River Valley News - Nov 10, 2022

Presbyterian minister earned the military’s highest honour

Lieutenant George Burdon McKean earned the Victoria Cross, the military’s highest honour, while serving with the 14th Infantry Battalion near Gavrelle, France on April 27-28, 1918. The medal is awarded for the most conspicuous bravery, a daring or pre-eminent act of valour, or self-sacrifice or extreme devotion to duty in the presence of the enemy.

McKean lived in Canada for only 12 years before WWI, having emigrated as an orphan in 1902 from England. He worked on a cattle ranch before studying at Robertson College in Strathcona, then part of the University of Alberta, to enter the Presbyterian ministry. He became a pastor’s assistant at Robertson Presbyterian Church, now Robertson-Wesley United Church in Oliver.

When the war hit, the 27-year-old enlisted in Edmonton as a private. The Victoria Cross was not his only military honour. In 1917, McKean was awarded the Military Medal. And for outflanking 100 German soldiers in September 1918 and forcing them to surrender, all while severely wounded by shrapnel in his right leg, he was awarded the Military Cross.

McKean did not return to Canada after the peace armistice in November 1918. He married a local woman while still in England. Eight years after the war ended, McKean was killed in a freak sawmill accident in 1926 at the age of 38. He was struck in the head when a circular saw he was operating malfunctioned and flew apart. Read more at https://edmontonjournal.com/news/insight/hometown-hero-victoria-cross-winner-from-edmonton-honoured-a-century-later

Smith Crossing pedestrian bridge replacement work begins

The Smith Crossing pedestrian bridge, located along 23 Avenue, provides access to the MacTaggart and Larch Sanctuaries in Edmonton’s river valley system. The existing bridge was built in the early 1900s and has reached the end of its service life. The City of Edmonton is replacing the bridge, with construction anticipated to begin this month. The new bridge is expected to open in fall 2023.

The work zone will be closed to the public during construction, including the parking lot on the south side of 23 Avenue. Walking trails outside the construction zone will remain open. Access restrictions will be in place during construction. More information can be found in the project’s construction bulletin at https://www.edmonton.ca/sites/default/files/public-files/Construction-Bulletin-Smith-Crossing-Pedestrian-Bridge-Oct2022.pdf?cb=1666639002

Buildings that reflect YEG’s early years designated as historic resources

The Stone House and Summer Kitchen built around 1929 on the Keillor Farmstead, in an area now partially occupied by the Whitemud Equine Centre, have been granted designation as Municipal Historic Resources by Edmonton City Council. Dr. Fred Keillor, a city coroner and two-term Alderman, believed in the benefits of outdoor recreation and opened his property to the public for recreational uses as well as access to the river.

The Stone House and Summer Kitchen are unique in that they are built of stone rather than log, unlike the original 1918 Keillor Cabin, which sits immediately to the north of the buildings. This sort of construction is known as “parkitecture” and is common in National Parks in both Canada and the United States. The buildings are owned by the City of Edmonton and are leased by the Whitemud Equine Centre Association.

The other two buildings designated are the Figg Residence, a one-and-a-half storey house located in Bonnie Doon, and the Stein Residence built in 1912 in the Westmount neighbourhood. More about these buildings at

https://myemail.constantcontact.com/News-Release---Four-historic-buildings-that-reflect-Edmonton-s-early-years-designated-as-historic-resources.html?soid=1127191170163&aid=NNvHNQZ9Cs8

Former railway bridge upstream of Hwy 15 bridge

Rod writes “Thanks to Geoff for his comments and suggestions about how to provide habitat for endangered Barn and Bank Swallows in the River Valley. In addition to a physical place to live, these birds need sustenance, which is mosquitoes, lots of mosquitoes! To support dwindling populations of these birds, concerned Edmontonians need to lobby their City Councillors to support efforts to reduce the use of Bti to control mosquito populations, especially where Bank and Barn Swallows may congregate. With plans to declare Edmonton's River Valley a new National Park all mosquito spraying should be prohibited within planned National Park Boundaries. Edmonton should look to Germany as an example, where the control of mosquitoes with Bti is banned in all Conservation Areas.”

Comment or contribution

Please note that articles may not reflect the position of NSRVCS. River Valley News is meant to be a clearinghouse for the wide variety of opinions and ideas about Edmonton’s River Valley. Email river valley photos, event information, comments, or questions to nsrivervalley@gmail.com

Sincerely yours,

Harvey Voogd

North Saskatchewan River Valley Conservation Society

780.691.1712

River Valley News - Nov 3, 2022

Chickakoo Lake Recreation Area one of the best hiking spots in Edmonton area
With over 480 acres of woodland and lakes, Chickakoo Lake Recreation Area is home to wildlife such as moose, deer, beavers, birds and so much more. In Parkland County, near Stony Plain, it is a popular destination for family-friendly outdoor adventures.

Enjoy 11 km of trails used for walking, mountain biking, and cross-country skiing. In winter months, trails are groomed and tracks set regularly for cross country skiing. There are washrooms, picnic areas, fire pits with firewood supplied, a gazebo, and playground. Dogs are welcome on leash.

The name Chickakoo first appeared on maps made by the original surveyors of the area, indicating potential origins in Indigenous languages. More information at https://adventurealberta.ca/chickakoo-lake-recreation-area/

Magpie creation story, the Greek version
Greek legend has it nine sisters once challenged the muses to a singing contest. Not wanting to appear threatened by lesser mortals, the goddesses of the arts agreed. What ensued was an epic battle of song and story from which the muses emerged victorious.

Enraged, the sisters rushed to attack the muses, as they stretched out their hands, they saw their nails turn to claws. Their shrieks became squawks and feathers sprouted from their arms. Their punishment for challenging the gods was transfiguration. And so, magpies were born.

Creation stories are staples in mythology. They explain the existence of pretty much anything you can think of: the sky, humans, magpies, even practices and values. More at https://www.ualberta.ca/newtrail/ideas/it-lies-in-the-making.html

Tips for living alongside urban wildlife
Towns and cities in Alberta were built on the home ranges of native wildlife. As human spaces continue to expand, wild animals are forced to deal with the consequences. While many species do their best to avoid development, and some take human presence in stride while continuing to go about their business, others have figured out how to thrive in these artificial environments.

According to University of Alberta professor Colleen Cassidy St. Clair, populations of wildlife that can exploit urban areas are increasing. It’s not just coyotes roaming our towns, either. “Bobcats, lynx, and even cougars are sometimes seen in Alberta’s towns and cities. Cougars pose the most significant risk of injury, but the probability of an encounter is extremely low.”

It's not only predators and scavengers sharing our spaces. Mule deer are a common sight in small-town parks and neighbourhoods as well as wooded urban areas like the Edmonton river valley. Even moose make themselves at home in these places, so it's something to keep in mind while on a hike along wooded urban trails

Access to food is a big factor in human-wildlife conflicts in towns and cities. Often this is unintentional, with unsecured garbage, compost, and fallen fruit making an easy meal for animals. “About ten per cent of coyote scats we've measured contain birdseed, making it a very significant supplement to coyote diets, even without all the rodents it attracts,” said St. Clair. Read more at https://www.albertaprimetimes.com/edmonton-news/tips-for-living-alongside-urban-wildlife-5735587

YEG schools prominent in 1918 influenza response
Epidemic influenza arrived in Edmonton in mid-October 1918 and raged through the city for weeks before slowing down (but not ending) in December 1918. During those two-and-a-half-months more than 10% of Edmonton’s population reported getting sick. The city’s Medical Health Officer estimated that there were hundreds more unreported cases.

Two weeks into the epidemic, Mayor Evans and the city’s clergy organized a community-care scheme which divided the city into 15 relief districts. Neighbourly help in each district was provided by volunteers, most of them women, and coordinated out of school buildings.

The city was divided into four nursing districts with headquarters in King Edward, Victoria High, Calder, and Oliver Schools. There were only a few trained nurses available in the city to help with district, rather than hospital, nursing care. They took charge and provided direction to countless volunteers.

Nursing headquarters were complex organizations: the centre at Victoria High boasted not only a linen room, supply store and dispensary which provided nurses with whatever they needed for visits, but also a laundry room run by high school girls, a disrobing room where outdoor clothes could be changed and disinfected, day and night dormitories for the nurses and volunteers, and a convalescent room for volunteers who were recovering from exhaustion or illness. Complete piece at https://citymuseumedmonton.ca/2022/10/28/heritage-schools-edmontons-surprising-1918-influenza-epidemic-legacy-2/

Learn about labyrinths and walk the Turtle Rock Effigy
Jane emailed "Thank you so much for the article on the Turtle Rock Effigy! Leah Dorian is such an interesting artist—she did the mural that was part of the Indigenous Canada course at UofA and we have one of her wonderful paintings! Today several of us visited the labyrinth and really enjoyed it!"

Former railway bridge upstream of Hwy 15 bridge
Geoff writes “The photo of the former railway bridge upstream of Hwy 15 has me wondering if this is potential nesting habitat for Cliff and Barn Swallows. These species like to nest on vertical surfaces. The bridge abutments would need a cap; a horizontal cover to protect the vertical surfaces from rain. The covers would have to extend at least 30cm, 45 cm would be better to provide the cover for nests. Something as simple as sheets of plywood secured to the top of the abutments to keep them in place. Maybe a slope to let water run-off and not pool on top. I am not an engineer so there are likely better options. Swallow populations have declined dramatically in the past 50 years. A new nesting area over a productive wetland would be a positive step to help these species.” (Editor note – original headline erroneously said railway bridge was downstream of Hwy 15 bridge.)

The Capital Hill area along MacKinnon Ravine, 1913

Comment or contribution
Please note that articles may not reflect the position of NSRVCS. River Valley News is meant to be a clearinghouse for the wide variety of opinions and ideas about Edmonton’s River Valley. Email river valley photos, event information, comments, or questions to nsrivervalley@gmail.com

Sincerely yours,
Harvey Voogd
North Saskatchewan River Valley Conservation Society
780.691.1712

River Valley News - Oct 27, 2022

Protection of YEG’s only source of drinking water on Council agenda
The North Saskatchewan River and its watershed are of vital importance to our city as it is Edmonton's only source of drinking water. There are 28,000 square kilometers of land upstream of Edmonton that drain into the North Saskatchewan River watershed.

Our City Council has a significant role in protecting the watershed for Edmontonians as well as communities downstream that are impacted by activities within the city’s municipal boundaries. On November 4, Council’s Utility Committee will discuss a report on the status of the North Saskatchewan River Regional Plan.

A Regional Advisory Council for the North Saskatchewan Region was appointed by Cabinet in 2014 and provided 69 recommendations to the Government of Alberta on the development of the North Saskatchewan River Regional Plan. The Province has been reviewing input on these recommendations since Summer 2018.

This item is follow up to a Utility Committee discussion in August 2021 on the potential impact on our drinking water from four provincially approved coal mining projects. Five percent of the North Saskatchewan watershed upstream of the City of Edmonton is currently held by coal leases, and poses a risk to source water, aquatic ecosystem health, and industrial and agricultural users if development occurs.

If you would like to speak at Utility Committee, register by contacting the City Clerk at city.clerk@edmonton.ca or 780.496.8178. You can read the reports on agenda item 7.2 at https://pub-edmonton.escribemeetings.com/Meeting.aspx?Id=ee57006d-ac80-4b8e-bc8d-45f99eb031d4&Agenda=Agenda&lang=English&Item=23&Tab=attachments

Learn about labyrinths and walk the Turtle Rock Effigy
Located in Louise McKinney Riverfront Park, east of the Edmonton Convention Centre and south of the main parking lot, you will find the Turtle Rock Effigy. This effigy/labyrinth was created in 2010 by Leah Dorion as part of The Works Art and Design Festival.

You are meant to enter the labyrinth thinking of a problem. As you walk through the labyrinth, the twists and turns will guide you through thought so that when you step out, you will have come to a conclusion. The Turtle Rock Effigy is a marriage of the traditional Indigenous turtle symbol and Celtic labyrinths. Leah Dorion did this to mirror the relationship between Canada’s Indigenous Peoples and European settlers.

Emberwood is hosting a guided labyrinth walk at this location from 4-6pm on November 5. Labyrinths are not mazes, there are no tricks or dead ends. They are meditative walks, used for contemplation, meditation and relaxation. They are great for people who wish to meditate but can’t sit still. Information and registration at https://www.emberwood.ca/solos/labyrinth

Remote cameras monitor wildlife in river valley and ravines
Since 2018 the City of Edmonton and the University of Alberta have worked together to create WildEdmonton, a project that uses remote cameras to monitor wildlife presence and abundance throughout our city. The project is working to identify areas of valuable wildlife habitat so that future planning and development projects will know where animals live and how they move around.

Remote cameras are especially useful for monitoring the presence, location, and abundance of mammals of all sizes, ranging from squirrels to moose. It’s also helpful for cities to know more about where interactions between humans and wildlife are likely to occur so we can take steps to reduce the impact on both.

Habitat loss, fragmentation, and human disturbances threaten wildlife populations and biodiversity on a global scale. Protecting biodiversity in urban areas can be done by making sure we protect natural areas and maintain natural connections that help wildlife move around Edmonton and the surrounding area. More at
https://www.edmonton.ca/city_government/environmental_stewardship/wild-edmonton

Big Lake and Lois Hole Centennial Provincial Park
Patrick writes “When I was a boy, my Dad and his buddies had a hunting cabin at the southern edge of Big Lake. We used the cabin during duck-hunting season and there were lots of fun family times from spring snowmelt to late fall. Quicksand is a magnet for kids who like to prowl around in the bush. Our patch of quicksand was downslope and northwest of the cabin. I climbed lots of trees. I was a city kid but loved the bush. Ultimately, I became a Forester.

The cabin was located on the corner of a farm field, at the north end of what is now 231st Street. Just east of what’s now Lakeshore Estates. Sometime in the early 60s, an arsonist torched the cabin. With Google Maps, I see there’s still a farm field there.”

Former railway bridge downstream of Hwy 15 bridge.
Comment or contribution
Please note that articles may not reflect the position of NSRVCS. River Valley News is meant to be a clearinghouse for the wide variety of opinions and ideas about Edmonton’s River Valley. Email river valley photos, event information, comments, or questions to nsrivervalley@gmail.com

Sincerely yours,
Harvey Voogd
North Saskatchewan River Valley Conservation Society
780.691.1712