River Valley News - Feb 20/25

Brennan residence the 190th historic resource property in Edmonton

The Brennan Residence was constructed in 1921 and purchased by James Edmond Brennan, then a clerk at Devereaux Hardware, and his wife Ina. The couple lived in the home for 64 years. The house is one of the few homes in Glenora which faces Stony Plain Road and is now the 190th property to be designated as a Municipal Historic Resource in Edmonton since 1985.

The residence is an early and modest example of the Arts and Crafts style of architecture that became popular in the 1910s and 1920s. The home features this style through its brick and shingle exterior, front-gabled projection and single and double assembly multi-light windows, which permit light to flood the interior.

While continuing to work on heritage designations, the City’s heritage planning team is working on a new city-wide heritage initiative called the Heritage Places Strategy. The strategy, which will replace the existing Historic Resource Management Plan, will reflect a wider lens of Edmonton’s history and address important issues like climate adaptation and how best to preserve heritage in a densifying city. https://www.edmonton.ca/city_government/edmonton_archives/historic-resources

Four nêhiyawêwin words to carry with you during the winter season

Tracey Roland photo

Below, Jacquelyn Cardinal shares with us some nêhiyawêwin (Cree) words that relate to winter and the deep connections that Indigenous peoples have with the land.

A different language is much more than just a different way of saying something. It carries different perspectives and hints at the values of the culture it comes from. Winter is traditionally a time for storytelling for our people. As we leave the last days of this season behind, we wanted to draw on that tradition and share nêwo or “four” nêhiyawêwin words and their stories with you.

The nêhiyawêwin word for “the last winter storm” is kewetin (ᑫᐁᐧᑎᐣ, keh-weh-tin) which has the root words of kiwe, meaning “go home”, and yôtin, meaning “wind”. This last snowstorm marked the transition between winter and spring, and signalled the start of the time for nehiyaw (Cree) people to travel home from winter encampments. When the final snowfall in Edmonton this spring descends, remember to practice your new word: kewetin.

kôna (ᑰᓇ, Koo-nah) means “snow”. It shares the root of the words kunatun and kunata’tisewin which are all words that mean, “clean, sacred, and pure.” kôna is also closely related to the word kânata which is the inspiration for the name of our country – a clean, sacred, and sometimes a very snowy place.

If you need to warm up, it’s always nice to have some iskotew (ᐃᐢᑯᑌᐤ, Is-koh-teh-yoh) or “fire” nearby. iskotew has the root words otêh, which means “heart”, and iskwêw, which means “givers of life”. These root words share that for the nehiyaw people, the traditional keepers of that fire at the heart of our lodges were our mothers and grandmothers.

The nêhiyawêwin word for “city” is ôtênaw ( ᐆᑌᓇᐤ, oo-tee-now) which has the root words of otêh, which means “heart”, and ôta, which means “here”. These hidden teachings share the true definition of ôtênaw to be the “heart of the people” or “where the people are”. https://www.wintercityedmonton.ca/nehiyawewin-a-song-from-the-land/

How to spot the difference between poison ivy and wild sarsaparilla

M. Parseyan photo

Western poison ivy (toxicodendron radicans) and wild sarsaparilla (aralia nudicaulis) are both native to the Edmonton area. These two plants have obvious similarities but should be carefully distinguished because poison ivy can cause a nasty case of dermatitis if cut surfaces of the plant come in contact with skin. Fortunately, there are plenty of differences between these two species, allowing for correct identification. 

Wild sarsaparilla is an extremely common plant throughout the wooded areas of Alberta. Its leaves are twice compound, consisting of three stalked divisions which are then further divided into five (occasionally three) leaflets. The leaflets are somewhat narrower than those of poison ivy, pointed and toothed. The flowers are characteristic “balls” of greenish-white flowers on separate stalks from the leaves, and the fruits are loose clusters of blackish “berries.” 

Western poison ivy is much less common, with a scattered distribution in Alberta which may have something to do with accidental human introduction. It occurs in more open areas than wild sarsaparilla and is often associated with water (on well-drained soils), although it can also occur in open woods. Several populations are established in Edmonton’s river valley system.

The plant forms dense patches by means of runners (stolons). The leaves are singly compound, divided into just three leaflets which are ovate or rhombic-ovate, and irregularly toothed or not toothed. The dense clusters of white flowers forming similar clusters of white, smooth fruits, do not seem to occur commonly among local populations. https://www.enps.ca/post/poison-ivy-vs-wild-sarsaparilla

Dark Days At Noon: The Future of Fire

NSRVCS invites you to a special online presentation by Edward Struzik, titled Dark Days At Noon: The Future of Fire, on Monday, March 10, 2025, from 5:30 to 6:30pm. 

In the summer of 2024, the town of Jasper was ravaged by a wildfire of unprecedented scale. Crews report witnessing 300-to-400-foot flames that forced them to flee from harm’s way. One-third of Jasper’s buildings were destroyed.

If a fire can burn the town of Jasper in a national park that has diligently prepared for fire, what does the future hold for hundreds of small boreal forest towns across the country that do not have the means, know-how or resolve to accept that fire will come someday. And what does it mean for large cities like Edmonton, which has the largest urban forest in North America?

Edward Struzik is a fellow at Queens Institute for Energy and Environmental Policy in the School of Policy Studies at Queen’s University and a regular contributing writer to Yale Environment 360, an international on-line magazine published by the Yale School of the Environment. He is the author of two books on wildfire. Firestorm: How Wildfire Will Shape Our Future (2018) and Dark Days At Noon: The Future of Fire (2023).

Registrants will be sent the Zoom link on Friday, March 7. Please RSVP to nsrivervalley@gmail.com 

North Saskatchewan river finally busts the myth that lakes are superior

Norma wrote “I am surprised to read anyone considers lakes are superior to rivers. Having been raised on the Pembina River and having visited some Alberta lakes, it is obvious the rivers are cleaner. There may be some lakes in some countries that are superior but not here.”

Northern Saw-whet Owl submitted by Maureen Elhatton

“On this frosty Family Day, I noticed this Northern saw-whet owl sheltering in my front yard.”

Comment or Contributions

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.

Email river valley photos, event information, comments, or questions to nsrivervalley@gmail.com

Forward this link to anyone you think may want to sign up for this newsletter https://www.edmontonrivervalley.org/newsletter-signup

River Valley News - Feb 13/25

North Saskatchewan river finally busts the myth that lakes are superior

If you ask any Edmontonian what's the best thing about living in Edmonton, most will say the river valley. The river valley park is a source of pride and natural beauty held close to the hearts of Edmontonians. However, we don't seem to hold the same affection for the river itself.

This sentiment was made clear in a poll put out by EPCOR to determine the top myths about the North Saskatchewan River (NSR) among Edmontonians. One of the top five myths was that lakes are better than rivers. After chatting with experts to get the true facts about the NSR, EPCOR was able to respond with the following information.

To start, the water quality in the NSR at Edmonton is rated as ‘good to excellent’ and has low nutrients, pathogens (i.e. bacteria) and other contaminants. Being a moving water source, the river doesn't have some of the same issues you might see at a lake or standing water source.

To add, most of the river bottom is rock, gravel, sand or silt and the sediment has little to no odour. In contrast, many recreational lakes in Alberta typically have muddy bottoms which often have an odour due to decomposition of plants and other organic materials. As well, lake algal blooms can contribute to odour and aesthetic issues and lakes can house snail species which are the intermediate host for the dreaded swimmer's itch.

The final reason why rivers are better than lakes is because dissolved oxygen concentrations remain high in the former throughout the entire year providing habitat for a wide variety of fish species. In contrast, several recreational lakes in Alberta can experience low dissolved oxygen concentrations caused by large amounts of algae or aquatic plants which can cause large mortalities of fish during 'winter kill' or 'summer kill' events. https://www.epcor.com/ca/en/ab/edmonton/operations/water-wastewater/north-saskatchewan-river/river-myths.html

Black bears not considered true hibernators by scientists

Rick Price photo

The relationship between humans and black bears has been a tense one since the early days of European settlement. Although agricultural development has made the black bear somewhat scarce, the species often uses wooded river valleys as natural highways to move from one suitable location to the next. Occasionally, this includes the bustling North Saskatchewan River valley of Edmonton. 

In winter, black bears go into a dormancy period during which they do not eat, drink, urinate, or defecate. A dormant black bear can slow its metabolism to 25% of normal levels and its heart rate may be reduced to as few as nine beats per minute. But unlike many hibernating species, which can drop their body temperature to near freezing, bears only experience a small drop in body temperature while dormant. For this reason, some scientists do not consider them to be true hibernators, though this remains a point of contention. 

The den used for hibernation is a simple dirt hole that the bear digs out, often under a fallen tree, large rock, or overhanging bank. A spot likely to get covered by snow is optimal, as snow helps to insulate the den from the frigid air outside. To prepare for its time of dormancy, the black bear eats ravenously in late summer and early fall, consuming about 20,000 calories per day. The fat reserves that are built up keep the bear alive through winter. https://naturealberta.ca/black-bear/

EHS presents ‘Call of the Forest’ film on Sunday March 2 at 1:30pm

Edmonton Horticultural Society (EHS) will be screening ‘Call of the Forest: The Forgotten Wisdom of Trees’ on Sunday March 2 from 1:30pm to 3:30pm. The screening will be taking place at Garneau Theatre located on 8712 109 Street NW.

The documentary follows visionary scientist Diana Beresford-Kroeger as she takes us on a journey to the ancient forests of the northern hemisphere. Throughout the film, Diana reveals the profound connection that exists between trees and human life and the vital ways that trees sustain all life on the planet.

Tickets are free for EHS members and $10 for non-members. You can purchase tickets and memberships at the door. https://mailchi.mp/024bb9c0cdc1/what-you-need-to-know-for-february-16574665?e=58e3cc8bf0

February 6 Issue

Raquel wrote “Great edition”

City pools responsible for excluding Black Edmontonians in the 20s

Ron says “Thank you for including the history of anti-Black sentiment in Edmonton. I will pass that on to my grandchildren who, I am happy to say, are in school learning much more about Canada's social history than I ever did.”

City designates 100+ year old south side market a historic resource

Teresa shares “Our ‘gem’ is being sold by the city of Edmonton.”

Boy and Dog by John Robinson, Paul Kane Park https://www.edmontonarts.ca/public-art/boy-and-dog  

Comment or Contributions

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.

Email river valley photos, event information, comments, or questions to nsrivervalley@gmail.com

Forward this link to anyone you think may want to sign up for this newsletter https://www.edmontonrivervalley.org/newsletter-signup

River Valley News - Feb 6/25

City designates 100+ year old south side market a historic resource

Many of Edmonton’s homes, parks, buildings and infrastructure played an important role in the history and development of the city. The South Side Market, a 100+ year-old institution in Old Strathcona, has served as a farmers’ market, offices and now restaurants. That is a large part as to why it is now designated a Municipal Historic Resource. 

The South Side Market was built in 1923 at 83 Avenue and 104 Street. The building is a fine example of Edwardian-influenced architecture and is associated with John Martland, who served as Edmonton’s City Architect from 1919 to 1944. Martland also designed other city buildings including major additions to the original Royal Alexandra Hospital, the Victoria Golf Course clubhouse, the No. 2 Firehall and the original Blatchford Hangar. 

“Generations of Edmontonians know this building from its time as a health clinic to its days as the home of Packrat Louie restaurant,” said Principal Heritage Planner David Johnston. “It has been repurposed many times since it was first built and it’s wonderful to know that this Old Strathcona gem will be protected into the future.“  https://www.edmonton.ca/city_government/edmonton_archives/historic-resources

City pools responsible for excluding Black Edmontonians in the 20s
Although life during the 1920s was vibrant in our city, it must also be recognized that stereotyping by mainstream society was apparent and affected the lives of many Black Edmontonians. The effects of this were primarily seen in their social exclusion and their lack of employment prospects.

Urban Black peoples in Alberta during the 1920s are often depicted solely as passive victims of racial discrimination and fully segregated from mainstream society. However, there are several accounts of activism within these communities that reminds us to rethink this stereotype. Through these stories, it is clear to see that Black Canadians have always been politically and socially engaged citizens.

We see this in the events that took place in July of 1924. During that summer in Edmonton, an attempt was made to exclude Black citizens from two new swimming pools in Borden and Oliver, as well as the older Queen Elizabeth pool. In response to this injustice, a committee comprised of Rev. Slater, Ernie Walker, and Richard Crotch wrote a letter of appeal to Edmonton’s City Council.

In this letter, the committee demanded that the order forbidding Black people from using public swimming pools be set aside to protect these communities from “so gross an insult and injustice.” As a result of this committee’s advocacy, City Council made a vote three days later that was “almost unanimously in favor of allowing Edmonton’s Black citizens full privileges of the pools.” https://citymuseumedmonton.ca/2021/08/15/onc-capturing-everyday-life-challenging-stereotypes/

A guide to spotting tricky signs of water pollution in the river valley

Mack Male photo

The first not so obvious example of water pollution is dead wildlife. Of course, in the natural world death is a part of life. So, if you see a single dead fish floating in the water, that may not be a definite indicator for pollution. However, if you see a whole bunch of dead fish, there is probably a serious problem.

Oil pollution can also be very harmful to aquatic plants and animals, however, normal and unpolluted water can sometimes seem oily. If you see oily-looking water, poke it with a stick or drop a rock on it. If the sheen separates into smaller pieces with jagged platelets, it’s most likely normal bacteria. But if it reforms, it is most likely petroleum.

Foam is another mystery pollution. It can be totally natural, and it can also be a sign of pollutants. Natural foam forms when organic matter is being stirred up and interacts with air. Normal foam on water is usually off-white with an earthy or fishy smell. On the other hand, when foam is unnatural it often has a perfumy scent and a bright white colour.

The final form of pollution that can be very tricky to identify is algae. Algae itself is a natural part of any body of water. However, it is quite common to have serious blooms of blue-green algae in lakes across Alberta. This type of algae, also known as cyanobacteria, can release toxins which are harmful to humans and animals. Learn how to report algae and other water pollutants here https://www.swimdrinkfish.ca/north-saskatchewan-riverkeeper/blog/what-does-water-pollution-look-like

‘Friends of kinnaird ravine’ a prime example of advocating for YEG parks

Friends of Kinnaird Ravine (FKR) is a stewardship group that strives to protect the ecological health, biodiversity and natural integrity of the Kinnaird Ravine through advocacy, education, intervention and community organization. They believe that we can all ‘protect’ and ‘advocate’ for the Kinnaird Ravine by working collectively and collaboratively with the many residential and municipal stakeholders associated with the park.

FKR operates from a Facebook page that was set up to bring together ravine stewards. The group was first started as a master naturalist project by Ted Campbell and is now being led by local steward Kevin Cantelon whose day job is with Alberta Parks. The facebook page is moderated to encourage people to engage in stewardship and nature appreciation.

 A notable goal of this group’s supporters is to address the root causes of homelessness. At the same time, they discourage posting about houseless issues on their Facebook Page. This is because they believe that there are better ways for us all to work together to support ending the housing and safety net crisis. People living rough is common in Kinnaird and FKR wants to ensure they are safe. As Kevin Cantelon says, no-one should die alone in a dark ravine. https://www.ervcc.com/kinnaird

How the braroes collectively bargained against the HBC in 1853

Juliette shares “This was a group of tough voyageurs, they were known as "Blaireaux"- the French word for badger, a very tough and pugnacious animal.”

Lindsay asks “Do you know if the painting at the beginning of this newsletter is an accurate portrayal of the NS river? Just curious at the difference in trees around that area now.”

Answer provided by Editor, “The story link states under the photo in the article the following, "Fort Edmonton with its York Boats in 1825 as imagined by painter JD Kelly in 1949. Courtesy of Library and Archives Canada 4105217." I don't know if this reimagining by the painter is based on historical texts or photos. It would not surprise me if there were not many trees around or near the fort as the land closest to the fort would be used for livestock grazing and growing of foodstuffs like grains, potatoes, cabbages, etc.”

Paths for People’s bold proposal for 76 ave

Carole says “I have supported this Society for a few years but your endorsement of the Paths For People agency is truly disappointing. They destroyed the Old Strathcona Mill Creek neighborhood for the benefit of a few cyclists. The elderly, the disabled, the tax paying people who actually live in the neighborhood were not consulted and their access to their own homes was seriously diminished. I personally had a group of cyclist stop in the middle of the road while I was trying to get to my home. They refused to move aside and laughed at me. I am old and not able to ride a bike. This incident reflects their attitudes of entitlement not unlike that of our UCP government. I am done with your Society even though I love our River Valley. So Sad”

Edmonton Neighborhood by Jill Thomson, City Hall https://www.edmontonarts.ca/public-art/edmonton-neighbourhood

Comment or Contributions

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.

Email river valley photos, event information, comments, or questions to nsrivervalley@gmail.com

Forward this link to anyone you think may want to sign up for this newsletter https://www.edmontonrivervalley.org/newsletter-signup