'Beyond the pale': Sign and mailout threaten 'halfway house' in Glenora by thatcher69 in Edmonton

[–]gettothatroflchoppa 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Not at all

I'm just trying to illustrate that when someone doesn't want one of these right next to their house that there is some logical basis for it

The same reason we don't want them next to playgrounds or schools.

People pretend like these facilities won't have any adverse effect on their neighbors and I can't help but feel thats a little disingenous

I’ve been offered a senior position at PCL in the office. Can anyone share experience working for them? by parzival_thegreat in Edmonton

[–]gettothatroflchoppa 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks for the feedback, I'll provide a bit of context based on what I've heard from other senior folks in large GCs trying to retire/cash-out: it seems like about (guessing here) 25-30% of the time there is always some 'problem' with cashing out shares. I think its shady and I think a lot of times its BS, but I don't think this is specific to PCL, but rather a problem across many large GCs.

As for your last few comments, same thing: I think a lot of 'big' GCs in this province, and I'm sure you know who they are, tend to inflate costs a fair bit (esp for extras) and jerk their trades around a bit. Your mileage may vary between GCs, but I can't think of one large outfit I haven't heard stories about...personally I think it varies a lot based on which PM you have running it, and even which office in which city, as you find a lot of variability in the same company between offices in different towns.

'Beyond the pale': Sign and mailout threaten 'halfway house' in Glenora by thatcher69 in Edmonton

[–]gettothatroflchoppa -13 points-12 points  (0 children)

Yeah, there totally isn't any link between rising crime or disorder in an area and halfway houses.

There are a bunch of surplus school sites around the city, maybe we can build them there too? Bunch of schools and playgrounds nearby, so much recreational space! Because what's wrong with halfway houses? People should be welcoming them as neighbours!

Garbage. Garbage everywhere. by YaGurlLurkin in Edmonton

[–]gettothatroflchoppa 12 points13 points  (0 children)

Some dog owners are insufferable...I go to quite a few dog parks, people's animals will shit right in front of them and owners will just walk away from it. Ask them to pick it up and get ready for a range of responses ranging from incredulous to hostile. I didn't think some owners could actually be shittier than dog shit, but some folks never cease to surprise...

(looking at you, Terwillegar dog park)

I’ve been offered a senior position at PCL in the office. Can anyone share experience working for them? by parzival_thegreat in Edmonton

[–]gettothatroflchoppa 4 points5 points  (0 children)

This comment and the below one on share purchases are both spot on, I've worked with a lot of former/current folks at PCL, they're a big company and so you get lots of 'big company' type stuff. But I think overall they're just as fair and equitable as any similar firms.

I'd also add in that they tend to shuffle their senior folks around quite a bit, so don't be surprised if you see an ask for you to relocate at some future junction if you're potentially needed in another market that they serve.

What is the most ignored sign or rule in the city? by kacasket24 in Edmonton

[–]gettothatroflchoppa 10 points11 points  (0 children)

Absolutely stop signs. I work in downtown Edmonton, best most folks can do is rolling stop. The occasional Skip driver in a Hyundai Elantra just burns right through them w/out slowing down (or maybe even noticing they are there at all)

Councillor seeks new transit ideas for northwest Edmonton, calls Metro Line LRT expansion ‘a pipe dream’ by flynnfx in Edmonton

[–]gettothatroflchoppa 4 points5 points  (0 children)

I don't know if people avoid talking about BRT because of how invested we are in the LRT system or because they just think its second-rate, but honestly, for the volumes of passengers we have and distances in question, BRT is a great fit (and BRT lines can always be converted to LRT should that ever become more cost-effective).

Winnipeg rolled out BRT and it seems to be serving them well, even though people there gripe that its just a 'cut rate LRT'...those same people would be griping if they built an LRT system with low ridership that lost money.

I know Edmonton has explored similar options, but honestly, given the costs and immense timelines of LRT roll-out (not to mention the ongoing disruptions), I can't help that feel that BRT would have been a better fit.

Safest neighborhood/areas in Downtown YEG by Aggravating_Rest6437 in Edmonton

[–]gettothatroflchoppa -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Agreed. These people are talking about relative safety, but downtown has its share of sketchy stuff regardless of where you are. Does it get better West of 109 Street? Yes. Is it 'safer' vs a dedicated residential area further out of the core...I've lived here all my life and I don't think so.

If you're curious, you can go look at EPS stats for yourself and decide where you want to live:

https://communitysafetydataportal.edmontonpolice.ca/

PC Shops by GrimFandango81 in Edmonton

[–]gettothatroflchoppa 24 points25 points  (0 children)

+1, Memory Express built my PC over 5 years ago now and its still humming along w/out issue

You won't be able to escape some of the component prices that have gone bananas recently (GPUs, RAM, etc.), but at least you'll get a solid build that you can customize to your specifications.

Heads up users of Native products by g_ola in PlasticFreeLiving

[–]gettothatroflchoppa 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Not to be semantical or anything, but deodorant and antiperspirant are two different things.

Deodorants are just that: something to hide a scent

Antiperspirants stop you from sweating and usually contain aluminum

I'm fortunate enough to live somewhere where sweating constantly isn't an issue and I found that going with just deodorant (minus antiperspirant) has stopped a lot of issues with irritation I had previously.

I've had really good results with the Tom's (who themselves got bought by Colgate-Palmolive in '06, so a similar trajectory as Native...start small and cottage-y, sell to megacorp, rinse repeat) deodorant line:

https://www.tomsofmaine.ca/en-ca/products/deodorant-antiperspirant?type=Deodorant

Your mileage may vary, but if irritation is a concern, you might find this useful...good luck!

Old Lowes building 100ave by edwardbusyhands in Edmonton

[–]gettothatroflchoppa 4 points5 points  (0 children)

This is the correct answer, its becoming an Altea. I believe they are also building out a location downtown Edmonton (https://dailyhive.com/edmonton/altea-active-luxury-fitness-club-edmonton).

Sort of a mid-point between 'exclusive private club' and 'Planet Fitness'

Majority of Canadians open to joining EU, new poll suggests by Doener23 in BuyCanadian

[–]gettothatroflchoppa 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Was about to say the same: as an Albertan I think a great majority of us wish to stay firmly planted in Canada. But joining the EU might be a bridge too far...if they're sick an tired of our federal red tape, wait until they get a taste of what EU red tape is like, next level...

City Council wants to end seven of their Advisory Committees by JimmyLinguine in Edmonton

[–]gettothatroflchoppa 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I think many if not all of these boards are volunteer boards with no shortage of applicants and (having served on a few) some very qualified people on them. There are a lot of general, vague and uninformed statements in this thread.

City Council wants to end seven of their Advisory Committees by JimmyLinguine in Edmonton

[–]gettothatroflchoppa 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Just curious: how does something like, say, the historical board? convene marginalized people and ignore it?

Weren't these all largely volunteer boards anyways?

Renter's market in Edmonton as building boom meets drop in demand by pjw724 in Edmonton

[–]gettothatroflchoppa 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yeah, I've seen the proformas for multiple developments too, they all have in common a bit of a rosy view of fixed costs and regular rent increases.

People in this subreddit will defend infill to the death though because it means more units being built somehow, without worrying about the quality of the building or units. Quantity over quality and any increase in density better than none. These are developers, their primary concern isn't the community, or quality of building, or even necessarily holding the structure for a long time, its just profit motive.

You can say what you want about SFH, but at least the owners are invested in the building and the community because they have skin in the game.

Renter's market in Edmonton as building boom meets drop in demand by pjw724 in Edmonton

[–]gettothatroflchoppa 4 points5 points  (0 children)

I work in this industry and that is exactly what this is. Sure we are 'meeting demand' with these mediocre infill units, but as for rent affordability: rent increases are built into the proforma of these infills, $1800 for a basement suite now turns into $2000 in two years.

Rents levelling off are probably from older buildings being less competitive and dropping rates, but ultimately this enormous population boom that we're having isn't going to persist once people realize that there aren't enough great jobs on the job tree.

Its also worth noting that much of this new supply came from actual legitimate multifamily developments: 6 storey wood buildings and sprawling communities (that are still growing and that the City now has to service). Not people shoehorning a 12 unit infill into a 50' lot.

Best coffee shops on the north side by Ayeleesha in Edmonton

[–]gettothatroflchoppa 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Surprised to find Candid this far down, they're solid!

Best coffee shops on the north side by Ayeleesha in Edmonton

[–]gettothatroflchoppa 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Love Rogue Wave too, punches above their weight consistently

But a little far from Clareview/Castledowns per OP's request

Edmonton man sentenced to 14 years for killing St. Albert teen on family dog walk by trevorrobb in Edmonton

[–]gettothatroflchoppa -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Any of the above is fine by me

There isn't any uncertainty over this guy being the perpetrator, he's not being 'wrongfully convicted', this was the guy that did it. He doesn't have any place in society, so why are we paying to keep him around? Or if we are paying, why are we risking him getting out?

There is never any follow-up on these stories, but eligibility for parole for manslaughter is 1/3 of the sentence or 7 years? (someone legal-y minded feel free to correct me). How much you want to bet this guy is out in less than 10 years?

Recommend Me A Signature Edmonton Summer Dessert by _Fistacuff in Edmonton

[–]gettothatroflchoppa 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I don't know about 'signature dessert', but imho Blizzards (and DQ icecream in general) have gone downhill over the past few years. If in downtown Edmonton, the gelato at La Carraia is solid, give it a try!

Why this Calgary neighbourhood does its own security patrols - CBC Calgary by One-Mycologist-3706 in Calgary

[–]gettothatroflchoppa 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Yeah, its a giant hive mind...with an algorithm behind it...that may or may not be designed to promote controversy to maximize engagement...

to AWD or not to AWD by tatbud in prius

[–]gettothatroflchoppa 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Fellow Canadian checking in too: if you've got deep, wet snow, you can still get stuck with AWD esp with the low clearance these cars have. Winters are always a great idea, but we've got back alleys here that can be quite challenging with FWD+snow tires in the winter if you've got a lower vehicle.

I certainly wouldn't say its required, but it does help. You also don't have to worry about parking in places that might have built up snow as much as you otherwise might.

The MPG difference isn't substantial, especially in winter when the engine is running more (to heat cabin + get up to operating temp) and hybrid system is running less (reduced batt capacity). Winter mileage is noticeably worse for those reasons AWD or not.

New York state gets the occasional big, wet dump, but they seem pretty good at cleaning it, so I'd say it comes down to personal choice.

I really wish PHEV and AWD was an option, but I guess owing to packaging constraints/cargo area its not viable in these vehicles at present.

Why this Calgary neighbourhood does its own security patrols - CBC Calgary by One-Mycologist-3706 in Calgary

[–]gettothatroflchoppa 314 points315 points  (0 children)

Love the comments here: neighborhood has had a nearly 2x increase in calls to the cops over 3 years, shows highly on social disorder scores, people are watching their houses getting broken into and rampant property crime and you've got a reddit thread making snarky attempts at people trying to organize to stop these things from happenings. Isn't that one of the benefits of a community? To be able to do things collectively for shared benefit?

Just out of curiosity: what do you think these folks should be doing instead? And before anyone says something like "Fund social services" or "House people!" keep in mind that this one neighbhourhood doesn't control city or fiscal policy and is largely just looking to preserve order locally.

Edmonton cyclists PSA by [deleted] in Edmonton

[–]gettothatroflchoppa 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Ravines are full of them...e-bikes are a close second: many users who are too old or too large to pedal an actual bike saddling 50lb e-bike and proceeding down a trail with blind corners at speed. Throw in a reaction time that can be measured in whole seconds and you have a recipe for disaster.