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Admiral Taft

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R

oland Poon is the most humble,

unimposing new millionaire I’ve met. He won one of the $3 million prizes in the Oilers’ Cash is King lottery. I asked if he was going to buy a new Mercedes. He said, “I don’t have to, I get the use of a Mercedes for my job.”

Roland has been selling Mercedes at Weber Motors as long as I’ve known him—about 10 years. He also has a deep appreciation for the Chinese culture.

His mother and father still with live him in the tradition of looking after your parents.

Roland also takes advice well. When he got over the excitement of winning a million bucks, instead of running out and buying expensive toys, he salted it away where he can’t get at it for a year. As for the ladies, he’s single and plans to stay that away until the perfect relationship comes along. After all, a million just doesn’t go that far any more.

Just received a note from some incredibly proud grandparents Don and Liz Clark about their hockey playing grandson Klarc Wilson. The Edmonton Journal’s John Short wrote glowingly about Klarc; “A strapping 185-pounder who was well known only to scouts before yesterday, a Knights of Columbus Squires standout. He compiled five assists, playing with an edge all afternoon and was clearly the top performer on either team.”

We were at a party at the home of Erik Allen recently where I met a couple of young people who work for small non-profits. Neither gets much publicity, so here goes.

Jennifer Macaig heads Alberta Opera—not to be confused with Edmonton Opera. Its small cast of six tours the province, performing in schools. There are four actors, one stage person, and a sort of manager who makes sure things go well on the road. The amazing thing to me is that they are booked for most of the school year. They make more money traveling Alberta than they would freelancing in the city. They get paid close to scale, plus travel, accommodation and food expenses.

Not bad for struggling actors. Where was Alberta Opera when I was trying to fulfill my thespian aspirations? I could have carried the kerosene to fuel the foot lights.

The second young lady I met at the party was Stephanie Gregorwich of the Alberta Book Society. It’s a group of authors who write books of all sorts, and do readings at schools—which works out exceptionally well for the members who write children’s books—and explain the fine points of becoming a scribe. There are 60 members and they get paid a couple of hundred dollars

from the funds that Stephanie raises. They recently conducted an Edmonton Community Foundation workshop for 400 inner city kids, sponsored by Raise-aReader, the Foundation, and CUPE Local 30.

Encouraging young people to read and write is a good thing and worth your support: contact Stephanie at 4228232.

Former Edmontonian Margaret Murchie checked in with Edmontonians from her office in Oahu.

She escaped to paradise following her studies in advertising and public relations at Grant MacEwan College. ”I was a pretty poor student as I was having way too much fun working at the Old Bailey. I left for Hawaii right after that in September of 1974 and had to complete my economics class via correspondence with Phil Shragge.” She’s come a long way since landing a job selling flowers in Waikiki restaurants. Today Margaret is a VP with Coldwell Banker Properties, and is a member of the board of directors of the Hawaii Economic Association.

Margaret pointed out that recently there’s been “…an influx of Canadian high-end buyers, mostly from Alberta. The currency exchange has encouraged a lot of interest. They are not just buying condos, but are buying luxury oceanfront and ocean view single family residences.”

With temps here dipping to a friggin’ -30ºC, the idea of an island escape holds a lot of appeal.

It’s official: Edmonton Klondike is no more.

It was dissolved at a shareholders’ meeting a couple of weeks ago. When Northlands dropped the theme after 40-something years, it died a natural death. You can argue it should have been saved but, without Northlands to drive it, it was doomed. It’s not all bad news: under the Events Edmonton banner, the broad organizational activities of the association are probably better represented. Head honcho Giuseppe Albi said, “We have very talented staff and can handle any size of event.”

Hear, hear! They already do Taste of Edmonton and the downtown News Year’s Eve bash—both terrific events that attract tens of thousands of people to Churchill Square. In addition to these signature productions, the team will contract its expertise to other organizations.

Too many friends are passing away too soon.

The latest was John Nikel of Calgary who had lived in Edmonton for many years. He and his brother George ran National Music on Stony Plain Road and 142nd Street until they sold it a few years ago. John and I spent many a day

together, mostly on the slopes. He was the life of the party and could ski the guys in great shape into the hill. Great stamina. He even paddled across Canada to celebrate our Centennial—from the Rocky Mountains to Montreal.

The doctors conducted a vigorous examination on John’s heart prior to a knee operation, which went very well. But, shortly after, his heart stopped. They brought him back briefly before he succumbed.

We’re all going to miss John but luckily we have some great memories. The list of music organizations he helped establish or worked with is long. Many will recall the Alberta International Band Festival, Musicfest Canada, The Tommy Banks Award and the Calgary Association of Piano Dealers. Quite a legacy.

About a month ago, I got a call informing me that another friend, magician Ian Finnan, had passed away. I’ve not heard anything since about what happened… and, if there was a funeral or memorial, I didn’t see a notice in the obits. I even tried his phone, thinking there might be a message with that information.

It was very eerie—Ian’s voice message was still playing but the message centre was full. Knowing his sense of humour, Ian would have loved my discomfort. He was a great clown, a very funny man and we miss the tricks he would perform during our breakfast get-togethers at Ricky’s—especially the time he magically produced a bowling ball at the table. If anyone can provide me with more info, let me know at muggsy@shaw.ca or call my cell 446-3290. I’d appreciate it.

Thanks to an Art of Conversation get-together, we were introduced to Tazza, a delightful little café in LeMarchand Mansion. Tazza is the fulfillment of a dream for siblings Richard and Genny Kachkar who grew up in the business. Richard started helping their father, Gene, when he was 12 years old, as did Genny who eventually looked after special events for the Mayfield Hotel. All the food is made from scratch and fresh… mostly Mediterranean dishes and other local favourites. Genny gave me a little bucket of humus with a packet of dipping things and we devoured them in one short evening. Tazza is open weekdays only, from early morning to late afternoon, but plans are in the works for dinner offerings.

Dr. Ollie and I recently hosted a party for some of our friends… but that’s not the item. I really want to acknowledge the young, up-and-coming singer who entertained the crowd for about three hours, singing and playing the piano: Jason Bendera. His mentor is our neighbour, Ruthy Jongens. Jason is a handsome devil who teaches dancing at Arthur Murray part time. He’s also done some work with renowned producer/composer George Blondheim. A strong presence for parties and destined for much bigger things in the future. √ Call Muggsy Forbes at 780.482.4545 or e-mail mforbes@edmontonians.com

EDMONTONIANS FEBRUARY 2008

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he red hot Alberta economy has

attracted interest from several broadcasters across the country as the CRTC has issued yet another call for more “new FM licences” in the City of Edmonton.

The deadline has just passed and I think you’ll see anywhere between nine and 12 various applications presented. This on the heels of the four new radio stations the city got just over two years ago.

In a market where there are already 23 off-air signals, (inclusive of CKUA, CBC, CJSR, Satellite, Internet), I personally think we’ve reached the saturation point.

However, most of these applicants think there is a niche format or two that the city might be interested in.

Applications will be heard later this year.

Before I forget, I’d like to compliment my key Astral Media radio program directors Ryan Zimmerman at The Bear and Steve Moore at E Z Rock for placing first and second in the FM rankings in the Fall Bureau of Broadcast measurements’ ratings. That is quite an accomplishment in our highly competitive market. The #1 overall spot goes to Doug Rutherford’s Corus News Talk station 630 CHED on AM. People stuff: Gord Whitehead is back behind the CHED mic after his shoulder operation. We’ll find out how

Y

well it really took when he tees off in the spring. Good to have one of the city’s best broadcasters back on the airwaves. And, the station’s long-running Santa’s Anonymous campaign was a huge success again this year, despite a very challenging time dealing with the tainted toy problems that have Gord Whitehead been well documented. Good work and congrats to Debbie Walker and her team.

Well-known media rep Bonni Clark has left her position at Northlands to join ex-media guy, Steve Hogle, at the Alberta Research Council.

There’s a lot happening on the local television scene: At CTV, Promotions Manager David Fisher tells me that Glenn Kubish was named news director in December, replacing Steve Hogle.

As well, CTV Canada AM now has gone “Live Across Canada” and added more local daily Edmonton content on the weekday mornings, between 6 and 9 a.m. Web coverage is being increased with the arrival of Amanda Ferguson from the East, and a ramping-up behind the scenes with former Edmonton Journal guy Stewart Shaw.

You’ll be seeing Amanda hosting a daily feature in the 6 o’clock news on interesting web stories.

Global General Manager Tim Spelliscy checks in with this update: Paul Ackerman took over as general sales manager in December. Paul is also known for his time at the former K-97, now K-Rock. One of his first hires is Holly Krueger, another long time radio lady and former K-Rock alumnus. Holly has been at the University of Alberta in the sports department for the past year or so.

And, Mark Jan Vrem, former Global Edmonton news

director, has surfaced as interim news boss at the network’s Calgary station.

Global News anchor Lynda Steele’s book, Laptop Diaries, became a local best seller in November/December with the entire print run of 5000 copies sold out. I applaud her generosity and that of Richard McCallum who didn’t charge for the printing: 100 percent of the proceeds went to Edmonton Women’s Shelters.

Downtown at City TV, well known GM Craig Roskin informs me that Rogers is now fully operating the downtown station. The final game plan is not set yet; however, you’ll be seeing the new OMNI ethnic television station signing on some time this fall. The OMNI brand is available in several other markets, and will be evolving in Edmonton and Calgary over the next several months.

Gracing the hallways of City right now is my daughter Rayanne who is taking her NAIT practicum at the station.

Finally, a tip of the hat to the Edmonton Oil Kings—especially to Nick Wilson and Coach Steve Pleau—on an excellent launch of junior hockey in our city this season. For a first-year WHL team they presented an entertaining product featuring a group of up and coming hockey stars. They also just hosted the amazing Junior Prospects game to showcase the talents of the world’s best 17-year olds in front of more than 300 scouts prior to the upcoming NHL draft. Kudos’ to the entire Oilers/Oil King operation on a great start in the City of Champions.

I don’t want to gloat but… Kim and I headed south before the big chill hit Edmonton. Now, it’s off to Phoenix for the Superbowl. I live a blessed life. √ Marty Forbes is VP and general manager of The Bear, EZRock and The TEAM 1260 Sports Radio. Contact marty@edmontonians.com

Then I get to courtroom 317 and I run into Belinda Metz who is also there for jury selection. I work with her hubby Don’s Aquila Productions and the Edmonton Oilers as their Gameday Host. (The Oilers pounded Phoenix that night.)

A few hours later, as I was searching for my car in the parkade, I met a woman from Newfoundland who was searching for her sled as well. We had a chuckle at ourselves for being “lost at sea.” Then as the nose of my car hit 97th Sttreet. my phone rang and it was my mother, Rosiland, calling from Portugal Cove, Newfoundland. Some days, hey?

es, Your Honour… I had quite a

synergetic day in January. I was making my way to Edmonton’s law courts. A summons to appear for possible jury duty selection had me searching for a parking spot. If you get summoned, I suggest you get downtown early. Over 160 of us spent the better part of the morning in courtroom 317 waiting to see if we would be among the 14 chosen. I didn’t make it.

Before I left for court that morning, I received an email from an old friend and fellow musician Robert Walsh, regarding his upcoming show, Edmonton Sings the Beatles; An evening with Robert Walsh and the Fabs.

He’ll be releasing his latest CD Robert Soul, and another called No Time Like This Time also will be available. The new CD is 12 tracks of astonishing new arrangements of the Beatles’ work. He has combined with various Edmonton artists such as Ann Vriend, Mark Sterling, Alfie Zappacosta, MarieJosee Ouimet and Pierre Sabourin, plus Saskatoon’s Andrea Medard. The show is on Friday, February 1st at the Transalta Arts Barns—the same day Edmontonians hits the streets. If, by chance, you’re reading this on the big day, call the Fringe Theatre box office at 4091910 for tickets. If not, you can grab both CDs and more by going to www.robertwalsh.ca.

But, I digress… getting back to my court journey: As I was running—and I do mean running—to the court house from the Canada Place parking lot, I just about ran into the front of Robert’s car in the Winspear parking lot.

Weird, eh?

The Foundation’s Mission statement is “to foster and improve a community’s leadership and development by providing training, inspiration and charitable resources.”

The vision for projects came from Simon himself.

Locally, Simon’s foundation has set up the Young Lions Media Centre in May 2006 in the basement of Real Deal store at 101A Main Street in Spruce Grove. It provides video filming/editing and still photography training, using equipment on loan and donated.

Watermelon, anyone?… There is a new crew In Africa, the foundation is in the patch—the advertising patch, that is. Watermelon working on completing a clinic, Advertising is up and running with Pertrina Driscoll funding and supporting a and Dave Jacox at the helm. school, building and renovating Petrina has worked both the agency and client side of Simon Poultney churches, and helping orphans. things with Canadian North and DDB. Dave is a veteran It is providing expertise to local creative director who has been with pretty much every villages to help develop skills in agriculture and major advertising agency in Western Canada. silviculture that will foster a self sufficient local economy.

When I chatted with Dave, he described Watermelon as It’s not only an organizaton that raises money and sends “…a few people having fun making advertising. We create it to Africa. Members want to be hands on and empower communication opportunities. We’re ‘scalable’... a small the members of these communities through expertise and and cost-efficient agency offering creative problem solving skills from right here in Alberta. They still need many more and out-sourcing the best additional resources resources to fulfill Simon’s vision. You can help by cutting for each particular client. We sometimes the foundation a cheque and/or helping fill the bin… The partner with other agencies. From our foundation has acquired a container that will be shipped to Edmonton base, we serve clients at home as central Zambia, more specifically, to the community of well as in Vancouver and California. We’re Kapiri Mposhi in the Kabwe District. They are looking for fresh daily!” sporting equipment including bicycles, musical instruments, You can check them out at select school supplies and books, tools and medical www.watermelonadvertising.com supplies.

The container is leaving for Africa at April’s end so to get Empowering People in Community… Simon Poultney was born in your donations in please contact Jennifer or Gordon Poultney at 780.962.4094. Anything you can provide will Inyanga, Zimbabwe, the only son of be greatly appreciated and definitely put to good use. Hey, Jennifer and Gordon. By the age of four, if any of you great doctors in this town thinking are of he had traveled to the major continents on renovating or up-grading, how about some some clinic Earth. Eventually, his family emigrated supplies, including an examination table or two? *wink from Africa to Stony Plain. Through his wink*. diverse educational experiences, both formal and informal, Simon became a proficient writer, an innovative artist, and a Shortest month one of the busiest… February is profound intellectual. He later studied at chock-a-block full of fund-raising galas. Check out Trinity Western University and was Edmontonians’ monthly listing at www.edmontonians.com renowned there for his insights into I wanted to mention two events that are special to me. political science and originality in film The 2008 Have a Heart Gala, put on by the Rotary Club of and writing. He developed into an Edmonton Glenora, is being held at the Fairmont Hotel inspiring and optimistic young man who Macdonald on Febuary 9th at 6:00pm. Please contact Gail wanted to make the world a better place at Gail.Forre@FMC-Law.com or call her at 423-7276 for and did many things to walk the walk of tickets. As well, the Edmonton Opera Gala “leaps” into the his desires. limelight in the Empire Ballroom at The Mac on February Sadly in 2004, Simon took his life due 29th. Contact Laura Young at the Edmonton Opera at 424to his undiagnosed bipolar disorder. The impact he left was 4040 Ext. 233 or e-mail devassociate@edmontonopera.com not lost on his family and friends. The Simon Poultney for tickets. √ Foundation was set up to carry on his legacy. The non-profit organization aids in revitalizing communities in Africa, as Mark Scholz, owner of MES Communications Inc. offers a well as supports his specific vision to have a place where variety of services including production, creative and youth and young adults could explore their gifts in music entertainment. For more information or to suggest a story and film-making here in Alberta. idea, email mscholz@edmontonians.com

EDMONTONIANS FEBRUARY 2008

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CELEBRATING

Poll

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STATION B

YEARS

With Linda Banister

FOUNDER DICK MacLEAN

Vol. XIX

FEBRUARY 2008

etween road construction season, icy road conditions in the winter, and an increased number of vehicles on the road, traffic safety is becoming an issue for Edmonton drivers and pedestrians alike. We seem to hear about dangerous drivers and hit-and-run accidents on a weekly basis and, with the influx of people moving to Edmonton, this problem may not resolve on its own. This month’s Poll Station asked Edmontonians about their perceptions of traffic safety in Edmonton, and whether certain groups of drivers face more regulations.

No. 1

SHARON MacLEAN Publisher and Advertising Director

INSIDE VOX POP Muggsy Forbes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 Marty Forbes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3 Mark Scholz . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3 POLL STATION Traffic safety/Banister . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 LEADERSHIP Collapse?/Hill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5

HAS TRAFFIC SAFETY WORSENED, AND ARE YOU CONCERNED?

Percentage

Telephone: 780.482.7000 Fax: 780.488.9317 e-mail: info@edmontonians.com edmontonians.com

49% 31% 14%

EDMONTONIAN IN EXILE Pricey potty/Edmondson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5 MY E-SPACE Clear vision/Rayner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6

Said they believed that traffic safety had worsened

COVER STORY/TOURSIM Survivor Alberta/Brost . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-9

MEDIA MINUTE Parental responsibility/Hogle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14 CIVIC BUZZ Condo review/Norwood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15 LIVELY LIFESTYLES Menu Magic/Berry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14 Absolute Bodo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15

BARB DETERS Editor

editor@edmontonians.com COLUMNISTS Linda Banister John Berry Linda Bodo Janet Edmondson Marty Forbes Muggsy Forbes Bruce Hogle David Norwood Erin Rayner Mark Scholz Nizar J. Somji FEATURE WRITERS Barb Deters Don Hill Rick Lauber Peter Drake McHugh

HAVE YOU NOTICED A DIFFERENCE BECAUSE OF GRADUATED LICENSING?

26% 16% Said they had not noticed any difference

SHOULD SENIORS OF 75 YEARS OF AGE BE REQUIRED TO TAKE ROAD EXAMS? Respondents were then informed that senior citizens over the age of 75 years are required to submit a medical report and provide a vision screening in order to renew their driver’s license. When asked if this age groups should also be required to take a road examination, twothirds (67 percent) were in agreement, while 19 percent disagreed, and 12 percent were neutral. Most respondents (77 percent) indicated there were no additional regulations that should apply to seniors.

WHAT WOULD IMPROVE TRAFFIC SAFETY? To close the survey, respondents were asked if they had any other ideas to improve traffic safety in Edmonton. The most frequently cited improvement was more enforcement of traffic laws or more police officer patrols (19 percent), followed by more roads to service increased volume and new developments (eight percent), improving the conditions of roads in general (seven percent), and placing harsher fines, penalties or judgments on traffic offenders (seven percent).

The Poll Station surveyed 100 City of Edmonton residents on the topic and, while the results of the research are not statistically reliable, they do provide a qualitative indication of what Edmontonians are thinking.

57%

PHOTOGRAPHERS Terry Bourque Janis Dow SPECIAL PROJECTS Edmontonians Transformers Tom Bradshaw Les Brost Steffany Hanlen Larry Ohlhauser

Said they believed that traffic safety had remained the same

To begin, participants were asked if they believed traffic safety in Edmonton had worsened or improved over the past five years.

The majority (80 percent) of respondents believed that traffic safety had indeed become worse, 49 percent indicating it had “worsened”, and 31 percent believing it had “greatly worsened”.

Only four percent felt that traffic safety had improved, while 14 percent believed it had neither worsened nor improved.

When asked how concerned they were about dangerous drivers on the streets of Edmonton, the majority—81 percent—were either “concerned” (19 percent) or “very concerned” (62 percent).

The habit of dangerous drivers that troubled respondents most was speeding (63 percent), followed by drivers not paying attention (27 percent), and swift lane-changes or cutting off other drivers (21 percent).

Percentage

FEATURE A matter of privacy/Willner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12

Said they believed that traffic safety had greatly worsened

system for new drivers. Part of this system requires residents over the age of 14 to hold their Class 7 learners license for a minimum of one year, then spend two years as probationary drivers before writing their advanced road tests to become fully licensed.

Respondents were asked whether they had noticed an improvement in overall traffic safety since these regulations have been enacted.

More than half (57 percent) of respondents had not noticed any improvements, while 16 percent indicated they had noticed some improvement. Twenty-six percent were unsure.

When asked if there were any regulations for new drivers that would improve Alberta traffic safety, 10 percent suggested older driving ages such as 16 years and 20 years, six percent suggested mandatory driver education courses or having more training in general, and another six percent favoured more enforcement of existing regulations.

Said they had noticed some improvement

Said they were unsure whether they had noticed any difference

In May 2003, the Province of Alberta introduced a graduated license

Want a question included in the Edmontonians Poll?

Contact Linda at 780.451.4444 or e-mail at lbanister@edmontonians.com.

Linda Banister is a certified management consultant and the owner of Banister Research and Consulting Inc., a full service provider of market research and program evaluation services. Visit www.banister.ab.ca.

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EDMONTONIANS FEBRUARY 2008

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The soft path to Edmontonian change is collapse. IN EXILE

By Janet Edmondson in Calgary

Are we there?

By Don Hill

I

magine this.

It is the 1980s. I am in New York City, attending a World Futures Society annual convention; this is where ‘futurists’ of every sort gather – not so much the wild-eyed and fanciful, but rather the best and the brightest thinkers of the day. The media hang on their every word. Forecasts are given bold headlines. I am one of hundreds of journalists on site.

Alvin Toffler delivered the keynote address, an outline of his just published book The Third Wave; it is one of his seminal works (of course, we could not know that then). Another prophet of the 1980s, Roger Smith, the chairman of General Motors is also in attendance. He talks of robots replacing people on automobile assembly lines. “It is the way toward relieving human drudgery,” he predicts confidently. He did not foresee the ‘rust belt’, the mothballing of countless auto plants during his watch, and the displacement of blue collar workers idled by his push to automate. The future shock of Michael Moore and his film Roger & Me is likely the last thing on his mind.

It is also Morning in America and Ronald Reagan is the president. The evil empire is the Soviet Union, and Star Wars is no longer a movie but a military proposal to control a ring of space that encircles the earth with laser technology. It is the darkest days of the Cold War. Kids begin to think they will not live to be adults.

A new entry is compiled into the DSM (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, the medical guidebook used by psychotherapists), to account for childhood anxiety over the future. Pills are prescribed.

Against this backdrop, one of the most memorable conversations of my career as a documentary-maker unfolded in New York City. I remember it as if it…well, it was such a long time ago.

WASN’T THE FUTURE WONDERFUL? A petite woman, Hazel Henderson grasps my hand in greeting and utters a firm but pleasant hello. I am told she is an evolutionary economist, “an up and comer” according to my colleague Robert Theobald, himself no less influential, one of the so-called Prophets of Doom in the 1960s. We are at the World Futures Society conference conducting interviews for a proposed CKUA radio documentary series.

He assures me Henderson is “someone you will be hearing about.” He is quite right. Her

editorials now appear in more than 400 newspapers worldwide. She has provided counsel to the White House and the Clintons.

The world I described to Henderson in the 1980s seems so much like the one we live with today: war spiraling out of control… social woes… financial calamity… bad weather too. After a long and earnest rant, I finally framed a question around the bleak picture I painted. “I understand your concerns,” she said, quietly.

And then a heartbeat later, she dropped this bomb.

“The soft path to change is collapse.”

I have thought about Henderson’s candid response for a long, long time. And I now take it to mean that the soft path to change is not about giving in or giving up on a situation, but rather giving way—especially to circumstances that never seem to improve despite our best intent Alvin Toffler and countless interventions.

My column in Edmontonians several months ago outlined a financial calamity [The 4th Quarter: Stormy Weather Ahead? October 2007]. One forward thinking economist based in our city (who will go nameless), dropped me a line after reading the column. “You articulated in print what everyone I know is discussing in private,” he admitted.

This response reminded me of my daughter’s habit as a youngster of closing her eyes and thinking the world had disappeared.

It is now likely the worst-case scenario I sketched out last fall: a stock market meltdown and economic conditions not seen since grandma and grandpa’s mom and dad were children. This is an old movie. And I don’t dare predict the ending. Might it be smarter instead to invoke Hazel Henderson’s maxim? Could it open the door to authentic change?

The way forward might begin with some fresh thinking. I say might because the history of the future tells me it is impossible to predict where the next bright idea is going to emerge. Innovation is like a river that goes underground: It will pop up in unexpected places.

Experience tells me, however, it is possible to create the conditions to bring about positive results in the world, the workplace, the community and, something you and I have immediate control over, ourselves. My CKUA radio program, Inspiring Leadership, for instance, gave voice to countless great ideas—some prescriptive, others food for thought—a map toward a future where imagination counts for everything. (The documentary series ended in January, but remains on the web at www.ckua.com).

THE WAY FORWARD If we can agree that at best democracy is a messy affair, you know that merely being ‘first past the post’ can set substantial groups of people off on a siding (we used to call it Western Alienation). Just because you have silenced someone by winning the overall vote doesn’t mean you have changed their mind; it creates the conditions for future conflict. And there is always the potential for a majority of people in a room to lift up their hands and make a terrible decision.

“The opinion of 10,000 men is of no value,” Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius complained long, long ago, “if none of them know anything about the subject.”

So what to do?

The Quakers are a faith-based group that employs a unique model of governance which, I believe, creates the conditions for an informed and genuine consensus that sustains long-lasting decisions. Leaders are obligated to bring everyone up to speed.

There must be a comprehensive level of understanding about the issues at hand—the big stuff that will affect the future welfare of the community—before a vote is taken. In this way, there can be an agreement to disagree and still move forward. There is also an implicit understanding that collaboration requires the best ideas must be acted upon no matter what quarter they come from; the voice of a child is just as important as the elder’s.

And, if it is true that the soft path to change is indeed collapse then we have a remarkable opportunity at hand.

You already know what makes the world weary—what is wrong is self-evident. I have another idea in mind for a new column and series of broadcasts. It will require your assistance—yes, you—to let me know what’s going right. Send me a message. √ Don Hill is a ‘thought leader’ at the Leadership Lab at the Banff Centre. He is also an award-winning writer and broadcaster with a large footprint on the Internet. His address is donhill@gmail.com.

Listen to his radio series Inspiring Leadership, a 20-part documentary on contemporary leadership and the challenge of leading in the 21st Century. For more details visit www.ckua.com and www.appropriate-entertainment.com

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algary’s 17th Avenue—The Red Mile—is lined with trendy restaurants, popular bars, and expensive boutiques. Lots of shoppers… lots of tourists… lots of sports fans celebrating, or lamenting, the Flames latest game.

And, as is the case in most major cities, this popular location is also home for a variety of panhandlers, prostitutes and addicts. There is a serious lack of public toilets in uptown Calgary. When nature calls, where can all these folk “go”?

This month, the City of Calgary will complete the installation of an automated public toilet—APT—in Tomkins Park, right in the middle of The Red Mile. This selfcontained unit will have an automatic sink and selfcleaning ..

0. toilets and 10 e pl Sam floors.

After each use, it will disinfect itself for about 45 seconds, then dry with a high pressure blower.

Located right on the corner of the park, at a busy intersection, its visibility will make it accessible and safe. The unit will monitor the length of time a user is inside, automatically opening the door after 10 minutes, to minimize criminal activity.

The city already provides several public washrooms and port-a-potties in the downtown area, but these are often hard to find, dirty, scary or closed. The APT can be accessed 24 hours a day, is big enough for wheelchair users or families, and will be sanitized after each use.

There’s even an emergency panic button inside.

The toilet costs about $250,000. City administrators are investigating sponsorship and advertising possibilities to defray installation and maintenance costs of future units.

The City of Edmonton has chosen a cheaper, less satisfactory solution to the same problem on Whyte Avenue. Merrymakers will get four portable urinals, on weekend nights in the summer only. The units will be set up each evening and be removed in the morning, at a cost of $20,000. I can think of at least three reasons that these would be insufficient: Think winter, think female, think beyond #1.

Is Calgary really that much more “flush” that it can provide permanent, safe and accessible-to-all public washroom facilities? √ jedmondson@edmontonians.com

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my space For Young Entreprenuers

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ome people, like myself, are blessed with the need to wear corrective lenses. Without contacts or glasses, I am quite literally next in line for a white cane. When I shop for eye glasses, I really am looking for a piece of jewelry, a reflection of the various facets of my personality that I can proudly wear on my face. I consider glasses to be the most common form of non-pierced, noninked, practically permanent adornment one can buy.

Mike Wong is a funky 26-year old Edmontonian who is also the owner of I Optical. He fittingly also has the most interesting array of non-pierced facial jewelry I’ve seen in a long time. I guess it’s one of the perks of owning a high-end, eye glasses boutique.

Mike is the youngest of three brothers who are all involved in the optical industry.

Business runs deep in this family. Since emigrating from China, Wong’s parents have owned and operated a number of businesses, from several Chinese restaurants to a women’s clothing store. Mike and his brothers worked alongside their parents as they grew. Donald, the middle brother owns and operates I Optical’s sister store, Occulist in West Edmonton Mall.

Mike’s first experience in the optical field

was with Bay Optical where he learned the techniques for working in the industry.

Within a few years, he reconsidered his career choice and enrolled in a computer programming course at NAIT. He quickly learned that he enjoyed the optical industry more. After taking some personal aptitude tests through a career counselor and becoming more self aware, Mike began the management studies program at Grant MacEwan College. “I was always a 65-70 percent student but at GMC I became an honours student,” he recalls. He believes that his scholastic success had a lot to do with going into the program with an end result in mind. He had a clear vision: he wanted to be a business owner in the optical industry.

“My dad taught me to try to choose (a business) that is a necessity and is recession proof. That’s why they support me in the eye ware industry – everyone will need glasses eventually.”

After completing the program at GMC, Mike spent a year at Pearl Vision where he learned as much as possible that could help him build his business. He focused on refining his people and management skills and spent time behind the scenes in the lab.

When a business family member works outside the family business, I call this an

“externship”—time away from the family and the business(es) they operate. Mike’s time working for someone else also reaffirmed his desire to be his own boss. “I was never really good with authority. I’d rather become my own boss, where the onus is on me.” But, as every business owner knows, there are good days with perks and freedom, and bad days when the onus is a lot to handle. “My friends can tell good months [in the business] from bad.”

Mike believes it is important to have an outlet to deal with the stresses of business ownership. “Sundays are [my time to] sit back, relax and clear my mind for the upcoming week.” He also DJs at a couple Edmonton clubs to let loose and have some fun.

MARKETING INITIATIVES “Inactive” is how I would describe I Optical’s marketing strategy. The business celebrated its second year with a direct mail piece, offering a modest discount on a pair of eye ware, to all past or current customers.

The plan is to do a similar promotion for the third anniversary. In my view, Mike has the right idea: The mail-out offered a transferable discount that could be used by a friend or family member if the recipient doesn’t require new glasses, and they approached clients that are already aware and interested in their high end product.

A coaching program I belong to recently reviewed the theory of the 80/20 Rule: where 80 percent of your business comes from 20 percent of your customers. By encouraging repeat business from customers who already know and value your services and/or products, you’re shortening your sales cycle. It’s less intense than having to

By Erin Rayner

convert the general public to be aware and interested in your services/products.

In my opinion, I Optical, like many businesses, could benefit from more consistent marketing. It is tucked away in Edmonton Centre where there are a number of other retailers that share shopping traffic and could develop a collective marketing strategy. For example, I Optical could provide product for a window display for a clothing retailer that shares the same fashionable, high end market.

Also, Edmontonians have an odd and unfortunate aversion to shopping downtown. One objection I hear frequently when trying to rally people to shop downtown is the cost of parking. This is an opportunity for I Optical to include a coupon on the next flyer for an hour of complementary parking if they get their parking ticket stamped at the store. Even if the recipient isn’t in the market for new glasses, stopping at the store is a relationship “touch” for I Optical. The more “touches” a business has, the more likely it will be top of mind to the customer.

I Optical has an important aspect that many businesses and business owners lack—a clear vision. An increased focus on effective marketing initiatives may just be what Mike and I Optical need to get to the next level of development. √ Erin Rayner is president of ED Marketing and Communications Inc. You can submit marketing materials for review; suggest young entrepreneurs to be profiled; nominate a Top Three; or ask a business developement question.

Contact erayner@edmontonians.com

Erin’s Top Three Tips for hiring the right graphic designer Many people I meet think marketing begins and ends with their graphics. Although this is not true, engaging the services of a competent, creative and consistent designer makes life a lot easier.

1. Yes & No Designers I work with many different designers on behalf of my clients, coordinating their efforts and offering non-design, marketing-focused feedback.

The hardest ones to deal with are what I call “no” designers. I’ve given them this nickname because whenever they are asked to make a change, more often than not, they say, “No, because…” rather than “Yes, we could try…” They’re quick to tell me why it can’t be done instead of using their creativity to figure out how they could incorporate my changes into the overall project.

The flip side is “yes” designers who go overboard and do whatever the client tells them. Unfortunately, some don’t even speak up when they know the piece is cluttered or laced with spelling errors.

Ideally, the best designers to work with are able to create strong promotional materials.

They will do their best to translate your ideas into effective design… but they will tell you when your suggestions sacrifice the efficacy of the piece.

2. Creative and Innovative Maybe this month’s Top Three should have been a Top Four. To me, creative is good… but creative and innovative is better. The best creative graphic designers will know how to turn their art into a look that can be integrated into your company’s vision—and it won’t look like a clone of your competitor’s brochure.

Always ask to see a designer’s portfolio to make sure the style matches the visual impression you want your company to convey. And, check references as you would with anyone you might hire.

3. Availability Worst case scenario: You interviewed a designer who understood your requirements and responded with great ideas, so you hired him…over a month ago. Now, all you hear is a voice mail greeting, and your e-mails also go unanswered. One word—and it does start with an “f”—frustrating.

Make sure the designer understands your timelines. Establish deadlines at various stages of the creative process—rough concepts, finished art, delivery to the printer—and agree to pay for the work at each approval stage as an incentive. If your deadlines are not feasible, try to come up with a timeline that suits both of you. If that doesn’t work, move on to your second choice. You can always get together with the preferred designer on another project. √ EDMONTONIANS FEBRUARY 2008

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Les Brost takes a hilarious approach to the stormy waters of the much-anticipated provincial election.

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een from the jet flying miles above the surface, the political waters of the Sea of Alberta look the same as they have for the past three decades. The same deepblue waterscape stretches on forever, dotted by the same Islands. The Political Tribes—the tiny dots occupying those Islands—seem unchanged from when former King Ralph assumed his royal robes.

Closer to the surface, the first hints of change in the Sea of Alberta politics become visible, with new colour patterns emerging in the once-blue waters. Look closer yet, and one sees that the Sea of Alberta is in a time of storm and transition. This change also grips the political tribes and their chieftains. Some chiefs—perhaps all of them—could be fighting for their thrones

after the potential tsunami that could be Survivor Alberta 2008— the provincial election.

Three key elements will be at play in Survivor Alberta 2008. The first is the Legacy of King Ralph, which is at its very best, a mixed blessing for the ruling tribe. Second is the Tilted Battlefield, whereby residents of some of the Deep Rural Atolls have as many as 1.4 votes compared to the more densely populated Islands. The final factor is the New People—hundreds of thousands strong— who have no political anchors in the Sea of Alberta.

So how will Survivor Alberta 2008 unfold? Please hop into my catamaran as we skim the political waters of the Sea of Alberta.

As you settle in, allow me to pour you an Alberta Vodka Martini while we briefly review our political tribes.

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THE PROGRESSIVE CONSERVATIVE TRIBE The Progressive Conservative Tribe of Alberta has been both a political and cultural dynasty. Under the Rule of King Ralph, the Sea of Alberta became a beacon for all who believed in the elimination of government debt and the shrinking of the public sector.

The Rule of Ralph ended when the Tribe, feeling disconnected from King Ralph by his Inner Circle, mounted a palace coup. This unprecedented mutiny resulted in the emergence of a new ruler, Prince Edward the Honest, who vowed to bring a new accountability to the business of public governance.

Prince Edward and his key Nobles and Advisors are not resident in the dominant Islands, which causes much discontent in those circles. Even before the Good Ship VoteGetter sailed, the PC Tribal Council voted off two of its own who had strayed too far to the right… a reassuring move for the rank and file progressive members of the Tribe.

THE WILD ROSE/ ALLIANCE TRIBE The Wild Rose/Alliance Tribe sails hard to the right and is a motley crew of fiscal and social conservatives who have banded together under leader Lieutenant Paul Hinman. They believe that Islanders’ interests are best served when government keeps the energy corporations happy. Their appeal is strongest in the outlying Islands and among some elements of the business community.

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THE LIBERAL TRIBE The Liberal Tribe has wandered in the Sea of Alberta politics for many years, tacking from the left side to the right, driven by the prevailing winds. Sadly, its very name conjures up unbearable images in the minds of many Albertans. A succession of leaders has been unable to convince the Tribe that a change of name was necessary. The present leader, Admiral Kevin Taft, is a cerebral, articulate man who has struggled to connect with the people of the Islands.

THE GREEN TRIBE The Green Tribe is an enigma. Its leader, Naval Cadet George Read, is unknown outside the confines of Greendom. It has no money and no star candidates. Yet, its support will grow exponentially, as many look to moor their votes with the Green Tribe as a gesture of frustration with the larger tribes.

THE NEW DEMOCRATIC TRIBE The New Democratic Tribe has been the Rodney Dangerfield of political life on the Sea of Alberta, working very hard but garnering little respect or support. Commander Brian Mason has served well as the “hair shirt” for both the Progressive Conservative and Liberal Tribes. The ND Tribe lists so far to the left, its core philosophy is heresy to many of the residents of the outlying and southern Islands. Yet the winds of change are blowing throughout the Islands, and there is a growing cynicism about globalization that might trigger votes for the NDs.

THE SOCIAL CREDIT TRIBE There is one other tribe still cruising the Islands—long of tooth, grey of beard and fervent of heart. The Social Credit Tribe, led by Chief Petty Officer Len Skowronski, has a long and honoured history in the Islands. It is struggling to renew itself and regain its former stature in the hearts and minds of senior Islanders.

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THE ISLAND CRUISE Isle of Edmonton Let’s start our cruise of the islands and atolls dotting the Sea of Alberta politics. Looming on our left is the Isle of Edmonton, the political capital and centre for artistic and intellectual pursuits. Its ambience is more European than American, with an eclectic mix of business, cultural and physical activities that appears to honour the creative as much as the commercial. Its citizens tend to be political contrarians and strategic voters and usually march on the left-of-center side of the street. The Isle of Edmonton stood aloof from most of the province during the Rule of Ralph.

Survivor Prediction Results from the Isle of Edmonton are—as always—unpredictable. PC Tribe members may see one of their three remaining representatives voted off the Island, while the Liberal Tribe could gain ground. The ND Tribe will increase its popular vote and hold its existing seats. A rising star in their political sky, Rachel Notley, will be among the new Survivors. Alberta’s Green Tribe will dramatically increase its popular vote but will have no Survivors.

Calgary Island The large landmass we see immediately to our right is Calgary Island, a place where the aroma of new money blends with the fragrance of economic growth, creating an ambience that delights the marketplace buccaneer. Its attitudes are close to those of America, and it sees itself as the business capital of the Sea of Alberta. The citizens are an uneasy coupling of old-time Calgarians and ambitious new arrivals drawn by the promise of riches. A smoldering political discontent on Calgary Island is attributable to the final years of the Rule of Ralph.

Survivor Prediction These are challenging times for the PC Tribe on Calgary Island, where the leadership skills of Prince Edward the Honest and his Nobles are questioned. Many of these Islanders harbour resentment at their perceived loss of power when this northern prince was crowned. More Liberal Tribe victories will weaken the PC Tribe’s shaky grip on this formidable landmass. The Green Tribe will dramatically expand its support base but will be voted off the Island.

Islands of Ferment In the foreground, directly in front of us between Calgary Island and the Isle of Edmonton, are the Islands of Ferment. With romantic names like Fort McMurray, Lethbridge and Grande Prairie, they have undergone rapid economic and population growth. Their population is a disparate group of old-timers and newcomers, and the influx of people from other lands has created some social abrasion. Rapid and unplanned growth has led to social and infrastructure problems, taxing the governing capacity of local chieftains. Some Outer Islanders tend to vote more for the individual rather than the political tribe, which is not the norm in the Sea of Alberta.

The activities of the former King’s Energy Nobles have created much outrage in these Islands.

Survivor Prediction The Islands of Ferment will see some of the toughest battles of the election. The races will be close, and the support for the Social Credit Tribe may well play a part in the outcome. Some of Wild Rose/Alliance and Liberal tribe members will replace PC incumbents. Losses will result primarily from unhappiness with the land use and surface rights management approaches taken

by King Ralph. The Green Tribe will eclipse the votes for the NDs, and may have a long chance here to elect one Survivor.

Deep Rural Atolls When we look way off to our right, the small landmasses that we see in the distance are the Deep Rural Atolls. They are characterized by declining populations, crumbling social infrastructure and a homogenous population. The citizens tend to have red necks, gray hair, and a field of vision that looks only rightward. They are very loyal to the former King Ralph and still grieve his departure.

Survivor Prediction It is likely that members of the Liberal, ND and Green Tribes will be briskly voted off the Atolls.

The Survivors will be evenly dispersed between the Progressive Conservative and Wild Rose/Alliance Tribes

WHO WILL WIN IMMUNITY? We’ve completed our cruise of the Sea of Alberta politics, and I’ve given you my assessment of the upcoming storm. What will be the outcome? Will it be just huge gusts of hot air, or will it be a political tsunami? Will the public opt for “business as usual” or will there be many powerful tribesmen voted off the Islands, and a new tribe seated at the Grand Council Fire? Regardless, the storm’s outcome will be a watershed in the evolution of our homeland.

As of the moment, it seems likely that the Progressive Conservative Tribe will have fewer Survivors, and could possibly lose its majority. In today’s always-on world, one mistake, one poorly chosen phrase—like “government on autopilot”—can wash away a tribe’s credibility in 48 hours.

The aftermath to Survivor Alberta 2008 will be very interesting. The tribes, like the natural regeneration occurring after a storm, may replace some—perhaps all—of the present leaders.

High-ranking chieftains in the PC Tribe may decide to cast their lot with opposition tribes. The once-placid waters of the Sea of Alberta may be swirling with political intrigue.

There are only two certainties: Albertans will get the government they deserve, and the only real losers will be those who fail to vote.

Anyone for a final Alberta Vodka Mart before we sail off to a new horizon? √

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edia Minute with Bruce Hogle

What is the responsibility of parents when their children are convicted or involved in serious crimes, let alone questionable misdemeanors?

I ask that following the horrific torture, rape and eventual murder of 13year old Nina Courtepatte of Edmonton three years ago by three young punks. None showed any remorse. Nor did any of their parents.

The same was also true when 14-year old Reena Virk of Victoria was savagely beaten and then drowned 10 years ago by eight teenage schoolmates—seven of them female. The guilty couldn’t have cared less. The same for parents of these “upstanding” Canadian youth.

Then we have that 17-year old Edmonton student driving at 143 km per hour when his vehicle overturned killing two of his closest friends, Melissa Melan, 15, and her boy friend Levi Doorn, 16. The driver could not be identified because of our ridiculously outdated Youth Criminal Justice Act (which also protected JR of Medicine

C ivic Buzz with David Norwood

Despite the recent decrease in metro Edmonton’s home prices, the condominium market remains robust.

And a slight increase in housing prices in December 2007—after six months of decline—indicates that the market has become more balanced. As single-family dwellings become increasingly less affordable for many people, condominiums remain a viable alternative. Literally dozens of condo projects are either proposed or are under construction in Edmonton. So just what is the status of some of these condo projects? Information is not easy to obtain, since most developers prefer not to ‘tip their hands’ in a market so much in flux.

I garnered hard information where possible; other comments are collectively educated guesses.

• Icon I and II, on 104th Street north of Jasper Avenue: Icon I will have topped out at The Icon its 30-storey height by the end of this month, while Icon II is at the footings and foundation stage. Units on both phases of the Icon have sold very well, although a few suites are still available.

• The llluminada II, a project of WAM Developments on Jasper at 118th Street and Jasper, has topped out at 12 floors and is on schedule. It’s unique amongst Edmonton high-rises in that it includes a number of three-bedroom units, a feature some people see as increasingly important in attracting families to condo living. No doubt more three-bedroom units will be offered in future developments. In my May 2007 condo update, I suggested that an Illuminada III is likely, just west of the first two towers. This is still a real possibility, especially given the derelict condition of the existing stucco walk-up apartments on the site, but I am betting on a one- or two-year delay.

• On Victoria Promenade, just behind the Illuminada project, is WAM’s exclusive six-storey condo, The Lessard. With only 10 units and a base price of $1.5 million (rumour is that most are sold), this development has

Hat, Canada’s youngest convicted multiple killer who orchestrated the murders of her parents and brother). Not only did this punk driver not appear in court to apologize, he didn’t even have the decency to attend the two funerals.

Not did his parents offer any condolences whatsoever, let alone explain why they allowed their son to drive at such unacceptable speeds

Grand Forks, BC, Juanita Bannert proudly exclaimed: “I don’t believe there was any sexual abuse. Through thick and thin, I am behind my son and love him.” Yuk. Compare all of these incidents to Frances Kearney of Valleyfield, Quebec, whose teenage son Brandon has been charged with the vehicular death of a three-year-old girl. In this

Leading by example Parents should show remorse

Internet tribute for Emrah Bulatci, the accused killer of RCMP Constable Chris Worden in Hay River. Matt later sincerely apologized and admitted he had made a terrible mistake while intoxicated. But the apology was not enough for Jim who told The Sun that he was disgusted that, while the country was mourning this officer, his son was “mocking it under my own nose”. He then cut off his son’s Internet access, adding “This isn’t about free speech, it’s about disrespect and poor taste.”

Getting back to Juanita Bannert: Now that you’ve seen how Jim Gilpin and Frances Kearney handled acute problems involving their sons, would you like to re-think your laudatory comments about your sick psychotic son, and his brutal treatment of an innocent four-year old tot who trusted him and called him Daddy, and ended up being ruined for life? √

knowing he had only been licensed for one week. Oh yes—and in case you wondered—this jerk is still driving and showing off.

Then we have that classic pervert Darcy Don Bannert of Edmonton, now serving eight years for the torture and sexual abuse of his girl friend’s fouryear old daughter, shackling this tot to furniture and then locking her in the basement. When Journal reporter Karen Kleiss contacted this sicko’s mother in

case, both mother and her 17-year old son, immediately after the accident and before anyone had been charged, offered sincere public sympathies, saying: “There are no adequate words to express the depth of our sorrow for the family of Bianca.”

I love that empathy and understanding, just as I do for Jim Galpin of St. Albert.

He was terribly upset last October when his 18-year old son Matt who, after a few drinks with a buddy, started up an

been marketed discreetly. As far as I can determine no renderings have been made public. Those in the know suggest that it will set a high standard for design in Edmonton.

• Construction of True North Properties’ Uptown on 117th Street south of Jasper is well underway. The 15-floor, 54-unit building will feature

called 12415 – 12419 (both essentially sold out) Jasper Avenue. The in the $1 billion Century 11-storey stepped Park development are project will consist of under construction, and 51 luxury condos and is sales have been brisk for immediately adjacent to the Park’s first high-rise, the Properties on High the 18-storey Central.

Street. The latter’s • The status of BCM developer, Vinterra Developments’ various Properties, is well into projects in the city is a bit the construction phase of a question mark. The 25of The University floor Founder’s Ridge on Properties, its 105th Street at 98th development on 109th Avenue—arguably the Street and 80th Avenue. company’s most prominent Concert Properties • Immediately north development—seems to be of downtown, sales and stalled, despite ads that construction of the first tower of the suggest it is “Now Selling.” Fuzion, massive Aurora, City of Light project BCM’s mixed-use commercial/condo are expected to get underway this spring. development on Whyte and 102nd Street, has been granted a new development permit, to add another 24 units to the 81 already approved by The Arcus at converting retail space above the main Grant MacEwan floor to residential. No word on when construction will actually begin.

• The Arlington condo on 100th Avenue has been issued a revised development permit, but it’s uncertain as to when the developer of the fire-gutted structure and its The 23-floor condo will be the 20-storey addition The Arlington first of up to six towers, will begin townhomes and retail marketing or establishments in the complex. construction. In its Adding to its location appeal is current state, it is the 28-storey EPCOR Tower, the biggest eyesore the first office building in in downtown Qualico’s Stationlands project, Edmonton. on which construction has just • The begun. Further west, ground has Communitas been cleared for Calgary-based Group, developer Arcus Developments’ first of the Edmonton condominium, at ‘ecohighrise’ 109th Street and 105th Avenue.

Grandin Green, Called—for now—the Grant overlooking the MacEwan Condominium river valley at Development, the project 111th Street, is comprises two 13-storey towers now marketing the containing 320 units as well as equally retail and commercial space. environmentally friendly Rossdale Green, located on 105th Street and 96th Many other condominium projects in Avenue. The 10-storey structure will central Edmonton are offer 39 suites, each with a view of the either approved or at the river valley. According to the developer, proposal stage, and we Rossdale Green will use 50 percent less energy and resources than a conventional will keep track of them as they progress. In the apartment building. In addition to meantime, it’s obvious incorporating the features that made that Edmonton’s Grandin Green so successful, it will add condominium market is solar panels and a ‘green roof.’ very healthy. √ • At the west end of Jasper Avenue, Concert Properties of Vancouver has David Norwood is a freelance writer/editor. finished demolition of the homes on the Contact dnorwood@edmontonians.com site of its new building, prosaically

The Uptown

copious amounts of glass and ‘upscale’ exterior treatment. The company’s VivaCity condo on 103nd Street has also topped off, and will offer panoramic views of the river valley and downtown.

• Urban Landmark’s 12storey Serenity, on Jasper at 118th Street, is also under construction, as are Abbey Lane Homes’ Venetian, Gene Dub’s Panache, Tessco’s Gates on 117th, the trendy MTRAC Lofts on 105th Avenue and 117th Street, and the Vermilion on 116th Street and 106th Avenue. Christenson Developments’ AltaVista South on 111th Street has topped out at 12 stories, and its RiverVista condo on 97th Avenue is now complete.

• Outside the downtown area, Time Development’s Trinity Pointe, which involves the conversion and expansion of a former convent on Whyte Avenue, will offer spectacular views of downtown from many units. According to the developer, only three units remain.

Time’s Soho in Cloverdale is almost complete. This project on 98th Avenue will include shops and restaurants along with loft condos.

• The first two medium-rise towers

Bruce Hogle is the former news director at CFRN TV and recently retired head of the Alberta Press Council.

Contact bhogle@edmontonians.com

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Photo by Terry Bourque

Myths & Truths A man has a right to pass through this world, if he wills, without having his picture published, his business enterprises discussed, his successful experiments written for the benefit of others, or his eccentricities commented upon, whether in handbills, circulars, catalogues, newspapers or periodicals.

— New York State Court of Appeals Chief Justice Alton B. Parker, 1901

By Monica Willner

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cardholders and retail club members swipe their cards, product preferences are recorded and shared with hundreds of corporate sponsors. In exchange for baring your buying habits, you collect reward points and receive “memberonly” discounts on certain goods. But is that a bad thing?

HOT TOPICS

actually occurs when someone collects enough personal information about another individual to be able to impersonate them and, for example, apply for a credit card or a mortgage on their own. In this scenario, the person whose information has been stolen will likely not even know for quite some time. The federal government has proposed amendments to the Criminal Code designed to tackle this problem.

Thirdly, radio frequency identification devices (RFIDs) continue to generate public interest: What you eat, wear, watch, ride in and play with is increasingly tracked by companies to uncover patterns of consumer behavior—for example, marketers discovered that men who go out to buy diapers in the evening are more likely to pick up beer on the way home.

Bruce Phillips, Privacy Commissioner of Canada 1998-1999 Annual Report

With all the confusion about what the privacy legislation actually says, how it applies and the recent media attention, there are a lot of myths about what practices the legislation restricts and what rights it grants. The situation is exacerbated because PIPA—arguably the most pertinent privacy statute in Alberta for private organizations—only came into force on January 1, 2004… relatively new in terms of legislation.

In my opinion, there are five big myths surrounding PIPA and I would like to share the truth behind each one:

First, the Privacy Commissioner of Alberta recently launched an investigation into the alleged privacy breaches of the Alberta Energy and Utilities Board. In a lengthy decision by the Alberta Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner (OIPC), it was found that the EUB collected unauthorized personal information and failed to meet its obligations to protect personal information. The Board was found to have essentially sent spies to collect information on landowners.

Secondly, there has been a lot of media attention around identity theft, one of the fastest growing types of crime in Canada. A common misconception is that identity theft occurs when someone charges amounts on a credit card number that is not their own. Interestingly, identity theft

RFIDs are a type of technology used by retailers to track inventory and customer preferences. These tags can be sewn into clothing—or embedded in other products—and scanned by a compatible reader every time the person wears the clothing into a store. The reader then gives the organization information about how often the person goes into a particular store and what they have purchased in the past. Back in 2004, Alberta Commissioner Frank Work cautioned, “Organizations that are considering the use of RFID devices need to ensure that privacy is not an afterthought, and should build fair information practices into the design and implementation of the technology.”

In a similar vein, every time the millions of Air Miles

MYTH: Any information is personal information TRUTH: Personal information, as defined in PIPA, is “information about an identifiable individual”—rather vague and unclear. A general rule of thumb, however, is that any information that would normally be found on a business card is not personal information. ‘Personal employee information’ is information about an employee or potential employee that is collected, used and disclosed in the context of an employment relationship or volunteer work relationship.

There are some situations relating to personal information that I find frustrating. When I’m on the telephone with someone in customer service, I ask for their name and they

ew of us face the scrutiny of Britney and Paris, deserved or not. But the ongoing hype by the paparazzi raises questions regarding invasion of privacy. When is the line crossed? What are the rules? Is anyone safe?

Individual rights to privacy make headlines in numerous different contexts. Coverage creates greater public awareness of privacy rights and concerns for individuals and organizations. At the same time, it also creates greater paranoia about what the laws mean and how restrictive or liberal they might actually be.

Since reviewing the actual legislation on a regular basis is not at the top of our reading lists, it is more likely that we get most of our big cues from the media. Here are some hot topics—the non-celeb kind—that have been in the news lately and provoked interest from the general public.

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TOP 5 MYTHS ABOUT PRIVACY LAWS AND THE TRUTH BEHIND THEM

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give me their first, but won’t disclose their last name. If I ask for a direct telephone line in order to reach someone more conveniently at work, I am often refused. There have been times when a request for a work e-mail address has been denied. In each of these instances, I have been turned down because I was asking for personal information.

None of these examples necessarily constitutes ‘personal information’ but, while it does not have to be disclosed, I do not have a ‘right’ to that information. However, there is nothing in the privacy legislation that stops these things from being disclosed.

MYTH: The laws are so restrictive that the best way to protect my organization is not to release any information about anyone.

What so many businesses don’t get, is that you shouldn’t be having an adversarial relationship with privacy. Privacy is good for business. If you’re in the information business today, you’ve got to lead with privacy.

Ann Cavoukian, Information and Privacy Commissioner for Ontario TRUTH: If your organization is one that exists solely within Alberta and is in the private sector, then it will be regulated under PIPA. Information can be collected, used and disclosed for a number of different reasons, but there are certain exceptions where information may and must not be disclosed. Furthermore, under PIPA, individuals are given the right to access their personal information, and organizations cannot deny them (other than in response to particular exceptions) without facing penalties.

In a practical sense, if an organization could not disclose any personal employee information, it would have problems completing normal business transactions. For example, in a merger, one corporation would not be able to share employee information with another… in the hiring process, one employer would not be able to ask another for a reference for a potential employee… and an organization would not be able to disclose personal employee information to their benefits provider.

If this were the case, the business world would have a difficult time operating. It would not be beneficial to either the company or the individual employees and customers.

There are protections in PIPA, specifically, that allow disclosure of certain personal employee information and of some personal information if it is in regard to a business transaction. Without the appropriate privacy background, this flexibility could be missed and go unused in these situations.

MYTH: I can use a blanket privacy policy for my organization to comply with the legislation. I got it from my friend and his company hasn’t ever had any problems.

TRUTH: There are specific exemptions, regulations and different jurisdictional issues about which an organization must be aware… so using a blanket privacy policy can be more of a liability than a step toward compliance. One policy does not fit all. Furthermore, compliance with privacy legislation goes beyond a privacy policy.

MYTH: There are no real consequences if I breach privacy laws.

TRUTH: There are public reports, fines that can be issued, and claims for damages might be filed by those affected.

First, if an individual makes a privacy complaint to the OIPC about your organization, it may be referred to a mediation process or selected for a formal inquiry. In both cases, it could be reported in a public document published by the OIPC. Interestingly and perhaps ironically, the OIPC

knowledge of privacy laws in order to properly recognize these implications.

This type of negative media attention is not welcomed by any organization.

Secondly, if an organization refuses to comply with an order issued by the OIPC, the matter can be referred to Alberta Justice. Fines can be issued for breach of an order: in the case of an individual, up to $10,000 and, in the case of an organization, up to $100,000.

Finally, if the OIPC makes an order under PIPA, the Act allows the affected individual to sue for damages. To my knowledge, this has not yet been done in Alberta.

MYTH: If a company breaches my privacy, there is nothing I can do as an individual.

TRUTH: The OIPC has made the complaints process very easy and user friendly to allow citizens access to privacy protection. It is more difficult to respond to a complaint as an organization than to make one as the individual.

Furthermore, individuals can request their personal information from any private organization under PIPA and any public body under FOIP in Alberta. This is as simple as writing a letter to the organization or public body and making the request. It is much more onerous to be an organization/public body on the receiving end of a request; however with a little training and some education on an organization’s rights under these Acts, it is a less tedious task.

WHAT CAN YOU DO TO FOLLOW THE LAW, WITHOUT BUYING INTO THE HYSTERIA?

can publish the names of the applicants, and the organizations about which the complaint is made.

Furthermore, an investigative report or order may contain information about the organization’s current policies and make recommendations for the future. This could potentially attract negative media attention to your organization. For example, the OIPC issued this response to two law firms—and named names—in its 2005 decision (P2005-IR-005), and suggested that they: … have shown a lack of attention to the impact of privacy laws on the myriad legal processes involving the collection, use and disclosure of personal information, including client information and third party information that are common in the type of work they perform on behalf of their clients. Privacy laws are complex, and have implications for their clients on many different types of transactions, including mergers and acquisitions such as in the present case. We believe that lawyers and law firms require heightened awareness and

While the suggestion that the OIPC does not have the resources or the manpower to be able to investigate and catch every non-compliant organization may be true, I believe that its mandate will focus more on creating awareness, understanding and compliance with the legislation. As privacy issues continue to gain media attention and public interest, the OIPC will gain credibility and recognition, perhaps leading to more resources and increased efficiency in dealing with these issues.

Organizations would do well to familiarize themselves with applicable privacy legislation. You may need the expertise of a consultant, accountant, lawyer or other professional who is qualified to deal with privacy related matters. Choose one that can advise you on developing and implementing privacy policies in relation to both employees and customers, conducting privacy audits and impact assessments, and choosing an appropriate “Chief Privacy Officer”.

I know, I know, more time, money, and terminology… √ Monic Willner is a student-at-law with Duncan & Craig, LLP. Cartoons: accessed through the Privacy Commission of Canada website.

A Layman’s Guide

to Privacy Legislation Privacy laws for Albertans are ever so confusing. We are faced with six major privacy-related pieces of legislation, three different commissioners, and a plethora of acronyms. Figuring out which applies in what situation and when more than one might apply is enough to confuse even the most privacy savvy individual.

Specifically, there is PIPA, FOIP, HIA, PIPEDA, AIA, and The Privacy Act, administered by the Alberta Information and Privacy Commissioner; the Information Commissioner of Canada or the Privacy Commissioner of Canada.

The Alberta Information and Privacy Commissioner Frank J. Work, Q.C., is responsible for PIPA, the Personal Information Protection Act… FOIP, the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act… and HIA, the Health Information Act. The Information Commissioner of Canada is responsible for AIA, the Access to Information Act, while the Privacy Commissioner of Canada administers PIPEDA, the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act, and the Privacy Act. By way of background, PIPA is

provincial while PIPEDA is federal, and both affect private sector organizations and allow individuals to request access to their personal information. Applicability depends on whether the organization operates solely within Alberta or whether it crosses provincial or national borders.

FOIP affects public bodies within Alberta and allows individuals to access their personal information as well as nonpersonal information in the custody of the public body. The Privacy Act allows individuals to gain access to personal information in the custody of a federal public body. The AIA allows gain access to non-personal information that is in the custody of a federal public body.

Finally, HIA governs personal information in the health sector in Alberta.

But, the legal jargon goes beyond all this legislation: It speaks of collection, use, disclosure, retention, protection, custody, control, personal information, non-personal information, exceptions to disclosure, access requests, timelines, mediation, investigative reports, formal inquiries, orders, and the list goes on and on. √

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MENU

Magic with Chef John Berry

L

as Vegas: Chef Eric Bauer honed his skills in Chicago, Philadelphia, even

Costa Rica. Now, he has just taken the helm of the fabulous Morels French Steakhouse & Bistro in the newly opened Palazzo Resort and Casino in Las Vegas. I had the pleasure of talking to him about the “new” cuisine of Vegas when I was there last month.

Chef Eric is used to doing things up right: Platinum weddings where the family of the couple has dropped half-a-million dollars for their lavish event.

Chef Eric describes his style as “very French in technique and product, with a little Latin touch to it.”

And his expertise has made Morels big, bold and beautiful. When you walk into Morels, just off the main lobby of the Palazzo, you find yourself in the most afood Morels iced se magnificent lounge with a very distinctive, chic atmosphere.

The dark mahogany bar encases a state of the art wine unit that pumps Aragon gas into the bottles after they are opened. This preserves the wine for up to a month... which means you can buy a glass of wine from their high-end selection and not have to pay for the whole bottle, or see it go to waste. If you want a glass, there are 70

wines to choose from…and more than 400 French and California varieties by the bottle.

Alongside the bar is an iced seafood bar, offering such delicacies as fresh Dungeness crab, giant prawns and fresh lobster, white sturgeon caviar and baby octopus ceviche. It’s a great way to start off your evening or to enjoy anytime with a sip or two.

Palazzo’s patio is fun too. The hotel is directly opposite the Treasure Island Resort and Casino, so when the outdoor pirate show begins, you’ve got one of the best seats in the house to enjoy it, along with some fabulous wine. ARRRR my matie!

As you enter the dining room, you are met by a cheese and charcuterie bar, featuring more than 30 farmhouse artisanal cheeses from around the world, along with handmade salamis and meats.

The chef tells me that Morels is going back to the very elegant cart service, making salads tableside, carving meat and presenting a French macaroon cart.

The steakhouse offers a three tier wet and dry-aged beef program. A 14 oz.

Prime Flat Iron Steak Bavette—Chef calls it a ‘poor man’s steak’—goes for $34. Sides are extra and run $8 for vegetables or potatoes. Also on the menu is a dry-aged 100 percent natural (no r ba se Morels chee hormones or unnatural products added to this steer) Kansas City beef: 10 oz. New York Sirloin for $52 or 18 oz. bone-in Rib Eye for $60. Now if you want the Cadillac of beef, there’s the 6 oz. cut of Japanese A-5 Wagyu Beef with a potato galette and sauce Bordelaise for $185.

Vegas has evolved. Gone are most of the free or cheap buffets. According to Chef Eric, “People were sick of sub-par food at some of the buffets.

People who win in Vegas have money for high end wines and superb food.” The MGM was the first, several years ago, to bring in top chefs to lease restaurants in their properties.

“In Vegas now you get a little bit of everything.” Names such as Bobby Flay, Emeril and Wolfgang Puck are attached to various resorts. I’ll wager Morels is destined to be a five star destination restaurant very soon.

Speaking about famous names, you might remember the name Jenifer Witte, the pastry chef who participated in the Food Network Challenge: Candy Castles.

“I do things I want to eat. I take a flavour, put a new twist on it and make it interesting. Mind you, reinventing the wheel Jenifer Witte, can be pastry chef difficult at at the Wynn times.”

Says the young chef: “There are so many more amazing products to work with.

Occasionally, we’ll get some things I’m not

One of Witte’s de lectable desser ts

familiar with and that’s part of the fun… especially teaching staff about it.”

Some of Jenifer’s creations include Passion Coconut Coupe

with warm Tropical Beignets, Caramelized Apples with Almond Cream, Walnut Crisp and Sour Cream Ice Cream, and Vanilla Meringue with Blood Orange Sorbet and Caramelized Citrus. Mmmmmm.

If you still want buffet, check out the Rio Hotel. It stretches three ballrooms wide and offers casual fare like pizza, and sushi… there’s a Japanese griddle and Mexican, Italian and Western cuisines. For $23, it was exceptional.

It’s easy to see why serious foodies have made Las Vegas a culinary destination. √ Contact Chef John Berry at jberry@edmontonians.com

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lifestyles LIVELY

Never too rich...

or too thin

You’ve been framed

Mirror image

Framed art screens can transform an LCD or plasma TV or video projection screen into a work of art. Maybe you’ve seen these marvels on a home decorating show: A painted

Conceal your plasma behind a ‘Beam Splitter’ mirror. In simple terms, it is a mirror by day and a TV by night.

Instead of a half-silvered coating, it has a high efficiency coating designed to transmit the TV picture at maximum brightness and reflect like a mirror when the TV is turned off. Its transmission is about five times that of conventional two-way mirrors. When the TV is turned off, enjoy the beauty of your own reflection. You shudda’ been in pictures...

with Linda Bodo

Y

ou don’t have to be rich to afford a plasma or LCD television these days. Advances in technology have made these sleek flat-panels more affordable and thinner than ever. And, to make things even better, you can integrate flat screen technology into your home by transforming it into a work of art, a mirror accent or a coffee table. Now, you can combine the clarity and visual impact of a large screen television without the intrusion of high-tech equipment shocking your ambient digs.

You’ve come a long way, baby...

Television came to Edmonton—thanks to CFRN and Dr. Rice—in October 1954, long after larger centres had tuned in. Folks falling off their roofs when they tried to install or adjust bigger and taller antennae were fodder for cartoonists. My how times have changed. Now we have more than 100 channels, and hi-def is all the rage. So too are the screens—a far cry from what dazzled our parents.

The plasma video display was invented in 1964 and became popular in the early 1970s. The large screen and narrow body made it suitable for the high-profile placement in lobbies and stock exchanges. In 1992, Fujitsu introduced the 42inch plasma television… to the delight of TV aficionados across the globe.

The largest plasma video display in the world is currently a 150-inch unit, standing 6 feet tall by 11 feet wide, priced at about $150K. Thankfully, it is far too big for the living room.

Disappearing act

Scrolling canvas canvas scrolls up and down within a decorative frame at the touch of a remote. When the screen or television is not in use, it simply disappears behind a canvas that lowers in the picture frame. One more click on the remote, the artwork lifts and the screen is visible for viewing. These babies are awesome, but they don’t come cheap. Your fine art rendition can Beam splitter cost anywhere between $2800 and $8000.

Choose from a dizzying array of fine art reproductions or create your own personalized art piece with custom art or photography. Both recessed and surface mounted versions are available, and can cover video displays from 32 inches to over 65 inches. Picasso would be proud.

I don’t believe a television should not be the focal point of any room. You can achieve decor harmony by integrating your screen into a coffee table in your family room or a bed bench in the bedroom with a retractable lift system.

Video motorization solves the design and space dilemma in one fell swoop while allowing concealment of equipment when not in use.

Motorization also creates dual utilization of space and facilitates multiple Hidden from view viewing areas. In the popular end-of-bed use, a motorized swivel feature allows TV viewing from the bed or a seating area across the room. Dreamy. √ Contact Linda Bodo at lbodo@edmontonians.com or visit www.absolutebodo.com

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ACQUISITIONS, DIVESTITURES & CORPORATE FINANCE

with Stephen W. Kent, CA (780) 441-6793

Absentee Ownership the risks and rewards Most of our successful owner clients are very hands on. Although they may have founded their company years ago they still work long hours. They are forever concerned about business growth, competition, their employees, servicing the company debt and myriad stresses and strains that accompany entrepreneurship.

There is another type of owner who entrusts the stewardship of his company to a dependable operator. Typically the operator is well paid and participates in the profits of the company to align his or her interests with the owner. In this case, the owner is quite removed from the day to day operations and meets with the operator just to establish annual budgets and corporate direction. As long as the company remains profitable and generates enough income to support the

lifestyle to which the owner has become accustomed everybody is happy.

As time passes the operator may begin to question why he is devoting his life to running a business for an absentee owner. He knows that one day the owner is likely to sell the business to him, but he has an inherent conflict in that the more successful he is the greater the purchase price he will eventually have to pay. As disenchantment sets in the operator has to make a decision: carry on, put pressure on the owner to sell to him in the near future or leave.

If owners realize that their operators are unhappy they may contemplate selling the business. The big issue is whether the company is saleable without the operator and how much of the intrinsic value of the business is tied up in that employee.

It is the operator not the owner that has all the business relationships with customers, suppliers, bankers and professionals. If the company carries exclusive lines, a sale to a third party

might cause the supplier to withdraw that exclusivity. If the operator stays the supplier has a greater level of comfort and is unlikely to make a change.

The best solution is to sell to the operator. The first issue is determining value and the second is the ability of the operator to actually pay for the company. Because of these issues, internal deals are typically made at a discount with favourable terms and some vendor financing. This does not always glean the highest value for the owner but it is often the best if not only choice.

If you are interested in selling your company and need some assistance in determining its worth or in structuring the transaction, please contact me at stephen.w.kent@ca.pwc.com or call 780.441.6793.

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