Welcome to The Edmonton Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Upcoming Edmonton Oilers Playoffs Round 2 matchup

• Elks' Arceneaux retires

• A deep dive into the life of Peter Lougheed

• And more…

Quote of the Week

"If you think good design is expensive, you should look at the cost of bad design."

—Dr. Ralf Speth

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 bridge in Edmonton offers panoramic views of the river valley and downtown?

A) Walterdale Bridge

B) High Level Bridge

C) Low Level Bridge

D) Dawson Bridge

Last Week's Trivia:
What annual Edmonton event is known as North America's largest and longest-running multicultural festival?
Answer: C) Heritage Festival

The Best Stories of the Week

💼 Business

Crown prosecutors have paused prosecuting dozens of charges laid by Service Alberta's consumer investigations unit against an Edmonton hot tub company. (link)

Edmonton Queen Riverboat purchased with sailings to begin in June. (link)

The last standing IGA in Edmonton located on 142 Street will be closing its doors as long-standing owner retires. (link)

🏦 Finance

Shell sold millions of carbon credits for carbon that was never captured, report finds. (link)

Edmonton to finalize permanent clean energy retrofit program. (link)

ATCO subsidiary to build new Alberta pipeline to supply gas to petrochemical project. (link)

🏒 Sports

Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid named Hart finalist along with MacKinnon, Kucherov. (link)

The Vancouver Canucks hosted the Edmonton Oilers in game one of the Western Conference second round. (link)

Elks' Arceneaux retires after 11 CFL seasons. (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

🏒 NHL Playoffs Round 2 Home Game 2: Oilers v. Canucks
Rogers Place Edmonton, AB
Tuesday | May 14 | (more info)

🏒 NHL Playoffs Round 2 Home Game 3: Oilers v. Canucks
Rogers Place Edmonton, AB
Saturday | May 18 | (more info)

Concerts

🎸The Mission UK
Midway 6107 104 St NW Edmonton,
Wednesday May 15 | 7:00 PM | (more info)

🎤STRIKER w/ WMD, Untimely Demise & Tower Hill
The Starlite Room 10030 – 102 Street Edmonton,
Saturday May 18 | 7:00 PM | (more info)

🤠HOSS: Tribute to Waylon Jennings
The Pearl Showroom, Pure Casino Yellowhead Edmonton, AB
Saturday May 18 | 8:00 PM| (more info)

🏄‍♂️Agent Orange w/ L.A.M.S. & No Skies
The Starlite Room - Temple 10030 – 102 Street Edmonton,
Sunday May 19 | 8:00 PM |(more info)

Family

✏️Draw Funny, Comics and Cartooning Workshops for Students 7+
Rolling Tales 10219 106 Street Edmonton,
Thursday, May 16 · 5 - 7pm MDT| (more info)

🎨Family Paint Party
Evario Kitchen + Bar 950 Parsons Road SW Edmonton,
Friday, May 17 · 6 - 8pm MDT | (more info)

🎮Kids Gaming Sundays
11440 106 Street Edmonton,
Sun, May 19, 2024 11:00 AM - 11:00 PM MDT | (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 streets with interactive, responsive surfaces.” 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

1938: The first flight from the Edmonton Municipal Airport.

In 1938, Edmonton marked a significant milestone in its aviation history with the inaugural flight from the Edmonton Municipal Airport, known affectionately as ""Blatchford Field"" after Kenny Blatchford, a former mayor of Edmonton and a fervent supporter of aviation. This event heralded a new era for the city, positioning it as a pivotal node in Canada's and the broader North American aviation network. The establishment of the airport and the initiation of its first flight underscored Edmonton's ambitions to become a major center for air transportation, reflecting the growing importance of aviation in connecting remote regions and facilitating commerce, communication, and travel.

The first flight from the Edmonton Municipal Airport symbolized the city's rapid adaptation to modern transportation technologies and its readiness to embrace the future. The airport itself, equipped to handle the era's aircraft, quickly became a bustling hub of activity. It facilitated not just passenger flights but also mail delivery and freight services, linking Edmonton more closely to other parts of Canada and the world. This connectivity was especially crucial given Edmonton's geographical location, serving as a gateway to the North and reinforcing its role in the exploration, development, and defense of Canada's northern territories.

Over the decades, the Edmonton Municipal Airport played a central role in the city's development, contributing to its economic growth and enhancing its strategic importance. While the airport eventually ceased its operations to make way for urban development and the expansion of the newer Edmonton International Airport, the legacy of its first flight remains. It is a testament to Edmonton's pioneering spirit in aviation and its contribution to the history of flight in Canada. The story of the airport and its inaugural flight continues to be celebrated as a landmark moment in Edmonton's rich history, highlighting the city's role in advancing aviation and connecting communities across vast distances.

Famous Edmontonians

Peter Lougheed (1928–2012): Former Premier of Alberta, significant in the province's development.

Peter Lougheed: The Formative Years (1928–1950)

Born in Calgary, Alberta, in 1928, Peter Lougheed grew up in a province on the cusp of significant economic and social changes. His early years were shaped by a strong sense of community and a deep connection to the land, values that would guide his future endeavors. Education played a crucial role in his development, with Lougheed excelling academically and athletically, setting the stage for his diverse career.

Academic and Athletic Achievements (1950–1954)

Attending the University of Alberta for his undergraduate degree, Lougheed distinguished himself both in the classroom and on the football field. His leadership skills became evident as he balanced his academic responsibilities with his role as a star player on the university's Golden Bears football team. This period honed his teamwork and strategic thinking skills, which would later be invaluable in his political career.

Legal Foundation and Business Acumen (1954–1967)

After completing his studies at the University of Alberta, Lougheed furthered his education at Harvard University, where he earned a Master of Business Administration. He then returned to Alberta to practice law, gaining experience in the legal and business sectors. This foundation in law and business equipped him with a keen understanding of the economic and legal challenges facing Alberta and Canada.

Entering the Political Arena (1967–1971)

Lougheed's foray into politics began when he was elected as the leader of the Alberta Progressive Conservative Party in 1965. His leadership revitalized the party, leading to his election to the Alberta Legislature in 1967. This period marked the beginning of his ascent in provincial politics, showcasing his vision for a prosperous and diversified Alberta.

Premier of Alberta: A New Vision (1971–1981)

In 1971, Peter Lougheed became the Premier of Alberta, marking the start of a transformative era for the province. Under his leadership, Alberta experienced significant economic growth, driven by the development of its oil and gas resources. Lougheed's vision extended beyond economic prosperity; he also implemented policies to preserve Alberta's natural environment and invest in social programs, laying the foundation for a balanced approach to development.

Defending Alberta's Interests (1981–1985)

One of Lougheed's most notable achievements was his staunch defense of Alberta's rights and resources during his tenure as Premier. His negotiations with the federal government over energy policies and the Constitution Act of 1982 solidified his reputation as a formidable advocate for the province's interests, ensuring a fair deal for Alberta within the Canadian federation.

Connection to Calgary (1985–1992)

After retiring from politics, Lougheed continued to contribute to his hometown of Calgary and the province of Alberta through various roles in the private and public sectors. His involvement in community projects and his advocacy for economic diversification and innovation helped shape Calgary's development, reinforcing its status as a key city in Canada's economic landscape.

Legacy and Public Service (1992–2012)

Lougheed's post-political career was marked by his continued commitment to public service and his involvement in national and provincial initiatives. He remained an influential figure in discussions on Canada's energy policy, healthcare, and education, always advocating for policies that would benefit future generations.

Key Achievements

• Served as the Premier of Alberta, significantly contributing to the province's economic growth and diversification.

• Defended Alberta's rights in negotiations with the federal government, ensuring a fair share of resource revenues.

• Implemented environmental conservation measures and social programs, balancing economic development with quality of life.

• Influenced Calgary's development through his involvement in community and economic initiatives.

Peter Lougheed's legacy as Premier of Alberta and as a community leader in Calgary is marked by his visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to the province's development. His tenure as Premier was characterized by significant economic growth, strategic negotiations with the federal government, and a balanced approach to environmental conservation and social programs. Lougheed's contributions to Calgary and Alberta have left a lasting impact, shaping the province's trajectory and ensuring its place as a dynamic and essential part of Canada's national fabric.

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 

Poll