We start with an interesting discussion about the buildings going up around town. Some of the new buildings going up will bring a splash of color to an otherwise beige array of structures. How do we feel about that? (hint: we love it). There’s also some great public art with the Alex Janvier’s selection for the winter garden and we share our thoughts on that too.

Then we get into the budget. Why was everyone so disappointed in the budget? What could Prentice have done differently? What does this mean for the election? Has the PC strategy backfired? The Galleria is not mentioned in the budget, so it looks like it won’t receive any funding required to go forward. What does that mean for the project?

We both like Little Brick, but what is it that we like about it? What could other local business owners learn from them? Metro has listed Edmonton’s best streets. Do we agree? What others should have been considered? We discuss those questions and more.

Here are some relevant links for this episode:

• Is MacEwan’s splash of lime green too much for Edmonton?
• Alex Janvier Named as Signature Artist for Rogers Place Public Art
• What does Alberta’s Budget 2015 mean for Edmonton?
• Little Brick
• Downtown Edmonton Galleria project set for its likely curtain call
• What’s Edmonton’s best street?

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!