River Valley News - Feb 19/26

NSRVCS Annual General Meeting

Dear River Valley News readers,

The 2026 North Saskatchewan River Valley Conservation Society AGM occurs on March 9, starting with a feature presentation from 5:30 to 6:15pm, followed by the AGM from 6:15 to 7:00pm. You can attend either or both.

The feature presentation is by Tom Radford, following his family's relationship to the North Saskatchewan from their arrival in 1905 to the present day, charting the changes in both the river itself and the community's relationship to it.

Tom Radford founded Clearwater Documentary, an innovative producer of online, television, and theatrical documentaries for the national and international market. Clearwater has produced over fifty years of history, biography, science, and entertainment programming with a distinct western Canadian focus.

Based in Edmonton, Radford has produced storytelling with a visual and political flair. His latest film, Peggy and Balmer, is a feature documentary which examines the evolution of newspapers in Alberta and their political and social impact.  

The feature presentation is followed immediately by the AGM from 6:15 to 7:00 pm. The AGM provides a brief overview of the society’s activities in 2025, an update of its financial situation, and the election of the Board of Directors.

If you wish to attend either, RSVP to nsrivervalley@gmail.com, and you will be sent the Zoom link on Friday, March 6.

Photo credit: David Fairless
BBO: Banding, Education, and Impact

The Beaverhill Bird Observatory is currently seeking volunteers for its upcoming field season, running from May through October. Opportunities range from short-term shifts assisting with songbird banding to immersive long-term stays at the field station where volunteers help with all aspects of migration monitoring.

To get involved, interested individuals must become a lifetime member for $10 and complete a brief online application and training process. Once finished, you’ll gain access to the volunteer portal to begin booking your shifts and contributing to vital research just east of the city.

TheBeaverhill Bird Observatory’s BirdSmartoutreach program continues to see impressive growth, reaching a record audience of over 10,000 participants during its most recent winter season. This success is driven by a diverse range of curriculum-linked presentations, including new topics like Birds and Body Systems and Birds and Migration, which are brought to life for students and community groups by live education birds such as Tansi the Great Horned Owl and Keith the Red-tailed Hawk. By offering bilingual programming in French and expanding its reach to rural Alberta, BirdSmart ensures that the vital message of bird conservation and climate change remains accessible to all, fostering a deeper connection between Albertans and their feathered neighbours.

Photo credit: Edmonton Horticultural Society
Healthy Trees, Healthy Harvests: Managing Black Knot

Pruning is about more than just shaping your trees; it is a critical defence against Black Knot (Apiosporina morbosa), a common fungal disease that plagues Edmonton’s fruit and ornamental trees. Often described as looking like "scat on a stick," these rough, black galls can girdle branches and eventually kill the tree if left untreated. Because the fungus spreads through spores during wet spring weather, the late winter months are the ideal time to prune away infections while the tree is dormant.

To help you tackle this, Operation Fruit Rescue Edmonton (OFRE) is hosting hands-on Tree Pruning Workshops on February 27 and 28, 2026. Led by certified master arborists, these sessions offer practical training on how to assess tree health, use the right tools, and make clean cuts to boost fruit yield and prevent disease. Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned gardener, you'll gain the confidence to care for your apple, pear, and cherry trees in Edmonton’s unique climate. Registration is required, so visit operationfruitrescue.org to secure your spot.

Photo credit: EALT Conservation Coordinator
Volunteer In Conservation with the EALT

Join an EALT Online Information Session on March 4, 2026

As a local charity with a small staff team, the Edmonton and Area Land Trust (EALT) empowers volunteers to steward their conservation lands, monitor wildlife, and increase awareness about their work. Join the volunteer team at a Conservation Land near you! 

There are opportunities for a variety of commitment levels: 

  • join at an event - all training and tools provided

  • visit a site up to twice per month to steward the land or
    monitor wildlife

  • volunteer from home creating nature-themed content for
    social media

  • engage with the public at an information booth or workshop

You can learn more about all of their opportunities at their upcoming online info session. You do not have to attend the session to join the volunteer programs. 

March 4 - 12 PM - Register here: Volunteer Info Session | Meeting-Join | Microsoft Teams 

After the info session, applications will be open for volunteer programs. 

  • Stewardship Events and Outreach - join anytime

  • Conservation Land Stewards and Citizen Science - apply by April 15

Find out more about their volunteer opportunities on their website: https://www.ealt.ca/volunteer

Receive emails of their upcoming volunteer stewardship events (no experience required) by signing up for their newsletter - https://ealt.us4.list-manage.com/subscribe?id=55625da027&u=62e30fd24a25665326aa30d96

Breathe I & II / Robbin Deyo / 2026

Powder-coated aluminum / Coronation Park Sports and Recreation Centre

Comment or Contributions

Please note that 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. 12/26

Photo credit: City of Edmonton
William Hawrelak Park Welcomes Visitors Back This March

The City of Edmonton is excited to announce that the iconic William Hawrelak Park will officially reopen on March 13, 2026. Following a comprehensive three-year rehabilitation project that began in 2023, the park has been modernized to ensure it remains a premier gathering space for generations to come.

The Legacy of William Hawrelak

As the gates reopen, we look back at the park’s namesake. William Hawrelak served as Edmonton’s mayor for three separate terms between 1951 and 1975. A polarizing yet undeniably influential "builder" mayor, Hawrelak oversaw the city's massive post-war expansion. While his career was marked by both significant controversy and populist success, his most enduring legacy was preserving this 136-acre site—originally called Mayfair Park—as a public green space. In 1975, it was renamed in his honour, cementing its status as the "living room" of Edmonton’s River Valley.

What’s New at the Park?

The rehabilitation addressed critical utility and facility infrastructure while introducing several exciting upgrades for visitors to enjoy:

  • Lakefront Promenade: A beautiful new way to experience the water’s edge.

  • Modernized Pavilion: Updated facilities and refreshed gathering spaces.

  • Enhanced Accessibility: Fully paved perimeter paths and multi-use trails designed for people of all ages and abilities.

  • New Playground: Upgraded equipment for families to explore.

  • Year-Round Recreation: Improved spaces for walking, biking, snowshoeing, and winter picnics.

Key Dates to Remember

  • March 13, 2026: Park officially reopens for casual use (walking, biking, picnics).

  • May 30, 2026: Grand Opening Celebration for the Rehabilitation Project.

  • June 1, 2026: Picnic site bookings and major festivals/events officially return.

While the park will be open starting in mid-March, visitors may notice some minor "finishing touch" work and commissioning activities as crews finalize the project. We look forward to seeing the community return to this cherished green space!

February in the RV: Community, Conservation, and Connection

Join Edmonton's Winter Bike to Work Day on Friday, February 13: Hit free pop-up pit stops (7-9 AM, 3:30-5:30 PM) along river valley routes like Groat Bridge and High Level, hosted by Councillors Stevenson, Rutherford, and others—warm drinks, treats, no registration needed. For more information, head to: Winter Bike to Work Day 

Discover how plants endure Edmonton's harsh winters and detect spring at the Edmonton Native Plant Society's guided walk—exploring adaptations like antifreeze sugars and dormancy in river valley species. Join on Sunday, February 15, 12–2 PM at Emily Murphy Park. For more information and to register, visit the ENPS website at enps.ca 

Join the River Valley Alliance's Community Engagement Committee (CEC) for a relaxed February CEC Winter Walk through Laurier Park on Saturday, February 21, from 1:00–3:00 PM—a 5 km mostly flat loop. Dress for the weather and consider ice cleats/spikes if the trails are icy. For more information and to register, go to: rivervalley.ab.ca/events/february-cec-walk-through-laurier-park/ 

Join New Grocery Movement at Earth’s Refillery Co-op on February 26 for a donation-based screening of Anna Kuelken’s documentary Insecure, followed by a panel discussion on food inequality in Edmonton. Doors open at 6:00 PM for this community-centred event exploring how local collective action can transform vulnerable food systems. NGM presents: Insecure, a documentary film screening on food security in Edmonton 

Photo credit: birdscanada.org 
The CMMN and the Flight of Northern Alberta’s Birds

The Canadian Migration Monitoring Network (CMMN) is a collaborative effort between bird observatories, Birds Canada, and the government to track the population trends and health of over 200 bird species. By conducting standardized daily counts during migration, the network provides essential data on species that are difficult to monitor in their remote northern breeding grounds.

In Northern Alberta, two key stations play a vital role in this research: the Lesser Slave Lake Bird Observatory (LSLBO) and the Beaverhill Bird Observatory (BBO). LSLBO, located within the Lesser Slave Lake Provincial Park, is the northernmost station in the network and serves as a critical monitoring point for boreal-nesting songbirds as they funnel through the narrow corridor between the lake and the Marten Mountains.

Further south but still integral to northern monitoring, the Beaverhill Bird Observatory near Tofield is the oldest research station in Canada. It focuses on the diverse bird populations moving through the Beaverhill Natural Area, a designated Important Bird Area. Both stations offer unique opportunities for the public to witness bird banding firsthand, providing a window into the complex migratory journeys that connect Alberta’s wilderness to the rest of the hemisphere.

Photo credit: Emmanuel Pocsidio Facebook
The Rosy Red Winter Visitor

The Pine Grosbeak is a standout winter visitor in Edmonton, easily recognized by its large, robin-sized frame and the striking rosy red plumage of the mature males. These birds are members of the finch family and are considered an "irruptive" species, meaning they travel in small, social groups based on the availability of food sources like spruce-fir forest seeds and berries.

In backyards, Pine Grosbeaks are known for their calm demeanour and frequent visits to feeders to eat sunflower seeds and suet. They require larger hopper or platform feeders to accommodate their size and are often seen eating snow for hydration during the colder months. Despite being a common sight in Alberta winters, their populations have seen a significant decline of approximately 70% since 1966, making every backyard sighting a special event. Fun Facts about Pine Grosbeaks 

Feedback - Plastic Pollution Concerns: Brushing vs. Blading

https://albertaviews.ca/plastic-blues/  

Hello. I am from Nanton, where I undertook a campaign to stop the town from using the plastic bristle sweeper on our pathways, streets and sidewalks. My article "Plastic Blues," Alberta Views, December, 2023, was shortlisted for an Alberta Magazine Award, 2024. It illustrates how difficult it is to get these polluting machines off the streets, despite petitioning every level of government multiple times, despite the consequences to the environment. 

You will be pleased to learn, it was worth my persistence. I spent four years walking the entire town, collecting kilograms of these sticks (each of which weighs almost nothing), during all seasons, since they don’t magically disappear, making presentations to Town Council, writing letters and this article…Finally, the Town of Nanton stopped using the bristle machines The Mayor quietly told me, “It was the right thing to do.” Private contractors still use the small sweepers, but I only occasionally find one or two orange sticks. On the big sweepers, they fall off in clumps. They are attached to the steel roller with hot glue. Makes sense in cold weather, right? I heard every excuse under the sun as to why the machines were necessary, but suddenly I noticed fewer bristles needing to be collected and thrown in the trash, as they cannot be recycled. Now I spend my time enjoying the pathways, rather than picking up sticks. 

As we all know, plastics do not break down in the environment but rather persist as microplastic which has now been found in breastmilk and in human heart. There is no reason to use these machines. What did they do previously, to clean the bridges? That was my question in our town, and it’s been answered: return to blades. Keep insisting and don’t give up.

Lise 

Nanton, Alberta

The River
Artists: Carla Rae Taylor, AJA Louden, Dana Belcourt, Matthew Cardinal, and community collaborators
Location: University LRT Station (near HUB Mall)

Spanning seven landings of the stairwell, “The River” is a vibrant mural that flows through the University LRT station, honouring the local landscape and its animal inhabitants. Created during iWeek 2018 with community input, the piece transforms a functional transit space into a welcoming corridor that celebrates the rich history and ecological spirit of the North Saskatchewan River.

Comment or Contributions

Please note that 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. 5/26

Photo credit: CTV News Edmonton
Plastic Pollution Concerns: Brushing vs. Blading

The Edmonton River Valley Conservation Coalition (ERVCC) is raising alarms over plastic pollution caused by city snow-clearing equipment. Chair Kristine Kowalchuk reports that volunteers collected 430 blue plastic bristles on the Tawatinâ Bridge this month alone, part of a staggering 16,618 bristles and thousands of wire fragments gathered by the group since 2019. These materials often end up in the North Saskatchewan River, contributing to microplastic contamination that harms local fish, birds, and wildlife.

To mitigate the environmental impact, the ERVCC is advocating for the city to swap mechanical brushes for traditional blades on bridges. However, Ward Métis Councillor Ashley Salvador noted that the Tawatinâ Bridge’s specific surface coating may not withstand metal blades. While the city maintains that operators are trained to sweep away from bridge edges and perform spring cleanups, conservationists argue that current measures are failing to keep these persistent pollutants out of the river ecosystem.

Snow-brush bristle debris concerns city environmental group 

Call for Artists: Valley Line West LRT Canopy Art

As construction for the Valley Line West LRT remains on schedule for an anticipated 2028 completion, the project is shifting focus from major roadwork to the installation of tracks and street-level station infrastructure designed to reduce Edmonton's annual greenhouse gas emissions by over 5,000 metric tons. 

To further integrate this sustainable transit corridor into the urban fabric, the Edmonton Arts Council is commissioning six artists or teams to design permanent canopy artwork for the Glenora, Grovenor/142 Street, Jasper Place, Meadowlark, Aldergrove/Belmead, and Lewis Farms stops. 

Canadian residents are invited to submit their qualifications by February 25, 2026, to compete for an all-inclusive $110,000 budget per location, with a focus on professional experience and community engagement rather than immediate design concepts. These final installations must meet a strict 500-pound weight limit and be engineered to withstand Edmonton's extreme weather, ensuring that the "ribbon of green" is enhanced by art that reflects the unique character of each local neighbourhood.

https://www.edmontonarts.ca/calls-funding/calls-to-artists/public-art-call-valley-line-west-lrt-canopies 

Photo credit: City of Edmonton Archives
A Nostalgic Landmark: The Starlite Drive-In

Long before the tracks of the Valley Line West LRT began to take shape, the corner of 156 Street and 87 Avenue was the site of a different kind of transit-focused entertainment. In June 1949, the Starlite Drive-In Theatre opened its gates as the first facility of its kind in the Edmonton region. Located in the then-independent town of Jasper Place, the Starlite was a $160,000 marvel featuring a massive 50-foot screen and room for 650 cars. It became a community cornerstone where families could enjoy hits like Time, The Place, and The Girl from the comfort of their own vehicles—a luxury that bypassed Edmonton’s stricter early-closing bylaws of the time.

The era of the "outdoor cinema" defined local nightlife for decades, eventually making Edmonton the drive-in capital of Canada with nine active locations by the 1970s. However, the Starlite’s run ended on June 22, 1971, when it was demolished to make way for the Whitehall Square apartment complex.

The Starlite Drive-In Theatre in Jasper Place – Edmonton City as Museum Project ECAMP 

Photo credit: citymuseumedmonton.ca
Pioneers of the Prairies: Alberta’s Early Black Settlers

In the early 1900s, hundreds of Black families travelled north from the United States, primarily from Oklahoma, seeking refuge from the rise of Jim Crow laws and racial violence following Oklahoma’s statehood in 1907. Lured by the promise of 160-acre homesteads for just $10, these pioneers braved a gruelling journey across the border to establish new lives on the Canadian prairies. Upon arrival, they founded several vital rural communities, including Junkins (now Wildwood), Keystone (now Breton), and Campsie, where they built their own schools, churches, and sawmills. These settlers were not just farmers; they were entrepreneurs and community builders who transformed isolated northern landscapes into thriving hubs of cooperation and cultural resilience.

Despite their contributions, these early settlers faced significant systemic barriers and hostility from the Canadian government, which attempted to curb Black immigration through restrictive policies and public opposition. Nevertheless, the communities persisted, with many settlers becoming naturalized citizens and integral members of the Alberta fabric. In places like Breton, the Good Hope Baptist Church and Funnell School became centers of social life, while in Junkins, Black-owned companies set high standards in the local lumber industry. 

The most famous of these settlements was Amber Valley, originally known as Pine Creek, which grew to become the largest Black community in Western Canada. Founded in 1910 by nearly 300 settlers near Athabasca, the town was later renamed by local teacher Alice Cromwell, who was inspired by the golden hue of the autumn grain and falling leaves. Amber Valley became a vibrant cultural center, renowned for its legendary baseball team and a close-knit social fabric that centered around the Toles School. While many of the original buildings have since disappeared, the legacy of Amber Valley remains a powerful symbol of Black history in Alberta, representing the courage of those who carved a permanent home out of the northern wilderness.

LIVING PORTRAITS: Black Artists in Focus (Jan 31–Jun 16, 2026)

Discover "LIVING PORTRAITS", a new exhibition at Edmonton City Hall, honouring Black artists in Edmonton via five curved panels that evolve in three stages: LOOK (dignified portraits prompting reflection on public visibility), APPROACH (personal images revealing joy and creativity), and ENGAGE (AR audio where artists share their stories, neighbourhoods, and culture).

Curated by Darren Jordan with sculpture by Shoko Cesar, it aligns with the City of Edmonton's Anti-Black Racism Action Plan and Edmonton Arts Council—emphasizing relationships through attention, proximity, and listening over mere representation.

Comment or Contributions

Please note that 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