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Welcome to The Edmonton Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Oilers' Home Jerseys to Display Sports Betting Ad

• AI art of the week

• A deep dive into the life of Norman Kwong

• And more…

Quote of the Week

“Ability may get you to the top, but it takes character to keep you there.”

—Stevie Wonder

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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!

Which annual Edmonton event celebrates LGBTQ+ pride and culture?

A) The Edmonton Pride Festival

B) The Edmonton Folk Music Festival

C) The Heritage Festival

D) The Fringe Festival

Last Week's Trivia:

Edmonton's iconic High Level Bridge was completed in A) 1913

The Best Stories of the Week

💼Business

Edmonton city councillor leaving municipal politics after 11 years. (link)

🏦Finance

TC Energy says sale of minority stake in pipeline to Indigenous groups is delayed. (link)

🏒Sports

Edmonton Oilers Home Jerseys to Feature Sports Betting and Online Gambling Company Ad. (link)

Oilers GM Believes Blues Overpaid in Offer Sheets. (link)

Edmonton Commonwealth Stadium's $250-million renovation dream has no funding in reality. (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

🏋️ September High Fitness!
10150 80 Street Northwest Edmonton,
Tuesday, September 17 | 7:15 PM - 8:15 PM MDT | (more info)

Concerts

🎸 John 5 w/ Sticks n Stones & Turning Jane
The Starlite Room 10030 – 102 Street Edmonton,
Tuesday, September 17 | 6:30 PM | (more info)

🎶 Tokyo Police Club
Midway 6107 104 St NW Edmonton,
Wednesday, September 18 | 8:00 PM | (more info)

Family

🔍 Scavenger Hunt Edmonton
10000 Jasper Ave Edmonton,
Tuesday, September 17 | 10am MDT | (more info)

🌸 Mommy and Me Fresh Flower Workshop
Southgate Centre 5015 111 Street Northwest Edmonton,
Wednesday, September 18 | 12:00 PM -1:00 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 with buildings featuring interactive, kinetic facades.” 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

1930: The impact of the Great Depression on Edmonton.

The Great Depression of the 1930s had a profound impact on Edmonton, as it did on the rest of the world, plunging the city into economic hardship and altering the course of its development. Edmonton, like many other cities during this period, faced significant challenges, including widespread unemployment, plummeting commodity prices, and a severe drop in demand for goods and services. The booming growth that the city had experienced in the 1920s came to an abrupt halt, as businesses closed their doors and many residents found themselves struggling to make ends meet. The city's reliance on the agricultural sector, which suffered greatly due to both the economic downturn and poor crop conditions, further exacerbated the difficulties faced by Edmontonians.

The response to the economic crisis in Edmonton was multifaceted, involving both community-led initiatives and government intervention. Soup kitchens, relief camps, and other forms of assistance were established to help those most affected by the Depression. The city also saw the rise of social and political movements aimed at addressing the economic injustices and advocating for reforms to prevent future crises. Despite the hardships, this period fostered a sense of solidarity among Edmontonians, who came together to support one another through community organizations, cooperative efforts, and volunteerism. The adversity of the Depression also prompted the city to diversify its economy, laying the groundwork for future growth in sectors beyond agriculture and resource extraction.

By the end of the 1930s, as the world began to recover from the Great Depression, Edmonton emerged with a changed economic landscape and a resilient community spirit. The challenges of the Depression spurred innovations in social policy, economic development, and urban planning that would shape the city's future. Edmonton's ability to adapt and persevere through the hardships of the 1930s demonstrated the resilience of its people and the strength of its community, lessons that would inform the city's approach to future challenges. The impact of the Great Depression on Edmonton was significant, but it also highlighted the city's capacity for resilience and renewal in the face of adversity.

Famous Edmontonians

Norman Kwong (1929–2016): CFL star and Lieutenant Governor of Alberta.

Norman Kwong: Early Years and Athletic Talent (1929–1947)

Norman Kwong, born in Calgary, Alberta, in 1929, showed early promise as an athlete in multiple sports. Growing up in a city that valued sportsmanship and community, Kwong's talents on the football field became evident during his high school years. This period set the stage for his future success in Canadian football and established a lifelong connection to Calgary, a city that would take great pride in his achievements.

Breaking into the CFL (1948–1950)

Kwong began his Canadian Football League (CFL) career with the Calgary Stampeders in 1948, quickly making a name for himself as a powerful and agile fullback. His rookie season culminated in a Grey Cup victory, marking the start of an illustrious football career. This early success was a harbinger of Kwong's impact on Canadian football and his pioneering role as one of the first high-profile athletes of Chinese descent in Canada.

CFL Stardom with the Edmonton Eskimos (1951–1960)

Kwong's transfer to the Edmonton Eskimos in 1951 led to a decade of dominance in the CFL, where he won three more Grey Cups and set numerous rushing records. His time with the Eskimos solidified his status as one of the league's all-time greats and deepened his connection to Alberta's capital. Kwong's performance on the field was matched by his leadership and sportsmanship, earning him the respect of teammates and rivals alike.

Connection to Edmonton (Throughout CFL Career)

While Norman Kwong's CFL career began in Calgary, his legacy is equally tied to Edmonton due to his significant contributions to the Eskimos and the city's sports culture. His success with the team and his off-field contributions to the community endeared him to Edmontonians, making him a beloved figure in the city's sporting history.

Post-football Business and Community Involvement (1961–2005)

After retiring from football, Kwong transitioned into a successful business career, while also dedicating himself to various community and philanthropic efforts in Alberta. His business ventures spanned real estate and sports team ownership, including a stake in the NHL's Calgary Flames, contributing to the professional sports landscape in Alberta. Kwong's community involvement underscored his commitment to giving back to the province that had supported his sporting career.

Lieutenant Governor of Alberta (2005–2010)

In 2005, Kwong was appointed as the 16th Lieutenant Governor of Alberta, becoming the first person of Chinese heritage to assume a vice-regal position in Canada. His tenure was marked by a focus on youth, education, and multiculturalism, reflecting his lifelong commitment to diversity and inclusion. Kwong's role as Lieutenant Governor allowed him to further his contributions to Alberta's social and cultural fabric.

### Key Achievements

• Four-time Grey Cup champion, setting numerous CFL rushing records.

• Successful businessman and community leader, with involvement in various philanthropic causes.

• First Canadian of Chinese heritage to be appointed Lieutenant Governor of Alberta, promoting diversity and inclusion.

Norman Kwong's remarkable journey from a celebrated CFL star to the Lieutenant Governor of Alberta is a testament to his multifaceted contributions to Canadian society. His athletic prowess, business acumen, and commitment to public service left a lasting impact on Alberta and its citizens. Kwong's legacy, especially in Calgary and Edmonton, reflects his profound connection to Alberta and his role as a trailblazer in promoting diversity, sportsmanship, and community engagement.

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-Matthew Larsen

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