Welcome to The Edmonton Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Nerval Group Unveils New Banquet and Conference Facility in Edmonton

• Upcoming Edmonton Elks game

• A deep dive into the life of Ray Muzyka

• And more…

Quote of the Week

Failure is the condiment that gives success its flavor. 

—Truman Capote

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!

What historic Edmonton street was originally the main thoroughfare for fur trading?

A) Jasper Avenue

B) 124th Street

C) 118th Avenue

D) Whyte Avenue

Last Week's Trivia: Which famous bridge in Edmonton offers panoramic views of the river valley and downtown? Answer: B) High Level Bridge"

The Best Stories of the Week

💼 Business

Nerval Group to Unveil State-of-the-Art Banquet and Conference Facility in Edmonton. (link)

Canadian airline WestJet is giving passengers from the city of Edmonton one-stop access to a world of destinations via Atlanta. (link)

Italian Centre Shop gets national recognition. (link)

🏦 Finance

A fraudster who conned an Edmonton woman out of her life savings should serve five years in prison and be made to pay restitution, Crown prosecutors say. (link)

🏒 Sports

Edmonton Oilers pull even with Vancouver Canucks after wild Game 4 finish. (link)

Carson Soucy was suspended one game for cross-checking Connor McDavid after Game 3. (link)

Backup goalie Calvin Pickard starts Game 4 for the Edmonton Oilers against the Vancouver Canucks. (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 Elks vs. Saskatchewan Roughriders
Commonwealth Stadium / Stade du Commonwealth Edmonton, AB
Saturday May 25 | 2:00 PM | (more info)

Concerts

🎸Miesha And The Spanks w/ Dump Babes & Lushclot
The Buckingham 10439 82 Avenue NW Edmonton
Thursday May 23 | 8:00 PM | (more info)

🎤Monster Energy Presents: SkiiTour
Midway 6107 104 St NW Edmonton,
Fri May 24 | 8:00 PM | (more info)

🎶Doobie- Presented By Nightshift Entertainment and F7 Entertainment
Union Hall 6240 99 St NW Edmonton,
Saturday May 25 | 6:00 PM - 10:00 PM | (more info)

🎭Beaumont Society Dance - Sapphire 45 Years of BSSD
Northern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium Edmonton, AB
Sunday May 26 | 1:30 PM | (more info)

Family

🔍Scavenger Hunt Edmonton
10000 Jasper Ave Edmonton,
Thursday, May 23 · 10am MDT | (more info)

🎤Amos the Kid - Edmonton - The Denim Daddies & Lucas Chaisson
The Aviary 9314 111 Avenue Northwest Edmonton,
Friday, May 24 · 7:30 - 11:30pm MDT | (more info)

🎤Public Speaking Masterclass Edmonton
106 St Edmonton,
Saturday, May 25 · 12 - 1:30pm 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 illuminated entirely by bioluminescent plants and structures.” 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

1942: Construction of the Alaska Highway begins near Edmonton.

In 1942, amidst the backdrop of World War II, a monumental engineering project commenced that would significantly impact Edmonton and the broader region: the construction of the Alaska Highway. Originating near Edmonton, the project was part of a strategic military initiative by the United States and Canada to establish a land route to Alaska, deemed essential for defense against potential Japanese invasion. This endeavor was not only a remarkable feat of engineering and logistics but also a testament to the allied cooperation during a time of global conflict. Edmonton's proximity to the start of the highway positioned it as a critical junction for personnel, materials, and equipment, highlighting its strategic importance and bolstering its economy.

The construction of the Alaska Highway brought a surge of activity and development to Edmonton. The city served as a launching point for thousands of soldiers, engineers, and construction workers headed north to work on the highway. This influx of people and resources led to significant growth in local businesses and services, transforming Edmonton into a bustling hub of wartime activity. The project also facilitated improvements in infrastructure and transportation networks in the region, enhancing connectivity and access to remote areas. The highway's construction was an arduous task, challenged by harsh weather, rugged terrain, and the urgency imposed by the war, yet it was completed in an astonishingly short time frame, showcasing human determination and ingenuity.

The legacy of the Alaska Highway's construction near Edmonton extends beyond its historical and military significance. It opened up northern regions to development and settlement, promoting economic growth and fostering closer ties between Canada and the United States. For Edmonton, the highway project was a catalyst for change, enhancing its role as a key transportation and logistics center in western Canada. Over the years, the highway has evolved into an important commercial corridor and a renowned tourist route, celebrated for its breathtaking landscapes and historical importance. The commencement of its construction near Edmonton in 1942 remains a pivotal event in the city's history, symbolizing resilience, innovation, and the enduring spirit of collaboration.

Famous Edmontonians

Ray Muzyka (1969–2012): Co-founder of BioWare, a video game developer.

Ray Muzyka: The Early Years and Education (1969–1991)

Born in Edmonton, Alberta, in 1969, Ray Muzyka was fascinated by technology and storytelling from a young age. Pursuing a combined interest in science and the arts, he attended the University of Alberta, where he earned a degree in medicine. However, his passion for video games and interactive storytelling was evident, setting the stage for a unique career path that would blend his medical training with his love for gaming.

The Formation of BioWare (1991–1995)

While still in medical school, Muzyka, along with Greg Zeschuk and Augustine Yip, founded BioWare in 1995. The company was born out of their shared passion for video games and a mutual desire to create interactive narratives. This period was marked by intense learning and development as they set out to create their first video game, navigating the challenges of the burgeoning game development industry.

BioWare's Early Successes (1995–2000)

Under Muzyka's leadership, BioWare quickly made a name for itself with the release of Baldur's Gate in 1998. This game was hailed for its deep storytelling and immersive gameplay, setting a new standard for role-playing games. Muzyka's vision for creating narrative-driven games was becoming a reality, establishing BioWare as a leading developer in the industry.

The Golden Era of BioWare (2000–2007)

The early 2000s marked a period of significant growth and critical acclaim for BioWare, with Muzyka at the helm. The release of games such as Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic and Mass Effect further solidified BioWare's reputation for excellence in storytelling and innovative gameplay. These titles were not just commercial successes but also critically acclaimed, earning multiple awards and solidifying Muzyka's reputation as a visionary in the industry.

Leadership and Innovation (2007–2012)

As BioWare continued to expand, Muzyka's role evolved from hands-on development to strategic leadership. He guided the company through partnerships and acquisitions, including the pivotal sale to Electronic Arts in 2007. Despite these changes, Muzyka ensured that BioWare's commitment to storytelling and player-driven narratives remained at the core of its development philosophy.

Connection to Edmonton (Entire Career)

Ray Muzyka's connection to Edmonton was foundational to BioWare's identity and success. Choosing to base the company in his hometown, Muzyka was a prominent figure in the local and national technology scene, contributing significantly to Edmonton's reputation as an emerging center for video game development. His commitment to the city was reflected in BioWare's community engagement and its role in promoting the tech industry in Alberta.

Entrepreneurship and Beyond (2008–2012)

Beyond BioWare, Muzyka became known for his entrepreneurial spirit, investing in and mentoring other technology and entertainment startups. His vision extended to fostering innovation and creativity across various industries, demonstrating his belief in the potential of technology to transform society.

Philanthropy and Retirement (2012)

In 2012, Muzyka announced his retirement from BioWare and the video game industry to focus on his philanthropic interests. His decision to shift his energy to social impact investments and charitable work was in line with his lifelong commitment to making a positive difference in the world.

Key Achievements

• Co-founding BioWare, a company that would become a leader in narrative-driven video games.

• Leading the development of groundbreaking games like Baldur's Gate, Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic, and Mass Effect.

• Steering BioWare through its acquisition by Electronic Arts, ensuring the studio's creative vision and independence.

• Contributing to Edmonton's emergence as a center for technology and game development.

Ray Muzyka's career was characterized by a fusion of his passions for medicine, storytelling, and technology, culminating in the co-founding of BioWare, one of the most innovative and respected developers in the video game industry. Under his guidance, BioWare created some of the most memorable and influential games of their time, known for their deep narratives and immersive gameplay. Beyond his contributions to gaming, Muzyka's commitment to his hometown of Edmonton and his philanthropic efforts showcased his belief in the power of technology to effect positive change, leaving a lasting legacy in both the gaming world and his community.

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