Solar power plant hearing to continue for a 3rd day
The debate over Epcor’s controversial proposed solar power plant in the river valley will continue for a third day on October 19. If you are concerned, send your comments to City Council before 1.30 pm next Monday at council@edmonton.ca
Our society believes Epcor’s proposal is an unnecessary industrialization of the river valley. Council transferred these lands adjacent to the E.L. Smith water treatment plant to Epcor, when it created the company, to ensure space for expansion of the water plant when necessary. Until that day arrives, no other industrial use should be permitted.
The location may be financially good for Epcor, but its rezoning would come at a high cost for citizens and the river valley. Edmonton has one river valley and as the city grows from 1 to 2 million, its value as a Ribbon of Green for natural areas, recreation, wildlife, trees, and plants will only grow.
This location should not be deemed essential for a solar power plant. The sun does not shine brighter here and there is no shortage of land elsewhere for such a project.
Calgary promotes its proximity to the Rocky Mountains to attract and retain talent. It is time Edmonton did the same thing regarding the river valley. The Ribbon of Green is our equivalent to the Rockies, our strongest differentiating feature. We should protect this feature, not unnecessarily industrialize it.
If you think of our river valley as a Ribbon of Green and as a sacred trust, gifted to us to respect, honour, and protect for ourselves and future generations then this proposal makes no sense. The river valley is close to the hearts of Edmontonians, who value its natural beauty and the opportunity to enjoy it. Read more at https://edmontonjournal.com/news/local-news/edmonton-city-council-decides-on-e-l-smith-river-valley-solar-farm
Decaying Mill Creek ravine pedestrian bridges to be replaced
Eleven decaying pedestrian bridges in the Mill Creek Ravine will be replaced next year. The roughly $3.55-million project was approved on Tuesday during city council’s urban planning committee.
A report by the City of Edmonton found the pedestrian bridges between 34 Street and 50 Street have deteriorated beyond the point of maintenance and need to be replaced. The bridges are part of a popular pathway system often used by cyclists, dog walkers and others for recreational use in Mill Woods.
Daniel Tyrkalo, a frequent user of the trails in Mill Creek, said he supported the city’s plan to replace the bridges if it was needed. The 34-year-old runner said he hopes the new bridges match the scenery in Mill Creek.
“I think there needs to be some consultation in the community to know just what these bridges will look like in the end so we don’t end up with (a) concrete jungle,” he said. “That’s not what our neighbourhood is about. Obviously, they’re trying to build stuff that’ll last years to come but making sure that our character in the ravine is maintained.” Learn more at https://edmontonjournal.com/news/local-news/urban-planning-committee-3
Devon battery creek trail open
This new 1.5km trail begins near the Devon Lions campground and is flat and gravel, though if you begin at the campground there is a hill to the top-of-bank. Dogs on-leash and bikes are allowed.
This section of river valley in Devon offers stunning views of the North Saskatchewan River. Since the trail sits at the top-of-bank, you have an elevated view of the cliffs below. Battery Creek Trail may even have the best vistas in the whole river valley park system!
This newly opened section of trail begins at the trailhead and follows along the river for approximately 1.5km until it ultimately ends at Rabbit Hill Ravine. You can carry on all the way to the ravine or turn around at any point along the trail and return to the parking lot. Directions and information at https://rivervalley.ab.ca/news/trailtrek-how-to-devon-battery-creek-trail/
River valley society seeking board members
The River Valley Alliance has 3 openings for Directors-at-Large for the 2021-2023 term. RVA is a non-profit corporation overseen by a volunteer Board of Directors with a vision to connect metro Edmonton’s river valley from Devon to Fort Saskatchewan. The board is made up of 8 elected Councillors from its municipal shareholders and 8 Directors-at-Large.
RVA strives for a diverse board with a variety of skill sets that represents all its communities, so encourages all nominations. A board member must be a resident of one of the six municipal shareholders: Parkland County, Town of Devon, City of Edmonton, Strathcona County, City of Fort Saskatchewan, Sturgeon County.
Board members represent the RVA to its shareholders, federal and provincial governments, and other stakeholders to maintain positive and productive relationships. They are also asked to volunteer for, and participate in, events and activities that promote and showcase the RVA and the trail system to the public and/or stakeholders. Applications will be received up to October 23. Apply at https://rivervalley.ab.ca/get-involved/board-of-directors/
Newsletter sign up and contributions
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If you have a photo, news, an event, volunteer or employment opportunity involving Edmonton’s river valley and would like to see it in this newsletter, please email the material to nsrivervalley@gmail.com
Sincerely yours,
Harvey Voogd
North Saskatchewan River Valley Conservation Society
780.691.1712
nsrivervalley@gmail.com
https://www.facebook.com/NSRVCS/
http://www.edmontonrivervalley.org/