Big Shiny Projects (BSPs)

THE SHORT VERSION: Big Shiny Projects (BSPs) are expensive projects which get a lot of attention and are exciting to consider. Past examples include Revolution Place and The Eastlink Centre. A current example is the Bear Creek Outdoor Pool. BSPs have a place in our City, and future Councils should consider undertaking them. However, right now is not the time to start a BSP. Our very next Council needs to focus on two projects that are big but not shiny and exciting. Those are: 1) fixing the bypass (which will cost a lot of money) and 2) regional agreements (which will take a lot of time and attention- read more about them here). When it comes to recreation and community enhancement, our next Council should be looking at smaller projects, especially those that have volunteer support.

Guest UserJune 17, 2017Big Shiny Projects, BSPs, growth, bypass, icfs, volunteersComment

Photo Enforcement: Ten Changes Needed

THE SHORT VERSION: Currently our provincial and municipal governments are reviewing photo enforcement. This is good: I have deep concerns about our current implementation of photo traffic enforcement. Anything which causes the distrust and anger at government that photo enforcement causes needs to be re-evaluated. However, my experience and in-depth study of academic literature leads me to believe that it does play a role in enhancing safety. I do not support the elimination of photo enforcement. However, I do have ten changes I would like to see made to our traffic enforcement programs. Some changes revolve around deployment of enforcement, others around its oversight and communication. I want to give our citizens reason to trust that photo enforcement is about safety, not revenue.

Guest UserJune 9, 2017traffic, photoradar, photo enforcement, automated traffic enforcement, communicationComment

An Accessible Grande Prairie

Today I took part in Chair Leaders. This is a program by Spinal Cord Injury Alberta which allows community leaders to see what it is like to use a wheelchair... I’ve always felt that accessibility is important, but this experience gave me a more concrete perspective on “why” and "how." It also opened my eyes to how challenging it is. I’m excited to share some thoughts, experiences and ideas.

Guest UserJune 6, 2017Comment

Snow Removal

THE SHORT VERSION: “What to do with snow” is perhaps one of the most debated question in Canadian cities. I don’t have any easy solutions, but I do have some thoughts. How you remove snow depends on if you value speed, quality of removal, or cost of removal. There is no one right way to do it. Council needs to work hard to learn what priorities citizens value.

Guest UserJune 3, 2017snow, public engagementComment

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