More than 250 people have come to discuss the future of food and agriculture in Edmonton.

“Cities can work with the ‘leveraging power’ of food to make improvements in almost every area of city life,” said Wayne Roberts, keynote speaker at the conference. Roberts is former manager of the Toronto Food Policy Council and a well known speaker and author on local sustainable food policies.

Roberts cited examples of “food as street furniture” – such as outdoor markets and cafes – and how they contribute to active dynamic street life. He spoke of the opportunities cities have to convert vacant spaces, which can pose a public safety risk, into growing spaces for food and by doing so creating “neighbourhood based food infrastructure.”

“Food can also bring cities and rural growing areas together,” Roberts said, “linking all the people involved with food from producers to consumers.”

The Food in the City conference is one of the key events of the City’s Food and Agriculture project.

“The City of Edmonton is well positioned to be one of the cities embracing food and agriculture as part of its planning and sustainability agenda,” said Councillor Dave Loken, who also spoke at the conference opening.

“And this conference is part of the conversation we want to have to promote and celebrate the innovative and ground-breaking work being done all around our city to help build a resilient local food system.”

The conference will include a variety of presentations and workshops. A highlight will be a summary of the work done to date on a food and agriculture strategy, including research findings on food and agriculture opportunities for Edmonton.

Date:  Tuesday May 29, 2012
Time:  11am–2pm
Location:  Commonwealth Stadium, 11000 Stadium Road

Check out the new features of the facility, including the large aquatic centre with lane swimming and leisure pools, fitness centre, gymnasium and field house. In addition to a short formal ceremony, there will be tours of the centre, performances by local musicians and dancers, refreshments, and prizes.

Attendance to the public area of the facility is free. Regular paid admission applies for facility usage.

Nestled in the downtown core, Commonwealth Community Recreation Centre is open from 6am to 10:30pm, Monday to Friday and 7am to 9:30pm on Saturday and Sunday. The facility is also open on statutory holidays from 8am to 8pm.

For more information about Commonwealth Community Recreation Centre, visit www.edmonton.ca/commonwealthrec.

Motorists are urged to plan ahead to avoid driving delays.

Date:  Sunday May 27, 2012
Time:  5am–3pm
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)
• 109 Avenue from 135 Street to Groat Road (total closure)
• 111 Avenue from 135 Street to Groat Road (major delays)
• Detour using 124 Street, 149 Street, 107 Avenue and 118 Avenue

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

The City’s Materials Management branch invites Edmonton’s small business owners and managers to learn more about selling to the City.

Date:  Wednesday May 30, 2012
Time:  1:30pm and 6:30pm
Location:  City Hall, Heritage Room

Date:  Monday June 4, 2012
Time:  1:30pm and 6:30pm
Location:  City Hall, Heritage Room

This informative, 2-hour session will give small business owners and managers details about how the City buys products and services including the tender process, the City’s Sustainable Purchasing Policy and Supplier Code of Conduct.

All sessions are free to attend. Advance registration is required as space is limited.

To register call 780-944-5704 or email smallbusiness@edmonton.ca.

“I am inspired by these individuals and organizations who are building a more inclusive city where all Edmontonians can participate fully and share their gifts with the community,” said Mayor Mandel. “My congratulations and thanks to all the award recipients and nominees.”
 
Eight individuals, organizations and businesses that have provided opportunities and safe environments for Edmontonians with disabilities were awarded in 4 categories.

The categories and recipients include:

Outstanding Service

• Michelle Hordal for creating the Alberta AdaptAbilities Association, a not-for-profit charity that provides unique programming that helps youth with disabilities adapt to every day experiences.
• Anna Der for being the driving force behind the Seniors Assisted Transportation Society, a volunteer based non-profit organization that helps seniors access crucial transportation services that allow them to lead independent lives.
• Velvet Martin for advocating for the rights of children, youth, vulnerable persons and seniors in her community. Following the death of her daughter, Velvet’s dedication has turned tragedy into a legacy of hope for families of children with developmental conditions.
• The Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital for a legacy of providing comprehensive rehabilitation services, for more than 50 years, to people with disabilities, helping them re-enter society with greater independence and skills.

Universal Design in Architecture

• Personal Residence of Terry Tenove
  Accessibility Architect: Ron Wickman

For the use of accessible architecture to transform Terry Tenove’s apartment into a barrier-free living space and example of how design can enhance the quality of life of persons with disabilities.

Employers

Paid Employment

Michael Elder – Canadian Safeway Ltd. for championing equal opportunity work environments and offering individuals with mental health concerns positive and equal work opportunities. Canadian Safeway Ltd. offers equal benefits to all employees, including education funding.

Volunteer Position

• Cougar Paint and Collision Ltd. for providing valuable, hands-on mechanic and automotive detailing experience to young people with disabilities for more than 5 years. Volunteers at Cougar Paint & Collision learn that passion and hard work lead to self-confidence.

Ewen Nelson Award for Self-Advocacy

• Kenneth P. Thomas for his frequent involvement in public events and with many disability organizations. Ken is passionate about building a more accessible Edmonton and his optimistic view on life has inspired many other people with disabilities.

The City of Edmonton Advisory Board on Services for Persons with Disabilities selected this year’s recipients from 17 nominees.
 

“This is something we bring up regularly – if you smoke, use an ashtray,” said the fire marshal. “If you don’t have a metal or glass ashtray, use a coffee tin with some sand or water in it. It’s that simple.”

A recent apartment fire has also prompted Fire Rescue to remind citizens that charcoal and other solid fuel BBQs are not permitted in City parks or on balconies of apartments, condos and other multi-unit buildings.

The use of fireworks and open burning are both regulated activities that require a permit from Edmonton Fire Rescue Services.

The City of Edmonton wants to hear what residents think about the proposed downtown arena designs.

Until June 10, 2012, people can view the designs and give their feedback by:

• Completing a survey online
• Attending a public presentation (listed below)
• Viewing the display at City Hall (May 28–June 7, 2012)
• Citizens who don’t have access to the internet can call 311 and request a package be mailed to their home

The results of the public consultation, along with an updated design package, will be presented to City Council on July 4, 2012. City Council will then decide if the preliminary design is approved.

The public presentations are being held:

Tuesday May 29, 2012
Presentation starts at 6:30pm
Santa Maria Goretti Centre
11050-90 Street

Tuesday June 5, 2012
Presentation starts at 6:30pm
Terwilliger Community Recreation Centre, 2051 Leger Road NW
Multipurpose Room

Wednesday June 6, 2012
Presentation starts at 6:30pm
MacEwan University South Campus, 7319-29 Avenue
Gallery

Thursday June 7, 2012
Presentation starts at 6:30pm
MacEwan University City Centre Campus, 104 Avenue, west of 109 Street
Robbins Health Learning Centre, Building Foyer

The $30 million for design work is included in the overall building budget of $450 million, as approved by City Council in October 2011.

Buses will no longer use the centre island; they will stop on the north and south sides of the transit centre. Temporary shelters are being placed at these bus stops during construction.

The building structure at Northgate Transit Centre will close on Tuesday May 22, 2012.  The new structure will be larger with both heated and unheated waiting areas, and will include public washrooms. Construction is scheduled to be completed in early 2013. Project cost is $4.8 million.

The largest of its kind in Canada, the Edmonton Front Yards in Bloom program honours residents who are making the city more attractive and contributing to the livability and vibrancy of our communities.

Help highlight the front yards that are making Edmonton beautiful. Nominations are being accepted in 3 categories – natural, edible or just plain pretty – until June 28, 2012, via:   

• Online at www.frontyardsinbloom.ca
• E-mail to front.yards@edmonton.ca
• Phone 311
• Fax 780-423-2883, with Attention: Front Yards in Bloom

Volunteers will visit each nominated yard to deliver a certificate, and sign or decal. The top yards are then chosen to receive awards, with winners announced during the Edmonton in Bloom Awards on August 9, 2012 at City Hall. This year Edmonton will also host the national and provincial Communities in Bloom Awards on October 13, 2012.

Edmonton’s Front Yard in Bloom program is a partnership between the City of Edmonton, Edmonton Horticultural Society and the Civic Union of Postal Workers with support from the Realtors Association of Edmonton.

Learn more about the program and submit your nomination at www.frontyardsinbloom.ca.

Date:  Tuesday May 22, 2012
Time:  Noon
Location:  City Room, City Hall

Shavuot commemorates the anniversary of the day God gave the Torah to the entire Israelite nation assembled at Mount Sinai and is directly linked to Passover. On Passover, the Jewish people were freed from their enslavement to the Pharaoh and on Shavuot were given the Torah and became a nation committed to serving God. 

This event is part of the City of Edmonton’s Celebrating our Faiths program, in collaboration with the Edmonton Interfaith Centre for Education and Action. The program, which includes a display at City Hall, is designed to promote greater awareness and understanding of the city’s diverse faith communities.