Welcome to The Edmonton Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• New homeless shelter to open in Edmonton

• Upcoming IRWA CH.62 Annual Fall Classic Golf Tournament

• A deep dive into the life of Henry Wise Wood

• And more…

Quote of the Week

“Whether you think you can or you can't, either way you are right.”

—Henry Ford

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!

The Edmonton Oilers, the city's NHL team, won their first Stanley Cup in what year?

A) 1984

B) 1987

C) 1990

D) 1994

Last Week's Trivia:

Which Edmonton area is famous for its colorful street murals and public art? Answer: A) Whyte Avenue

The Best Stories of the Week

💼Business

Financial assistance available for restaurants in Jasper affected by wildfire. (link)

New homeless shelter to open in Edmonton industrial area. (link)

🏦Finance

Edmonton Fringe Festival wraps up with strong ticket numbers, but falls short of $300,000 fundraising goal. (link)

🏒Sports

Fajardo Leads Montreal Comeback, Takes Down Edmonton. (link)

Oilers Linked To Former Hurricanes Free Agent Defenseman. (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

⛳ IRWA CH.62 Annual Fall Classic Golf Tournament
The Links At Spruce Grove
Wednesday September 4 | 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM MDT | (more info)

Concerts

🎸Kings of Leon
Rogers Place Edmonton,
Monday September 2 | 7:30PM | (more info)

Family

📸 Snapshot Quest Photo Scavenger Hunt Game
City Center 10000 Jasper Ave Edmonton
Monday, September 2 · 12am 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 “Urban landscape of Edmonton with a focus on pedestrian pathways and green spaces.” 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

1999: The opening of the Jubilee Auditorium’s renovation.

In 1999, the Northern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium in Edmonton unveiled its extensive renovations, marking a significant moment in the cultural life of the city. These renovations were part of a broader initiative to celebrate the upcoming Alberta Centennial in 2005, aimed at rejuvenating one of Edmonton's key cultural landmarks. The Jubilee Auditorium, since its original opening in 1955, had been a cornerstone for the performing arts in Edmonton, hosting a wide array of events from ballets and operas to Broadway-style shows and concerts. The renovation project was undertaken to modernize the facility, enhance its acoustics, expand its seating capacity, and improve the overall patron experience, ensuring that the Jubilee could continue to meet the evolving needs of performers and audiences alike.

The reopening of the Jubilee Auditorium in 1999 was greeted with enthusiasm by the community, signifying a renewed commitment to the arts and culture in Edmonton. The updates made to the auditorium allowed for a broader range of performances and events, further solidifying its status as a premier venue for the performing arts in Western Canada. The modernization of the space, with improved technical capabilities and patron amenities, provided a boost to the local arts scene, attracting international artists and productions to Edmonton. The renovation also included the addition of new spaces for community and educational programs, reflecting the Jubilee's role not just as a performance venue but as a hub for cultural engagement and learning.

The successful renovation of the Northern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium has had a lasting impact on Edmonton's cultural landscape, contributing to the vibrancy and diversity of the city's arts community. It serves as a testament to the importance of investing in cultural infrastructure to enrich community life and foster artistic expression. The Jubilee Auditorium continues to be a beloved venue for both performers and patrons, hosting countless memorable performances and events. Its renovation in 1999 marked the beginning of a new chapter in its history, one that has seen the Jubilee become more than just a venue, but a cultural institution that plays a pivotal role in Edmonton's identity as a city that values and celebrates the arts.

Famous Edmontonians

Henry Wise Wood (1860–1941): Influential in the farmers' movement in Alberta.

Henry Wise Wood: Early Life and Move to Alberta (1860–1905)

Born in Missouri in 1860, Henry Wise Wood spent his early years in the United States before moving to Alberta, Canada, in 1905. Seeking new opportunities, Wood transitioned from an American farmer to a significant figure in Alberta's agricultural community. His move to Alberta marked the beginning of a transformative period in both his life and the province's agricultural and political landscapes.

Involvement in the United Farmers of Alberta (UFA) (1905–1921)

Shortly after his arrival in Alberta, Wood became actively involved in the United Farmers of Alberta (UFA), an organization advocating for farmers' rights and cooperative marketing. His leadership and vision quickly propelled him to prominence within the UFA, where he championed the cause of Alberta's farmers against economic and political challenges.

Presidency of the UFA (1921–1931)

Wood's dedication to the farmers' movement led to his election as President of the UFA in 1921, a position he held for a decade. During his presidency, he was instrumental in advocating for farmers' rights, implementing cooperative marketing strategies, and influencing agricultural policy in Alberta. His tenure was marked by significant achievements in improving the economic conditions of farmers and strengthening the agricultural sector in the province.

Connection to Alberta (Throughout Life)

Henry Wise Wood's connection to Alberta was profound, as he dedicated his life to improving the province's agricultural sector and advocating for farmers' rights. His work had a lasting impact on Alberta, transforming it into a stronghold of farmer advocacy and cooperative principles. Wood's legacy in Alberta is a testament to his commitment to the land and its people.

Advocacy for Farmers' Rights and Cooperative Principles (Throughout Career)

Wood was a staunch advocate for farmers' rights, cooperative marketing, and agricultural reform. His efforts were pivotal in establishing fairer practices within the agricultural sector, empowering farmers, and promoting economic resilience among Alberta's farming communities. His advocacy laid the groundwork for significant legislative and societal changes that benefited farmers across the province.

The Farmers' Movement and Political Influence (1921–1941)

Under Wood's leadership, the farmers' movement gained significant political influence in Alberta. His ability to mobilize and unite farmers under the UFA banner led to the organization's involvement in provincial politics, including the election of UFA members to the Alberta legislature. Wood's political strategy and vision were crucial in elevating the farmers' movement from grassroots activism to a political force in Alberta.

Key Achievements

• Led the United Farmers of Alberta (UFA) as President, significantly advancing the farmers' movement in Alberta.

• Championed cooperative marketing and farmers' rights, leading to improved economic conditions for the agricultural sector.

• Influenced agricultural policy and legislation in Alberta, ensuring the representation and protection of farmers' interests.

Henry Wise Wood's leadership and advocacy played a pivotal role in the development of the farmers' movement in Alberta, marking him as a key figure in the province's agricultural and political history. His commitment to cooperative principles and farmers' rights transformed the economic landscape for Alberta's farmers, establishing a legacy of activism and policy influence that continues to be felt today. Wood's connection to Alberta and his impact on its agricultural community underscore Alberta's position as a center of agricultural innovation and farmer advocacy.

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

-Matthew Larsen

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