River Valley News - July 13, 2023

YEG will keep control if river valley becomes a national urban park

Harmony Wolgemuth photo

Urban planning committee voted to recommend that council proceed to the planning stage of the National Urban Park initiative. While Mayor Sohi advocated for the river valley’s national urban park status, he said certain things are non-negotiable for him.

“One of them is there will not be a transfer of river valley lands to the federal government,” he said during the meeting. “That Edmontonians will retain ownership and control of the river valley, that land use and other permitted activities are determined by the City of Edmonton as we do now, and that access to the river valley will be same for Edmontonians as it has always been, which is free of charge.”

Theo Peters, spokesperson for Métis Nation of Alberta, told councillors a survey found a majority of its citizens approve of the river valley as a national urban park, as well as preserving the nature there. “There was a large consensus toward retaining the natural features of the park … and a focus on minimal development to avoid anything that had the potential to change the naturally occurring landscape,” he said.

Linda Duncan with the North Saskatchewan River Valley Conservation Society was mostly supportive but said there needs to be more transparency with the public throughout this process. https://edmontonjournal.com/news/local-news/edmontons-mayor-says-city-must-keep-control-if-river-valley-becomes-national-urban-park

Trees the silent heroes of Fort Saskatchewan

Fort Saskatchewan says trees provide calm and quiet amidst urban noise, even in the city center. That's the difference nature makes, and it is palpable. Supported by the Federal Government and in collaboration with the Two Billion Trees initiative, it wants to bring more of these calming spaces to Fort Saskatchewan for everyone to enjoy.

Think of an urban forest as the city’s lungs. Encompassing trees, shrubs, gardens, parks, and more. These living, breathing spaces offer extensive ecological, economic, and social benefits. The Urban Forest Protection and Enhancement Plan seeks to cultivate more of these lush pockets, all while considering the requirements of the growing community.

By collaborating with Indigenous community members, the city will gain valuable insights into traditional ecological knowledge, shaping its urban forests. By reviving and nurturing indigenous plant species, it can strengthen native ecosystems, bringing them to life.

As climate change becomes more significant, the advantages of urban forests to Fort Saskatchewan grow increasingly vital. The plan offers future-focused guidance on nurturing the urban forest, especially as the city expands and the climate shifts. https://mysay.fortsask.ca/urban-forest   

Tar-like substance seeping out of ground at valley park

The Alberta government is trying to identify the risks and liabilities of continuing to operate Strathcona Science Park an Edmonton-area provincial park in the river valley. A Phase 1 environmental site assessment, conducted last year, revealed environmental concerns over potentially harmful contaminants in the park.

Before the land was turned into a park, it had a long history of industrial activity. The Great West Coal Company operated the Black Diamond coal mine on the site during the first half of the 20th century. Educational signs at the park show many coal mines were in the area, along both sides of the river valley. The park was also used for sand and gravel extraction, a concrete plant, industrial waste disposal and a landfill.

The provincial park opened in July of 1980, and included a museum with six octagonal science pavilions. The pavilions closed in 1988, and the park's archeological centre closed in 1991. These days, the park is home to the Sunridge Ski Area, the Edmonton Nordic Ski Club's Biathlon Centre and the Strathcona Remote Control Flyers Association. https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/edmonton/tar-like-substance-strathcona-science-park-1.6894035

Lake Wabamun a natural treasure since the end of the ice age

In July 1930, Seba Beach pavilion, on the shore of Lake Wabamun, opened with advertisements stating “Dancing tonight and every Saturday. 53 miles west on the new gravelled Jasper Highway. Road good rain or shine.” Sailboat racing was also a popular pastime and the lake was home to several small sailing clubs.

Lake Wabamun was formed by the retreat of the Laurentide Ice Sheet, which left behind a lake that was both shallow and long, 20 km from end to end. The lake became rich in fish and a popular spot for migrating birds, providing a reliable food source for Indigenous people, including the ancestors of the Paul Band.

The first European homesteaders built cabins on the water in 1906. Construction of the railroad nearby made the lake much easier to access from Edmonton and use of the lake and surrounding area exploded. By 1914, Lake Wabamun had “the largest fleet of motorboats and launches of any lake in the province,” according to the Edmonton Bulletin.

The railway brought tourism but also industrial development. A commercial fishing industry began to flourish, harvesting the lake’s whitefish to be shipped off to customers in Canada and the United States. The demand was so great that a cannery opened for a time in Seba Beach. During the winter, the ice covering the lake was cut and transported by rail for refrigeration. More at https://edmonton.taproot.news/tags/seba%20beach

Speeding motorboat in Whitemud Creek prompts investigation

Karen emailed “Time to ban speed boats on the creek.”

Sara wrote “This looks like the same group that were on the Sturgeon a few weeks back. I really hope they’re caught. So disruptive to the wildlife and dangerous for paddlers.”

Iskotew by Amy Malbeuf, INIW River Lot 11.

https://www.edmontonarts.ca/public-art/iskotew

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 - July 6, 2023

National Urban Park initiative recommended to proceed to planning stage

On July 12, Council’s Urban Planning Committee will discuss a recommendation that Edmonton proceed to the planning stage of the National Urban Park initiative. Since 2022, the City of Edmonton, Parks Canada and Indigenous partners have explored the possibility of designating a national urban park in the Edmonton region.

A national urban park would provide an opportunity to contribute to biodiversity protection and climate change adaptation, provide access and recreation opportunities for current and future Edmontonians and visitors, and support reconciliation with Indigenous peoples.

The planning phase will develop a park vision, refine its boundaries, determine a governance model, begin more detailed planning, and facilitate potential access to federal funding to support the development of the national urban park. The planning stage would not commit the City to designating a national urban park.

The report and attachments going to the committee are at https://pub-edmonton.escribemeetings.com/Meeting.aspx?Id=646222f3-1d97-40da-a9af-429d5cc5b71e&Agenda=Agenda&lang=English&Item=24&Tab=attachments

Speeding motorboat in Whitemud Creek prompts investigation

River valley users and officials are reacting after a video surfaced on social media of a motorboat speeding down Whitemud Creek. The area is a wildlife corridor, home to various types of fish, birds, and animals, and is widely used by canoeists and kayakers. Video shows the boat with multiple people on board narrowly missing a canoe travelling in the opposite direction.

"The point where the jet boat goes past the individual in the canoe, it appears to me to be within a foot and a half, maybe two feet at the most, and the canoeist was tucked right into the bank. That doesn’t give much room for safety," said naturalist Wayne Oakes who not only worries about the people that use the creek, but the animals who live there.

"It's not uncommon to see deer in the middle of the creek, moose, all kinds of waterfowl, beaver, muskrat. They don't have the ability to quickly get out of the way when something is zooming up the creek." He says motorized boats should stick to the river. "With a great, big, beautiful open river just a few metres downstream from us, that's the place for your big, high-powered vessels. Not up a little, tiny, picturesque creek like the Whitemud."

The Edmonton Police Service and the city of Edmonton's Marine Unit are investigating the incident.

https://edmonton.ctvnews.ca/video-of-fast-motorboat-in-edmonton-creek-prompts-investigation-1.6460497

RVA trail walk with the Fort Saskatchewan Naturalist Society

Join the River Valley Alliance and the Fort Saskatchewan Naturalist Society on Saturday, July 29 from 10am to Noon as they walk a trail from the Sheep Shack at the Fort Heritage Precinct to an area near the new Hwy 15 Bridge.

The walk will include descriptions of the dozens of natural plants, shrubs, trees, and berries that grow in the community. The trail is also habitat for birds of many species and their nests. Along the trail we will search for a tree to place a bird house donated by the Naturalist Society.

The walk is 2.2km on paved trail and will be walked at a leisurely pace with plenty of time to take in nature and snap photos. Space is limited. Free registration and event information at

https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/rva-july-community-trail-walk-with-the-fort-saskatchewan-naturalist-society-tickets-667070143757?aff=oddtdtcreator

Thank You

Asha writes "I love the newsletter. I learn something new with every edition. Thanks for putting it together."

Pumpkins and Moons by Ken Macklin, Belgravia Art Park. DCM Photography. https://www.edmontonpublicart.ca/#!/details/118

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 - June 29, 2023

Moose on the loose in downtown Edmonton

A moose was seen running near the Ice District early morning on June 26. Video taken around 6 am, shows a moose trotting toward Rogers Place in the middle of an empty road. "Pedestrians were scared and running away from it," the man who shot the video told CTV News Edmonton.

The moose was seen as early as 5 a.m. southbound on 109 Street and on 9620-103A Ave., a spokesperson with the ministry of public safety and emergency services said. The last report, just before 6 a.m., said the moose was heading south toward the river.

"It is expected that the moose found its way into the river valley, based on the time of the day, proximity to the river valley and direction of the moose’s travel," Sheena Campbell said.

https://edmonton.ctvnews.ca/watch-moose-spotted-in-downtown-edmonton-1.6456647

YEG river valley a ribbon of green, but not a protected park

Often referred to as the largest urban park in North America, Edmonton’s river valley is a series of connected green spaces. There are policies meant to prevent chipping away of green spaces, but this is different from a protected park.

According to Kecia Kerr, Executive Director of the Northern Alberta chapter of the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society, an analysis they conducted showed that between 2000 and 2015, we lost 6.5% of the green spaces in the river valley. That is an area about the size of the Kinsmen Park every year.

Kerr says a national urban park in our river valley would provide additional protection so there would not be a loss of green spaces. It could be a legacy project, provide federal funding for infrastructure, interpretation programs, focus on conserving green space, connecting Canadians to nature and advancing reconciliation with Indigenous people, and there would be no fee.   

Though a national urban park, it is expected to be a partnership model involving the City and other partners such as the Confederacy of Treaty Six First Nations and the Metis Nation of Alberta. The park boundaries of not yet been determined, but Kerr says think big, go from Devon and connect all the way to Elk Island National Park. https://www.cbc.ca/listen/live-radio/1-17-edmonton-am/clip/15993047-what-mean-national-urban-park-edmonton

Lego bricks highlight Edmonton spaces and pop culture

Muttart Brick by Brick premiered at the Muttart Conservatory this week. Created by the Northern Alberta Lego Users Group (NALUG), the exhibit displays multiple models built with Lego bricks. Two highlights are the High Level Bridge, as well as a to scale model of the Muttart Conservatory. Other custom works include a historical replica of Edmonton buildings, space models and characters from pop culture.

NALUG member and exhibit organizer Michel Magnan said Muttart asked him to build a scale model of the conservatory, which is now on permanent display in the conservatory’s hub area. Built at a one-stud-per foot scale, the model involves some 45,000 pieces and portrays even hidden areas of the facility, such as the underground tunnel that leads to a greenhouse across the street.

Attractions program manager Sarah Gericke said she came up with the idea for this exhibit in 2021 while playing with Lego with her family during the pandemic. She reached out to NALUG members who agreed to work on a show. https://www.stalbertgazette.com/local-news/plastic-princesses-meet-plants-at-muttart-7198081

Fires underscore the need to let mature forests get old

New trees are no substitute for old trees. It turns out the age and composition of forests makes a big difference in what role they play in preventing wildfires and storing carbon. Old growth forest is the best at both, but there is very little old growth left.

But a large amount of the forests on public lands is what foresters call mature forest, which is nearly as good as old growth and in fact is on the brink of becoming old growth. It is these older forests that will help us prevent future forest fires and will do the most to reduce climate change, and it’s these forests that we need to protect at all costs.

An immature forest is composed of trees of small stature and similar age. These forests pose a high risk of wildfire due to the abundance of fine fuel, small branches and leaves, near the ground. As natural thinning occurs, the leafy canopy remains intact and gradually rises above the forest floor as the trees grow. These forests efficiently absorb carbon dioxide and store it in the tree trunks and roots. By separating the fine, leafy fuels from the forest floor, the likelihood of wildfire diminishes.
The forest continues to thin as it approaches maturity. The surviving trees will get bigger, accumulating additional carbon and storing some of it within the debris of the forest floor. In a mature stage, the shady understory of the forest keeps things moist, and much of the debris consists of larger logs that are not easily ignited, so the dead stuff is less likely to serve as fuel for a fire.

https://www.politico.com/news/magazine/2023/06/11/to-fight-wildfire-our-forests-need-to-grow-old-00101360

Migratory Paths by Catherine Ross, Edmonton Convention Centre. Dane Ryksen photo.

https://www.edmontonpublicart.ca/#!/details/325

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