Welcome to The Edmonton Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Edmonton Elks appoint Mark Kilam head coach.

• AI art of the week

• A deep dive into the life of Arthur Hiller

• And more…

Quote of the Week

“Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.”

— Ralph Waldo Emerson

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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 museum in Edmonton is dedicated to Alberta's aviation history?

A) Royal Alberta Museum

B) Alberta Aviation Museum

C) TELUS World of Science

D) Art Gallery of Alberta

Last Week's Trivia:

In Edmonton, what is Hawrelak Park known for hosting annually? Answer: C) The Heritage Festival

The Best Stories of the Week

💼Business

Using Edmonton as inspiration for design.(link)

🏦Finance

Scotiabank reports $1.69B Q4 profit, up from $1.35B a year ago.(link)

🏒Sports

Former Edmonton Elks CEO to head athlete safety committee after fighter's death.(link)

Oilers' Connor McDavid Reveals Top Priority In Free Agency Decision.(link)

Edmonton Elks hire longtime Stampeders assistant Mark Kilam as head coach.(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

🏒 Edmonton Oilers vs. Tampa Bay Lightning
Rogers Place Edmonton,
Tuesday December 10 | 7:00 PM | (more info)

Concerts

🎶 A Rocky Mountain High Christmas - Celebrating the Music of John Denver
Northern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium Edmonton,
Monday December 09 | 7:30 PM | (more info)

Family

🎨 Family Paint Party
Smitty's Restaurant - Westmount 13336 114 Avenue Edmonton,
Wednesday, December 11 | 6 - 8pm MST | (more info)

🔍 An Epic Scavenger Hunt - Alberta’s Charming Capital
10248 99 Street Northwest Edmonton,
Monday, December 9 | 8am - 8pm MST | (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 “Urban winter wonderland in Edmonton with ice 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

1947: Oil is discovered near Leduc, impacting Edmonton’s economy.

In 1947, a transformative event occurred near Leduc, just south of Edmonton, that would irrevocably change the economic landscape of the region and the city itself: the discovery of oil. This momentous find, known as the Leduc No. 1 discovery, marked the birth of the modern petroleum industry in Alberta and signaled the beginning of an economic boom that would have far-reaching effects. For Edmonton, located in close proximity to Leduc, the discovery acted as a catalyst for unprecedented growth, positioning the city as a key player in the burgeoning oil sector. Almost overnight, Edmonton transformed from a primarily agricultural and trade-based economy to the epicenter of Canada's oil industry, attracting investment, talent, and businesses from across the globe.

The impact of the oil discovery near Leduc on Edmonton's economy was profound and multifaceted. The city experienced a surge in population as workers, engineers, and their families flocked to the area in search of employment and opportunity. This influx led to a boom in construction, with residential, commercial, and industrial developments springing up to accommodate the growing workforce and the needs of the oil industry. Edmonton's infrastructure expanded rapidly, with improvements in transportation networks, the establishment of educational and research institutions focused on petroleum engineering and geosciences, and the proliferation of services and industries supporting the oil sector.

Over the decades, the oil discovery near Leduc has continued to shape Edmonton's identity and economic trajectory. The city has evolved into a central hub for the energy sector, with a diversified economy that also embraces innovation, education, and technology. The events of 1947 set Edmonton on a path toward prosperity and growth, fostering a dynamic business environment and a vibrant community. While the oil industry has faced its ups and downs, the legacy of the Leduc discovery remains a pivotal chapter in Edmonton's history, highlighting its adaptability and resilience in the face of change.

Famous Edmontonians

Arthur Hiller (1923–2016): Film director, known for "Love Story."

Arthur Hiller: The Early Years (1923–1948)

Born in Edmonton, Alberta, in 1923, Arthur Hiller grew up in a culturally rich environment that nurtured his interest in storytelling and the arts. His early life in Edmonton laid the groundwork for his future career, providing him with a diverse cultural perspective that he would later bring to his films. This period was crucial for developing Hiller's understanding of human emotions and relationships, themes that would permeate his work as a director.

Education and Early Career (1948–1955)

After serving in the Royal Canadian Air Force during World War II, Hiller pursued his passion for the arts by studying psychology at the University of Toronto. However, his love for film and theater quickly took precedence, leading him to a career in Canadian television. This formative period was marked by Hiller's experimentation with various genres and styles, honing his skills as a storyteller and director.

Transition to Hollywood (1955–1963)

In the mid-1950s, Hiller moved to Hollywood, where he began directing episodes for popular television shows such as ""Gunsmoke"" and ""Perry Mason."" This transition allowed him to refine his directorial technique and narrative approach, setting the stage for his future success in the film industry. His work during this period showcased his ability to elicit strong performances from actors and his keen eye for detail.

Breakthrough and Critical Acclaim (1963–1970)

Hiller's breakthrough as a film director came with ""The Americanization of Emily"" (1964), a film that earned critical acclaim for its anti-war message and sharp wit. This success was followed by a series of notable films, including ""Tobruk"" (1967) and ""Popi"" (1969), which further established Hiller as a versatile and thoughtful director capable of handling both drama and comedy with equal finesse.

""Love Story"" and International Fame (1970–1975)

In 1970, Hiller directed ""Love Story,"" a romantic drama that became a cultural phenomenon and one of the highest-grossing films of its time. The film's impact on popular culture was immense, earning Hiller an Oscar nomination and solidifying his status as a premier director in Hollywood. ""Love Story"" was notable for its emotional depth and the strong performances of its leads, becoming a defining work in Hiller's career.

Continued Success and Diverse Projects (1975–1985)

Throughout the 1970s and early 1980s, Hiller continued to direct a wide range of films, including ""Silver Streak"" (1976) and ""The In-Laws"" (1979). His ability to balance humor with poignant storytelling became a hallmark of his work, appealing to both critics and audiences. Hiller's films from this period are characterized by their humanistic approach and the director's commitment to exploring complex emotional landscapes.

Leadership and Advocacy (1985–1995)

In addition to his directorial work, Hiller took on significant roles within the film industry, serving as the President of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences and the Directors Guild of America. During this time, he was a vocal advocate for creative freedom, artists' rights, and the importance of storytelling in cinema. Hiller's leadership and advocacy efforts contributed to important discussions about the direction and values of the film industry.

Connection to Edmonton (Throughout Career)

Despite his success in Hollywood, Hiller never forgot his roots in Edmonton. He often credited his upbringing in the Canadian city for his approach to filmmaking and storytelling. Hiller's connection to Edmonton remained an integral part of his identity, influencing his perspectives on art, culture, and community.

Later Years and Legacy (1995–2016)

In his later years, Hiller continued to be involved in the film industry, albeit in a more limited capacity. He was honored with numerous awards for his contributions to cinema, including the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award. Hiller's legacy is defined by his impactful films, his leadership within the industry, and his commitment to storytelling that resonates with humanity and compassion.

Key Achievements

• Directed ""Love Story,"" one of the most iconic films of the 20th century.

• Served as President of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences and the Directors Guild of America.

• Advocated for creative freedom and the importance of storytelling in cinema.

• Received the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award for his contributions to the industry.

Arthur Hiller's career was marked by a deep commitment to storytelling, characterized by films that explored the complexity of human emotions and relationships. As a director, he achieved critical and commercial success, most notably with ""Love Story,"" which remains a landmark in cinema history. Hiller's leadership roles and advocacy for the film industry underscored his belief in the power of cinema to influence and inspire.

Connect With Me

If you want to connect, reply to this email and let me know what you think.

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

-Yannick Lyons

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