That time an airplane flew mere inches from the high level bridge
Denny May photo
Wilfrid “Wop” May grew up dreaming of flying planes. When World War I fired up, May and many of his fellow Edmontonians enlisted. Soon after, he transferred to the Royal Flying Corps. After several successful missions, including one with the fearsome Red Baron, May emerged from the war as a flying ace.
After the war, May pursued a career in aviation. He and his brother formed the first registered aircraft company, and he spent time performing air stunts. Few pilots were as distinguished and daring.
Perhaps the best demonstration of his daredevil attitude was when he flew with a distinguished passenger, Mayor of Edmonton, Joe Clarke. It was the 1919 baseball season opener in Diamond Park just below downtown. Wop May flew the mayor over the park to throw the opening pitch—from the airplane.
After a wild pitch, Wop May suggested that the only safe way out of the river valley was flying the plane under the High Level Bridge. Witnesses said there were mere inches between the bridge supports and the plane’s wings as they passed underneath.
May went on to perform many other historic firsts before his death in 1952. https://www.edmontoncommonwealthwalkway.com/history/wilfred-wop-may
Reminder that bulky and awkward moose are still quite big and fast
Ryan Hagerty photo
On May 24, emergency medical services were called to an incident near Rowland Road and 106A Avenue in Edmonton. A senior resident was knocked out by a female moose, sustaining non-life-threatening injuries, including three broken ribs, a gash in his leg and a bump on the head.
Moose are big, fast animals. They may look bulky and awkward, but they can circle and weave through trees like champion barrel racers. As of 2014, there were more than 100,000 of the herbivores in the province. With bears and wolves their main predators, spots like Edmonton’s river valley are a shelter of sorts.
“Normally, moose are not aggressive. However, a moose that is stressed, a bull moose in the fall rut or a cow moose protecting her young may be easily provoked into an attack,” says a post on the Alberta government website.
“The EPS wants to remind people that if you come across a moose to keep a safe distance away and not to approach it,” said Nancy Carlson at the Edmonton Police Service. Warning signs of an agitated moose include raised neck and back hair, ears pinned back, snorting or lip-licking.
“If charged by a moose, people should run and seek shelter behind a tree, car or building. If knocked down, curl into a ball and protect your head. Keep pets indoors because barking dogs can stress or provoke a moose.”
To report sightings, Edmontonians can call 1-800-642-3800. https://edmontonjournal.com/news/local-news/mother-moose-attacks-edmonton-senior-baby-moose-dies-after-vehicle-strike
Add lifejackets and water safety gear to your YEG summer pack
To ensure that folks enjoy the North Saskatchewan River and other bodies of water, the City of Edmonton’s Park Rangers, Edmonton Fire Rescue Services and the Edmonton Police Service (EPS) are once again coming together to encourage water safety.
In the summer of 2024, City Park Rangers and EPS conducted 13,753 safety compliance checks, a 15 per cent increase compared to 2023. Park Rangers and EPS Marine Units issued 3,623 warnings to river users who were not in compliance with boating regulations and were putting themselves at risk.
As of May 12, the City has implemented a mandatory lifejacket bylaw. This means all individuals on any floating vessel will be required to wear a life jacket or a personal flotation device at all times within the city boundaries.
When you are on the river, it is also mandatory to bring all relevant safety gear as outlined by Transport Canada. This includes a personal flotation device, a throw bag, a whistle or a sound-signalling device, and a watertight flashlight when travelling during low light.
This summer, Park Rangers and EPS Marine Units will also be conducting Land-Based Safety Compliance Checks on all vessels in coordination with on-water Marine Safety Compliance Checks.
As always, contact Edmonton Fire Rescue Services in the event of an emergency. edmonton.ca/RiverSafety
Indigenous Peoples Day at Telus World of Science on June 21
Leah Dorion art
On June 21, the Telus World of Science will be hosting Indigenous Peoples Day events. Their mission is to recognize and celebrate the cultures and worldviews of Indigenous Peoples who traditionally stewarded the lands of amiskwaciy-wâskahikan, Beaver Hills House (Edmonton).
The Edmonton Area and Land Trust (EALT) will be hosting an event at the Edmonton Medicine Garden from 10:15 am to 3:45 pm. Folks can participate in a smudging circle, then start weeding, planting native plant plugs, and spreading seeds. At lunch, participants will also be making tea from freshly harvested mint and receiving native plant giveaways.
Participants are reminded to wear/bring comfortable footwear, layers for the conditions, and water. This is an open drop-in event, so you do not have to sign up beforehand. Entry will be included with Science Centre Admission. Admission Tickets are free for Indigenous Participants. https://www.ealt.ca/event-listing/garden
Futuristic Map by Patrick Jacob, McKernan/Belgravia LRT Station https://www.edmontonarts.ca/public-art/futuristic-map
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