Welcome to The Edmonton Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Alberta Indoor Games starting this week

• Edmonton Downtown Farmers' Market faces challenges

• A deep dive into the life of Frank Oliver

• And more…

Quote of the Week

"He who has a why to live can bear almost any how."

– Friedrich Nietzsche

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 famous festival is hosted annually in Edmonton, known as the world's second-largest fringe festival?

A) Edmonton Folk Music Festival

B) Edmonton International Fringe Theatre Festival

C) K-Days

D) The Works Art & Design Festival

Answer to Last Week's Trivia

What is the name of the large urban park in Edmonton's river valley? A) Hawrelak Park

The Best Stories of the Week

💼 Business

Edmonton's Civic Service Union 52 mulls strike over stagnant wages, risking city service disruptions. (link)

Financial challenges jeopardize the future of Edmonton Downtown Farmers' Market. (link)

Forbes spotlights Edmonton's growing innovation hub, emphasizing housing and energy sector developments. (link)

Edmonton Metropolitan Region Board achieves significant cost savings for the province​​. (link)

Edmonton Chamber of Commerce hosts multiple business development events​​. (link)

🏦 Finance

Edmonton City Council approves a 6.6% property tax increase for 2024 to balance fiscal responsibilities. (link)

Everyday People Financial Corp announced the extension of the expiry dates of over 2 million share purchase warrants. (link)

🏒 Sports

Edmonton Oilers sign veteran winger Corey Perry​​. (link)

Edmonton gears up for World Junior Football Championship. (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

🏒 Flying Canoë Volant
Campus Saint-Jean | University of Alberta
Friday, Jan. 31 - Feb. 3 | 6:00–10:00 PM | (More Info)

🏉 Alberta Indoor Games
Butterdome | University of Alberta
Saturday, Feb. 3rd | All Day Event | (More Info)

Concerts

🎵 Hermitude at Union Hall
Union Hall | Edmonton
Tuesday, Jan. 31st | 9:00 PM | (More Info)

🎶 The Danger Room
Rick Bronson's The Comic Strip
Sunday, Feb. 4th | 7:00 PM | (More Info)

🎤 Musical Mornings
Winspear Centre
Saturday, Jan. 28th | 9:00 AM | (More Info)

Family

🎊 Lunar New Year Extravaganza
West Edmonton Mall
Saturday-Sunday, Feb. 3rd-4th | All Day Event | (More Info)

🎊 Year of the Dragon at Kingsway Mall
Kingsway Mall
Saturday, Feb. 3rd | All Day | (More Info)

🏞️ Winterfest in Castle Downs
Castle Downs Park Pavilion
Sunday, Feb. 4th | All Day | (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 “Retro-futuristic 1950s style Edmonton with modern technology” 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 signing of Treaty 6 at Fort Edmonton (1861)

In 1861, a significant historical event took place at Fort Edmonton: the signing of Treaty 6. This treaty was a formal agreement between the Indigenous peoples of the Plains and Wood Cree and the British Crown, represented by the Canadian government. The treaty was part of a series of numbered treaties made during the rapid expansion of European settlement and colonialism across Canada.

The negotiations and signing of Treaty 6 at Fort Edmonton were crucial in shaping the relationship between the Indigenous communities and the colonial government. The treaty outlined terms that included the provision of reserves for the Indigenous peoples, the promise of assistance in agricultural development, and the establishment of schools, in exchange for ceding vast areas of their traditional lands to the Canadian government. This event marked a pivotal moment in the history of Western Canada, altering the landscape of Indigenous rights and land ownership.

The aftermath of the treaty signing had profound and lasting impacts on the Indigenous communities involved. While it opened doors for European settlement and development in the region, it also led to significant changes in the traditional lifestyles and governance of the Indigenous peoples. Over time, the interpretation and implementation of the treaty terms have been subjects of ongoing discussion and legal challenges, reflecting the complexities of Indigenous-Crown relations in Canada's history.

Famous Edmontonians

Frank Oliver (1853–1933)

Journalistic Beginnings and Early Life

Frank Oliver, born Francis Bowsfield in 1853 in Peel County, Ontario, was a pivotal figure in Edmonton's history. His journalistic career began in Ontario, but it was after moving west to what is now Alberta that he would leave his most significant mark.

Founding the Edmonton Bulletin

In 1880, Oliver founded the Edmonton Bulletin, the first newspaper in what would become Alberta's capital. As editor, he used the platform to advocate for the development and growth of the region, playing a crucial role in shaping public opinion and policy.

Political Career and Advocacy for Edmonton

Oliver's influence extended beyond journalism as he ventured into politics. Elected to the Legislative Assembly of the Northwest Territories and later the Canadian House of Commons, he was a staunch advocate for Edmonton and worked tirelessly to promote the city's interests.

Instrumental in Edmonton's Early Growth

Throughout his political career, Oliver was instrumental in lobbying for initiatives that spurred Edmonton's growth, including the expansion of the railroad. His efforts helped transform Edmonton from a remote outpost into a thriving urban center.

Controversies and Criticisms

While Oliver's contributions to Edmonton's development were significant, his career was not without controversy. His policies, particularly regarding Indigenous land rights and immigration, have been criticized and remain a subject of historical debate.

Later Years and Legacy

Frank Oliver passed away in 1933. His legacy in Edmonton is complex; he is remembered both for his role in the city's early growth and for the more contentious aspects of his policies.

Posthumous Recognition

Posthumously, Oliver's contributions to Edmonton and Alberta have been recognized, though his legacy continues to be reassessed in light of modern understandings of his policies' impacts.

Frank Oliver and Edmonton

In Edmonton, Oliver's legacy is evident in the city's infrastructure and development. He was a key figure in the transition of Edmonton from a fledgling settlement to a key city in Western Canada.

Key Achievements of Frank Oliver:

• Founder of the Edmonton Bulletin, which played a key role in Edmonton's early development.

• Advocated for policies that significantly contributed to the growth of Edmonton.

• Served in both the Legislative Assembly of the Northwest Territories and the Canadian House of Commons.

• His journalistic and political careers were deeply intertwined with the history of Edmonton.

Frank Oliver's life and career were deeply connected to Edmonton's growth and development. His influence as a journalist and politician helped shape the city's trajectory, making him a notable figure in the history of Edmonton and Alberta.

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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