My Blog - News And Notes From The Capital Region

It's critical for my business to keep up-to-date of all the news and notes from the capital region. My blog is updated frequently to keep my clients informed about what happening in Edmonton and the surrounding areas. My goal is to show any visitors to my site a glimpse of the current issues affecting the local area. Anytime you want to get in touch to chat about the real estate market or the news featured in my blog, please feel free to ring me on (780) 504-6674 or send an e-mail to ryan@philipenko.com.

Tuesday July 19/2011 - Northlands Seeking City Approval for Replacing 8,000 Seats at Rexall Place

There has been an ongoing debate about the Edmonton Oilers moving from Rexall Place to a new arena for some time now. Despite this fact, Northlands, one of the chief operators of Rexall Place has asked city council to approve a plan to spend $770,000 on putting new seats into that venue. This plan is one of four that councilors will be asked to look at in the coming week. If any one plan draws an objection, then none of them will go forward.

Northlands has an agreement with the city that it will vet any projects for Rexall Place that exceeds a $750,000 budget. Such budget items are routinely sent to council from Northlands. This one is causing questions because of the new arena. Cathy Kiss, spokesperson for the organization, advises that the plan is to replace 8,000 seats in the venue’s lower section that are badly worn. Kiss noted that Northlands hosts other events in the venue and will continue to do so for years and that the upgrade is needed. Northlands is not part of the negotiations for the new arena.

Since this is not a request for money, but only for approval, council is expected to grant the request. The concern is the timing of the request, considering that council just recently approved the go ahead for the negotiations on the new arena, which will cost $450 million. Part of the negotiations is finding out how and who will be paying for construction of the arena.

Friday July 8/2011 - CFB Edmonton Has a New Commander

Lt. Col. John Reiffenstein is the new commander of CFB Edmonton. He took over his role this past Thursday while at a parade ceremony inside the Garrison. Lt. Col. Tom Bradley, the base’s prior commander, is retiring from the military. Reiffenstein was introduced to the crowd by Col. Scott Kennedy, who noted the incoming commander was hand picked by one of the military’s generals.

Reiffenstein bring with him the experience gained during tours of duty in Bosnia, Rwanda, Uganda and Croatia. He has served for 23 years in the Canadian Forces, with his last assignment being in Ottawa, as part of the Directorate of Peacekeeping Policy. The Lt. Col. was elated at the appointment, partially because of the special relationship the base has with the civilian population, both in the Edmonton area and within the province of Alberta. He has already been on base for the last week, getting a handle on his new assignment.

Another change of command ceremony was held earlier on Thursday. Lt. Col. Jeff Smyth turned over command of the 408th Tactical Helicopter Squadron to Lt. Co. John Casey, who has been with Canadian Forces since 1989.

Tuesday June 28/2011 - Abandoned Gas Station Site May Get Much Needed Facelift

There once was an Esso gas station at Whyte Avenue and 105th Street. It has long been abandoned. In its place is a fenced off field that is still contaminated by gas left by its former tenant. Unloved, abandoned and still owned by Imperial Oil, the site is an eyesore that the neighbourhood wants very much to be rid of. Hints have been dropped, once in the form of a blackboard on the site where people would write in what they wished the site would become. Another neighbor planted flowers along the outside, but they didn’t survive.

Philip Deeg, an architectural technologist came up with an idea for the Imperial-Centennial Park to be created on the site, just in time for the 100 year anniversary of Strathcona becoming part of the City of Edmonton. That happens in 2012. His concept includes a stage, retail outlets and a park, the latter of which could be recycled when the land was no longer contaminated.

Imperial Oil has decided to clear off the contaminated topsoil and sell the land. Who exactly will buy the property is unclear. There is a remote chance that Imperial Oil may be convinced to donate the property, which would make the park idea a viable option. Philip Deeg intends to approach the company, explain the project, and ask them to do just that. You never know…

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