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Guest Speaker: Joe introduced City of Edmonton Mayor Don Iveson. He commented on the mayor's 2 previous visits to the Rotary Club of Edmonton West: 1) he had just brought in the one pass for University of Alberta Students while he was heavily involved with university politics; 2) he explained how he had defeated an encumbant council person to join the ranks of Edmonton City Council = hard work and positive attitude. Now his third visit, as mayor he has been ranked by Macleans Magazine as the 27th most powerful Canadian, he will enlighten us about the ongoing transportation challenges for the City of Edmonton residents and bureaucracy.
The Mayor saluted Rotary's presence locally and internationally and thanked us for all our efforts in developing Fort Edmonton. Plans are in place to enhance both the fort and the story telling of Treaty #6 First Nations whose pattern of trails are still used (such as St. Albert Trail) and converge on the Rossdale area. He noted how Robbie Burn's values are aligned with Rotary's values.
 With respect to transportation, the city administration has responded to calls from citizens to deal with infrastructure problems. Last year $4 hundred million was spent on projects such as Walterdale Bridge and repairs to frost heave damage which follows the freeze/thaw syndrome. Other than phone calls, citizens need to be patient and pay their taxes. There will be continual infrastructure investment, especially bridges such as the previous 40 year old Quesnell bridge repair and widening and the end of life replacement of the Walterdale and the Groat Ravine bridge on 102 Avenue. The Groat Bridge over the North Saskatchewan River will eventually need more attention but the bridges are in good condition.
A new focus is repair of roads in older communities. By year 2007, there were between 80 and 100 communities that needed total road reconstruction which runs $25 million per community. If done right, the reconstruction or original construction lasts 60 years. This happens if the needed ongoing maintenance is performed every 15 years. Prior to 2007, the ongoing maintenance was not being scheduled by the city administration and only 1 community per year was being scheduled for reconstruction. Now, with the city realizing their past mistakes, 6 communities per year receive reconstruction and at least 2 dozen get the preventative maintenance. In addition, main thoroughfares are being redeveloped to the tune of $55 million per year.
With respect to snow removal, new communities are being styled after the original plan which includes back lane access for residents and boulevards along the roads so that snow can be piled there and the cost of removal is eliminated.
Other infrastructure includes LRT. For a city bus ride from one community to another, the cost to the city is $8-9 while they recover $1.70.. LRT costs $0.80 per ride. Developing more LRT routes allows the city to make money on resident commutes. There is a new fare system being developed in conjunction with the surrounding communities that will enhance the receipt of fares via smart cards which will save money. Car sharing firms are being allowed to set up shop which allows families that need one car all the time but a second car only occasionally, to save money but have access to vehicles. The city is trying to provide good choices for people.
Mayor Don Iveson was thanked by Jerome.
 Robbie Burns: Doug MacDougall gave a short version of his Robbie Burns story. Robbie Burns was the first poet in the English speaking world to be treated in his lifetime as a national icon. His poorness, being denied an education and his approach to authority (among other influences) created his unique approach to poetry. His short life (1759 to 1796) was an indication that he was not well for most of his life. He was very sick for the last 6 months of his life. Crowds of people and lines of soldiers lined the road for his funeral.
Doug offered a toast to the immortal memory of Robbie Burns. President Ingrid ended the meeting with her normal good "quotes of the week".
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Please plan on attending and bring any guests that you feel would like to hear the former Prime Minister speaking about issues such as democratic governance, leadership, non-proliferation, and the advancement of women.
