City News

• ** Cancer update From John Hopkins

• Shots in the Dark

• City Of festivals

• Edmonton Community Services General Manager Announces Decision to Retire from Public Service

• World Masters Games’ Economic Impact Double Original Projections

• Edmonton 2005 World Masters Games Results

• Local International Day Celebration To Feature East Coast Music Winner, Terry Kelly

• Edmonton Regional Airports Authority

• Michael J. Boyd unanimous selection for Edmonton Police Chief

• Edmonton's City Farm Info

• 2005 Royal Visit a Success Story

• Ceremony to Respectfully Return Remains to Fort Edmonton Cemetery

• Edmonton Planning and Development Department wins top provincial planning award

• Edmonton Police Commission Appointment

CANCER UPDATE FROM JOHN HOPKINS

1. No plastic containers in microwave.

2. No water in plastic bottles in freezer.

3. No plastic wrap in microwave.

Johns Hopkins has recently sent this out in its newsletters. This information is being circulated at Walter Reed Army Medical Center as well. Dioxin chemicals causes cancer, especially breast cancer. Dioxins are highly poisonous to the cells of our bodies. Don't freeze your plastic bottles with water in them as this releases dioxins from the plastic. Recently, Dr. Edward Fujimoto, Wellness Program Manager at Castle Hospital, was on a TV program to explain this health hazard. He talked about dioxins and how bad they are for us. He said that we should not be heating our food in the microwave using plastic containers. This especially applies to foods that contain fat. He said that the combination of fat, high heat, and plastics releases dioxin into the food and ultimately into the cells of the body. Instead, he recommends using glass, such as Corning Ware, Pyrex or ceramic containers for heating food. You get the same results, only without the dioxin. So such things as TV dinners, instant ramen and soups, etc., should be removed from the container and heated in something else. Paper isn't bad but you don't know what is in the paper. It's just safer to use tempered glass, Corning Ware, etc. He reminded us that a while ago some of the fast food restaurants moved away from the foam containers to paper. The dioxin problem is one of the reasons. Also, he pointed out that plastic wrap, such as Saran, is just as >>dangerous when placed over foods to be cooked in the microwave. As the food is nuked, the high heat causes poisonous toxins to actually melt out of the plastic wrap and drip into the food. Cover food with a paper towel instead.

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Shots in the Dark

Edmonton's Radio Sur Sangam is so popular that 10,000 Indo-Canadians bought shortwave sets just so they could listen to it. So why did somebody shoot at the station in the dead of night?

CREDIT: Greg Southam, The Journal

Gursharan Buttar, owner of Radio Sur Sangam, is reflected in a station window still scarred by bullet fired in the early hours of Aug. 7.

EDMONTON - Gursharan Buttar saw the drywall chunks and glass shards on the floor, the thumb-sized bullet holes in the window and wall, and his mind churned.

Why would anyone shoot at his Radio Sur Sangam? Had he been too controversial? Too political? Was it totally random?

He had tried during 11 years of broadcasting to Edmonton Indo-Canadians to be fair and even-handed, to respect the nuances of his community and its multiple languages and religions. Locals were so eager to connect to that community that more than 10,000 of them had bought the special radios required to pick up his station. So why?

The answer was not forthcoming, even when Edmonton police arrived at station at 9437 35th Ave. the morning after the shooting. Two nine-millimetre slugs were fired at Radio Sur Sangam, either late Aug. 6 or early on Aug. 7, while the office was empty, police said, but there was no evidence to suggest the shooting was racially motivated.

The investigators had no suspects, either, and Buttar, his family and his staff were left with dust and doubts, about their safety and the future of the station.

"I was in the building for the last eight years, and there was not a stone thrown at us," said Buttar, a burly, gentle man born in India's Punjab region.

"And then this. I will tell you, I thought about going into a lower-profile business."

Radio Sur Sangam might escape the notice of many Edmontonians, but in the city's Indo-Canadian community, it's a media force.

Buttar, his wife Gurpreet and other Radio Sur Sangam hosts broadcast Punjabi, Hindi, Urdu and Gujarati current-affairs programming, news and traditional and South Asian pop music.

Listeners can hear information ranging from the banal -- tips on a good dentist, bus route information -- to broadly philosophical call-in shows about Canadian immigration, or sex selection among India's expectant parents.

Radiothons in recent years have raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for tsunami relief and the Mazankowski Alberta Heart Institute.

The station piggybacks its signal onto CKUA's 94.9 FM frequency, and live streaming on www.radiosursangam.com of its 24-hour-a-day programming -- half comes from a sister station in Calgary -- routinely draws calls from Internet listeners in Europe, the U.S. and Asia.

Buttar honed his craft in the mid-1990s at CKER, at Apna Sangeet -- another "side band" Edmonton ethnic station -- and on ACCESS TV's Guldasta program. In 2001, he launched Radio Sur Sangam in a southeast Edmonton neighbourhood, hard by the machine shops and light industrial depots near the busy intersection of 91st Street and 34th Avenue.

Several times during a recent interview, Buttar reiterated the politically neutral, inclusive and secular philosophy of his station. He digs from his files a sheaf of letters from southeast Edmonton cultural and political groups, many of which have competing interests but are unanimous in their commendatory thoughts about Radio Sur Sangum.

"This shooting, it's unbelievable, you know. My kids (a son at university, a daughter in high school) are not involved in any gang-related activity. My station takes a very secular approach, not controversial, not aligned with any political party," Buttar said.

"I look at my past life and at my station and I ask: Why would anyone want to harm us?"

On Aug. 6, Rajwinder Klair, the station's program co-ordinator, finished hosting a show at 10:30 p.m. Sometime after that, a shot ripped through her second-floor window into a back wall 10 metres away. Another pierced the outside wall and tore into her desk, at the precise spot where her children sometimes wait for her while she's on-air.

"What if my children had come with me that night, as they often do, and this happened while they were there?" Klair asks rhetorically, and shudders.

Her 12-year-old daughter has since had nightmares in which Klair is killed by gunfire and she and her siblings are orphaned and split up.

The bullet hole in Klair's window is still visible, as is the blunt scar in her desk, but Klair covered the hole in the office wall with a framed certificate from the Alberta legislature, signed by Edmonton Ellerslie Liberal MLA Bharat Agnihotri.

Agnihotri, whose riding sits immediately south of Radio Sur Sangam, was one of 175 people who attended an emergency town-hall meeting on Aug. 20 to discuss the shooting. Many there pledged reward money to Buttar in the event the police can't solve the shooting.

Agnihotri said the meeting's strong turnout proves the station's standing in the city.

"During my election time, (Buttar) opposed me. But politics is politics. I always respect him and he always respects me. He's a good host, very balanced," Agnihotri said.

"I can't imagine why anyone would have any complaints against him. That's why I'm shocked, and why others in the community are shocked. He's not a controversial guy. Somebody has done this very dirty mischief, and this person must be caught and given a harsh punishment."

Agnihotri said the shooting is indicative of rising violence in Edmonton generally, and southeast Edmonton specifically.

"It is scary nowadays. Crime everywhere, especially in the southeast area. I'm scared. I don't go for walks after nine o'clock. We have lost our sons and daughters for years in this community, and the criminals are still out there. I think enough is enough."

Buttar is less quick to associate the shooting with any trend. Perhaps it was a gun-loving drunk, he reasons, randomly blasting away as he walked the desolate side streets from 99th Street or Calgary Trail. Perhaps it was, in fact, a statement against his station, his broadcasts, his ethnicity.

"Perhaps someone is sending a message," Buttar said.

"But what is the message? I would like to know. That would give me some comfort."

In the meantime, he has the good wishes of his neighbours and political leaders like Agnihotri. He has his eager listeners. On a recent evening, as he interviewed Mike Lake, his riding's new Tory MP, then led a two-hour discussion on the purpose of life, the phone rang steadily.

And he has plans, to expand in the new year to the AM dial, so Indo-Canadians in rural Alberta can share their urban cousins' connection to the larger community.

The mystery of the shooting remains, but his musings about "a lower-profile business" have been abandoned, at least.

"I won't be distracted by this," Buttar said.

"This shooting is just one person. And I have thousands of persons with me and I feel their support every minute and that will keep me going."

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Winners Touch Down In Edmonton!

National campaign brings Ontarians to Alberta’s Capital

EDMONTON- July 20, 2006. Gary Osaka and Corey James Osaka arrive Friday, July 21st for their weekend in Alberta’s Capital at the Edmonton Grand Prix, but this is no ordinary vacation.

Gary was one of three lucky people who won an all expenses paid trip for two to Edmonton, as part of a national awareness campaign undertaken by the City of Edmonton to enter everyone in the country into a contest to win a trip to the city.

Gary and Corey’s weekend itinerary includes free tickets to the Edmonton Grand Prix, as well as a special full-speed lap of the track in an official Ford Pace Car vehicle! The vehicle, driven by one of the skilled Pace Car team members, will reach speeds of 180km/hour – quite the adrenaline rush!

Also on the agenda will be some family time. Although Gary is from Markham, Ontario he has family in Edmonton and has been trying to visit them for some time – this trip is a very welcome surprise!

Gary and Corey will be available for media interviews:

After arrival Date: Friday July 21st Time: 11:30 am Location: Grand Prix grounds media centre

Before departure Date: Sunday July 23rd Time: 10:30 am Location: Grand Prix grounds media centre

The Come Visit Edmonton Campaign has already generated national interest. It is one of a series of national campaigns developed by the City of Edmonton to create more awareness about the great things in Edmonton – the events, the business and the people – and also to re-ED-ucate the rest of Canada about Alberta’s Capital City.

For instance, did you know:

· Edmonton has more park space than New York?

· There are more golf courses per capita than any other city in Canada?

· There is more than $85 billion dollars of investment planned for the Edmonton region?

About Edmonton:

Edmonton, Alberta’s capital city, serves north-western Canada and is the heart of a region of more than one million people. Edmonton is Canada’s health care hub and an international pacesetter in health innovation, discovery and education; a global leader in environmental stewardship; and a culturally diverse centre with a passion for the arts and sports. Well-positioned to support northern resource development, Edmonton enjoys one of the world’s most cost-competitive business environments, and was rated by the Conference Board of Canada as the top city for economic growth in the country in 2005. Edmonton is unrivalled in its combination of affordability, prosperity and opportunity, making it an ideal place to live, work, invest and visit.

For more information on Edmonton, please visit our website at: www.edmonton.ca.

Silver Lining Ltd. (www.silverlining.ws) is a business development company founded in Edmonton, Alberta. With a second office now in Toronto, Ontario, the company has 10 experienced and dedicated staff across Canada. Silver Lining works with small to medium sized companies to build 1 year business plans and then develops and executes innovative communication strategies to reach the business plan goals.

For additional information contact:

Robert Moyles Acting Branch Manager Communications 780-496-8278 780-886-3877 Carissa Reiniger, Founder & President

Silver Lining Ltd.

O: 780-409-2647

C: 416-809-0618

carissa@silverlining.ws

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Edmonton Community Services General Manager Announces Decision to Retire from Public Service

Community Services General Manager Deryl Kloster announced his decision to retire from the City of Edmonton on October 1, 2006.

The announcement was made this afternoon to Edmonton city council, senior management and employees.

Deryl has provided exceptional leadership to the City of Edmonton as General Manager for the Community Services Department (since November 2003), and the Emergency Response Department (June 2001 to October 2003). Including his prior experience with the cities of Grande Prairie and Airdrie, Deryl has served the public for more than 30 years in various municipal government roles.

Although his retirement isn’t until the fall, the recruitment of a new General Manager will begin shortly with a Canada-wide search. The recruitment and selection process should be concluded in April ensuring adequate time for a smooth transition. Through the coming months under Deryl’s leadership, plans and programs will continue in Community Services without interruption.

Deryl has been well-respected by Edmonton City Council, City of Edmonton staff, and the many partner groups, associations and other organizations he has worked with over the years. Deryl’s service to the City of Edmonton is commendable, and his years of experience, skill, professionalism, positive attitude and personable style will be missed.

Deryl and his wife Nancy are both retiring at the same time to enjoy life at a different pace and explore their dreams together, and we wish them well.

Edmonton, Alberta’s capital city, serves a region of more than one-million people. It is a leading international centre for education, health care, the arts and sports, and is unrivalled in its combination of affordability, prosperity and opportunity. A hub for northern resource development, Edmonton enjoys one of the world’s most cost-competitive business environments, and was rated by the Conference Board of Canada as the top city for economic growth in the country in 2005. It is an ideal place to live, work, invest and visit.

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World Masters Games’ Economic Impact Double Original Projections

A modest investment has paid major dividends for Canada according to a report released today on the economic impact of the Edmonton 2005 World Masters Games. In total, the Games pumped $70.3 million into the Canadian economy, with $36.4 million going directly to the Edmonton region -- double the original projections.

The Games were staged on a $15 million budget. All three orders of government invested in the cost of staging the Games, with $4 million coming from the Province, $4 million from the federal government and $2.5 million from the City of Edmonton.

Estimates made in 2002 pegged the economic impact in Edmonton at $15.4 million and $31.1 in Canada as a whole.

“The World Masters Games was an unknown commodity in Canada when we first won the right to host it,” explains Barry Anderson, the Games’ Executive Director. “There were a lot of people participating in sports at this level, but the Masters Games name and the concept of sports travel wasn’t widespread.”

As awareness grew, the Games greatly surpassed its original target of 16,000 registrations. In the end, 21,600 athletes registered, which meant significantly more activity for the economy. The report written by Deloitte and Touche LLP notes that expenditures by visiting participants accounted for much of the economic boost.

“The people of the Edmonton region made their own good fortune, says Mayor Stephen Mandel. “It was the hard work of thousands of volunteers and the warm welcome of Edmontonians that made this event such a tremendous success. It’s who we are – we can welcome the world and put on spectacular events like no other city.”

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Edmonton 2005 World Masters Games Results

Economic Impact

· Impact on Canada: $70.3 million (2002 estimate: $31.1 million)

· Impact on the Edmonton region: $36.4 million (2002 estimate: $15.4 million)

· Participants’ expenditures during the Games and during extended stays contributed significantly to the economic impact.

Investment

· Games operating budget: $15 million

· All three orders of government funded the Games’ operating costs:

o City of Edmonton: $2.5 million

o Province of Alberta: $4 million

o Government of Canada: $4 million

· The rest of the budget was covered through registrations, sponsorship and merchandise revenue.

· There were no capital expenditures associated with the 2005 World Masters Games.

Visitors

· Nearly 25,000 hotel nights were booked.

· Fifteen per cent of American visitors and 55 per cent of visitors from other countries extended their stay to pursue further travel and tour opportunities.

· The average expenditure during these extended holidays for American visitors was nearly $2,000 and nearly $6,000 for international visitors.

· Text Box: Expenditures by Canadian participants before and after the Games were not included in the economic impact totals because they are considered a redistribution of normal expenditures in Canada. However, their spending nonetheless had an impact on the region.

· Visitors praised the hospitality of the Games volunteers and the friendliness of city residents. Other significant highlights mentioned included: the river valley and its trails, accessible city transit, the city’s cleanliness and its vibrant downtown core.

Registration

· 21,600 athletes. Original target: 16,000.

· The Edmonton 2005 World Masters Games were by far the largest ever held in North America. Registration numbers were close to those seen in Australia, where masters sport is a known commodity with an established participant base.

· The World Masters Games is the largest sport event in the world in terms of athletes. The 2004 Olympic Games in Athens, for example, hosted 10,625 athletes.

· In addition to the athletes, almost 3,000 companions, coaches and team managers registered.

· Athletes came from 89 countries.

· One-third of participants were from outside Canada. Twenty per cent were from outside Alberta, 25 per cent were from outside Edmonton:

o Canada: 14,267

o U.S.: 1,973

o Other countries: 5,360

Other benefits

Additional benefits that were not tracked by researchers include:

o International exposure

o Enhanced reputation as an international host

o Civic pride

Economic impact study

· Conducted by Deloitte and Touche LLP

· Pre- and post-Games participant surveys conducted through the University of Alberta Faculty of Physical Education and Recreation

At the closing ceremonies, Kai Holm,

the President of the International Masters Games Association

pronounced:

These were the perfect games.

Edmonton has raised the bar significantly for host cities.

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Local International Day Celebration to Feature East Coast Music Award Winner, Terry Kelly

Members of the media are invited to attend a special event to celebrate the International Day of Disabled Persons on Friday, December 2, 2005 in the City Room at City Hall. The event will feature keynote speaker, Terry Kelly, award winning singer, songwriter and entertainer, as well as East Coast Music Award winner and Canadian Country Music Association Music Award and Juno nominee.

The program starts at 10:15 a.m. with Terry’s keynote address, and continues with a formal program at 11:45 a.m. when Mayor Stephen Mandel will formally proclaim December 3, International Day of Disabled Persons. The Honourable Anne McLellan, Deputy Prime Minster of Canada, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness and MP, Edmonton Centre will bring greetings from the Government of Canada, and Rob Lougheed, MLA Strathcona and Chair, Premier’s Council on the Status of Persons with Disabilities will present two Premier’s Council Awards of Excellence.

· What: International Day of Disabled Persons

· Time: 10:15 a.m.

· Where: City Room, City Hall

· Who: Honourable Anne McLellan, MP Edmonton Centre

Rob Lougheed, MLA Strathcona

Mayor Stephen Mandel

Terry Kelly

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EDMONTON REGIONAL AIRPORTS AUTHORITY

2006 APPOINTMENT

Edmonton City Council has appointed Robert Walker to the Board of Directors of the Edmonton Regional Airports Authority for a four-year term. Mr. Walker is Vice President and Branch Manager of Ledcor Construction Limited. In addition, he is the owner of a Western Canadian based Project Management Company.

Edmonton Airports is a financially independent corporation that is charged with managing and operating four airports in a safe, secure and efficient manner. The corporation is not-for-profit and all proceeds from operations are re-invested into the corporation.

Mr. Walker will serve with five other Directors appointed by Edmonton City Council, as well as Directors appointed by the Federal Government and other municipalities.

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Michael J. Boyd unanimous selection for Edmonton Police Chief

EDMONTON – In a unanimous vote, City Council today ratified the appointment of Michael J. Boyd as Edmonton’s new Chief of Police. A highly accomplished and well regarded 35-year police professional, Boyd recently retired as interim Chief of Police for the Toronto Police Service.

Scheduled to begin his position in Edmonton, January 4, 2006, the selection of Boyd has been endorsed by the Edmonton Police Services (EPS) as well as external police service watchers and commentators.

Police Commission Chair Brian Gibson, who led the recruitment effort, is pleased with the results. “Our goal was to find the best candidate we could for this important job,” said Gibson. “Michael Boyd has all of the factors, qualities and experience we cited as vital for this leadership position.”

"I am very pleased to welcome Michael Boyd to the City of Edmonton,” said Mayor Stephen Mandel. “The Edmonton Police Service is a tremendous organization that will continue to do well under an experienced leader of his caliber. Mr. Boyd’s strengths and solid background will help our service grow, innovate, overcome new challenges, and continue to offer outstanding service to the citizens of our Capital City."

Mandel congratulated the Commission for providing a great service to the City. “By working through an exhaustive process, they have clearly come forth with a tremendous candidate,” said Mandel. “I applaud their efforts and thank them, on behalf of all Edmontonians, for their service."

The Mayor also offered congratulations and his appreciation to Acting Chief Darryl DaCosta for his service to the Edmonton Police Service and the City. "Darryl stepped into the challenging role of acting chief and has done an outstanding job for our city and for our service. He deserves our thanks. I know he will continue to be a vital part of EPS leadership team."

Boyd anticipates his new duties, and new location, with enthusiasm. “I was attracted to Edmonton because it has one of the best reputations for Police Services in North America. I am extremely proud to be part of this great organization,” says Boyd. “The changes now underway are leading edge and progressive. I intend to ensure the positive momentum continues.”

Michael J. Boyd, C.O.M.*

Professional Background and Contract Summary

Toronto Police Service 1969 to 2004; March – April 2005

- Chief of Police - Interim (March – April 2005)

- Deputy Chief of Police

- Policing Support Command (2001 – 2004 retired)

- Central Field Command (1997 – 2001)

- Detective Support Command (1995 – 1997)

Additional Points of Interest:

- Began his career as a Cadet at the age of 17

- Received an early promotion to become a member of Toronto’s Homicide Squad.

- Has lectured extensively nationally and internationally.

- Pioneered innovation policing techniques - developed and enhanced investigative techniques and processes using SCAN; and designed, developed first major case management computer program.

· 1991 – 1995 worked with the Police College - led a team in the design and delivery of the Policing and Diversity course that was acknowledged in British Journals for innovation in “affective” or “attitudinal” training for police officers.

· In 1995, Michael Boyd was promoted to Deputy Chief. He was the youngest Deputy in Toronto’s history and the first to ever skip 5 ranks in a promotion.

· In 1997, he created and introduced Strategic Crime Management, a model of intelligence led policing that integrated crime prevention, law enforcement and problem solving within a community policing strategy.

· Recognized leader in the field of Public Safety - was the Chief’s designate on Toronto’s Emergency Operations Control Group.

Professional Development, Accomplishments and Awards of Merit:

· Re-investigated Canada’s most notorious mass murder case.

· Senior Advisor, National Relations, Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse (CCSA)

· Member, Strategic Advisory Team, Toronto Drug Strategy

· Consultant to the RCMP – developed the first national Drug Recognition Expertise training program.

· Chair of the Drug Abuse Committee for CACP (2001 – 2003)

· Graduate of the F.B.I. National Academy Program

· Certificate in Criminal Justice, University of Virginia

· Completed F.B.I’s National Executive Institute Course 1998

· Invested as Commander of the Order of Merit (COM*) of the Police Forces by Adrienne Clarkson, Governor General of Canada “for the highest qualities of citizenship and service to Canada by leading the policing community in developing intelligence led policing initiatives and combating organized crime”

· 2004 – Awarded the Medal of Merit by the Toronto Police Board

· 2002 – Awarded the Queen’s Golden Jubilee Medal

Contract Summary

· Base Salary: $200,000 with annual bonus up to 10 per cent

· Contract Start Date and Length: January 1, 2006; 3-year contract length, renewable for 3 years

· Vehicle: Lease of a new full-sized (police equipped) vehicle every 3 years.

· Benefits: As per Senior Officers Association Agreement

· Pension: Equivalent payment to RRSP

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Introducing: Edmonton's City Farm Info

info@city-farm.org

www.city-farm.org

Dear friend / colleague: we'd like to introduce you to a new and exciting project underway in our city… Edmonton's City Farm, the 'first of its kind in North America'. City Farm is a place where children, youth, families, educators and students can learn more about the urban and rural environments and their inter-relationships with plants, animals and the importance of the seasons.

Both urban & rural residents of greater Edmonton are invited into this community-based, sustainable, small-scale farm experience. The farm will facilitate learning through a wide range of activities including adventure play, as it provides the opportunity for all to expand their knowledge of the natural environment through exploration, discovery and the power of imagination.

Everyone is invited to partake in the first ground-breaking events at City Farm Edmonton as active participants. Join us, and be the first known Canadian 'pioneers' to experience City Farm activities and build the project from the ground up!

Note: We also have a special need for enthusiastic volunteers as well as donations of the following materials for the project: Old Newspapers; Bags of leaves and grass clippings; Cinder blocks; Milk crates or buckets; Lawn chairs or outdoor furniture.

Register today or sign up as a volunteer for this free hands-on family event!

. September 24 / 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Register by Sept 22 > What can you do with straw, plastic drop sheets, and 2x4's? Experiment with simple greenhouse design. Learn about pumps and simple irrigation. Kids -design and build City Farm's first Barn…or ship! Fall Planting.

For more information about Edmonton City Farm, our upcoming Youth Program Retreat for youth between 14 -18! and how you, your family and your neighbours can get involved, please contact:

Andrea Jones, City Farm Edmonton Program Leader Phone: (780) 886-6091 / Fax: (780) 482-1260 e-mail: info@city-farm.org / www.city-farm.org

To get to the City Farm site: Drive North on the Manning freeway, past 167 Avenue. As the highway begins to curve to the right, you will notice the large Sikh white-domed temple on the left hand side. Approximately 100 meters before the temple there is a turn off to the right (195 Avenue). Take this turn-off and follow the signs to Riverbend Gardens. You stay on 195 Avenue until the road ends at City Farm.

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2005 Royal Visit a Success Story

As the schedule of world-viewed events hosted by Edmonton continues, paper work is concluding on the occasion that launched what has been a series of international showcases for the Capital City. The Royal Couple’s visit to Edmonton in May was first in a flurry of high-profile events including the West Edmonton Mall Grand Prix of Edmonton and the World Masters Games, profiling the city through the summer months.

“We had the opportunity to develop the City’s portion of the royal visit into an event effectively positioning Edmonton as a city rich in spirit, pride and culture,” says City Manager Al Maurer. “The message was clear: Edmonton is not only a great place to live and work but, as the many dignitaries and guests we hosted experienced, it is a great place to visit.”

When asked to expand the original plans for a walkabout in Churchill Square, the City responded. “We designed a walkabout featuring aspects we felt distinguished Edmonton,” explains Maurer. “Youth and our vibrant arts culture were elements we felt were important to highlight.”

Hosting a Royal Visit is a privilege with payoffs, explains Maurer. “Events like this place the host city on the international stage. Recognizing the extensive media potential, we wanted viewers around the world to have a positive glimpse of Edmonton – who we are and what we have to offer. Very few cities had this kind of opportunity during the royal tour,” Maurer says.

During the walkabout, Edmonton youth performed on seven stages. More than 7,000 Edmontonians filled Churchill Square to welcome the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh or to offer flowers. The royal couple was visible at all times through two giant TV screens.

Crowd control and safety considerations were key in event planning. Edmonton Police Service members were on hand at the walkabout in uniforms and street clothes. Crowd control barricades were rented to delineate the Queen’s path and define viewing areas for the public.

The final cost for the City of Edmonton Royal Visit event at Churchill Square was $326,000 with large portions of the expense related to staging, audio visual equipment and barricades.

“This has been a spectacular year for showcasing the Capital City,” Maurer says. “The citizens of Edmonton, through their participation and support, believe in what our community and our city has to offer. The success of the royal visit began a summer of growing momentum and pride that seems to be earning Edmonton a solid place on the world stage.”

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Edmonton Planning and Development Department wins top provincial planning Award

The Alberta Association, Canadian Institute of Planners, (AACI.P) announced yesterday the winners of its annual awards for planning excellence in Alberta during the national planning conference being held in Calgary. AACIP’s top award, the Award of Excellence, was presented to the City of Edmonton Planning and Development Department for its “Smart Choices for Developing Our Community” project. “This project represents Edmonton’s approach to sustaining its quality of life. The program is designed to build on existing infrastructure and provide a strategic approach to increasing density in Edmonton’s mature neighbourhoods. Smart Choices has changed the frame of reference for citizens, council, and the administration and will ultimately change Edmonton’s urban landscape” says Mary Ann McConnell-Boehm, Project Lead.

Armin A. Preiksaitis & Associates in association with the City of Edmonton received an Award of Merit for the “Century Park” project. Century Park is a development plan for an innovative, mixed use urban village. It is the largest condominium project ever approved in the City of Edmonton.

The Edmonton Federation of Community Leagues also received an Award of Merit for its “Community Consultation in the Planning and Development Process” guide. This guide provides an overview of the development and consultation process from conception to development completion and offers information, tools, resources and encouragement to enhance the development process.

AACIP is the professional association that represents 650 community planners working in Alberta, Nunavut and. Northwest Territories. Professional planners are at the centre of many of the major issues shaping our communities today, in cities, towns and rural communities. They help determine strategies for accommodating our rapid population growth, develop new residential and industrial subdivisions, create attractive urban centres, design effective pathway systems, promote community involvement and public participation, and solve complex traffic issues. “No other recognized profession deals with the same breadth and complexity of issues and the AACIP Planning Awards celebrate some of the best of the past year’s work”, said Bill Shaw the Awards Committee Chairman.

Other winners included Stantec Consulting Ltd. who received an Award of Merit for its “Heartland Regional Pipeline Corridor and Setback Study” undertaken for Alberta’s Industrial Heartland Association comprised of The City of Fort Saskatchewan, and the counties of Lamont, Strathcona, and Sturgeon. “The study located proposed new energy sector pipelines in the most efficient manner and safest routes possible”, explained John Steil of Stantec.

Debra Nel Korevaar received the Danny Makale Silver Medallion, Faculty of Environmental Design, University of Calgary for the Best Masters Degree Project in 2004-2005, for her project entitled “Proximity, Pocketbooks, and Preferences: A Study of University of Calgary Off-Campus Renters”.

Kelly Learned received the 2004-2005 Research Grant for Best Proposal for a Masters Degree Project, Faculty of Environmental Design, University of Calgary for her proposed Green Roofs Incentives, Policy and Regulations for Calgary project.

Stephanie Saunders received the 2004-2005 First Year Student Award at Faculty of Environmental Design, University of Calgary for the best academic performance for a first year student.

Allison Gliege received the 2004-2005 Best Academic Performance in Urban and Regional Studies Prize, University of Lethbridge for her outstanding academic performance as a graduating student.

David Cocks received the 2004-2005 Best Academic Performance in Urban and Regional Studies Book Prize, University of Lethbridge for his best academic performance for a first year student.

AACIP Contacts: Greg Birch, AACIP Communications Chair, Phone: 403-609-7379

Jamal Ramjohn, AACIP President, Phone: 403-614-7480

Edmonton Federation of Community Leagues: Felix Horne, Phone: 437-2913

Armin A. Preiksaitis & Associates Contact: Armin Preiksaitis, Phone: 423-6824

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Edmonton Police Commission Appointment

Edmonton City Council has appointed Mr. William Daye to the Edmonton Police Commission for the remainder of the 2005 term.

Mr. William (Bill) Daye is a partner in the accounting firm of Daye and Company. He has served on the board of Big Brothers Big Sisters and on various committees with the Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants.

Mr. Daye will join fellow Commissioners, Sandra Woitas, John F. Brosseau, Don Sieben, Murray Billett, Brian Gibson, Roger Laing, and Councilors Jane Batty and Dave Thiele for the 2005 term.

The Edmonton Police Commission is a legislated public body established under the Police Act to ensure that effective and efficient policing services are provided to the citizens of Edmonton.

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