By: Zdenko Kahlina

Four amazing pyramids, endless opportunities for discovery.
Muttart Conservatory pyramids are indeed a “jewel in the arctic”. With eight months of the year shrouded in wintry weather, Edmonton is the most populous northern city in Canada. Naturally, if you live here you would develop a craving for other earthly climes especially in the middle of winter.

I moved here from Europe twenty years ago with my family. My first winter saw me in bouts of extended depression. Then one day I discovered Muttart – four heavenly pyramids set in the middle of the arctic desert. Each one is special in its own way. You can experience an arid, a temperate, a tropical or a show pyramid or all four at once depending on your fancy. Entering any one of the pyramids is akin to entering an enchanted land. You soon forget all your troubles and mundane activities and immerse yourself in the sublime environment that pyramid has to offer oblivious to the -30C weather outside.

The Muttart Conservatory in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada consists of four glass pyramid greenhouses. Each pyramid has a different theme.

The conservatory, launched with a $1 million gift from the Gladys and Merrill Muttart Foundation, was officially opened September 3rd, 1976. Set in Edmonton’s lush river valley, the four pyramids of the Muttart Conservatory shimmer in the sun, home to thousands of species of plants, both domestic and exotic. It was billed as the most northerly botanical conservatory in North America, but it was the “pyramid power” that seemed to garner the most attention.

More than 30 years since the Muttart Conservatory opened, the pyramids have become such symbols of the city that it’s hard to imagine Edmonton without them. When you look at any promotion picture for Edmonton, almost always one of the images is the view of the city skyline, taken from the hill on Connors Road, with the Muttart Conservatory in the foreground.

Tropical Pyramid

The dense growth of plants inhabiting the Tropical Pyramid is lush, green, and fragrant, while the air is humid and warm. The colorful plants and canopied fig trees are typical of a tropical rain forest.

The tropical and temperate pyramids are 24 m (79′) high at apex; their base side length is 26 m (85′) and their overall area is 660 square meters (7,100 square feet). The arid and show pyramids are 18 m (59′) high at apex; the base length of their sides is 19.5 m (65′) and their overall area is 381 square meters (4,200 square feet).

Temperate Pyramid

Environmental conditions in the Temperate Pyramid are carefully controlled to allow the plants within to undergo a natural cycle of dormancy and active growth each year. The result is visually dramatic seasonal changes, much like what happens in Edmonton.  This is a very sought after pyramid in the winter when inside the plants think it’s spring and everything is alive with new growth while outside it is wintery, cold and grey.

Arid Pyramid

The plants that inhabit the Arid Pyramid originate in North America, the Mediterranean, Africa and Madagascar. These plants have the ability to survive dry air, irregular moisture and wide day/night temperature fluctuations. Many of these plants are of economic importance.

Feature Pyramid

The fourth pyramid has eight different themes each year. The Feature Pyramid is changed completely several times a year and each display features flowering plants that create seasonal celebrations of living color. The current one is celebrating Christmas.  There are more than 700 different species in the Conservatory.

Art Wall

The Muttart Art Wall is on the north side of the Conservatory’s central atrium and offers emerging artists an opportunity to exhibit their works.

A visit typically costs about $10. I recommend an Annual Pass for those of you living in Edmonton. With the Pass you can visit Muttart anytime all year round. My favorite pyramid is the “Tropical”; I simply love sitting in the pyramid reading a classic book, listening to the waterfall and the finches sing, surrounded by plants and trees of every kind.

The Muttart Conservatory, 9626 96 A Street, is open weekdays from 9 am to 5:30 pm and on weekends from 11 am to 5:30 pm. See www.edmonton.ca/Muttart or phone (780) 496 1403 for more information.

That was my vision of paradise. I don’t know what your’s is but I can tell you this much: create a mental image of your paradise and enter Muttart to find it realized. For those of you visiting Edmonton, my request is that please include Muttart in your itinerary. You will take away a memory, however ephemeral, that you’ll cherish all your life.

I really enjoyed my visit to the conservatory, because I learned so much about plants and trees from all over the world.

By: unknown

Read and remember!
No matter what our kids and the new generation think about us, WE ARE AWESOME !!! Our lives are living proof!

TO ALL THE KIDS WHO SURVIVED THE 1930′s, 40′s, 50′s, 60′s and 70′s!!

First, we survived being born to mothers who smoked and/or drank while they were pregnant. They took aspirin, ate blue cheese dressing, tuna from a can and didn’t get tested for diabetes.

Then after that trauma, we were put to sleep on our tummies in baby cribs covered with bright colored lead-base paints. We had no childproof lids on medicine bottles, locks on doors or cabinets and when we rode our bikes, we had baseball caps not helmets on our heads.

As infants & children, we would ride in cars with no car seats, no booster seats, no seat belts, no air bags, bald tires and sometimes no brakes. Riding in the back of a pick-up truck on a warm day was always a special treat.

We drank water from the garden hose and not from a bottle. We shared one soft drink with four friends, from one bottle and no one actually died from this. We ate cupcakes, white bread, real butter and bacon. We drank Kool-Aid made with real white sugar. And, we weren’t overweight.

WHY? Because we were always outside playing… that’s why!

 We would leave home in the morning and play all day, as long as we were back when the streetlights came on. No one was able to reach us all day. And, we were O.K.

We would spend hours building our go-carts out of scraps and then ride them down the hill, only to find out we forgot the brakes. After running into the bushes a few times, we learned to solve the problem.

We did not have Playstations, Nintendo’s or X-boxes. There were no video games, no 150 channels on cable, no video movies or DVD’s, no surround-sound or CD’s, no cell phones, no personal computers, no Internet and no chat rooms.

WE HAD FRIENDS!! And we went outside and found them!

 We fell out of trees, got cut, broke bones and teeth and there were no lawsuits from these accidents. We ate worms and mud pies made from dirt, and the worms did not live in us forever. We were given BB guns for our 10th birthdays, made up games with sticks and tennis balls and, although we were told it would happen, we did not put out very many eyes.. We rode bikes or walked to a friend’s house and knocked on the door or rang the bell, or just walked in and talked to them.

Little League had tryouts and not everyone made the team… Those who didn’t had to learn to deal with disappointment. Imagine that!!

 The idea of a parent bailing us out if we broke the law was unheard of. They actually sided with the law!

These generations have produced some of the best risk-takers, problem solvers and inventors ever.

The past 50 years have been an explosion of innovation and new ideas. We had freedom, failure, success and responsibility, and we learned how to deal with it all.

If YOU are one of them? CONGRATULATIONS!

Does anyone these days know what this means?

 The quote of the month by Jay Leno:
“With hurricanes, tornados, fires out of control, mud slides, flooding, severe thunderstorms tearing up the country from one end to another, and with the threat of bird flu and terrorist attacks, are we sure this is a good time to take”.

My father went to Germany to get us first radio

GOOD LUCK” out of our Lives?
People born before 1946 were called – The Greatest Generation.

People born between 1946 and 1964 are called – The Baby Boomers.

People born between 1965 and 1979 are called – Generation X.

And people born between 1980 and 2011 are called – Generation Y.

Why do we call the last group – Generation Y ?

Y should I get a job?

Y should I leave home, and find my own place?

Y should I get a car when I can borrow yours?

Y should I clean my room?

Y should I wash and iron my own clothes?

Y should I buy any food?

But a cartoonist explained it very eloquently below…

Getting old and my life
As I’ve aged, I’ve become kinder to myself, and less critical of myself. I’ve become my own friend. I have seen too many dear friends leave this world, too soon; before they understood the great freedom that comes with aging. Whose business is it, if I choose to read, or play, on the computer, until 4 AM, or sleep until noon? I will dance with myself to those wonderful tunes of the 60 &70′s, and if I, at the same time, wish to weep over a lost love, I will.

I will walk the beach, in a swim suit that is stretched over a bulging body, and will dive into the waves, with abandon, if I choose to, despite the pitying glances from the jet set. They, too, will get old. I know I am sometimes forgetful. But there again, some of life is just as well forgotten. And, I eventually remember the important things.

Sure, over the years, my heart has been broken. How can your heart not break, when you lose a loved one, or when a child suffers, or even when somebody’s beloved pet gets hit by a car? But, broken hearts are what give us strength, and understanding, and compassion. A heart never broken, is pristine, and sterile, and will never know the joy of being imperfect.

I am so blessed to have lived long enough to have my hair turning gray, and to have my youthful laughs be forever etched into deep grooves on my face. So many have never laughed, and so many have died before their hair could turn silver.

As you get older, it is easier to be positive. You care less about what other people think. I don’t question myself anymore. I’ve even earned the right to be wrong.

So, to answer your question, I like being old. It has set me free. I like the person I have become. I am not going to live forever, but while I am still here, I will not waste time lamenting what could have been, or worrying about what will be. And I shall eat dessert every single day (if I feel like it).

MAY OUR FRIENDSHIP NEVER COME APART, ESPECIALLY WHEN IT’S STRAIGHT FROM THE HEART!

Source: Edmonton History

A Salute to Edmonton’s History
What makes Edmonton special to me is city’s history. This history lets me discover and know where we’ve been and has indeed paved the way to what we’ve become!

Because many committed Edmontonians and various government departments have strived to keep the city’s history alive for residents and visitors, I can visit Fort Edmonton Park or the Prince of Wales Heritage Centre. Old Strathcona showcases many heritage buildings as does the downtown core. A tour the charming neighborhoods of Highlands or Glenora captures a sense of early Edmonton. Our High Level Bridge was opened in 1913 and continues to stand proudly as the North Saskatchewan River flows by.

Photographs and documents at the City of Edmonton Archives allow me to research Edmonton’s history. Have you ever taken a stroll along MacDonald Drive downtown to read the history panels? All you have to do is look over our beautiful river valley from that vista and know that Edmonton is one beautiful city!

The fur trade
5.000 years before European explorers and fur traders arrived in the Edmonton area, the land was populated by the Cree and Blackfoot nations. In 1795, the Hudson’s Bay Company established its first trading post near the present site of Fort Saskatchewan in order to trade fur with First Nations. The fort was moved several times, to be settled permanently in 1830 on land that is today known as Alberta Legislature Grounds.

The fur trade boomed for many decades. In 1870, the Canadian government bought the land from the Hudson’s Bay Company to open it for settlement. In 1892, Edmonton was incorporated as a town. At this time about 700 people called Edmonton their home. In 1898, the Gold Rush Edmonton became the outfitting center for many prospectors heading for the Yukon.

Edmonton – 101 St. looking north

North Saskatchewan River – Route of The Fur Trade
The Saskatchewan River watershed is approximately 1,223 km long and is the major eastward flowing river of the western Canadian prairies and was the major transportation route for the beaver fur trade, which through Europeans fashion calling for felt hats made from compressed beaver fur, brought European culture to western Canada. The main waterway is the North Saskatchewan River, which flows from its headwaters in the Canadian Rockies to Lake Winnipeg, covering all of Alberta and Saskatchewan and western parts of Manitoba. These waters eventually flow into Hudson’s Bay, the huge body of water that is western Canada’s ocean connection to the Atlantic Ocean.

Fur trade happens these days only in Fort Edmonton

Fur trade in Fort Edmonton

Whether traveling the river by canoe or boat, or using the highway system, travelers and historical trekkers can easily follow the North Saskatchewan River. Along the river and its tributaries can be discoverd the history of the western Canadian aboriginal culture and the two competing fur trade companies that opened up the west during the late 18th and early 19th centuries.

The Hudson’s Bay Company operated from York Factory, near Churchill, MB and using large, sturdy york boats, moved the furs collected at western posts to the Bay. Canada’s best known department store chain, The Bay and HBC, is still the Hudson’s Bay Company.

Hudson’s Bay Traditional Point Blanket
The break off competitor was the Northwest Company, who operated with traditional birch bark canoes, from Montreal. Their route, to the west took them via the Great Lakes, portage routes (where canoes and gear are carried) and rivers to Lake Winnipeg and the Saskatchewan Rivers. They also, traded and explored, over the mountains, in what is now British Columbia. Their best known explorer/trader was David Thompson.

The Hudson’s Bay Company York boat

The following are the Hudson’s Bay and Northwest Company posts and forts and Aboriginal heritage sites that can be visited along western Canada’s fur trade river. Many of the posts had multiple locations and most don’t exist anymore, or have become towns, or cities, along the way. Some of the forts served a multi-purpose, first as a fur trade and then as a base for the Northwest Mounted Police (eg. Ft. Edmonton).

Fort Carlton Provincial Historic Park is rich in western Canadian history. The Fort was built in 1810 as a fur-trading post on a spot well-used for crossing the North Saskatchewan River.

Wanuskewin Heritage Park Heritage Park under the leadership and guidance of First Nations people that contributes to increasing public awareness, understanding and appreciation of the cultural legacy of the Northern Plains First Nations people. 5 kms north of Saskatoon on Highway #11, follow the Bison signs.

At North Battleford, Saskatchewan, you can also visit a Northwest Mounted Police fort, that was very important during the 1885 Northwest Rebellion

As the supply of beaver pelts were devoured by the hunger for beaver felt hats, by the summer of 1792 the westward expansion of the fur trade reached what is now Alberta and there we find the site of the two trading depots of Fort George (NWC) and Buckingham House (HBC). Though little remains of the structures, the Province of Alberta a very informative museum and interpretive trail between the two posts. For more information about this site go to the website.

There were a series of locations for Ft. Edmonton, but eventually it was located at ford near where the Alberta Legislature is, east of Edmonton’s High Level Bridge. Many famous people of 18th century western Canada, would have passed through Ft. Edmonton, including the cartographer David Thompson and the painter Paul Kane.

Edmonton – 101 St. looking south past Jasper Avenue

Gateway to the North
By 1904, Edmonton had a population of 8,350. Soon after, when Alberta joined the Confederation, Edmonton was selected as provincial capital. In 1908, the University of Alberta opened its doors. Edmonton entered a frantic boom period when Strathcona amalgamated with Edmonton in 1912, combining their population to over 40,000. In the 1930s Edmonton became the “Gateway to the North” flying medical supplies, food and mail to remote northern communities.

Edmonton’s face changed forever when oil was discovered in Leduc in 1947. Overnight Edmonton became the Oil Capital of Canada and Edmonton’s population doubled within a decade. Still today, the oil and gas industry remains the city’s economic cornerstone.

The 1960s brought the Edmonton International Airport, the Citadel Theatre, the 27-story CN Tower and the Provincial Museum of Alberta. The 1970s brought a further boost to development of Edmonton and the Northlands Coliseum (today Skyreach Centre) opened its doors to mark the NHL’s best ice surface. In 1978, Edmonton became the first city with a population smaller than 1 million to have a Light Rail Transit (LRT) system.

With the opening of West Edmonton Mall in 1981, Edmonton entered the Guinness Book of Records with the world’s largest shopping and entertainment complex. In 1995, Edmonton celebrated its 200th year.

Edmonton – Jasper Avenue looking east past 103 Street

Edmonton – Churchill Square

Edmonton – Jasper Avenue looking east of 102 Street

History of the Edmonton River Valley
Early inhabitants may have gathered in the Edmonton area as early as the end of the last ice age, possibly as early as 10,000BC when as the ice receded woodlands, water and wildlife became available in the region.

Saskatchewan River going through Edmonton

Saskatchewan River in Edmonton

Saskatchewan River is frozen during the winter

In 1754, Anthony Henday, an explorer working for the Hudson’s Bay Company, may have been the first European to enter the Edmonton area. His trip was part of HBC’s interest in establishing direct contact with the Native population of the interior rather than depending on Native middlemen to bring furs to posts located on Hudson Bay. In 1794, the Hudson’s Bay Company and the North-West Fur Company founded Old Fort Edmonton and Old Fort Augustus at the mouth of the Sturgeon River (present day St. Albert). By 1807, both Fort Augustus and Old Fort Edmonton had been destroyed by Blood Indians.

In 1808, New Fort Edmonton and New Fort Augustus were rebuilt on the present site of the City of Edmonton. With the amalgamation of the two companies in 1821, the Hudson’s Bay Company post was retained, as was the name Fort Edmonton. It become the distribution centre for the whole north-west and a major supply stage on the Hudson’s Bay Company trans-Canada route. In the late nineteenth century, settlers were attracted to the area by the fertile farmland in the region, and this helped to further establish Edmonton as a major regional commercial and agricultural centre. Throuhout this entire period the North Saskatchewan River served as the only major “Highway” in the region.

The area became part of the new Dominion of Canada in 1870 and modern Edmonton can be said to have begun in 1871 when it was incorporated as a village. At about this time legislation finally made it possible for private individuals to claim ownership of land. Prior to this all the land rights resided in the Hudson’s Bay Company. In the late nineteenth century, settlers were attracted to the area by the fertile farmland in the region, and this helped to further establish Edmonton as a major regional commercial and agricultural centre. Edmonton was also a stopping point for people hoping to cash in on the Klondike Gold Rush in 1897. Incorporated as a city in 1905 Edmonton became the capital of Alberta a year later on September 1, 1905. 

First public school in Edmonton

Proud to be Edmontonian
Unique past stories of Edmonton can be found at the Edmonton Public Schools Archives and Museum downtown. Our city also has some wonderful historic churches and cultural museums. At such venues, I can learn about Edmonton’s fur trading, aviation, transportation, arts and “people” history. In late July and early August, the 2009 Edmonton & Northern Alberta Historic Festival will take place with events, tours and activities showcasing history … this annual festival is amazing.

Alberta Legislature building in Edmonton

Modern Edmonton – panoramic view

Edmonton downtown

Edmonton heritage building – The Gibson block

Having lived here for more than 20 years now, I’m proud to be a part of Edmonton’s history. I’m grateful that I chose Edmonton!

A salute to your history, Edmonton!

Some interesting web sites about Edmonton:

http://www.edmontonhistory.ca/

http://www.edmontonkiosk.ca/history.php

Large photo of Riverdale neighbourhood

http://www.edmontonstories.ca/

By: Zdenko Kahlina

Edmonton New Year’s Eve Welcomes 2012 with a Festival City Bang
Edmonton New Year’s Eve Downtown will attract an audience of 30,000 and feature family-friendly attractions, activities, music and a spectacular fireworks display in Canada’s Festival City.

Celebrations on Churchill Square last year

Edmonton celebrates New Year’s Eve every year with a flurry of activities held on and around Sir Winston Churchill Square. Expect to see lots of clowns, a kids’ craft-making area, live music, street dancing and a roaring fire to keep revellers warm.

For 11 years, Events Edmonton has been producing the city’s flagship event to ring in the old and ring in the new. New Year’s Eve Downtown brings a multitude of family-friendly attractions and activities to (and around) Edmonton’s Churchill Square. The Edmonton New Year’s Eve event has live music, a wandering magician and all sorts of hands-on crafts. “We have two indoor areas for kids to make crafts like masks and headpieces they can wear that night and take home,” explains Albi, adding with a chuckle, “There’s a lot of glittery stuff!”

Edmonton – City hall

Fireworks on Churchill Square

Fireworks on Churchill Square

Ask anyone who’s relatively new to Canada’s Festival City, and they will tell you that the Edmonton New Year’s Eve celebration comes in with a bang. Literally. New Canadians are always amazed that you can do fireworks in 20-below Celsius. Fireworks in the cold are quite spectacular.

Skating in front of the City Hall

But the biggest draw, by far, is the fireworks display. “We have about 30,000 people who come for the fireworks,” says Albi. “Families make a point of staying awake for it.” Churchill Square starts filling up around 10 o’clock. “Before you know it, it’s midnight,” says Albi. What happens the moment after the countdown is a sight to behold. “The traffic stops, people start hugging each other… it’s quite unique to Edmonton. Year after year, what we learn is that this Festival City event is all about people wanting to ring in the New Year as a community”.

Entertainment program in the City hall

Entertainment program in the City hall

To make this downtown Edmonton event more affordable, all the entertainment, including three live bands on the Churchill Square main stage and a showcase of young up-and-comers on the CBC stage indoors, is free and there will be one-dollar parking indoors at City Centre, Canada Place and the Stanley A. Milner Library.

Pavilions will transform Churchill Square into a winter Metropolis
There is something new this year at the Churchill Square. On Thursday they unveiled designs for the six illuminated pavilions made of scaffolding covered in shrink-wrapped plastic that will dominate Churchill Square for eight weeks this winter.

Finishing touches are being made on the odd-shaped pavilions in Churchill Square in downtown Edmonton.

Metropolis is Edmonton’s first winter festival where Churchill Square is transformed into a winter wonderland of lights, sounds and visuals. A variety of activities including winter food, music, live entertainment and interactive exhibits are offered. The exhibit and interactive program spaces operate on Friday evening and weekends for the first year until the February 19th, but will be lit with multicoloured lights every evening. Cold-weather construction technology sees free-standing structural forms made of shrink-wrapped scaffolding, complete with heat and LED lighting. This will provide an opportunity for Albertans outside Edmonton to enjoy the festival.

The iceberg-inspired brew house, towering observation deck, a 15-metre high robot and diamondsided city market were designed pro bono by five local and national architects and festival founder Giuseppe Albi.

odd-shaped pavilions in Churchill Square

A community centre and display tent round out the offering. They will be the centre of the Metropolis winter festival bringing lights, warm and alcoholic drinks, art and children’s activities to the centre of the city from New Year’s Eve to Feb. 20, 2012.

“I think (Albi) really hit a home run here,” said Mayor Stephen Mandel, introducing the festival at City Hall Thursday.

In future years, festival organizers hope to hold an international design competition to create greater numbers of pavilions, giving the festival a global presence. It’s a chance to show the world “we are a great group of creative people,” said Mandel. “It’s well worth it for the citizens to invest in this type of project.”

Taste of Winter, the city-market shaped pavilion by Calgary architect Bill Chomik, will hold a rotating selection of local restaurants, up to 11 at a time.

The children’s pavilion, designed by Albi, holds a 12-metre high inflatable slide and aerial walkway, with room for crafts and other children’s activities at the ground level.

The observation tower with sixmetre and 12-metre decks was designed by local architect Craig Henderson, who also designed Churchill Square. Festival organizers hope to project hockey games from the world junior hockey championships on the two large screens New Year’s Eve. Chinese New Year celebrations, art and fashion displays will be held in the architect Gene Dub’s halfpyramid style community centre, and a series of displays of information technology and public transit are planned for the crystal-shaped pavilion by Toronto architect Taymoore Balbaa.

Finally, the iceberg-inspired pavilion by local architect Richard Isaac will be run by the Canadian Brew house. It will have warm drinks during the day, with beer, wine and mixed drinks in the evenings. It was a challenge designing within the rigid demands of the scaffolding, said Isaac. But you work with the “kit of parts” that you’re given. “I just played around with how one could create a free form.”

Each of the pavilions will be warmed to about 10 C inside with propane heaters.

The festival budget is $1.2 million. Of that, $150,000 was provided by the City of Edmonton, and more has been donated by local construction and other companies, Albi said. Events Edmonton is covering the rest. They hope Edmonton residents will volunteer and expect 10,000 to 15,000 visitors each weekend, said Albi.

“Take ownership of Metropolis, our city’s new winter festival,” he urged those gathered for the launch. “To guarantee the sustainability of this festival, we need the support of the community.”

For those who’d rather celebrate Edmonton New Year’s Eve by hitting the dance floor or merely mingling, the city’s many bars, clubs, and lounges have it all, particularly picturesque, historic (and rockin’) Whyte Avenue in the Old Strathcona area.

Help the City of Edmonton and Events Edmonton ring in 2012 at the 12th annual New Year’s Eve Downtown festival. This free, fun-filled family event will take place at City Hall and Sir Winston Churchill Square and starts with the official launch of the Metropolis Edmonton International Winter Festival.

Nativity by the City hall

Schedule of Events
The festivities start after the official launch of METROPOLIS at 6:15pm and take you right into 2012!

Visit http://www.eventsedmonton.ca/ for details on Metropolis Edmonton International Winter Festival.

6:15pm
• Launch of METROPOLIS in Churchill Square
• DJ on Main Stage
• Activities start in the Children’s Pavilion

7pm
• Indoor Programming starts in City Hall
• Programming starts in the Community Centre Pavilion
• Skating Party on City Plaza*
• Taste of Winter – 12 vendors serving soups, chilies and other winter fare
• Polar Brewhouse operated by Canadian Brewhouse serving non-alcoholic beverages

9pm
• Outdoor stage live entertainment in Churchill Square
• Street Dance on 100 Street between 102 Ave and 102A Ave

Midnight (12am)
• Fireworks display launched from 103 Avenue.
* Skating at Sir Winston Churchill Square is weather permitting.

For more information on skating at Churchill Square or the fireworks display contact the Civic Events office at 780-944-7740.

Fireworks at Churchill Square

Fireworks at Churchill Square

New Years Eve Parties in Edmonton
Don’t get stuck freezing your butt off unable to get into the best New Years party in Edmonton this year! Plan your Edmonton New Years party with BeforeLastCall and make sure you don’t miss out on the hottest events in the city. We’re your hookup for the best New Years parties in Edmonton, from live concerts to nightclub events and exclusive Edmonton New Years packages. Search BLC now for all the information you need to start planning your Edmonton New Year’s party today!

From hip-hop events to live rock and country, the hottest New Years parties in Edmonton always sell out fast. As people gear up for the biggest party night of the year, there is nothing like celebrating NYE in Edmonton, from the hottest downtown nightclubs to surrounding Edmonton NYE parties.

With so many New Years Eve parties in Edmonton, finding the best ones is completely up to you. Whether you’re looking to celebrate with a large group or just a couple close friends, reserve your own luxury booth or spend a romantic evening with someone special, get your Edmonton New Years Eve party tickets early to ensure you spend the evening the way you wish.

http://edmonton.beforelastcall.com/happenin/3/74-edmonton_new_years_parties.html

New Years Eve 2010 – Churchill Square, Edmonton Photographer: Anthony P. Jones
http://photos.edmonton.ca/Events/New-Years-Eve-2010/15363196_v8f4B6/1/1149546509_AajUT#P-6-24

By: Zdenko Kahlina

Christmas day, December 25, 2011
Christmas And Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God.

St. Joseph‘s Basilica.

St. Joseph‘s Basilica last night 

Little Jesus in the manger.

Christmas is a very special time of the year for all Christians and a tradition for many families is to celebrate an ‘Evening’ or ‘Midnight’ Mass at the Basilica. My family has a tradition to attend midnight mass at the St. Joseph’s basilica.

The Edmonton Catholics who built St. Joseph’s Basilica know all about tradition and patience. The grand building at 10044 113th Street was erected some 45 years ago, but the dream actually began nearly 50 years before that when St. Joseph’s parish was founded.

I feel that basilica is the most Catholic Church there is in Edmonton. That’s the only church here that compares to the Cathedral in Zagreb (Croatia) where we were married some 35 years ago.

Christmas Eve 

Basilica was packed with Christians

Basilica was packed with Christians

On this Saturday, December 24, there were three scheduled ceremonies thru the evening:

7:00 p.m. Archbishop-Emeritus Joseph MacNeil

9:30 p.m. Rev. Adam J. Lech

12:00 (midnight) Archbishop Richard Smith

I attended the 9:30 mass. As usual basilica there were hundreds of people and the ceremony was simple and beautiful. That’s exactly what brings me to this place every year. 

Midnight Mass at basilica 

9:30 p.m. Rev. Adam J. Lech  

Rev. Adam J. Lech during his Mass 

Christmas Mass Schedule

Christmas Season Celebrations
Christmas Eve: 7 p.m., 9:30 p.m., 12:00 midnight
Christmas Day: 10:30 a.m., 12:15 p.m.
Monday, Dec. 26: 10:00 a.m.
Tuesday, Dec. 27: 10:00 a.m.
Saturday Dec. 31: 5:00 p.m. (anticipation Mass)
Sunday, January 1: 8:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m.
12:15 p.m., 5:00 p.m.
Monday, January 2 10:00 a.m.

Although every Sunday of the year is The Lord’s Day, when the Father calls us together to listen to His Word, when we give Him thanks as we remember His wonderful works in Christ, when He nourishes us with the Bread of Life and the Cup of Salvation, there are other Feast Days or Holy Days of Obligation, namely:

Christmas Day and New Year’s Day— The Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God.

January 1 has also been designated as “World Day of Prayer for Peace” when the Church encourages us to pray for peace in the world, for love and good will among all nations, and for light and guidance for civil leaders.

Singing at the midnight Mass

REFLECTION

The news of the awesome event of Our Saviour’s birth again sounds throughout the world. Countless generations before us dating back 2000 years, have been inspired and completely renewed in the coming of the Son of God.

“The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a land of deep darkness – on them light has shone.”

The Light is birth of the Son of God, Jesus Christ our Lord.

Christmas is for the “Children of God”. That is for all of us, both young and old. The Grace of Christmas is our gift, meant to transform our hearts and our lives. If we welcome Jesus, and follow Him sincerely, the light of Christ will illumine our pathways of life.

May Jesus our Lord, Savior and Friend, be born once again in our Hearts and in our homes this Christmas. May we share Jesus, the One whom we celebrate in our living and in our association with others. Like Jesus may we be gentle, kind, honest, just and a bearer of peace.

May this Christmas be peace-filled and joyous as you gather with your families and loved ones.  

We wish you a Blessed Christmas and

God’s Blessings in the New Year.

Christmas Eve, Saturday, December 24, 2011
7:00 p.m. Archbishop-Emeritus Joseph MacNeil
9:30 p.m. Rev. Adam J. Lech
12:00 (midnight) Archbishop Richard Smith

Christmas Day, Sunday, December 25, 2011
10:30 a.m. and 12:15 p.m.
Basilica will be opened from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm

Monday, Dec. 26, Tuesday, Dec. 27 10:00 a.m. – One Mass only
Wednesday, Dec. 28, Thursday, Dec. 29,
Friday, Dec.30: 12:05 noon, and 5:30 p.m.

Christmas is a very special time of the year for all Christians, and a tradition for many families is to celebrate an ‘Evening’ or ‘Midnight’ Mass at the Basilica. In order to accommodate the high attendance at all Christmas Liturgies, we ask that you “DO NOT reserve the pews with coats, hats, bags, etc.”, with the exception of the person who has gone to park the vehicle.

By: John Winslow

The first Christmas – the way it was 2,000 years ago
2000 years ago, something happened in a small town just outside of Jerusalem that changed the course of history. The birth of a baby, known as Jesus, put Bethlehem on the map – and the world has never been the same. We still mark our calendars by it today.

WECA – Bethlehem walk
Walking through the marketplace in the Town of Bethlehem would require traveling back in time. But with live goats and flocks of sheep, vendors selling bread, candles, cloth and birdcages, and others creating pottery and crushing olives and grapes — the scene at the West Edmonton Christian Assembly this weekend is as real as it gets.

This morning I was afforded a great treat. The Edmonton Foodbank invited me to a media op at West Edmonton Christian Assembly for the official opening of their exhibit, Bethlehem Walk. What an experience it was.

In a day and age when most people are afraid to mention the Christ child as the principle purpose for celebrating Christmas, and many won’t even call it Christmas, West Edmonton Christian Assembly has created an awesome re-enactment of the nativity story. This exhibit, rife with amazing actors, young and old, brings to life the scene that would have greeted Mary and Joseph when they arrived in Bethlehem for the census ordered by Caesar Augustus. WECA has recreated the market centre of Bethlehem, complete with merchant stalls, fields on the outskirts of town, stables and, of course, the full Inn, in their gymnasium.

Entrance into Bethlehem

A beautiful show in a field on the outskirts of town Bethlehem

Christmas angel descending from the sky

As you arrive for the Bethlehem Walk, you sit in a field on the outskirts of town. An introduction of the exhibit is given followed by the Christmas angel descending from the sky. A choir of angels then blasts out a modern, Pentecostal type Christmas song. At this point the doors to Bethlehem are thrown open and you step into a scene from taken from a history of some 2016 years in the past.

People of Bethelehem

Products for sale

From the cross and wood carving shop, to the Roman jail, and a mill in which real olives are turned into olive oil and wheat into flour, the realism shows the creators of this exhibition have done their homework. I noted a couple of things that take away from the authenticity of the exhibit, but I was looking for them when most folks wouldn’t. If you can ignore the “made in Pakistan” stamp on the mortar and pestle at the spice shop, and the pumped in lullaby music at the manger, you’ve got it made. I questioned the gentleman acting the part of the High Priest of the Jewish temple about his garb. He was remarkably well read on the subject, to the point he even explained the difficulty in creating the costume when there are differing Jewish opinions on the makeup of the breastplate and the length of the robes. Note: The Torah would never be removed from the temple unless it was accompanied by a quorum of Jewish men, 13 years of age or over. Children acting out many of roles are also well versed in the history of what they are acting out.

Products for sale

Products for sale 

Collette Smith, going by the Hebrew name Minda, was folding and “selling” cloth in the Bethlehem marketplace.

The fishmonger has real smoked fish on his table; the chicken butcher has live chickens. There are stables that will have animals in them when the exhibit officially opens to the public. If you have a good nose you will smell the frankincense and myrrh at the spice table. You will definitely smell the smoked fish and the remnants of that which exits the rear end of a chicken. Fear not, it all adds to the realism that is the Bethlehem Walk.

After spending time in the Little Town of Bethlehem, those attending the Bethlehem Walk make their way back in to the auditorium of WECA. The auditorium has been decked out in dinner theatre style, with tables containing cookies and a little something to sip, all FREE! While enjoying some refreshments there will be live music and such taking place on the stage. 

Bakery

All in all, this is a great experience for anyone of any religion or cultural background.

Edmontonhas many great exhibits during this time of year. Among these is Candy Cane Lane, The Christmas lights at the Legislature, Maisie’s Magical Christmas House, and now Bethlehem Walk. Pastor David Wood, the executive director of the exhibit, says the Bethlehem Walk is WECA’s gift to the City of Edmonton. It is an opportunity for Edmontonians to experience first-hand the story of the Nativity as set out in the book of Luke, Chapter 2.

There is no cost to experience the Bethlehem Walk. A donation to the Edmonton Foodbank from people attending the exhibit would be appreciated. Make an evening of enjoying this amazing exhibit. The experience is definitely family oriented. Kids of all ages will enjoy the experience!! This kid is going back again!!

I enjoyed the show so much, when I had an opportunity to see it a second time I jumped at the chance. The actual show for the general public is by and far better than the show for the media. I am so glad I attended a second time. I had a chance to meet with Dave Wood, Senior Associate Pastor of WECA. We had a great chat, shared some statistics, talked a little religion and shared some humor. I am blessed to have had this opportunity.

Bethlehem Garrison jail

They had a prisoner in there…

The pillory was used to publicly humiliate a victim

A couple of interesting stats. Opening day saw The Bethlehem Walk double it’s anticipated attendance. They had over 2700 participants on Friday night. Saturday night they extended their hours due to the onslaught of people arriving to see the show! I will provide totals for the Edmonton Foodbank at a later date. I know they are beating their food donation targets by big numbers. Fill-Up and Marjorie were at the event on Saturday night as well as Tamara and Debbie. Way to go WECA.

Edmontonians are invited to take in an interactive Christmas, dating back 2,000 years in the WECA gymnasium, at 6315 199th Street (Scroll down for a Google map).  Entitled the “Bethlehem Walk”, this free event asks those taking part to bring with them a non-perishable food item to be donated to Edmonton’s Food Bank.

‘Three kings’ walking thru the Bethlehem

‘Three kings’ walking thru the Bethlehem

The “Bethlehem Walk” was open to the public from December 10-13, from 6:00pm-to-9:00pm.

Bethlehem was a crowded place  

There are even wisemen and a live manger scene.

The Hebrew Bible (Tanakh in Hebrew) consists of 24 books, also known as: the Torah (Pentateuch) 

Bethlehem Walk 2011 – Event Information
Christmas comes to life as all of Edmonton is invited to taste, see and feel the story of that first Christmas night. Join us for a weekend for the entire family as we recreate the town of Bethlehem in our 11,640 square foot gymnasium. This event is free and a gift from WECA and its event Sponsors to those living in the Edmonton area.

Please support the Edmonton Food Bankwith non-perishable donations at the door. Admission is FREE! 

Even the baby in the crib was real…

Park & Ride Information
For your convenience please take our FREE park & ride with your family. This is located at the Lewis Farms Transit Centre. Click here for a map.Google Map Link.

Here you will be able to park your vehicle for free and enjoy quick pickup and drop off on any of our free Bethlehem Walk Park & Ride buses. Enjoy traveling this Christmas Season to the Bethlehem Walk in Park & Ride Style!

“The original story is lost,” said David Wood, Bethlehem Walk executive producer. “We need to tell the story.” The marketplace in Bethlehem has been recreated in the 11,640 square foot gymnasium at the facility for the second time. Last year, 13,400 people took the walk. Organizers are expecting up to 25,000 this year over four days.

Blacksmith at work

Blacksmith at work 

Blacksmith at work

“People have heard the story of the birth of Christ,” said Smith. “But in our modern minds we can’t picture it. “This makes it more real. And that’s just the idea”, said Wood.

“(But) all we’re here to do is … to tell a story and let people experience the first Christmas the way it was 2,000 years ago,” he said.

Location:
West Edmonton Christian Assembly (WECA) 6315 – 199 Street, Edmonton, AB
Click here for directions. For more information please contact the office at 780-489-2579 or email us at weca@weca.com. Bethlehem Walk Edmonton is a proud supporter of Edmonton’s Food Bank.

For more information, as well as times, visit weca.com.

Click HERE to see more GREAT shots in the iNews880 Photo Album!

By: Zdenko Kahlina

Historic Hostelry
I heard people say: ‘If you see this hotel in your sights, run the other directions!’ I agree this place is a total dump. It stinks with spilled brews, totally unclean and serves too many risky patrons. I was terrified of this place, but it was declared a Historical Site and nothing could be done through the years to convince the Transit Management to make improvements.

The Transit hotel these days

The Transit Hotel (known affectionately in Edmonton as The Transit) is a hotel and tavern in Edmonton. It is located at the intersection of 66th street and Fort Road, in the northeast part of the city. Opened on September 11, 1908, the Transit was strategically placed as the first or last stop for travelers between Edmonton and Fort Saskatchewan, and for its proximity to the recently. 

Intersection of 66th street and Fort Road

The Transit Hotel of Packingtown turned 103 in 2011. The Transit hotel has a long history. It’s been 103 years since the hotel opened in what had been nicknamed Packingtown, the northeastern suburb clustered around the city’s meat-packing industry. Described by the Edmonton Bulletin newspaper as ‘commodious’, it featured modern conveniences like electricity and, in the finest of its 40 suites (26 now, after renos), running water. But time and a gritty location have been unkind. ‘When I go to buy something and make the bill out for the Transit Hotel,’ says 70-year-old Bob Ruzycki, owner since 1986, people say, ‘Oh, the Transit. That’s where they kill people.’ Not so, he says. In fact, owner or not, he’ll always feel at home here. ‘I’ll probably come back and enjoy a beer with the patrons. I’ll miss them. They’re working people. Good people.’  

Karaoke on Tuesday nights

 
The old-timers love Transit Hotel
It’s 10 a.m. and the old-timers wander in for their customary pints as the doors of the Transit Hotel tavern swing open for another day. A sign on the wall boasts the hotel has ‘the coldest and best beer in town.’ Elmer Olsen, 83, and Mike Worsley, 79, count out their loonies and quarters for a pint each. Between the two, they have been frequenting the Transit Hotel more than 80 years.

Ever since it opened, the Transit Hotel was the first or last beer parlor along Fort Trail where thirsty travelers could stop for a cold one, depending on whether they were travelling to or from Fort Saskatchewan.

‘I remember when I first started coming here, the roads were gravel and there was a blacksmith shop up the street,’ says Olsen as he takes a sip of beer. ‘I think there were stockyards across the street.’

‘I remember when they had rodent races here. Those were a lot of fun, hey?’ Worsley says to Olsen.

‘They were gerbils,’ Olsen says, clarifying.

‘OK, gerbils. I remember the bar used to be on the east side (of the room) and they still had a cafe,’ Worsley says.

‘They still had a lobby. I miss that lobby. I would usually come early and sit there until the bar opened. It was a pretty good meeting place,’ he says. 

Intersection of 66th street and Fort Road

The hotel’s location, on the corner of Norton Street (66th Street) and Fort Trail (Fort Road) was no accident. Its original owner, Patrick Dwyer, had the foresight to build the three-storey watering hole at the same time as the nearby J. Y. Griffin slaughterhouse was built. Griffin later became Swift’s Packing Plant, which was joined by other meat-packing plants in the area over the coming decades. It was also situated near the Grand Trunk Pacific Railway lines which came into Edmonton in 1909.

“The Transit Hotel, the commodious new hostelry that will supply the hotel accommodations for Edmonton’s thriving suburb commonly known as Packingtown opened to the public on Friday last,” The Edmonton Bulletin trumpeted under the headline, New hotel in Packingtown on Sept. 14, 1908. The Bulletin’s review listed the 40-room hotel’s many modern conveniences of the day, including bathrooms on the top two floors.

The hotel will be lighted by electricity!

“The hotel will be lighted by electricity and will be supplied with hot and cold water. A telephone call system has been installed and in a few days the proprietors expect to have a barber shop open in the basement,” The Bulletin said.

The hotel and the land that surrounds it have undergone many changes over the years. The hitching posts that surrounded the hotel are long gone, as are the packing plants and stockyards. Asphalt has replaced the dirt roads farmers once brought their pigs, sheep and cattle in on for slaughter. The Belvedere LRT station now sits on land where once there was a hatchery. 

The original Transit hotel in 1908

Even the community known as Packingtown no longer exists. The area was incorporated as the Village of North Edmonton in 1910 and annexed by the city in 1912.

Little remains of the hotel’s original interior and exterior, although the current owners, Bob and Pauline Ruzycki, have spent a lot of time and money restoring the front facade to its original boom-town architecture, complete with a second-floor veranda, elaborate parapet and finagled roof line. The hotel was run down when they purchased it in December 1986, says Bob.

The rooms were remodeled to make them bigger. There are now only 26 rooms. The tavern had one-by-four wood panels along the lower half of the walls, which were painted royal blue while the upper half was white. The room was lit with harsh fluorescent lighting. There were raised “corrals” for tables and chairs along the walls which he had to rip out because they were hazardous to tipsy customers.

Ruzycki has added on to the tavern. He was granted permission to do away with the front lobby which is now an extension of tavern. Anyone who wants to rent a room now must see tavern staff, who have his permission to turn them down if they look like they could be trouble, says Ruzycki, who prides himself on running a clean establishment with a small-town feel. 

At night run into the other direction!

The Transit Hotel has seen only one murder in its history. That was nearly 50 years ago. Ruzycki says he thinks Patrick Dwyer would be amazed and proud to know that the hotel he built a century ago for $50,000 is still standing after all these years and almost looks the same.

On the street, the clip-clop of hooves has been replaced by the drone of traffic. The packing plants – Griffin, Burns, Swifts, Gainers and Maple Leaf – are long gone.

Recognizing its historic value to our city, the property resides on the Register of Historic Resources in Edmonton. But it is not designated, meaning it could fall to the wrecking ball anytime. What will happen to the hotel with a new development in the Fort Road area around the hotel remains to be seen.

Mr. Patrick Dwyer would certainly be proud to know, the hotel is still serving ice-cold beer to thirsty travelers.

By: Zdenko Kahlina

Edmonton tradition to decorate houses
It is traditions that at Christmas time people in Edmonton decorate their Christmas trees, interiors of the house as well as the exterior of their houses too. But some people really get into it and go step further than the rest of us. Here is one example house. 

Amazing house decorated in a Christmassy spirit is located on the corner of 144 Avenue and 97 Street. The owner adds new decorations every year. If you have not seen it I would recommend you drive by and have a look. Every window is decorated even the basement ones! Very nice and impressive!

Pictures by bee,  from C2E forum

By: Zdenko Kahlina

New monument honors’ the contributions of Catholic Sisters in Alberta
A new addition to the Alberta Legislature recognizes the courageous and intrepid religious women who helped to found the province, providing health care, education and social services to pioneer communities. A bronze monument unveiled in September 2011 honors’ all the congregations of Sisters who served across the province and celebrates their legacy of care and compassion carried on by others today.

“This monument serves as a powerful tribute to the impact the Catholic Sisters have had on so many lives in our province, including my own. As a young child, I experienced the care and compassion of the Catholic Sisters firsthand, and this is a fitting way to honor their service, dedication, and care to countless Albertans,” says Premier Ed Stelmach. 

The Catholic Sisters’ Legacy Recognition Project is being led by Covenant Health in collaboration with the Catholic community. The monument was funded by donations from various organizations and individuals.

“They taught school, fed the hungry, visited the distraught, housed orphans and tended the sick. These were no small tasks when you consider how little they had and how primitive conditions were,” says Gordon Self, Executive Sponsor of the Catholic Sisters’ Legacy Recognition Project. “It is from these humble beginnings that we have been able to build the Catholic schools, hospitals and social agencies we are so proud of today.”

Over 70 orders of Sisters have served in Alberta in the past 150 years. The first were three Sisters of Charity of Montreal (Grey Nuns) who arrived in Lac St. Anne, September 24, 1859. They were among the first Caucasian women who arrived in the region before Confederation. In September 1863, the Grey Nuns opened a new convent in St. Albert, which operated as the first hospital, orphanage and school, in what was then the Northwest Territories.

“I am very grateful, it is wonderful recognition,” says Sister Annata Brockman about today’s tribute to all the Sisters who have made contributions in Alberta. “My hope is it will inspire others to carry on our work.”

Local artist Herman Poulin from St. Paul, Alberta was commissioned to create the Catholic Sisters’ Legacy Recognition monument, Service Through Christ. For Poulin, the project brought him back to his childhood and stirred feelings of gratitude.

“To work on the Sisters’ project is an honour. It is full circle for me.” says Herman. “In my primary school years, it was the Sisters who helped me discover my talent as a young artist. They called it a gift. Today, it is my turn to honour and respect my mentors.”

The 10 ft bronze statue of a Sister holding a piece of stained glass stands on a pedestal engraved with the names of the religious orders of Sisters who served in Alberta. The bronze figure moves through a foundation pillar and incorporates a crucifix around her neck, which Poulin defines as the source of her inner strength and purpose.

“Her movement exudes service” says Poulin. The figure in traditional dress strides forward, one heel up. “The flow of her long dress and her apron symbolize many tasks to do.”

In conjunction with the project, many communities—including the City of Edmonton—have declared September 28, 2011 as Catholic Sisters’ Legacy Recognition Day. A video celebrating the Sisters’ legacy is also in production and will be premiered at Covenant Health’s Annual Community Meeting on October 5 and released on www.covenanthealth.ca later that month.

By: Zdenko Kahlina
Pictures and text: from C2E forum

The North Saskatchewan River snakes its way through the city with a long green belt of parkland running along both banks. This is North America’s largest stretch of city parkland, one long recreational area strewn with cycling paths and trails.

Looking SE towards the Muttart Conservatory.

Imagine a city park 30 km (19miles) long that has all kinds of facilities, including network of jogging, running and cycling trails.

If you work in downtown Edmonton, consider yourself lucky. You are only steps away from Edmonton’s coveted river valley trail system, where endless walking and running opportunities await.

Whether you are just starting out, a seasoned walker, or you like to run, consider taking advantage of Edmonton’s great trail system over the noon hour or right after work.

Looking South from downtown to the eastern edge of the south skyline

Not sure where to walk? Active Edmonton would like to ease you into walking in the river valley with mapped Active Edmonton walks! You can start by logging onto www.mapmywalk.com and search for the walking routes described below.

East Jasper Avenue…the oldest part of Edmonton that needs a rebirth

Further east looking SW from what appears to be an a former home

1.Active Edmonton Walk Day Route

Perfect for those who tend to frequently claim they don’t have the time. This loop is short and sweet! Total distance is 2.2 km and, even done at a leisurely pace, this loop can be completed in 30 minutes or less, leaving you time to stop and grab a bite of lunch or window shop on the way back to the office!

Here’s where you go:

1. Starting and finishing at the Shaw Conference Centre.
2. Go west along Grierson Hill.
3. Cross the Low Level Bridge and head east along the walking trail past the River Queen.
4. Cross the foot bridge (north).
5. Walk through Louise McKinney Park where you can enjoy the scenic Chinese Garden, and Finish your walk at the Shaw.

Try this loop … you have time. Really!

The Edmonton Queen riverboat

Looking back towards the Shaw convention centre

Louise Mckinney Park and the Chinese garden

2. Active Edmonton River Valley Walk

This more intense six-kilometre route gives you a tour of the river valley and includes hills and stairs to increase intensity through out the walk. Great for those who can take an extended lunch (1.25 hours) or walk it after work!

Route details are as follows:

1. Walk down the Hotel MacDonald stairs.
2. Cross over to the Low Level Bridge and walk across.
3. Immediately after you cross the bridge go down the stairs and follow the walking path heading west along the river’s edge.
4. The path will take you under the James MacDonald Bridge.
5. Continue along the foot path that will lead you up a hill that twists around like a corkscrew.
6. Follow the path signs as they direct you south, then west to the Kinsmen Sports Centre/Walterdale Bridge.
7. Cross the Walterdale Bridge (north) and continue your walk behind the Rossdale Power plant.
8. You will walk under the Low Level Bridge.
9. Finally, gear yourself up and get ready to climb the stairs back up to the MacDonald Hotel.

This is literally in the middle of our city…

Again… middle of the city… so serene

Nature and urbanity

If you are not ready to venture out on your own, or are looking for a group to walk with join Active Edmonton’s Noon Hour Walk and Strollers in June!

Active Edmonton will be facilitating three walks for downtown workers and residents. The walks are scheduled for Monday June 9, 16, and 23. Active Edmonton’s Noon Hour Walk and Strollers will meet and start at the top of the Hotel MacDonald stairs where we will commence walking at 12:10 p.m.

Each session will take about 40 minutes and will lead you on a different guided walking adventure covering distances of four kilometres or less. Check out our Event Calendar ahead of time to find out where we will be walking.

Every participant who comes out to walk with us will receive an Active Edmonton give-away.

The core from a hill

Commonwealth Stadium

Our new tallest, the Epcor Tower (149m), under construction beside a jewel

Our provincial Legislature in a godlike state

A new condo, our tallest residential, going up downtown

A ski hill downtown, yup…

South skyline condo/apartment towers and the University of Alberta

Wicked infill… with straw bale construction

My 2nd favorite theatre, the Garneau (under restoration)

I think I can see my condo

The majestic ‘High Level’ Bridge connecting the north and southside.

Looking west from the middle of the high level bridge

More skyline going west, all residential

University of Alberta 

The most used staircase in Edmonton

The old locomotive bridge beside the newer light rail bridge

wait for it…

only a 2 car and not the newly delivered trains, oh well…

and to finish…the Alberta Provincial Legislature and my backyard

inspiration or mediocrity…

By: Zdenko Kahlina

Iconic structure arose again on original site.
The other day on my way to Shaw Convention centre I passed by the newly built ‘Alberta Hotel’ on Jasper Avenue. What an incredible building. It’s been rebuild from pieces lying in storage since the historic structure was demolished 25 years ago.

A replica of the hotel was built from the original blueprints

The five-storey building was torn down in 1984 to make way for Canada Place, but its distinctive turret, metal balconies, exterior sandstone blocks and bricks were numbered and put into crates. Now they’re back up again, only meters from their original location, after architect Gene Dub started foundation work more than a year ago, on land just west of the federal office tower.

In 2011 after years of planning, developer/architect Gene Dub completed building a $15-million replica of the old Alberta Hotel, a once-lovely historical building torn down to make way for Canada Place.

Arial view: Shaw Convention Centre, Canada Place and Alberta Hotel

Interestingly, if you look at this picture above and bellow, the Alberta Hotel will actually fit in quite nicely because of the front of Canada Place. If the monolithic part of that building was right to the roadway I have no doubt that the little building would have been lost.

Good location… squeezed between modern buildings

“We had the original bricks, stone, balcony and cupola (the dome on top) from the original,” said Gene, “along with the facade from the Rothsay Apartments (also torn down) for the west side of the building.

“We’re building about five meters over from the original site”, said Gene Dub. The only difference from the original will be the rooms – 14 luxury suites instead of postage – stamp bedrooms with the washroom down the hall. The main floor will re-create the original bar and dining room, just like the reconstructed Hotel Selkirk in Fort Edmonton Park. There will be space for other amenities such as a health spa.

Vision of Vibrancy

Construction has completed on the replica of the Alberta Hotel!

Dub plans to create a 14-room bed and breakfast style boutique hotel with a restaurant, office space and perhaps a spa at the Jasper Avenue site, which has been used as a park. The west entrance will incorporate the facade from the Rothsay Apartments, which stood at 97th Street, and the hotel might also use a remnant from 101st Street’s Tegler Building, which was spectacularly blown up in the 1980s.

The Turret – Cupola

Alberta Hotel was initially erected in 1903

The north side facing the Citadel Theatre is a wall of glass, but from the south the new hotel looks identical to what was erected in 1903.

“It’s quite an important structure in the history of Edmonton. I thought it would be important that we try and keep it and bring it back”, said Dub.

He bought the land from the city in 2005, half of which will remain as park when he’s done, and has paid a storage fee for the fragments, which he received for free. Construction was delayed by negotiations over parking access and Dub’s unsuccessful proposal to use the building for a national portrait gallery.

This boutique hotel is not open yet, but construction seems to be completed. At least from the outside, all work is done and perhaps there is some work being done on the inside. In any case, it looks like hotel will be reopening very soon.

Like the Union Bank Inn down the street, the Alberta Hotel will add much class to the downtown. Being next to Canada Place is a great location for this small hotel. As we all know Canada Place holds all kinds of government departments. Officials from these departments could stay in this hotel while doing business in Canada Place. People coming in for government courses could stay there. I am sure if the government has enough people going there they could work out a favorable rate for overnight guests.

Replica Hotel Selkirk at Fort Edmonton Park

 Alberta Hotel history

Fred Jackson and Edmund Del Grierson commissioned architect James Wize to design them a hotel for the lip of the river valley where a wood framed hostelry had resided since 1893. Situated where Canada Place now stands at 98th Street and Jasper Avenue, their Alberta Hotel opened in 1903.

Constructed of brick and stone in the Victorian Romanesque style, it was an exceptional structure for its time. The castle-like hotel’s most distinctive feature was a conical corner tower, and details included round arched and segmentally arched windows and a rusticated base.

Hotel Alberta in 1903.

The hotel boasted the first elevator in the city and shower baths. Riding the publicity from his new hotel and his reputation, Grierson was elected Alderman in 1904. Grierson Hill bears his name. Prime Minister Sir Wilfrid Laurier stayed at the hotel in 1905, when Alberta entered confederation.

This 40-room hotel at the southwest corner of Jasper Avenue and 101st Street formally opened on February 9, 1903. Its barroom quickly became one of downtown’s favoured watering holes.

Local hotelier Robert McDonald, who owned the Yale Hotel, bought the Windsor Hotel and the adjacent Windsor Block in 1911, and changed the name to the Hotel Selkirk. He expanded and renovated the property to 100 guest rooms and it officially reopened on November 10, 1913.

Original Alberta Hotel

 For the next 50 years, the hotel was one of the most popular meeting places, with its central location, comfortable pub and classy basement restaurant Johnson’s Café. The well-loved landmark was severely damaged by fire on December 18, 1962, and was subsequently demolished the following September to make way for the Royal Bank of Canada tower.

 The Alberta Hotel was knocked down in 1984. Parts of the historic building were salvaged, including the west and south facing sandstone and brick facades, crowning white cupola, the elegant bar room interior, exterior signs and the original elevator. They sit in a northeast Edmonton storage yard, the city artifact centre and Fort Edmonton Park.

 Each piece of stone, as it was uncovered, was numbered according to architectural drawings, then carefully removed. The entire process took two months. In the bar room, crews removed ornate moulded plaster ceilings, finely detailed woodwork, wall tile samples and a stained glass window over an outside doorway. All the components of the original elevator were also removed. The elevator was still in working condition.

In the 23 years since the deconstruction work, a number of plans to resurrect the old hotel have come and gone. For a time, Fort Edmonton Park considered re-constructing the Alberta Hotel, but still the vintage parts languish as baubles from a forsaken past.

More information and pictures of hotel reconstruction can be found here:

http://www.connect2edmonton.ca/forum/showthread.php?t=5401

By: Zdenko Kahlina

Few days ago I took opportunity to spend two days on the business trip to Calgary.  There was a unique Storage Networking conference that I wanted to attend. At the same time I was planning to take a few pictures of this beautiful Canadian city and write few words about it on my blog site.

Calgary is only about 2.5 hours drive away from Edmonton. Highway 2 is easy to drive on, because it is a two line road both ways and goes straight thru the Alberta prairie. There is only one town (Red Deer) between Edmonton and Calgary. While carefully watching my speed (there are number of RCMP speed traps on this busy highway) I made it without stopping. As I was approaching the city, snow storm was moving in as well. That’s April like weather in Alberta. Though it was snowing heavily, I made it safely to the underground parking at the Westin hotel where I was staying.

Calgary & Area at a Glance
Calgary is the top city out of 21 major urban areas in terms of living quality and economic potential, according to a new study released by the Toronto Board of Trade. Their hockey team “Calgary Flames” is in the Stanley Cup playoff’s this year and the whole city is going crazy for their team (last night they beat Chicago 5:4 and tied the score to 2:2 in the playoff.

Calgary is an attractive and dynamic city situated on the banks of the Bow River and close to Alberta’s majestic Rocky Mountains. The Calgary Stampede is undoubtedly Calgary’s best-known visitor attraction. This event, featuring a large parade and world-class rodeo, draws more than a million people each year. The host city of the 1988 Winter Olympic Games takes pride in its sporting legacy. Canada Olympic Park is a multi-purpose athletic facility designed for skiing, snowboarding, bobsleigh and luge during the winter and mountain biking during the summer. The Pengrowth Saddledome is the home of the NHL’s Calgary Flames, as well as being the venue for countless events and concerts throughout the year. Other attractions, including the Glenbow Museum, Calgary Tower and Eau Claire Market are other great places to visit year-round. Visit the WorldWeb.com travel guides for Edmonton, Kananaskis Country, Canmore, Banff, Bragg Creek and Drumheller for information about visitor destinations near Calgary.

Reasons to love Calgary

There are so many reasons to be in love with Calgary but here are my favorite few:

• We love Calgary because we can enjoy sunshine even when it’s -30 outside.
• We welcome visitors from all over the world during Stampede and although they call us the wild West our hospitality is at its very best.
• Calgary is home to some lovable personalities like Wayne Mcbean, Patrick Eaves, Chris Jericho, Jann Ardene etc.
• We serve the best steak in Western Canada.
• We have a wide variety of Cultures here and we encourage diverse population.
• Where else in Canada will you find hot cowboys?
• We can enjoy four seasons in a single day.
• We hosted the Winter Olympics in 1988
• We also love Calgary because it’s the home to the Calgary Flames.
• We have the lovely Rockies on one side and the badlands on the other.

With such an interesting list, need I say more? Just look at the pictures and enjoy!

By: Zdenko Kahlina
Movember means it’s time to grow that moustache! 
It’s that time again fellas: Movember is upon us. And you know what that means. Moustaches for everyone – even if your main squeeze, girlfriend, wife, sister or daughter says you look like a 70s porn star.

Why? Because Movember is prostate cancer awareness month, and by adorning your upper lip with some serious fur you are making your fellow men as well as their women aware of the fact that although less talked about, prostate cancer is actually more common than breast cancer!
 
A group of us from work at WCB (Edmonton), will be raising money for Prostate Cancer Canada. The rules are simple, start Movember 1st clean-shaven and then grow a moustache for the entire month. The moustache becomes the ribbon for men’s health, the means by which awareness and funds are raised for prostate cancer.  Much like the commitment to run or walk for charity, the men of Movember commit to growing a moustache for 30 days.

We are looking for your donations to help our team “Cash for the Stache – WCB” raise money.  Just visit Movember.com site, search for our team and donate any amount you wish. All proceeds will count towards the Prostate Cancer Canada.
For more information and to sign up go to Movember.com, then send your friends or loved ones who think you’ve gone insane here or to YouTube to watch the video. And while you’re at it you can read the original article after the jump.

A little action in the bedroom is good but did you know it’s also good FOR you?
If your man is using this as a reason for gettin’ a little somethin’ somethin,’ it ain’t no ordinary line ladies. He’s actually right! Such a release is good for his prostate and if you knew how common it is for men to develop cancer in this gland, you wouldn’t take his request so lightly.
Even though the subject is brought up every once in a while, people (generally of the male variety) are usually quick to change it or simply tune it out because it’s an uncomfortable issue. But why? We hear about breast cancer on a daily basis now it seems, and you can buy pretty much anything in pink these days so why is there this great imbalance?

Well, for one thing, just as you’d rather see bare breasts than full frontal male nudity, women just have a prettier package and pretty things are easier to talk about. The fact that breast cancer surgery is a lot more traumatic also warrants the attention. Consider that women can actually lose a whole breast, something that is more physically and psychologically damaging than losing an organ that you can’t see or touch. That’s why I think prostate cancer never gets the spotlight…until now!

And it’s about time! Did you know that prostate cancer is actually more common than breast cancer?! The numbers are staggering. Just this week alone, 429 Canadian men will have been diagnosed with prostate cancer and according to the Canadian Cancer Society, 1 in 27 will die from it. That’s why early detection is so critical. Like any other cancer, doctors the world over are still hard at work finding a cure so if a cancer is left to grow, it could not only be debilitating, but fatal. Prostate cancer develops very slowly so by the time you experience any symptoms, it may already be too late. However, if you are diligent about your annual checkups, early detection will ensure that you receive the right treatment so you can continue to live your life to the fullest. It is strongly recommended that men 40 and over be examined regularly but men in their mid-30s are now beginning to do so as well. Can’t hurt right? Well…maybe a little…

Granted, a physical examination of your prostate is more than unpleasant, but consider the repercussions if you ignore such a serious condition. Mad Morten’s grandfather discovered a tumor that eventually spread to his back, paralyzing him during his latter years of life and only through sheer stubbornness did he still live a relatively long one. The cancer can engulf any part of your body, not just your back as in this case. You guys out there will be happy to know that there is an alternative to being poked and prodded. As Alan explains in the video, there is a blood test called the Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) test that is less invasive and which produces the same results, so please consult your family physician, ask lots of questions, and learn more about it.

All this education is where Movember comes into play. Now that you’re armed with potentially life-saving info, it’s time to spread something of the good kind…awareness. And how will you do that? By sporting a MO (an Aussie slang for mustache) and becoming a Mo Bro!
Unless you’re Magnum P.I., these facial accents are a rarity. That’s why when you wear one yourself, you’ll naturally attract attention and as people begin to ask you why you’re wearing such a pimpin’ look, you can enlighten them about a worthy cause. Women may be challenged in the facial hair department, but they have a part to play as well, by becoming Mo Sistas and supporting and recruiting Mo Men. This is one of the most creative ways of approaching a delicate subject and you’re encouraged to have fun with it.

Conduct Mo-offs at your office! The teachers at Midland Secondary School in Ontario are raising money by selling ballots to vote on which teacher will don which ridiculous-looking mustache for the remainder of the month. All the money raised will fund each participating country’s leading prostate cancer research foundation so all the money raised in Canada will stay IN Canada. Our country’s beneficiary partner is the Prostate Cancer Research Foundation of Canada so sign up at Movember.com, start your own competition, and at the end of the month, celebrate with all your Edmonton Mo Bros and Sistas! Check Movember.com for party listings.

Knowledge is power babeh!

From “Connect2 Edmonton”
I’m planning a historic walk in Downtown Edmonton between Robertson-Wesley United Church and the Hotel Macdonald, as these are the sites of my upcoming wedding ceremony and reception, respectively, in autumn of this year. First Edmonton Public school 
Basically, it’ll be a nice way for attendees to kill an hour between the two. I’m into local history and love sharing it with people. I just took the photos for the proposed walk, and thought I’d share it with you all!

The route is a hybrid of a couple of different historical walks I’ve seen. I’ve made a Google Map of it. All of these photos are available at my Flickr album.

1. Robertson-Wesley United Church – 10203 123 St.

2. Christ Church – 12116 – 102 Ave.

3. West End Telephone Exchange – 12019 – 102 Ave. 

4. Derwas Court Apartment Building – 10146 – 121 St.

5. Annamoe Mansion – 11950 – 100 Ave.

6. Victoria Park & Golf Links – Viewed from 100 Ave.

7. Lemarchand Mansion – 11523 – 100 Ave.

8. Westminster Apartments – 9955 – 114 St.

9. Hugh W. Campbell Residence – 9934 – 114 St.

10. Dubuc Park – Corner of 114 St. and 99 Ave.

11. North Side 99 Avenue Homes – 99 Ave. between 112 and 113 Streets

12. The Mountafield – 9850 – 112 St.

13. Misericordia Hospital – 111 St. between 98 and 99 Avenues

14. The Hill Houses – 111 St. between 97 and 98 Avenues

15. High Level Bridge – 109 Street

16. Grandin School – 9844 – 100 St.

17. Oblate Provincial House & St. Joachim’s Church – 110 St. between 99 and 100 Avenues

18. Bowker Building – 9835 – 109 St.

19. Legislature Building – 10801 – 97 St.

20. Federal Public Building – 9820 – 107 St.

21. McKay Avenue School – 10425 – 99 Ave.

22. Gariepy House – 9947 – 104 St.

23. Masonic Temple – 10318 – 100 Ave.

24. Salvation Army Citadel – 10030 – 102 St.

25. McDougall United Church – 10086 – 101 St.

26. Hotel Macdonald – 10065 – 100 St.

By Zdenko Kahlina

Experience the Bounty in Beaver County.
It is camping season and you don’t have to travel far from Edmonton, if you are looking for a weekend getaway. Do you enjoy camping, the outdoors, fresh air, and nature?

Camp lake Park

If so, come and visit Camp Lake campground in the Beaver County. We went there to visit our son and his family when they were staying there over the Labour Day holiday in September. This is a great little campground where you can get away from it all and relax in one of the private well-treed sites or meet with friends and camp in one of the group areas.
Heading east on Highway 14

How to get there
Beaver County is home to two great campgrounds – Camp Lake and Black Nugget Lake. Camp Lake is only 134 km away from Edmonton on highway 14 east or less than 2 hours drive. When you get to small village of Viking, turn left (north) and go over the rail tracks and than immediately turn right. The campground is located 18 km east of Viking on Secondary Highway 619. From highway 619 than turn north onto Range Road 112. Last two kilometers on Range Road 112 are still gravel road. Camp Lake Campground is located at 48118 – Rge Rd 112. This campground can be also accessed from 2 other routes:

• From Kinsella on Sec Hwy 870, 12.5 km north & north 2 km on Rge Rd 112
• From Innisfree 28.5 km south on Sec Hwy 870 & 1.8 km east on Twp Rd 482A & 0.7 km south on Rge Rd 112.

Entrance into the campground

The Campground
The Camp Lake is a great campground where you can relax, meet friends or spend the day. The owners would like it to stay “small” as I heard them say to their visitors: “Don’t tell anyone about our little camp, we don’t want to become too busy… we prefer to have our regulars only!”

Once you enter the camp, you have a choice of turning left at the concession house to non-serviced site or turning right to the site with full power access. Our family was staying at the non-serviced site, and very close to the beach. They were a large group of friends with small children, all camping very close to each other.

Campground beach

Our grandson enjoyed his play in the sand

The Campground has two beaches, a boat launch, boat trailer parking, cookhouses for shelter, showers, washrooms, and a sewer dump station for your convenience.

Take in some swimming, boating, water skiing, sailing, canoeing, hiking, and horseshoes. A playground, basketball hoop, volleyball court and beach volleyball are also available for your enjoyment. Some of the campsites are surrounded by dense brush and trees so they are nice and private. Some of the sites are in open grassy area. Some sites have lake views.

Water skiing on the lake

Another beach at the Camp Lake

The water was calm and clear and the giggling shake of aspen leaves provided just the right amount of shade on the beach. This is not a murky lake of algae and sludge; rather, it’s sand-bottomed with translucent water. The true test: it lured even me, a chicken of cold water, inside—after a two hour drive in a heat up car. The kids loved splashing about in the water. Our grandson enjoyed his play with the sand on the beach, as he’s still too small to play with other kids.

The concession house

The concession is located at the entrance to the Campground where you will find wood, ice cream, and other concession items for sale. The Campground offers power or non-serviced sites and has two beaches, great swimming, a boat launch, cookhouses, playground, volleyball court, beach volleyball, basketball hoop and day use areas. The camp is open from May 15 to September 15. Both power and non-power sites are available for daily, weekly or monthly stays.

The campsites are surrounded by dense brush and trees so they are nice and private

The best part (or at least the kids’ favourite part)? The little local lake store sells ice cream and treats. This is good incentive if the kids get tired or bored halfway around the lake. Bribes aren’t always bad…

So pack up your bikes or don your boots. This is a peaceful paradise approximately two hours southeast of Edmonton. It’s time to head out of the big city. And don’t forget your swimsuit.

Games: Launching water balloons into the air with a sling

Visiting Beaver County – Viking
When approaching Beaver County on highway 14, you have to pass through town of Viking. Viking is an excellent travel destination when looking to get away from it all and head out to Cottage Country. Viking is full of nature to explore. When you visit Viking be prepared to take advantage of all the excellent activities Viking has to offer.

Viking railway station

Very few travelers make their way to Viking when visiting Canada. The majority of economic activity is in the agriculture, oil and gas, textile, and manufacturing industries. The town had a population of 1,085 living in 494 dwellings. As a flag stop Via Rail’s The Canadian calls at the Viking railway station three times per week, in each direction.

Viking: It was Sunday and the streets were deserted

This is THE place to get your beer

Church in Viking

On July 7, 2005, the community ice arena was severely damaged by fire. Construction began on a new arena, called the “Viking Carena Complex”. Many parks and flower gardens are maintained throughout the town. One of the most notable parks is Troll Park. It celebrates Vikings’s rich Scandinavian history with native plants, trolls hidden throughout the park, and a giant troll mountain. Viking won the national Communities in Bloom contest in 2000.

Alberta grain elevators
Between Edmonton and Viking there are a number of sites that have grain elevators still standing by the highway, representing real rural areas in Alberta. I took pictures of the new mega grain elevators that are replacing old-fashioned wooden elevators from the past.

Typical wooden elevator in the prairies

Not that long ago grain elevators were being built in just about every town along the railroad on the Canadian prairies. The grain elevator spelled prosperity to the town and region where they were located. Quickly they became the commercial and social centers for the new “Last Best West”. Rows of brightly colored elevators became cultural landmarks, a symbol of greatness for the productive prairies.

Another wooden elevator by highway 14

These days the old-fashioned Prairie sentinels are gradually being replaced by mega elevators made of concrete and steel. These high-tech storage sites can hold up to 10 times more grain than a typical wooden elevator and are fitted with the latest grain sorting and cleaning machinery.

New mega elevators made of concrete

As a new century unfolds, these same elevators are being demolished as fast as they went up! With the loss of the physical structures comes the loss of history associated with them, the loss of a spot on the horizon that identifies a community, a region and a way of life. AGES sees the need for progress, but they also ask “’what about the legacy”? What are we leaving future generations? How will we know how for we have progressed if we don’t know where we’ve been? AGES says “Let us preserve some of our history, our heritage, and leave some of these beautiful prairie sentinels for the future.”