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”
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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.
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