Welcome to The Edmonton Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Scavenger Hunt Edmonton upcoming event

• Upcoming NHL Playoffs

• A deep dive into the life of Max Ward

• And more…

Quote of the Week

"No person will make a great business who wants to do it all himself or get all the credit."

—Andrew Carnegie

Edmonton Trivia

Here is your trivia question of the week. The answer will be shown in next week’s newsletter. Which do you think it is? No cheating!

Which large urban park in Edmonton is named after a former mayor?

A) Rundle Park

B) Hawrelak Park

C) Coronation Park

D) Borden Park

Last Week's Trivia:
What is the name of the professional Canadian football team based in Edmonton?
Answer: C) Edmonton Eskimos

The Best Stories of the Week

💼 Business

WestJet CEO Alexis Von Hoensbroech to Unveil Strategic Regional Investments in Exclusive Address to Edmonton Business Community. (link)

Edmonton city council to discuss potential tax hike. (link)

🏦 Finance

Edmonton condo at risk of collapse to be sold as corporate law clouds hope for court fight. (link)

MLT Aikins proud to sponsor the 2024 Edmonton Real Estate Forum. (link)

🏒 Sports

In the first match of the Stanley Cup playoffs' first round, the Edmonton Oilers played against the Los Angeles Kings at their home arena.The Oilers secured a convincing victory with a score of 7:4. (link)

Zach Hyman scored a hat trick for the Edmonton Oilers in a 7-4 trouncing of the Los Angeles Kings in Game 1 of the opening round playoff series. (link)

The Edmonton Oilers' bid for the Stanley Cup may have hit a snag with Evander Kane's recent setback due to what appears to be a sports hernia. (link)

Komets goalie Fanti called up to NHL as Oilers playoff EBUG. (link)

Upcoming Events

Here are some events that are happening in our city this week. There is a good mix between sports, entertainment, conferences, concerts, and more.

Sports

🏒 NHL Playoffs Round 1 Game 5: Oilers v. Kings
Rogers Place Edmonton, AB
Wed • May 01 | (more info)

🏀WNBA Canada Game presented by Tangerine: Seattle Storm v LA Sparks
Rogers Place Edmonton, AB
Saturday May 04 | 7:30 PM | (more info)

🏒NHL Playoffs Round 1 Game 7: Oilers v. Kings
Rogers Place Edmonton, AB
Sunday May 05 | (more info)

Concerts

🎸Amon Amarth - Metal Crushes All Tour
Edmonton Convention Centre Edmonton, AB
Monday April 29 | 5:30 PM | (more info)

🎤Andre-Philippe Gagnon
Northern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium Edmonton, AB
Thursday May 02 | 7:30 PM | (more info)

🎧Chali 2na & DJ Shub w/ K-Riz and Thug Shell
The Starlite Room 10030 – 102 Street Edmonton, AB T5J 0V6
Friday May 3 | 9:00 PM | (more info)

📚TALK – Lord of the Flies & Birds & Bees
Midway 6107 104 St NW Edmonton, AB T6H 2K8
Sat May 4 2024 |7:30 PM | (more info)

Family

🧩Scavenger Hunt Edmonton
10000 Jasper Ave Edmonton,
Thursday, May 2 · 10am MDT | (more info)

🖍️Draw Funny, Comics and Cartooning Workshops for Students 7+
Rolling Tales 10219 106 Street Edmonton,
Thursday, May 2 · 5 - 7pm MDT | (more info)

👨‍💻Kids programming and AI Free demo session
1012 Potter Greens Dr NW
Saturday, May 4 · 10am - 4pm MDT | (more info)

Image of the Week

Every week, I have a habit of making some AI art about our city.

This week, I typed in “Edmonton with a blend of ancient and futuristic architecture.” and this is what I got.

Let me know what ideas you have for this. I really enjoy making these types of photos.

Edmonton History

1929: The opening of the Royal Alexandra Hospital.

In 1929, Edmonton marked a significant advancement in its healthcare landscape with the opening of the Royal Alexandra Hospital. This event signified a monumental step forward in providing comprehensive medical care to the residents of Edmonton and surrounding areas. Named in honor of Queen Alexandra, wife of King Edward VII, the hospital was established with the vision of becoming a leading healthcare institution in Western Canada. Its establishment was a response to the growing need for more sophisticated medical facilities in the region, driven by Edmonton's rapid population growth and the increasing complexity of healthcare demands.

The Royal Alexandra Hospital quickly distinguished itself as a center of excellence in patient care, medical research, and education. From its inception, the hospital was equipped with the latest medical technology and staffed by skilled professionals committed to delivering high-quality healthcare services. Its opening allowed for significant expansions in services and specialties, addressing a wide range of health issues and improving the overall health outcomes for the community. The hospital also played a crucial role in medical education, partnering with the University of Alberta to train the next generation of healthcare professionals, thus ensuring a legacy of medical excellence and innovation.

Over the decades, the Royal Alexandra Hospital has evolved into one of the largest and busiest healthcare facilities in Alberta, continually adapting to meet the changing needs of the population it serves. Its commitment to patient care, research, and education remains unwavering, with the hospital consistently pushing the boundaries of medicine to improve patient outcomes. The opening of the Royal Alexandra Hospital in 1929 is remembered as a watershed moment for Edmonton, symbolizing the city's dedication to the health and well-being of its citizens and setting a standard for healthcare that continues to inspire and lead by example.

Famous Edmontonians

Max Ward (1921–2020): Founder of Wardair, Canada's largest privately owned airline.

Max Ward: The Early Aviator (1921–1940)

Born in Edmonton, Alberta, in 1921, Max Ward's early life was set against the backdrop of the burgeoning field of aviation. From a young age, he was captivated by the possibility of flight, a passion that would define his career and contributions to Canadian aviation. His initial foray into flying began with model airplanes, laying the groundwork for his future as a pioneering aviator.

World War II Service (1940–1945)

Ward's aviation career took a decisive turn during World War II, where he served as a pilot in the Royal Canadian Air Force. This experience honed his flying skills and deepened his understanding of aviation operations, setting the stage for his post-war contributions to commercial aviation in Canada.

Post-War Ventures and Bush Flying (1945–1952)

After the war, Ward entered the challenging world of bush flying in Canada's North, transporting goods and passengers across remote areas. This period was marked by his entrepreneurial spirit and innovative approach to overcoming the logistical challenges of northern aviation, laying the foundation for his future endeavors in the airline industry.

The Birth of Wardair (1952–1960)

In 1952, Max Ward founded Wardair, initially a small charter service operating out of the Canadian North. His commitment to service and excellence quickly set Wardair apart, beginning its evolution from a modest operation into a significant player in the Canadian airline industry.

Expansion and Innovation (1960–1970)

The 1960s saw Wardair grow from a charter service to a full-fledged airline, introducing international flights and expanding its fleet. Max Ward's emphasis on customer service, combined with innovative marketing strategies, propelled Wardair to new heights, challenging established carriers and introducing Canadians to a new way of flying.

Wardair: A National Competitor (1970–1980)

By the 1970s, Wardair had become Canada's third-largest airline, known for its high-quality service and competitive pricing. Under Max Ward's leadership, the airline continued to expand, adding more international destinations and becoming a beloved choice for Canadian travelers.

The Apex of Wardair (1980–1989)

The 1980s marked the peak of Wardair's success, with Max Ward at the helm steering the airline into its golden era. The airline's fleet, service, and route network reached unprecedented levels, showcasing Ward's vision of a customer-focused, competitive airline on the global stage.

The Sale of Wardair and Aftermath (1989–2000)

In 1989, in a move that shocked the Canadian aviation industry, Max Ward sold Wardair to Canadian Airlines. This decision marked the end of an era for Wardair but also highlighted the immense impact Max Ward had on shaping Canadian aviation. Following the sale, Ward remained a respected figure in aviation, offering insights and advocating for the industry's growth.

Connection to Edmonton (

Max Ward's connection to Edmonton was foundational to his career and Wardair's origins. Starting his aviation journey in Edmonton, the city served as both a base of operations and a source of inspiration for Ward. His contributions significantly impacted Edmonton's aviation landscape, fostering growth and innovation within the community.

The Legacy Years (2000–2020)

In his final years, Max Ward's legacy as a pioneer in Canadian aviation was widely recognized. He received numerous awards and honors, reflecting his contributions to the industry and the lasting impact of his work on Canadian air travel.

Key Achievements

• Founding Wardair, Canada's largest privately owned airline.

• Pioneering innovations in customer service and competitive pricing in the airline industry.

• Serving in the Royal Canadian Air Force and contributing to Canada's aviation during World War II.

• Impacting Edmonton's aviation landscape and fostering industry growth.

Max Ward's life was a testament to his passion for aviation and his impact on the industry in Canada. As the founder of Wardair, he introduced innovations in customer service and competitive pricing that changed Canadian air travel. His legacy, especially his connection to Edmonton and his influence on the aviation industry, continues to inspire future generations. Ward's vision and entrepreneurial spirit made him a pioneer in Canadian aviation, leaving an indelible mark on the country's air travel history.

Connect With Me

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I would love to hear from you. Don’t be shy.

-Matthew Larsen

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