July 16, 2012
16/07/2012 06:02
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hot coffee and spend 10 minutes to start your day with St. Albert's only daily news site.
Not from St. Albert? Not to worry, there's plenty for you too.
A great way to put a smile on your face before you begin your day.
Have an opinion, gripe or grin to share? Use our Live Chat feature below to share it with other readers. Try our frequent recipes. Give our puzzles a whirl or a game of hangman. Check out our outstanding linked photos. Got a story or photo to share? Want to wish someone happy birthday or anniversary? We love your stuff from any location. Go ahead, send it in. We dare you!
Best of all, it's all free thanks to our advertisers. Enjoy and please, tell your friends. And be sure to check back often each day as the site can be updated as events occur. Follow @mybirdietweets
Agreement Provides Downtown
Parking For Public Events
Grandin Park Plaza parkade opens up 250 parking stalls
The City of St. Albert and Grandin Park Properties Inc. (Amacon) have signed an agreement that will open up 250 covered parking stalls in the Grandin Park Plaza parkade for weekend and holiday special events held in St. Albert’s downtown.
“It’s important to the City of St. Albert that we have a thriving downtown, where residents and visitors alike can come together and celebrate,” says Mayor Nolan Crouse. “By making it easier for people to find parking, we are encouraging them to visit and do business in downtown St. Albert.”
The agreement with Amacon, which is at no cost to the City, will come into effect later this year for Remembrance Day celebrations (November 11, 2012), as well as the Snowflake Festival (November 30, 2012). In 2013, the agreement includes the following events: Rainmaker Rodeo Parade, Northern Alberta International Children’s Festival, St. Albert and District Chamber of Commerce Outdoor Farmers’ Market (Saturdays), Canada Day, Rock’n August, Remembrance Day and the Snowflake Festival.
Temporary public event parking signs will be constructed and put up at Grandin Park Plaza parkade directing people to the available parking spaces during the specific 2012 and 2013 downtown events. The Grandin Park Plaza parkade is located at 22 Sir Winston Churchill Avenue. - You read it first here on SAP, today at 10:40 a.m.
Temporary Truck Crossing And Heavy
Truck Traffic On Ray Gibbon Drive
Final phases of Riel Park Redevelopment Underway
As construction on Riel Park Redevelopment Phases 3 and 4 begins July 23, 2012, motorists on Ray Gibbon Drive will notice an increase in heavy truck traffic and delays due to a temporary road crossing that will be constructed approximately 400 metres south the Sturgeon River bridge.
Until November 30, 2012, trucks will be making about 190 round trips a day hauling approximately 141,000 m³ of clay and 32,800 m³ of topsoil to the Riel Park site. Trucks will use both on- and off-road routes for hauling when travelling to and from the temporary crossing site from three locations:
* west of the Ray Gibbon Drive/LeClair Way intersection
* west side of the Starling Subdivision south of 137th Avenue, west of Ray Gibbon
* northwest corner of Ray Gibbon Drive and Giroux Road
“With the Riel Park Redevelopment adjacent to one of our major thoroughfares, we realize that this construction will be an inconvenience for motorists,” says Jon Cleland, Project Manager, City of St. Albert Capital Projects. “We continue to look for ways to keep the traffic flowing as much as possible, ensure everyone’s safety, yet still get the project done on time and on budget. We ask for motorists’ patience through this construction and that they maintain the posted speed limit.”
Temporary traffic lights at the Ray Gibbon Drive crossing will be controlled and adjusted by a trained flag person during working hours. To ease impact on traffic, starting September 3, trucks will be restricted from using the temporary crossing during peak traffic times (7 to 9 a.m. and 4 to 6 p.m.). The crossing location will have steel plates on the roadway and these will remain in place during off hours. When workers are not on site, the traffic signals will be in “amber flash” mode and the speed reduction signs posted will still be in effect.
As part of the Riel Park Redevelopment, a portion of the Red Willow Trail will be temporarily closed between Levasseur Road and the Sturgeon River bridge until fall 2013 due to the truck crossing and site redevelopment. Access to Lois Hole Centennial Provincial Park and the BLESS platform remains open via Rodeo Drive.
“Motorists and trail users are advised to watch for signs,” adds Cleland.
This project is in the final phases of remediating the old landfill and sewage lagoons at the soccer and rugby fields on 51 and 61 Riel Drive. It involves capping, grading and re-establishing the landscaping of the remaining landfill sections to prevent water from penetrating the landfill and potentially generating leachate. This work will help to protect the Sturgeon River and surrounding environment. Once the cap is in place, the existing playing fields and irrigation system will be reconstructed. During construction, the soccer and rugby fields will be closed. The Riel Park Remediation construction project is expected to be completed by July 2013. Fields will be open for use by August 2014 once the grass has become fully established and ready for play. - You read it first here on SAP, today at 11:45 a.m.
Public Has Right To Know Starbucks Profit Or Loss
Yesterday, we sent the following email to councillor Cam MacKay with a copy to the other six members of city council:
Hi Cam,
When city council decided to gamble by investing taxpayers money in a business venture, (Starbucks in Servus Place), did they not also realize they had a responsibility to those taxpayers to release progress reports on how that money is doing as an investment in the public sector?
I think it is time for full public disclosure, now that it has been in operation over six months and request that council be forthwith in providing that information to the public. Any well-run business has such figures at their fingertips every 30 days and the city should be using such accepted business practices.
Would you please be kind enough to put in an information request for the profit or loss statement to date to be pubic at the next council meeting available?
You must agree this is public information, don't you?
Don Sinclair
St. Albert
Cam's Response:
I just asked the question as to when this will be released today (July 15).
Cam MacKay
SINC SAYS:
We note that Cam has 'asked' when administration will release the information. Is that not the tail wagging the dog? Council should instruct administration to release the information, should they not? The public should be made aware how the outlet is progressing and if it is in fact making the anticipated profit council claimed it would of about $90,000 per year. Or will council try and hide the information from the public if they goofed and it is losing money? We can only assume it is losing money if council or administration refuses to release the information.
Yellowhead Highway Still Closed This Morning
That Highway 16 washout near Stony Plain is still an issue this morning. This photo, taken yesterday morning by fishing columnist Paul C. shows why the highway was shut down for repairs.
Prince Edward Island Or Bust
Travellers Doug and Helen visited the Notre Dame Cathedral in Quebec City.
_________________________________________________________________
BBC News Feed:
Welcome To St. Albert's Place Live Chat
Links To Other Stories In The News:
Drought in Central, Eastern Canada baking crops - CBC
UK government downplays Olympic security snafu - CNN
Several injured after lightning hits Ontario festival - CTV
Mudslide forces evacuation at Fairmont Hot Springs - Edmonton Journal
Remains found in B.C. mudslide: RCMP - Edmonton Sun
__________________________________________________________________
The Things That People Send Us
An ingenious way to make a scoop . . .
Playing
Baseball
In Space
Trick Golf Shots
Everyone loves a great shot in golf, but how about these?
____________________________________________________________________________________________________
Playing Tomorrow Night At LB's Pub
JULY 17
Dennis Meneely (Keyboards)
Dennis is a veteran of the Edmonton music scene dating back to the mid sixties with his first band "WHY US". Like most musicians from that period he was inspired by the Beatles and the whole 'British Invasion'. Along with the music came the progressive rock attitude that he has remained faithful to throughout his career. In 2012 Dennis is a 32-year-member of long running band 'Tacoy Ryde' and a member in good standing with 'Fist Full of Blues' and Cold Feet. He has numerous recording credits dating back to the sixties when he and 'Colored Rain' recorded one of his original songs in Clovis, New Mexico in the same studio where Buddy Holly recorded. His most recent recordings are with Tacoy Ryde, Fist Full of Blues, Doug Jensen, Karl Andriuk and many TV and film submissions. As well as his regular bands, Dennis has toured extensively with Kenny Sheilds/Streethart and 80's rockers Toronto with Holly Woods. He has been in bands and duo's with Lionel Rault, Bobby Cameron, Darrel Barr, Jimmy Whiffen and most recently with band mate Dale Ladouceur. At home he enjoys songwriting, teaching piano and learning jazz standards to perform at seniors residences.
The Tuesday
Moosehead/Barsnbands
Open Stage
Every Tuesday night from 9:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m.
Hosts Mark Ammar, Jim Dyck and Randy Forsberg
Moosehead Beer Specials and barsnbands prizes
Moosehead Beer
Barsnbands
hot coffee and spend 10 minutes to start your day with St. Albert's only daily news site.
Not from St. Albert? Not to worry, there's plenty for you too.
A great way to put a smile on your face before you begin your day.
Have an opinion, gripe or grin to share? Use our Live Chat feature below to share it with other readers. Try our frequent recipes. Give our puzzles a whirl or a game of hangman. Check out our outstanding linked photos. Got a story or photo to share? Want to wish someone happy birthday or anniversary? We love your stuff from any location. Go ahead, send it in. We dare you!
Best of all, it's all free thanks to our advertisers. Enjoy and please, tell your friends. And be sure to check back often each day as the site can be updated as events occur. Follow @mybirdietweets
Agreement Provides Downtown
Parking For Public Events
The City of St. Albert and Grandin Park Properties Inc. (Amacon) have signed an agreement that will open up 250 covered parking stalls in the Grandin Park Plaza parkade for weekend and holiday special events held in St. Albert’s downtown.
“It’s important to the City of St. Albert that we have a thriving downtown, where residents and visitors alike can come together and celebrate,” says Mayor Nolan Crouse. “By making it easier for people to find parking, we are encouraging them to visit and do business in downtown St. Albert.”
The agreement with Amacon, which is at no cost to the City, will come into effect later this year for Remembrance Day celebrations (November 11, 2012), as well as the Snowflake Festival (November 30, 2012). In 2013, the agreement includes the following events: Rainmaker Rodeo Parade, Northern Alberta International Children’s Festival, St. Albert and District Chamber of Commerce Outdoor Farmers’ Market (Saturdays), Canada Day, Rock’n August, Remembrance Day and the Snowflake Festival.
Temporary public event parking signs will be constructed and put up at Grandin Park Plaza parkade directing people to the available parking spaces during the specific 2012 and 2013 downtown events. The Grandin Park Plaza parkade is located at 22 Sir Winston Churchill Avenue. - You read it first here on SAP, today at 10:40 a.m.
Temporary Truck Crossing And Heavy
Truck Traffic On Ray Gibbon Drive
Final phases of Riel Park Redevelopment Underway
As construction on Riel Park Redevelopment Phases 3 and 4 begins July 23, 2012, motorists on Ray Gibbon Drive will notice an increase in heavy truck traffic and delays due to a temporary road crossing that will be constructed approximately 400 metres south the Sturgeon River bridge.
Until November 30, 2012, trucks will be making about 190 round trips a day hauling approximately 141,000 m³ of clay and 32,800 m³ of topsoil to the Riel Park site. Trucks will use both on- and off-road routes for hauling when travelling to and from the temporary crossing site from three locations:
* west of the Ray Gibbon Drive/LeClair Way intersection
* west side of the Starling Subdivision south of 137th Avenue, west of Ray Gibbon
* northwest corner of Ray Gibbon Drive and Giroux Road
“With the Riel Park Redevelopment adjacent to one of our major thoroughfares, we realize that this construction will be an inconvenience for motorists,” says Jon Cleland, Project Manager, City of St. Albert Capital Projects. “We continue to look for ways to keep the traffic flowing as much as possible, ensure everyone’s safety, yet still get the project done on time and on budget. We ask for motorists’ patience through this construction and that they maintain the posted speed limit.”
Temporary traffic lights at the Ray Gibbon Drive crossing will be controlled and adjusted by a trained flag person during working hours. To ease impact on traffic, starting September 3, trucks will be restricted from using the temporary crossing during peak traffic times (7 to 9 a.m. and 4 to 6 p.m.). The crossing location will have steel plates on the roadway and these will remain in place during off hours. When workers are not on site, the traffic signals will be in “amber flash” mode and the speed reduction signs posted will still be in effect.
As part of the Riel Park Redevelopment, a portion of the Red Willow Trail will be temporarily closed between Levasseur Road and the Sturgeon River bridge until fall 2013 due to the truck crossing and site redevelopment. Access to Lois Hole Centennial Provincial Park and the BLESS platform remains open via Rodeo Drive.
“Motorists and trail users are advised to watch for signs,” adds Cleland.
This project is in the final phases of remediating the old landfill and sewage lagoons at the soccer and rugby fields on 51 and 61 Riel Drive. It involves capping, grading and re-establishing the landscaping of the remaining landfill sections to prevent water from penetrating the landfill and potentially generating leachate. This work will help to protect the Sturgeon River and surrounding environment. Once the cap is in place, the existing playing fields and irrigation system will be reconstructed. During construction, the soccer and rugby fields will be closed. The Riel Park Remediation construction project is expected to be completed by July 2013. Fields will be open for use by August 2014 once the grass has become fully established and ready for play. - You read it first here on SAP, today at 11:45 a.m.
Public Has Right To Know Starbucks Profit Or Loss
Yesterday, we sent the following email to councillor Cam MacKay with a copy to the other six members of city council:
When city council decided to gamble by investing taxpayers money in a business venture, (Starbucks in Servus Place), did they not also realize they had a responsibility to those taxpayers to release progress reports on how that money is doing as an investment in the public sector?
I think it is time for full public disclosure, now that it has been in operation over six months and request that council be forthwith in providing that information to the public. Any well-run business has such figures at their fingertips every 30 days and the city should be using such accepted business practices.
Would you please be kind enough to put in an information request for the profit or loss statement to date to be pubic at the next council meeting available?
You must agree this is public information, don't you?
Don Sinclair
St. Albert
Cam's Response:
I just asked the question as to when this will be released today (July 15).
Cam MacKay
SINC SAYS:
We note that Cam has 'asked' when administration will release the information. Is that not the tail wagging the dog? Council should instruct administration to release the information, should they not? The public should be made aware how the outlet is progressing and if it is in fact making the anticipated profit council claimed it would of about $90,000 per year. Or will council try and hide the information from the public if they goofed and it is losing money? We can only assume it is losing money if council or administration refuses to release the information.
Yellowhead Highway Still Closed This Morning
That Highway 16 washout near Stony Plain is still an issue this morning. This photo, taken yesterday morning by fishing columnist Paul C. shows why the highway was shut down for repairs.
Prince Edward Island Or Bust
Travellers Doug and Helen visited the Notre Dame Cathedral in Quebec City.
_________________________________________________________________
BBC News Feed:
Welcome To St. Albert's Place Live Chat
Links To Other Stories In The News:
Drought in Central, Eastern Canada baking crops - CBC
UK government downplays Olympic security snafu - CNN
Several injured after lightning hits Ontario festival - CTV
Mudslide forces evacuation at Fairmont Hot Springs - Edmonton Journal
Remains found in B.C. mudslide: RCMP - Edmonton Sun
__________________________________________________________________
The Things That People Send Us
An ingenious way to make a scoop . . .
Playing
Baseball
In Space
Trick Golf Shots
Everyone loves a great shot in golf, but how about these?
____________________________________________________________________________________________________
Playing Tomorrow Night At LB's Pub
Dennis Meneely (Keyboards)
Dennis is a veteran of the Edmonton music scene dating back to the mid sixties with his first band "WHY US". Like most musicians from that period he was inspired by the Beatles and the whole 'British Invasion'. Along with the music came the progressive rock attitude that he has remained faithful to throughout his career. In 2012 Dennis is a 32-year-member of long running band 'Tacoy Ryde' and a member in good standing with 'Fist Full of Blues' and Cold Feet. He has numerous recording credits dating back to the sixties when he and 'Colored Rain' recorded one of his original songs in Clovis, New Mexico in the same studio where Buddy Holly recorded. His most recent recordings are with Tacoy Ryde, Fist Full of Blues, Doug Jensen, Karl Andriuk and many TV and film submissions. As well as his regular bands, Dennis has toured extensively with Kenny Sheilds/Streethart and 80's rockers Toronto with Holly Woods. He has been in bands and duo's with Lionel Rault, Bobby Cameron, Darrel Barr, Jimmy Whiffen and most recently with band mate Dale Ladouceur. At home he enjoys songwriting, teaching piano and learning jazz standards to perform at seniors residences.
Moosehead/Barsnbands
Open Stage
Every Tuesday night from 9:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m.
Hosts Mark Ammar, Jim Dyck and Randy Forsberg
Moosehead Beer Specials and barsnbands prizes
Moosehead Beer
Barsnbands
