THUMBS UP / THUMBS DOWN EDMONTON
ACCIDENTAL ATTRACTION
In the spring of 2017 a sandy strip of land appeared along the south side of the North Saskatchewan River close to downtown. The “Accidental Beach” was a result of the construction of a weir for the LRT Bridge, causing a temporary disruption to the river. When the bridge is complete in a couple of years the weir will be removed and normal flow will continue, essentially washing away the beach. In the meantime, the Accidental Beach became the surprise hit of the summer. In fact, you can even find it on Google Maps! Edmontonians are flocking to the beach, which is not easy to access. But not to be deterred, someone tied a rope to help folks get down the steep hill to the beach, and another carved temporary stairs. Whether the beach stays permanently is in the hands of the Federal folks who are looking out for fish and wildlife affected by the river’s flow. If it does stay, here’s hoping it keeps the name “Accidental Beach” which is fitting and embodies its humble beginnings.
GREENER GOATS
Almost 200 goats are the City of Edmonton’s strangest new employees. The goats consume 75 different weeds, each goat eating approximately 10 pounds of weeds per day in Rundle park. They are on the job from July until September along with a shepherd and several herding dogs. Goat poop is not a problem apparently as it acts as a natural fertilizer. Curious Edmontonians who want to see this for themselves will be invited to “Meet and Bleats” (nice pun, City of Edmonton) to learn more about the eight different breeds of goats. But, no kidding around... There are rules in place to keep goats and humans alike safe; don’t feed them or pet them (without permission from the shepherd), and keep your pets on a leash.
CYCLING CYCLONE Two words: Bike Lanes.
Like them or not, they are here and drivers and pedestrians alike will need to get used to them. $7.5 million was spent to provide seven kilometres of separated lanes through some of the City’s downtown streets. They will provide greater safety to cyclists who use them, and may encourage more downtown shopping. Some even suggest that it will benefit everyone in the long run if they too bike to work (health benefits, less costs, less congestion). The opposing team feels that $1 million per kilometre is pricey, and begrudge giving up parking and driving lanes. Many wonder if the lanes will be used in winter.
DIAL M FOR EDMONTON
Edmonton’s getting a reputation and, man, is it killer… We have, again, earned the dubious distinction of Murder Capital. As of September 20, 2017, 38 homicides have occurred this year, and that is not likely the final number. And unfortunately, this is not unusual, in 2016 we had 47 murders to Calgary’s 33. In fact, Edmonton has consistently higher homicide incidents than Calgary. While experts say there is nothing to worry about and we have no reason to live in fear, it does make you pause. What is going wrong in our City when this trend has been higher for more than a decade than the other major city in this province? Edmonton and Calgary are rivalries in many respects but this is not a contest that our city should want to win.