Welcome to The Edmonton Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• The establishment of the Edmonton Opera

• A recap on Oilers games

• A deep dive into the life of Francis Winspear

• And more…

Quote of the Week

“Success is not final, failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts.”

-Winston Churchill

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!

The Edmonton River Valley is the largest urban park in Canada. How many kilometers of trails does it offer?

A) Over 100 kilometers

B) About 75 kilometers

C) Nearly 250 kilometers

D) Around 150 kilometers

Answer to Last Week’s Trivia

The University of Alberta in Edmonton offers a unique repository that is one of the largest of its kind in North America. What does this repository specialize in?

Answer: B) Meteorites and space rocks

The Best Stories of the Week

💼 Business

In a significant development, three municipalities, including Sturgeon County and Fort Saskatchewan, decided to leave Edmonton Global. This move came as a disappointment but was not considered fatal to the initiative. Edmonton Global is an organization focused on regional economic development, and these departures represented a shift in local inter-municipal cooperation strategies​​​​. (link)

One of the business highlights in Edmonton was the expansion of the OSBA's vandalism repair program. This program aimed to assist local businesses affected by vandalism, reflecting a community-driven approach to supporting small and medium enterprises facing such challenges​​. (link)

🏦 Finance

A report highlighted that 22% of Alberta's small businesses were in danger of closing, with the highest risk in the hospitality and arts/recreation/information sectors. This situation reflected the ongoing economic challenges and the impact of pandemic-related restrictions on local businesses. The report stressed the need for clarity from the provincial government on lifting restrictions and guidelines for safe reopening​​. (link)

🏒 Sports

The Edmonton Oilers competed against the San Jose Sharks. The game was a critical encounter in the NHL season, showcasing the strengths and strategies of both teams. (link)

The Edmonton Oilers faced the New Jersey Devils in an exciting NHL matchup. The Oilers secured a decisive 6-3 victory, finishing the game with a strong offensive performance. (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 Philadelphia Flyers (January 2): Experience the excitement of NHL hockey as the Edmonton Oilers take on the Philadelphia Flyers at Rogers Place. This game promises to be an exhilarating matchup, perfect for sports enthusiasts looking to enjoy high-level hockey action. (link)

🏒 Edmonton Oilers vs Ottawa Senators (January 6): Join fellow hockey fans at Rogers Place for a thrilling game where the Edmonton Oilers face off against the Ottawa Senators. It's an ideal event for those seeking a lively and engaging sporting experience. (link)

Concerts

🎉 New Year’s Eve @ Ice District (December 31 – January 1): Ring in the New Year at the Ice District with live music, a watch party for the Oilers game, and spectacular fireworks. This event is perfect for those looking to start 2024 with a grand celebration. (link)

Family

🌟 Borealis Lights (Until January 7): Bring the family to the Borealis Lights, a stunning drive-thru light display. This event is perfect for all ages, offering a mesmerizing and festive evening filled with dazzling Christmas lights. (link)

✨ Glow (January 1): Celebrate the festive season at Glow, an event that lights up the night with beautiful displays. It's an ideal outing for families and friends looking to enjoy the warmth and charm of the holiday season. (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 in a cartoon show” 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

Establishment of the Edmonton Opera (1963)

The establishment of the Edmonton Opera in 1963 marked a significant cultural milestone for the city, enriching its arts scene. This event signified Edmonton's growing investment in the arts, recognizing the importance of opera as a form of cultural expression. The founding of the opera brought a new level of artistic sophistication to the city, providing residents with access to high-quality opera performances.

From its inception, the Edmonton Opera set out to deliver exceptional operatic experiences to the local community. The company quickly garnered acclaim for its productions, which combined artistic excellence with innovative staging. It offered a platform for both local and international talent, showcasing a range of classic and contemporary operas.

The establishment of the Edmonton Opera played a crucial role in fostering a vibrant cultural community in the city. It not only provided entertainment but also contributed to the cultural education of the community. Over the years, the Edmonton Opera has become a beloved institution, reflecting the city's appreciation for the performing arts and its commitment to cultural enrichment.

Famous Edmontonians

Francis Winspear: 1903-1997

Francis Winspear was an influential Canadian businessman, philanthropist, and patron of the arts, whose contributions significantly shaped the cultural landscape of Edmonton.

Early Life and Education (1903-1924) 

Born in 1903 in Portsmouth, England, Francis Winspear moved to Edmonton with his family as a child. He grew up in the rapidly developing city, where he witnessed its transformation into a vibrant urban center. His early education in Edmonton laid the foundation for his future endeavors.

Business Career and Success (1925-1950) 

Winspear embarked on a career in accounting, demonstrating a keen acumen for business. He quickly established himself as a reputable figure in Edmonton’s business community. His success in business afforded him the means to pursue his passion for supporting the arts.

Philanthropic Beginnings (1951-1960) 

In the 1950s, Winspear began to actively engage in philanthropic activities. His initial efforts were focused on educational institutions and local community projects. He believed strongly in giving back to the city that had facilitated his success.

Support for the Arts (1961-1975) 

Winspear's passion for the arts, particularly music, led him to become one of Edmonton's most significant cultural benefactors. He was instrumental in supporting various arts organizations, including the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra.

The Francis Winspear Centre for Music (1976-1997) 

His most notable contribution was the establishment of the Francis Winspear Centre for Music. Opened after his death, the center was a testament to his vision of creating a world-class facility for music and arts in Edmonton.

Legacy in Edmonton's Cultural Development (Post-1997) 

Winspear's legacy in Edmonton goes beyond his financial contributions. He fostered a culture of philanthropy and set an example for future generations. His dedication to the arts significantly impacted Edmonton's cultural development.

Personal Life and Values (Throughout Life) 

Winspear was known for his modesty, kindness, and commitment to his community. He led a balanced life, prioritizing family and personal values alongside his business and philanthropic endeavors.

Recognition and Awards (Throughout Life) 

Throughout his life, Winspear received numerous accolades for his contributions to the arts and the community. He was respected not only for his financial generosity but also for his vision and leadership in promoting the arts.

Final Years and Enduring Impact (1990-1997) 

In his final years, Winspear's commitment to the arts never wavered. He continued to be involved in various cultural initiatives, ensuring that his vision for a vibrant arts scene in Edmonton would endure.

Key Achievements of Francis Winspear:

• A leading figure in Edmonton’s business and philanthropic communities.

• Major contributor to the development of the Francis Winspear Centre for Music.

• Instrumental in supporting and nurturing the arts scene in Edmonton.

• A role model for philanthropy and cultural patronage.

• Left a lasting legacy in Edmonton’s cultural and artistic development.

Francis Winspear's journey from a young immigrant to one of Edmonton's most revered cultural patrons illustrates the impact one individual can have on their community. His legacy continues to resonate in the thriving arts and culture scene of Edmonton.

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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