SPRING 2017 • FREE events great art, 7 to attend nothing for 4 food, music Pay (almost) S Coffee shops: third space the third
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I NEWSMAGAZINE THE OLIVER COMMUNITY LEAGUE EDMONTON COMMUNITY LEAGUE AND THE DOWNTOWN
perfect balcony garden perfect balcony Expert tips for the Spring
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insideYARDS SPRING 2017
FRONTYARDS PUBLISHER 5 MESSAGE FROM OLIVER 9 DOWNTOWN UPDATE SIMON YACKULIC Ian O’Donnell takes on the challenge COMMUNITY LEAGUE CONTRIBUTING EDITOR of invigorating business downtown TRACY HYATT 7 OLIVER UPDATE Oliver has been asking for stop signs 10 AROUND THE CORE ART DIRECTOR on 111 Street for more than a year. A grab bag of noteworthy events JENNIFER WINDSOR They finally got some. What else can be done to protect cyclists and 11 THE LIST EDITORIAL INTERN pedestrians in the community? Celebrate the city’s indigenous Tamara Aschenbrenner history by taking a self-guided CONTRIBUTORS 8 MESSAGE FROM walking tour of the city’s recent Jeff Day,Samantha Power, DOWNTOWN EDMONTON Aboriginal art additions Liv Vors, Nikki Wiart COMMUNITY LEAGUE MARKETING & EVENTS Sona Chavda FEATURES GOVERNANCE BOARD CHAIR Simon Yackulic ROOM TO GROW The complete guide to growing PAST CHAIR luscious and thriving plants on Jarrett Campbell any balcony, no matter how small TREASURER 12 Eric Hermanns SECRETARY Lee Craig
COMMUNITY LEAGUE REPRESENTATIVES Lisa Brown & Marjorie Henderson MAGIC BEANS (OCL); Chris Buyze, Milap Petigara How Nate Box’s pursuit of good & Scott Winder (DECL)
coffee became an empire of DIRECTORS AT LARGE: community “third spaces” Adriana Amelio, Carolyn Jervis, 15 Ben Whynot BACKYARDS CONTACT US The Yards Magazine 17 CORE QUESTIONS 18 YOU ARE HERE 1011, 10301 104 St. NW Reckoning with isolation and Snapshots from community events Edmonton, AB T5J 1B9 loneliness. Are we doing enough to this winter ADVERTISING SALES help those at risk? [email protected]
PUBLISHED BY The Central Edmonton What’s a Community League? OCL 104 AVE News Society
Community Leagues are unique to Edmonton. 118 ST. 116 ST. 103 AVE in partnership with 112 ST. 111 ST. 109 ST. 105 ST. 104 ST. 103 ST. They’re inclusive, grassroots, community- 102 AVE based organizations found in each of this JASPER AVE city’s 150-plus neighbourhoods. They facili- DECL tate healthy, safe, informed and connected 100 AVE communities by promoting participation in recreation, social activities and civic advocacy your neighbourhood and city. It’s also a at the sidewalk level. They’re volunteer-run fantastic opportunity to learn valuable profes- and promote volunteerism because getting sional skills, meet your neighbours and have theyardsyeg.ca involved is a great way to learn more about fun. Join the movement today! facebook.com/theyardsyeg @theyardsyeg NEIGHBOURHOOD SUMMER DAY CAMP
Boyle Street Plaza, Olivery Community League and Downtown Edmonton Community League will be hosting registered day camps!
Check out www.edmonton.ca/daycamps for spe c camp information and to regis- ter.
Registration Opens March 15!
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THE DOWNTOWN EDMONTON COMMUNITY LEAGUE AND THE OLIVER COMMUNITY LEAGUE NEWSMAGAZINE
2 016 THE DOWNTOWN EDMONTON COMMUNITY LEAGUE AND THE OLIVER COMMUNITYR LEAGUE NEWSMAGAZINE R E DS E THE DOWNTOWN EDMONTON COMMUNITY LEAGUE AND THE OLIVER COMMUNITY LEAGUE NEWSMAGAZINE BEST IN THE CORE Pay (almost) E S ON nothing for GO great art, live music revival food, music THE BEATs Inside the core’ Spring S H Community leagues helping refugees H D ! When does history Fever dogs love reasons outweighH property Expert rights tipsC for the 6 H perfect balconyH garden Oliver and owntown and one reason they don t How to be a better i ing the plague A walking tour A of Aboriginal art city ambassador of sidewalk closures W E ee s s S S Saluting the trees we love e third space
SMART. URBAN. CONNECTED. YOUR CUSTOMERS. OUR READERS.
ADVERTISE WITH THE YARDS [email protected] FRONTYARDS The Garden Plot
his issue, we talk about third spaces – the City of Edmonton. As I’m writing this T your haunts in your community where (February 15, 2017), no application has been you meet friends and family, bump into submitted by the landowner. neighbours, maybe connect with things you If you are concerned about the impact love. Coffee shops, pubs, board game cafes this proposed development could have on often come to mind, but so do public parks Peace Garden Park, please speak out. Attend and community gardens. Green spaces, the public meeting and voice your concerns which are so few and far between in the to City of Edmonton planners. Equally core, are special to us—sacred even. Over important is attending the public hearing the past year, we’ve heard from community held in front of City Council. Even if you don’t members that Peace Garden Park, the public speak (I highly encourage you to speak!), park where Oliver Community League’s your presence in the audience will be noticed. community garden is located, is just that. Send letters to Councillor Scott McKeen in In May of 2016, a pre-application notifi- advance of the public hearing and get your cation was mailed to residents surrounding friends or family to send letters to their Peace Garden Park advising that the recent Councillors, especially if they enjoy visiting purchaser of the now-defunct St. John’s Peace Garden Park with you. The Oliver School site (located directly south of Peace Community League would be happy to help OCL board of directors: Lisa Brown (President), Garden Park) intended to apply to the City those wanting to write or speak with their Craig Lidstone (Vice-president), Simon Yackulic of Edmonton to “swap” the school site with messaging. Please reach out to us. (Secretary), Mary McPhail (Treasurer), Anika the garden, and then build a 16-storey tower Lastly, on April 19, 2017, we will be electing Gee, Marjorie Henderson, Justin Keats, Rowan on the garden site. Another letter was sent a new Civics Committee Director at our Kunitz, Luwam Kiflemariam, Tim Mallandaine, in September, introducing residents to a Annual General Meeting. If this position Angelika Matson, Marija Petrovic, Erin Wright new landowner, who now intends to build a interests you, please connect with us at and Hossein Zahiri. 10-storey tower on the school site without a [email protected]. “land swap.” Oliver Community League The purpose of the pre-application 10326 118 St NW notification is for the project owner to collect Edmonton, AB T5K 2K9 feedback from the community prior to Lisa Brown web: olivercommunity.com submitting a formal rezoning application to President, Oliver Community League e: [email protected] Facebook.com/OliverCommunityLeague Twitter: OCLYEG SPRING OCL EVENTS TUESDAYS (WINTER) MAR. 19, APR. 16, MAY 21 APRIL 19 Drop-In Basketball Ollie’s Treehouse Annual General Meeting Enjoy a pickup game or just shoot some Inclusive Playgroup Review financials, vote in new directors, hoops at this regular basketball drop-in Your little ones will have fun at the hall learn more about OCL and what we’re up open to the Oliver community. n 7–9 pm, with our toys, books and activities while to. Mix and mingle with neighbours. n 6pm Grace Lutheran Church, 9907 114 St. you hang with other parents. n 4–6pm, registration, 7pm start, Oliver Community Hall, Oliver Community Hall, 10326 118 St. 10326 -118 St. MAR. 4 Community Potluck MAR. 15, APR. 19, MAY 17 WEDNESDAYS, MAY 3-JUNE 14 Bring your fave food dish to share with Events and Programs Committee Walking Group friends and neighbours. This is a licensed If you like event planning, this is the Join your neighbours for some fresh air and event, but of course, children are welcome. committee for you. n 6:30pm, Oliver exercise. This is a gentle approach to walking n 5–8pm, Oliver Community Hall, 10326 Community Hall, 10326 118 St. with a focus on enjoyment and meeting neigh- 118 St. bours. n 6pm, meet at the Oliver Community MAR. 10, APR. 21, MAY 19 Hall, 10326-118 St. MAR. 13, APR. 10, MAY. 8 Walking Pub Crawl Civics Committee Meet with new and old friends at the hall JUNE 10 This fully engaged committee meets on the every month, before walking to pre-deter- Rummage Sale second Monday of the month to discuss mined locations to enjoy the Oliver nightlife. Find trinkets and treasures at our Third developments in Oliver. n 7pm, Oliver n 8pm, meet at the Oliver Community Hall, Annual Rummage Sale. n 9:30am–2:30pm, Community Hall, 10326 118 St. 10326 118 St. Oliver Community Hall, 10326-118 St.
EDMONTON’S CENTRAL MAGAZINE SPRING 2016 5
FRONTYARDS
Safety First environmentally friendly dental care for the whole family
New Patients Welcome 780-488-8977
here’s a lot you can learn about urban BY TAMARA ASCHENBRENNER T planning from a stop sign. Take for @TASCHENB example the newly installed three-way stop at 111 St and 102 Ave. A year ago any cyclist a three-way stop was ultimately installed or pedestrian attempting to cross this busy at 111 St and 102 Ave, the OCL was never General Dentists intersection encountered poor sightlines, notified of its reevaluation. Dr. Katherine Roche, Dr. Jugesh Mehta often compromising their safety. It was a The problem may be fixed at this corner, www.guardiandental.ca growing concern for Oliver residents who but there are other spots that have similar Main floor, 10240 - 124 Street, Edmonton voiced their complaints to the City. safety issues. The intersection at 120 St and Free parking for patients For Lisa Brown, Oliver Community 102 Ave, located near a seniors’ residence League (OCL) President, the last straw and the Brewery District, is one. Martin t h e t h e occurred one day last year while she was believes the City should invest in several t h e cycling to work. “I stopped at that inter- short-term initiatives to protect pedes- section and another cyclistY wasAR stopped in DtriansS in such high-traffic areas. Lowering YARDS YARDS front of me,” says Brown. “She looked as far speed limits and installing better marked as she could and saw it was clear. But when crosswalks and more stop signs reduces the she started off, a school bus was already in seriousness of injury (and likelihood of a S ring Salon S ring Salon the intersection, and Shad almostp hitr her.”i ngfatality) and increases pedestrian visibility, re ented y Collier International re ented y Collier International In response, Brown and the other cyclist especially at night. reported the incident to 311. Long-term goals, however, should Though there’s a stop sign there now, include redesign. Vision Zero has been it took time for the City to addressS the aloa controversialn initiative in Edmonton, re ented y Collier International problem. Early 2016, Dustin Martin, the with some people criticizing its failure to Food for Food for OCL Civics Director, contacted the City to address motorist responsibility. The initial request a four-way stop. However, the initial initiative in Sweden emphasized the need evaluation proved unfruitful. Turns out that to design road systems that “protect us at Thought Thought the City’s Branch of Transportation OOD OOperR -THOUGevery Hturn”T and “take human fallibility into ations lumps bicycles in the same category account.” Join u or a anel di u ion as vehicles. Ideally, pedestrians,Join u cyclists,or a a andne l di “Thereu io nneeds to be some emphasis on Join u or a anel di u ion on ood u taina ility. motorists should be consideredon separately,ood u t aina redesigningility. major corridors, like what’s on ood u taina ility. as they all move at different paces and happening with the Jasper Avenue redevel- require different design considerations. opment…and then 104 Ave is scheduled “Considering cyclists as aT separateHURSD entityAY, M ARCforH reconstruction23 when the LRT goes THURSDAY, MARCH 23 THURSDAY, MARCH 23 in traffic counts needs to be standard through,” says OCL’s Martin. practice,” says Brown. “Cyclists5 m have C lessent ral EdmoThesenton would be ideal opportunities to 5 m: Central Edmonton 5 m: Central Edmonton bulk and speed behind them in an impact,New So iconsiderety AGM road widths, separated bike lanes making them more vulnerable in collisions.” and intersection alignments, as well as learn New So iety AGM New So iety AGM Looking ahead, the case for a stop sign is from other major cities, such as Toronto and even stronger with the construction6 m S ofa thelon egiVancouver,n that have undergone successful 6 m: Salon egin 6 m: Salon Start 102 Ave bike lane this summer. Without an reconstructions. accurate count of cyclists in the area, safety If you know of a road or intersection that could be compromised. or Martin in o: requesteda e oo . om Tshould eYar bed Yreviewedeg or requires traffic signs, or in o: a e oo . om T eYard Yeg or in o: a e oo . om T eYard Yeg another evaluation in July 2016. Although contact 311 and/or your city councilor. • Season of Change
lthough spring is when most people give residents living in a high-density, urban Athink about the changes around them downtown more places to see others and be – trees go from dormancy to alive, bees seem seen. This contributes to a sense of place, to appear out of nowhere – our community safety and general happiness in the place you league has already experienced its share of live. growth in 2017. This issue of The Yards will The development of Alex Decoteau Park is touch on many changes and opportunities a new space Downtown which will directly happening at DECL. contribute to the health and wellbeing of We were proud to announce long-time Downtown residents. With its off-leash dog board member Ian O’Donnell accepted area, community garden, fountains and a position with the Downtown Business greenspace, there is a place to meet your Association. We ask Ian a few questions on neighbours or relax. The purchase of land in his experience with DECL and his hopes the Warehouse Area for a larger recreational for Downtown’s future (see page 9). Ian’s park promises to be the next step in making support and interest in the development of Downtown a sustainable community, a Downtown over the past decade is worth catalyst for further residential development reflecting on. and a place for families to call home. We also launched the DECL Book Club this Other programming opportunities, from DECL board of directors: Chris Buyze year which meets every second Wednesday. ukulele lessons to regular Programs (events) (President), Chris Pilon (VP), Milap Petigara Currently delving into Happy City by Charles Committee meetings for members, are (Treasurer), Phil Anhorn, Erin Duebel, Yvonne Montgomery, we focus on what makes a great cropping up in our own third space, DECL’s Epp, Laurissa Kalinowsky, Christie Lutsiak, neighbourhood to live in and ties directly to community hall. If you live Downtown and Alena Manera, Jarrett Mykytiuk and Scott our feature story this issue on “third spaces” have a programming idea, don’t wait. Winder. (see page 15). What are the spaces in your Send your suggestions our way to community where you like to hang out and [email protected]. Downtown Edmonton Community League meet your neighbours? 10042 103 Avenue Third spaces are those spaces we love to Edmonton, AB, T5J 0X2 be in other than our home or work. They web: decl.org are an important contribution to a sense Chris Buyze Email: [email protected] of belonging and neighbourliness. Coffee President, Downtown Edmonton Facebook.com/declorg shops, the library, public parks and squares Community League Twitter: @DECLorg
SPRING DECL EVENTS MONDAYS (EXCEPT MAY 22) MARCH 8 & 29 MARCH 14, 28, APRIL 11 & 25 Urban Kids Playgroup Learn to Play Ukulele Programs Committee Meet other parents and kids ages 0–5. Dust off your ukulele and learn to play with Join us every second Tuesday of the No registration required. Just drop-in! Dylan Ella. Free for DECL members. $10 month to help organize programs and n 10–11:30am, DECL Community Space, for non-members. n 6:30–7:30pm, DECL events. Bring your ideas! n 7–8pm, 10042 103 St Community Space, 10042 103 St. DECL Community Space, 10042 103 St.
MARCH 1, 15 MARCH 17, APRIL 21, MAY 19 APRIL 18 DECL Book Club Urban Kids Family Night Open Mic Night Our first book Happy City was so good, Our monthly family night is where kids—and Got something funny to say or a poem we’re on to our second! Follow us on parents—can play, explore and make friends you’ve wanted to read? A guitar tune Facebook.com/DECLORG to find out what in their neighbourhood. n 6–8:30pm, DECL to play? Share your artistic talents with we’re reading next. Don’t forget to show Community Space, 10042 103 St. Downtown neighbours. Join us for our first your DECL membership at Audrey’s Books Open Mic Night. n 7pm, DECL Community and receive a free Audrey’s Book Club APRIL 27 Space, 10042 103 St. membership. n 7pm, DECL Community DECL Annual General Meeting Space, 10042 103 St. Find out what your league is all about, volun- JUNE 10 teer for board positions and get the low-down DECL Annual Block Party on what’s happening in the community. Light Join us for our annual pancake break- refreshments provided, cash bar. n 6:30pm fast. Our garage sale is also back for a Registration, 7:00pm meeting start, DECL second year. Details to be announced 8 THE YARDS SPRING 2016 Community Space, 10042 103 St. on Facebook. FRONTYARDS Takin’ Care of Business
ook at many of the downtown develop- be involved in it and give back to that Lment decisions made in the past decade community. Selfless acts by some often and you’ll likely find that Ian O’Donnell was means a much healthier community for all. in the background as a voice for residents. I encourage everyone to get active and food The former DECL vice-president and chair involved in whatever way you can. of the league’s development committee for the past 10 years has now taken on a new role What have you gained from being as the executive director of the Downtown involved in DECL? Business Association. O’Donnell brings Friendship, awareness of issues within the much of what he learned from non-profit community that I might not have otherwise volunteering and professional networking been involved with, and lasting memories of to this unique role. positive change and community growth— truly some of my fondest memories. What made you want to What are some of your most get involved memorable moments? in your Being in our cramped 250-square-foot office community in The Birks Building and moving into our league? bright new space at ground level on 103 I am a big Street. Also, fond memories of former board fashion believer that member 'DJ' Patrick Cardinal on the ones- if you live in and-twos, annual CornFest fun and fighting a community, for Alex Decoteau Park. any community, you should What can you take from your community league experience to your new role with the Downtown Business Association? The importance of partnerships—how critical it is to gain a variety of perspectives for different issues and that we all want healthy, inclusive and vibrant commun- ities. Many of us are pulling the same way. Reach out and see who else you can get on board to further your cause or support your initiatives. art What do you most want to see happen downtown or most excited to see in the next few years? More people coming down to explore all of the new public spaces, Rogers Place, the Royal Alberta Museum, and trying out all of the exciting dining options. Perception is changing, but many people still believe today's downtown is that of 1995. I can assure you it’s not!
How do you see residents and community members involved in the future of downtown Edmonton? We should celebrate how far the community has come in recent years Don’t just buy stuff. and why we call downtown home. We Buy passion. Buy spirit. should be prouder of our community Buy local. and share it with others. Bringing more people downtown is critical to 124street.ca
its future so let’s all rediscover the Image credit: adapted from Justin Wayne Shaw’s mural at 124th Street & 108th Avenue. heart of our city. • AROUND THECORE
MARCH 10-19 Downtown Dining Week Discover a new restaurant you’ve never been to during Downtown Dining Week (we attest there’s lots to choose from) or visit a perpetual favourite. For ten days, downtown diners enjoy affordable prix-fixe lunch and dinner menus at participating restaurants. The only downside will be your bulging waist- line. edmontondowntown.com
MARCH 18 Downtown Defrost Churchill Square transforms to one massive dance floor for Downtown Defrost, the city’s annual winter dance party. Hosted by Downtown Defrost Night Vision and Wheelhouse Productions, this free, family-friendly event supports YESS (Youth Empowerment & Support Services). workshop at SNAP. Artist Sara Norquay will DJs start spinning at 3pm and keep the cool teach image transfer and carving techniques. tunes going till 10pm. Head to Chvrch of 10123 121 Street, snapartists.com John for the after-party. Churchill Square, downtowndefrost.com APRIL 16 Easter on the Promenade MARCH 24 Celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ Seniors Steak Dinner in Bruce, AB Easter Sunday on Victoria Promenade with Normally we wouldn’t encourage folks to the Robertson Wesley United Church congre- leave the core to find great dining, but this gation. Sunrise service starts at 7:30am, one is good enough to make an exception. followed by prayer breakfast at 8am at the Edmonton Seniors Centre heads to Bruce, church. 100 Avenue and 121 Street, rwuc.org Alberta, to dine at one of the province’s finest chop houses. Buses leave the centre to Bruce APRIL 21 & 22 Hotel at 3:30 and return at 8:30pm. Your Cheerleading Extravaganza $60 ticket includes transportation, beef or Cheer teams from across Alberta battle it chicken dinner, a non-alcoholic drink, tip out at the Alberta Cheer Empire’s All-Star and tax. Participants must reserve and pay Extravaganza at the Shaw Conference for a spot in advance. Call 780-342-8625 Centre. Cheer on your high-school alma for more info. 11111 Jasper Avenue, mater and watch these super athletes edmontonseniorscentre.ca perform dazzling stunts. 9797 Jasper Avenue, abcheerempire.com Chef Lino Oliveira, Sabor MARCH 25 Capital City Burlesque APRIL 23 Burlesque, an art form that was once Isolation Discussion Panel the May 2 Meet Your Makers event at the relegated to the underground scene, has Cathedral Talks tackles the issue of Shaw Conference Centre now before this found its way to mainstream venues. isolation and loneliness in the core. event sells out. northernlands.ca See what it’s all about when Capital City 10035 103 Street, All Saints Anglican Burlesque, Alberta’s premiere burlesque Church, allsaintscathedral.com MAY 24 dance troupe, mounts the stage at The Martin Kerr at the Winspear Needle Vinyl Tavern. This tantalizing MAY 2 & 3 City Market Downtown shoppers will know show straddles a fine line between classic Northern Lands Wine and Culinary the name “Martin Kerr.” For years, Kerr was burlesque and humourous modernist parody. Northern Lands is back for its second year, a regular busker at the Saturday market, 10524 Jasper Avenue, theneedle.ca taking over downtown and the rest of the city drawing crowds with his mellow, folk rock for food-and-drink fuelled fun with Canadian tunes. The 2008 Canadian Idol performer, APRIL 8 & 9 winemakers and Canada’s top chefs. Partici- who has been compared to Cat Stevens, SNAP Gallery Portrait Workshop pating downtown chefs include Nevin Fenske James Taylor and John Denver, graces the Create your very own hand-carved and (Drift), Edgar Gutierrez (Rostizado) and Lino stage of the Winspear Centre performing printed portrait during this weekend Oliveira (Sabor), to name a few. Learn about original songs from his new album Not in wines, craft beer and spirits through seminars Stones. Special guest Rhea March. 7pm, 10 THE YARDS SPRING 2016 and producers dinners. Scoop up tickets for Winspear Centre, martinkerr.com FRONTYARDS
BY NIKKI WIART @NIKKIWIART THE LIST
Celebrate the city’s indigenous history by taking a self-guided walking tour of Aboriginal art The Art of Walking
All Colours Blend Over Time by Amiskwacîw Wâskâyhkan Ihâtwin Matthew Cardinal and Emmanuel by Destiny Swiderski and AJA 1 Osahor (2015) MLA David Shepherd’s 3 Louden (2016) Beaver Hill’s Park Sign; office, 10208 112 St. 104 St., between Jasper Ave. and 102 Ave. Cardinal—who’s Woodland Cree—along Métis artist Swiderski created Amisk- with his mentor Osahor, combined local wacîw Wâskâyhkan Ihâtwin, a sculptural indigenous history with its colonial history mural connecting Michael Phair Park and in the 11-by-9-ft. mural in the Edmonton- Beaver Hills House Park in downtown. 150 Centre MLA’s office located in Oliver. The copper birds—each with a unique design on scene shows the signing of Treaty 6 (that its wings—fly over a lodgepole pine forest stretched from western Alberta all the way painted by street artist Louden. to Manitoba), as well as the construction of two downtown landmarks: the High Level Tsą Tsą Ke K'e by Alex Janvier Bridge and Hotel Macdonald. (2016) Inside Ford Hall Rogers Place; 4 102 St. and 104 Ave. Stations of Reconciliation by Aaron Nearly a million tiny pieces of byzantine Paquette and Sylvie Nadeau (2014) glass tile make up Tsą Tsą Ke K'e, or “Iron 2 Grandin LRT station; 110 St., between Foot Place”—a mosaic 14 metres in diameter 99 Ave. and 98 Ave. designed by Janvier, one of the “Indian Group Painted in the late ’80s, Nadeau’s original of Seven,” born of Dene Suline and Saulteaux mural of Bishop Vital Grandin and a Catholic descent. The piece is so striking, there’s even nun holding an Aboriginal child glossed over a call to informally rename the whole Rogers the reality of residential schools, the Sixties Place arena Iron Foot Place. Scoop and forced assimilation of indigenous peoples. With the vision and leadership of Wild Rose by Rebecca Belmore and Métis writer and artist Paquette, and the Osvaldo Vero (2015) The Quarters; help of Nadeau, the mural was updated to pay 5 9538 103A Ave. tribute to Edmonton’s history before settle- Towering 18 feet above The Armature, ment while embodying today’s reconciliation Anishinaabekwe artist Belmore and her efforts. The new mural uses sacred Aborig- partner Vero’s stainless steel sculpture incor- inal images, like the white buffalo and raven, porates two iconic symbols of Alberta: the symbolizing abundance and transformation. lodgepole pine and the wild rose. •
The green-thumb guide to growing food and blooms on your balcony Urban Gardening
There may be a lack of green spaces in the core, but with the right know-how, backyard-deprived condo dwellers can nurture plenty of beautiful blooms and tasty veggies right on their balcony. Container gardening is a great option for those wanting to take advantage of, and transform, their smaller outdoor spaces. “It connects us back to the natural environ- ment that we often disconnect from as urban dwellers,” says Justin Keats, Garden Director of Oliver Community League. Throughout the spring and summer, Keats teaches Oliver residents gardening basics and how to get the most out of their tiny outdoor spaces. Here, Keats shares some tips on how to BY TAMARA ASCHENBRENNER bring some green into your urban environment. 12 THE YARDS SPRING 2016 Need help getting your balcony garden started? The Oliver Community League will host a balcony gardening workshop April 22 and 29. It’s an interactive workshop facilitated 1 Check with your condo board or hostas, ivy, and some leafy greens by OCL Garden Director, Justin property manager for any guidelines or like lettuce, spinach and Swiss chard. Keats. You’ll learn gardening restrictions. This may affect the amount • Sunnier areas are good for plants of space you can dedicate to your garden, like marigolds, petunias, junipers, basics, including how to plan height and weight of plants and pots, and potato vines, tomatoes, strawberries, your space. Prepare to get even overall placements. container eggplants, mini carrots, and inspired! A small $5 fee goes herbs such as dill, thyme and oregano. towards the OCL garden Capital 2 Start with a plan, and start small. Decide how you want to use your space. Are 6 Mind your height. Balconies located Fund and donations are always you looking to engage in urban food on higher floors are more prone to cooler appreciated. 1-3pm, Oliver production or grow something more temperatures, especially as summer Community Hall, 10326-118 ornamental? begins to wind down. Wind is also a St. Visit olivercommunity.com/ factor at as you get higher. Protect your 3 Consider the general climate. plants from wind by using a windscreen gardens for more info or email Edmonton resides in the 4a zone on the or by shielding more delicate plants with [email protected]. Plant Hardiness Index. Choose plants other pots. labelled 4 or lower, which are suitable for cooler climes. Plants higher than 4 7 Consider purchasing seedlings over enjoy our warmest months but are more seeds to get a head start. Many seeds susceptible to seasonal change. require a longer growing season in our climate and will need to be grown 4 Consider your micro-climate. Every indoors until the risk of frost balcony or garden plot will be different. passes. These environmental factors dictate the types of plants that thrive best. 8 Use large containers to avoid • Be mindful of the direction your clutter and to ensure that balcony faces, as well as any you don’t overcrowd surrounding structures that may your plants. Take into block sunlight. consideration how • East-facing balconies receive morning much room each and afternoon sun, but usually retain a plant needs to grow. bit of the previous evening’s coolness. • West-facing balconies get afternoon 9 Double-up your and evening sun and are generally clay pots or use warmer than those that face east. glazed pots to • South-facing balconies enjoy the most insulate and help direct sunlight and get maximum prevent evapor- sun exposure during the hottest time ation, and water of the day. Plants may require extra at least once daily; attention (watering more than once a limited soil space day or some shade) to avoid drying out. means that your soil • North-facing balconies receive little will dry out quicker sunlight and are best suited for plants than the ground. that thrive in the shade. 10 Most importantly, 5 Investigate the specific requirements have fun, and for each plant. Read the plant tags, experiment with research online and ask questions at various plants if you your gardening centre. can. “Enjoy it! You • Shade-friendly plants include don’t want it to become begonias, lobelias, pansies, ferns, a chore,” advises Keats. EDMONTON’S CENTRAL MAGAZINE SPRING 2016 13 A Growing Community A look at the community gardens hidden throughout the Oliver and Downtown neighbourhoods Oliver Community League has one community garden located at 10259-120 Street. The name Peace Garden Park was chosen because 103 Avenue was formerly known as Peace Avenue. No chemical fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides are used in the garden. To find out more about the garden and how to join, email [email protected].
Two options exist Downtown for those interested in community gardening. Our Urban Eden Garden located off Bellamy Hill has beds available to Downtown residents. The space is owned by the City of Edmonton, as part of its Partnership in Parks program. The second space opens this summer at Alex Decoteau Park on 105 Street. Plans include planters and composting facilities. A rendering of Alex Decoteau Park To find out more about the Alex Decoteau which opens this summer. Park garden and to get involved email [email protected]. •
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The Ultimate in COBS Bread Plant Selection THE BREWERY DISTRICT Exquisite Fashion 780-467-7557 Accessories Sherwood Park 1195 6 - 104 Avenue, Edmonton Chosen 780 423 9955 Excape Winter! Canada’s Garden Centre Visit our indoor botanical gardens greenlandgarden.com How Nate Box’s pursuit of good coffee became an empire of community “third spaces”
BY LIV VORS
ate Box doesn’t embody the archetypical image of a Nmogul—no powersuit, no omnipresent tablet—but he knows how to make ideas real. Sitting by a sun-drenched window at his newly expanded business, District Coffee, the 33-year-old coffee impresario is dressed down in sneakers and a cardigan over a tee, while he reflects on his original vision. “There was such a void,” recalls Box of the Edmonton coffee scene. “People were driving all over the city for good coffee.”
EDMONTON’S CENTRAL MAGAZINE SPRING 2016 15 It seems almost incomprehensible to imagine a city the size of Edmonton without a well-curated selection of coffee houses. But Box remembers when options were limited to a handful of destinations like Credo, Leva and Spinelli’s, and when the neighbourhood coffee shop was but a wistful idea. Fast-for- ward seven years and Box, aided by a few investors, rules over a coffee empire that stretches from Oliver’s pint-sized Elm Café to Riverdale’s expansive Little Brick, and even thrives underground with commuter favourite Burrow. Surrounded by a handful of upstarts (and the “O.G.” Transcend Coffee), they’ve taken back the market from chain coffee shops that substituted quality In early 2009, he acquired a 200-sq.-ft. space itself more deeply in our subconscious than for pumpkin spice syrups. More than jump- on 117 St. north of Jasper Ave. He bought an we might imagine. “People build conver- starting the core’s so-called “Coffee District,” espresso machine to brew up B.C.-roasted sations over coffee, and it doesn’t matter if however, they have created community Bows & Arrows beans. A chef by trade, he you are 90 years old or a recent immigrant,” hubs, known as “third spaces” for the area’s added premium sandwiches of his own states Box. “People feel it’s their own.” growing population. recipes and fresh pastries. And then he While the community welcomes these American sociologist Ray Oldenburg waited to see how Oliver would occupy the dual spaces, one shortfall of the core’s coffee defined third spaces as public realms that four bar stools and limited outdoor patio renaissance is that the independent busi- balance out the demands and constraints of furniture. “People responded right away,” nesses close too early, keeping hours more “first” and “second spaces,” which are home he recounts, “and it wasn’t just one kind of in line with the office towers than with resi- and work, respectively. Third spaces are person. We had little old ladies coming in for dential dwellers. “There isn’t a huge demand informal gathering places – really, a third a muffin. Students coming to study. Young for stimulants after 4 p.m.,” says Peter West space might be anywhere the public gathers families. Everyone came out.” of Coffee Bureau. “Plus, my wife and I are for the express purpose of socializing. These On any given afternoon at Elm, customers owner-operators. We don’t want to be here might include parks, community gardens and jockey for position in its scant seating while all night.” West says that downtown growth community leagues, all of which function as others linger with their to-go cups, making pales in comparison to surrounding neigh- bourhoods. “Downtown probably swells by THIRD SPACES ARE INFORMAL GATHERING PLACES at least 100,000 people during the week, but THAT BALANCE OUT THE DEMANDS AND CONSTRAINTS that drops off on the weekend.” OF FIRST AND SECOND SPACES, WHICH ARE HOME Geoff Linden, owner of Credo Coffee in AND WORK, RESPECTIVELY. Downtown and Westmount, notes a similar pattern. When Linden, formerly of Three touchstones within neighbourhoods. More weekend plans, discussing work, or just Bananas, opened the 104 St. café with his often than not, however, third spaces revolve getting to know their neighbours via casual wife Joanne in 2009, they assumed that most around beverages. The limits and quality of conversation or people-watching. This level of their customers would reside in the new such spaces in Oliver, in the pre-Elm days, of comfort in a public space bespeaks the role and nearby Icon Towers. “That wasn’t the was especially vexing. coffee shops play in facilitating social inter- case,” he says. “Even though there is more Box moved to Oliver in 2001. “I liked the actions that foster community connectivity. residential development downtown, it’s still idea of living in a thriving, dense, urban A similar vibe plays out at Coffee Bureau, mostly the business types, artists, writers community. I’d grown up in Mill Woods Lock Stock, Bru and even the Second Cups and students.” and was used to commuting everywhere. and Starbucks of Edmonton. Box and his Meanwhile in Oliver, a burgeoning I wanted to be within walking or cycling counterparts unintentionally created “third neighbourhood population is finally getting distance of things that were important to spaces.” more third spaces, as residential high-rises me.” Being near a coffee shop was important Clearly, the residents of Oliver and its like the Pearl Tower shoot skyward. “Oliver to him, but at the time his nearby options adjacent neighbourhoods yearned for has changed even since I opened Elm,” says were limited to McDonald’s, Starbucks and this antidote to the social disconnect that Box. “There are more people here than ever.” Second Cup. The paucity of independent metastasizes when third spaces are absent. And even though he has opened numerous shops baffled Box. “It didn’t make sense, Sociological research purports a significant successful coffee shops, he still feels excited especially when there is this demographic correlation between coffee shop patronage to see someone walking around with an Elm of people living downtown—students and and feelings of attachment to a community; coffee cup. “It’s been so gratifying to see the professionals especially—who are huge users sociologist Lisa Waxman’s 2006 study of the community evolve here,” he says smiling. • of coffee shops.” place attachment facilitated by neighbour- Box didn’t need much to fulfil his dream. hood coffee shops suggested that these third Liv Vors regularly writes for MacLean’s spaces vastly improved patrons’ feelings of magazine and the Globe & Mail. She has 16 THE YARDS SPRING 2016 belonging. This “place attachment” roots aspirations to become a police officer. CORE QUESTIONS BACK YARDS The Pursuit of Happiness It takes a community to tackle isolation and loneliness
s more condo towers go up in communities. Zanette Frost with the City of BY SAMANTHA POWER ACanadian cities, there’s a perceived Edmonton’s Urban Isolation Initiative says @SAMANTHA_POWER notion that people are more connected to it co-led a project with United Way and 30 their communities. However, recent studies other community agencies to create a mental ities “Block Connector” program aimed show quite the opposite. Those living in health action plan. One of their greatest at combatting social isolation. Block dense urban centres are choosing to retreat achievements, adds Frost, is the work with Connectors go door-to-door in their build- to their living spaces rather than engage with the suicide prevention framework, a collabor- ings and collect information about people’s their neighbours. ation between the Canadian Mental Health interests, hobbies and skills. That informa- Why does a city filled with lonely hearts Association, Alberta Health Services and tion is then used to build a database that matter? Isolation negatively affects one’s first responders. connects like-minded residents. physical and mental health. The most While there’s a big responsibility on common effects are depression, more individuals to make the effort to create real frequent bouts of sickness, unhappiness relationships with those around them, the and overall dissatisfaction with life. So the ability to directly engage often comes down question on everyone’s mind is “What should to the very design of a neighbourhood. “The we do about isolation?” onus is on city council to create spaces where In 2012, Vancouver became one of the first people can people watch out for one another Canadian cities to tackle isolation, measuring and bump into each other,” says councillor how residents engaged with their commun- McKeen. ities. A study conducted by the Vancouver In the Downtown and Oliver neigh- Foundation, the largest community foun- bourhoods those interactive spaces are at dation in the country, looked at the barriers a premium, but city planners are making preventing people from making meaningful positive gains. Alex Decoteau, the multi-pur- connections. Responses ranged from diffi- pose green space to be completed this culty making friends to less than meaningful summer at 105 St., and the newly proposed relationships with neighbours. park, located in the Wharehouse Campus In the years following the report’s release, area, are examples of outdoor spaces that can Vancouver launched several initiatives to help address urban isolation. Over in Oliver, address its urban isolation problem. One Peace Garden Park is a place where people of its starts was a Pop-Up-City Hall, which connect beyond community gardening. moved services such as voter registration and “They are more than patches of grass. They blue box pick-up to different neighbourhoods, serve a dual purpose as gathering spaces, giving citizens with mobility and transporta- where people can go and feel comfortable tion constraints improved access to services. outside of their one-bedroom apartments,” The City of Vancouver also encouraged its say Chris Buyze, president of the Oliver citizens to organize city-wide block parties. Community League. “It’s that bumping-in- Right about the same time when to-each-other space that the city is trying to Vancouver began investigating how to get its address.” citizens caring about one another, Edmonton The Urban Isolation initiative is entering started to tackle the issue too. In 2013, its third year and its work continues to Scott McKeen, city councilor, and longtime evolve. It’s currently working with Norquest advocate for mental issues, spearheaded College to research how to best engage Edmonton’s Urban Isolation Initiative. newcomers and recent immigrants, two McKeen was all too familiar with isolation. groups often at risk due to language barriers In his former career as an Edmonton Journal and a lack of knowledge of about the city. columnist, readers would often write him A City campaign encourages residents to start Neighbourhood Watch is encouraging more letters complaining about the loneliness of creating meaningful connections with their neigh- communities to create block parties, just like living in condo towers. bours by asking, “Hello, how are you?” Vancouver’s recommendations. “We venerate the individual and individual Community organizations that aren’t achievements but we forget how much we One of the simplest ways people can even part of the Initiative are looking at ways need other people for our health and happi- combat loneliness is simply by saying, “Hello, to make a difference in their immediate ness,” says McKeen. how are you.” This greeting engages people in communities. All Saints Anglican Church The City of Edmonton established a conversation, says Frost. “It’s that next step will hold its first panel discussion on the topic steering committee to look at how to create to say we’re aware and watching out for one of isolation April 25 (see page 10). awareness, gain a better understanding of the another that starts to bridge some gaps.” “The more awareness we create about roots of urban isolation and find innovative Taking the How Are You campaign one isolation in Oliver and Downtown, the closer ways to increase connectedness amongst step further, last year Oliver Community we get to finding solutions that work and citizens. League launched its Abundant Commun- empower people to interact,” says Buyze. • The Initiative has focused on collabor- ating with groups directly involved in their EDMONTON’S CENTRAL MAGAZINE SPRING 2016 17 YOU ARE HERE
Panelists Alyssa Lefaivre of DIRTT (left) and Jimmy Schewchuk of Edmonton Economic Development at The Yards Winter Salon Presented by Colliers International DJ Thomas Scott at The Yards Winter Salon D e cembe r 8 /17 Presented by Colliers International December 8/17
Sandra Ngo and Kayla Matteotti at Oliver Community League Pub Crawl January 20/17
Marty Pawlina of Colliers International and Brenton Chung Manulife Real Estate at Duncan Fraser, City of Edmonton, at The Yards Winter The Yards Winter Salon Presented by Colliers Salon Presented by Colliers International December 8/17 International December 8/17
Shelley Tjelum, Dylan Ella and Tracy Hyatt at DECL’s Learn to Play Ukulele, January 25/17
Laura and Chris Kennett at Oliver Community League Pub Crawl January 20 /17 “(left to right) Yvonne Epp, Chontelle Bushore, Amanda Wakaruk, Alena Manera, Jennie Dailey-O’Cain, and Lee Kierstead hamming it up at DECL Book Club January 18/17
Randy Boissonnault, MP Edmonton Centre (middle), at the Oliver Community League Holiday Season Potluck THE YARDS 18 SPRING 2016 D e cembe r 3 /17 the downtown business association presents Downtown Dining Week
TEN DAYS • THREE PRICES • DOZENS OF DELECTABLE MEALS March 10 -19, 2017
$15, $28, $45
DINE OUT TO WINDINE GREAT OUT TOPRIZES! WINGrand GREAT Prize: PRIZES! A Deluxe GrWandee kPriendze: G Ae tDeluawaxye f or Weetwokend at Gtheeta Chateauway for twoLacombe at the Chateau Hotel. Lacombe Hotel.
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