Cold Monday in E-town, but Gatsby's got your back

Morning, Edmonton. It's -7 out there this Monday, feeling more like -9 with the wind doing what it does, so this is a day for the proper parka and the toque pulled down over your ears. The sun's barely been up long and it sets at 5:59 tonight, so if you're planning anything after work, know that by the time you're heading home it'll already be dark. UV is basically nothing right now, so the sunglasses can stay in the glovebox. Today is noticeably colder than the last few days, so the walk to the bus stop is going to feel longer than usual.

If you're driving or taking the bus through the core, pay attention to Route 009. There's a planned detour from 101 St and 116 Av heading southbound to 101 St and 112 Av, and another from 101 St and 111 Av northbound to 101 St and 115 Av. Give yourself a few extra minutes on 101 Street, especially at rush hour, and don't assume your usual shortcut is still open.

On the bigger picture, the High Level Bridge is going to close to traffic next year for a full construction season, so start thinking now about how you'll cross the river when that happens. Also, if you own a car in the older parts of town, keep an eye out for parking bans as snow removal season kicks off. The city is asking folks to follow them, and nobody wants to come out to a ticket or a tow on a day like today.

For lunch or a warm-up, the Westblock Glenora Ayco Cafe is one of the new spots that's been opening around the city, and Elio's on the south side is serving Filipino comfort food with a real gathering feel, which is exactly what a cold Monday calls for. If you've got a sweet tooth, the folks at About that Bingsu have been doing their Korean shaved-ice desserts, a fun treat to chase away the chill. Hazeldean Bakery has reopened in south Edmonton with new owners, and a lot of neighbours are glad to see it back. Sadly, Paperbirch by Chartrand is closing its stall at the Old Strathcona Farmers' Market after two years, so grab your last goodies there if you're nearby.

Tonight, The Great Gatsby - The Musical opens at the Citadel, which makes for a proper night out in the middle of the week. If hockey's more your speed, the Oil Kings drop the puck, and if you want something louder, The Starlite Room has live metal on the bill. Gatsby keeps going through the weekend, the Oil Kings are back at home Friday, and there's live music around town if you want to stretch the fun past Monday. Everything on that list is indoors, which is a relief given the temperature.

For the bigger news, Alberta and AHS have been ordered to disclose records on whether the fired CEO was warned about termination, and Alberta's chief electoral officer wants boundary changes delayed or the 2027 election pushed back. Lots of talk in the coffee shops about both, so you'll want to be ready for it.

Stay warm, Edmonton, and get your car plugged in if it's going to be out all day. See you on the other side of the Monday.