River Valley News - January 18, 2024

Sturgeon fossil discovered in YEG river valley

A fragment of a 72-million-year-old sturgeon has been unearthed in Edmonton’s River Valley. The discovery was made by hikers in Capilano Park in February 2023. What they thought might be a fragment of dinosaur skin turned out to be a skull belonging to an ancient sturgeon.

Researchers at the University of Alberta believe the fish would have been two metres long when it was alive. This is the first new species of fossil fish discovered within Edmonton, according to researchers, who have named the species Boreiosturion labyrinthicus. The name references the labyrinth or maze-like patterns on the skull.

Sturgeons are found in North American freshwater environments and still exist and live in the North Saskatchewan River as a protected species. https://globalnews.ca/news/10219279/edmonton-sturgeon-skull-fossil-discovery/

Tent communities not new to Edmonton

By the 1900s Edmonton was growing quickly, and high housing costs and low availability forced many people to find diverse ways to live. A 1907 survey conducted by the Edmonton Bulletin showed that there were 1,098 tents in Edmonton, sheltering 3,294 people. Considering Edmonton's population in 1906 was just over 14,000, this was a staggering number.

Tent communities developed all over Edmonton, including in Fraser Flat (Riverdale), Galagher Flat (Cloverdale), past the Canadian Pacific Railway tracks (109 Street) in the west end (Oliver), behind the Dreamland Theatre on Jasper Avenue, and east of 95 Street near the Canadian Northern Railway tracks (between 104 and 105 Avenues).

Reacting to the growing number of tent dwellers in the City, Council passed Bylaw 121, stipulating that people could live in tents, but only if they applied for a licence and paid a $1 fee. These tents would then be known by health officials and would have to conform to the local health code. In 1912 the Edmonton Bulletin published another survey, counting 2,671 tenters in the City. https://www.edmonton.ca/city_government/edmonton_archives/early-tent-communities

Province seeking feedback on Edmonton and area flood maps

The Alberta government is seeking public input on new flood maps for the North Saskatchewan River in the Edmonton area. The flood study's authors want members of the public to review the maps and review the reports that go with them.

"We'd like to get any technical comments that they have about it," said Jim Choles, a river engineer with Environment and Protected Areas Alberta and the project lead for the study. "There may be errors, or something that needs to be addressed," Choles said. "Public engagement is an integral part of our flood studies."

The draft flood maps are an update to existing flood mapping. Studies that produced the previous flood maps were done in 1994 and 1995, Choles said, and they were extended to Fort Saskatchewan and Devon in 2007. The provincial survey closes February 12. https://www.alberta.ca/north-saskatchewan-river-flood-study-engagement

Choles said the Edmonton area is not especially vulnerable to flooding. The North Saskatchewan River valley is fairly deep and narrow compared to other areas, and there isn't a great deal of development in the valley. "We do have some, but a lot of it is forested, and so we don't find that there's a lot of areas that can be flooded," Choles said. https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/edmonton/alberta-draft-flood-maps-1.7075697

Bohemian waxwings meet their Waterloo

Louisa Bruinsma photo

Louisa writes “We had hundreds of Bohemian waxwings visit our home, Jan 13. Unfortunately, some of them weren’t watching where they were going or ate fermented mountain ash berries. Not sure, but they met their Waterloo by hitting our window. Usually, we have 1 or 2 fatalities by our west facing front window, but this one was massive. 

They hit at one time because I heard a big bang and thought something had fallen over in the house. My husband made little cones for them and put them in the freezer. They will find their resting place with Darcy Visscher at King’s University, who will have his students make study skins from them.”

Amiskwaciw Waskayhkan Ihtawin by Destiny Swidersk, Michael Phair Park

https://www.edmontonarts.ca/public-art/amiskwaciw-waskayhkan-ihtawin

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

River Valley News - January 11, 1024

Ice bikes, cross-country skiing and tobogganing

The City of Edmonton Outdoor Adventure Program, in partnership with WinterCity, has purchased eight ice bikes. The bikes will be at ice skating surfaces in River Valley parks starting at Sir Wilfrid Laurier Park. Check ice conditions and locations at https://www.edmonton.ca/activities_parks_recreation/outdoor-ice-rinks

Ice bikes are bikes on frames, with the front wheel removed and runners along the bottom, so that people can ride on the ice. They are stable and offer an accessible activity to those who cannot skate. The ice bikes will offer a new ice experience for everyone, including individuals who cannot or are hesitant to skate and those who have a physical disability. Group rentals for the ice bikes will also be available for a fee.

When the snow flies, skiers can enjoy the extensive cross-country ski opportunities in Edmonton’s river valley, including four kilometers of new cross-country ski trails at Northeast River Valley Park. Trails are regularly groomed and accommodate diverse levels of skiers. Skiers can check trail options and conditions at 

https://www.edmonton.ca/activities_parks_recreation/cross-country-skiing

For kids and families, there are a City-managed toboggan hills in the River Valley. For the hill closest to you, current hill conditions and safety tips, visit https://www.edmonton.ca/activities_parks_recreation/toboggan-hills

Little Mountain Cemetery once part of a hilltop natural area

The big news on November 2, 1999 was City council’s decision to not preserve Little Mountain, an 18-hectare natural area in northeast Edmonton. In the spring, council had decided to spend $1 million to swap city land for the wilderness but changed its mind when the cost increased to $3 million.

Ontarian emigrant William Mitchell homesteaded this area, then known as Belmont. In 1895, Mitchell donated five acres to the local Presbytery for use as a cemetery. Sitting atop a hill, the small plot commanded a view of rolling Albertan plains. Mitchell formed the Little Mountain Cemetery Company to supervise construction and maintenance of the grounds. Locals could buy shares in the business, and the company held meetings at the nearby Poplar Lake Schoolhouse.

When Mitchell passed on June 27, 1906, his cemetery already had a handful of graves. His obituary noted the service was “conducted by Revs. Douglas and McPhail and was attended by a large number of acquaintances, several from the city being present. The deceased was superintendent and manager of the Presbyterian Sunday School at Belmont and a man of high standing in his community.”

Mitchell was laid to rest at Little Mountain and is buried at Block 10, Row 2. By 1985, the graveyard did not have a dollar to its name. The City of Edmonton annexed the region and assumed control of Little Mountain on August 23rd of that year. https://www.forgottenedmonton.com/blog/little-mountain-cemetery

Most earthworms in Canada are non-native

Erin Cameron photo

There are no native earthworms in most of Canada and the northern United States because they were wiped out during the last ice age, 11,000 years ago. European earthworms were likely introduced to North America when settlers brought plants and soil from Europe which contained earthworms or their cocoons (egg cases).

They may also have been introduced by ships that used soil as ballast, which was dumped on shore to adjust the weight of the ship. Due to these activities, earthworms have been found around human settlements in North America since the late 1800s.

Some areas of North America that were not glaciated have native earthworms In Alberta, one native species has been found in the Porcupine Hills, an area that was not covered by glaciers. This species does not appear to have spread from that location. There are at least 14 species of non-native earthworms in Alberta.

Most people think earthworms are good for soil but that is not true in all cases. Research shows that small mammals, birds, salamanders, invertebrates, and plants can be harmed by earthworm invasions in forests.

https://worms.biology.ualberta.ca/spread/

What is the city here for – climate change action

Edmonton is part of social, economic and environmental global systems that support our quality of life, systems that are being disrupted by climate change. The actions we take in our community have local and global impacts and prepare our city for a vibrant, resilient, low-carbon future.

More than 70% of Edmontonians are concerned about climate change, think we need to act now, and agree climate change is caused mostly by human activities. We have an opportunity to act locally to make us more resistant to the global impacts of climate change and protect our quality of life, health and economy.

Edmonton’s Change for Climate plan is a call to all Edmontonians to act and work together to reduce our city’s greenhouse gas emissions by 35% below 2005 levels, by 2035. Learn more at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P6AhXYLBnUI&t=53s

Peace by Adrian Stimson, Northern Lights Cemetery

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

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

River Valley News - January 4, 2024

Second Latta bridge an example of recycling industrial materials

On October 29, 2023 the new Latta Bridge on Jasper Avenue between 90 and 91 Street opened. It is the third bridge in this location. David Gilliland Latta, blacksmith, one-time Royal North-West Mounted Police constable, gold rush hopeful, and City Alderman, built the first bridge, a crude wood-timber construction, in 1911.

Growing automobile ownership, heavier vehicles, and increased transit frequency wreaked havoc in the intervening years, and in 1929 traffic engineers condemned Latta’s old bridge. Yet a replacement never came, as the onset of the Great Depression prevented the City from pursuing such a financially onerous project. A proposed ravine-fill alternative was abandoned when old coal mines were discovered under the site.

By law, the City had the authorization to spend up to $100,000 a year for works related to unemployment relief if Council so directed. In November 1935 they did, proposing a new bridge as a $44,000 make-work project for Edmonton’s starving labourers, accessing federal and provincial funding available through tripartite work relief agreements. The bridge was constructed in 1936 and demolished in 2022.

The second Latta Bridge was an early example of recycling industrial materials thanks in part to its use of upcycled components. Steel members produced for, but unused in, a 1931 modification to the High Level Bridge were altered at a storage site and hauled to the new bridge by tractor, while old streetcar tracks, hoarded by a Depression-conscious municipal government, were used to reinforce all mats in pedestals. https://www.forgottenedmonton.com/blog/the-latta-ravine-bridge

Share your vision for northeast river valley park

On September 24, 2023, the City of Edmonton opened Northeast River Valley Park. Edmontonians can now access the park’s amenities, but a long-term plan is needed for the park.

A strategic plan for Northeast River Valley Park will establish a unique vision, guiding principles, and recommendations in many areas including naturalization, restoration, access, and programming for the park. The plan will also incorporate the park into the City’s broader Ribbon of Green strategy, River Valley Planning Modernization project, and other City policies.

The vision statement will reflect the goals and plans for the park’s future. Share your ideas for the Northeast River Valley Park vision until February 29 at https://engaged.edmonton.ca/northeastrivervalleypark

Davies valley line station across the road from Roper Pond natural area

In the heart of the Davies industrial area near 75 Street and Wagner Road, the sleek and modern-looking Davies station stands three stories tall. Davies is the only elevated station along the Valley Line, built to ensure trains do not have to stop and wait for freight trains, which have priority over all other modes of transport. https://transforming.edmonton.ca/davies-station-a-future-focused-design-in-the-industrial-heart-of-south-edmonton/

Across from Davies station, on the other side of 75 Street is Roper Pond, constructed in 2004 as a naturalized on-line stormwater treatment facility and built to mimic a riverine marsh ecosystem. This YEG hidden gem consists of a large open water area with an emergent vegetation fringe and surrounding upland deciduous forests along the southwest and southeast perimeter of the wetland.

Roper Pond is connected to riparian areas of Mill Creek that form a relatively continuous corridor southward. The diversity of habitats and the site’s location within the Mill Creek riparian corridor offer an excellent opportunity to view a multitude of waterfowl and other bird species, various mammal species, amphibians and insects. https://www.edmonton.ca/city_government/environmental_stewardship/roper-pond-constructed-wetland

Study finds outdoor cats hunt and scavenge 2,000 species globally

Marian writes “I agree that cats are predators and many birds, insects and reptiles have been killed because of the hunting nature of cats. Birds and other animals are always wary of being attacked by predators like cats, coyotes and other ravine dwellers.

Perhaps tracking the number of kills around artificial sites such as solar farms and wind generators might also lead to a compromise between our needs as humans and the ability of birds to fly without the dangers they do not understand. Nice to know that there is a system of tracking birds flying on route to and from territorial nesting places.”

Moose make a Christmas holiday visit to Edmonton

https://edmonton.ctvnews.ca/video/c2836596-moose-family-removed-from-edmonton-lawn

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