Welcome to The Edmonton Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Edmonton entrepreneurs receive recognition

• Burna Boy, Scott Helman, and KISS coming to Edmonton

• Remembrance Day Ceremony at City Hall

• And more…

Quote of the Week

"The only limit to our realization of tomorrow will be our doubts of today."

– Franklin D. Roosevelt

My Goal For The Week

This week, I plan to wake up one hour earlier every day at 5:30am. I like how peaceful it is at that time of morning. I just re-read one of my favourite books called The 5AM Club over the weekend and I am motivated to get back to early rising.

One Idea For a Better Week

Every single day, write down one idea that you could do to make your life 1% better. Think small. Keep doing it. Stack these 1% improvements up over the course of a month, and watch how much it impacts your life.

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 building was the first to be designated as a Municipal Historic Resource in 1979?

A. The Muttart Conservatory

B. The Gibson Block

C. The Macdonald Hotel

D. The Molson Brewery

Answer to Last Week’s Trivia

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

Answer: The Princess Theatre

The Best Links of the Week

💼 Business

Downtown organizations launched a "walk and roll" plan to enhance mobility and accessibility in the city's core, reflecting a broader effort to create a more pedestrian-friendly urban environment.

Several entrepreneurs from the city were recognized on the Top 40 list for 2023, showcasing the innovative business landscape in Edmonton.

🏦 Finance

The 2023-2026 budget was presented in Edmonton, outlining an annual property tax increase of 3.9% each year, as part of a broader fiscal strategy to address the city's financial needs while balancing the tax burden on its residents.

🏒 Sports

The Edmonton Oilers faced off against the Dallas Stars on November 2, 2023, a game that was keenly anticipated by hockey enthusiasts.

📰 News

Operation Christmas Child returned to Edmonton to brighten the holiday season for less fortunate children, showcasing the community's efforts to spread joy and goodwill.

The city outlined updates to snow and ice control, reflecting the administration's proactive measures to ensure residents' safety during the winter months.

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

🏒 Golden Bears & Cougars (November 10) Catch an exciting ice hockey game as the University of Alberta's team competes against Mount Royal University at the Clare Drake Arena in Edmonton.

Music & Concerts

🎵 Burna Boy Concert (November 9) Experience the lively performance of Burna Boy at Rogers Place and groove to his electrifying music.

🎤 Scott Helman (November 10) Enjoy a night of music with Scott Helman at The Starlite Room, a cozy venue for an intimate concert experience.

🎸 KISS Concert (November 10) Rock along with the iconic band KISS at Rogers Place, a venue known for hosting spectacular music events.

Events

⚽ Remembrance Day Caledonia Cup (November 9 - November 12) Participate or cheer for your favorite teams at the Remembrance Day Caledonia Cup held at Edmonton Soccerdome, featuring various age categories competing in indoor soccer.

Hobbies

🎨 Art Battle Edmonton (November 11) Witness a thrilling live painting competition at Art Battle Edmonton, where local artists compete to create the best work of art in a limited time.

Family

🎥 Family Films at the Library (November 12) Enjoy a cozy family movie night at the Edmonton Public Library, featuring a screening of the children's film Dr Suess’ Horton Hears a Who!

🌺 Remembrance Day Ceremony at City Hall (November 11) Pay tribute to the brave souls who served the country at the Remembrance Day Ceremony held at City Hall, a solemn event fostering reflection and appreciation.

Image of the Week

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

This week, I typed in “Edmonton in the year 2100” 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

Discovery of Black Gold (1947)

The year 1947 stands as a watershed moment in Edmonton's history with the striking of oil at Leduc No. 1, just outside of Edmonton. After months of arduous drilling, on February 13, the crew was rewarded with a gusher that spewed forth a stream of crude oil, forever changing the economic landscape of not just Edmonton but all of Alberta.

This discovery sent shockwaves throughout the region and marked the beginning of the oil era for the province. It attracted a wave of prospectors, industrialists, and workers, all looking to cash in on the oil rush. Almost overnight, Edmonton found itself at the heart of the action, serving as the primary service and supply hub for the burgeoning oil industry.

The discovery of oil at Leduc No. 1 didn't just transform Edmonton; it heralded the rise of Alberta as an economic powerhouse in Canada. It steered the city on a path of unprecedented growth, with Edmonton evolving into a key player in the global energy market, a transformation felt in its economy, culture, and identity for generations to come.

Famous Edmontonians

Emily Murphy: The Crusader for Women's Rights (1868–1933) 

Emily Murphy's life is a testament to courage, tenacity, and unwavering commitment to equality. An Edmontonian by choice, she played a pivotal role in the women's rights movement in Canada and her legacy is particularly resonant in the city she made her home.

Early Years of Advocacy (1868-1916)

Born on March 14, 1868, in Cookstown, Ontario, Murphy grew to become a formidable force in social and legal reform. Her journey brought her to Edmonton, where her advocacy would flourish.

The Magistrate (1916-1933)

In 1916, Murphy made history by becoming the first female magistrate in the British Empire, serving in Edmonton. Her appointment was challenged because she was a woman, leading her to fight for her—and all women’s—right to legal recognition.

The Famous Five (1927-1929)

Murphy and four other activists—known as the Famous Five—petitioned the Supreme Court of Canada to have women legally recognized as "persons" who could be appointed to the Senate. Although initially unsuccessful, they persisted, eventually leading to a landmark victory in 1929.

Literary Contributions (1922-1933)

Under the pen name Janey Canuck, Murphy wrote several influential books and articles that offered a poignant critique of Canadian society and law, particularly with a focus on women’s issues.

International Recognition (1931-1933)

Her work transcended national borders, earning her a place at international conferences. In 1931, Murphy represented Canada at the League of Nations—an honor for her and a proud moment for Edmonton.

Championing Women’s Health (1920s-1930s)

Murphy's activism also included women's health issues, advocating for addiction treatment facilities and support for those in need in Edmonton and beyond.

A Community Pillar

Murphy's home in Edmonton became a hub for social activism and discussion, bringing key issues to the forefront of public consciousness in the city.

The End of a Chapter (1933)

Emily Murphy’s indomitable spirit was stilled on October 17, 1933. Though she passed away, her legacy in Edmonton and across Canada would endure.

Emily Murphy Park: A Lasting Tribute

In Edmonton, Emily Murphy Park stands as a serene tribute to her life and work, a place where the public can reflect on the rights and freedoms she fought to secure.

Major Achievements:

• First female magistrate in the British Empire

• A member of the Famous Five, pivotal in the Persons Case

• Authored several books and articles as Janey Canuck

• Represented Canada at the League of Nations

• The namesake for Emily Murphy Park in Edmonton

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