May/June 2010
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Partner Tidbits
 Southgate and Century Park LRT stations completed thanks to partnership funding A new era in Edmonton’s transportation history has begun. Edmontonians can now travel 20.3 kilometres from Clareview Station in north Edmonton to Century Park Station in south Edmonton on Light Rail Transit (LRT). Efficient and environmentally responsible, LRT service transports commuters quickly and quietly and takes cars off roads. Laurie Hawn, MP for Edmonton Centre and Parliamentary Secretary for National Defence, on behalf of Canada’s Transport and Infrastructure Minister John Baird, Premier Ed Stelmach, Province of Alberta, and Mayor Stephen Mandel officially opened Southgate and Century Park LRT Stations. Funding for the extension of the South LRT from Health Sciences Station was provided by the Government of Canada, the Province of Alberta and the City of Edmonton. “Our government recognizes the importance of investing in sustainable infrastructure projects such as the South Edmonton LRT expansion,” said MP Hawn. “This expansion will not only reduce air pollution and traffic congestion, it will provide citizens of South Edmonton with an efficient and affordable means of transportation. This project is yet another example of what federal programs like the Gas Tax Fund and the Infrastructure Stimulus Fund can achieve when we work together to support the infrastructure needs of local communities in Edmonton and across Canada.” “These two new LRT stations will go a long way to improve the quality of life for Edmontonians and visitors, and give them easy access to places like the University of Alberta, hospitals, and downtown offices,” said Premier Stelmach. “The ability to quickly and efficiently move people around is a hallmark of a modern city and is the way of the future.” "This is a very exciting day for Edmontonians," said Mayor Mandel. "Opening this line helps us maximize our ability to move our citizens effectively while minimizing our environmental impact. The new stations make the connection between the communities of the north and south and are an important step towards connecting our entire city with an integrated transit system.” Construction of the 7.6-kilometre extension of the LRT from Health Sciences to Century Park began in January 2006. McKernan/Belgravia and South Campus stations were opened in April 2009. Regular LRT service from Southgate and Century Park began April 25, 2010. The federal contribution to this project comes from the Gas Tax Fund and the Infrastructure Stimulus Fund. The Gas Tax Fund delivers infrastructure funding to local governments and other eligible recipients primarily for projects that lead to cleaner air, cleaner water or reduced greenhouse gas emissions. Between 2007 and 2014 the Government of Canada will provide $1.2 billion to Alberta through the Gas Tax Fund. The $4 billion Infrastructure Stimulus Fund provides funding to provincial, territorial and municipal construction-ready infrastructure projects. Overall, the Government of Canada has invested well over $400 million under the Infrastructure Stimulus Fund across Alberta. For more information, including financial information, see the South LRT Fact Sheet at: http://www.edmonton.ca/transportation/SLRTFactSheet.pdf Doodlebops and Fred Penner perform in family concert This summer, the best family concert will be at the Edmonton Valley Zoo! Enjoy an open air performance of both the Doodlebops and Fred Penner for one low price. Date: Saturday August 7, 2010 (tickets go on sale Monday May 17) Show times: First show at 11am, Second show at 3pm Location: Edmonton Valley Zoo, 13315 Buena Vista Road Ticket Prices: $18.50 in advance and $26.25 at the door (subject to availability) The Doodlebops and Fred Penner are family favourites of both young and old. Their unique form of positive and up-beat musical entertainment has made them some of Canada’s best loved children’s personalities. While parents will remember “Fred Penner’s Place” which aired from 1985 – 1997, kids of today enjoy rocking out with the Doodlebops on their show on CBC Kids. Get up close with the zoo animals during intermission. Paint your face like a lion. Blow bubbles as big as an elephant or have a treat from the concession. A portion of event proceeds will go towards animal and habitat conservation – so you’ll get to enjoy a fabulous show and do a good deed at the same time. Make sure you buy your tickets in advance – they won’t last long! Purchase tickets through Ticketmaster or phone 780-451-8000. Expansion and Renovations to Close John Janzen Nature Centre Expansion and renovation of the John Janzen Nature Centre is set to begin resulting in a 10-month closure that started on Tuesday, May 25, 2010. During construction, guided classes and field trips that have already been booked for May and June will continue to operate; however, drop-in programs will be unavailable. The closure will also impact some access to nature trails surrounding the Centre. One access point to the Birch Tree Trail will be closed, but remaining trail access points will remain open. The closure will not impact the Backyard Compost Centre, which will continue to offer regular drop-in and pre-registered programs outside. The John Janzen Nature Centre is expected to re-open in the spring of 2011. Expansion of the Centre will consist of a new interpretive play space for children, a “green” roof and an improved entrance. The City of Edmonton is providing $1.1 million for the expansion while the Government of Canada (Recreational Infrastructure Canada Program) and the Edmonton Nature Centres Foundation are contributing $801,277 and $550,000, respectively.  West Edmonton Mall Opens New Stores! Two new stores have opened up in West Edmonton Mall. Cassis has opened their second store in Edmonton in Phase 1. Yves Rocher has opened their first store in Western Canada! This store is located in Phase II of West Edmonton Mall.
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