Archive for category: Uncategorized

School Bus Special – Bus Network Redesign 

Edmonton Transit Service (ETS) only provides school specials in neighbourhoods that have fixed route conventional service, and only when the regular ETS service in those areas is overcrowded and when EPSB requests such service. Not all areas have school specials, even if they have conventional service. 

In the old network there were school specials in Henderson Estates for Riverbend School.  These specials now operate along Riverbend Road as extra trips on Route 56.  There are also school specials along Riverbend Road (Route 56) to St. Rose and Archbishop MacDonald like the specials operated on Route 23.  The school boards have been notified about the changes of service in Henderson and may consider yellow bus service for designated schools.

As discussed in the meeting, the new bus system will require some time to iron out all of the kinks. Where riders are experiencing challenges they should provide that feedback directly to ETS.

Henderson Park Alternative Building Site

We have discussed Henderson Park a lot lately, so I don’t know if there is much more to add. There is a good possibility that the Executive Committee Report will be delayed from August until after the election, which means any consideration of any activity, if any activity is contemplated, won’t happen until early next year.

City Adding Surplus School Site on Maps

City Administration explained that more information about adding surplus school sites to maps can be found at the below link: 

https://www.edmonton.ca/city_government/urban_planning_and_design/surplus-school-building-sites.aspx

In terms of adding this location to City of Edmonton’s SLIM Maps (Maps.edmonton.ca), please let my office know if this is where you would like this surplus school site to be identified. My office can connect with City Administration and request for the SLIM team to add this to their school site options within their maps. 

In relation to Google Maps, City Administration has no control over that nor would that be the responsibility or an aspect that Google would consider. City Administration does want Google to feature the correct road numbers/addresses (re annexation area) but adding supplementary data such as those sites is typically not something Google does. 

City Administration also explained that Homeowners Association’s can email buildinghousingchoices@edmonton.ca for further information if needed in relation to surplus school sites on maps. 

Power Line Alignment 

Apologies, I was not able to find any further information for you about the trees along the power line right of way. I have a few more lines of inquiry to follow.

Neighbourhood Renewal in Henderson Estates 

The Henderson Estates Neighbourhood will be undergoing roadway rehabilitation work this year.  The work will be commencing later this spring, likely late May/early June. This rehabilitative work is intended to extend the life of the road by up to 20 years, after which the full neighbourhood renewal will take place.

In terms of sidewalk conditions, the sidewalk work is currently underway is maintenance work that is completed prior to the road work commencing. This objective of the maintenance work is to minimize tripping hazards present in the sidewalk through the use of concrete grinding and mudjacking. 

Specifically, sidewalks that have tripping hazards will be completed on a notification basis (by contacting 311), with the possibility of other work being identified and repaired while on site. Repairs will range from complete replacement to spot patching with cement-based products or grinding. The City does currently have notifications related to Hegler Crescent and these will be repaired using one or more of the methods listed above. 

The primary reason for doing this maintenance work is to have the sidewalk and roadway fully repaired after the grind and overlay. Work done afterward could potentially impact the integrity and aesthetics of the asphalt overlay.

Thank you again for allowing me to attend your AGM.  Please continue to contact this office with any other municipal questions or concerns you have in the future.  Your feedback and input is greatly appreciated. 

Sincerely,

Tim Cartmell

Did you know the City has rules of what and when a recreational vehicle or trailer can be parked or stored on city streets or property? Unattached trailers (e.g. tent, fifth wheel, boat, utility) must not be parked or stored on city streets or city property (boulevards, green belts, road right-of-ways etc.) RVs cannot be occupied as temporary dwellings on public or private property. Between April 1 and October 31, an RV may be parked on the front driveway or parking pad only if there is no rear parking. The City’s definition of recreational vehicles is any:   • motorhome • travel trailer • fifth wheel trailer * camper not mounted on a truck • other vehicle that is equipped for sleeping

For complete information on RV parking, visit Parking, Trailer & RV Storage .

Recently we have experienced an increase in Coyote activity and predation in the neighbourhoods bordering the river valley. Coyotes are opportunists, seeking out food sources ranging from tree fruit, garbage, mice, rabbits. Also at extremely high risk are pets let out at night unattended when the Coyotes are most active.

Wildlife officials will only get involved in cases of unusual or extremely aggressive Coyote activities. Here are a few simple things that can be done to discourage coyote habituation:

• When you encounter a coyote act aggressive: Shout in a deep voice, wave your arms, throw non-edible objects towards the coyote, and make yourself look big while maintaining eye contact. Never run away: like with most dogs this behavior makes them want to chase after you
• Secure anything that could attract coyotes to your property (garbage, compost, birdseed, pet food, fallen fruit- see Operation Fruit Rescue).
• Keep cats and small dogs indoors, and keep them on-leash in park areas
• Never feed a coyote either in person or by leaving food for it More information can be sourced at City of Edmonton website about coyotes

Did you know you have to clear snow and ice from all sidewalks beside your property within 48 hours after the end of a snowfall?  Sidewalk and driveway snow should be shovelled onto the yard, not the street. Failure to maintain your walks could result in a $100 fine and cleanup costs. Apply sand to your sidewalks to improve traction for pedestrians. Sand is available free at the City’s roadway maintenance yards or for purchase at your local hardware store.

Call 311 to report a sidewalk that isn’t being maintained. Learn more about snow management at www.edmonton.ca/snowinthecity

At the entrance from Heath Road to Hedley Way there are 4 brick pillars, faced with slate. On the sides of the two largest pillars there were brass signs with “the Ridge” cast in relief, thus identifying Hedley Way as “The Ridge” in River Ridge. All was well for more than 15 years, when the Southern pair were struck by an errant stolen pickup truck. The ensuing damage was repaired by volunteer(s) from the RRHA, and all was well, again.

Unfortunately, in 2015, low-life metal thieves pried off all four signs, leaving the two larger pillars naked, and exposing the inner brickwork. It is likely that the thieves received less than $20 for the scrap value.

The RRHA Board of Directors committed to replace the stolen signs.  Brass was too expensive and would be a continuing temptation to thieves. The solution was composite as a lower cost alternative. Recently, the new signs have been reattached to the pillars, covering the exposed brick, and looking as “good as new”.

I hope this ends the Tale of 4 Pillars