Edmonton Entertainment, Festivals, Nightlife, etc

[Hallsy's Toupee]

Originally Posted by Coldrsx

The podium is, but the tower will await 'market demand' I believe.

I don't see any movement on the Tower B podium. I have no idea why OEG is just farting around on this.

[Doug_Cgy]

Totally agreed. Part of the deal was to create a space that would bring Edmontonians downtown again. While it’s miles ahead of where it was, it’s still not a “destination”. OEG should have to answer to this if there is no movement on the tower B site soon. I love this city, but it’s seriously time for some major changes.

[kcantor]

Originally Posted by Doug_Cgy

Totally agreed. Part of the deal was to create a space that would bring Edmontonians downtown again. While it’s miles ahead of where it was, it’s still not a “destination”. OEG should have to answer to this if there is no movement on the tower B site soon. I love this city, but it’s seriously time for some major changes.

can you honestly look at a photograph of the ice district 6 years ago and a photograph of the ice district today and complain that "it's seriously time for some major changes"? wtf would you define a major change to be if that doesn't qualify?

it's not finished - what city or downtown or district ever really is? - and some things might have been done different and some things can be improved upon but is there one single block anywhere downtown anywhere that that would not apply to?

[Doug_Cgy]

Originally Posted by kcantor

can you honestly look at a photograph of the ice district 6 years ago and a photograph of the ice district today and complain that "it's seriously time for some major changes"? wtf would you define a major change to be if that doesn't qualify?

it's not finished - what city or downtown or district ever really is? - and some things might have been done different and some things can be improved upon but is there one single block anywhere downtown anywhere that that would not apply to?

I wasn’t referring to the Ice District needing to change. I LOVE IT! In fact, it was one of the reasons I was super excited to relocate back to Edmonton. What I was speaking to, and I should’ve been more clear, was this city’s inability to deliver what was promised. Everything always seems to be scaled back or done half assed, and quite often (not in Ice District) we tend to accept ugly/uninspiring architecture just because it was “better than what existed before”. South Park on Whyte is a prime example.

You’re right, this applies to all neighbourhoods and cities, but Edmonton often seems to just let it slide more than others. Look at the state of our roads. Jasper Ave from 109-124 is in a state of disrepair. I’m certain there are roads in war zones in better condition. People need to start taking pride in our city, and I don’t feel the need to apologize for calling it out. I love our city, and I think people have to be more vocal to inspire change. Let’s stop settling for second best.

I get the economy changed, but an Ice District with a theatre and more amenities as was initially promised would’ve been better than what’s currently being built. Again, it’s an amazing change from 6 years ago, but it’s only going to be 80% of what was promised, and that’s disappointing. Our downtown is losing Holt Renfrew soon, I’ve heard rumours about the Bay, and the Grand Villa is now only open 4 days a week. We need more, not less...

[CMD UW]

Originally Posted by Doug_Cgy

I get the economy changed, but an Ice District with a theatre and more amenities as was initially promised would’ve been better than what’s currently being built. Again, it’s an amazing change from 6 years ago, but it’s only going to be 80% of what was promised, and that’s disappointing. Our downtown is losing Holt Renfrew soon, I’ve heard rumours about the Bay, and the Grand Villa is now only open 4 days a week. We need more, not less...

Perhaps one can make that claim once the entire district is built-out and occupied. Until then it's all speculation.

I'll use our Oliver Exchange project as an example. When we were 80% complete we had essentially only 1 tenant in place - Plum Home. The rest of the tenants came near or after completion. It would have been easy for many to say 'Oh this didn't live up to what they had planned or illustrated through their renderings. What a disappointment'. Well here were are with a building that's fully leased and has become an interesting little spot in Oliver.

What I'm saying is that it's too early to judge and who knows what type of tenants may come along the way.

[Doug_Cgy]

Originally Posted by CMD UW

Perhaps one can make that claim once the entire district is built-out and occupied. Until then it's all speculation.

I'll use our Oliver Exchange project as an example. When we were 80% complete we had essentially only 1 tenant in place - Plum Home. The rest of the tenants came near or after completion. It would have been easy for many to say 'Oh this didn't live up to what they had planned or illustrated through their renderings. What a disappointment'. Well here were are with a building that's fully leased and has become an interesting little spot in Oliver.

What I'm saying is that it's too early to judge and who knows what type of tenants may come along the way.

Fair enough, and thank you for the thoughtful dialogue. My criticism is never out of distaste, it’s out of love for our city. I want to see our downtown thrive, and I guess I’ve just been caught up in the bad news lately. Patience is virtue, and thank you for reminding me of that.

[SHOFEAR]

So why is this new casino not able to maintain the same hours as the old Baccarat?

[Coldrsx]

A really fun night and in support of a great cause:

https://www.bandjam.ca

[Albicaulis]

Originally Posted by SHOFEAR

So why is this new casino not able to maintain the same hours as the old Baccarat?

Not sure, but the clientele hanging outside the main entrance certainly hasn't changed. Nothing says "world class entertainment district" like preying on the homeless, mentally ill and otherwise disenfranchised.

[Landlocked]

Originally Posted by Albicaulis

Not sure, but the clientele hanging outside the main entrance certainly hasn't changed. Nothing says "world class entertainment district" like preying on the homeless, mentally ill and otherwise disenfranchised.

I think your choice of the word 'preying' is misplaced, unless you've got proof that they're going out of their way to entice those groups to burn their money. Free will comes at a cost, and there would be many crying for blood if any of these groups was denied entry to the casino, or any establishment based on a perceived identity..

[240glt]

Originally Posted by SHOFEAR

So why is this new casino not able to maintain the same hours as the old Baccarat?

From what I hear, they designed a casino for a market that doesn’t exist to any significant degree in Edmonton.

[Coldrsx]

Originally Posted by 240glt

From what I hear, they designed a casino for a market that doesn’t exist to any significant degree in Edmonton.

Parking... higher end...

[Hardhatdan]

Originally Posted by Coldrsx

Parking... higher end...

No poker in the high roller room.
Not a lot baccarat tournies...

[Coldrsx]

http://www.edmontonfilmfest.com/

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A few features that I want to catch, but the lunchtime shorts are always fantastic.

[SHOFEAR]

Originally Posted by SHOFEAR

Hearing some interesting rumors of some concert announcements for Commonwealth this summer...including the return of a MAJOR act that is guaranteed to fill every seat in the place.

This concert didn't happen obviously....not sure what fell through...but it was supposed to be Garth Brooks.

[Hallsy's Toupee]

I'm sure he can sellout a dozen concerts at Rogers Place!

[Hallsy's Toupee]

The Fringe has been cancelled this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. I have a feeling the other big summer festivals (Taste of Edmonton, K Days, Heritage Festival, Cariwest, etc) will follow suit.

[Coldrsx]

Expect more... or a shift to other programming or virtual.

[Coldrsx]

Add to the list...

-Carib
-Street Performers

[Hallsy's Toupee]

Originally Posted by Coldrsx

Add to the list...

-Carib
-Street Performers

- The Works