Edmonton finally undertaking ecological thinking
A recent opinion piece in the Edmonton Journal states our city just got a whole lot healthier. City council approved two policies that were long overdue: ending the aerial spraying of wetlands around the city which we’d been spending over half a million dollars a year on during a global biodiversity crisis and committing to a 2023 cosmetic pesticide ban preventing the non-essential use of pesticides.
Over 180 cities across Canada already have cosmetic pesticide bans, some for over 20 years. Edmonton, however, continued to allow pesticides linked to cancer and other diseases, especially in children. A 2017 city audit found that between 2010 and 2016, city pesticide use more than doubled.
Pesticide use occurs even in the river valley, despite the fact it is a high-use, ecologically sensitive area, and despite the fact pesticides should not be used next to rivers. Kudos to city council for saying “no more.”
The pathway is clear. Stop spraying and start protecting nature. Restore wetlands for dragonflies. These are possibilities our city can now embrace. It was a major win that Edmonton is finally joining other cities in undertaking ecological thinking. Read complete opinion piece at https://edmontonjournal.com/opinion/columnists/opinion-edmonton-finally-undertaking-ecological-thinking
River valley pine a small community shrine for any occasion
Have you noticed the perfectly shaped pine tree in a small clearing between the Fort Edmonton Footbridge and the Terwillegar Park Footbridge? It’s close to the path and is noticeable because, for the past year and a half, somebody has thematically decorated it each month.
“It’s so perfectly situated and so lonely,” says Angela Moore, who lives in Rhatigan Ridge and walks or bikes the path pretty much every day. In late November 2020, on a whim, she decided to decorate it for Christmas. “It took off from there,” she says.
Moore cleared it with the City of Edmonton employee who empties the garbage cans in the area, who simply asked that no tinsel be used and that things be well-attached, so they don’t blow away. Moore and two of her friends make a point of taking decorations down after the occasion has passed and keeping the area clean.
It has featured hearts for Valentine’s Day, a leprechaun on St. Patrick’s Day and the colours of the Edmonton Oilers for their short-lived playoff run in 2021. Mother's Day tree last year was probably the most populated,” Moore says. “Every branch was full with about 200 messages. That one really filled my heart.” More at https://www.riverbendonline.ca/Ragg-Times/RRT-March-2022.pdf
Do you know about Gold Bar Park Natural Spring
I have not seen it, but in Gold Bar Park coming out of the side of the hill, there is a natural spring. Bruce Cinnamon writes “When I was little, my grandparents who lived in Capilano, across 50 street would bring me for walks through the woods, culminating in this splendid water source. I remember people bringing 4L milk jugs to fill up with water. I'm sure the city would put it under a boil advisory, but we drank straight from a tin cup filled up at the pipe which sticks out of the hill.”
Allie says, “I grew up in Gold Bar and back in the day, some 45 years ago, we called it the trough.” Frank remembers “I was told the spring, as kids we called it the trough, was used by Gold Bar Farm to water animals. There are remnants of the trough near where the spring comes out.”
Many people in the link think it would be great to get it tested. To know it is safe would be great. It would be a nice spot to stop on hot summer days when on a walk. Read more at https://www.edmontonmapsheritage.ca/location/gold-bar-natural-spring/
Thanks
Jeanna writes “Really enjoying this newsletter. We live just above the river valley. This is a new addition in our household.”
Comment or contribution
Please note that articles may not reflect the position of NSRVCS. River Valley News is meant to be a clearinghouse for the wide variety of opinions and ideas about Edmonton’s River Valley.
If you have a comment, concern, or question, contact us at nsrivervalley@gmail.com Please email us river valley photos or event information. Your friends, neighbours and colleagues can sign up for this newsletter on our web site https://www.edmontonrivervalley.org/
Sincerely yours,
Harvey Voogd
North Saskatchewan River Valley Conservation Society
780.691.1712