Edmonton Construction 11 (November 2011)

[Black Star]

Originally Posted by EdmTrekker

You are right. Its a page out of "Yes Minister". Bureaucrats lead stupid elected officials by the leash...in the direction the Bureaucrats want - as the elected officials have no knowledge to draw upon. Take Iveson's position on lets not do any LRT MillWoods-West unless we do the whole thing at once. That position would result in nothing being done...ever. Unless that is what he really wants shut the frick up. Hello Don - Federal funds only available for whats on the drawing board NOW...take it or leave it for a very long time...duh.

I agree.

That's another reason I'm not absolutely sold on Don Iveson leading this city now or possibly ever! Leaders at our Hall are not compensated as much the private sector. Obviously the private sector finds quality over people who just want to make a political statement! Or draw a wage for 4 years!! DI seems either to be to young or to much of a socialist that dosent bind the business community and or see obvious issues like this.

[Black Star]

Originally Posted by hqcan

I had a conversation with a VP of an Energy firm that currently has some staff located in Nisku. When asked about working in a downtown location He basically said the entire core is inaccessible from EIA and the related O&G work in Nisku/Leduc. It's incredible that we are building a brand new Bridge that is only accessible from what are effectively residential roads at the top of the valley.

Well I wouldn't say inaccessible.....I seem to get there when and how I want.

But we absolutely have to stream line these routes and make them all attractive. Our Mayor who is a fine Gentleman has done a great deal for Edmonton. But my contention is that our Downtown and ALL corridors leading to this new and exciting place to be have to be very accessible and made visually appealing.

[CMD UW]

@Blackstar - then by that assumption, are you stating that elected officials are doing what they're doing because they have been rejected by the private sector.

[Black Star]

Originally Posted by CMD UW

@Blackstar - then by that assumption, are you stating that elected officials are doing what they're doing because they have been rejected by the private sector.

Not an assumption. More an opinion. Most people I know who own a business or a number of businesses or a CEO have little taste for municipal politics at this level. Save New York or a larger City!

But I do (assume) Not knowing u...that u work in the private sector. And that u contribute to this site that maybe u might want to take a pay cut and run I double Dog dare u......

[CMD UW]

Originally Posted by BLACK STAR

Not an assumption. More an opinion. Most people I know who own a business or a number of businesses or a CEO have little taste for municipal politics at this level. Save New York or a larger City!

But I do (assume) Not knowing u...that u work in the private sector. And that u contribute to this site that maybe u might want to take a pay cut and run I double Dog dare u......

I would hope that the business people you associate with have more of an interest in municipal politics as it has the greatest impact on their business and personal lives.

I think your opinion is a slap in the face to many municipal politicians. Many that I know choose to serve the public because they are passionate about it and want to make their city, town, village a better place. It's definitely not about the money. They sacrifice a great deal of their time (and family) to represent the people.

As it stands today I have no desire to run for public office.

[Black Star]

Originally Posted by CMD UW

I would hope that the business people you associate with have more of an interest in municipal politics as it has the greatest impact on their business and personal lives.

I think your opinion is a slap in the face to many municipal politicians. Many that I know choose to serve the public because they are passionate about it and want to make their city, town, village a better place. It's definitely not about the money. They sacrifice a great deal of their time (and family) to represent the people.

As it stands today I have no desire to run for public office.

I would hope that the business people you associate with have more of an interest in municipal politics as it has the greatest impact on their business and personal lives.

Well hope is good. But reality is far more realistic. I cant speak for all of my associates. But Im a 3rd generation Edmontonian and most people I deal with are proactive like myself. I like to think like u and most people on this forum... we need not just change.....but change that has us catching up for the last 20/30 years of being stale and contrite.

A slap in the face is what they and the collective have needed...are you kidding me. My first camp was with Bill Smith. He was a cheer leader and was a good guy but when in the 90s I suggested what are we gonna do about regional sustainability he had a deer in the head lights reaction! Red Flag!

I do appreciate these fine Individuals who want to establish a municipal platform no matter what demographic....But we need results in this city and region.

[rapid_business]

Originally Posted by Coldrsx

WEM office and residential...



Edmonton.ca

The WEM DC2 is essentially staying the same. There is no additional office or residential, that is from 10 years ago when they did it then. The Update is in Location 8 as per the map. Think additional retail and some new structured parking..... and no more 8,000 person arena.

Here is essentially the same map from the DC2 as it stands: http://webdocs.edmonton.ca/zoningbylaw/dc2/DC2_600_Appendix_1.pdf

[kw5150]

From an outsider looking in.......

I love how gateway looks compared to 10 years ago....it is a refreshing way to enter the city compared to before. So much landscaping added, and yes, people DO notice.

The intersection of Whyte ave and Gateway is one of my favourite intersections because of all of the street action.

The hairpin turn (I think it is the one that takes you down the valley from Sask Drive?) is also one of my favourite things about Edmonton.....lol

I really like all of the changes made to date and some of Edmonton's little interesting spots. There my be a bit of industrial on the entrance to the city, but the amount of trees, river valley and street action make up for it.

Just my 2 cents.

Originally Posted by BLACK STAR

Its pretty sad when 50 St 75 St and 91St are way better looking than Gateway!!

We don't need another planter or decorative rock that looks like shit.

Over/under passes at 34 Ave...51 Ave....Argyle Rd and Whyte Ave.

Move MOST if not all this light to heavy Industrial to new or existing Industrial parks.

Dam they missed a great opportunity to remove hair pin turn whilst building bridge and realignment of Queen Elizabeth Rd.

[240glt]

I see that the proposed Odyssey Towers adjacent to Jasper Properties is going to EDC again shortly

[240glt]

Sounds like a deal has been inked for 3 or 4 floors in the KR building. It is a tenant currently located in a podium of another downtown tower. No idea what the conditions are though

[Hallsy's Toupee]

Moving from podium of an existing tower...I'm guessing KPMG, who are currently hogging up 2 floors of retail space in Commerce Place.

[rapid_business]

^ It's well know that GWL has wanted KPMG out of there as they see the potential in leasing some of that as retail space finally. I think KPMG inked that deal at Commerce originally in the mid-90s at something like a couple bucks a sq. ft or something ridiculous when they were desperate for any occupancy.

[CMD UW]

Originally Posted by Hallsy's Toupee

Moving from podium of an existing tower...I'm guessing KPMG, who are currently hogging up 2 floors of retail space in Commerce Place.

...that company and two more 'professional' firms...

[Hallsy's Toupee]

Neon sign museum may "flicker to life" next summer
http://www.cbc.ca/news/arts/story/2012/10/01/edmonton-neon-museum.html

A museum celebrating Edmonton's neon past will soon be lighting up a downtown street corner.

"Hopefully, it'll become one of those little spots that if you're in Edmonton, go down and look at the neon sign museum," said David Holdsworth, a city planner who came up with the idea.

The neon sign that once advertised the now long gone Mike's News Stand. The neon sign that once advertised the now long gone Mike's News Stand. (CBC)
"It's probably one of the first in North America."

Holdsworth recently received permission to erect refurbished neon signs — signs that were once icons of the avenues they lit up — on the side of the Telus building at 104th Street and 104th Avenue.

The museum will feature a dozen signs familiar to long-time Edmonton residents such as Mike's News Stand, Pantages Theatre, Georgia Baths — signs salvaged long after the businesses they emblazoned went to their own graveyard.

Several sign companies, including Blanchett Neon, have committed staff and time to repaint the signs.

[Coldrsx]

Another year, WTF

[Hallsy's Toupee]

Gah...just realized thats an old article from last year.
Someone reposted on twitter.
Go beat your DECL twitter person for re-tweeting it, please.

[EdmTrekker]

Originally Posted by rapid_business

^ It's well know that GWL has wanted KPMG out of there as they see the potential in leasing some of that as retail space finally. I think KPMG inked that deal at Commerce originally in the mid-90s at something like a couple bucks a sq. ft or something ridiculous when they were desperate for any occupancy.

Kasian have the corner and it is weird space next to KPMG

[Hallsy's Toupee]

A couple of other guesses for the K-R tenant:
- Dynacare HQ (currently in AIMCo tower podium)
- Stantec (currently in old World Health space at Bell).

[Black Star]

Stantec is on the record for a new tower.

Dynacare HQ not to sure about. But during potential construction of AIMCO if and when its a go is any ones guess on relocation or staying put during construction.

[Coldrsx]

Originally Posted by Hallsy's Toupee

Gah...just realized thats an old article from last year.
Someone reposted on twitter.
Go beat your DECL twitter person for re-tweeting it, please.

Hahaha... have advised him.