edmonton by visiting www.edmonton.ca/cpperformance.

Weed Out Garlic Mustard in Mill Creek Ravine

Thu, 23 May 2013 00:00:00 MST

Residents are encouraged to help maintain the natural beauty and biodiversity of Mill Creek Ravine by participating in the annual Garlic Mustard weed pull. The City of Edmonton and the Edmonton Naturalization Group will organize Garlic Mustard pulls in Mill Creek Ravine on the following dates:

Saturday May 25, 2013, 9:30 to 11:30am
Saturday June 8, 2013, 9:30 to 11:30am
If more pulls are needed, dates will be posted on Garlic Mustard Pulls

Mill Creek Ravine is one of few known locations in Edmonton where this non-native and invasive species has been discovered. Garlic Mustard can take over large areas of woodland and cause negative long-term effects to native soils, vegetation and wildlife.

The meeting point for all pulls will be on the corner of 91 Street and 77 Avenue. Snacks and water will be provided.

The pulls will be weather dependent. Please check the City of Edmonton Facebook and Twitter pages for updates if the weather is poor.

Beat the Heat this Summer at an Outdoor Pool

Thu, 23 May 2013 00:00:00 MST

The weather is heating up outside and the City of Edmonton is opening its outdoor pools to help Edmontonians stay cool while enjoying the hot summer sun.

Queen Elizabeth will open this Saturday May 25, 2013. Fred Broadstock and Oliver will open on Saturday June 1, 2013. Mill Creek opened on Saturday May 18, 2013.

The City’s outdoor pools, their locations, daily hours and dates of operation are as follows:

Mill Creek Outdoor Pool

9555-84 Avenue
May 18 to September 2, 2013
11am to 9pm

Queen Elizabeth Outdoor Pool

9100 Walterdale Hill
May 25 to September 2, 2013
11am to 7pm

Fred Broadstock Outdoor Pool

15720 105 Avenue
June 1 to September 2, 2013
11am to 7pm

Oliver Outdoor Pool

119 Street and 103 Avenue
June 1 to September 2, 2013
3pm to 7pm weekdays / 11am to 7pm weekends (until July 1, 2013)
11am to 7pm daily (July 1 to September 2, 2013)

Operating hours are subject to change and pools may close due to inclement weather. The Borden Park Outdoor Pool will remain closed this season for renovations, with an anticipated reopening date of summer 2016. For daily outdoor pool updates or for more information, visit www.edmonton.ca/outdoorpools.

The City of Edmonton follows best practices in respect to aquatic safety and is committed to providing a safe and fun experience for everyone who uses our aquatic facilities.

City Seeks Long Term Strategy for Roads

Thu, 23 May 2013 00:00:00 MST

The City of Edmonton is bringing a long-term strategy for arterial road rehabilitation to Transportation Committee on Wednesday May 29, 2013.

Following on the City’s enhanced approach to pothole repairs on Edmonton roadways during spring 2013, the City is recommending a long term investment strategy for arterial road rehabilitation starting with the 2015-2018 capital budget cycle. Such an increased investment would allow the City to focus on:

Mill and overlay program for roads on which potholes are becoming an issue
Rehabilitation for roads where some sub-surface repairs and adjacent curb and walk repairs are required in addition to paving
Full reconstruction of roads that have reached the end of their life cycle

In the short term, at any given time there may be 20 crews working over 24-hour shifts filling potholes on Edmonton streets. To date the City has filled approximately 320,000 potholes in 2013 and expects to fill more than the annual average of approximately 450,000.

Citizens are encouraged to report potholes by calling 311 or using the City’s Report-a-Pothole program. Videos explaining the City’s approach to potholes and to arterial road rehabilitation are available on the City’s YouTube channel. Visit the Citizen Dashboard to follow the City’s monthly progress on filling potholes, and progress on other City services.

To view a summary of the City’s capital investments please see the Building a Great City document.

No Woofing Around for National Dog Bite Prevention Week

Thu, 23 May 2013 00:00:00 MST

Dogs can be a valuable addition to any family but on occasion, they chase, attack or bite people and other animals. Every day people are exposed to the risk of a dog attack, particularly postal delivery workers, meter readers and children. Recovery from a severe dog bite can take months or even years and these victims can be left with permanent scarring both physically and emotionally.

The City of Edmonton, in partnership with Canada Post, EPCOR, Edmonton Humane Society, Pitbulls for Life and DOGSPAW, would like to recognize National Dog Bite Prevention Week by emphasizing that dog ownership requires owners be responsible for their pets at all times. To prevent bites and attacks from occurring:

Keep your dog on a leash when outside
Keep your dog controlled at all times especially in designated off-leash areas, multi-use trails and around children
Exercise your dog appropriately and keep it healthy and vaccinated
Don’t put your dog in situations where it might be prone to bite and learn to recognize the warning signs that your dog might chase, attack or bite another dog or person
Be conscientious of service workers who may need to go on your property (eg. mail delivery workers or meter readers)
Get appropriate dog training from qualified dog trainers
Know that a dog can chase, attack and bite another dog or person regardless of its size
Ensure your dog is licensed

If you have or care for children, you can also participate in National Dog Bite Prevention Week by educating them on how to be safe around dogs. Teach children to:

Be cautious around strange dogs
Treat all dogs with respect
Not approach strange dogs
Not pet dogs through fences
Ask permission from the dog's owner before petting the dog

City and Province Pledge Further Cooperation in Aboriginal Relations

Thu, 23 May 2013 00:00:00 MST

The City of Edmonton and the Government of Alberta have entered into a formal agreement to strengthen coordination and collaboration in support of urban Aboriginal people.

In a ceremony at City Hall, Mayor Stephen Mandel signed a Memorandum of Coordination and Collaboration with Aboriginal Relations Minister Robin Campbell, both parties pledging their administrations will work closer together to increase opportunities for positive social and economic outcomes of Aboriginal people living in Edmonton.

“Today's signing is an acknowledgement of our mutual dedication to working with Aboriginal communities to build their capacity and increase opportunities,” said Mayor Stephen Mandel. “It’s an important step towards enhancing the quality of life for our urban Aboriginal people, and I commend our Provincial partners for their vision and commitment.”

This agreement is based on previous discussion with the local urban Aboriginal communities, who worked with the city and province to identify areas of priority including youth leadership and development, transition, supporting opportunities for Aboriginal women, economic development and the promotion of safe and secure communities.

“We recognize that urban Aboriginal communities have unique needs and we continue to look at how to best address them,” said Aboriginal Relations Minister Robin Campbell. “Our goal is to enhance outcomes of Aboriginal people living in Edmonton, and to ensure that Aboriginal communities continue to be provided with access to the appropriate programs and services.”

An action plan detailing specific initiatives and outcomes for each of the five priority areas is being developed and will be available by June 30, 2013.

Edmonton has the second-largest urban population of Aboriginal peoples in Canada.

The event also featured the launch of the Edmonton Aboriginal Business and Professional Association, which received start-up resources from the city and the Government of Alberta. The organization provides support to Aboriginal-owned businesses and professionals.

Thinking About Running for Office in the 2013 Edmonton Election?

Wed, 22 May 2013 00:00:00 MST

Edmontonians interested in running for office in the 2013 Edmonton Election can access candidate information and nomination forms online at edmonton.ca/RunningForOffice. Hard copies of candidate information and nomination forms will also be available for pick up Monday through Friday between 8:30am and 4pm at the Office of the City Clerk, 3rd Floor, City Hall, 1 Sir Winston Churchill Square, or at the Edmonton Election and Census Office, 16304 114 Avenue.

Candidates elected to office will now serve a four-year term. The 2013 Election will include races for:

Chief Elected Official (Mayor): One candidate elected city-wide.
City Councillors: One candidate elected from each of the city’s 12 wards.
Edmonton Public School Board: One School Board Trustee elected from each of the 9 Public School District Wards.
Edmonton Catholic Separate School District: One School Board Trustee elected from each of the 7 Catholic Separate School District Wards.

Updated ward maps are available online at edmonton.ca/wardsystem.

Candidates running for mayor must obtain at least 100 signatures from eligible electors who support their nomination and will be required to pay a $500 deposit fee when filing their completed nomination papers. City Councillor and School Board Trustee candidates must obtain at least 25 signatures from eligible electors who are residents in the ward in which they are running in and pay a $100 deposit fee.

Completed nomination papers must be filed with the Returning Officer on Nomination Day, Monday September 23, 2013 between 9am and noon on the main floor of City Hall, 1 Sir Winston Churchill Square. Mailed or faxed nomination papers will not be accepted. The official candidate list will be posted on edmonton.ca/election following Nomination Day.

Candidates are encouraged to remind family, friends and colleagues to bring the appropriate ID with them to the voting station when they vote on Monday October 21, 2013. Voter identification requirements have changed for the 2013 Election and electors must now produce a single piece of authorized identification that establishes both the elector’s name and current address. Visit edmonton.ca/election to learn more about what forms of identification will be accepted at voting stations.

Follow us on twitter @EdmElections for the latest news and information on the upcoming Election.

Champions of Accessibility Honoured with Mayor’s Awards

Wed, 22 May 2013 00:00:00 MST

Edmontonians who work to enhance the lives of people with disabilities were celebrated at the annual Mayor’s Awards on May 22, 2013.

“These individuals and organizations are helping Edmonton evolve into a world class, inclusive city where everyone, regardless of ability, can participate and share their gifts with the community,” said Mayor Mandel. “I congratulate each of the award recipients and nominees and thank them for their dedication to an accessible Edmonton.”

Ten individuals, organizations and businesses that have provided opportunities and safe environments for Edmontonians with disabilities were awarded in four categories.

The categories and recipients include:

Outstanding Service

David Gomme – whose dog training services through E & E Kennels enhances the connection between pet and owner, helping people with disabilities reconnect with the outside world and enriches their lives.

Shaw TV Edmonton – for being a leader in community broadcasting and for showcasing the work of Community Services to build a more inclusive, accessible city - in particular, by way of the efforts of the Advisory Board on Services for Persons with Disabilities (ABSPD).

Universal Design in Architecture

Personal Residence of Peter Mittal
Accessibility Architect: Ron Wickman
For the use of accessible architecture to transform Peter Mittal’s garage suite into a barrier-free living space for his aging parents. Including features like an elevator, curbless shower and low counters, it is an example of how design can enhance the quality of life of persons with disabilities.

Public Facility: Edmonton International Airport
Accessibility Architect: Stantec
The Edmonton International Airport renovated their main 463,000 sq. ft. terminal with accessibility in mind. Features include new brighter signage, larger washrooms and six moving sidewalks as well as a new public address system with text messaging capabilities.

Public Facility: Commonwealth Community Recreation Facility
Accessibility Architect: Kasian and MJM
A recent expansion of the Commonwealth Fitness Centre turned the facility into an all-inclusive community hub that offers a range of recreational, fitness, wellness and social experiences in both casual and structured capacities. Users of all ability levels are now able to enjoy aquatics, gym work, fitness classes, indoor track and community events all under one roof.

Facility: Valour Place
Accessibility Architect: William H. Ross
Valour Place is a temporary home-away-from-home for Canadian Forces members, Families of the Fallen, Veterans, and RCMP who require medical treatment in Edmonton. Universal Design principals were at the forefront of design considerations to meet barrier-free requirements to ensure ease of mobility and evokes the principles of a beautiful, single-family residential home rather than a typical institutional approach to rehabilitation.

Facility: Kaye Edmonton Clinic
Accessibility Architect: DIALOG and RTKL
Kaye Edmonton Clinic provides specialist ambulatory services to patients and families in a fully integrated facility. Patients benefit from seamless, outpatient clinical care and streamline access to specialized services and experts.

Employers

Excel Society for partnering with The City of Edmonton on the Abilities in Action Employment Experience Program in an effort to increase workforce diversification in the Edmonton Area. Staff involved in this program gain a better understanding of the challenges facing employees with disabilities in the workplace.

Cerebral Palsy Association in Alberta for championing a “life without limits” for persons with cerebral palsy and other disabilities and recognizing that individuals should not be discounted for paid employment based on their disabilities, but hired based on ability and potential. The organization makes accommodation possible: Shortened work weeks to accommodate appointments, personalized work space for wheelchairs, or equipment to ensure employees are successful.

Ewen Nelson Award for Self-Advocacy

Michael Willier, for his frequent involvement in community events and with many disability organizations. Michael is passionate about building a more accessible Edmonton and his optimistic view on life inspires many other people with disabilities.

Robert F. Lupul, for promoting participation in community events within his circle of peers with disabilities. Robert promotes enjoying a full life and shares his passion for volunteering. He shows the community that people with disabilities have value and are an asset.

The City of Edmonton Advisory Board on Services for Persons with Disabilities selected this year’s recipients from 16 nominees.

Look Twice! Better Safe Than Sorry

Wed, 22 May 2013 00:00:00 MST

Motorcyclists face higher risks than other drivers

The warmer weather has brought more to Edmonton than just blue skies and barbeques. It also means more motorcyclists are sharing the road with other drivers.

With the increased presence of motorcyclists, drivers are asked to increase their awareness. Each group must stay alert in order to save lives and prevent serious injuries.

“Motorcycle operators are more vulnerable to being seriously injured or killed if they’re involved in a collision,” said Gerry Shimko, Executive Director, Office of Traffic Safety, City of Edmonton. “Other drivers should look twice to make sure that they know exactly who is in their blind spot before changing lanes. That awareness can go a long way toward preventing collisions and saving lives.”

Motorcyclists can take extra steps to minimize risks on city streets and area highways including using roads suited for their skill level, wearing proper protective gear, watching for unexpected actions by other drivers and adhereing to the posted speed limit.

“Vigiliance on the part of motorcycle operators is imperative,” added Shimko. “In recent weeks, we’ve witnessed many young motorcyclists who are exceeding the speed limit and clearly not taking their own safety seriously, and this often has tragic results.”

Research shows that motorcyclists are more than 3.5 times more likely to get injured or die than other motor vehicle drivers. In 2012, there were 157 motorcycle collisions in Edmonton that resulted in 4 deaths and 126 injuries.