Tue, Jul 4th - 10:43PM

Citing intensity of growth and lack of adequate infrastructure, the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo (RMWB) has gone to extraordinary lengths to slow development of the Athabasca oil sands. In a unanimous decision, the Regional Council voted to apply for intervener status on any and all new oil sands projects coming before Alberta’s Energy Utility Board (EUB).

In an exclusive interview on The Policy Channel, (www.policychannel.com) RMWB Mayor Melissa Blake says Fort McMurray is simply in no position to accommodate any new oil sands project development. “We need to get our house in order before we can proceed too much further with our support for these oil sands plants.” Blake says that, while economic development is important, the future of the community is what’s at stake. “No one on my council wants to stop development, but we do need to get ourselves in a position to welcome it. That means, having the housing, having the infrastructure, having your roads and transportation up to a standard that’s suitable for the population.”

Over the next ten years more than $125 Billion in oil sands projects are expected to take place in the RMWB and across Northern Alberta. The current phenomenal rate of development has led to a population boom in Fort McMurray. The result is: traffic congestion and road strain; inadequate housing; a skyrocketing cost of living; increases in drug use and related crimes; and stress upon schools, health care and other social services.

It is estimated at least $1.9 billion is needed to improve roads, water treatment facilities and other necessary city and local services. Blake says “the intensity of growth is putting pressure on us more than on other place in Alberta. This isn’t a cycle with an end in the near term.”

The RMWB is pushing for more money from the provincial government to help fix capital and social infrastructure needs and shortfalls, now in light of projections to triple oils sands production in the next decade. They hope intervention at the EUB level will ensure community concerns are reviewed and addressed before further development is approved.

To view the entire interview with Mayor Melissa Blake, go to the Policy Channel (www.policychannel.com).

Tue, Jun 13th - 12:39PM

Mon, Jan 16th - 2:50PM

Anne McLellan Campaign Goes Positive

The Anne McLellan campaign has gone positive! 

Anne’s campaign website www.annemclellan.com has loaded new videos containing personal testimonials from a wide range of Edmontonians.  They explain why they are supporting her, what they feel she has done for Edmonton and why they believe Edmonton needs Anne to keep representing us.

Additionally, there are a number of videos from Anne covering a wide range of subjects -- from Edmonton’s role in northern development and the importance of arts and culture on our city, to concerns for the environment and tax reductions, past, present and future.

Anne’s supporters are working feverishly on their internet-based campaign, using their personal e-mail networks as a new “electronic door knocking” technique to get the word out to re-elect Anne McLellan.  The personal testimonial videos themselves are very powerful and could make the difference with the undecided vote.

Backgrounder Anne McLellan videos

In the Edmonton Centre video she speaks to her special relationship with the people in her constituency as their Member of Parliament in Ottawa.  Anne talks about the challenges, hopes and aspirations of people in Edmonton Centre.

The Northern Development video outlines the impact on Edmonton from northern development from the Mackenzie Valley Pipeline to the growth of oilsands and the strategic location of Edmonton in the Pacific Gateway project connecting to new Asian markets.  These all point to a prosperous and exciting future for the people of Edmonton for years to come.

Anne on Arts and Culture show her passion for the place of art and culture in the life of a city and its citizens.  “These elements are not frills but central to the vitality and vibrancy of a great city” says Anne.

When speaking about the environment, Anne says we have to get our stewardship responsibilities right.  We all rely on a sustainable environment and that goal is complementary to thriving responsible economic growth.

Anne talks of her pride as the MP for Edmonton and her role as part of the Edmonton culture of ideas and innovation.  She talks particularly abut research and development areas of health, treatment, technology and research.   Anne emphasizes that encouraging the imagination of Edmontonians is a central role of the federal government working in conjunction with the province and the postsecondary sector.

Taxes are everyone’s concern.  Anne say lots has been done to reduce taxes by the federal government  but there is more come, including her personal goal of raising the personal exemption beyond the $10,000 project to the $15,000 level.

The video strategy was developed by www.policychannel.com a site specializing in policy issues related to Alberta.

For more information contact: julien@thewebvideo.com, 780-498-6306

Fri, Sep 9th - 7:29PM

Ranting is a blog for ranters. Period. The only thing we ask is that you make it short. Is that a paradox?

First Rant: I would agree that Alberta sends $5 million to the rich USA only if Alberta sends $5 million to the city centre homeless in Edmonton, Calgary, and several rural areas.

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