Welcome to The Edmonton Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Edmonton Oilers player injury updates

• Brazilian companies looking to expand in Edmonton

• Live concerts in Edmonton this week

• And more…

Quote of the Week

“I hear and I forget. I see and I remember. I do and I understand.”

-Chinese Proverb

My Goal For The Week

I plan to do five “tasks” per day that are consequential in terms of improving my life, business, etc. This seems like a sustainable pace that will lead to a nice balance of meaningful results, but not be too overwhelming to the point where I procrastinate.

One Idea For a Better Week

Use some form of “screen control” on your phone, iPad, computer, etc., and block out all negative news. I did this a year ago and it has been beautiful. No politics. No divisive social issues. No crime. Nothing.

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 Edmonton theatre, built in 1915, is the oldest running cinema in Canada?

A. The Varscona

B. Garneau Theatre

C. The Princess Theatre

D. Metro Cinema

Answer to Last Week’s Trivia

Which neighborhood in Edmonton is recognized for its deep historical roots, having been a gathering place for Indigenous peoples for thousands of years and later the site of a Hudson's Bay Company trading post?

Answer: Fort Edmonton

The Best Links of the Week

💼 Business

The city of Edmonton is fast becoming a preferred destination for Brazilian companies looking to expand their operations to Canada and North America, as reported on October 23, 2023. This development underscores Edmonton's growing appeal to international businesses seeking a conducive environment for growth and expansion.

On October 24, 2023, discussions around the education sector contributing to the office real estate market surfaced. The city is witnessing a transformation with educational institutions playing a part in the real estate landscape. This demonstrates a synergy between education and business sectors, contributing to a bustling office real estate market in Edmonton.

🏦 Finance

Amid financial discussions on October 24, 2023, a debate concerning the future of the Canadian Pension Plan (CPP) in Alberta stirred, reflecting broader economic considerations at play within the province.

The province's budget for 2022-2023 set aside significant funds for the expansion of Terwillegar Drive in southwest Edmonton, indicating a strong focus on infrastructural development as a part of financial planning.

Despite not receiving the requested funds for housing in the 2022 budget, the narrative around Edmonton's budgetary allocations continued, shedding light on the city's financial landscape and the priorities within the community.

🏒 Sports

In a revelation on October 27, 2023, concerning the Edmonton Oilers, it was shared that player McDavid would be out for 1-2 weeks due to an upper body injury, thus affecting the team's lineup for the upcoming Heritage Classic at Commonwealth Stadium.

The Edmonton Elks too made headlines as they reviewed their challenging 2023 season, expressing hope and a forward-looking stance for a better performance in 2024.

📰 News

In a bid to ensure a warm and welcoming environment, a local initiative was launched to address and mitigate incidents of hate and discrimination within the city. Through community engagement and awareness campaigns, the initiative aims to foster a more inclusive and tolerant society.

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 National Bank Challenger (October 29 - November 5) Engage in a week of tennis action at the Royal Glenora Club during the Edmonton National Bank Challenger. This event brings seasoned tennis players vying for a share of the $25,000 total prize money, showcasing a blend of competition and sportsmanship on the court.

Music & Concerts

🎵Crescendo! (November 5) Join the musical extravaganza as Crescendo, presented by Shadow Theatre, takes over the stage. Witness an array of musicians and vocalists come together to weave a mesmerizing auditory tapestry that resonates with the soul.

🎻Edmonton Symphony Orchestra Concert (November 3) Indulge in a night of classical music as the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra enchants the audience with timeless compositions. The captivating orchestral harmonies promise an evening of musical serenity and elegance.

🎶Live Jazz at the Yardbird Suite (November 4) Step into the Yardbird Suite and find yourself swayed by the rhythm of live jazz. The charismatic performances by skilled musicians guarantee an enthralling evening full of vibrant jazz tunes.

Events

🎨Friday Night Paint Nite (November 3) Unleash your inner artist at the Friday Night Paint Nite. In a relaxed, social setting, attendees can explore their creative side, guided by a professional artist, making it a perfect blend of learning, creativity, and fun.

Hobbies

📷Photography With an iPhone Workshop (November 5) Capture the essence of fall in a Photography Workshop aimed at honing your skills behind the lens. Whether a novice or a seasoned photographer, this workshop offers a chance to explore photography techniques amidst the autumnal beauty.

Image of the Week

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

This week, I typed in “Edmonton as an underwater city” 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

Arrival of the Canadian Northern Railway (1905)

Just a year after its incorporation, Edmonton witnessed another landmark event: the arrival of the Canadian Northern Railway. Railways, in those days, were the lifeblood of development. They connected remote areas to larger economic centers, facilitated trade, and brought in settlers.

Edmonton's new railway connection turned it into a pivotal transportation hub. It not only boosted the city's economic prospects but also brought in waves of new residents, looking for opportunities in the West. The Canadian Northern Railway's decision to build its line through Edmonton validated the city's growing regional significance.

The railway's introduction was instrumental in shaping Edmonton's economic and demographic landscape. It put the city on the map, quite literally, as a major junction and attracted both businesses and individuals to its thriving heart.

Famous Edmontonians

Introduction: Wilfrid "Wop" May (1896-1952)

Imagine being a daring pilot, braving the wild blue yonder in the early days of aviation. That's the story of Wilfrid "Wop" May, a pioneering aviator from Edmonton. May wasn't just an ordinary pilot; he was a war hero, a bush pilot, and a key figure in early Canadian aviation.

1. Humble Beginnings: Growing Up in Edmonton

Wilfrid May was born in Carberry, Manitoba in 1896, but his family soon relocated to Edmonton. His nickname "Wop" was a childhood mispronunciation of his last name and stuck with him throughout his life.

2. Into the Skies: World War I Service

At the age of 20, during World War I, May joined the Royal Flying Corps. His service was notable, but a fateful dogfight in 1918 involving the Red Baron, a renowned German pilot, made headlines.

3. Edmonton's Aviator: Post-War Achievements

After the war, May returned to Edmonton and played a pivotal role in developing aviation in Western Canada. With his skills, he wasn't just flying; he was innovating.

4. Daring Rescues: The Medicine Flight of 1929

In 1929, a diphtheria outbreak in Little Red River, Alberta, had May undertaking a dangerous winter flight to deliver life-saving medicine. His successful mission made him a national hero.

5. Commercial Endeavors: May Airways Ltd

Ever the entrepreneur, May founded May Airways Ltd in 1935. The company showcased his dual passion for aviation and business, offering services ranging from passenger flights to aerial photography.

6. World War II: Serving Once More

When World War II broke out, May's experience was indispensable. He contributed as a flying instructor, shaping the next generation of Canadian pilots.

7. Expanding Horizons: The Arctic and Beyond

After the war, May saw opportunities in the vast Canadian north. He undertook exploration flights, contributing valuable information for mapping and resource exploration in the Arctic.

8. A Tragic End: The Crash of 1952

Life took a sudden, tragic turn in 1952 when May, alongside his mechanic, died in a plane crash near Whitehorse. His unexpected passing was a blow to the Canadian aviation community.

9. A City Remembers: Honors and Memorials

Edmonton didn't forget its hero. In recognition of his contributions, the Wop May Memorial Trophy was established, awarded to individuals who have made outstanding contributions to Canadian aviation.

10. Legacy in the Clouds: The Spirit of Edmonton’s Skies

Today, Wilfrid "Wop" May is remembered as a trailblazer. From his wartime heroics to his commercial endeavors, he left an indelible mark on Edmonton and Canadian aviation.

Major Achievements:

• Notable service during World War I, including an encounter with the Red Baron (1918).

• Heroic medicine flight during a diphtheria outbreak in Little Red River (1929).

• Founded May Airways Ltd, expanding aviation services in Western Canada (1935).

• Valuable contributions to Arctic exploration and mapping.

• Posthumously honored with the Wop May Memorial Trophy for outstanding contributions to Canadian aviation.

Wop May's tale is a whirlwind of adventure, risk, and innovation. His contributions to Edmonton and Canadian aviation serve as an enduring testament to the spirit of exploration and the drive to push boundaries.

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