Your turn: CKUA centenary, Parkview renewal, Fort Sask committees

This week's roundup of calls for public engagement includes an opportunity to shape CKUA's centenary celebrations, a survey about neighbourhood renewal in Parkview, and applications for advisory boards in Fort Saskatchewan.

As the country's first educational and public broadcaster prepares for its 100th anniversary on Nov. 21, 2027, CKUA is asking its audience how it should celebrate. A survey is open until Sept. 25.

CKUA said it is exploring ways that the centenary could leave a lasting legacy. Options include a centenary album, an ongoing prize or award for artists, or initiatives to support emerging artists.

It seems the broadcaster is also considering in-person birthday celebrations in Alberta's two largest cities as well as community events across the province, echoing back to the Touch the Transmitter series that the station launched in 1997 after funding cuts and turmoil forced it off the air for five weeks before listeners rallied to save it.

CKUA is gauging interest in limited-edition merch, a showcase of stories from its archives, and live concerts. The organization also asks if it should prioritize collaborations with musicians, artists, festivals, local businesses, and arts organizations.

The station aims to raise $18 million by December 2027 through The Centenary Club campaign. CKUA is also accepting applications until Nov. 16 to join its board of directors.

CKUA faced a severe financial emergency in 2024 after a "perfect storm" of pressures threatened the station's future. The station raised the $3 million needed to keep it on air, including $1 million in a "do-or-die" campaign and a $10.9-million investment from PrairiesCan. The station also said it found efficiencies in capital costs and negotiated with its lender to defer debt payments.

Here are some other opportunities to provide input in the Edmonton metro region:

• Until Sept. 25: Applications are open for the council remuneration review advisory committee in Spruce Grove. The committee will study mayor and councillor pay in 2027 and submit a report to council.
• Until Sept. 25: Albertans can request a special ballot for the Oct. 19 referendum if they wish to vote by mail instead of in person. The deadline has been moved earlier than previously announced to ensure the ballots arrive by mail in time. They should be mailed by Oct. 9.
• Until Sept. 25: Parkland County is seeking online input on the River's Edge development area policies.
• Until Sept. 27: The City of Edmonton is seeking input on a rezoning application in Idylwylde at 7907 86 Avenue NW. The proposal is to rezone the land from small-scale residential to medium-scale residential, allowing for multi-unit residential development with commercial opportunities on the ground floor.
• Until Sept. 30: Applications are open for boards and committees in Morinville. There are openings on the assessment review board, the community services advisory committee, the Morinville library board, and the subdivision and development appeal board.
• Until Sept. 30: Applications are open for Community Initiative Grants in Strathcona County, with up to $25,000 available to non-profit organizations and up to $2,000 to residents, informal groups, and community leagues.
• Until Oct. 1: Sturgeon County is inviting residents, visitors, and staff to pledge an action for reconciliation in recognition of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
• Until Oct. 5: Applications are open for boards and committees in Sturgeon County, with openings on nine bodies.
• Oct. 5: The City of Leduc is holding a public hearing on amendments to its Municipal Development Plan at the Leduc Civic Centre starting at 5:30pm.
• Oct. 6: The City of Leduc is hosting a drop-in session on the latest draft of its land use bylaw at the City of Leduc Civic Centre from 4pm to 7pm.
• Oct. 6: Parkland County is holding a County Chat at Wabamun Jubilee Hall from 5:30pm to 7:30pm.
• Oct. 14: Parkland County is holding a County Chat at Keephills Community Hall from 5:30pm to 7:30pm.
• Until Oct. 12: The City of Edmonton is seeking feedback on neighbourhood renewal in Parkview.
• Until Oct. 15: The City of Fort Saskatchewan is accepting applications to serve on four advisory committees.
• Nov. 12: Parkland County is holding a County Chat at Holborn Community Hall from 5:30pm to 7:30pm.
• Until Nov. 20: Parkland County is surveying residents on its climate adaptation plan.
• Nov. 19: Parkland County is holding a County Chat at Holborn Community Hall from 5:30pm to 7:30pm.
• Nov. 23: Parkland County is holding a County Chat at Blueberry Community Hall from 5:30pm to 7:30pm.
• Ongoing: Thou Art Here Theatre in Edmonton has put out a call for stories about using public transit to inform its Untitled Bus Play.
• Ongoing: YEG Chinatown Re:VITA is conducting a survey on housing and development in south Chinatown.
• Ongoing: The City of Edmonton is engaging with targeted parties on the proposed design for a new downtown park at 103 Street and 100 Avenue.

"Your turn" is Taproot's weekly collection of public engagement opportunities in the Edmonton region. Watch this space every week for opportunities to make your views known. If you know of a request for public input, send it to hello@taprootedmonton.ca.