In partnership with

Welcome to The Edmonton Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• McDavid nears 1,000 NHL points.

• AI art of the week

• A deep dive into the life of Max Ward

• And more…

Quote of the Week

“The power of imagination makes us infinite.”

—John Muir

Sponsored

Learn how to make AI work for you.

The Rundown is the world’s largest AI newsletter, with over 700,000+ early adopters staying up-to-date with the latest AI news, and learning how to apply it in their work in just a 5 minute read per day.

1. Their expert team spends all day researching and talking with industry experts.

2. They send updates on the latest AI news and how to apply it in 5 minutes a day.

3. You learn how to become 2x more productive by leveraging AI.

Sign up.

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 large urban park in Edmonton is named after a former mayor?

A) Rundle Park

B) Hawrelak Park

C) Coronation Park

D) Borden Park

Last Week's Trivia:

What is the name of the professional Canadian football team based in Edmonton? Answer: C) Edmonton Eskimos

The Best Stories of the Week

💼Business

Businesses warn of product shortages, rising costs due to possible postal strike.(link)

Albertans shopped more while spending less in 2024, trend expected into the holidays.(link)

🏦Finance

MacEwan University receives $1.5 million donation for new building.(link)

🏒Sports

Edmonton takes on Nashville following overtime win.(link)

Connor McDavid races toward 1,000th point in NHL career.(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. Minnesota Wild
Rogers Place Edmonton,
Thursday November 21 | 7:00 PM | (more info)

🏒 Edmonton Oilers vs. New York Rangers
Rogers Place Edmonton,
Saturday November 23 | 8:00 PM | (more info)

Concerts

🎸 Harlequin
Century Casino Edmonton,
Saturday November 23 | 8:00 PM | (more info)

🎉 That's So Yesterday: Disney Stars Dance Party
The Starlite Room - Temple 10030 – 102 Street Edmonton,
Saturday November 23 | 9:00 PM | (more info)

Family

🎨 Draw Funny, Comics and Cartooning Workshops for Students 7+
Rolling Tales 10219 106 Street Edmonton,
Thursday, November 21 | 5 - 7pm 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 “Edmonton with a blend of ancient and futuristic architecture.” 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

1914 - 1918: Edmonton during World War I.

During the tumultuous years of World War I, from 1914 to 1918, Edmonton, like many cities across Canada and the world, experienced profound changes and challenges. The city found itself deeply intertwined with the global conflict, contributing men, women, and resources to the war effort. Edmontonians from all walks of life rallied to support the cause, with thousands volunteering for service overseas in the Canadian Expeditionary Force. This period saw a remarkable outpouring of community spirit and patriotism, as the city organized fundraising drives, enlisted volunteers for the front lines, and supported war-related industries. The impact of the war was felt in every corner of the city, touching the lives of families who waited anxiously for news from the front.

The home front in Edmonton was marked by a significant transformation as the war effort necessitated shifts in the social and economic fabric of the city. Women stepped into roles traditionally held by men, working in factories, offices, and even in agricultural capacities to keep the home fires burning. This shift not only contributed to the war effort but also initiated changes in societal attitudes toward women's labor and independence. Meanwhile, the city's infrastructure and resources were strained by the demands of supporting the war overseas, leading to innovations in production and conservation efforts. Edmonton also saw the emergence of patriotic and community organizations aimed at supporting the troops and their families, reinforcing a sense of unity and collective purpose.

The aftermath of World War I left an indelible mark on Edmonton, shaping its post-war identity and community dynamics. The return of veterans brought both celebrations and challenges, as the city grappled with providing adequate care, rehabilitation, and reintegration services for those who had served. The war had catalyzed significant population growth and urban development in Edmonton, setting the stage for further expansion in the decades to come. Additionally, the shared experiences of sacrifice, loss, and resilience during the war years fostered a strong sense of community and civic pride, contributing to Edmonton's evolving character as a city. Reflecting on this period offers insight into the ways in which global events can profoundly influence local histories, leaving legacies that resonate well beyond the years of conflict.

Famous Edmontonians

Max Ward (1921–2020): Founder of Wardair, Canada's largest privately owned airline.

Max Ward: Early Life and Beginnings (1921–1945)

Born in 1921 in Edmonton, Alberta, Max Ward's early life was steeped in modest beginnings. His interest in aviation was sparked during his youth, leading him to join the Royal Canadian Air Force during World War II, where he honed his piloting skills.

Post-War Ventures and the Birth of Wardair (1946–1952)

After the war, Ward capitalized on his passion for aviation by starting his own business. In 1952, he founded Wardair with a single de Havilland Otter, initially focusing on charter flights for hunters and fishermen in Canada’s North.

Expanding Horizons (1953–1962)

As demand grew, so did Wardair. Ward expanded his fleet and began offering scheduled services, quickly becoming a favorite among travelers for its exceptional service and attention to detail. This period marked the transition of Wardair from a charter service to a recognized airline.

Innovations in Aviation (1963–1972)

Under Max Ward's leadership, Wardair became known for its pioneering spirit in Canadian aviation, being among the first to introduce jet aircrafts to charter services. His innovative approach to customer service set new standards in the industry.

Going International (1973–1982)

The 1970s saw Wardair break into international markets, with flights to destinations in Europe and the Caribbean. This expansion helped Wardair become Canada's largest privately owned international airline, famous for its quality service.

The Height of Success (1983–1990)

By the 1980s, Wardair had grown into a key player in the global aviation market, competing with major national carriers. Its reputation for high-quality service and luxurious offerings distinguished it from its competitors.

Transition and Sale of Wardair (1991–1992)

Despite its success, the competitive pressures of the airline industry led Ward to sell Wardair to Canadian Airlines in 1989. This marked the end of an era for one of Canada’s most beloved airlines.

Retirement and Reflections (1993–2020)

In retirement, Ward remained a respected figure in aviation. He spent his later years reflecting on his career and mentoring new generations of aviators and entrepreneurs, contributing his insights and experiences.

Key Achievements

• Founded Wardair, which grew from a single aircraft to Canada’s largest privately owned international airline.

• Introduced innovative customer service standards and modern jet aircrafts to the Canadian aviation industry.

• Successfully expanded operations internationally, competing with major global airlines.

• Known for his visionary leadership and contributions to Canadian aviation.

Max Ward was a pioneering figure in Canadian aviation, transforming a small charter operation into an international airline known for its service and luxury. Through his innovative approach and dedication, he left a lasting impact on the industry. His legacy continues to inspire entrepreneurs and aviators in Canada and beyond, exemplifying the spirit of innovation and excellence.

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

Poll