GENERAL INFO:

The Edmonton Branch is looking forward to hosting this year’s General Assembly! This year marks the 99th anniversary of the Industrial Workers of the World. It is also the 100th anniversary of the City of Edmonton. You can find more about travelling/tourism in Edmonton and Alberta at Travel Alberta and Edmonton Tourism.

GENERAL SCHEDULE:

The 2004 GA will take place on Saturday, September 4th and Sunday, September 5th at the Queen Alexandra Hall, 10425 University Avenue (see map). Child care will be provided during both days of the assembly if anyone requires it.

Registration will take place on Friday starting at noon and on Saturday morning.

On Friday evening, there will be an informal social at the QA Hall. On Saturday night, the Edmonton GMB will host a social (see flyer) at the hall which will feature performances by local Wob Guy Smith (see Guy's bio) and by songwriter Maria Dunn (see Maria's bio). There will also be an open stage throughout the evening.

GETTING HERE/GETTING AROUND:

Delegates are responsible for their own transportation to the GA site. Once you are in town, it is easy to get around via public transit or taxi.

AIR: Flights into Edmonton will arrive at the Edmonton International Airport. The Sky Shuttle has vans running to the city on a 20 minute to 1 hour frequency. You will likely want the university or downtown route, depending on where you are staying. The Varscona Hotel, on the University route, is the stop nearest the QA Hall (within walking distance) if you are making that your first stop. Fares are $13 one way, or $20 for an open-ended return. Hotel shuttles, car rentals, and taxis/limos are also available at the airport.

BUS: Greyhound Canada provides service to a number of locations in Edmonton:

• DOWNTOWN BUS DEPOT
  10324 - 103RD STREET EDMONTON, AB, T5J 0Y9
  (780) 420-2400
  (780) 425-7829 (FAX)
  Station Hours: Monday-Friday: 05:30-00:30; Saturday: 05:30-23:59; Sunday: 10:00-18:00; Holidays: 10:00-18:00
  
• EDMONTON SOUTH BUS DEPOT, AB
  991593 ALBERTA LTD.
  5723 - 104TH STREET EDMONTON SOUTH, AB, T6H 2K1
  (780) 433-1919
  (780) 437-2626 (FAX)
  Station Hours: Monday-Saturday: 06:30-20:30; Sunday: 07:45-08:30;Holidays: 06:30-20:30
  
• EDMONTON WEST BUS DEPOT, AB
  ISSY'S EXPRESS LTD.
  10740 - 180TH ST. N.W. EDMONTON WEST, AB, T5S 2S4
  (780) 496-3441
  (780) 496-3421 (FAX)
  Station Hours: Monday-Friday: 07:30-19:30; Saturday: 09:00-15:00; Sunday: 11:00-14:00; Holidays: Closed

TRAIN: The VIA Rail station is not far from the downtown core:

• Edmonton Station
  12360-121 St. Street, Edmonton, Alberta, T5L 5C3 (near the Yellowhead Highway)
  There is free parking, short or long term, but not recommended.
  (See map.)

WHERE TO STAY:

The Edmonton GMB will be making billeting arrangements for those interested in staying with Wobblies or friends of Wobblies in town. Please fill out the registration form in the GOB accordingly if you would like to be billeted. We will contact you closer to the date of the Assembly to give you the contact information for your host(s).

The only unionized hotel in Edmonton is the Crown Plaza - Chateau Lacombe, a very nice hotel located in downtown Edmonton (a short bus or cab ride to the assembly). They are offering a union rate of $95/night standard room (1 King bed or 2 Queen beds). When you reserve, be sure to ask for the union rate, and be prepared to show your red card when you check in. Phone: 1-800-661-8801.

The Hostelling International Edmonton Hostel is quite close (within walking distance) to the GA site. If you want to guarantee a space there, book in advance. Phone: 1-877-467-8336.

There are, of course, a number of other hotels and motels in Edmonton. A fairly comprehensive listing is available on the Explore Alberta website. The two hotels closest to the GA site are probably the Commercial and the Strathcona, which both have really cheap rates, but keep in mind that you get what you pay for. The Varscona, which is on Whyte (82nd) Ave (a few blocks north of University Ave), is also very close, but is significantly more expensive. If you are trying to figure out whether the location of a certain hotel/motel is within reasonable distance of the QA Hall, just look at the address. As a general guideline, the downtown and southside "core" of Edmonton generally falls between 76th Avenue and 112th Avenue, and between 82nd Street and 124 Street. You should be able to get around quite quickly and easily within this area. Any hotel/motel that says it is near Downtown or Whyte Ave/Old Strathcona is probably a safe bet. Mapquest or another such site should also be able to help.

FOOD:

Breakfast and lunch will be provided on both days of the Assembly. Additional meals will be up to you. There are many good restaurants in Edmonton. A list of those within close range of the Assembly site will be posted here soon.

Any questions? Please feel free to email us: ga2004@iww.org