River Valley News - May 1/25

Mark Steiger photo

The 2025 golf season has now begun!

The City, in partnership with proshop contractors and food services providers, welcomes all golfers back to its three municipal courses and driving range for the 2025 season. Whether you are a beginner or seasoned golfer, a City golf course has something to offer.

Victoria Golf Course opened on Wednesday, April 23 and Riverside Golf Course opened on Thursday, April 24. Victoria Driving Range is also now open from 9 a.m. - 8 p.m. To add, Rundle Golf Course is open with tee times running from 7 a.m. - 7:30 p.m., weather dependent. Rundle is also excited to announce that the new local Shortees restaurant is now open.

Tee times and lessons for youth and adults can be booked at movelearnplay.ca. Edmontonians can visit edmonton.ca/golf for deals, such as the Golf Rewards card, updates and more information on lessons and programs.

City of Edmonton photo

Proposal to expand business park relocates creek and downs 6,900 trees

The Fulton Creek Business Park in southeast Edmonton has requested a rezoning to expand its footprint. This rezoning would require a creek to be relocated and the loss of 6,900 mature trees. City administration supports the business park’s application to rezone natural land for industrial purposes in order to create a more contiguous land parcel.

This relocation of the creek “poses considerable ecological risks,” according to a report from city administration. It would clear 5.38 hectares of the North Saskatchewan River Valley and Ravine System that acts as wildlife habitat and a carbon sink.

The applicant would plant approximately 6,000 new trees where the creek is proposed to be relocated, but city administration said it would take decades for the new area to reach the same level of ecosystem functioning. As a result, this project would hinder the city’s goal of carbon neutrality by 2050.

The application also explains how the business park has engaged with First Nations communities. It states that, while six nations asked how they could be involved and/or expressed concerns about the project, no Indigenous communities have opposed the proposal. To add, Paul and Siksika Nations have written non-objection letters.

The River Valley Alliance supports the project and is excited about the new trails that are planned for the relocated creek. However, Sierra Club Canada, an environmental conservation group, said it does not support relocating the creek. And the Edmonton River Valley Conservation Coalition has stated its concern about the project and asks to be kept informed. https://edmonton.taproot.news/briefs/2025/04/25/business-park-proposes-relocating-creek-and-downing-6900-trees-to-expand?utm_source=Taproot+Edmonton&utm_campaign=dc361153b9-TAPROOTYEG_SPEAKINGMUNI_305&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_ef1adf0932-dc361153b9-421448676&mc_cid=dc361153b9&mc_eid=2d1826a535

Creeping buttercup causes skin blisters and deters herbivores with toxin
Creeping buttercup (Ranunculus repens) is usually a less hairy plant than other buttercup species. It has long-stalked basal leaves which are larger and looser than those of tall buttercup and are divided into three stalked leaflets. Its stem leaves are smaller and relatively fewer. 

Creeping buttercup is even less common in the Edmonton area than tall, but it does form two or three extensive patches in different places close to the creek in Whitemud Park South. Its occurrence there is likely related to the fact that some bridge renovation work was carried out in recent years. 

The species is a typical flower of hayfields in northern Europe. And a fun fact is that just like all other buttercups, it also contains a toxin. This is a bitter tasting substance that deters herbivores. The sap can also cause skin blisters.

https://www.enps.ca/post/plant-profile-buttercups-part-3?utm_source=emailoctopus&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Wildflower%20News%20April%202025

Keith Diakiw photo

Learn from the land on Saturday July 19 with Keith Diakiw

Embark on a journey into Edmonton’s past this summer on the River Valley Askiy-Geo Discovery Tour. This hike centers around historic and sacred sites within the Edmonton River Valley. And it follows the footsteps of Indigenous Peoples who continue to visit this sacred gathering place on Turtle Island for the last 10,000 years.

The walk is led by Keith Diakiw, a professional Métis geologist and the GEO (Geo Experience Officer) of Talking Rock Tours, the world’s first geo-educational adventure company that is 100% Indigenous-owned and operated. On this tour, Keith shares the extensive history of our region’s fur trade, stretching across 112 years from 1795 to 1907.

Two upcoming walks are scheduled for Saturday July 19th at 9AM – 1PM and 12PM to 4PM. Spaces are limited, and registration will close when the event reaches capacity on July 14, 2025. https://www.ualberta.ca/en/events/external-relations/river-valley-askiy-geo-discovery-tour-with-keith-diakiw.html

April 17 Newsletter
Lise says "I love your newsletter and always learn something new! The article about dabbling/diving ducks was very informative. I so enjoy watching the dabbling ducks on our reservoir pond in Nanton, with the orange legs in the air. This year we hardly have any ducks! Just one pair of mallards. We are suffering drought again and the pond is quite shallow so this must be why, as I learned from the article. I’ve seen at least five different species there in the past. We need to protect our water sources, for our sake and the sake of our wildlife. Thanks for the newsletter!
Oh and I’ve always admired the Mansions and didn’t know the origin story! Merci!"

Jeanna writes "Thanks for printing Megan and Matt’s comments. I was one of the naysayers, but I didn’t understand where the [bike skills] park was to be located. This makes some sense."

Message from the Edmonton Mountain Bike Alliance
"The Edmonton Mountain Bike Alliance (“EMBA”) would like to take this opportunity to provide some information regarding our volunteer Community-Led Project to fund and build the Bike Skills Park which is a component of the City Council approved 2013 Queen Elizabeth Park Master Plan.

The Bike Park will be located on a brownfield site, the former location of an EPCOR waste water treatment facility. Attached are a recent photograph of the main park site and the site drawing from the Appendices to the 2013 Master Plan showing its location, as well as some photographs of the area where the flow trails are to be located. The photos present a small sampling of the fire damage to this area and the proliferation of garbage and hazardous materials. As the drawing illustrates, the site is centrally located near the event space and toboggan hill developed in conjunction with the Walterdale bridge construction. So in addition to being adjacent to an active recreation area, this amenity will serve to rehabilitate this neglected former industrial site and is conveniently located for easy bicycle access by cyclists of all ages. Those who drive to the Skills Park will find ample parking at Kinsmen Park.

Mountain biking and winter fat biking have grown exponentially in popularity this century. Mountain bikers place a high value on the opportunities to respectfully enjoy nature presented by our vast system of natural surface trails. As the only group doing maintenance work on this trail system, EMBA volunteers work to ensure that the trails are sustainable, reduce environmental impacts, and are available for use by all citizens, including hikers, trail runners and their families. This work is highly regulated through our relationship with the City of Edmonton. As an illustration, the permission to do preliminary route planning for the Queen Elizabeth flow trails contains 66 conditions, authored by eight different City departments, including the requirement for a project specific tree plan.

At the conclusion of the extensive public and Indigenous consultations completed for development of the Queen Elizabeth Park Master Plan, the Bike Park component received 81% public support. EMBA volunteers have worked for years to secure recreation and community facility specific grants from the City of Edmonton and Province of Alberta to make this project a reality. We also believe that this project will result in fewer unsanctioned jumps and flow trails, by providing professionally built and maintained amenities, catering to riders of all ages and skill levels.

In a metropolitan area of over one million people, with a City Plan focused on growth to a population of two million, we strongly believe that this centrally located, admission free park will make a profound positive impact on our quality of life. For the most up-to-date information on the Bike Park project, please visit the project website: https://www.edmbikepark.ca/"

Message from the Edmonton River Valley Conservation Coalition
"A letter in the last River Valley News suggested Edmonton River Valley Conservation Coalition outright opposes a bike skills park. However, as ERVCC's petition against the proposed QE Park location clearly states, after noting the province is giving $613,000 and the city $407,000 to the project, 'The province's portion could be used to fund a bike skills park in a more appropriate part of the river valley (perhaps Sunridge Ski Area, which is wider and more open, has lifts, and has an adjacent parking lot) and the city's portion could instead go to finally funding a River Valley Trails Strategy, which city council has repeatedly stated it would like to undertake but does not have the money for." 

ERVCC would like to see the Edmonton Mountain Bike Alliance demonstrate its care for nature by acknowledging the river valley is a regionally significant wildlife corridor. A corridor only works if the entire length is intact, and Edmonton's central river valley is currently the main pinch point between the Rockies and Hudson's Bay. This area is in need of restoration, not further degradation. The developer's rendering of what the bike skills park would look like here shows it would be anything but natural. This is why we are calling for it to be relocated. The story of the entire river valley is one of restoration; planners in the past did not say, "this area is a garbage dump, we'd might as well just ruin it some more." Instead, they got to work restoring and protecting it, for the benefit of everyone.

Furthermore, there is no guarantee that this park will prevent degradation of other parts of the river valley. EMBA already claimed that if they were allowed to "maintain" the trails, the cutting of illegal trails and building of illegal infrastructure in the river valley would stop. Nothing stopped. Then they said if they could ride in preservation areas, the illegal activity would stop. It just got worse. We would like to see EMBA help close the illegal trails, remove the illegal infrastructure, and publicly discourage mountain bikers from using illegal trails and cutting new ones, to respect the river valley as a wildlife corridor. 

We have a responsibility to everyone in the watershed to protect the wildlife corridor. And within the city, the river valley's enjoyment is for everyone. That includes mountain bikers. However, all use needs to respect and prioritize nature. We need to work together to ensure smart planning and enforcement to ensure this river valley is protected and restored for our own benefit and for the generations to come."

Storm Sketch by Jim Stokes, Edmonton City Hall https://www.edmontonarts.ca/public-art/storm-sketch

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 - Apr 24/25

Stay tuned as ECAMP prepares to launch Edmonton history tours

Peel’s Prairie Provinces photo

This June through August, the Edmonton City as Museum Project (ECAMP) will be offering weekly walking tours about Edmonton history. The tours will have an ECAMP flavour: curiosity-driven, hands-on, seeing the whole city as a place to learn from. The goal of this initiative is to give locals and visitors a chance to learn about land, culture, and work here, and have fun doing it.

One tour will be focused on labour history stories downtown, from a local pemmican factory to famous strikes and railway workers. Expect scenic views of the North Saskatchewan river valley along the way. The other tour will explore the histories of Ukrainian immigrants in Edmonton through the senses.

You’ll see beautiful murals and churches, like the St. John the Baptist orthodox cathedral near Kingsway. You’ll hear about some of the artists, students, and labourers who helped build a community in Edmonton. And you’ll learn about some of the recipes, dances, and music traditions that people are keeping alive today.

You can get a sneak peek of these tours as part of Jane’s Walk YEG the first weekend of May. ECAMP will announce dates very soon. https://citymuseumedmonton.ca/blog/lets-take-a-walk/

New research project assesses urban noise in Edmonton

Urban noise is increasingly recognized for its detrimental effects on both human health and biodiversity. For this reason, a new long-term monitoring project has been developed to assess the impact of urban noise on natural areas within the City of Edmonton.

This research project essentially examines the proportion of natural areas in Edmonton that exceed noise sensitivity thresholds for both people and biodiversity. These thresholds are then mapped and used to guide future urban planning decisions.

The project’s end goal is to develop a comprehensive framework and actionable tools to reduce noise pollution and support urban biodiversity monitoring in the city. By shifting infrastructure investments from noise mitigation toward sustainable transit, the belief is that we can create urban environments that are not only quieter but also more harmonious for both human and wildlife populations.

Achieving this vision will position Edmonton as a leader in urban biodiversity preservation, sustainable urban living, and environmental stewardship. Stay tuned at https://biodiversitypathways.github.io/coe/ for project results as they unfold.

RVA Walk Series highlights reciprocity, respect, and connection to place

On May 11, 2025 from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM, join the RVA’s ‘Respecting Mother Earth: Mother’s Day Walk’! Folks will meet at Snow Valley Ski Hill Parking Lot.

The Moccasin and Medicine Trail Walk Series, presented by the River Valley Alliance Truth and Reconciliation Committee, is a monthly invitation to connect with the land, reflect on the teachings of the River Valley, and walk the path of Truth and Reconciliation.

Taking place from May through October, each walk will explore a unique theme grounded in Indigenous knowledge and connection to place. Open to everyone, these walks offer a space for shared learning, reflection, and community.

The Mother’s Day Walk will honour Mother Earth and invite participants to reflect on the significance of traditional medicines and our relationships with the land. Guided by Indigenous knowledge keepers, participants will explore the importance of reciprocity, respect, and connection to place.

Sign up here https://rivervalley.ab.ca/events/respecting-mother-earth-mothers-day-walk/

Light Venturi by Terry Frost, Churchill Square https://www.edmontonarts.ca/public-art/light-venturi

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 - Apr 17/25

The French butler who sold razors to build the LeMarchand Mansion

Behind Victoria Park, above the golf course, you can spot the LeMarchand Mansion. Constructed in 1912, its French Beaux-arts style reflects its builder’s desire to build Canada’s most luxurious multi-family dwelling.

The Mansion has a rare recessed entrance with contrasting brick and stone, and its iron balconies evoke the Parisian streetscape. The building once had its own gas plant for heating and cooking. It also boasted one of Edmonton’s first residential elevators.

Rene LeMarchand was a retired French butler who came to Edmonton in 1905. In France, LeMarchand worked for a nobleman who had an eccentric aversion to being shaved by the same blade twice. This was when straight razors could last decades.

When his employer died, LeMarchand inherited the hundreds of slightly used straight razors. After arriving in Edmonton, he sold fruit, china, silver cutlery, and, you guessed it, razors. He eventually became involved in many other business ventures. And when he sought financing for his prestige project, the Mansion, the Paris Waiters Union sent their old colleague some money to help.

So, if you’re ever asked who built the LeMarchand Mansion, you have your answer. The butler did it. https://www.edmontoncommonwealthwalkway.com/history/the-butler-did-it

The dazzling differences between dabbling and deep diving ducks

Gerald Romanchuk photo

As Alberta’s migratory water birds return to the province, you’ll see them out on waterways, feeding and preparing for breeding season in the north. If you stop to watch them long enough, you’ll notice some key differences in behaviour between duck species.

Waterfowl that upend themselves to forage in shallow water, like ponds and puddles, are known as dabbling ducks. When their tail feathers are in the air, their long necks are probing beneath the water, searching for vegetation to feed on.

Dabbling ducks also have the unique characteristic of having an iridescent speculum (rectangular patch of colour) on the dorsal (back) side of their wings. Another distinction is that their feet tend to be smaller than their diving counterparts, and they tend to walk well on land. Examples of dabbling ducks include Mallards, Blue-winged teals, American wigeons, and Gadwalls.

Diving waterfowl, as the name implies, tend to dive for their food. Some divers eat exclusively fish! As a result, these piscivores (fish-eaters) also prefer deeper waters, like deep lakes or rivers, or coastal areas.

Diving ducks tend to have their feet set further back towards their hind ends, so they often don’t move as well on land. They also need to gain momentum on the water’s surface before taking off for flight. Examples of diving ducks include the Canvasback, Goldeneye, and Mergansers.

These two categories of ducks are shaped by their habitats and food sources. They all have one thing in common, however: they require intact habitats to feed, breed, and live. Central Alberta has seen a decline in the water levels of many lakes, and this makes the preservation of wetlands and riparian areas especially crucial. https://www.ealt.ca/blog/fun-facts-dabblers-and-divers

City aims to co-exist with coyotes in new public awareness campaign

Keith Szafranski photo

With coyote denning season underway, the city is expanding a public awareness campaign to help Edmontonians and coyotes co-exist safely. This campaign aims to educate the public on the City's science-backed coyote management strategies.

"Coyotes are a natural part of Edmonton's ecosystem, and we strive for coexistence," said John Wilson, Director, Animal Care and Park Rangers. "Our approach is science-based, prioritizing humane hazing techniques to modify coyote behaviour and discourage them from approaching humans and pets. We want to ensure residents feel informed and know what to do during coyote encounters."

The City's methods, which include the use of kinetic impact launchers with inert projectiles, help train coyotes to avoid areas where people are active. Park Ranger Peace Officers stress that understanding coyote behaviour and implementing proactive measures are key to a safe community.

Public safety remains the top priority. Residents are encouraged to be proactive in reducing coyote encounters. Key tips include: securing food sources to avoid attracting coyotes, keeping pets on leash to prevent confrontations, and deterring denning on private property.

It is only necessary to report a coyote sighting if: a coyote bites, nips, or makes physical contact with a pet or person, a coyote is injured or sick and cannot move, or if an individual is feeding the coyote. Lethal removal is only considered as a last resort when absolutely necessary.

Statistics show that while the number of coyote complaints has increased slightly, the number of lethal removals due to aggressive or predatory behavior remains low. In 2024, there were 1,694 total complaints and 25 removals, with 53 aggressive complaints. Find more information on the City's coyote management strategies here edmonton.ca/coyotes.

An opportunity to give back to the trails that give us so much!

Our river valley trails provide us with endless adventure, fresh air, and a connection to nature—but they need our help to stay clean and beautiful. Join the RVA Spring Trail Cleanup and make a difference in the places we all love.

Over the winter, litter and debris build up along the trails, affecting the environment and the experience for everyone who enjoys them. By lending a hand, you're helping keep these spaces safe, clean, and welcoming for hikers, bikers, runners, and nature lovers alike.

The spring clean-up will take place on Saturday, May 3, 2025 from 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM (you can drop in anytime to grab a cleanup kit). The volunteer appreciation BBQ is from 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM. The location is Emily Murphy Park – folks will meet at Picnic Site 1.

All supplies will be provided and all ages are welcome. This will surely be a great way to meet fellow trail lovers. Sign up using the link below. Your registration helps the RVA prepare the right number of cleanup kits (and hot dogs). https://rivervalley.ab.ca/events/rva-spring-trail-cleanup-989/

ERVCC shines a light on the downfalls of bike skills park project in the RV

Megan writes “I was very disappointed to read the article about the ERVCC’s opposition to the Edmonton Bike Park. This is a very small section of our river valley where an addition of this sort makes great use of an open area. It's proximity to the Kinsmen Leasure centre and the river valley means increased use for our beautiful trails. I have followed the ERVCC's stance on this bike park, and frankly, it doesn't seem like they want it to be built ANYWHERE. A park like this will keep the most inexperienced riders and those learning off the trails where they may cause damage. The Edmonton Mountain Biking Association aims to use this park to promote raising responsible bike riders who are as involved in conservation as other NGO's and filled with a respect for our river valley. Multi use trails are meant for people engaged in all sorts of locomotion! A bike park will mean less random things being built in the river valley by people who may not be as contentious about building in a safe and sustainable way.”

Matt shares “The petition has a lot of misinformation, typical of the ERVCC. The bike park is being built in the former wastewater treatment plant area. It’s an empty field full of weeds and invasive species. How come we don’t see articles in favour of the MTB community? Or the wonderful work EMBA is doing?”

Broken Families Monument by Memi von Gaza, Grant Notley Park https://www.edmontonarts.ca/public-art/broken-families-monument

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