Last time I reported on the Wireless spectrum auction was waaaaay back in round 70 on June 16th. Now, as of bidding round 123 it looks like the federal government will receive about $4 Billion dollars from the auction and most of the bidding companies have reached their spending limits.
The bidding on the Grande Prairie licences seems to have stopped in round 90. Since that time there have been no new bids on any of the four licences up for grabs and it stands like this in round 123:
Section A - Rogers, $3,620,000
(up by $1,660,000 since round 70)
Section D - Eastlink, $239,000
(up by $27,844 since round 70)
Section E - Eastlink, $1,590,000
(up by $871,000 since round 70)
Section F - Telus, $3,580,00
(up by $1,390,000 since round 70)
From the looks of it Eastlink might just be successful at gaining a toe-hold in the northern Alberta market by winning the two licences that were coveted by Shaw and Bell respectively. At the very least Eastlink has definitely not made it easy for the big three (Telus, Bell & Rogers) to maintain their dominance of our market.
In fact Eastlink have actually withdrawn bids on licences in their home turf of Atlantic Canada. Doing that probably enabled them to use that money to fund the bidding war here and, interestingly, in northern Ontario. It remains to be seen if one of the players still has a big push left in them but Eastlink seems pretty committed to holding on.
A CBC story suggests that "...by next summer consumers are going to have more choice and more choice tends to mean more flexible price plans." It will be interesting to see how it all ends and what sort of difference (if any) it makes for the service and rates available to us here.
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Friday, June 20, 2008
Child Care Forum Set for Monday, June 23rd
With a very young population it's no surprise that childcare is big concern for many in Grande Prairie. It can be very difficult to find daycare spaces for the very young kids and for many working families after school care is just as big an issue. A couple of years ago staff presented council with a study looking at the issue and it's led to us supporting things like the expansion of Cool-aid to the south side of the city, the arrival of YMCA in our community and the beginnings of some unique partnerships with the two school boards.
At our spring retreat council decided really dig in a little deeper and to take the bull by the horns. So we directed administration to organize a forum to bring all the community stakeholders together. The idea is to get parents, teachers, caregivers, the school boards and the city n one room so we can start to come up with a plan on how to attack the issue in a coordinated manner.
Of course over the summer it can be difficult to get people together so the intent was to have some kind of community discussion happen sooner rather than later.
The meeting details are on the poster below:
If you are a parent or work in the childcare area this is an especially important meeting. There will be information on things that are happening now that might make things easier for you, and you can help us by identifying where the gaps are. Plan on attending.
At our spring retreat council decided really dig in a little deeper and to take the bull by the horns. So we directed administration to organize a forum to bring all the community stakeholders together. The idea is to get parents, teachers, caregivers, the school boards and the city n one room so we can start to come up with a plan on how to attack the issue in a coordinated manner.
Of course over the summer it can be difficult to get people together so the intent was to have some kind of community discussion happen sooner rather than later.
The meeting details are on the poster below:
If you are a parent or work in the childcare area this is an especially important meeting. There will be information on things that are happening now that might make things easier for you, and you can help us by identifying where the gaps are. Plan on attending.
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Video From YouthFest 08
Well, that's two great (and free) community evens back to back; last night was the Municipal Government Day BBQ and tonight was YouthFest08.
I captured a little of the action in case you missed it and to wet your appetite for next year.
I captured a little of the action in case you missed it and to wet your appetite for next year.
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
MGD08 Photo Tour
Municipal Government Day has just wrapped up and it has to have been one of the best ones we've ever had! I had a few moments here and there where I could snap a few quick pics and I thought I'd share them with you. - just in case you didn't get a chance to be there.
As I said the turn out was great but the line up for the BBQ moved pretty smoothly thanks to the expert serving staff.
Maybe you thought I was exaggerating about how great a turnout we had?
Part of the day was the "Muni Olympics" that pitted local politicians against each other in 50's themed games. A first this year was an MLA taking part. Here you see GP Wapiti MLA Wayne Drysdale competing in the marble shootout as GP Alderman, Lourne Radbourne looks on.
Wembley Councillor Colleen Holler takes her shot.
Another of the MuniO events was a good old sack race. Here Gordon Frentz from Grande Cache and Debbie from Dawson Creek are neck and neck!
... and my favourite picture of the whole day. Alderman Elroy Deimert tears up the track! (Elroy chaired the MGD committee this year - he and his team did a great job)
Aside from the BBQ and the games there were lots of activities for the kids, including face painting....
... and train rides!
Back at the BBQ Alderman Blackmore protects the burgers...
... and Alderman Wong makes sure all the cardboard is folded away for recycling.
The day is also a chance for people to see city equipment up close... who would have thought the mowers would have been so popular?
Also popular was the fire department's ladder truck.
I'm not sure he'll convince them that climbing the 75 foot ladder is any fun.
Looking inside the cab was a little more my speed too.
Also on display were the city's two hybrid vehicles, this Ford Escape Hybrid is used by the parks department....
... and the development services department have this Honda Civic.
Inside the Crystal Centre many departments had displays set up - here Felix Seiler shows the plans for the new Aquatics Centre.
That's all I've got - if you did miss it you'll have to plan to be there next year!
As I said the turn out was great but the line up for the BBQ moved pretty smoothly thanks to the expert serving staff. 
Maybe you thought I was exaggerating about how great a turnout we had? 
Part of the day was the "Muni Olympics" that pitted local politicians against each other in 50's themed games. A first this year was an MLA taking part. Here you see GP Wapiti MLA Wayne Drysdale competing in the marble shootout as GP Alderman, Lourne Radbourne looks on. 
Wembley Councillor Colleen Holler takes her shot. 
Another of the MuniO events was a good old sack race. Here Gordon Frentz from Grande Cache and Debbie from Dawson Creek are neck and neck!
... and my favourite picture of the whole day. Alderman Elroy Deimert tears up the track! (Elroy chaired the MGD committee this year - he and his team did a great job)
Aside from the BBQ and the games there were lots of activities for the kids, including face painting....
... and train rides! 
Back at the BBQ Alderman Blackmore protects the burgers...
... and Alderman Wong makes sure all the cardboard is folded away for recycling. 
The day is also a chance for people to see city equipment up close... who would have thought the mowers would have been so popular?
Also popular was the fire department's ladder truck. 
I'm not sure he'll convince them that climbing the 75 foot ladder is any fun. 
Looking inside the cab was a little more my speed too. 
Also on display were the city's two hybrid vehicles, this Ford Escape Hybrid is used by the parks department....
... and the development services department have this Honda Civic. 
Inside the Crystal Centre many departments had displays set up - here Felix Seiler shows the plans for the new Aquatics Centre. That's all I've got - if you did miss it you'll have to plan to be there next year!
Monday, June 16, 2008
Library Update - June 16th 2008
Adult Summer Reading Program
Discover the latest summer reads at your Library and win prizes. Keep track of the books you read or listen to between July 2 and August 31. Read 2 books or listen to 2 books (tape, CD or downloadable eAudiobook) and be eligible for prizes. After reading or listening to six books, complete your reading log and enter your name for the Booklover’s basket to be drawn in September. Reading logs will be available from the Circulation Desk at the end of June.
Teen Online Book Club
The TeenSRC website at teensrc.bclibrary.ca offers booklists, a place to write book reviews, book club chat sessions, and a chance to win great weekly prizes. The online club will start July 2. Call 532-3580 ext 226 for more information.
TD Summer Reading Club 2008
Laugh Out Loud! LOL! Get ready to roll down the book aisles laughing because the theme for this summer’s reading program is Humour! Starting June 27 pick up your passport to the LOL at the Children’s Library. Join the TD Summer Reading Club 2008 and enjoy fun books, stories, poems and jokes that tickle the funny bone. The reading program is for ages 12 and under and runs from June 27 to August 29.
Library receives 50 new books from Literacy Alberta’s C.O.W. (Classroom on Wheels) program.
50 new children's books were presented to the library by representatives from Literacy Alberta. Mayor Dwight Logan was on hand to accept the donation.
Partners in Reading
Partners in Reading is once again looking for enthusiastic volunteers to read with children over the summer! This exciting opportunity is open to all individuals twelve years or older.
The program begins on July 2nd and concludes on August 14th with a party for all. The program pairs a student in grades 1-3 with a volunteer and they read together throughout the summer. The meetings are one hour long, twice a week and take place at the library.
This is an opportunity to meet new people, give back to the community, and gain an impressive reference for future endeavors. If you would like to volunteer, either download or pick up a volunteer registration form from the Children’s Library.
Parents of children between grades 1 to 3 are invited to contact the Library to enquire about a reading buddy for their child. Forms are available at the Library and registration begins June 2.
Travel with your Library Card
Take your TAL (The Alberta Library) card with you when you travel this summer! Get access to millions of books and other materials available from Alberta libraries. With one card you can visit most public, university and government libraries and borrow books from their shelves. Don’t forget that most Alberta libraries also offer free Internet access. Make your first stop the local library to check email or research your next stop. Ask at the Circulation Desk about your own TAL card!
Discover the latest summer reads at your Library and win prizes. Keep track of the books you read or listen to between July 2 and August 31. Read 2 books or listen to 2 books (tape, CD or downloadable eAudiobook) and be eligible for prizes. After reading or listening to six books, complete your reading log and enter your name for the Booklover’s basket to be drawn in September. Reading logs will be available from the Circulation Desk at the end of June.
Teen Online Book Club
The TeenSRC website at teensrc.bclibrary.ca offers booklists, a place to write book reviews, book club chat sessions, and a chance to win great weekly prizes. The online club will start July 2. Call 532-3580 ext 226 for more information.
TD Summer Reading Club 2008
Laugh Out Loud! LOL! Get ready to roll down the book aisles laughing because the theme for this summer’s reading program is Humour! Starting June 27 pick up your passport to the LOL at the Children’s Library. Join the TD Summer Reading Club 2008 and enjoy fun books, stories, poems and jokes that tickle the funny bone. The reading program is for ages 12 and under and runs from June 27 to August 29.
Library receives 50 new books from Literacy Alberta’s C.O.W. (Classroom on Wheels) program.
50 new children's books were presented to the library by representatives from Literacy Alberta. Mayor Dwight Logan was on hand to accept the donation.
Partners in Reading
Partners in Reading is once again looking for enthusiastic volunteers to read with children over the summer! This exciting opportunity is open to all individuals twelve years or older.
The program begins on July 2nd and concludes on August 14th with a party for all. The program pairs a student in grades 1-3 with a volunteer and they read together throughout the summer. The meetings are one hour long, twice a week and take place at the library.
This is an opportunity to meet new people, give back to the community, and gain an impressive reference for future endeavors. If you would like to volunteer, either download or pick up a volunteer registration form from the Children’s Library.
Parents of children between grades 1 to 3 are invited to contact the Library to enquire about a reading buddy for their child. Forms are available at the Library and registration begins June 2.
Travel with your Library Card
Take your TAL (The Alberta Library) card with you when you travel this summer! Get access to millions of books and other materials available from Alberta libraries. With one card you can visit most public, university and government libraries and borrow books from their shelves. Don’t forget that most Alberta libraries also offer free Internet access. Make your first stop the local library to check email or research your next stop. Ask at the Circulation Desk about your own TAL card!
Hot Action in Cell Auction Continues
You may want to get used the logo above...
Since my previous post on the topic the auction for wireless spectrum in the Grande Prairie area has accelerated. Last time I reported it looked like Bragg Communications (aka Eastlink ) was looking to make a serious play to become a service provider in the Grande Prairie area.
At 9:30am on June 11th (in Round 44 of the auction) the high bids stood at:
Section A - Eastlink, $744,000
Section D - 1380057 Alberta Ltd., $211,156
Section E - Eastlink, $297,000
Section F - Eastlink, $823,000
Through the next bunch of rounds the Big Three (Telus, Bell and Rogers) played leap frog with Eastlink, recapturing their spectrum just to be out bid again in the next round. Occasionally 1380057 AB Ltd. (Shaw Communications) would pop in and try to get in on the action. It looks like they weren't too serious about it though, as they haven't placed a new bid since round 53.
Now at 3pm on June 16th, after 26 more rounds of bidding, the standings are:
Section A - Eastlink, $1,960,000
Section D - 1380057 Alberta Ltd., $211,156
Section E - Bell, $719,000
Section F - Telus, $2,190,000
I understand (thanks to Wirelessnorth.ca) that round starts each hour, on the hour, so in a few minutes I expect to see Eastlink out bid Telus and Bell for the E & F slots and on the other side of the coin for Rogers to come back and out bid Eastlink for the A slot.
Very interesting. I expect that we'll read about this in the news paper soon but they may wait until the whole thing has been settled, so remember; if want to track the Grande Prairie bidding action yourself you can go here.
(choose licences 349a, 349d, 349f, 349e and select "All Bids" from the drop down menu)
OR, you can keep reading this blog. (did you know you can sign up to receive an email everytime I do a new post? It's right there on the right hand side of the blog, just below my contact info. It's easy, free and keeps you from having to check back randomly.)
Saturday, June 14, 2008
Friday Afternoon - Agenda Day
Every Friday council members pop in to city hall to pick up their meeting agenda packages for the following week. The packages are usually ready by about noon so when there is a council meeting on the following Monday that give council members approximately 3 twenty-four hour days to read up on everything they'll see Monday at 7:00pm. The packages also include any mail or faxes that have been sent to council as well as agendas for committee meetings.
This week's stack of agendas was particularly thick as you can see below. The thickest of the documents is the agenda for Monday night's council meeting (agenda pdf). Most of it's heft is due to the public hearings on things like the South Avondale Area Redevelopment Plan, and West Gate Outline Plan.
So, aside from popping by the Lions Kid's Day in the Park and bringing greetings on behalf of the mayor to the Aboriginal Headstart Program wrap up today I also have a little reading ahead of me this weekend!
This week's stack of agendas was particularly thick as you can see below. The thickest of the documents is the agenda for Monday night's council meeting (agenda pdf). Most of it's heft is due to the public hearings on things like the South Avondale Area Redevelopment Plan, and West Gate Outline Plan.
So, aside from popping by the Lions Kid's Day in the Park and bringing greetings on behalf of the mayor to the Aboriginal Headstart Program wrap up today I also have a little reading ahead of me this weekend!
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