River Valley News - June 12/25

That time an airplane flew mere inches from the high level bridge

Denny May photo

Wilfrid “Wop” May grew up dreaming of flying planes. When World War I fired up, May and many of his fellow Edmontonians enlisted. Soon after, he transferred to the Royal Flying Corps. After several successful missions, including one with the fearsome Red Baron, May emerged from the war as a flying ace.

After the war, May pursued a career in aviation. He and his brother formed the first registered aircraft company, and he spent time performing air stunts. Few pilots were as distinguished and daring.

Perhaps the best demonstration of his daredevil attitude was when he flew with a distinguished passenger, Mayor of Edmonton, Joe Clarke. It was the 1919 baseball season opener in Diamond Park just below downtown. Wop May flew the mayor over the park to throw the opening pitch—from the airplane.

After a wild pitch, Wop May suggested that the only safe way out of the river valley was flying the plane under the High Level Bridge. Witnesses said there were mere inches between the bridge supports and the plane’s wings as they passed underneath.

May went on to perform many other historic firsts before his death in 1952. https://www.edmontoncommonwealthwalkway.com/history/wilfred-wop-may 

Reminder that bulky and awkward moose are still quite big and fast

Ryan Hagerty photo

On May 24, emergency medical services were called to an incident near Rowland Road and 106A Avenue in Edmonton. A senior resident was knocked out by a female moose, sustaining non-life-threatening injuries, including three broken ribs, a gash in his leg and a bump on the head.

Moose are big, fast animals. They may look bulky and awkward, but they can circle and weave through trees like champion barrel racers. As of 2014, there were more than 100,000 of the herbivores in the province. With bears and wolves their main predators, spots like Edmonton’s river valley are a shelter of sorts.

“Normally, moose are not aggressive. However, a moose that is stressed, a bull moose in the fall rut or a cow moose protecting her young may be easily provoked into an attack,” says a post on the Alberta government website.

“The EPS wants to remind people that if you come across a moose to keep a safe distance away and not to approach it,” said Nancy Carlson at the Edmonton Police Service. Warning signs of an agitated moose include raised neck and back hair, ears pinned back, snorting or lip-licking.

“If charged by a moose, people should run and seek shelter behind a tree, car or building. If knocked down, curl into a ball and protect your head. Keep pets indoors because barking dogs can stress or provoke a moose.”

To report sightings, Edmontonians can call 1-800-642-3800. https://edmontonjournal.com/news/local-news/mother-moose-attacks-edmonton-senior-baby-moose-dies-after-vehicle-strike 

Add lifejackets and water safety gear to your YEG summer pack

To ensure that folks enjoy the North Saskatchewan River and other bodies of water, the City of Edmonton’s Park Rangers, Edmonton Fire Rescue Services and the Edmonton Police Service (EPS) are once again coming together to encourage water safety.

In the summer of 2024, City Park Rangers and EPS conducted 13,753 safety compliance checks, a 15 per cent increase compared to 2023. Park Rangers and EPS Marine Units issued 3,623 warnings to river users who were not in compliance with boating regulations and were putting themselves at risk.

As of May 12, the City has implemented a mandatory lifejacket bylaw. This means all individuals on any floating vessel will be required to wear a life jacket or a personal flotation device at all times within the city boundaries.

When you are on the river, it is also mandatory to bring all relevant safety gear as outlined by Transport Canada. This includes a personal flotation device, a throw bag, a whistle or a sound-signalling device, and a watertight flashlight when travelling during low light.

This summer, Park Rangers and EPS Marine Units will also be conducting Land-Based Safety Compliance Checks on all vessels in coordination with on-water Marine Safety Compliance Checks. 

As always, contact Edmonton Fire Rescue Services in the event of an emergency. edmonton.ca/RiverSafety

Indigenous Peoples Day at Telus World of Science on June 21 

Leah Dorion art

On June 21, the Telus World of Science will be hosting Indigenous Peoples Day events. Their mission is to recognize and celebrate the cultures and worldviews of Indigenous Peoples who traditionally stewarded the lands of amiskwaciy-wâskahikan, Beaver Hills House (Edmonton).

The Edmonton Area and Land Trust (EALT) will be hosting an event at the Edmonton Medicine Garden from 10:15 am to 3:45 pm. Folks can participate in a smudging circle, then start weeding, planting native plant plugs, and spreading seeds. At lunch, participants will also be making tea from freshly harvested mint and receiving native plant giveaways.

Participants are reminded to wear/bring comfortable footwear, layers for the conditions, and water. This is an open drop-in event, so you do not have to sign up beforehand. Entry will be included with Science Centre Admission. Admission Tickets are free for Indigenous Participants. https://www.ealt.ca/event-listing/garden

Futuristic Map by Patrick Jacob, McKernan/Belgravia LRT Station https://www.edmontonarts.ca/public-art/futuristic-map

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 - June 5/25

Capitol theatre marquee so hot, sidewalks stayed snow-free in winter!

The Capitol Theatre opened in 1918 as the ‘Allen Theatre’. Designed for Famous Players by architect H. L. Gage, this two-storey building was constructed of concrete with brick cladding.

In 1929, Famous Players closed the theatre, now called the ‘Capitol Theatre’, for three months to install sound equipment for the new "talkies" and to add a balcony, giving the theatre an additional 500 seats. 

They also added an electric sign and marquee, as well as hired noted Montreal theatre designer Emmanuel Briffa to redecorate the interior of the theatre. When the renovations were complete, the Capitol Theatre became the first theatre in Edmonton to show movies with sound.

An additional renovation in 1938, designed by Magoon and MacDonald, saw the installation of air conditioning and a 2000-light marquee, the largest in Western Canada. The 2000 60-watt bulbs generated so much heat that the sidewalk in front of the theatre stayed snow and ice-free almost all winter.

In 1954, the theatre was renovated and modernized once again. However, the movie industry was changing and by the 1970s, larger theatres were no longer profitable. For that reason, the Capitol Theatre was demolished in 1972. A scaled-down replica of the 1929 version of the theatre was built at Fort Edmonton Park in 2011.

https://www.edmontonhistoricalboard.com/structures/capitol-theatre/ 

Don’t forget to embrace the RV this International Trails Day on June 7

Richard Dixon art

Come explore Edmonton’s extensive trail system this International Trails Day, June 7, using the City’s Discover YEG Map. International Trails Day is celebrated on the first Saturday in June and is a global event to promote the benefits of trails and encourage use. 

In Edmonton, this event will highlight the River Valley Parks and the importance of green spaces for recreation, health and connection with nature. Did you know Edmonton has one of the most expansive urban trail systems in Canada? With a mix of 92 kilometres of paved and 93 kilometres of unpaved paths, these maintained routes link parks across the city through the Ribbon of Green that is the Edmonton River Valley.

While celebrating International Trails Day, please remember to stay on designated trails to prevent damage to ecologically sensitive areas. Check the weather and trail conditions before heading out and obey any trail closures in effect. Report concerns about trails to 311 to do your part in keeping these spaces enjoyable and safe for everyone.

More information on how to enjoy International Trails Day in Edmonton at https://movelearnplay.edmonton.ca/. 

River Valley Bylaw Public Hearing: Action Needed!

A public hearing at City Council will be held June 9 for review and approval of a revised River Valley Area Redevelopment Plan (aka River Valley Bylaw) governing protection and development in the North Saskatchewan River Valley and Ravines. The North Saskatchewan River Valley Conservation Society is concerned this bylaw fails to consistently deliver binding rules rather than “suggestions” and lacks a strong risk and impact review process. As our valley is public land, protected for the benefit of current and future generations, the bylaw must be amended to also impose the duty to notify and offer opportunity for public comment for any proposed major developments or changes to the bylaw. We have been active stakeholders during the “Bylaw Modernization” process and will attend the public hearing to share specific recommendations to strengthen the River Valley Bylaw.

The public hearing will also discuss the Ribbon of Green Strategic Plan revised during the River Valley Planning Modernization project. We recommend this Plan also be officially approved by City Council as a guide to future decision making. We encourage Edmontonians to share their voices to City Council on the need for a strong bylaw to ensure that decisions on our valley ensure a legacy of river valley protection for years to come.

You can speak at the Council June 9 public hearing and also send emails directly to the Mayor and councillors expressing your views.

To register to speak at the June 9 City Council Public Hearing item 3.11 apply at the City of Edmonton site or call 780-496-8178. Emailed comments may be forwarded to city.clerk@edmonton.ca referencing the North Saskatchewan River Valley Area Redevelopment Plan hearings, Item 3.11. Written submissions are forwarded to Mayor and Council.

British Columbia Centenary Totem Pole submitted by Rhonda Taft

“Hidden treasure at the Legislature!”

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 - May 29/25

Behind every YEG cultural institution is a philanthropic donation

The 1960s and ’70s saw Edmonton in a state of frenzied construction and growth, fuelled by an oil boom. With that prosperity came a wave of philanthropic donations and fundraising campaigns, which helped create many of the city’s cultural institutions that we rely on today.

These cultural institutions include the Edmonton Opera (1963), the Heritage Festival (1976), and Fort Edmonton Park (1974). Another example is the Citadel Theatre, which was housed in a two-storey brick building on 102 Avenue when it first opened in 1965.

The Citadel’s first season was such a huge success that it quickly became apparent the theatre would outgrow its original venue. With the help of private donations, such as one made by Margaret Zeidler for $100,000, the new Citadel opened in 1976 with a production of Romeo and Juliet.

That same year, another Edmonton icon arrived — the Muttart Conservatory. Construction began in 1974, sparked by a $1-million donation from the Muttart Foundation in memory of Gladys and Merrill Muttart. Gladys and Merrill were business leaders who established the charity in the 1950s. https://edmonton.taproot.news/briefs/2025/05/23/a-moment-in-history-may-23-1975 

Ladybugs an ode to Virgin Mary, her seven joys and seven sorrows

Arthrozoo photo

Coccinella septempunctata, the seven-spot ladybird (or, in North America, seven-spotted ladybug), is the most common ladybird in Europe. The rounded beetle has bright red wing cases with 7 black spots, although some individuals may have more or fewer spots. 

The common name of this group of beetles, 'ladybird', was originally given to the seven-spot in honour of the Virgin Mary. The insect’s red wing case symbolizes the Virgin's red cloak, and the seven spots represent her seven joys and seven sorrows. 

The bug is carnivorous. Both the adult and larval stages feed on insects harmful to plants, such as aphids and scale insects. Adults can be known to eat up to 100 aphids a day. Rather than using any complicated methods for eating its catch, the ladybug kills its prey outright and then devours it.

Since ladybugs are voracious predators of aphids, they have been repeatedly introduced to North America as a biological control agent. They are now established here and outcompete many native species, including other Coccinella. https://www.inaturalist.org/guide_taxa/334578 

Sedna, sea mermaid and mother of all sea creatures

Anthony Galbraith art

Below is the origin story of Sedna, a sea mermaid of the Inuit, shared by Edna Elias in her own words. Edna’s Inuk name is Ekhivalak, and she comes from the Inuinnait, known as the Copper Inuit of Western Nunavut. Her hometown is Kugluktuk. 

A young Inu girl, who turned out to be Sedna, was being taken away by a suitor. There was promise of abundance, of harvesting. There would be many furs and skins for her to make garments and items with and he took her to an island. There's nobody else living there. Why in isolation?

The man, her suitor, was disguised. He was actually a bird. So upon learning that, Sedna's father tried to rescue her and he got her and they were trying to get back to his own village and a storm came up. Birds were chasing them through the storm, and Sedna was thrown overboard in the storm.

She clings to the side of the boat and the father couldn't do anything to get her in, and keep the boat going to save himself either. He cuts off her fingertips as she clings to the side of the boat and those fingertips transformed into animals when they fell into the water.

So this first joint, they became seals. The second joint, when he cut them off there, became walruses, and this final joint to the hand, they became whales, and Sedna sinks into the ocean because she can't cling anymore. She herself becomes a sea mammal with human-like features.

She becomes the mother of all sea creatures. Goddess of the sea, living on the benevolent spirit of the sea. To Inuit, Sedna represents great power as she controlled all sea mammals. If we over hunt, she would withhold animals, teaching that you only take what you need, don't be greedy, share what you get, and so on. https://www.edmontoncommonwealthwalkway.com/water/sedna 

CCR, Springsteen and more find endless inspiration in rivers

Songs about rivers have long captivated audiences with their ability to evoke vivid imagery and emotions. From the late 1960s onward, these songs have woven their way into the fabric of popular music, resonating with listeners through their timeless themes.

A prime example is "Proud Mary" by Creedence Clearwater Revival, released in 1969. This song captures the spirit of relaxation and the flow of life, symbolized by the iconic Mississippi River. Such songs often reflect broader cultural narratives, offering a sense of escape and simplicity that remains appealing decades later.

River imagery in music often also serves as a powerful metaphor for nostalgia, personal journeys, and emotional reflection. Take, for instance, "Green River" by Creedence Clearwater Revival, another 1969 classic. Inspired by John Fogerty’s childhood experiences, this song paints a picture of youthful summers and carefree days spent by the water.

Similarly, "The River" by Bruce Springsteen, released in 1980, uses river imagery to explore themes of lost innocence and the passage of time. These songs resonate with listeners by connecting personal memories to the universal experience of change and growth.

Do yourself a favour and flow to one of these tunes today! https://www.musicaldictionary.com/songs-about-rivers/

NSRVCS welcomes a new communications coordinator

Rod shares “Thank you Harvey Voogd for your many years of informing and inspiring Edmontonians'. You have definitely expanded my awareness and appreciation for the gift that is the North Saskatchewan River Valley, let alone Edmonton related natural and cultural history.”

The people have spoken, and they chose the magpie!

Ron says ““more respect” for the magpie? Excellent choice of words. I love magpies but I think, for many Edmontonians, respect is as good as it's going to get for that species. P.S., I learned three things about magpies while watching them build a nest in our backyard: Their nests have roofs; their nests have two entries; and if they drop a twig during construction (and they often do), they never will retrieve it.”

Patrick writes “Ex-Edmontonian. Born-raised, left at age 27. Moved to live in mountains for all decades since. Now 80. This morning, I’ve been wrestling with pressing health issues, and looming financial challenges. Just read River Valley News. Edmonton voters' choice of the magpie brought a laugh. A bit like a squawk-laugh. When I was a kid, we had a cabin at Big Lake. I fondly remember it as Big Slough. Climbed aspens. Thrust big broken branches into patches of quick-sand. Nature-based kid fun. Thanks for the regular newsletter. It’s my basic link to the ‘chuk.”

9 Figures in Motion with a Puck by Al Henderson, Rogers Place Community Rink https://www.edmontonarts.ca/public-art/9-figures-in-motion-with-a-puck

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