River Valley News - July 17/25

A call for paw-sitive impacts on the RV

Natural areas are seeing record-breaking visitation year after year, which puts more stress on the land and the wildlife that call it home. The EALT team has seen examples of littering, disrespect of terms of access, and sadly, even fatal incidents to wildlife from off-leash dogs.

You might see the reminders that EALT has left on some of their trails - orange flags marking where visitors have left dog waste. These flags will be posted for a short time period as an example of how dogs can impact natural areas if their owners don't clean up after them.

EALT hopes that visitors choose to make a pawsitive impact by keeping their pets on leash, removing pet waste, respecting wildlife, and being stewards of the land. If you're a dog owner, please consider signing the Paws for Effect pledge and sharing it with a friend.

If you take the pledge, you can be entered to win a prize package. The winner will be drawn on September 30, 2025. Details for the contest can be found here https://mailchi.mp/ealt/conservation-connections-newsletter-79m6y7k3t0-17460174?e=b41643f9be

Where there is a human-made structure, there may just be a barn swallow

Justin Eccles photo

The Barn Swallow (Hirundo rustica) is a medium-sized songbird, about the size of a sparrow. The bird’s back and tail plumage is a distinctive steely, iridescent blue. And its long forked tail and pointed wings are what make them easily recognizable, as well as fast and acrobatic fliers.

About 2,450,000 pairs of barn swallows spend their nesting season in Canada. They are found in every province and territory except Nunavut, where they are rarely seen. While the barn swallow historically nested in caves and cliffs, they readily adapted to utilizing human structures, especially barns which led to their common name.

The birds are also dedicated builders. They pick up mud from places like river banks or puddles, and fibrous material, like grass, and arrange them into cup-shaped nests. The interior of their nests are lined with grass, hair, and feathers. A pair of swallows can make over 1,000 trips, bringing back a mouthful of mud on each trip, to build a new nest. https://www.hww.ca/wildlife/birds/barn-swallow/ 

Spend this Sunday with RVA as they host two exciting events in the RV

On July 20, from 9:00am to 11:00am, join the River Valley Alliance for a bike tour! This leisurely bike tour consists of a scenic 22 km ride, with 7 km on pavement and 15 km on gravel. A gravel bike or mountain bike is required. 

This route takes riders south through West River’s Edge Park and continues south onto the scenic River View RVA Strathcona Riverside Trail, and across the river on the new RVA Edmonton/Strathcona Footbridge, returning to the starting point. This route is flat. A few stops will be made at scenic points of interest. Register here https://rivervalley.ab.ca/events/fort-sask-strathcona-edmonton-new-bridge-tour/ 

Another must-attend event on Sunday, July 20 is the Moccasin and Medicine Trail Walk Series. The theme this time around is Playing on the Land – Traditional Land Games. From 10:00am to 12:00pm, participants of all ages—children, adults, and Elders—will come together in community through Traditional Indigenous Land Games. 

Folks will engage in several fun and meaningful games that reflect Indigenous ways of knowing, teaching, and connecting across generations. This event is about more than play though—it’s about honouring Indigenous knowledge, fostering intergenerational relationships, and deepening our connection to the land. Register here https://rivervalley.ab.ca/events/playing-on-the-land-traditional-land-games/ 

July 10 issue

Vicky says “I think the Edmonton City Hall should have a 'history wall' and the River Valley News should be posted on a bulletin board.”

The Dwelling by Wayne Ashley, Edmonton City Hall

https://www.edmontonarts.ca/public-art/the-dwelling  

Comment or Contributions

Please note articles may not reflect the position of NSRVCS. River Valley News is meant to be a clearinghouse for the variety of opinions and ideas about Edmonton’s River Valley.

Email river valley photos, event information, comments, or questions to nsrivervalley@gmail.com.

Forward this link to anyone you think may want to sign up for this newsletter https://www.edmontonrivervalley.org/newsletter-signup

River Valley News - July 10/25

Legendary hotel host, Donald Ross, approves sleeping on pool tables

The first train to reach Edmonton steamed across the Low Level Bridge on October 20, 1902. Donald Ross occupied a place of pride in the locomotive cab. His honoured presence was fitting as a few years earlier, he had driven the ceremonial final rivet to complete the bridge. 

That wasn’t the only thing Ross was known for though. Before driving the completion of the Low Level Bridge, Ross managed the Hudson’s Bay Company’s Fort Edmonton farm in 1874. After a short time, he asserted ownership of the farm and erected a popular hotel. As a hotel host, he was legendary. 

When no beds were available, one guest received accommodations on the pool table. When the guest complained about having to pay the regular rate of 50¢, Ross told him he could have charged the 75¢/hour rate for a game of billiards!

They say Ross was also involved in any early Edmonton organization that you can name. He was so deeply entwined in early Edmonton that his wife’s wedding ring was forged of North Saskatchewan gold. https://www.edmontoncommonwealthwalkway.com/history/sure-you-can-sleep-on-the-pool-table

City rolls out Shinrin-yoku forest therapy sessions this summer

Brendan Bush photo

The City is introducing Forest Bathing sessions and invites residents to discover the healing benefits of mindful connection with the urban forest. Forest Bathing offers a unique opportunity to reduce stress and enhance wellness by engaging the senses in Edmonton’s natural spaces while learning about our urban forest.

Forest bathing, also known as forest therapy or Shinrin-yoku, involves spending intentional time in a forest or natural area, fostering relaxation and a deeper connection to the environment. Guided sessions, led by certified Shinrin-yoku guides from the City’s Urban Forestry team, provide a safe and comfortable environment for exploration and discovery. 

Activities include mindful sensory exploration, silent meditation, exploratory walking and opportunities for group and individual reflections. Free guided sessions are available weekly throughout the summer on Tuesdays from 1 to 3 p.m. and Thursdays from 9 to 11 a.m. at various parks across the city. For more information, visit edmonton.ca/ForestBathing.

Are you an urban forest ambassador at heart?

CIF photo

The City of Edmonton is introducing the Urban Forest Ambassador Program and inviting residents to become ambassadors to help protect Edmonton’s urban forest from threats like Dutch elm disease and emerald ash borer. 

Residents can participate and receive free training to detect early signs of these threats to trees. Upon completion, residents become Urban Forest Ambassadors who serve as key community contacts, raising awareness in their neighbourhoods, supporting surveillance, and contributing to city-wide reporting and the long-term health of Edmonton’s elm and ash trees.

The first training session is scheduled for Thursday, July 10, 2025, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at Lois Hole Library. Additional training sessions will be scheduled throughout the summer. Space is limited and registration is required. 

To learn more about the Urban Forest Ambassador program and to register for the upcoming training, visit edmonton.ca/UrbanForestAmbassador 

The Eagle Point Moth Ball is back!

On Thursday July 17, from 6:30 pm to 1:00 am, get involved in the Eagle Point Moth Ball. This is a celebration of Alberta’s night creatures! The event will take place at Pembina Nordic Centre, 7010 Twp 494, Eagle Point Provincial Park. It is free and family-friendly.

This evening under the stars will shine a light (literally!) on some of Alberta’s most fascinating nocturnal creatures. From live bats and snakes to moths and frogs, the Eagle Point Moth Ball is a celebration of the creatures that come alive when the sun goes down.

You will get the chance to experience live presentations, as well as get up close with expert presenters and their real-life creature companions. This year’s lineup includes Alberta Lepidopterists’ Guild, Alberta Community Bats, Alberta Amphibian and Reptile Conservancy (AARC), Edmonton and Area Land Trust, and Native Bee Council. 

Register here https://www.ealt.ca/event-listing/community-events-2025 

City as an Advocate by Dawn Marie Marchand, City Hall

https://www.edmontonarts.ca/public-art/city-as-an-advocate 

Comment or Contributions

Please note articles may not reflect the position of NSRVCS. River Valley News is meant to be a clearinghouse for the variety of opinions and ideas about Edmonton’s River Valley.

Email river valley photos, event information, comments, or questions to nsrivervalley@gmail.com.

Forward this link to anyone you think may want to sign up for this newsletter https://www.edmontonrivervalley.org/newsletter-signup

River Valley News - July 5/25

Clashing perspectives over approval of new bike skills park

Ian Kucerak photo

This past Wednesday, City council approved the new mountain bike skills park in Queen Elizabeth Park. This cleared the way for construction to begin next year in Edmonton’s river valley, despite concerns about site selection and ecological impacts.

During Wednesday’s debate, some councillors, including Coun. Jo-Anne Wright, questioned the assessment’s fairness. She had questions about “deeming it to be essential in this location without having sort of done due diligence to look at other locations in the river valley.”

City administration responded that the project location is a brownfield site “full of invasive species” and that impacts to habitat are expected to be minimal and mitigated. They also confirmed that the site had been approved since 2013.

There are others who are also not on board with the project, including Eric Gormley of ERVCC. Eric’s opinion piece published this week in the Edmonton Journal raised concerns about what he called a “nibbling away” of Edmonton’s river valley. He argues that the river valley must remain a protected and low-impact space, reserved for natural connection rather than active recreation.

You can find more information about the debate and clashing perspectives here https://edmontonjournal.com/news/local-news/edmonton-approves-seven-acre-mountain-bike-facility-in-river-valley 

Is gaining more housing near the RV worth higher flood risk?

City of Edmonton Archives photo

A proposal to build several residential buildings up to 17 storeys, in the heart of Edmonton's river valley, stands out in more ways than one. Beyond the height changing sight lines in the area, some Edmontonians also showed concern during community engagement because the structure lies within an identified flood plain.

It's a unique water-front proposal in a city that cherishes its river valley as a central green space that is largely undeveloped. It also raises questions about the risks of building so close to the water — and whether those are worthy trade-offs in exchange for more housing.

The project, submitted by Dub Architects on behalf of Five Oaks Inc., proposes three buildings that could reach 17 storeys and create up to 490 residential units. The land along 100th Street in the Rossdale neighbourhood includes the historic Rossdale Brewery, which the project plans to restore and integrate.

To build that tall, the land needs a rezoning. If approved, the rezoning would bring in extra environmental requirements, too. Read more on how building near Edmonton's river could mean higher flood risk here https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/edmonton/city-edmonton-river-valley-hearing-housing-flood-risk-1.7572211 

Learn on the river July 30 with poems and fiddle melodies

On July 30 from 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM, embark on a unique and enchanting evening cruise aboard the Edmonton Riverboat. During this unforgettable evening, you will learn about the North Saskatchewan River, the land around us, and their histories. 

Notably, you will get the chance to glide along the shimmering waters of the river while immersing yourself in the captivating poetry and storytelling of Naomi McIlwraith and the vibrant fiddle melodies of Adam Daigneault. 

Naomi is the author of "kiyâm: Poems by Naomi McIlwraith". In “kiyâm”, McIlwraith explores the beauty of the intersection between nêhiyawêwin, the Plains Cree language, and English, âkayâsîmowin. 

Don't miss this special opportunity to connect with Métis culture in a truly memorable way. Registration will close when the event reaches capacity, or on July 20, 2025. https://www.ualberta.ca/en/events/external-relations/poetry-with-naomi-mcilwraith.html?utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=2025-06_NTD%20-%20THOUGHTBOX&utm_content=2025-06_NTD%20-%20THOUGHTBOX+CID_7a9016b3299ff0463f6c021bcb590ba1&utm_source=cm_advancement&utm_term=Learn%20on%20the%20river

Edmonton’s River Valley has never seen a damp squib

Kristine shares “Many organizations emphasize the harm caused by fireworks to wildlife (and pets); they have no place in a wildlife corridor. As the BC SPCA states,

"Fireworks also frighten, disorient and disturb wild animals. When scared from dens and roosting sites, wildlife can run into busy streets or fly into buildings. This often has fatal results. Fireworks can also interrupt their natural feeding and breeding behaviours and even cause them to abandon their young.”

Debris from fireworks can also end up in waterways, contaminating them and posing a threat to aquatic life. "When accidentally ingested, the debris from exploded fireworks can cause life-threatening illness. Animals can be poisoned by the chemicals or suffer from gastrointestinal obstruction."

View From the Deck by Teresa B Graham

“View from the Edmonton Riverboat”

Comment or Contributions

Please note articles may not reflect the position of NSRVCS. River Valley News is meant to be a clearinghouse for the variety of opinions and ideas about Edmonton’s River Valley.

 Email river valley photos, event information, comments, or questions to nsrivervalley@gmail.com.

 Forward this link to anyone you think may want to sign up for this newsletter https://www.edmontonrivervalley.org/newsletter-signup