River Valley News - Jan 23/25

Little cat’s eye an endangered species in Alberta

Silas Fischer photo

Tiny Cryptanthe is an annual vascular plant with small white flowers and long hairy leaves. To many, Tiny Cryptanthe are also known as Little Cat’s eye because their small white flowers have a yellow “eye” in the centre. The plant is very small, only growing up to 15 cm at most. During their one-year life span, they spend most of their time as a seed.

In Alberta, this small plant grows in dry, sandy areas such as the grasslands and the prairies. Tiny Cryptanthe are also often found in river valleys, specifically in the sandy banks far above the water level. In Canada, the plant’s status is “threatened”, while in Alberta, it is classified as “endangered”.

Tiny Cryptanthe and its habitat are mainly impacted by climate change. This plant is adapted to deal with some degree of variability, but if there is too much disturbance in areas where it would naturally grow, this has a significant effect on the population. To learn more about the Tiny Cryptanthe and other endangered species in Alberta, visit this think: https://www.ealt.ca/identification-guides

EPS starts the final stages of dismantling Fulton Creek encampment

Edmonton Police Service photo

Last week, the Edmonton Police Service and City of Edmonton park rangers began the final stages of dismantling an elaborate encampment near Fulton Creek in southeast Edmonton. This encampment was discovered in October of 2024 and included amenities like solar panels, portable generators, running water from makeshift dams, a laundry machine, a coffeemaker and a working refrigerator.

Police said five people had been living in the camp that was disguised with leaves, branches, and black-coloured tarp. Police video footage of the encampment showed shotgun shells, knives, machetes, and what appeared to be an automatic firearm as well as about $8,000 worth of stolen goods. Twenty violation tickets were written, and 10 warrants were executed when the encampment was closed down, police say.

“When we begin the process of dismantling encampments, it’s important to note that these are active construction zones,” said police Sgt. Chris McFarlane, who asked the public to stay away from the site. “In addition to trespassing, there are serious risks associated with visiting these sites, regardless of their status, and we are asking members of the public to please stay away from them.” https://edmontonjournal.com/news/local-news/edmonton-police-fulton-creek-encampment

Edmontonians can now donate trees to the city

The Tree Donation program is a City of Edmonton initiative which works to preserve and expand the urban forest through partnerships with community groups and individual residents. Urban Forestry prioritizes the preservation of trees and will aim to transplant trees that citizens wish to donate.

Edmontonians interested in donating a privately-owned tree for transplant onto public property are invited to submit a tree donation proposal for review by an Urban Forester. Final approval and transplant will be given based on a specific set of guidelines and requirements.

The first step to donating a privately-owned tree for planting on public property is the submission of a proposal. Once the tree request is made, an Urban Forester will assess the feasibility of the privately-owned tree and site. If the proposal is approved, the Urban Forester will find a suitable park space nearby that could accommodate the donated tree. Once the tree is relocated, it will be entered into City inventory. https://www.edmonton.ca/residential_neighbourhoods/gardens_lawns_trees/trees_urban_forestry/tree-donation-program

Cross-country skiing for all levels at Goldbar Park on Sunday January 26

On Sunday January 26, 2025, embrace the winter season and join the River Valley Alliance for an afternoon of cross-country skiing! From 2:00pm to 4:00pm, folks can enjoy Goldbar Park’s diverse terrain, including flats, gentle ups and downs, and well-maintained tracks for both classic and skate skiing.

Here are a few things participants can expect. Firstly, everyone will meet at the north end of the Goldbar Park parking lot. To add, this event is perfect for newbies as there will be an instructor ready to teach the basics of cross-country skiing. That being said, experienced skiers are also welcome to join the event and enjoy the trails.

Important details include that participants must bring their own skis or rent them in advance. No rentals are available on-site. Some suggested rental shops are Sundance Ski & Board Shop, Out of Bounds, and Totem Outdoor Outfitters. Second, walking on the ski trails is not permitted. Finally, the event will be cancelled if the weather is either too cold or too warm for safe skiing conditions. Please check for updates closer to the event date.

Don’t miss a chance to hit the trails and enjoy the beaty of winter in Edmonton. Register at this link: https://rivervalley.ab.ca/events/january-cross-country-skiing-with-the-rva/

Hotel Selkirk

Ron wrote “The Selkirk was at the southwest corner of 101 Street and Jasper Avenue”

Steve says “Great story about the hotel. I love the toughest bouncers note where he uses the boxers! And thanks for the link about the bird voting.”

Contractor hired by the city responsible for killing 25 coyotes in 2024

Ivan (coyote lover) shares “It never ceases to amaze me how nasty humans (or their organizations) can be. Take the coyote cull. We encroach on coyote land (farmland, wetland) with our houses, apartment/condos, and strip malls, and then become irate when they seek out new homes that just happen, of all things, to be where we live. The audacity of the beasts. But why should we be surprised? Historically, a country has encroached (invaded) another country, and then complained when the original people have wanted a place to live and call their own. Wonder what the city plans to do when waterfowl starts looking for water within the city when the wetlands are gone?”

Bill voices “The coyotes referred to in your article were removed because they were investigated and flagged as habitual predators stalking and killing pets on private property; or because they were a direct threat to public safety. The majority of incidents are resolved by hazing the coyotes to condition them to be more respectful of people. There are breeding populations of coyotes in every residential community in the greater Edmonton area. There are plenty of information and educational sources for residents regarding urban coyotes. The reality is that most urban residents have no knowledge or capacity to deal with coyotes in any meaningful way. Coyotes are predators and at the top of the food chain in an urban setting. With no push back from larger predators like bears, wolves or cougars they will seek to dominate their environment in order to better exploit its resources. To maintain coexistence with a dominant predator means there must be diligent monitoring, investigation and push back on unacceptable behavior for the benefit of both people and coyotes. Most coyotes keep to themselves and are a benefit not a threat, and they will have no issue with municipal wildlife managers.”

Counterpoise by Carl Taçon, EPS Southwest https://www.edmontonarts.ca/public-art/counterpoise

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 - Jan 16/25

Hotel Selkirk, past employer of the toughest bartenders and bouncers

C.W. Mathers photo

When the Hotel Selkirk first opened as the Windsor Hotel in 1903, most thought it was doomed. The 40 room hotel was built on Jasper Avenue and 100 Street, which is now the centre of the city. But back in 1903, this was considered the edge of town, as it was several blocks west of what was then Edmonton’s core. However, as time went on Edmonton grew explosively, and it wasn’t long before the intersection where the Selkirk was located became the city’s busiest.

In 1911, Robert MacDonald purchased the Windsor Hotel and immediately started extensive renovations. When it reopened in 1913, MacDonald had expanded it to 100 rooms and changed its name to the Hotel Selkirk. It contained a massive dining room that, according to MacDonald, served up to 600 patrons each day. Johnson’s Café opened in the hotel in 1920 and quickly became a regular haunt for many Edmontonians.

The Mahogany Bar was also a big part of the hotel’s draw. The pub got its name from the mahogany wood used to craft a bar that was claimed to be the longest in the country. The pub also boasted likely the toughest bartenders and bouncers in the city. MacDonald had a side gig as a boxing promoter and often employed his fighters at the bar between fights or after retirement.

For half a century, the Selkirk continued to be one of Edmonton’s favourite spots. But in 1962, a fire tore through the building. Hundreds of people came out to watch the prestigious hotel burn. Despite the efforts of a reported 450 firefighters, the hotel was heavily damaged. It was torn down several months later. The Royal Bank Building now occupies the former site where the Selkirk once stood. Today, Hotel Selkirk lives on through a re-creation that stands in Fort Edmonton Park, which gives people a chance to see the hotel that helped shape Jasper Avenue. https://edmonton.taproot.news/briefs/2025/01/10/a-moment-in-history-jan-10-1916 

Contractor hired by the city responsible for killing 25 coyotes in 2024

Larry Wong photo

Edmonton Journal recently shared that in 2024, 25 coyotes were killed by an independent contractor hired through the city. The article also showcases that 100 more coyote sightings were reported by the public last year than in 2023, but the vast majority of encounters were not aggressive.

The city tries to avoid killing wildlife by adopting a few strategies. This includes helping coyotes learn to stay away from people by “hazing” or scaring them off by yelling or clapping. It also means teaching people to remove any food sources and fill holes that could be used for dens on their properties and keeping dogs on leash. Launching plastic bullets, specifically inert pepper balls without the active itching ingredients, is the latest method available for Edmonton park rangers.

The Edmonton River Valley Conservation Coalition (ERVCC) had a few thoughts about the city hiring a contractor to kill coyotes. They share that coyotes belong on this land, especially in the river valley and its surrounding parks and neighbourhoods. They have an intrinsic right to be here, and they furthermore perform all kinds of important “ecosystem services” that we benefit from, including helping to control mouse populations. 

ERVCC believes that instead of hiring someone to kill coyotes, the city should be taking a lead in education and enforcement to manage ourselves better. The organization has long advocated for national parks-style garbage cans in the river valley, for a trap-neuter-release program to humanely bring down the out-of-control feral cat population (estimated at over 60,000), and for a review of the wildlife impacts of unenclosed off-leash dog parks in the river valley. https://mailchi.mp/1c7a2c4cbeff/what-you-need-to-know-for-february-16573726?e=efc4639c49

Chickadee, magpie and blue jay make top three finalists for Edmonton’s city bird

Gerald Romanchuk, Ethan Denton, Chris Rees photo

More than 300 bird species have been recorded in Edmonton. Some live here year-round, while others just visit when migrating to and from their breeding territory. Last year, the Edmonton Nature Club consulted hundreds of local naturalists and members of the public to see which of these birds should represent our city. 

Thousands of votes were cast in this first round, and the list has now been narrowed down to Edmonton’s top 3 choices. In no particular order, the three candidates are the Boreal Chickadee, the Black-billed Magpie, and the Blue Jay. These three birds are all found in many Edmonton neighbourhoods and natural areas throughout the year. 

Everyone in the Edmonton area, of any age, is invited to cast one vote for their favourite candidate. By taking part in choosing a bird to represent our city, you will be raising awareness about how important urban wildlife and biodiversity is and celebrating Edmonton's birds. The final round of voting will be open until March 31, 2025. To learn more about these three candidates and vote for your favorite, visit this link: https://www.birdfriendlyedmonton.org/city-bird-vote-final-round.html 

January 9 Issue

Makere wrote “Loving this edition so much! Thank you!”

Kennedale Eco Creatures by Brandon Blommaert, Kennedale Eco Station https://www.edmontonarts.ca/public-art/kennedale-eco-creatures

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 - Jan 9/25

Foote Residence valued for its four-square style and past tenants

The Foote Residence is a historical structure in Edmonton that was built in 1907. The two and one-half storey home is located on the north side of 97th Avenue on 106th Street, and is well known for its four-square style. This style uses symmetry and classical detailing, and it derives from American colonial and classical revival architecture. The four-square style became popular during the Edwardian-era. 

The Foote Residence is valued for its association with an early Edmonton builder and architect, Richard E. Foote. Foote was an important figure in the early era of the construction industry. With Nathaniel Purcell, he owned a substantial contracting business and eventually designed and built important structures such as Edmonton's first Civic Block. As well, he also served on city council and worked for the city architect's department later in his life. The house was his residence in 1907, and then from 1911 until 1916.

The Foote Residence also had other significant tenants. Those of which illustrate the range of middle class and professional individuals who shaped Edmonton in the years immediately after 1900. They included one of the earliest important scientists and civil servants in Alberta, Dr. Daniel G. Revell. The provincial bacteriologist resided here from 1908 to 1910 and was involved in teaching, research, criminal investigations and medical practice and study throughout his life. John McLaren, the business manager for the Edmonton Journal, also resided at the home in 1917. https://www.historicplaces.ca/en/rep-reg/place-lieu.aspx?id=3012

The Franklin’s ground squirrel and its musical whistles

Susan Elliott

Squirrels can be spotted almost anywhere in Edmonton. The Franklin’s ground squirrel is specifically found in semi-open shrublands and aspen forest. This is how it got the nickname “bush gopher.” Bush gophers are often seen along forested grassland edges and the tall grasses bordering croplands or marshlands. During harsh winters, they hibernate underground in extensive tunnel systems.

Living in small, loosely knit colonies, the Franklin’s ground squirrel is the least social of the ground squirrels. Their prairie cousins are more aggressive, but fighting does occur, especially during mating season. They are also known to be quite vocal. When interacting with other squirrels, they can growl or unleash what has been described as a “bubbly trill” or musical whistles.

In Alberta, the population status of the Franklin’s ground squirrel has still not been determined. The provincial government maintains that there is not enough information to say whether the population is stable or imperiled. When talking to experienced naturalists, though, you will hear stories of serious concern about the fate of this animal.  

In the spring of 2022, Nature Alberta initiated a citizen science project to help fill some of the data gaps with respect to Franklin’s ground squirrels in the province. Citizen science projects use volunteers to gather data on wildlife and ecological processes. To learn more about the Franklin’s ground squirrel and citizen science, visit this link:  https://naturealberta.ca/franklins-ground-squirrel/

Cycling in a winter wonderland

Every winter, thousands of Edmontonians use their bicycles to get to school or work, buy groceries, explore the river valley’s trails, and so much more. Many of these folks use ‘fat bikes’ when riding through the snow. This is because fat bikes have thicker and wider tires. Regular bikes can also be used in winter, but many local cyclists add studded tires to their cruisers or road bikes for better traction. 

The benefits of ‘cycling in a winter wonderland’ are shared by many here in the city. This is evidenced by David LeDressay, who takes his daughters to school using what he calls his “mini-van”. It’s a bicycle with a rear seat that fits two of his children—and a trailer for the third. LeDressay says his children like the bike commute as much as he does. “It’s a lot of fun,” he says. “They get to see a lot more, you move at a much more kid-friendly pace. We have opportunities to stop—they can get off and play much easier than if they were in a vehicle or even on public transportation.” 

On a similar note, Dr. Kate Storey uses her fat bike to get to and from work as an Associate Professor in the School of Public Health at the University of Alberta. She loves being active and enjoys being out in the fresh winter air. “It’s a good reset between home and work and work and home and just being outside and enjoying nature and the trails and everything that Edmonton has to offer,” says Storey.

For Gary Tait, the general manager of Mud Sweat and Gears, a bike shop in the west end, the best part about winter cycling in Edmonton is the community. “Every Saturday morning, I get to work and there’s a group of guys that are meeting here in our parking lot to go ride trails together. We see that a couple of times throughout the week.”  He ends off by sharing, “We’re so lucky to have our river valley, the trail system. I can’t think of too many other places I’d rather live than Edmonton to be able to ride single-track trails right outside our front doors, in winter or summer.” https://why.edmonton.ca/stories/cycling-in-a-winter-wonderland/

A poem by Patti Kim

Below is a poem about Edmonton and the river valley written by Patti Kim. It is featured on PoemCatcher: Visions in the web. This site was put together by Edmonton’s 4th Poet Laureate, Anna Marie Sewell, and is meant to celebrate the poetic voice of Edmonton.

When I think of Edmonton, I think of…

The River Valley, fresh air, green, nature

Whyte Ave, energising, pulsing with activity

a sense of community – familiar faces everywhere I go

U of A, nice grounds, proud to be an alumnus

bitter cold winters – can’t have Christmas without that bite and lots of snow

active, nature-loving Edmontonians

hockey, of course

I think of Edmonton as a very compact, energised, yet calm kind of city. I (heart) Edmonton, 

proud to be Albertan.  PEACE AND LOVE ALWAYS – Patti Kim

To enjoy more poems about Edmonton and the river valley, go to this website:

https://webofvisions.wordpress.com/miscellany/

Gigi by Louis Munan, Borden Park

Winifred emailed “I’m so happy to see where Gigi disappeared to! I was at her/his unveiling on Rice Howard way years ago. Thanks!”

January 2 Issue

Zanne wrote “This was a lovely edition of the newsletter. Just thought I'd say.”

Pancakes on the North Saskatchewan River

Susan emailed “Thank you for the excerpt on the impressive North Saskatchewan river phenomenon. Attached are photos I took from the Quesnel bridge; I imaged Swarovski crystal lily pads! I had never heard of pancake ice formations - brilliant. This site always gives me great insights into our extraordinary River valley ecosystem for this I am ever so grateful.”

2FOLD by Eduardo Aquino & Karen Shanski (spmb), Ellerslie Fire Station, 2943 Ellwood Drive SW https://www.edmontonarts.ca/public-art/2fold

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