In 1958 the City put out a request
A Royal Tour was coming through town the next year and they wanted a project to commemorate it. It was the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada’s proposal, for the nation’s first municipally owned and run planetarium, that captured the imagination of the general public. And it made sense as 1958 was the time of science fiction and space-age optimism.
The Planetarium was dedicated to Queen Elizabeth II to commemorate her royal visit to Edmonton in July 1959. Designed by Walter Telfer and Robert Falconer, Duke of the City Architect’s Office, the building showcased the modern movement’s structural expressionism design style.
Operated by the City of Edmonton Parks Department, with the assistance of the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada, Edmonton Centre, millions of guests were shown the Sun, Moon, constellations, and planets of the solar system like never before.
The Planetarium originally opened on September 22, 1960. But with the opening of its replacement — the new Edmonton Space Science Centre — nearby, the Queen Elizabeth II Planetarium (QEP) was unceremoniously closed on December 31st, 1983.
Nearly 40 years after closing, the City of Edmonton has meticulously restored and designated the QEP a Municipal Heritage Resource. In 2021, the QEP restoration received one of eight national awards from the National Trust and it reopened to the public in September 2023.
https://transforming.edmonton.ca/far-out-canadas-first-planetarium-being-restored-to-former-glory-2/
https://telusworldofscienceedmonton.ca/explore/experiences/queen-elizabeth-planetarium-qep/
https://www.forgottenedmonton.com/blog/the-queen-elizabeth-ii-planetarium
News release July 16 confirms Nordic Spa plans now official
Scandinave Group Inc. photo
Edmonton has been selected as the location of a new spa that promises to make a secluded corner of the city's southwest a destination for cold plunges, steam heat and silent relaxation. The city's first Nordic spa is slated for construction in Brander Gardens, overlooking the North Saskatchewan River.
Following a pitch to the City of Edmonton by Scandinave Group Inc and a series of public consultations, councillors voted unanimously to pass a rezoning application for the project in February, clearing the way for construction.
In a joint news release July 16, officials with Scandinave Group, along with the provincial government and Travel Alberta, announced that those plans are now official. The spa is expected to open in the summer of 2028. Construction is expected to get underway by 2027.
Wednesday's announcement was lauded by Andrew Boitchenko, Alberta's tourism minister, who said the provincial government is proud to support the new venture. The project is expected to generate approximately $121 million in total economic impact over its first decade of operation, the ministry said.
There are still residents who question how a private venture in the city's beloved river valley would serve Edmonton. https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/edmonton/plans-for-nordic-spa-in-edmonton-s-river-valley-now-official-developers-say-1.7586443
This summer enjoy a Glass of the Sask.
The North Saskatchewan River is at the heart of Edmonton, shaping our city and connecting us to everything local. Edmonton is here because the river is here.
Your great-tasting tap water is made local by EPCOR. They test over 150 water quality parameters—nearly double the required 80—and treat water for up to 12 hours before delivering it to Edmonton and over 90 surrounding communities.
Tap water is a fresh, eco-friendly, and cost-effective choice, rigorously tested for safety. In contrast, bottled water can contribute to plastic waste and is often less regulated. Choose tap water to support local resources and promote sustainability. Enjoy Edmonton’s great-tasting tap water at local events and restaurants this summer!
Now, Riverhawks fans can experience the work of two local artists, Justine Ma and Pete Nguyen, as they hydrate with Edmonton’s award- winning tap water at RE/MAX field. Two new water bottle filling stations on the concourse feature vibrant art installations depicting the North Saskatchewan River and Edmonton’s treasured river valley. https://www.epcor.com/ca/en/ab/edmonton/operations/water-wastewater/north-saskatchewan-river/glass-of-the-sask.html
YEG’s river valley is a photographer’s dream
Structuresxx photo
Whether you’re snapping with a smartphone or a DSLR, the river valley’s scenery offers endless opportunities to capture the beauty of Edmonton’s natural heart.
The gardens surrounding the Muttart Conservatory, which holds one of Canada’s largest indoor plant collections, burst with colour and texture, perfect for wide-angle views with the glass pyramids as a backdrop.
Just across the river, the open bank at Louise McKinney Riverfront Park provides panoramic views that glow during golden hour, especially as the sun dips behind the skyline.
For a picture-perfect blend of city and nature, few spots rival the Fairmont Hotel Macdonald’s patio, where the view stretches out over the river valley and Low Level Bridge. It’s ideal for cityscapes or engagement-style shots.
Time your walk for dawn or dusk, and you’ll find Edmonton’s famous bridges like Walterdale, High Level, or Dawson lit in warm light or reflecting off the water. This creates some of the city’s most Instagram-worthy moments.
And don’t forget to add in a paddle-boarder, dog walker, or cyclist gliding through the frame! Then you’ve got an image that captures both movement and calm — classic river valley energy. https://edmontonjournal.com/news/the-10-best-ways-to-explore-edmontons-river-valley-this-summer
Pillar of Love by Barbara Eichner-Shaw, Hermitage Park
https://www.edmontonarts.ca/public-art/pillar-of-love
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