Welcome to The Edmonton Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Details on The Edmonton Downtown Business Association’s funding initiative

• Upcoming Edmonton Oilers games

• Edmonton’s 2023-2026 Budget Passes with Property Tax Increases

• And more…

Quote of the Week

“You have power over your mind, not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength.”

- Marcus Aurelius

Photo of the Week

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 Grads, a legendary women's basketball team, hold an unmatched record in sports history. What is this record?

A) The longest unbeaten streak in professional sports

B) The most consecutive national championships won

C) The highest all-time winning percentage in professional team sports

D) The most Olympic gold medals won by a basketball team

Answer to Last Week’s Trivia

Who was Edmonton’s first female mayor and when was she elected?

Answer: Jan Reimer in 1989

The Best Links of the Week

💼 Business

The City of Edmonton has expanded a grant program that assists businesses with the costs of repairing smashed windows. This initiative, aimed at providing financial relief, now extends to more areas, reflecting a proactive approach to support local businesses facing vandalism or other forms of damage. (link)

Members of Edmonton's business community have expressed deep concerns regarding the city's budget and the associated tax increases. They have urged the city council to reconsider its spending strategies and strive to keep taxes as low as possible, highlighting the challenges faced by businesses in the current economic environment. (link)

🏦 Finance

In a significant fiscal move, Edmonton's city council approved the 2023-2026 budget, which includes an annual property tax increase of 3.9% for each year. This decision, however, was revised to an unofficial increase of five percent. The budget aims to address the city's financial needs and future planning, but the increased tax rates reflect the challenges of balancing city services with fiscal responsibility. (link)

🏒 Sports

The Edmonton Oilers faced a challenging game against the Florida Panthers, ultimately losing with a score of 5-3. This match marked their second straight loss, highlighting the team's struggles on the road and against a formidable opponent. (link)

Lwal Uguak, an Edmonton native, played a crucial role in the Alouettes’ victory in the Grey Cup, with an impressive performance including five tackles. His highlight was an explosive hit on Brady Oliveira, demonstrating his significant impact in the championship game. (link)

📰 News

The Edmonton Downtown Business Association announced a significant funding initiative of $1.8 million for three key programs: the Downtown Retail Project, the Downtown Patio Grant, and the Business Adaptation and Revitalization program. These programs are designed to revitalize Edmonton's core, supporting local businesses in enhancing their operations and adapting to changing market needs. (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. Vegas Golden Knights (November 28th) Catch an action-packed NHL game featuring the Edmonton Oilers as they take on the Vegas Golden Knights at Rogers Place. (link)

Concerts

🎸 Meshuggah, In Flames, and Whitechapel (November 27th) A powerful night of metal music with performances by Meshuggah, In Flames, and Whitechapel at Midway Music Hall. (link)

🎵 Tim Baker Matt Holubowski (November 28th) Enjoy an intimate musical evening with the talented Tim Baker and Matt Holubowski at the Varscona Theatre. (link)

🎧 Virtual Riot (December 2) Get ready for an electrifying performance by Virtual Riot at the Temple Ball Room, a treat for electronic music enthusiasts. (link)

Family

🌟 Borealis Lights (November 27th - January 7th) The Borealis Lights is a premier drive-thru holiday event at St Albert Kinsmen RV Park, offering a dazzling display of lights for a memorable family outing. (link)

🚂 The Polar Express™ Train Ride (December 1st - December 3rd) Step into the magical world of "The Polar Express" with this unique train ride experience, perfect for the whole family. (link)

🎄 Edmonton Christmas Market (November 30th) The Edmonton Christmas Market is a festive treat, featuring a local marketplace, captivating light installations, live entertainment, and much more at Fort Edmonton Park. (link)

Image of the Week

Every week, I have a habit of making some AI art about our city.

This week, I typed in “Edmonton during an ice age” 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

Edmonton's First Telephone Exchange (1885)

In 1885, Edmonton experienced a significant technological milestone with the establishment of its first telephone exchange. This development marked a crucial step in Edmonton's journey towards modernization and connectivity. The introduction of the telephone exchange system was a forward-looking move that promised to revolutionize communication in the region.

The Edmonton Telephone Exchange, located in a small building on Jasper Avenue, initially served a modest number of subscribers, but it was a harbinger of the city's future growth. The telephone exchange system enabled quicker and more efficient communication within the city and with distant regions. Businesses, government offices, and residents quickly adopted this new technology, recognizing its potential to transform their daily operations and interactions.

This early adoption of telephone technology in Edmonton was reflective of the city's pioneering spirit and its embrace of innovation. The telephone exchange not only improved communication but also played a significant role in fostering community connections and supporting economic growth. It laid the groundwork for Edmonton's subsequent technological advancements and established the city as an early adopter of emerging technologies.

Famous Edmontonians

Marshall McLuhan: 1911-1980

Marshall McLuhan, born in Edmonton, Alberta, was a pioneering figure in the field of media theory. His insights into the nature of media and its effect on society and culture were revolutionary, shaping the way we think about media's role in our lives.

Early Years and Education (1911-1932)

Born in Edmonton, McLuhan's early life was marked by a voracious appetite for reading and learning. He attended the University of Manitoba, where he explored literature and philosophy, setting the stage for his later work in media theory.

Further Studies and Teaching (1933-1945)

McLuhan continued his studies at the University of Cambridge, where he was deeply influenced by the works of literary figures and critics. He began his teaching career in the United States and later returned to Canada, bringing with him a rich array of intellectual influences.

The Gutenberg Galaxy – Early Theories (1946-1961)

In the 1950s, McLuhan published significant works, including "The Mechanical Bride," which began to explore the relationship between technology, media, and culture. His 1962 book, "The Gutenberg Galaxy," introduced his theory of the "global village" and examined the effects of mass media on human thought.

Understanding Media (1962-1967)

McLuhan's 1964 work, "Understanding Media: The Extensions of Man," became his most famous book. It introduced the phrase "the medium is the message," suggesting that the form of media embeds itself in the message, fundamentally shaping how the message is perceived.

A Media Guru (1968-1972)

By the late 1960s, McLuhan had become a popular figure in the media landscape. His ideas were widely discussed, and he made frequent appearances on television and radio, bringing his theories into mainstream conversation.

Predictions and Insights (1973-1977)

McLuhan's concept of the "global village" foresaw the future interconnectedness of the world through technology long before the advent of the Internet. His insights on how electronic media transforms communication and social structures gained increasing relevance.

Later Years and Reflections (1978-1980)

In his later years, McLuhan continued to lecture and write, though he faced health challenges. His work remained influential, and he spent time reflecting on his substantial contributions to media theory.

Passing and Legacy (1980)

McLuhan passed away in 1980, but his ideas have continued to resonate and evolve with the advancement of technology and media. His theories remain foundational in understanding how media shapes human perception and society.

Posthumous Recognition – McLuhan’s Enduring Influence (1980-Present)

After his death, McLuhan's work received renewed interest, particularly in the digital age. His foresight into how technology would revolutionize communication has been widely recognized and celebrated.

Revisiting McLuhan – Media in the 21st Century (1980-Present)

In today's world of smartphones, social media, and global connectivity, McLuhan's theories are more relevant than ever. His legacy continues to provoke thought and discussion about the role of media in shaping human experience.

Key Achievements of Marshall McLuhan:

• Pioneered the study of media theory with influential works like "Understanding Media" and "The Gutenberg Galaxy."

• Coined iconic phrases such as "the medium is the message" and "global village."

• His theories anticipated the impact of the digital age on society and communication.

• McLuhan's work continues to influence various fields, including media studies, communication, and sociology.

• Posthumously recognized as a prophet of the digital age, with ideas that have permeated popular and academic discourse.

Marshall McLuhan's journey from Edmonton to becoming a global intellectual figure is a testament to his profound insights into media and communication. His work laid the groundwork for understanding the transformative power of technology on culture and society, making him a pivotal figure in the 20th century and beyond.

Connect With Me

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

-Matthew Larsen