Photo credit: Evan Klippenstein / CTV News Edmonton
Heritage Status for Hemingway
The Peter Hemingway Aquatic Centre has officially been designated a Municipal Historic Resource, celebrating its grand reopening on January 27, 2026. After five years of extensive renovations, this iconic Edmonton landmark—famed for its sweeping, tent-like copper roofline—is back in service. The designation honours the legacy of architect Peter Hemingway and ensures the preservation of one of Canada’s finest examples of Expressionist modern architecture, which was designed to reflect the transition from the Rocky Mountains to the Alberta prairies.
The modernization project successfully balanced heritage preservation with 21st-century upgrades. Beyond vital structural, mechanical, and electrical overhauls, the facility now features a new glass curtain wall, improved lighting, and enhanced accessibility via a new elevator. Notably, the center has also introduced a new cold plunge pool, adding a modern wellness trend to the historic site.
The reopening of the pool marks the completion of the larger Coronation Park Sports and Recreation Centre, creating a unified destination for sport and wellness. Mayor Andrew Knack and local officials will host a grand opening ceremony this Friday at 11 a.m. to celebrate this "brave" piece of civic infrastructure. All Edmontonians are invited to join the event and explore how this world-class facility will serve the community for decades to come.
Peter Hemingway Aquatic Centre declared Municipal Historic Resource - City of Edmonton
Photo credit: NSRVCS website
NSRVCS is looking for new board members
In preparation for our Annual General Meeting in March 2026, the North Saskatchewan River Valley Conservation Society invites you to be involved with a dynamic organization seeking to preserve Edmonton’s ribbon of green for future generations. If you are interested in being nominated to the Board of Directors, please contact us at nsrivervalley@gmail.com
We participate in discussions about the future of Big Island provincial park in Edmonton’s southwest river valley, the plans for a National Urban Park that would connect ecological systems and regional landscapes along the North Saskatchewan River in Edmonton and the Metro region, and in an ongoing basis we work to conserve and preserve Edmonton’s river valley by being vigilant about developments that impact Bylaw 7188, the North Saskatchewan River Valley Area Redevelopment Plan.
We also have a vibrant communications platform consisting of a weekly newsletter, Facebook posts, and a daily presence on Instagram and Twitter. Learn more at https://www.edmontonrivervalley.org/
Photo credit: City of Edmonton website
New "Ribbon of Green" River Valley Master Plan
Edmonton’s City Council has officially replaced its 32-year-old river valley strategy with a new Master Plan designed to oversee the 100-km stretch of the North Saskatchewan River valley. This updated framework shifts away from the 1992 plan to better balance the preservation of the natural landscape with growing public demand for recreation, attractions, and amenities.
The plan introduces three land-use classifications—preservation, conservation, and active/working landscapes—to guide future development while aligning with climate resilience goals. Key highlights include:
Enhanced Access & Recreation: A new trail strategy is being developed to improve accessibility for those with mobility concerns and allow for more multi-use trails, a move welcomed by groups like the Edmonton Mountain Bike Alliance.
Indigenous Stewardship: The plan calls for greater Indigenous oversight and co-stewardship of the land, reflecting engagement with 23 Indigenous communities.
Ecological Monitoring & Land Acquisition: To protect the wildlife corridor, the city will partner with conservation groups to monitor ecological impacts and explore purchasing private land (such as fenced-off industrial sections) to ensure trail continuity.
While the vision is set, the timeline for completion depends on the next four-year budget cycle. In the meantime, council is exploring the costs to complete the remaining 25 km of trail that would fully connect Edmonton’s network to the town of Devon.
Community Corner: Volunteer Opportunities & Events
Edmonton Native Plant Society (ENPS) invites volunteers to its first Seedy Tea seed packaging event of 2026 on Saturday, January 31, from 1-4pm at the Orchid Resource Centre (4459 99 St. NW, Edmonton).
Tasks include labelling envelopes, packaging native plant seeds, and possibly threshing dried plants. 2025 saw record sales requiring five packaging sessions; Apache Seed is carrying stock for a third year amid rising demand for biodiversity-supporting gardens. Max 12 volunteers; RSVP to volunteer@enps.ca. Masks optional, refreshments provided.
Follow-up sessions: Feb 15 (Sunday) and Feb 28 (Saturday). Seeds delivered to stores by March 2; major Seedy Sunday sales event on March 22.
The Edmonton Area Land Trust (EALT) offers two engaging outdoor opportunities near Edmonton this February.
Saturday, February 7, 11am-2pm at Carbyn Wildlands: Enjoy a guided tour of this new conservation area, spotting animal tracks from stoats to moose while learning about its ecology. Winter Walk at Carbyn Wildlands
Saturday, February 28, 11am-3pm at Bunchberry Meadows: Join physically active work removing black knot fungus from chokecherries at this popular, wildlife-rich site. High exertion includes walking kilometres and using hand tools. Black Knot Buster at Bunchberry Meadows - February
Learn how to grow food year-round at the Passive Solar Greenhouse Workshop on Thursday, February 12 (6:30–8:30 PM) at the Millhurst Community League. Led by Master Gardener Kim Ross, this $30 session teaches you how to maintain growing temperatures at -30°C using sustainable, solar-reliant designs that cut heating costs by 90%. Register via operationfruitrescue.org , where you can also sign up for local volunteer opportunities.
Suzuanne Burwash / Winter City Weekends Illustration
Celebrate winter at City Hall Plaza every weekend through February. Enjoy Ice Grooves with live DJs on Friday and Saturday nights (6–9 PM), or head inside City Hall on Sundays (1–4 PM) for Swing 'n Skate featuring live big band and jazz music. Winter City Weekends: Ice Grooves & Swing 'n Skate - January and February
Comment or Contributions
Please note that 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.
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