Light sculpture by DECL Board Member Laurissa Kalinowsky
- Alley of Light’s ‘IllumiNITE‘ light sculpture competition took place this past long weekend on the 4th Street Promenade, in the pocket park just east of Beaverhills House Park. More than 12 creative and illuminating sculptures were on display for steady crowds during a milder-than-usual couple of days. There were other visual displays, bannock making over strategically-placed fire pits, hot chocolate courtesy of Sobey’s Urban Fresh, and a small pop-up craft store in the Armstrong Building. Kudos to Edmonton on the Edge, the Alley of Light crew, and everyone else that helped out to put on this great event for its second consecutive year!
- If you missed ‘IllumiNITE‘, you still have your chance to see some of the sculptures and be part of the second annual ‘Parka Patio Party‘ at Latitude 53 Gallery this Saturday. Limited amount of tickets are still available for sale. Last year’s inaugural event was a cold but hearty Edmonton winter experience, and this is your last chance to hang on Latitude’s rooftop patio before they move locations!
- Permits were applied for this week for John Day’s 30-storey Kelly Ramsey hotel/office project on Rice Howard Way. Initial renderings are promising and the design retains the facade of the burned out Kelly Ramsey Block. Rumoured start date is fall 2013.
- Approved 29-storey ‘Raintree’ condo project by Alan Wasnea at 106 Street and 97 Avenue also seems to be moving ahead. Permits were applied for this week for a Residential Sales Centre. If built, this will be the tallest building next to the Legislature and promises to offer some nice views of downtown and the river valley.
- A reminder – The Edmonton Bicycle Commuters Society, Oliver Community League, and DECL host a Bike Lane discussion this Wednesday, February 27, 7-9 pm at Oliver Hall (10326 118 St).
- Also next week is an Open House on the proposed Civic Precinct Master Plan at City Hall on Tuesday, February 26, 11 am-5 pm.
- The next edition of Oliver Community League’s ‘Board Game Night‘ is Friday, March 8 at 7:30 pm at Oliver Hall (10326 118 St). Hosting the event on a Friday will allow attendees to join in post-board games drinks at a local establishment.
- As mentioned last week, renovations to our new 103 Street space start this month. Final preparations are being made and we should see construction on site in the coming week if all things go according to plan!
- Council approved the ‘extradosed’ LRT bridge design this week for the Valley LRT Line.
- We failed to mention last week that Transcend Coffee Jasper Avenue is closing February 28 unfortunately. The owner cited the location “did not achieve a sustainable level of profitability.” Previously ‘Axis Cafe’, it was this location’s kitchen that gave rise to their South American street food offerings, now discontinued. We’re sad to see it go and wish this local coffee company all the best in the future.
- LGBT-friendly Flash Nightclub is also closing at the end of the month. It is rumoured to be replaced by a new nightclub entitled ‘E Bar’.
- Speaking of bars, there was an interesting article last week on the ‘club-to-pub’ phenomenon, including a mention of all the new places that have opened up recently downtown including Central Social Hall and The Bower (formerly Halo Nigthclub).
- The City Market Downtown continues every Saturday, 10 am-3 pm at City Hall. DECL will be back at the market selling memberships and taking your questions starting soon. Stay tuned for exact dates!