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Welcome to The Edmonton Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Edmonton’s Fort Road fully operational

• AI art of the week

• A deep dive into the life of Ernest Manning

• And more…

Quote of the Week

“It does not do to dwell on dreams and forget to live.”

-J.K. Rowling

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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 Edmonton museum focuses on the history of law enforcement in the city?

A) Royal Alberta Museum

B) Alberta Railway Museum

C) Edmonton Police Museum

D) TELUS World of Science

Last Week's Trivia:

What unique feature distinguishes the Edmonton City Hall from traditional city hall designs? Answer: B) Its circular council chamber

The Best Stories of the Week

💼Business

Edmonton’s Fort Road fully operational after three years of construction. (link)

AutoCanada investigating cybersecurity breach, as it announces loss from previous incident. (link)

🏦Finance

Edmonton investors snatch up 12 local buildings. (link)

🏒Sports

Edmonton Elks Take Down BC Lions Despite Tre Ford Injury. (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

🥋 Kids Summer camp
YEG Martial Arts & Fitness 10014 164 Street Northwest Edmonton,
Monday August 19 | 9:00 AM | (more info)

⛳ NASCA Golf Tournament 2024
The Quarry 945 167 Avenue Northeast Edmonton
Wednesday August 21 | 7:00 AM MDT | (more info)

Concerts

🎸 Jack Botts - North America 2024
The Starlite Room 10030 – 102 Street Edmonton,
Wednesday August 21 | 7:00 PM | (more info)

Family

💪 Camp Courage 2024
Arashi Do Edmonton East 12131 54th Street Northwest Edmonton
Mon, Aug 19, 2024 9:00 AM | (more info)

🔍 Scavenger Hunt Edmonton
10000 Jasper Ave Edmonton,
Tuesday, August 20 · 10am 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 public space dedicated to virtual reality experiences.” 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

1995: Edmonton hosts the World Masters Games.

In 1995, Edmonton proudly hosted the World Masters Games, an international multi-sport event that celebrates the athletic spirit across all age groups, particularly focusing on athletes over the age of 30. This significant event marked Edmonton's position on the global stage as a city capable of hosting large-scale international sporting events, further solidifying its reputation as a ""City of Champions."" The Games attracted thousands of participants from around the world, competing in a wide range of sports, from track and field to swimming and team sports. The inclusivity and diversity of the event showcased the universal appeal of sport and the idea that athletic competition and camaraderie know no age limit.

Hosting the World Masters Games was a logistical and organizational feat that highlighted Edmonton's community spirit, infrastructure capabilities, and volunteer enthusiasm. The city transformed its public spaces, sports facilities, and community centers into venues fit for international competition, demonstrating its versatility and commitment to promoting healthy, active lifestyles. The event brought together volunteers, athletes, and spectators in a celebration of sportsmanship, fostering a sense of global community and mutual respect among participants from diverse backgrounds. The Games not only provided an economic boost to the city through tourism and international exposure but also inspired local residents by showcasing the lifelong benefits of physical activity and the power of sport to unite people across cultures and generations.

The legacy of the 1995 World Masters Games in Edmonton has had lasting impacts, reinforcing the value of international sporting events in promoting social cohesion, economic development, and cultural exchange. The success of the Games underscored Edmonton's ability to host major international events and contributed to the city's ongoing efforts to attract similar opportunities in the future. The spirit of the World Masters Games continues to resonate in Edmonton, encouraging participation in sports and physical activity among people of all ages, and reminding the world of the city's warm hospitality and vibrant community life. The event left an indelible mark on Edmonton, celebrating the enduring power of sport to connect, inspire, and celebrate humanity's shared aspirations.

Famous Edmontonians

Ernest Manning (1908–1996): Long-time Premier of Alberta.

Ernest Manning: Early Years and Spiritual Foundation (1908–1930)

Born in Saskatchewan in 1908, Ernest Manning moved to Alberta in his youth, where he developed a deep spiritual and political foundation under the mentorship of William Aberhart. His early involvement in the Social Credit Party and its associated radio broadcasts laid the groundwork for his future in Alberta politics, intertwining his evangelical Christian beliefs with his political ideology.

Rise in the Social Credit Party (1930–1943)

Manning's adeptness at public speaking and his alignment with the Social Credit principles quickly elevated him within the party ranks. Working closely with Aberhart, Manning played a crucial role in promoting Social Credit theories, which aimed at addressing the economic hardships of the Great Depression through monetary reform. His contributions during this period were instrumental in the party's rise to power in Alberta.

Premier of Alberta (1943–1968)

After William Aberhart's death in 1943, Ernest Manning succeeded him as the Premier of Alberta, marking the beginning of a 25-year tenure. Under his leadership, Alberta experienced significant economic growth, largely due to the discovery and development of oil and gas resources. Manning's policies focused on fiscal conservatism, social welfare, and the promotion of Alberta's energy sector on the national stage.

Connection to Edmonton (Throughout Tenure)

As the capital of Alberta, Edmonton was central to Manning's political career. His leadership saw the city grow and transform, benefiting from provincial policies that encouraged economic development and infrastructure expansion. Manning's tenure left a lasting impact on Edmonton's landscape, positioning it as a key player in Canada's energy economy.

Economic Development and the Oil Boom (1947–1968)

The discovery of oil at Leduc in 1947 marked the beginning of Alberta's oil boom, a period of unprecedented economic growth that Manning adeptly managed. His government's policies ensured that Alberta capitalized on its natural resources, leading to increased wealth and a higher standard of living for Albertans. Manning's stewardship during this time is credited with laying the foundation for Alberta's future prosperity.

Social Welfare and Education Initiatives (1943–1968)

Despite his conservative economic policies, Manning was progressive in his approach to social welfare and education. His government introduced health care insurance and improved public education, making significant investments in Alberta's social infrastructure. These initiatives reflected Manning's belief in the government's role in ensuring the well-being of its citizens.

Advocacy for Provincial Rights (1943–1968)

Manning was a strong advocate for provincial rights within the Canadian federation, often clashing with the federal government over issues of resource control and taxation. His tenure was marked by a persistent effort to assert Alberta's sovereignty and protect its economic interests, contributing to the ongoing dialogue about federal-provincial relations in Canada.

Retirement and Legacy (1968–1996)

After retiring from politics in 1968, Manning continued to influence Canadian public life through his involvement in the evangelical movement and as a member of the Canadian Senate. His legacy as one of Alberta's longest-serving premiers is characterized by economic prosperity, advancements in social welfare, and a steadfast commitment to provincial autonomy.

Key Achievements

• Served as the Premier of Alberta for 25 years, overseeing a period of significant economic growth and development.

• Played a key role in the development of Alberta's oil and gas industry, contributing to the province's prosperity.

• Introduced progressive social welfare and education policies, improving the quality of life for Albertans.

Ernest Manning's tenure as Premier of Alberta left an indelible mark on the province and its capital, Edmonton. Under his leadership, Alberta experienced unprecedented economic growth, largely driven by the oil and gas industry, while also seeing significant improvements in social welfare and education. Manning's legacy is one of fiscal conservatism balanced with social responsibility, highlighting his complex and impactful role in shaping Alberta's political and economic landscape.

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-Matthew Larsen

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