River Valley News - July 24/25

In 1958 the City put out a request

A Royal Tour was coming through town the next year and they wanted a project to commemorate it. It was the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada’s proposal, for the nation’s first municipally owned and run planetarium, that captured the imagination of the general public. And it made sense as 1958 was the time of science fiction and space-age optimism.

The Planetarium was dedicated to Queen Elizabeth II to commemorate her royal visit to Edmonton in July 1959. Designed by Walter Telfer and Robert Falconer, Duke of the City Architect’s Office, the building showcased the modern movement’s structural expressionism design style.

Operated by the City of Edmonton Parks Department, with the assistance of the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada, Edmonton Centre, millions of guests were shown the Sun, Moon, constellations, and planets of the solar system like never before.

The Planetarium originally opened on September 22, 1960. But with the opening of its replacement — the new Edmonton Space Science Centre — nearby, the Queen Elizabeth II Planetarium (QEP) was unceremoniously closed on December 31st, 1983. 

Nearly 40 years after closing, the City of Edmonton has meticulously restored and designated the QEP a Municipal Heritage Resource. In 2021, the QEP restoration received one of eight national awards from the National Trust and it reopened to the public in September 2023.

https://transforming.edmonton.ca/far-out-canadas-first-planetarium-being-restored-to-former-glory-2/ 

https://telusworldofscienceedmonton.ca/explore/experiences/queen-elizabeth-planetarium-qep/ 

https://www.forgottenedmonton.com/blog/the-queen-elizabeth-ii-planetarium 

News release July 16 confirms Nordic Spa plans now official

Scandinave Group Inc. photo

Edmonton has been selected as the location of a new spa that promises to make a secluded corner of the city's southwest a destination for cold plunges, steam heat and silent relaxation. The city's first Nordic spa is slated for construction in Brander Gardens, overlooking the North Saskatchewan River.

Following a pitch to the City of Edmonton by Scandinave Group Inc and a series of public consultations, councillors voted unanimously to pass a rezoning application for the project in February, clearing the way for construction. 

In a joint news release July 16, officials with Scandinave Group, along with the provincial government and Travel Alberta, announced that those plans are now official. The spa is expected to open in the summer of 2028. Construction is expected to get underway by 2027.

Wednesday's announcement was lauded by Andrew Boitchenko, Alberta's tourism minister, who said the provincial government is proud to support the new venture. The project is expected to generate approximately $121 million in total economic impact over its first decade of operation, the ministry said.

There are still residents who question how a private venture in the city's beloved river valley would serve Edmonton. https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/edmonton/plans-for-nordic-spa-in-edmonton-s-river-valley-now-official-developers-say-1.7586443 

This summer enjoy a Glass of the Sask.

The North Saskatchewan River is at the heart of Edmonton, shaping our city and connecting us to everything local. Edmonton is here because the river is here.

Your great-tasting tap water is made local by EPCOR. They test over 150 water quality parameters—nearly double the required 80—and treat water for up to 12 hours before delivering it to Edmonton and over 90 surrounding communities.

Tap water is a fresh, eco-friendly, and cost-effective choice, rigorously tested for safety. In contrast, bottled water can contribute to plastic waste and is often less regulated. Choose tap water to support local resources and promote sustainability. Enjoy Edmonton’s great-tasting tap water at local events and restaurants this summer!

Now, Riverhawks fans can experience the work of two local artists, Justine Ma and Pete Nguyen, as they hydrate with Edmonton’s award- winning tap water at RE/MAX field. Two new water bottle filling stations on the concourse feature vibrant art installations depicting the North Saskatchewan River and Edmonton’s treasured river valley. https://www.epcor.com/ca/en/ab/edmonton/operations/water-wastewater/north-saskatchewan-river/glass-of-the-sask.html 

YEG’s river valley is a photographer’s dream

Structuresxx photo

Whether you’re snapping with a smartphone or a DSLR, the river valley’s scenery offers endless opportunities to capture the beauty of Edmonton’s natural heart.

The gardens surrounding the Muttart Conservatory, which holds one of Canada’s largest indoor plant collections, burst with colour and texture, perfect for wide-angle views with the glass pyramids as a backdrop. 

Just across the river, the open bank at Louise McKinney Riverfront Park provides panoramic views that glow during golden hour, especially as the sun dips behind the skyline.

For a picture-perfect blend of city and nature, few spots rival the Fairmont Hotel Macdonald’s patio, where the view stretches out over the river valley and Low Level Bridge. It’s ideal for cityscapes or engagement-style shots.

Time your walk for dawn or dusk, and you’ll find Edmonton’s famous bridges like Walterdale, High Level, or Dawson lit in warm light or reflecting off the water. This creates some of the city’s most Instagram-worthy moments.

And don’t forget to add in a paddle-boarder, dog walker, or cyclist gliding through the frame! Then you’ve got an image that captures both movement and calm — classic river valley energy. https://edmontonjournal.com/news/the-10-best-ways-to-explore-edmontons-river-valley-this-summer 

Pillar of Love by Barbara Eichner-Shaw, Hermitage Park

https://www.edmontonarts.ca/public-art/pillar-of-love 

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 - July 17/25

A call for paw-sitive impacts on the RV

Natural areas are seeing record-breaking visitation year after year, which puts more stress on the land and the wildlife that call it home. The EALT team has seen examples of littering, disrespect of terms of access, and sadly, even fatal incidents to wildlife from off-leash dogs.

You might see the reminders that EALT has left on some of their trails - orange flags marking where visitors have left dog waste. These flags will be posted for a short time period as an example of how dogs can impact natural areas if their owners don't clean up after them.

EALT hopes that visitors choose to make a pawsitive impact by keeping their pets on leash, removing pet waste, respecting wildlife, and being stewards of the land. If you're a dog owner, please consider signing the Paws for Effect pledge and sharing it with a friend.

If you take the pledge, you can be entered to win a prize package. The winner will be drawn on September 30, 2025. Details for the contest can be found here https://mailchi.mp/ealt/conservation-connections-newsletter-79m6y7k3t0-17460174?e=b41643f9be

Where there is a human-made structure, there may just be a barn swallow

Justin Eccles photo

The Barn Swallow (Hirundo rustica) is a medium-sized songbird, about the size of a sparrow. The bird’s back and tail plumage is a distinctive steely, iridescent blue. And its long forked tail and pointed wings are what make them easily recognizable, as well as fast and acrobatic fliers.

About 2,450,000 pairs of barn swallows spend their nesting season in Canada. They are found in every province and territory except Nunavut, where they are rarely seen. While the barn swallow historically nested in caves and cliffs, they readily adapted to utilizing human structures, especially barns which led to their common name.

The birds are also dedicated builders. They pick up mud from places like river banks or puddles, and fibrous material, like grass, and arrange them into cup-shaped nests. The interior of their nests are lined with grass, hair, and feathers. A pair of swallows can make over 1,000 trips, bringing back a mouthful of mud on each trip, to build a new nest. https://www.hww.ca/wildlife/birds/barn-swallow/ 

Spend this Sunday with RVA as they host two exciting events in the RV

On July 20, from 9:00am to 11:00am, join the River Valley Alliance for a bike tour! This leisurely bike tour consists of a scenic 22 km ride, with 7 km on pavement and 15 km on gravel. A gravel bike or mountain bike is required. 

This route takes riders south through West River’s Edge Park and continues south onto the scenic River View RVA Strathcona Riverside Trail, and across the river on the new RVA Edmonton/Strathcona Footbridge, returning to the starting point. This route is flat. A few stops will be made at scenic points of interest. Register here https://rivervalley.ab.ca/events/fort-sask-strathcona-edmonton-new-bridge-tour/ 

Another must-attend event on Sunday, July 20 is the Moccasin and Medicine Trail Walk Series. The theme this time around is Playing on the Land – Traditional Land Games. From 10:00am to 12:00pm, participants of all ages—children, adults, and Elders—will come together in community through Traditional Indigenous Land Games. 

Folks will engage in several fun and meaningful games that reflect Indigenous ways of knowing, teaching, and connecting across generations. This event is about more than play though—it’s about honouring Indigenous knowledge, fostering intergenerational relationships, and deepening our connection to the land. Register here https://rivervalley.ab.ca/events/playing-on-the-land-traditional-land-games/ 

July 10 issue

Vicky says “I think the Edmonton City Hall should have a 'history wall' and the River Valley News should be posted on a bulletin board.”

The Dwelling by Wayne Ashley, Edmonton City Hall

https://www.edmontonarts.ca/public-art/the-dwelling  

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 - July 10/25

Legendary hotel host, Donald Ross, approves sleeping on pool tables

The first train to reach Edmonton steamed across the Low Level Bridge on October 20, 1902. Donald Ross occupied a place of pride in the locomotive cab. His honoured presence was fitting as a few years earlier, he had driven the ceremonial final rivet to complete the bridge. 

That wasn’t the only thing Ross was known for though. Before driving the completion of the Low Level Bridge, Ross managed the Hudson’s Bay Company’s Fort Edmonton farm in 1874. After a short time, he asserted ownership of the farm and erected a popular hotel. As a hotel host, he was legendary. 

When no beds were available, one guest received accommodations on the pool table. When the guest complained about having to pay the regular rate of 50¢, Ross told him he could have charged the 75¢/hour rate for a game of billiards!

They say Ross was also involved in any early Edmonton organization that you can name. He was so deeply entwined in early Edmonton that his wife’s wedding ring was forged of North Saskatchewan gold. https://www.edmontoncommonwealthwalkway.com/history/sure-you-can-sleep-on-the-pool-table

City rolls out Shinrin-yoku forest therapy sessions this summer

Brendan Bush photo

The City is introducing Forest Bathing sessions and invites residents to discover the healing benefits of mindful connection with the urban forest. Forest Bathing offers a unique opportunity to reduce stress and enhance wellness by engaging the senses in Edmonton’s natural spaces while learning about our urban forest.

Forest bathing, also known as forest therapy or Shinrin-yoku, involves spending intentional time in a forest or natural area, fostering relaxation and a deeper connection to the environment. Guided sessions, led by certified Shinrin-yoku guides from the City’s Urban Forestry team, provide a safe and comfortable environment for exploration and discovery. 

Activities include mindful sensory exploration, silent meditation, exploratory walking and opportunities for group and individual reflections. Free guided sessions are available weekly throughout the summer on Tuesdays from 1 to 3 p.m. and Thursdays from 9 to 11 a.m. at various parks across the city. For more information, visit edmonton.ca/ForestBathing.

Are you an urban forest ambassador at heart?

CIF photo

The City of Edmonton is introducing the Urban Forest Ambassador Program and inviting residents to become ambassadors to help protect Edmonton’s urban forest from threats like Dutch elm disease and emerald ash borer. 

Residents can participate and receive free training to detect early signs of these threats to trees. Upon completion, residents become Urban Forest Ambassadors who serve as key community contacts, raising awareness in their neighbourhoods, supporting surveillance, and contributing to city-wide reporting and the long-term health of Edmonton’s elm and ash trees.

The first training session is scheduled for Thursday, July 10, 2025, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at Lois Hole Library. Additional training sessions will be scheduled throughout the summer. Space is limited and registration is required. 

To learn more about the Urban Forest Ambassador program and to register for the upcoming training, visit edmonton.ca/UrbanForestAmbassador 

The Eagle Point Moth Ball is back!

On Thursday July 17, from 6:30 pm to 1:00 am, get involved in the Eagle Point Moth Ball. This is a celebration of Alberta’s night creatures! The event will take place at Pembina Nordic Centre, 7010 Twp 494, Eagle Point Provincial Park. It is free and family-friendly.

This evening under the stars will shine a light (literally!) on some of Alberta’s most fascinating nocturnal creatures. From live bats and snakes to moths and frogs, the Eagle Point Moth Ball is a celebration of the creatures that come alive when the sun goes down.

You will get the chance to experience live presentations, as well as get up close with expert presenters and their real-life creature companions. This year’s lineup includes Alberta Lepidopterists’ Guild, Alberta Community Bats, Alberta Amphibian and Reptile Conservancy (AARC), Edmonton and Area Land Trust, and Native Bee Council. 

Register here https://www.ealt.ca/event-listing/community-events-2025 

City as an Advocate by Dawn Marie Marchand, City Hall

https://www.edmontonarts.ca/public-art/city-as-an-advocate 

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