Edmonton Construction 12 (December 2013)

[Kevin_foster]

80,000m3 of dirt. that's a lot of yards. Good thing they're not doing it by wheelbarrow.

[Coldrsx]

First columns above podium

[Coldrsx]

New downtown park

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/edmonton/new-downtown-park-plans-moving-forward-1.2661975

[Xelebes]

Originally Posted by Kevin_foster

80,000m3 of dirt. that's a lot of yards. Good thing they're not doing it by wheelbarrow.

136 000 tons

to be replaced by 66 600 tons of concrete and steel.

Displaced mass with structure: 69 400 tons

[EdmTrekker]

Originally Posted by Coldrsx

New downtown park

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/edmonton/new-downtown-park-plans-moving-forward-1.2661975

Community Garden plots is a dumb idea imo. That is all about environmental messaging and if there was a vote on its use by all residents that live downtown (not just members of DECL) most would prefer more grass, trees and flowers and benches. Having a little plot for Henry and Martha is all enviro / sustainability PR at the expense of doing more with the little space available for everyone elses use. Shoot me if you like.

[Coldrsx]

^Obviously everything cannot be everything for everyone, but we did a poll of downtown residents as well as some business owners and their needs/wants were then given to our landscape architect to balance those within a design or discuss them further if need be.

Having a few garden plots taking up a relatively small portion of the building will provide those without gardens/balconies an opportunity or those with green thumbs to be able to remain downtown potentially. We see this as being something that will bring people to the park throughout the day and well into the evening, thereby having more eyes on the park if you will.

Nothing is 'finalized' and our AGM is tomorrow night 630-830 at 10042-103st should you wish to provide feedback to the City of Edmonton following their ~30min presentation and next steps. We do require attendees to be DECL members, $5 at the door.

[Coldrsx]

I should also say that we looked at Beaver Hills and the new Norquest Park space and wanted to ensure that this new space offered different options to those, planters have been identified as one of those items... along with a small fenced off-leash/play area for small dogs.

[EdmTrekker]

Originally Posted by Coldrsx

I should also say that we looked at Beaver Hills and the new Norquest Park space and wanted to ensure that this new space offered different options to those, planters have been identified as one of those items... along with a small fenced off-leash/play area for small dogs.

I am aware. And support this. It is the garden plots I have an issue with. I do not feel that taxpayers should build parks, provide land for some peoples garden plots. That is the function of private land ownership....and I am pretty sure 99.9999% of the taxpayers who now pay for their own gardens would agree.

[Coldrsx]

If you live or work in the area, you likely will want to attend this to provide feedback. Good on Graham for being more proactive this time.

[ciudad_del_norte]

Originally Posted by EdmTrekker

I am aware. And support this. It is the garden plots I have an issue with. I do not feel that taxpayers should build parks, provide land for some peoples garden plots. That is the function of private land ownership....and I am pretty sure 99.9999% of the taxpayers who now pay for their own gardens would agree.

I'll be one of the 0.0001 that would disagree I guess. Well maintained garden plots can be great additions to public parks, and often provide variety in the type of green space available. Corn and tomatoes are still plants and I don't find anything about them particularily offputting, and in my opinion garden plots can give a more 'used' community feel to a park. I personally think it would be a great addition if integrated well.

[Coldrsx]

Reminder of a few events this week:

Tues - DECL AGM, 630pm, 10042 103st

www.decl.org

Wed - Infill Development Edmonton Association AGM, 6pm, 10042-103st

http://infilledmonton.ca

Thurs - Pecha Kucha 19, Churchill sq, 630-10pm

https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/edmontons-nextgen-presents-pecha-kucha-night-19-tickets-11546007419

Friday - Mercer street party, 103ave-104ave on 104st in the evening

Sat - DECL pancake breakfast, 10042-103st, 9-11.

Sat - Pride parade along 102ave beginning noon

[ue]

Parade starts at noon.

[Coldrsx]

Gotta love the two people interviewed about the new downtown park...

'this is Edmonton, let's be realistic, this won't be green'

'should remain as parking, we don't have enough downtown'

[Daveography]

^ We've come so far, and yet...

[Coldrsx]

Right?


CBC video

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/edmonton/new-downtown-park-plans-moving-forward-1.2661975

edit - I see that CTV has mixed up video clips

CTV

http://edmonton.ctvnews.ca/video?clipId=374715

[Kevin_foster]

Let's not forget many cities (all cities?) have the same complaints from a certain group of residents. Not just Edmonton exclusive, although it seems like the opposers here are louder and/or get more attention from the media.

[Coldrsx]

Downtown strip club is back

http://www.edmontonjournal.com/business/...+strip+club+will+open/9902503/story.html

[Kevin_foster]

ok, but really, the permanent building? Brutal.

[Hallsy's Toupee]

I thought some other pub or club was supposed to open in the Permanent. I really wish someone gets this building out of the owner's hands and gives it the respect it deserves.

[Daveography]

Originally Posted by Hallsy's Toupee

I really wish someone gets this building out of the owner's hands and gives it the respect it deserves.

I understand the sentiment, but short of the owner going into receivership, there's not much anyone can do to force them to sell it.