Bev Esslinger

Deep Freeze: A Byzantine Winter Fete has been radically reinvented for 2021! Starting today, this year’s festival takes place over 10 days and 8 community locations, including Spruce Avenue and Westwood in our ward. Spruce Avenue Community League (10240 115 Ave) is hosting a celebration of El Salvadorian culture and a Fiddle & Skate this weekend (Feb. 6-7) and next (Feb. 13-14). At Westwood Community League (12139 105 St), you’ll find a celebration of Arabic culture and ...some beautiful ice sculpture installations. All events are free (donations welcome). Bundle up and take some time over the next few days to visit all 7 participating community leagues, and all the activities at Borden Park. Keep an eye out for those elusive fairies! Congrats to Arts on the Ave for their great work reinventing this annual celebration of the cultures and traditions that make up our communities! Full info, schedule, map, and more: https://www.deepfreezefest.ca/

Creating a sense of community has never been more important. If you’ve wanted to get to know your neighbours, but weren’t sure how, or if you want to help build a more connected community in these challenging times, check out these workshops presented by Abundant Community Edmonton: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/creating-a-neighbourly-vibe-wit There are 4 dates to choose from. The first is coming up February 10. Register today!

At this webinar, airing Monday, Feb 1 at 12 noon, panelists will discuss the Searching for Izena project and offer "a deep dive into the political highs and lows of the last century and a look at the barriers that still exist." Voices well worth hearing, including former Councillor Olivia Butti. Register at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/power-lunch-100-years-of-femal

You have until this Sunday to give your feedback on the proposed Stoneriver Woodcroft Rezoning. The proposal would allow for a low-rise apartment building with small-scale street level businesses. Have your say at: https://engaged.edmonton.ca/StoneriverWoodcroft

It has been my honour to serve residents of Ward 2 and the City of Edmonton for the past two terms as City Councillor. I want to confirm my intention to seek re-election in Ward Anirniq in 2021. #yegvote

YELLOWHEAD TRAIL The City needs to hear from you! An opportunity for public engagement and feedback is open until October 30 on the design for the Yellowhead Trail project from 156 St to St. Albert Trail. An exciting step forward to improved mobility in our city!... Here's how to share your feedback and make your voice heard: Familiarize yourself with the design, watch the informative videos the team has put together, and share your feedback through Engaged Edmonton until Friday, October 30. Construction is expected to start in 2021. The project website: https://www.edmonton.ca//yellowhead-trail-156Street-to-StA Engaged Edmonton: https://engaged.edmonton.ca/yht156st_stalberttrail #yellowheadtrail #YEG

Design for the section of Yellowhead Trail between 156 Street and St. Albert Trail is underway. Construction is expected to start in 2021. Your voice is important! Share your feedback and ask questions about the project until October 30 at www.engaged.edmonton.ca.

Today Dr. Hinshaw announced new restrictions for Edmonton and Calgary as the number of Covid cases increase. No more than 15 people at indoor gatherings. This includes social events such as birthday parties, baby showers, dinners, wedding and funeral receptions. Restaurants, churches, businesses are exempt. Come on Edmonton we can do this!

My thoughts on the River Valley Solar Farm Decision...

You may have noticed the new bus stop signs around the city. This indicates the exciting changes coming for residents with more direct and more frequent bus routes. Even though the new signs are popping up the bus routes will remain the same. The new signs are a key step in preparing for the new bus network launching in April of 2021. The early transition of the signs will allow customers to get familiar with the new sign design and future new route numbering system. ... The user-friendly signs incorporate universal accessibility standards so they can be easily seen by a wide range of people. Customers should take note of the coloured temporary stickers on the signs that indicate if the stop will be opening, closing or routes will be changing in spring 2021. EXISTING BUS STOPS will have a red and white sticker Routes that are using the bus stop until April 24, 2021 are listed in the red section. The new route numbers that will use the bus stop starting April 25, 2021 are listed in the white section. NEW BUS STOPS will have a yellow sticker near the top under the picture of the bus. This sticker lets you know the new route numbers that will use the bus stop starting April 25, 2021. CLOSING BUS STOPS will have a red sticker at the top of the existing bus stop sign. This will let you know the stop will close at the end of the day on April 24, 2021. Route numbers that currently stop there will be listed under the red sticker

WOMEN IN POLITICS R U N | W O R K | V O T E 100 years ago, the first woman was elected to Edmonton City Council. Since then, only 31 have been elected!... We have a lot of work to do. As part of this initiative to get more women involved #ParityYEG and #AskHer Calgary are seeing which city can get the most women on council in 2021. I might be biased, but I think Edmonton has this in the bag! With the municipal election one year away, we want to encourage you to get involved and consider running for council in 2021. With more than half the population of #YEG being women we have the ability to shape the future of this city and represent our families, neighbours, and communities well. JOIN US Many studies show that women need to be asked to run. You are being asked. If you can’t run, we’re asking you get involved with a campaign, and we’re asking you to VOTE. Let’s make sure we’re all represented in this city. Let’s step up.

This is your last chance to share your voice! The Yellowhead feeback survey is available until tomorrow night! Whether you have been able to attend a Public Learning Session or not - please let us hear from you. ... Feedback is important in this project!

T H A N K F U L There is so much to be thankful for this Thanksgiving. We have our health and our loved ones. I'm wishing you time with friends and family filled with laughter, rich memories, and plenty of good food!

Important notice from EPCOR about the upcoming sewer rehabilitation project.