Edmonton now has a direct flight to continental Europe, so what’s Air Canada’s problem? Do the police really need a $7.2 million helicopter? What’s the future of the rodeo? Can Northlands find a future in agriculture? What about Rexall Place, what’s going to happen with that building now that the new arena is under construction? We discuss those questions and more.

Here are some relevant links for this episode:

• KLM’s new flight between Edmonton and Amsterdam
• Proposed $7.2 million helicopter for the Edmonton Police Service
• Edmonton leaders gather to speak on fast-growing city’s priorities
• Northlands announces Arena Strategy Committee
• Hicks on Biz: Face of agriculture changing
• Cell Phone & Wi-Fi Coverage in LRT Stations and Tunnels

Thanks for listening!

As you have no doubt noticed, there’s a bunch of road construction taking place all around the city (did it ever stop?). That’s part of the $404 million being spent on 125 arterial road, bridge, interchange, and neighbourhood projects. Are we investing enough in our roads? Why do they seem to be deteriorating so quickly?

What should happen with the underpass that currently serves as the LIVINGbridge? Should we move the Harbin gate from “old” Chinatown to “new” Chinatown? Can both Rogers Place and Rexall Place survive? Are we big enough to support two large arenas? Finally, spring is here, and we’ve got food trucks out and about! We discuss all of those topics and more.

Here are some relevant links for this episode:

• Mayor Iveson Kicks off 2014 Road Construction Season
• LIVINGbridge
• Simons: A vibrant downtown Edmonton needs a vibrant Chinatown
• Rexall vs. Rogers Place: Which arena will dominate Edmonton’s concert scene?
• Save the Date: What the Truck?! on 104 Street on May 24

Thanks for listening!

Our discussion was prompted by the resignation of President and CEO Richard Andersen on January 20. That’s a big change on its own, and we hear there are more on the way. At the root of the problem is that Northlands doesn’t seem to know what kind of organization it wants to be. Is it agriculturally-focused? Will it be the sports & entertainment destination, especially with the new downtown arena on the horizon?

Is it time for a complete reinvention of Northlands? What does the future of the organization look like? We discuss those questions and more.

Here are some relevant links for this episode:

• Northlands by the numbers
• Richard L. Andersen, CFE is stepping down as the President and CEO of Northlands
• Rexall Place ranked #26 in the world by Pollstar!
• Hicks on Biz: Farewell to the family farm
• Photo: Cattle and AGA

Thanks for listening!