It’s 2013, a new year, full of possibilities and hope. Just imagine the potential. So many things to write about and do!

For now though, Danielle Smith and the provincial Wildrose party want you to imagine using the revenues from a Keno gambling game to pay the now-mythical $100 million that the downtown arena project is still missing (CBC, Edmonton Journal, Edmonton Sun, Global). Dave Cournoyer has summed up a few reasons why this isn’t a good idea. Scott Hennig helpfully pointed out where gambling money is currently spent. Ignoring the social costs of gambling, my biggest concern is what happens if Albertans don’t start playing Keno in droves and the money doesn’t start rolling in. Who’s on the hook?

The city’s new anti-idling bylaw is now in effect, but it only is in effect near schools and hospitals, and when it’s above 0°C, and buses and taxis are exempt, so it’s basically useless. How about we all just don’t idle un-necessarily? It’s good for the environment, and okay for you.

EPS is now accepting applications for their Citizens’ Police Academy.

The City has started preparing the site of the new Walterdale Bridge for construction. There are a couple of trail closures right near the bridge.

The City is also asking for bids on a funicular into the river valley.

Grand Master Mack Male has compiled a list of Edmonton stuff from 2012.

Tweet of the Week

In 2013 I’m going to try and find a great city-related tweet that best sums up the events of the week. Say something smart or funny and it may wind up here. Or, you could just take a picture from space! You’ve probably already seen this but it’s worth seeing again:

Edmonton Alberta – the North Saskatchewan River looks serpentine, writhing through the capital city. twitter.com/Cmdr_Hadfield/…

— Chris Hadfield (@Cmdr_Hadfield) January 3, 2013

Photo of the Muttart Conservatory by Darren Kirby. Used under Creative Commons licence.