Welcome to The Edmonton Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Strategic growth in local businesses

• Edmonton Elks' key player signings

• A deep dive into the life of Alexander Cameron Rutherford

• And more…

Quote of the Week

“Keep your face always toward the sunshine — and shadows will fall behind you.”

— Walt Whitman

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 river flows through Edmonton?

A) Bow River

B) Red Deer River

C) North Saskatchewan River

D) Athabasca River

Answer to Last Week’s Trivia

Whyte Avenue is a well-known area in Edmonton for its vibrant culture. What is its historic significance?

Answer: C) Edmonton Fringe Festival.

The Best Stories of the Week

💼 Business

Clean Energy Innovation in Biofuels Industry - Edmonton is witnessing a surge in clean energy innovation, particularly in the biofuels industry. This sector's growth is contributing significantly to the city's economic development and sustainability goals. (link)

Strategic Growth in Local Businesses - Several Edmonton-based businesses are strategically expanding their operations, driven by the city's robust economic environment. This growth reflects the dynamic nature of the local business landscape. (link)

Empowering the Next Generation of Entrepreneurs - Initiatives in Edmonton are increasingly focused on empowering the next generation of entrepreneurs, with a particular emphasis on fostering innovation and creativity in various sectors. (link)

🏦 Finance

Edmonton Financial Market Updates - Edmonton's financial markets have shown stability with a positive outlook for investments. Key sectors such as technology and energy are driving market confidence. (link)

Banking Sector Developments in Edmonton - Major banks in Edmonton have introduced new financial products and services, catering to the evolving needs of consumers and businesses in the city. (link)

🏒 Sports

The Oilers have been on a winning streak, showcasing exceptional teamwork and strategy. Their recent games have been marked by strong performances from key players, significantly boosting their standings in the NHL. (link)

The Edmonton Elks have been actively strengthening their roster by signing key players. These strategic signings are aimed at boosting the team's performance in the upcoming season. (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

🏒 Love Pro Wrestling: The Oil Rumble at Rogers Place (January 21) A unique event combining ice hockey and pro wrestling with the Oil Kings facing the Saskatoon Blades and wrestling matches in between periods. (link)

🏋️ Golden Bear Open at the Butterdome (January 19 - 21) A World Athletics and World Para Athletics sanctioned event featuring various age groups and track & field activities. (link)

Concerts

🎸 Eprom at The Starlite Room (January 20): A night with the electronic music artist known for his innovative approach and energetic performance. (link)

🎤 James Kennedy at Union Hall (January 19): A performance by the popular music artist and reality TV star, bringing his unique sound to EDM. (link)

🎶 Ennio Morricone (January 20 - 21): A Fistful Of Film Scores at Winspear Centre. Join the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra for a tribute to the legendary film composer Ennio Morricone. (link)

Family

🎨 Chiseled (January 18th -20): Edmonton International Ice Carving Competition at ICE District. Experience the transformation of ice into art by talented sculptors in this frosty space. (link)

Image of the Week

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

This week, I typed in “Edmonton as an eco-friendly treehouse community” 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

The Establishment of Fort Edmonton (Late 1700s - Early 1800s)

In the late 1700s and early 1800s, the establishment of Fort Edmonton by the Hudson's Bay Company marked a pivotal moment in the history of Edmonton, Alberta. This fur trading post was strategically situated along the North Saskatchewan River, serving as a key hub for the fur trade in Western Canada. The fort facilitated the exchange of furs and goods between European traders and various Indigenous nations in the region.

Fort Edmonton played a significant role in shaping the growth and development of the Edmonton area. It not only served as a vital economic center but also as a point of cultural exchange and interaction between European settlers and Indigenous peoples. Over time, Fort Edmonton evolved, with several iterations and relocations, eventually leading to the establishment of the modern city of Edmonton.

The establishment of Fort Edmonton by the Hudson's Bay Company laid the foundation for the city's future growth and its role as a regional trade and cultural center. Today, it stands as a historical landmark, offering insights into the early history of Edmonton and the complex relationships between Indigenous peoples and European settlers during the fur trade era.

Famous Edmontonians

Alexander Cameron Rutherford (1857–1941)

Early Life and Education

Born in 1857 in Osgoode, Ontario, Alexander Cameron Rutherford was well-educated, attending McGill University. This foundation nurtured his intellectual growth, preparing him for significant future endeavors in law and politics.

Legal Career and Move to Alberta

Rutherford began his legal career in Ontario before moving to Alberta, then part of the Northwest Territories, in 1895. In Alberta, he quickly established himself as a respected lawyer and an active community member.

Entry into Politics

His political career started in the Northwest Territories' Legislative Assembly. Rutherford's advocacy for the western territories' rights and development marked him as a leader with a vision for the region's future.

Becoming Alberta's First Premier

When Alberta was formed in 1905, Rutherford was chosen as its first Premier. This period was pivotal for Alberta, and Rutherford's role in shaping the province's early legislation and institutions was crucial.

Contributions as Premier

As Premier, Rutherford focused on education, infrastructure, and economic development. He was instrumental in founding the University of Alberta in Edmonton, highlighting his commitment to education and research. This initiative was significant for Edmonton, establishing it as a center of academic excellence and innovation.

Challenges and Controversies

Despite his accomplishments, Rutherford's tenure as Premier faced challenges, including political controversies that led to his resignation in 1910. However, these did not overshadow his substantial contributions to Alberta and Edmonton.

Life after Premiership

After his political career, Rutherford continued to contribute significantly to public life, particularly in Edmonton. He remained engaged in various civic and cultural initiatives, solidifying his legacy in the city and province.

Death and Legacy

Rutherford passed away in 1941. His legacy, particularly in Edmonton, is marked by his role in establishing key institutions and his vision for Alberta's development. He is remembered as a foundational figure in the province’s history.

Rutherford and Edmonton

Edmonton was central to Rutherford's career. As Premier, his decisions and initiatives greatly impacted the city, particularly his role in establishing the University of Alberta, which became a cornerstone of Edmonton's identity as an educational and cultural hub.

Key Achievements of Alexander Cameron Rutherford:

• Served as the first Premier of Alberta, shaping its early governance.

• Founded the University of Alberta, a significant contribution to Edmonton and Alberta’s educational landscape.

• Advocated for infrastructure development and educational advancement in Alberta.

• His political and civic engagement had a lasting impact on Edmonton's development.

• Rutherford's vision and leadership were instrumental in defining Alberta's early years.

Alexander Cameron Rutherford's life reflects a legacy intertwined with the growth and development of Alberta, particularly Edmonton. His contributions to education and his role in shaping the province's early days remain pivotal chapters in Edmonton's history.

Connect With Me

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

-Matthew Larsen

Follow me on Instagram: https://instagram.com/matthewblarsen 

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