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Welcome to The Edmonton Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Upcoming Edmonton Oil Kings home game

• AI art of the week

• A deep dive into the life of Hilda Neatby

• And more…

Quote of the Week

“Power is always dangerous. Power attracts the worst and corrupts the best.”

—Edward Abbey

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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 is the name of the professional Canadian football team based in Edmonton?

A) Edmonton Oilers

B) Edmonton Elks

C) Edmonton Eskimos

D) Edmonton Wildcats

Last Week's Trivia:

What unique architectural feature is the Muttart Conservatory in Edmonton known for? Answer: A) Its glass pyramids

The Best Stories of the Week

💼Business

Edmonton’s popular dining spot Biera closing down.(link)

Victoria rental market among Canada's most in-demand, report finds.(link)

🏦Finance

Netflix says ad-supported plan now has 70 million monthly active users.(link)

🏒Sports

Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid closing in on 1,000th point.(link)

Brown, McDavid lead Oilers to 7-3 win over 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 Oil Kings vs. Victoria Royals
Rogers Place Edmonton,
Wednesday November 20 | 7:00 PM | (more info)

Concerts

🎸 Zach Bryan
Rogers Place Edmonton
Monday November 18 | 7:00 PM | (more info)

🎤 Alexander Stewart
Midway Music Hall Edmonton
Wednesday November 20 | 7:00 PM | (more info)

Family

💑 A Date Night Adventure! - Alberta’s Charming Capital
10248 99 Street Northwest Edmonton,
November 19 | 8am - November 20 | 12am MST | (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 “Post-apocalyptic Edmonton reclaimed by nature.” 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

1913: The extension of streetcar service to Highlands.

In 1913, Edmonton witnessed a significant expansion in its public transportation network with the extension of streetcar service to the Highlands area. This extension represented a major milestone in the city's development, enhancing connectivity and accessibility for its rapidly growing population. The Highlands, known for its scenic views and desirable residential spaces, became even more attractive to Edmontonians and potential residents with the introduction of reliable streetcar service. This transportation link not only facilitated easier commutes into the city's commercial and industrial centers but also underscored the city's commitment to expanding its infrastructure to meet the needs of its residents.

The streetcar service extension to Highlands was part of a broader vision to create a comprehensive public transportation system that could support Edmonton's urban growth and economic development. By integrating distant neighborhoods like the Highlands into the urban fabric, the city was able to promote more balanced development, reduce congestion, and improve the quality of life for its citizens. The streetcars themselves, a symbol of modernity and progress at the time, became a vital component of daily life, enabling people to travel for work, education, and leisure with unprecedented ease.

Over time, the extension of the streetcar service to Highlands has been celebrated as a forward-thinking move that helped shape the character of the neighborhood and the city as a whole. It played a crucial role in making the Highlands one of Edmonton's most cherished communities, known for its historical charm and vibrant community life. Although streetcars have since been replaced by other forms of public transportation, the legacy of this extension lives on, reflecting Edmonton's early commitment to connectivity and sustainable urban planning. This historical milestone highlights the city's ongoing efforts to adapt to the needs of its residents and to promote a high quality of urban life through thoughtful infrastructure development.

Famous Edmontonians

Hilda Neatby (1904–1975): Historian and educator, known for her influence on Canadian education.

Hilda Neatby: Early Life and Education (1904–1922)

Hilda Neatby was born in 1904 in Bury, England. At a young age, her family moved to Canada, settling in Alberta where she spent her formative years. Neatby attended the University of Alberta in Edmonton, where she developed a strong foundation in history and education.

The Pursuit of Higher Knowledge (1923–1930)

After completing her undergraduate degree, Neatby pursued graduate studies at the Sorbonne in Paris, furthering her expertise in European history. This period was crucial in shaping her scholarly approach, marked by meticulous research and a critical perspective on historical narratives.

An Academic at the University of Saskatchewan (1931–1945)

Neatby joined the faculty at the University of Saskatchewan as a history professor. Her tenure here was transformative, both for her and her students, as she advocated for a more analytical and less rote-learning approach to teaching history.

Developing a Voice in Education (1946–1955)

During this time, Neatby became increasingly vocal about educational reforms in Canada. She published several influential papers and books criticizing the prevailing educational system, emphasizing the need for critical thinking rather than memorization.

A Controversial Figure in Canadian Education (1956–1963)

Neatby’s outspoken views made her a controversial figure, especially following the publication of her book So Little for the Mind, which criticized Canadian secondary education. Her critiques sparked widespread debate about educational policies across Canada.

Influence and Advocacy (1964–1969)

As her reputation grew, so did her influence. Neatby served on various national education committees and continued to push for reforms. She was instrumental in shaping policies that encouraged analytical thinking and reduced emphasis on standardized testing.

Connection to Edmonton and Later Years (1970–1975)

Returning to her roots, Neatby became involved in educational initiatives in Edmonton, working closely with the University of Alberta to develop programs that aligned with her educational philosophies. Her later years were dedicated to mentoring young educators and advocating for continuous reform.

Legacy and Death (1975)

Hilda Neatby passed away in 1975, leaving behind a legacy of profound impact on Canadian education. Her works continue to be cited and her educational philosophies are still discussed in academic circles today.

Key Achievements

• Advocated for educational reform across Canada, emphasizing critical thinking.

• Published influential works, including So Little for the Mind, which challenged traditional educational methods.

• Served on several national educational committees, shaping policy and reform.

• Mentored a generation of educators, influencing teaching methods and curricular developments.

Hilda Neatby was a pioneering historian and educator whose work transformed the landscape of Canadian education. Known for her critical approach and challenging traditional teaching methods, she left an indelible mark on the academic and educational community. Her efforts to foster analytical thinking have left a lasting legacy that continues to influence educational practices in Canada and beyond.

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I would love to hear from you. Don’t be shy.

-Matthew Larsen

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