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

River Valley News - June 26/25

Edmonton’s River Valley has never seen a damp squib!

City of Edmonton photo

Every year, on July 1st, folks can enjoy magnificent fireworks over Edmonton’s River Valley parks and the North Saskatchewan River. For many Edmontonians, summer isn’t quite complete without these spectacular pyrotechnics. Did you know that the birth of fireworks can be traced back to 7th century China?

Indeed, there is further evidence that primitive Chinese firecrackers date back as far as 200BC. It is thought that a Chinese cook accidentally invented gunpowder by mixing three common kitchen ingredients! Today, it is estimated that China produces around 90% of the world’s fireworks.

Although fireworks were probably used in the UK from the late 13th century onwards, they didn’t become popular until at least 200 years later. The first documented use of fireworks in the UK is at the wedding of King Henry VII and Elizabeth of York, in 1486.

Nowadays, fireworks have also trickled into our everyday vernacular. For instance, we use the expression “damp squib”(commonly misquoted as “damp squid”)  to describe a disappointing event that is not as exciting or impressive as expected. But a squib is literally a miniature explosive device, or form of firework, usually cylindrical in shape and with a paper fuse at one end, which fails to ignite if it gets wet.  https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/4gGSvzclrSpt07tRzhrmykB/eight-fizzling-facts-about-fireworks

YEG hosts North American climbing competition for the first time in RV

Lena Drapella & IFSC photo

Last weekend, rock climbers across North America gathered in Edmonton for the 2025 North American Cup Series. It was the city’s first time hosting the competition, and it was held at Louise McKinney Park. 

Adam Luciuk, one of the event organizers for the competition, told CTV News Edmonton how the competition could open doors for more sporting events to come to Canada. “We’re excited to be able to help build the sport in Canada and in North America,” said Luciuk on Friday.

“With it being the first year, we wanted to showcase everything that Edmonton has to offer and give a good experience for the athletes, as well as the people who are traveling from all over to come here and compete.” According to Luciuk, there were around 75 competitors and more than 100 volunteers and staff at this year’s event.

Hannah Breen, a young climber from Colorado, said Edmonton’s set up made for “a really cool climb.” “I did a bunch of technical things and some heel hooks. A lot of the holes are pretty good, better than I expected and the last move was fun to jump,” Breen told CTV News Edmonton. https://www.ctvnews.ca/edmonton/article/edmonton-hosts-north-american-climbing-competition-for-first-time/

Have a say in how Edmonton mitigates wildfire risk

Rod Maldaner photo

Fires in the Wildland-Urban Interface are now one of the leading causes of natural disaster losses in Canada, and the impact that they are having on communities is increasing. The City of Edmonton is creating a plan to manage the risk of wildfire in areas where urban developments meet undeveloped vegetation areas - the wildland-urban interface.

The Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) Wildfire Risk Strategy will proactively address the increasing threat of wildfires in urban areas due to climate change and expanding urban development. A long-term strategy would prioritize reducing the potential of physical and economic losses from wildfires, protecting people, property and the environment.

The City invites Edmontonians to share feedback on ways to mitigate wildfire risk, including vegetation management, public education and land-use planning. Visit https://engaged.edmonton.ca/WildfireStrategy  to participate until July 21.

RVA’s meditation nature walk is just what your soul needs this summer

On Saturday, July 5 from 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM, join the River Valley Alliance (RVA) for a peaceful morning in the river valley on their next Community Engagement Committee (CEC) Walk. During this walk, folks will get a chance to explore the beautiful RVA trails between Lamoureux and Fort Saskatchewan.

This 5 km round-trip walk (2.5 km each way) follows even terrain, with a mix of pavement and gravel—making it accessible for most abilities. You’ll begin in Lamoureux, walk across the scenic pedestrian bridge, and connect to Heritage Park Trail in Fort Saskatchewan.

Along the way, Maryann will share insights into the local ecology and native plant life, helping folks deepen their connection to the land. Once everyone reaches the pond, Amanda will guide you through a meditation practice focusing on breath, mindfulness, and the restorative power of time in nature. 

More information and registration here https://mailchi.mp/rivervalley/this-weeks-highlights-17354292?e=d85c7df243

Parade I, Alberta Wildlife by Gabe Wong, Meadows Transit Centre https://www.edmontonarts.ca/public-art/parade-i-alberta-wildlife  

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 - June 19/25

20,000 hour streetcar restoration breathes life into treasured antiques

Mark Burton photo

Fort Edmonton Park, which is nestled along the river valley, is dedicated to preserving the history of Alberta’s capital through numerous displays and historical streets. Very recently, the park added two fully restored train cars from Regina and Saskatoon.

In the early years of Regina, residents would get around using an old electric streetcar system. A network of streetcar railway tracks were built around the city for residents to hop on and get to stores, theatres, and events downtown. 

The #42 streetcar that ran down Broad Street to 13th Ave has recently found a new lease on life thanks to the Edmonton Railway Society. “Regina 42” was a streetcar built in 1928 and ran for several years throughout the Queen City.

It ran until it nearly perished in a fire in 1947 after the carbarn went up in flames. Workers have fully restored the street car with new red paint and the help of original manufacturer blueprints and photos.

The Park was also able to restore a snow sweeper and 1907 line car streetcar from Saskatoon, affectionately nicknamed the “Saskatoon 200.” This car ran until 1951 before being decommissioned.  

It’s estimated to have taken over 20,000 hours to restore both these streetcars by volunteers. Thanks to these two fully restored train cars from Regina and Saskatoon, Fort Edmonton Park now has a total of 10 antique units. https://edmonton.taproot.news/pulse/2025/06/12 

Roses, secrecy, silence and love have always been inseparable

Walter Siegmund photo

You probably already know that the Alberta Wild Rose is native to the Edmonton river valley. That being said, have you ever been curious as to the mythological origin and symbolisms of roses? 

Indeed, the rose that grows in many different forms in gardens all over the world today is an evolution of rose-like plants that lived in the northern hemisphere between 33 million and 23 million years ago. 

According to Greek mythology, the goddess of flowers, Chloris, created a new flower by breathing life into a woodland nymph who had died. Dionysus, the god of wine and plant life, gave it a beautiful perfume. And Aphrodite, the goddess of beauty and pleasure, gave the rose its name by rearranging the letters of Eros, her son and the god of love and desire. 

Eros later gave a rose to Harpocrates, the god of silence, as a bribe to ensure he kept the indiscretions of the gods to himself. Hence, the rose became symbolic of secrecy, silence, and love. 

The association with secrecy led to the rose becoming a visual symbol of the need for discretion. Roses were carved into the ceilings and walls of public rooms in grand houses, courtrooms, and Catholic confessionals as a reminder that all conversations should be kept confidential. 

From the Middle Ages, a rose was often suspended from the ceiling of a government council chamber to ensure the secrecy of proceedings. Therefore, sub rosa ("under the rose") became a quasi-legal term still in use to denote something that is best kept under wraps. https://www.worldhistory.org/article/2264/a-brief-history-of-the-rose/ 

EALT hosting a Bioblitz near the NSR on Sunday June 22

A newly secured land is in need of some assistance! This parcel of land lies along the bank of the North Saskatchewan River, upstream from Big Island Provincial Park in an Environmentally Significant Area. 

You can join the EALT for a Bioblitz with professionals to discover all of the native species that call this land home. This event will take place on Sunday, June 22nd, from 9:30 am - 2:30 pm. It involves manual weeding, which includes bending, kneeling, and using hand tools to trim plants. It will also involve up to 2 km of walking, over flat terrain with uneven footing.

Over the next few years, the EALT aims to restore the environmental health of the area, which includes invasive plant management and a variety of other restoration efforts. Those who sign up will be sent the exact location days in advance of the event. It is close to Bunchberry Meadows, and takes roughly 40 minutes to get there from west Edmonton.

Learn more and register here https://mailchi.mp/ealt/february-volunteer-opportunities-bkk9jb42s0-17459672?e=b41643f9be 

From Skunk Hollow by Leanne Schnierer https://leannesfineart.com/cityscapes/ 

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