[dancinb]

I can just imagine the fare breakdown for their so called discount airline:
based fare to Frankfurt $19!

.
.
.

Total $1,575

Still seems cheap for an AC flight to Europe from YEG!

[rapid_business]

Ha. I've found that return tickets to LHR from YYZ are often cheaper than return back to YEG from YYZ. Makes flying bag to YEG to see family/friends that much harder when I know I could be flying to Europe for cheaper.

[dancinb]

That was the sentiment of a lot of people I knew in Toronto. Why go out west for a weekend/week, when I can go to Europe for less?

[LO 044]

I can just imagine the fare breakdown for their so called discount airline:
based fare to Frankfurt $19!

Fuel Surcharge: $469
Booking Fee: $20
Paying by anythng other than a carrier pigeon surcharge: $20
Pilot Surcharge: $29
Crew Surcharge: $19
Ground Crew Surcharge: $19
Staff benefits surcharge: $19
Expected profit surcharge: $19
Excess baggage fee: $10 per KG over 10kg
Airport landing fee surcharge: $10
Airport parking fee surcharge: $10
Bridge to terminal surcharge: $9
General maintenance surcharge: $9
Staff parking surcharge: $5
Crew accommodation surcharge: $12
Christmas bonus surcharge: $10
Aircraft cleaning surcharge: :20
Meals surcharge: $29
Groundside counter rental fee: $19
Airside counter rental fee: $19
Pilot announcements surcharge: $5
Peak time surcharge: $500
Egg mainenance fee: $10
Airport Improvement fee: $20
Security: $20
NavCan: $59
Taxes: $75
Total $1,575

Jasper you must have some great industry insider info to get a hold of Ryanair's proposed YEG-FRA route next summer.

[Airboy]

Jasper the Only thing missing was the poo tax.

When I was in London last month the government was talking about raising (adding) fees similar to Canada, which would almost double the cost of flights.

[Coldrsx]

Port Alberta chief promoting Edmonton as global hub


EDMONTON JOURNAL APRIL 14, 2011 2:02 PM BE THE FIRST TO POST A COMMENT


EDMONTON - Edmonton’s Port Alberta has its first president and chief executive.

Wendy Cooper will lead development of operational and funding plans in the project to develop Edmonton as a major inland trade and transportation hub, connecting to global markets by air, rail, road, sea and pipeline.

The non-profit company, which was incorporated in December, is also trying to expand its membership and seek support from governments.

“Alberta can no longer afford to work in business silos, and Port Alberta will focus on collaborating with individual member companies to create value-added opportunities for wealth generation,” Cooper said in a release.

Cooper was formerly chief executive of Consulting Engineers of Alberta.

© Copyright (c) The Edmonton Journal

http://www.edmontonjournal.com/business/Port+Alberta+chief+promoting+Edmonton+global/4616559/story.html

[sdimedru]

what is this port alberta they speak of? :rolleyes:

nice to see something happening i guess

[cyeg66]

Ok, and now I'm gonna start holding my breath while waiting for something (anything!) to materialize..........
.
.
.
.
<whump!> ZZZZZZZZ.....

[MalcolmTucker]

Well, the CPR moving is something ... ish

[Jasper and one o nin]

Draft Master Plan available here
http://corporate.flyeia.com/about_us/reports_publications/master_plan

[Coldrsx]

merci

sad we will be losing Castrol

[Jasper and one o nin]

They will find somewhere else - I am sure they will have a lot of time.

[Coldrsx]

Love the 'hotel' shot on pg. 94.... might look better actually.

[sdimedru]

Love the 'hotel' shot on pg. 94.... might look better actually.

outstanding:slob:

[dansk]

They removed it from the report.

[Jasper and one o nin]

those sneaky ba.....

[rapid_business]

I wasted some time today reading through this. Pretty spectacular! I like the considered LRT/HSR integration, although they might have over estimated the number of stations needed.

I'm also glad to see some visuals of how future expansion to the terminal would take place.

The biggest thing though is planned air-side development over the next 25 years, and the relocation/development of infrastructure to support it. Crazy!

[TimB09]

Wow. The 2035 looks pretty good for EIA. Hopefully that all happens for the airport.

[Jasper and one o nin]

I was thinking if it could be possible for YEG to have a satellite terminal. The terminal would be located at the southern end of the LRT, so at the Century Park station. It would have domestic counters where you would check your luggage. You would also be able to go through security and technically pass into the airside. You would then get onto a train that will take you directly to the airport terminal where you will arrive in the airside (post-security) hold lounge for domestic departures. Crews would unload the luggage from the train and process the luggage so it can be loaded onto the specific aircraft. The train itself would proceed to a groundside station where it would pick up passengers who will proceed back to the Century Park station. The train would leave every hour and it would take about 15 minutes to get to the main terminal. When you would receive your ticket, it would have two times, the first time would be the train departure time, the second would be the aircraft boarding time. It would be recommended that you arrive at the satellite terminal 30 minutes before the first time. For example if your flight left at 2:00, your ticket would say 1:00 train departure and 1:30 Boarding time.
Therefore, the airport terminal would actually be in the City limits, and only about 10 KM from downtown.

[Coldrsx]

Sweet, when I am 56 we will have a Frankfurt flight.

[dansk]

Goodmorning guys, does anyone know if EIA has received the COBUS 3000's yet? If so are they even using them?

[Airboy]

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5305/5635292718_6b03e2529f_b.jpg
Tower Taken Monday Morning as I passed by.

[Coldrsx]

Good news, but has design gone the way of the DC9?

http://www.edmontonjournal.com/news/4649195.bin?size=620x400
(http://www.edmontonjournal.com/news/4649195.bin?size=620x400)

Edmonton International Airport breaks ground on $16M cargo facility

New building integral part of improved transportation system for growing Capital Region

BY DAVE COOPER, EDMONTONJOURNAL.COM APRIL 20, 2011 1:02 PM BE THE FIRST TO POST A COMMENT


STORYPHOTOS ( 1 )



This is an artist's rendering of a $16-million multi-tenant cargo facility being built at Edmonton International Airport.
Photograph by: Supplied, edmontonjournal.com
EDMONTON - Construction began Wednesday on a $16-million multi-tenant cargo facility at Edmonton International Airport, and more than half its space is already leased.

Edmonton Air Cargo Development Group Ltd. Partnership will own the building, which will open in early 2012. The facility will provide 50,000 sq. ft. of cargo handling space with the airport authority providing 22,000 sq. metres of aircraft handling apron space.

http://www.edmontonjournal.com/news/Edmonton+International+Airport+breaks+ground+cargo+facility/4649150/story.html

[240glt]

Good news, but has design gone the way of the DC9?

Yeah, clearly this needs a inverted "L" and a starbucks

Maybe some condos on top

[Coldrsx]

How about some daylighting? Add a line of Kalwall to it. I understand the utilitarian nature of this, but if you look to projects such as the Southwest Yard Equipment Storage Garage on Gateway, you can see how both objects can be fulfilled.

[240glt]

I suppose, hardly something I'd bee too worred about though. No one will notice or care, unlike the more prominentely placed works buildings in the city proper

Besides, everyone will be so mesmerized by the awesomeness of the new EIA terminal and tower that no one will even pay attention to the cargo facility!

[Coldrsx]

^how about the workers... the users and should we not always try to compliment rather than detract from our surroundings?

[Xelebes]

The only thing missing, as someone who has worked in many warehouses, is a couple windows to let in daylight. They can all be around the breakroom but it is often better for the workers to have some daylight.

[240glt]

Maybe it will have skylights..... windows are less effective, especially if they are up high

But really, it's a warehouse. For shipping & receiving. It may be full of racking and whatnot.

[Jasper and one o nin]

http://www.edmontonjournal.com/news/4649195.bin?size=620x400
(http://www.edmontonjournal.com/news/4649195.bin?size=620x400)

They've designed it that way to mimic the back side of the Shaw Conference Centre hall D

[Coldrsx]

^putting linear semi opaque windows like they did 'back in the day' just below the soffit or roof line allows massive light penetration, a cool look, and potential for natural ventilation.

but no, why think

[240glt]

^ creates wierd shadows inside the building, possibly OH & S issues with workers not having even light to operate heavy machinery, get dirty and grimy and look terrible form the inside after a while, and may be blocked by freight on racking anyways

See I can draw as many unfounded conclusions as you!

[Coldrsx]

^clap clap clap

That attitude, my friends, is why we have such stupid building design.

[s211]

How about some daylighting? Add a line of Kalwall to it. I understand the utilitarian nature of this, but if you look to projects such as the Southwest Yard Equipment Storage Garage on Gateway, you can see how both objects can be fulfilled.

Not unusual when compared to airside cargo facilities in other cities...

EDIT: that hotel, on the other hand...

[Coldrsx]

^just saying, we can do better guys... no need for an AGA out there, but thoughtful design would be nice to see.

This is the SW Yard Equipment Storage garage on the southside. Note how much lighting they need given the Kalwall, sunlights. Task lighting only. Rocket science? nope.

The other City yard garages are caves and use significantly more electricity.

http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x164/coldrsx/misc%20photos/IMGP0435.jpg

[Airboy]

Gee Cold that photo looks like one I have.

But you are right, add a little bit of window.
http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5110/5639119634_edff13f562_b.jpg
http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5143/5639121028_1c7e5569c9_b.jpg

[Coldrsx]

Funny how that works...

P.s. That is a solar wall on the right (blue)

[LO 044]

Man is anyone going to throw us a bone up here? Ever???? Here's Johnny Aussie's list of charters to YYC.

Air Transat
A330-200

WED - MUC dep 1900 (origin YVR)
THU - CDG dep 1555 (origin YVR)
SAT - AMS dep 1855 (origin YYC)
SUN - FRA dep 2355 (origin YYC)

Condor
B767-300ER

MON - FRA dep 1920
FRI - FRA dep 1940

Thomas Cook
A330-200

WED - GLA/LGW dep 1530
THU - LGW dep 1430
FRI - MAN dep 1540
SAT - LGW dep 1440
SUN - MAN dep 1555

Edelweiss
A330-200
FRI - ZRH dep 1835 (via YVR)

Sunwing
B737-800

FRI - PVR dep 1025 (via YEG)
SAT - CUN dep 0600 (origin YVR)

[Coldrsx]

Why when we can drive or connect in the better city?

[240glt]

^clap clap clap

That attitude, my friends, is why we have such stupid building design.

Or maybe you should continue to apply your idealistic notions to things you actually have some knowledge about.

[Coldrsx]

^Idealistic notions of thoughtful design... um ok.

[sdimedru]

Came in last night from Houston on the Continental direct flight... it was packed... any idea if they're looking to increase service?

I thought it had been cancelled just last year or something

[hilman]

The service started back up on Nov 1, 2009 and has had a very good load factor. The route has been upgraded from it's original 737-500 (8+106) to a 737-800 (20+132) and during the holiday season it was bumped to a 737-900 (20+153 seating configuration).

http://corporate.flyeia.com/media_resources/media_releases_list/2009/edmonton_welcomes_continental's_non-stop_service_to_houston?navID=10037

[espalorius]

wow that's kinda impressive...I mean it's not really big news but something positive for the airport nonetheless

[tuffyy]

Man is anyone going to throw us a bone up here? Ever???? Here's Johnny Aussie's list of charters to YYC.

Thomas cook will be serving YEG this summer also with a weekly to LGW using a A330-200.Sunwing will also be operating from YEG this summer with the same flights I do believe...

Yes YYC will see more charter activity this summer than YEG but the Scheds are pretty reduced compared to other seasons...

[Rocket252]

London Gatwick again!!

How about somewhere else for once.

(my frustrations boiling over)

[LO 044]

I'll support the YEG-LHR route on AC faster than any charter route to LGW.

[dansk]

Just saw today in my skeds, that WS is adding extra flights to LAS from YEG. Almost upto 2x daily this fall.

[Jasper and one o nin]

I heard that crews are ripping up the closed runway 16/34 - will use material for indy track.

[Xelebes]

I heard that crews are ripping up the closed runway 16/34 - will use material for indy track.

*baseball crack*


*cheers and claps*

[CMD UW]

Just booked AC YEG-LHR for September with the wife. Paid just over $730 round trip/each (excl taxes) departing Sept 1 returning Sept 19. Not bad I'd say.

[espalorius]

That's not bad at all compared to what I've paid for europe in the past....pretty friggen good actually.

[Harrison]

But don't the added taxes for almost everything add quite a bit onto the base fare? Like back in March the cheapest flight, with taxes included, was around $1100. Flying into Gatwick would be cheaper, no?

[CMD UW]

^Taxes and fees were like $530 each....ouch, but nothing you can do to escape that.

[Airboy]

Most of the fees and taxes are on our side. However the Brits are talking about adding more fees to their flights as well.

[LO 044]

^Not sure where you get most of the fees and taxes from our side.

Surcharges NAV 30.00
Canada Airport Improvement Fee SQ 20.00
Air Travellers Security Charge (ATSC) CA 25.91
Canada Goods and Services Tax (GST/HST #10009-2287 RT0001) XG 1.00
Total = $76.91

U.K. Passenger Service Charge UB 49.68
U.K. Air Passenger Duty GB 97.31
Total = $146.99

Germany Arpt. Security Charge DE 9.48
Germany Air Transport Tax OY 65.23
Germany Intl. Psgr. Service Tax RA 40.98
Total = $115.69

Another win for a YEG-FRA route over a YEG-LHR route.

[CMD UW]

Here was our breakdown.

Passenger Type Adult
Surcharges 30.00
Fuel Surcharge 360.00

Taxes, Fees and Charges
Canada Airport Improvement Fee 20.00
Air Travellers Security Charge (ATSC) 25.91
Canada Goods and Services Tax (GST/HST #10009-2287 RT0001) 1.00
U.K. Passenger Service Charge 49.50
U.K. Air Passenger Duty 96.96
TOTAL $583.37

[Airboy]

A few post back I posted the cost for my flight to LHR. It came to about the same as the initial ticket.Total price was about 1200. But while I was in the UK the press was all over how the cost that were proposed would kill the UK travel industry. They were only discussing about a 100 pound increase which was according to the report far less than Canada and some other Commonwealth countries.

But I look at my flight to Victoria Friday and fees are half the cost.

What erks me though is getting a flight for 100 and ending up payng more than that for "Fees and Taxes". And since I travel in the north quite regularly I normally play 2000 - 3000 for my flights.
JUST GIVE ME THE PRICE I'LL PAY.

[CMD UW]

^The 'Fuel Surcharge' was the largest component of the charges, $360 bones...ouch.

[Coldrsx]

Edmonton International Airport needs medevac facility: report

Health Council studied effects of closing City Centre facility

BY JODIE SINNEMA, EDMONTONJOURNAL.COM MAY 5, 2011


STORYPHOTOS ( 1 )



Dr. John Cowell, CEO of the Health Quality Council of Alberta, released the results of its review of patient safety issues in regards to medevac services being relocated to Edmonton International Airport. The media conference was held at the Matrix Hotel in Edmonton on May 5, 2011.
Photograph by: Larry Wong, edmontonjournal.com
EDMONTON - A transition committee needs to be struck immediately to better plan how sick and critical patients should be transported to hospital from the Edmonton International Airport once the City Centre Airport closes, a new report from the Health Quality Council of Alberta advises.

Already, 44 patients — five of them critical and 15 just one step less severe — have been diverted to the international airport because of the closure of one runway in August 2010 and bad weather at the downtown airport. Although no one has died, the executive director of the health council said not enough has been done to ensure patients get to city hospitals as fast as they currently do once the City Centre Airport closes.

http://www.edmontonjournal.com/health/Edmonton+International+Airport+needs+medevac+facility+report/4734544/story.html

[Jasper and one o nin]

I seriously doubt that the reason the medevacs were diverted was because of the closed runway.

[MalcolmTucker]

Well, does the remaining runway have ILS?

[cyeg66]

No ILS into CYXD anymore. The only reason it's currently a "pain" to have to move patients from YEG instead of YXD is because YEG is just a contingency plan right now. Once the Medevac hangar opens at the Int'l and vehicles/staff are stationed there and ready to receive them, the "inconvenience" will be far lesser.

[Jasper and one o nin]

Highlights

¨ Overall 521,938 passengers (2,033,866 Year to Date)

¨ Domestic 372,631 passengers (1,442,061 Year to Date)

¨ Transborder 104,398 passengers (400,879 Year to Date)

¨ International 44,909 passengers (190,926 Year to Date)

¨ Rolling 12 Month 6,119,384



Growth%

¨ Overall 3.1% (1.5% Year to Date)

¨ Domestic 2.1% (0.7% Year to Date)

¨ Transborder 5.1% (3.4% Year to Date)

¨ International 7.8% (3.3% Year to Date)

[Coldrsx]

Holy crap... Huge numbers

[espalorius]

Those look pretty solid

[big W]

Just booked AC YEG-LHR for September with the wife. Paid just over $730 round trip/each (excl taxes) departing Sept 1 returning Sept 19. Not bad I'd say.

Too bad we could have been on the same flight. I just read this and I booked the wife and I on the third. Though we are connecting through LHR.

[big W]

Highlights

¨ Overall 521,938 passengers (2,033,866 Year to Date)

¨ Domestic 372,631 passengers (1,442,061 Year to Date)

¨ Transborder 104,398 passengers (400,879 Year to Date)

¨ International 44,909 passengers (190,926 Year to Date)

¨ Rolling 12 Month 6,119,384



Growth%

¨ Overall 3.1% (1.5% Year to Date)

¨ Domestic 2.1% (0.7% Year to Date)

¨ Transborder 5.1% (3.4% Year to Date)

¨ International 7.8% (3.3% Year to Date)

Great to hear YEG continue to grow. Now we just need the FRA flight to Europe and that will be a blessing as well. Hope its not too far out.

[CMD UW]

@big W - that would have been good. Heading back to the homeland?

[Hardhatdan]

I'm a proud contributor to those numbers through way more flying than I really want to be doing.

[Airboy]

I'm a proud contributor to those numbers through way more flying than I really want to be doing.

I agree with you, but my addition to the international numbers was for fun and beer. This months looks like I'll be adding considerably to the domestic routes.

YYJ, YYC, YVR, YZF, YEV and YRT to start the month. Like seeing the International and Cross border numbers increase that much. Now just add BBI or FRA to the mix.

[Jasper and one o nin]

Not sure if this is the most relevant thread. But Im planning my trip this summer and I need to overnight in London. Was looking at the airport hotels and checked out the Holliday Inn Heathrow Ariel. I wanted to look at the pictures to see what the rooms look like. Check out the website, and scroll through the pics on the right hand side...
http://www.holidayinn.com/hotels/us/en/london/lonht/hoteldetail

[CMD UW]

^Ha, I guess Commonwealth is a Rugby Stadium in Twickenham

[Coldrsx]

haha that's awesome

[Airboy]

I didn't realise LHR was so close to Downtown East-side Edmonton

[big W]

@big W - that would have been good. Heading back to the homeland?

Yeah I will be heading to take the little guy to meet his grandparents. How long are you going to be in London. I might do a couple days on the way back.

[Jasper and one o nin]

2010 Annual Report
http://corporate.flyeia.com/about_us/reports_publications/annual_reports
http://corporate.flyeia.com/annualreport/2010/index.html

[hilman]

EIA unveils UNITE FOR MORE FLIGHTS

Campaign harnesses the power of the people

May 26, 2011 (Edmonton, Alta.) - An energetic flash mob filled the Departures Level at EIA, ushering EIA's new UNITE FOR MORE FLIGHTS campaign. The flash mob culminated with the unveiling of an 18-ft UNITE FOR MORE FLIGHTS statue that will be housed in the terminal for the next several weeks.

"This campaign picks up where Stop the Calgary Habit left off," explains EIA Vice President of Strategy Peter McCart. "We were very successful making people aware of improved flight choices from Edmonton, but an old habit was hurting our chances for even better air service. UNITE FOR MORE FLIGHTS encourages the community to unite, take a stand, and make travel decisions that will benefit the Capital Region."

Over the last year, Edmontonians chose to fly from their own airport more often, versus driving to Calgary to catch a flight. It is estimated that the Stop the Calgary Habit campaign helped reverse 'the habit' by about 28,000 trips.

"The momentum is growing and it demonstrates what people in this community can do when they set their minds to something," said McCart. "Building awareness was the first step - but now we're actually seeing people change - they understand that their travel purchase decisions can help build air service and they're exercising their power to choose."

"This campaign is all about people uniting for a common purpose. UNITE FOR MORE FLIGHTS reminds the community that every flight from Edmonton is a flight for Edmonton."

In addition to today's launch, the campaign will feature radio spots, TV program sponsorships, and integration into summer events and festivals. Visit flyeia.com for more details.


http://www.flyeia.com/news/general/eia_unveils_unite_for_more_flights_?navID=11901

[Coldrsx]

Good to see a stage 2 follow up.

rock on YEG

[Hallsy's Toupee]

Calgarian responses to UNITE...a lot of misinformation there if you ask me

http://www.edmontonjournal.com/news/Edmonton+International+renews+push+more+flights/4844813/story.html

Rick Erickson, managing director of a Calgary-based airport consulting company, said the gap between the two airports is widening faster than ever.

“We have more head offices in Calgary, especially the Fortune 500 companies, our economy is slightly more diversified than the Edmonton one, we have not only oil and gas, we have fairly strong banking, fairly strong high-tech, fairly strong insurance, and as a result, their people tend to move a little more frequently than say some of the more blue-collar shops.”

Erickson said Calgarians have “higher disposable incomes on average than Edmonton has, and also, higher education levels. Both of those factors also influence demand for air travel.”

He added that Calgary is more of an international tourism centre, mainly because the mountains are a lot closer.

“When you add those factors up, that means basically that we have double the traffic that Edmonton has.”

The additional traffic and the type of market add up to more flights and more airlines serving the Calgary airport, said Jody Mosely, spokeswoman for the Calgary Airport Authority.

[Coldrsx]

I was always under the impression, from various reports, that we were more diversified. That said, the other comments reign true. Business travel is no comparison and with Banff at their doorstep...

[Hardhatdan]

I was always under the impression, from various reports, that we were more diversified. That said, the other comments reign true. Business travel is no comparison and with Banff at their doorstep...
Unfortunately so are aspects of how many U of A, GMAC, NAIT Business/Technology grads head south for work at the O&G, banking or engineering houses.
Sadly as well, the only good thing many of these people have to say about Edmonton after awhile is "Go Oilers, Go Esks".

E-town still can't get over the hump of bad image and a key aspect of that to me is there just isn't enough jobs here that "DREAMS ARE MADE OF". I'm not talking personal income, respect in an industry or personal achievement. Nope, I'm talking 39th floor cubicle or small office for BIG NAME FIRM IN SHINY NEW BUILDING DOWNTOWN, DRINKING AT TRENDY XYZ AFTER WORK FOR 9$ A PINT. It seems alot of people would rather have the latter, ie bragging rights instead of true personal gains. While I personally don't buy into it, I can definitly see the allure of it...especially to young 20-30 something crowd.

[Coldrsx]

^yup... we need to create a much better/sexier image of this city and create more unique, interesting, and wicked places to go for those type of things.

[Hardhatdan]

^yup... we need to create a much better/sexier image of this city and create more unique, interesting, and wicked places to go for those type of things.
I think that sums it up better than anything, Edmonton has no sex appeal.

As a general populous, I think we've given up trying to have any...actually as a general populous I'd say Edmonton actually pushes away the thought of having any. We are the puritan sister of the Cities of Alberta. Quiet, bashful, always doing the right thing and always failing to get noticed.

[Rocket252]

We have to promote our city while not sounding needy or preachy.

A smart campaign that is cool and sexy with the younger crowd

[Coldrsx]

^oh we get noticed...

[Hardhatdan]

^oh we get noticed...
Mostly for the wrong reasons.

At this point I don't believe there is any campaign that will work.

The only thing I can see the City doing is allocated public funds to major transformational projects. Alot has been done along those lines in the past couple years and I hope this continues to accelerate.
Actions will convince people, words and billboards seem meaningless.

To address attracting businesses is much harder...do people lead the businesses or the do the businesses lead the people, human capital is more mobile than ever. What can make a major head office land in Edmonton, unfortunately at this point, unless its organically grown, it seems the answer to that is: nothing.

[Rocket252]

Head offices are like lemmings - they tend to follow each other.

^ I agree - major infrastructure like the arena, RAM make us more appealing and should be advertised in a positive manner

[MalcolmTucker]

Replied to over in the main Edmonton thread (http://forum.skyscraperpage.com/showthread.php?p=5294733&posted=1#post5294733)

[s211]

Mostly for the wrong reasons.

At this point I don't believe there is any campaign that will work.


Wasn't there mention elsewhere that some airports will initially subsidize an airline to service its location? Has YEG tried that?

[bikegypsy]

A few years ago my mother-in-law (at the time) was approached by the owners of a slick new Italian restaurant in Montreal. They wanted one of her receipies. Let me tell you, her food was just amazing. This woman had immigrated from her native Calabria 4 decades ago. She spent most of her life at home taking care of kids and... cooking. Years go by as she develops receipies... making her own sauces, wines and even pastries. And one day these guies show up with money in their pockets, wanting to buy this receipy which she called "jump in your mouth" (translated from italian). Basically, this food so great that it just begged to jump in your mouth.

I follow the YEG-YYC topic once in a while and am surprised to see the energy invested in this debate. But to tell you the truth I believe this is like beating a dead horse. I think that most people don't take notice to what drives the numbers at an airport such as YYC.... Calgary does have more head offices than Edmonton and it does get a fair amount of traffic due to Banff... But mostly it's a hub. A fair amount of the numbers generated at that airport come from people who don't leave the airport. The only way YEG could reach the same numbers would be by also becoming a hub. This, from a business standpoint would be counter productive and inefficient. Airlines will never opt for that path since the concept of a midwestern Canadian hub is already being covered by YYC. If it ain't broken...

As for the "needy" comments from a post somewhere on this thread, YEG has past that point and is beginning to look like the ex-lover who just won't go away.

Start looking inwards. In order to boost the bohemian quotient of the city, people in Edmonton should spend more energy in building and creating the elements which make a city interesting. A busy airport doesn't mean a fun place to visit or live in.... Taller buildings don't automatically make street life more diverse and vibrant. But little uniquely styled shops do... And your mom's cooking does... It comes down to personality I guess. In comparison to Calgary, Edmonton has always appeared to me as being more creative and more artistic... it should capitalise on that. The CAL-EDM situation is very similar to ones in TO-MTL as well as Sydney-Melbourne. Which of these cities are clean-shaven and shinny and which ones are scruffier and appeal to people without even trying?

BTW, my mother-in-law said no.

[CMD UW]

Start looking inwards. In order to boost the bohemian quotient of the city, people in Edmonton should spend more energy in building and creating the elements which make a city interesting. A busy airport doesn't mean a fun place to visit or live in.... Taller buildings don't automatically make street life more diverse and vibrant. But little uniquely styled shops do... And your mom's cooking does... It comes down to personality I guess. In comparison to Calgary, Edmonton has always appeared to me as being more creative and more artistic... it should capitalise on that. The CAL-EDM situation is very similar to ones in TO-MTL as well as Sydney-Melbourne. Which of these cities are clean-shaven and shinny and which ones are scruffier and appeal to people without even trying?

BTW, my mother-in-law said no.
Exactly. Take a look at Austin for example. It is the capital of Texas with a large public sector workforce that has become one of the top cities in the US that continues to attract a variety of people from entrepreneurs to artists. Part of this has to do with its diverse economy that includes a strong technology sector and vibrant arts and culture. The University of Texas plays a huge role in this as well. Overall, Austin is a very liberal-minded city in one of the most conservative states in the US.

Edmonton shares many of these attributes and I think it can follow this template. A great city is not about international airport passenger stats or 50-storey skyscrapers.

[naidoo]

^Bravo.

Every once in a while we come back to this old debate (Edmonton vs. Calgary/Canada), but CMD and bikegypsy have it right on target.

Edmonton has been going in the right direction over the past 5 years, and IMO just needs to keep doing what it's doing. Eventually, tides change nonlinearly. Maintain the left-of-centre counterculture, the orange blob in the sea of blue, whatever you want to call it. The key is not that the centre and heart of the city is liberal/left (though IMO the most creative, dynamic and funnest places tend to be so), but that it's starkly different from the surroundings. Embrace that, and the techies, then eventually the foodies, will come too.

[Airboy]

Just an update from yesterdays visit to YEG.

No movement on the hotel site.

The Tower is coming along, the exterior wall panels are starting to be constructed. The viewing area under the tower will have spectacular view.
The new Jetways are on site and starting to be installed on the east addition.

I was quite amazed at how close the new flight centres are being built to the runway at the east end.

Alamo National Discount car rental facilities are moving along quite fast.

[hilman]

FlyEIA tweeted a pic of the new tower with an Antonov taking off yesterday:
http://s3.amazonaws.com/twitpic/photos/large/310522780.jpg?AWSAccessKeyId=AKIAJF3XCCKACR3QDMOA&Expires=1306854861&Signature=JDS8zsipa2P1p1FCg2l%2BexGaNYA%3D
http://twitpic.com/54vkws

[Airboy]

That beast must of come in and out pretty quickly. It wasn't there in the morning when I left.

[tuffyy]

Yep it was on a fuel stop.

Routed Keflavik-Edmonton-Moffet airfield.

[Bigtime]

What a neat coincidence that both YYC and YEG had a 124 come through yesterday. Ours routed KIAH-YYC-PANC-Petropavlovsk.

[Airboy]

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3457/5781808073_815a43f2c8_b.jpg
From Yesterday and the start of my 18 hr 4400 km day

[LO 044]

The viewing area under the tower will have spectacular view.
What viewing area? Did i miss something? AND MORE IMPORTANTLY is this a viewing area for people after they pass through security? If that's the case then YEG's epic fail continues with an observation area.