River Valley News - Mar 29/26

In This Issue:

  • The Rossdale Vision: A world-class central park or high-density urban housing?

  • Beaver Hills Growth: 65 hectares of vital "natural sponge" protected near Edmonton.

  • Trailblazing History: Trekking 309 kilometres of glacial ridges and river valleys.

  • Wildfire Ready: Free local workshops to help your neighbourhood handle emergencies.

Photo credit: City of Edmonton / CBC News
The Vision for a Central River Valley Park

In a recent Edmonton Journal opinion piece, long-time advocate Eric Gormley presented a bold vision for the historic Rossdale flats: the creation of a massive, world-class central park. Gormley argues that rather than fragmenting this precious area with high-density residential development, the City should seize the opportunity to establish a gathering place comparable to Vancouver’s Stanley Park or New York’s Central Park. This vision emphasizes the preservation of open space and the restoration of natural ecosystems, suggesting that a dedicated park would serve as a far greater long-term asset for Edmonton’s identity and tourism than a standard infill project.

By prioritizing public parkland over private housing, Gormley suggests the City could transform the decommissioned power plant and surrounding flats into a cultural and ecological hub. This approach would provide much-needed relief for a growing downtown population while protecting the unique historical character of the site. Instead of rushing into $15 million worth of infrastructure to support 2,600 new housing units, the argument is that these funds—and the land itself—should be reinvested into a cohesive, accessible green space that honors the river’s edge for all Edmontonians.

The Edmonton River Valley Conservation Coalition (ERVCC) echoed these concerns at the City’s Executive Committee meeting this past Thursday, March 26. Speaking against the proposal, the ERVCC highlighted the potential disruption of a vital wildlife corridor and the critical lack of meaningful Indigenous consultation. They specifically argued that building high-rises and concrete promenades on a former burial ground and active flood plain is both ecologically irresponsible and culturally insensitive. With the Committee's recommendation now moving toward a final vote at an upcoming City Council meeting, the ERVCC maintains that the priority must remain protecting the valley’s integrity rather than its conversion into a commercialized "concrete park."

Contact City Council Before the Final Vote

Photo credit: Sherwood Park News / Kasia Podilsky
65 Hectares Conserved in the Beaver Hills

Coinciding with the 10-year anniversary of the Beaver Hills Biosphere, the Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) has announced the conservation of the West Wanisan Lake property, located just 27 kilometers east of Edmonton. This 65-hectare project on the Cooking Lake Moraine acts as a vital "natural sponge," using its wetlands and forests to absorb spring melt and storm runoff. By holding water on the land and slowly recharging local aquifers, the site serves as essential infrastructure that helps the surrounding region withstand the increasing threats of both floods and droughts.

The property is a critical link in the wildlife "highway" that connects Elk Island National Park to the north and Miquelon Lake Provincial Park to the south. By protecting this stepping stone, the NCC ensures that wide-ranging species like moose and fisher can move safely through the landscape. The area is also a haven for migratory birds, including several species of concern like the western grebe and black-crowned night-heron. The presence of beavers on the land further enhances this resilience, as their dams naturally slow water flow and maintain wet habitats even during dry periods.

While the site is currently being prepared for public access, it will eventually offer Edmontonians a new way to connect with an internationally recognized UNESCO Biosphere in their own backyard. This project was made possible through a collaboration of donors and partners, including the Government of Canada and Cenovus Energy. Notably, the property protects a key segment of the Waskahegan Trail, a historic 309-kilometre hiking route that winds through the region's most scenic and ecologically significant landscapes.

Photo credit: Waskahegan Trail Association
A Legacy of Cooperation: The Waskahegan Trail Association

The Waskahegan Trail was conceived in 1967 as a visionary Canadian Centennial project, led by founder Fred Dorward and the Edmonton-Oil Capital Kiwanis Club. Inspired by Ontario’s Bruce Trail, Dorward’s goal was to create a "backcountry trail in your backyard" circling the Edmonton region. After two years of planning, the Waskahegan Trail Association (WTA) was officially incorporated in March 1969. The name Waskaheegan is the Plains Cree word for "house," honoring the area's history as a meeting place near the original Fort Edmonton trading post. Today, this 309-kilometre loop exists only because of a 55-year tradition of volunteer labor and the remarkable generosity of over 100 private landowners who allow the trail to cross their property.

The trail’s diverse path is a journey through the region's dramatic geological past, winding over the hummocky terrain of the Cooking Lake Moraine. This landscape was shaped over 10,000 years ago by the retreating Laurentide Ice Sheet, which left behind a complex "knob and kettle" topography of high ridges and deep, water-filled depressions. As the trail moves from these glacial uplands down into the deep-cut trenches of the North Saskatchewan and Battle River Valleys, hikers can see firsthand how post-glacial meltwater carved the massive valleys that define our geography today. By maintaining these connections across such varied terrain, the Association ensures the trail remains a functional and respected corridor for both wildlife and the local hiking community.

Save the Date: The WTA will hold its Annual General Meeting on Saturday, April 18, 2026, from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm at St. Thomas Anglican Church in Sherwood Park (4 Raven Drive). All are welcome to attend to learn about upcoming trail maintenance days and the association's long-term vision for the region.

Photo credit: FireSmart Alberta
Alberta’s Growing Need for Emergency Preparedness

The 2026 wildfire season officially began in Alberta on March 1. While recent spring snow has provided some relief, the city is monitoring the dry conditions that often follow the melt. For Edmontonians, this is the time to ensure backyard fire pits are FireSmart—clearing away dry debris from the surrounding area and ensuring your spark-arrestor screen is in good repair. While no permit is required for standard recreational fire pits, residents are encouraged to check the city’s status at Fire Bans | City of Edmonton before lighting up, as high winds or dry spells can lead to temporary local restrictions.

Preparedness is key to navigating the months ahead. Experts recommend that households take time now to review their emergency plans and assemble a "72-hour kit" containing essential supplies like water, non-perishable food, medications, and copies of important documents. For those living near forested areas or the river valley, implementing FireSmart principles—such as clearing dry debris from gutters and maintaining a 1.5-metre non-combustible zone around your home—can significantly reduce the risk of structural damage. By taking these small, proactive steps today, we can help protect our homes and our natural spaces throughout the season.

To support these efforts, the City of Edmonton and the Canadian Red Cross are hosting free Get Ready in the Neighbourhood workshops throughout 2026 to help residents build practical emergency skills. Recognizing that neighbours are often the first source of support during community-wide events, these sessions equip participants with the tools to create family emergency plans, prepare 72-hour kits, and strengthen local support networks. The 2026 program runs from March through October, with the next spring workshop scheduled for Thursday, April 9, from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Meadows Community Recreation Centre (2704 17 St. NW). Residents can register through Eventbrite or visit Keep Neighbouring: Helping Neighbours to Connect | City of Edmonton to see the full schedule and learn more about building resilient communities.

Installed in May 2018, Carbon Copy is a surrealist monument by artists Caitlind r.c. Brown and Wayne Garrett, that transforms a 1988 Plymouth Caravelle into a vertical "digital glitch." Located in Edmonton’s Brewery District, the sculpture serves as a witty, illuminated commentary on North American car culture and the intersection of the physical and digital worlds.

Photo credit: Michael Janz Facebook

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 - Mar. 19/26

In This Issue:

  • Water Reform vs. River Rights: The debate over basin mergers and the push for legal personhood.

  • Legal Literacy for Alberta: How the Environmental Laws 101 project is equipping the next generation of advocates. 

  • Edmonton’s Architectural Crossroads: Dan Rose’s "Arch Madness" and the fight for threatened landmarks.

  • The Return of the Snow Goose Festival: Witnessing the spectacular spring migration in Tofield. 

  • ArtBus returns March 21st: A free, all-ages tour of downtown galleries and artist-run centres via special ETS buses.

Photo credit: CBC News
Water Reform vs. River Rights

Alberta’s recent merger of the Peace-Slave and Athabasca river basins marks a significant shift toward prioritizing industrial efficiency over ecological boundaries. By reclassifying these distinct watersheds as a single administrative resource, the province has eased water transfers for oil and cattle operations, effectively treating complex biological systems as interchangeable infrastructure. This move has sparked intense pushback from conservationists who argue that such consolidation ignores the unique health and spiritual integrity of each river system.

In direct opposition to this industrial view, groups like Keepers of the Water are fighting to have the Athabasca River recognized as a legal person with its own inherent rights. They argue that while the government treats the river as a commodity to be diverted, it is actually a living ancestor that deserves the legal standing to protect its own flow. This conflict highlights two competing visions for Alberta’s future: one that manages water as a flexible economic asset, and another that defends it as a relative that must be shielded from industrial overreach.

To further this dialogue, Keepers of the Water will join the Mikisew Cree First Nation next week for a two-day gathering at the River Cree Resort & Casino. This vital conference focuses on the tar sands tailings crisis and the collective protection of our shared waterways through the lens of Indigenous rights and traditional knowledge. By bringing together leaders, legal experts, and land defenders, the event aims to advance meaningful solutions for the ecosystems that sustain us all.

Get your tickets here

Legal Literacy for Alberta’s Environmental Future

The Environmental Law Centre (ELC) and the Alberta Environmental Laws 101 project are working to demystify the province's complex regulatory landscape for students and the general public alike. This collaborative initiative provides foundational modules on everything from species at risk to energy law, empowering Albertans with the legal literacy needed to engage in environmental governance. By bridging the gap between high-level legislation and classroom learning, the project ensures that the next generation is equipped to navigate the laws that shape their province.

These educational tools are particularly vital as citizens grapple with the legal nuances of the Athabasca River’s potential personhood. The project’s resources on water law and environmental rights offer a framework for understanding how administrative changes, such as the recent merger of river basins, intersect with established legal protections. This knowledge transforms a dense bureaucratic process into a transparent topic for public debate and informed advocacy.

Ultimately, the Environmental Law 101 project ensures that Alberta’s "voiceless" entities—whether a historic landmark or a massive waterway—have a public well-informed enough to defend them. By making environmental law accessible, the ELC provides a starting point for those looking to move beyond surface-level discussions toward meaningful legal action. This proactive approach to education is the first step in ensuring that Alberta’s shared heritage and natural resources are managed with long-term integrity.

Photo Credit: Dan Rose
Edmonton’s Architectural Crossroads

The "Arch Madness" bracket, created by heritage advocate Dan Rose, highlights a mounting tension in Edmonton as sixteen historic landmarks face an uncertain future on the city’s metaphorical chopping block. This year’s "Most Threatened Edition" features iconic sites like the Princess Theatre and the old Royal Alberta Museum, which are currently caught in a debate over whether aging structures are essential pillars of identity or simply liabilities. By using a March Madness-style competition, Rose aims to make complex conservation conversations accessible, turning a "COVID foible" into a vital annual check-up on the city's soul.

Advocates argue that a failure to protect landmarks like the Rossdale Power Plant or Edmonton Power and Light Substation #100 represents a loss of the communal stories that anchor a region. There is a growing sense that without firm legal standing or proactive advocacy, the features that define our shared heritage can be quietly erased by administrative convenience or shifting economic priorities. The fight for these bricks and mortar reflects a desire to move beyond a disposable mindset toward a future of long-term preservation and adaptive reuse.

Ultimately, Rose’s bracket serves as a reminder that the integrity of our surroundings depends on the literacy and engagement of the people who inhabit them. Whether the subject is a storied facade or a vital natural resource, the tools for defence often lie in understanding the frameworks that govern our shared environment. By participating in these local debates, we decide which parts of our history remain for the next generation to inherit.

The Return of the Snow Goose Festival

The Snow Goose Festival returns to Tofield this April, inviting nature enthusiasts to witness the breathtaking spectacle of thousands of waterfowl descending upon Beaverhill Lake. This premier birdwatching event celebrates the spring migration with guided bus tours and naturalist-led hikes that offer a front-row seat to the massive "white waves" of geese filling the Alberta sky. It is a rare opportunity for families and photographers to experience the raw energy of one of North America's most significant migratory flyways.

Beyond the stunning views, the festival provides an educational deep dive into the delicate balance of wetland conservation and the importance of preserving these critical staging grounds. Attendees can engage with experts to learn about the environmental factors that sustain such a diverse range of species during their exhausting journey north. By fostering this connection to the land, the event highlights the essential role that local communities play in protecting the natural rhythms of the wild.

The weekend is more than just a wildlife viewing opportunity; it is a community-wide celebration featuring a trade show, banquets, and activities that highlight the charm of the Tofield region. Visitors can enjoy a full itinerary of outdoor exploration while supporting the conservation efforts that keep this annual tradition alive for future generations. As the geese continue their ancient trek, the festival stands as a vibrant tribute to the enduring beauty of the Alberta landscape.

ArtBus returns on March 21st, offering a free, all-ages tour of downtown Edmonton’s galleries and artist-run centres via special ETS buses. This one-day event invites you to hop on at any designated stop to experience local art, participate in hands-on activities, and shop from a diverse range of participating galleries.

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 - March 13/26

In This Issue

  • Winter’s Written Record: Tracking coyotes, deer, and owls in the valley snow.

  • The Elusive Red Fox: Secretive habits and the arrival of March litters.

  • A Tale of Two Bridges: Comparing Edmonton’s Clover Bar giant to Red Deer’s restored landmark.

  • RiverWatch EcoCamps: Hands-on science and rafting for youth this summer.

The Story Snow and Ice Tell in the RV

The North Saskatchewan River Valley and its tributary ravines are a high-traffic wildlife highway etched into the snows of winter. Along the valley’s multi-use trails, you will primarily encounter the purposeful, straight-line "registering" tracks of coyotes, where the hind paw lands directly in the front print to conserve energy. Near dense brush and willow thickets, look for the heart-shaped hooves of white-tailed deer and the massive, deep-sinking tracks of moose. In wooded sections, the distinctive "V" pattern of the snowshoe hare is common, featuring oversized hind feet that act as natural snowshoes, often accompanied by the winding "waddle" and tail-drag of a porcupine.

Beneath the surface lies the subnivean zone, a seasonal microhabitat where deer mice and voles navigate a network of tunnels for warmth. This hidden world is constantly monitored from above; predators like the Great Horned Owl use acute hearing to pinpoint movement under the crust. The most dramatic evidence of this is a "wing print"—a ghostly, fan-shaped dusting of feathers on the snow where an owl has dived to snatch a rodent. While less specialized, ravens also patrol these areas, opportunistically hunting mice that venture onto the snow's surface.

Survival also leaves a permanent mark on the valley’s vegetation. Young trembling aspens often show exposed white wood where snowshoe hares have nibbled bark at the snow line, while porcupines leave irregular patches much higher in the spruce canopy. At the river’s edge, the landscape changes with the ice; look for beaver slides, wide, smooth troughs in the snow where wood has been hauled to the water. In quieter backwaters, you may find muskrat "push-ups"—small, frozen mounds of mud and vegetation sitting atop the ice that serve as vital breathing holes and mid-river dining stations.

Photo credit: EALT website
The Clever but Elusive Red Fox

While the larger coyotes often dominate the open trails, the Red Fox is a more secretive resident of the North Saskatchewan River Valley. Generally shy and nervous by disposition, foxes prefer "edge" habitats where the dense forest of the ravines meets open clearings. Throughout the coldest months, they take shelter in thickets and heavy bush, relying on their acute hearing to hunt for mice moving deep beneath the snow crust.

As winter begins to break in March, the focus shifts toward the next generation. This is a pivotal month for Edmonton’s foxes, as it marks the arrival of their first litters. Vixens seek out dry, south-facing dens—often repurposed burrows on steep streambanks or hidden spots beneath fallen logs—to give birth to an average of five pups. During these early weeks, the male fox is a dedicated provider, hunting the river valley’s rodents to bring food back to the vixen while she keeps the pups warm against the lingering spring chill.

Photo credit: City of Red Deer / Strathcona County / Lina Elsaadi 
A Tale of Two Century-Old Bridges

While the North Saskatchewan River Valley is defined by its natural beauty, part of its more recent history is anchored by the massive steel structures that first connected Alberta to the world. Two bridges, built just a year apart at the dawn of the 20th century, currently showcase two very different ways we preserve our industrial heritage.

In East Edmonton, the Clover Bar Rail Bridge (or Beverly Bridge) remains a towering, active giant. Standing 42 meters high, this 504-meter-long iron truss system was completed in 1908 by the Grand Trunk Pacific Railway. It is a rare example of a "Golden Age" structure that is still in heavy use today, carrying modern trains on the same concrete piers laid down in 1907.

To the south, a contemporary of the Clover Bar bridge recently made headlines for its survival. The historic Red Deer CPR Bridge, also built in 1908, was the subject of a massive $22.3-million restoration. In a "landmark lift," three cranes hoisted the 118-year-old steel trusses onto new foundations to save them from demolition. While Edmonton’s bridge continues its original industrial mission, Red Deer’s has been reborn as a pedestrian landmark.

Both structures represent an era of bold engineering. Whether still hauling freight or serving as a walkway, these steel giants are "human tracks"—permanent marks of history etched into the landscape of our river valleys.

Photo credit: RiverWatch website
Adventure with Purpose: RiverWatch Summer EcoCamps

For youth looking to trade screen time for river time, RiverWatch is launching its first-ever Summer Science EcoCamps in the North Saskatchewan River Valley. Designed for ages 12–14, these immersive five-day programs transform participants into "Junior River Guides." Campers spend three days navigating the river in professional rafts and two days exploring the hidden ecosystems of the valley's creeks and shorelines. Guided by certified professionals, the experience blends high-energy outdoor adventure with meaningful environmental stewardship.

The curriculum goes beyond traditional camp games, focusing on "science in action." Using authentic scientific tools, campers test water quality and study how the city's urban infrastructure impacts the health of the river. Because only two week-long sessions are planned for Edmonton this summer, spots are extremely limited. Public registration opens on April 13, 2026, but families can join a priority waitlist now to gain early access and ensure they don't miss out on this unique opportunity to connect with our city's waterway.

Peggy & Balmer

Join filmmaker Tom Radford at Bison Lodge on Tuesday, March 31 (6:30–8:30 PM) for an evening exploring his latest work, Alberta at the Edge of History. This Edmonton & District Historical Society event dives into local heritage through Radford's new book and documentary. 

Get your tickets here

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