Welcome to The Edmonton Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Upcoming Oilers home games

• Edmonton's office real estate boom

• A deep dive into the life of Emily Murphy

• And more…

Quote of the Week

"It doesn't matter if I don't succeed in something. What matters is if I learn from my mistakes."

- Linda Evans

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!

Trivia Question: What is the name of the large urban park in Edmonton's river valley?

A) Hawrelak Park

B) Jasper National Park

C) Borden Park

D) Rundle Park

Answer to Last Week's Trivia

The river that flows through Edmonton is C) North Saskatchewan River

The Best Stories of the Week

💼 Business

Ministerial Visit to Edmonton: The Honourable Mary Ng, Minister of Export Promotion, International Trade, and Economic Development, visited Edmonton to engage with local business and Ukrainian communities, discussing Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy and the Canada-Ukraine Free Trade Agreement. (link)

Blatchford Redevelopment: Blatchford, a major redevelopment project in Edmonton, entered a crucial year with slow but steady progress. The involvement of major developers like Qualico, adapting suburban products to meet Blatchford’s green energy requirements, sparked optimism for accelerated growth and completion. (link)

🏦 Finance

Edmonton's office market continued to set records with two consecutive quarters of positive absorption, showcasing a maturing market with declining vacancy rates, especially in trophy class properties and the ICE District. (link)

The City of Edmonton proposed a 7.09% tax increase for 2024 to maintain services amid increased costs and reduced revenues. This increase, higher than initially planned, would significantly impact homeowners and businesses, spurring debates about financial sustainability and service levels. (link)

🏒 Sports

Oilers' Historic Winning Streak: The Edmonton Oilers set a franchise record with 11 consecutive wins, surpassing the previous best set during the Wayne Gretzky era. The team's resilience and teamwork shone as they overcame deficits in several games during the streak. (link)

John Short, Sports Icon, Passes Away: John Short, a legendary figure in the Edmonton sports scene and a member of the Alberta Sports Hall of Fame, passed away. His contributions to sports journalism and public relations with the Oilers were widely recognized and revered. (link)

Oilers' Defensive Prowess: The Edmonton Oilers aimed for their ninth straight win against the Detroit Red Wings, showcasing their status as one of the NHL's top defensive teams, allowing only 1.75 goals per game during their winning streak. (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

🏒 Columbus Blue Jackets at Edmonton Oilers (January 23): Watch the Edmonton Oilers face off against the Columbus Blue Jackets in a thrilling NHL matchup at Rogers Place. Experience the excitement and support your favorite team. (link)

🏂 Full Moon Birkie (January 27): Participate in a self-paced, self-guided cross-country ski outing at Waskahegan Staging Area, Range Rd 210, Sherwood Park. Enjoy a unique early evening adventure under the moonlight, perfect for families or friends. (link)

🏒 Brandon Wheat Kings at Edmonton Oil Kings (January 28): The Edmonton Oil Kings take on the Brandon Wheat Kings in a highly anticipated WHL hockey game at Rogers Place. Get ready for fast-paced action and an electrifying atmosphere. (link)

Concerts

🎶 Debby Friday (January 27): Experience the electrifying performance of Debby Friday at the Starlite Room. Get ready for an evening filled with soul-stirring music and live energy. (link)

🎤 Case Of The Mondays (January 27): Dive into the vibrant atmosphere of Union Hall - Edmonton and enjoy the dynamic performance of Case Of The Mondays, promising a night of great music and entertainment. (link)

🎸 Ivardensphere (January 27): Join the crowd at the Starlite Room for an unforgettable night with Ivardensphere, where various artists come together to deliver a performance that's sure to keep you on your feet. (link)

Family

🎨 Family Paint Day (January 26): Spend quality time with your family at the Creative Hive where you can paint and create memories together in a fun and relaxed environment. (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 skyline with floating gardens and skyscrapers” 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 construction of a new Fort Edmonton (1813)

In 1813, the construction of a new Fort Edmonton marked a significant development in the history of the settlement in Edmonton, Alberta. This endeavor was undertaken by the North West Company, a prominent fur trading company, as part of their efforts to maintain and expand their presence in the region. The new fort was strategically located along the North Saskatchewan River, serving as a vital center for fur trade activities and cultural exchange between European fur traders and Indigenous communities.

The construction of this new Fort Edmonton in 1813 represented a continuation of the fur trade's role in shaping the economic and cultural landscape of the area. It not only contributed to the local economy but also facilitated the exchange of goods and knowledge between different cultural groups.

Today, the construction of the new Fort Edmonton in 1813 is a historical milestone that provides valuable insights into the early history of the region, highlighting the enduring significance of the fur trade in Edmonton's development and its interactions with Indigenous communities.

Famous Edmontonians

Emily Murphy: 1868–1933

Advocate for Women’s Rights and Early Years

Emily Murphy, born in 1868 in Cookstown, Ontario, became one of Canada's most influential women's rights activists. Her upbringing, marked by a strong sense of justice and equality, set the stage for her later work in social reform and law.

Move to Edmonton and Community Involvement

Murphy moved to Edmonton with her husband in the early 20th century. In Edmonton, she quickly became involved in community work, focusing on issues related to women and children. Her efforts in the city were instrumental in advancing the cause of women's rights in Alberta and across Canada.

Appointment as the First Female Magistrate

In 1916, Murphy made history by becoming the first female magistrate in the British Empire, appointed in Edmonton. This groundbreaking achievement was a significant step forward for women in the legal profession and a testament to Murphy's dedication and skills.

The Famous Five and the Persons Case

Murphy was a member of the ""Famous Five,"" a group of women who launched the Persons Case in 1927, challenging the Canadian constitution's definition of ""persons."" This case, which they won in 1929, was a landmark victory for women's rights, allowing women to be appointed to the Senate.

Writing and Advocacy

Apart from her legal and activist work, Murphy was also a writer. Under the pen name Janey Canuck, she wrote extensively on various social issues, using her writing to advocate for legal reforms and to raise awareness about women's rights.

Legacy in Women’s Suffrage and Social Reform

Murphy's work in women's suffrage and social reform had a profound impact on Canadian society. Her advocacy contributed to significant changes in laws and attitudes towards women, making her a key figure in the history of women's rights in Canada.

Emily Murphy and Edmonton

In Edmonton, Murphy's efforts were particularly impactful. She worked tirelessly to improve the lives of women and children in the city, and her appointment as a magistrate in Edmonton was a groundbreaking moment in the city's legal history.

Death and Enduring Influence

Emily Murphy passed away in 1933, but her legacy endures. She is remembered not just for her role in the Persons Case, but also for her broader contributions to social justice and women's rights.

Posthumous Recognition

Posthumously, Murphy has been recognized as a pioneer in the fight for women's rights. Her life and work continue to inspire activists and legal professionals, and she is celebrated as one of Canada's most important historical figures.

Key Achievements of Emily Murphy:

• First female magistrate in the British Empire, appointed in Edmonton.

• Key member of the ""Famous Five,"" instrumental in the landmark Persons Case.

• Prolific writer and advocate for social justice and women's rights.

• Contributed to significant legal reforms in Canada, particularly concerning women and children.

• Her activism and legal work have had a lasting impact on Canadian society and women's rights.

Emily Murphy’s life and work in Edmonton and beyond highlight her pivotal role in shaping the legal and social landscape of Canada, especially regarding women's rights. Her achievements remain a testament to her courage, determination, and commitment to justice and equality.

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.

-Matthew Larsen

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

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