Welcome to The Edmonton Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Edmonton’s non-essential water use ban

• Upcoming Edmonton Oilers home game

• A deep dive into the life of Martha Louise Black

• And more…

Quote of the Week

“The only person you should try to be better than is the person you were yesterday.”

- Matt Haig

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 Edmonton building is the official residence of the Lieutenant Governor of Alberta?

A) The Muttart Conservatory

B) The Alberta Legislature Building

C) Government House

D) Rutherford House

Last Week's Trivia:
What is the name of the largest public park in Edmonton? Answer: B) William Hawrelak Park

The Best Stories of the Week

💼 Business

A non-essential water use ban in the Edmonton area led to the shutdown of businesses like car washes and laundromats. (link)

Edmonton businesses react to Google shutting down free website-building tool. (link)

'Quite hard on our business': Car wash owners want compensation from Epcor after water ban. (link)

Edmonton's commercial real estate should see a rise in 2024. (link)

🏦 Finance

Edmonton’s efforts to bridge dreams and businesses for immigrants. (link)

Edmonton records a surge in migration and job growth in professional and technical sectors. (link)

Alberta's $200 electric vehicle registration tax is sparking debate among owners.(link)

Alberta allots $125M for community drought, flood projects. (link)

🏒 Sports

Hyman scores 2 to lead Oilers to 6-1 win over Penguins. (link)

The Edmonton Oilers were reportedly interested in a former player who is now a top trade target from the Seattle Kraken. (link)

The University of Alberta Pandas hosted the 2024 U SPORTS Women’s Basketball Championships at the Saville Community Sports Centre from March 7-10. (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. Washington Capitals
Rogers Place, Edmonton
Wednesday March 13 | 8:00 PM (more info)

🏒 Edmonton Oil Kings vs. Calgary Hitmen
Rogers Place, Edmonton
Friday March 15 | 7:00 PM (more info)

🏒 Edmonton Oilers vs. Colorado Avalanche
Rogers Place, Edmonton
Saturday March 16 | 8:00 PM (more info)

🏒 Edmonton Oil Kings vs. Swift Current Broncos
Rogers Place, Edmonton
Sunday, Mar 17 | 6:00 PM (more info)

Concerts

🎸 The Real McKenzies
The Buckingham
Thursday March 14, 2024 | 7:00 PM (more info)

🎵 Nekromantix w/ Forbidden Dimensions & Confusionaires
The Starlite Room
Friday March 15, 2024 | 7:00 PM (more info)

🎶 Pleasurecraft w/ First Gen, The Dillmans, Eat The Rind
The Starlite Room
Friday March 15, 2024 | 8:00 PM (more info)

🎷Emo Night Edmonton - St. Patrick's Day Edition
The Starlite Room
Saturday March 16, 2024 | 10:00 PM (more info)

Family

🎨 CImmersive Disney Animation
Edmonton EXPO Centre
Tuesday, Mar 12 (more info)

❄️ FREE Drop-In Winter Recreation
City of Edmonton
March 15-16 | 2pm – 8pm (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 “Edmonton with architecture inspired by different planets” 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

1904: Edmonton is incorporated as a city.

In 1904, Edmonton reached a significant milestone in its history, transitioning from a town to being officially incorporated as a city. This pivotal event marked the beginning of a new chapter for Edmonton, reflecting its rapid growth and the burgeoning sense of community and identity among its residents. Incorporation came at a time of economic prosperity and expansion, fueled by the increasing settlement of the West and the promise of opportunity that the region held. Edmonton's strategic location as a gateway to the north and its role in the fur trade and agriculture had already established it as a key player in the region's development.

The official status as a city brought about a sense of pride and legitimacy for Edmontonians. It allowed for greater autonomy in governance, enabling local leaders to more effectively plan for the future and address the needs of a growing population. The new city status attracted further investment, immigration, and development, setting the stage for Edmonton to evolve into a major urban center in Canada. Infrastructure improvements, the establishment of public services, and the laying down of a civic framework were among the immediate benefits, as the city prepared to navigate the challenges and opportunities of the 20th century.

The incorporation of Edmonton in 1904 is remembered as a foundational moment that underscored the community’s ambition and resilience. It was not just a change in legal status, but a reflection of the collective will to build a thriving, dynamic city. Over the years, Edmonton has continued to grow and diversify, becoming a vibrant cultural and economic hub in Alberta. The spirit of innovation and community that characterized its early days as a city has remained a guiding force, shaping Edmonton’s path forward and its identity on the national and international stage.

Famous Edmontonians

Martha Louise Black (1866–1957)

Early Life and Education (1866-1885)

Born in 1866, Agnes Macphail grew up in a time when women's roles were predominantly confined to the household. From a young age, she exhibited a strong will and a passion for education, distinguishing herself in her local school in Ontario. Despite the societal expectations of her time, Macphail pursued further education with determination, attending teacher training and beginning her career in education. This early period laid the foundation for her lifelong commitment to public service and advocacy for equal rights.

The Leap into Politics (1885-1921)

Agnes Macphail's foray into politics was driven by her belief in social justice and equality. After years of teaching and witnessing firsthand the disparities and injustices in her community, Macphail became actively involved in women's suffrage movements and the United Farmers of Ontario. Her articulate speech, clear vision, and relentless advocacy for the underprivileged earned her a significant following, setting the stage for her historic political journey.

Breaking Barriers: The First Woman in the House of Commons (1921-1935)

In 1921, Agnes Macphail made history by becoming the first woman elected to the House of Commons of Canada. Her election was not just a personal victory but a monumental moment for women across Canada. During her tenure, she focused on issues such as women's rights, penal reform, and the welfare of farmers, advocating tirelessly for legislative changes that would benefit the marginalized and overlooked sectors of society.

Championing Penal Reform (1935-1940)

Agnes Macphail's advocacy was not limited to women's rights and agriculture; she was also a passionate champion for penal reform. Disturbed by the conditions she witnessed in Canadian prisons, Macphail worked diligently to bring about changes in the penal system, advocating for the humane treatment of prisoners and the introduction of rehabilitation programs.

The Second World War and Beyond (1940-1945)

During the Second World War, Agnes Macphail's efforts shifted towards supporting the war effort while maintaining her commitment to social issues. She recognized the importance of unity and support for soldiers while also advocating for the rights and welfare of those on the home front, including women and workers contributing to the war effort.

Post-War Advocacy and the United Nations (1945-1950)

After the war, Agnes Macphail's focus expanded to include international peace and cooperation. She was a strong proponent of the United Nations and worked towards Canada's active participation in international affairs, emphasizing the importance of diplomacy and international law in achieving global peace.

The Edmonton Connection (1950-1952)

During her illustrious career, Agnes Macphail had a significant connection to Edmonton, where she advocated for the development of rural communities and supported the establishment of educational and agricultural policies that benefited Alberta. Her work in Edmonton highlighted her commitment to national unity and the economic development of rural Canada.

Later Years and Legacy (1952-1957)

In her later years, Agnes Macphail continued to be an active voice in Canadian politics and social advocacy until her death in 1957. Her legacy as a pioneer for women in politics and a champion for the disadvantaged has left an indelible mark on Canadian history, inspiring generations of women to pursue careers in public service.

Key Achievements

• First woman elected to the House of Commons of Canada.

• Advocated for women's rights, penal reform, and the welfare of farmers.

• Played a key role in penal system reforms, advocating for humane treatment and rehabilitation.

• Supported the war effort during WWII while advocating for the rights of women and workers.

• Championed international peace and Canada's participation in the United Nations.

Agnes Macphail's life was a testament to her unwavering commitment to justice, equality, and public service. As the first woman elected to the House of Commons of Canada, she broke barriers and paved the way for future generations of women in politics. Her contributions, from advocating for penal reform to championing the rights of the underprivileged, have left a lasting legacy in Canadian politics and society.

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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