Let’s rethink Hawrelak Park plan
At its Jan 31 meeting, Council passed a motion “That Administration provide a report to committee with lessons learned on changes to the scope of the environmental impact on mature trees and share the plan for tree management for the William Hawrelak Park Rehabilitation project.”
That same day, an opinion piece in the Edmonton Journal argued the public should have the opportunity to respond to recent news that the Hawrelak Park rehabilitation project proposes to cut down 220 trees. The authors stated if a park project requires the cutting of 220 trees, then there’s a problem with that project and it should not proceed.
According to Kristine Kowalchuk and Lloyd Cardinal, the tree-cutting plan was not included in the project’s environmental impact assessment (EIA) that city council approved in spring 2022. The park is scheduled for closure on March 13, and the tree cutting would begin shortly thereafter.
There is also concern that the city’s Indigenous Relations Office “confirmed that targeted engagement with Indigenous communities would not be required given that the park is a developed, manicured park with limited natural areas.”
In other words, since Hawrelak Park is not “wild,” no Indigenous engagement was required. How is this acceptable when the entire river valley is an important cultural area? The EIA itself notes that the area has a “high potential to contain a historic resource.” Opinion piece at https://edmontonjournal.com/opinion/columnists/opinion-lets-reconsider-hawrelak-park-construction-project
Elegant railway station heralded YEG’s connection to the world
In 1905, the Canadian Northern Railway (CNoR) reached Edmonton just as Alberta became a province. The rail line crossed the North Saskatchewan River at Fort Saskatchewan, coming into the city from the northeast, following the present-day LRT track to the new railway station on the northwest corner of First St and Mackenzie Ave, today’s 101 St & 104 Ave.
Edmontonians had been anticipating their own railway station since the first train steamed into Strathcona in 1891. Strathcona arose when the first railway north from Calgary terminated at the south riverbank, much to the chagrin of the town of Edmonton on the north side, and to the delight of southsiders who quickly formed a burgeoning rival community.
The CNoR station, completed at a cost of $35,000, was one of the largest stations west of Winnipeg. The red-brick and Tyndall stone structure became a picturesque Edmonton landmark. Under a veranda with projecting eaves, typical of the Prairie style of architecture, passengers found waiting rooms, ticket offices, baggage room, and stores. The second floor accommodated offices and the living quarters for the station agent.
Demand for rail service in Edmonton grew and in 1928 a new station was built. The 1905 station was then used for office space and a bunkhouse for trainmen, before it was demolished to make way for a modern freight terminal building in 1952. More photos https://www.edmontonsarchitecturalheritage.ca/index.cfm/structures/canadian-northern-railway-station-1905/
Scattering cremated remains permitted in YEG open waterways
(Mack Male Photo)
In 2019, the Province of Alberta announced it was no longer prohibiting the scattering of cremated remains in waterways. The City of Edmonton decided to align with the Province's decision and allow the scattering of cremated remains in open waterways. This includes the North Saskatchewan River as well as any creek and ravine.
This practice is open to everyone at no cost during park hours and is an opportunity for Edmontonians of all cultural heritages to honour their loved ones. Family members can be true to their cultural and spiritual heritage and honour their deceased family members without worrying about breaking the law.
For ceremonies with attendees of 50 or more, a permit must be obtained. Scatterings are only allowed from May to October due to safety around the North Saskatchewan River and ravines.
The North Saskatchewan River, ravines and creeks are the only open waterways within Edmonton boundaries, and the only place the public can scatter cremated remains in the city. Scattering in closed waterways like ponds and lakes in parks and stormwater ponds is not permitted. Information at https://www.edmonton.ca/activities_parks_recreation/parks_rivervalley/scattering-cremated-remains-in-waterways
Paskwamostos by Joe Fafard, Lookout deck on the south side of the Edmonton Convention Centre
https://www.edmontonpublicart.ca/#!/details/81
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. Email river valley photos, event information, comments, or questions to nsrivervalley@gmail.com
Sincerely yours,
Harvey Voogd
North Saskatchewan River Valley Conservation Society
780.691.1712