River Valley News - June 26/25

Edmonton’s River Valley has never seen a damp squib!

City of Edmonton photo

Every year, on July 1st, folks can enjoy magnificent fireworks over Edmonton’s River Valley parks and the North Saskatchewan River. For many Edmontonians, summer isn’t quite complete without these spectacular pyrotechnics. Did you know that the birth of fireworks can be traced back to 7th century China?

Indeed, there is further evidence that primitive Chinese firecrackers date back as far as 200BC. It is thought that a Chinese cook accidentally invented gunpowder by mixing three common kitchen ingredients! Today, it is estimated that China produces around 90% of the world’s fireworks.

Although fireworks were probably used in the UK from the late 13th century onwards, they didn’t become popular until at least 200 years later. The first documented use of fireworks in the UK is at the wedding of King Henry VII and Elizabeth of York, in 1486.

Nowadays, fireworks have also trickled into our everyday vernacular. For instance, we use the expression “damp squib”(commonly misquoted as “damp squid”)  to describe a disappointing event that is not as exciting or impressive as expected. But a squib is literally a miniature explosive device, or form of firework, usually cylindrical in shape and with a paper fuse at one end, which fails to ignite if it gets wet.  https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/4gGSvzclrSpt07tRzhrmykB/eight-fizzling-facts-about-fireworks

YEG hosts North American climbing competition for the first time in RV

Lena Drapella & IFSC photo

Last weekend, rock climbers across North America gathered in Edmonton for the 2025 North American Cup Series. It was the city’s first time hosting the competition, and it was held at Louise McKinney Park. 

Adam Luciuk, one of the event organizers for the competition, told CTV News Edmonton how the competition could open doors for more sporting events to come to Canada. “We’re excited to be able to help build the sport in Canada and in North America,” said Luciuk on Friday.

“With it being the first year, we wanted to showcase everything that Edmonton has to offer and give a good experience for the athletes, as well as the people who are traveling from all over to come here and compete.” According to Luciuk, there were around 75 competitors and more than 100 volunteers and staff at this year’s event.

Hannah Breen, a young climber from Colorado, said Edmonton’s set up made for “a really cool climb.” “I did a bunch of technical things and some heel hooks. A lot of the holes are pretty good, better than I expected and the last move was fun to jump,” Breen told CTV News Edmonton. https://www.ctvnews.ca/edmonton/article/edmonton-hosts-north-american-climbing-competition-for-first-time/

Have a say in how Edmonton mitigates wildfire risk

Rod Maldaner photo

Fires in the Wildland-Urban Interface are now one of the leading causes of natural disaster losses in Canada, and the impact that they are having on communities is increasing. The City of Edmonton is creating a plan to manage the risk of wildfire in areas where urban developments meet undeveloped vegetation areas - the wildland-urban interface.

The Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) Wildfire Risk Strategy will proactively address the increasing threat of wildfires in urban areas due to climate change and expanding urban development. A long-term strategy would prioritize reducing the potential of physical and economic losses from wildfires, protecting people, property and the environment.

The City invites Edmontonians to share feedback on ways to mitigate wildfire risk, including vegetation management, public education and land-use planning. Visit https://engaged.edmonton.ca/WildfireStrategy  to participate until July 21.

RVA’s meditation nature walk is just what your soul needs this summer

On Saturday, July 5 from 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM, join the River Valley Alliance (RVA) for a peaceful morning in the river valley on their next Community Engagement Committee (CEC) Walk. During this walk, folks will get a chance to explore the beautiful RVA trails between Lamoureux and Fort Saskatchewan.

This 5 km round-trip walk (2.5 km each way) follows even terrain, with a mix of pavement and gravel—making it accessible for most abilities. You’ll begin in Lamoureux, walk across the scenic pedestrian bridge, and connect to Heritage Park Trail in Fort Saskatchewan.

Along the way, Maryann will share insights into the local ecology and native plant life, helping folks deepen their connection to the land. Once everyone reaches the pond, Amanda will guide you through a meditation practice focusing on breath, mindfulness, and the restorative power of time in nature. 

More information and registration here https://mailchi.mp/rivervalley/this-weeks-highlights-17354292?e=d85c7df243

Parade I, Alberta Wildlife by Gabe Wong, Meadows Transit Centre https://www.edmontonarts.ca/public-art/parade-i-alberta-wildlife  

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 19/25

20,000 hour streetcar restoration breathes life into treasured antiques

Mark Burton photo

Fort Edmonton Park, which is nestled along the river valley, is dedicated to preserving the history of Alberta’s capital through numerous displays and historical streets. Very recently, the park added two fully restored train cars from Regina and Saskatoon.

In the early years of Regina, residents would get around using an old electric streetcar system. A network of streetcar railway tracks were built around the city for residents to hop on and get to stores, theatres, and events downtown. 

The #42 streetcar that ran down Broad Street to 13th Ave has recently found a new lease on life thanks to the Edmonton Railway Society. “Regina 42” was a streetcar built in 1928 and ran for several years throughout the Queen City.

It ran until it nearly perished in a fire in 1947 after the carbarn went up in flames. Workers have fully restored the street car with new red paint and the help of original manufacturer blueprints and photos.

The Park was also able to restore a snow sweeper and 1907 line car streetcar from Saskatoon, affectionately nicknamed the “Saskatoon 200.” This car ran until 1951 before being decommissioned.  

It’s estimated to have taken over 20,000 hours to restore both these streetcars by volunteers. Thanks to these two fully restored train cars from Regina and Saskatoon, Fort Edmonton Park now has a total of 10 antique units. https://edmonton.taproot.news/pulse/2025/06/12 

Roses, secrecy, silence and love have always been inseparable

Walter Siegmund photo

You probably already know that the Alberta Wild Rose is native to the Edmonton river valley. That being said, have you ever been curious as to the mythological origin and symbolisms of roses? 

Indeed, the rose that grows in many different forms in gardens all over the world today is an evolution of rose-like plants that lived in the northern hemisphere between 33 million and 23 million years ago. 

According to Greek mythology, the goddess of flowers, Chloris, created a new flower by breathing life into a woodland nymph who had died. Dionysus, the god of wine and plant life, gave it a beautiful perfume. And Aphrodite, the goddess of beauty and pleasure, gave the rose its name by rearranging the letters of Eros, her son and the god of love and desire. 

Eros later gave a rose to Harpocrates, the god of silence, as a bribe to ensure he kept the indiscretions of the gods to himself. Hence, the rose became symbolic of secrecy, silence, and love. 

The association with secrecy led to the rose becoming a visual symbol of the need for discretion. Roses were carved into the ceilings and walls of public rooms in grand houses, courtrooms, and Catholic confessionals as a reminder that all conversations should be kept confidential. 

From the Middle Ages, a rose was often suspended from the ceiling of a government council chamber to ensure the secrecy of proceedings. Therefore, sub rosa ("under the rose") became a quasi-legal term still in use to denote something that is best kept under wraps. https://www.worldhistory.org/article/2264/a-brief-history-of-the-rose/ 

EALT hosting a Bioblitz near the NSR on Sunday June 22

A newly secured land is in need of some assistance! This parcel of land lies along the bank of the North Saskatchewan River, upstream from Big Island Provincial Park in an Environmentally Significant Area. 

You can join the EALT for a Bioblitz with professionals to discover all of the native species that call this land home. This event will take place on Sunday, June 22nd, from 9:30 am - 2:30 pm. It involves manual weeding, which includes bending, kneeling, and using hand tools to trim plants. It will also involve up to 2 km of walking, over flat terrain with uneven footing.

Over the next few years, the EALT aims to restore the environmental health of the area, which includes invasive plant management and a variety of other restoration efforts. Those who sign up will be sent the exact location days in advance of the event. It is close to Bunchberry Meadows, and takes roughly 40 minutes to get there from west Edmonton.

Learn more and register here https://mailchi.mp/ealt/february-volunteer-opportunities-bkk9jb42s0-17459672?e=b41643f9be 

From Skunk Hollow by Leanne Schnierer https://leannesfineart.com/cityscapes/ 

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 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