SUMMER 2019SUMMER •

FREE

-we- DARE YOU To get out and discover your city this summer

Rail Town Walk a Mile Page Turner Tracking our history Life while blind in the core Why Oliver needs a library pg 14 pg 22 pg 26

THE YARDS | SUMMER 2019 1 SUMMER 2019SUMMER •

FREE

-we- DARE YOU To get out and discover your city this summer

Rail Town Walk a Mile Page Turner Tracking our history Life while blind in the core Why Oliver needs a library pg 14 pg 22 pg 26

Street Cars 2019SUMMER • New LRT Heavy Rail

FREE

-we- 104INSIDE Avenue 124 Street 101 Street

SUMMER 2019 97 Street 97 109 Street PUBLISHER Simon Yackulic

DARE Low Level Bridge MANAGING EDITOR FRONTYARDS Tim Querengesser 5 Contributors ART DIRECTOR 6 A special look at the OCL Design Contest Jeremy Pudlowski

7 Messages from the Oliver Community League and Downtown97 Avenue Community League CONTRIBUTORS 8 News The new CNIB buildingYOU on Jasper Avenue is designed with vision impairment in mind Miranda Herchen, Mary-Helen 9 News With the loss of City Market,To get 104 out street and looks atdiscover what to do next Clark, William Frost, Mel Priestley, your city this summer Robbie Jeffrey, Graeme Matichuk, 10 Community events for OCL and DECL Shirley Lowe, Marysia Wojcik 12 Events around the core Rail Town Walk a Mile Page Turner MARKETING & EVENTS 14 Core samples Rail roots Tracking our history Life while blind in the core Why Oliver needs a library Shyra Craig 15 Hot takes Butternut tree pg 14 pg 22 pg 26 EVENTS BY ACE’D LIBRARIES GOVERNANCE BOARD CHAIR build better Simon Yackulic communities TREASURER Eric Hermanns

SECRETARY Lee Craig

SOCIAL MEDIA Courtney Gillis

COMMUNITY LEAGUE REPRESENTATIVES Luwam Kiflemariam, Lisa Brown, Jade Arnaout (OCL), Chris Buyze, Michelle Ferguson, Anixa Patel (DECL) CONTACT US S T E P S T E P S T E P The Yards Magazine 1011, 10301 104 St. NW FEATURES Edmonton, AB T5J 1B9 1 2 3 18 We Dare You The summer is here, the summer is short, get out there already ADVERTISING SALES Get Ready! Get Set! Go! 22 Seeing into the Future A day in the life of a visually impaired resident in Oliver [email protected]

PUBLISHED BY Put on your sunglasses, Double check your Head to 10305 - 97 THE CENTRAL EDMONTON N E W S S O C I E T Y and slather on your calendar - we open on street. We're outdoors sunscreen. We're May 18 & 19, 2019. on 103 Ave and 96 IN PARTNERSHIP WITH outdoors all summer street. BACKYARDS long! Find us every 26 Core questions Why Oliver needs a library Saturday (9-3) Park in one of our

Bring along your four- and Sunday (11-3). FREE parking spots! theyardsyeg.ca facebook.com/theyardsyeg legged friends! @theyardsyeg

THE YARDSYARDS | | SUMMERSPRING 2019 3

pg 26 pg pg 22 pg pg 14 pg

Why Oliver needs a library a needs Oliver Why Life while blind in the core the in blind while Life Tracking our history our Tracking

Page Turner Page Walk a Mile a Walk Rail Town Rail

your city this summer this city your To get out and discover discover and out get To YOU

DARE -we- FREE

SUMMER 2019 • SUMMER 2019 Make this your child's most exciting summer Contributors with our martial arts People behind The Yards SSUUMMMMEERR The Yards is a community magazine that draws on people in who care about the core. CCAAMMPP!! Rather than a small headshot and a bio, here’s who helped create this issue. Traditional bread in a brand new location Brio Bakery is now at the Oliver Exchange building. Stop by for bread or croissants Robbie Jeffrey made fresh every day. Andrew Seal (Seeing Into the Future, pg. 22) Corner of 121 Street and 102 Avenue (Fourth and Goal, pg. 9) IN EDMONTON: 6 years Graeme Matichuk (12021 – 102 Avenue) IN EDMONTON: 15 years FAVOURITE EDMONTON (Oliver Needs a Library, pg. 26) Miranda Herchen cumulative (8 months current PLACE: The bike trails along consecutive) IN EDMONTON: 25 years Government House Park at dusk Wednesday to Friday: 9am–6pm (I am Canadian, pg. 15) FAVOURITE EDMONTON FAVOURITE EDMONTON WHAT YOU LEARNED WRITING Saturday: 9am–3pm IN EDMONTON: 22 years PLACE: The River Valley parks PLACE: Legislature grounds, FOR THIS ISSUE: That the Tien Lung FAVOURITE EDMONTON McKay Avenue School idea of a “typical” city-dweller Taekwon-Do PLACE: Coliseum WHAT YOU LEARNED WRITING FOR THIS ISSUE: The Farmer’s WHAT YOU LEARNED WRITING creates as many problems as it @tienlungtkd (780) 424 2131 WHAT YOU LEARNED WRITING Market is almost 120 years old! FOR THIS ISSUE: EPL reviews solves. briobakery.com FOR THIS ISSUE: The eating their library expansion policies 780-669-6666 experience is about more than every three years. just food — it’s about location, www.tienlung.com environment and atmosphere.

Not Shown Not Shown Not Shown Mel Priestley Mary-Helen Clark Shirley Lowe (We Dare You, pg. 18) (Equity Tower, pg. 8) (Rail Roots, pg. 14) IN EDMONTON: 22 years IN EDMONTON: 4 years IN EDMONTON: Since 1954, 63 FAVOURITE EDMONTON FAVOURITE EDMONTON years, less two years in Vancouver PLACE: Mill Creek Ravine North PLACE: Beaumaris Lake FAVOURITE EDMONTON WHAT YOU LEARNED WRITING WHAT YOU LEARNED PLACE: Mostly at Edmonton FOR THIS ISSUE: You can get WRITING FOR THIS ISSUE: live theatre performances, green onion cakes at 3am from That there have been some particularly in several places amazing advancements to WHAT YOU LEARNED WRITING help the visually impaired live FOR THIS ISSUE: How little independently. information about the city has been transferred to the newest generations. photo: William Frost THE YARDSYARDS | | SUMMERSPRING 2019 5 FRONTYARDS | NEAT STUFF

SEEING GREEN A developer’s push to consume more park space sparked Oliver residents to imagine a different future. Here’s a few examples of what they dreamed up. BY: STAFF

Chris Buyze Robyn Paches President, Downtown President, Oliver Edmonton Community Community League (OCL) League (DECL) Photo: Michael Sacha

for post-secondary students. I take pride in pre-existing city amenities, adjacent to a OCL PRESIDENT COLUMN advocating on behalf of my community. I’m major transit corridor that will (hopefully) a young Edmontonian. I’ve lived in Oliver see an LRT line soon. The potential of this for two years, and the city for seven. I’ve site is big. I applaud council’s foresight in Council says no—so fallen in love with Oliver’s unique mix of protecting the park’s potential to become residential charm and downtown vibrancy. a regional, accessible hub for all. Ninety- now what I’m passionate about working to reduce eight percent of Oliver residents do not Land swap decision opens new urban isolation. If increased density does have their own private green space — only opportunities for Oliver not have the correct community amenities, balconies. Parks like Oliver Park are our On April 29, city council rejected a proposed it can have a direct detrimental effect on community living rooms. land swap between Oliver Park and the residents’ quality of life. So Oliver Park is saved, but what’s next? former St. John’s School site, preserving the So let’s talk density and community Abby Lane Homes owns the former St. only block of city land in our community. amenities. Since the 2016 census, Oliver John’s School site. OCL is committed to Council rarely rejects tower proposals in the alone has seen 25 high rises either be built, working with them to find a solution that core so this was monumental and precedent start construction, be approved or be in respects the community and also Peace setting. As the new president of the Oliver the process of approvals. A conservative Garden Park. Could this be a missing- Community League, I’m extremely proud estimate is that this activity will result in middle development with green space? GATHERING SPACE SOUTH OF PEACE GARDEN PARK of our team’s work advocating against the an additional 8,000 residents — and this is Maybe stacked townhomes? Or, what if the land swap, and also humbled I had the excluding 104 Avenue. city acquired this land and expands green Matt and Landon Turlock imagined a space for multiple generations that pays homage to the park, opportunity to participate. Most Oliver residents and the OCL support space in Oliver? We are a community of the people and the history. A brief introduction: As president, I plan density. But it’s vital that a population boom dreamers and innovators, I have faith we’ll to focus on the role of OCL as an advocate like the one we’re facing also has proper find a solution for the site, together. for Oliver. I’m an ex-student leader at the community supports, like green space. Follow Robyn on Twitter at @rpaches for more University of , where I managed the Oliver Park holds a special place in Oliver in thoughts, updates and Oliver related stuff. Students’ Union’s operations and advocated this context. It’s an entire city block, with Robyn Paches

itself as a great gathering place, and I want continue to support local businesses and DECL PRESIDENT COLUMN to see that tradition continue. local producers. What makes a market good is vendors. Yet at the end of the day, people still want What makes a market great are a great street-life experience on 104 Street. We’ll build another collaborations that can take place when The 104 Street Action Committee, an great 104 Street you have a street like 104 with so many ad-hoc group of businesses from the stakeholders working together for a street, concerned residents, and local Market’s move is hard but not common cause. To me that’s community. organizations like DECL, wants the street insurmountable But operating an outdoor market on to continue to thrive through impending As you have surely heard, the Downtown one of the densest, mixed-use streets in Valley Line LRT West construction and Farmers’ Market is moving from its summer Edmonton is tricky. Constant construction, for it be part of the multitude of great home on 104 Street to the eastern edge of impending or otherwise, has been balanced experiences citizens can have throughout Downtown. with a streetlife experience like no other. our downtown core. Many have pondered what this means for It created the perfect ‘synergy’ of new and I’m confident in time we’ll have new 104 Street. People are passionate about old buildings, walkable streetscaping, local programming on 104 Street (albeit more great urban experiences. I’m passionate, shops, foodie destinations and proximity to intimate), given the good will of everyone too – and a little biased about the farmers’ everything downtown. involved, and the special place the street has market being on 104 Street. After all it The new location for Edmonton in everyone’s heart. Remember Al Fresco came to life through collaboration between Downtown Farmers’ Market (formerly City or the food truck events? Or maybe a new vendors, businesses, residents and one Market) shows promise. It has great bones, night market? The possibilities are endless OLIVER PARK: REIMAGINED enterprising former city councillor, Michael and perhaps it will be a catalyst for The when we work together to make it happen. Phair. Since then, 104 Street has established Quarters. I’ll go where my vendors go and Chris Buyze Graeme Matichuk (see also pg. 26) thought Oliver Park would make a great spot for a library.

6 THE YARDS | SUMMER 2019 THE YARDS | SUMMER 2019 7 FRONTYARDS | OCL NEWS FRONTYARDS | DECL NEWS Equity tower Go Fourth and Prosper The new CNIB building on Jasper Avenue is With the loss of City Market, 104 Street looks at designed with vision impairment in mind what to do next BY: Mary-Helen Clark BY: Andrew Seal

Crews demolished the CNIB building at 120 people develop skills, with resume building People may still picture 104 Street in downtown, year-round farmers’ market that’s Street and Jasper Avenue in March to make and connect them with potential employers,” as a street teeming with open two days a week now.” way for a new, 32-storey tower, expected to Kay said. Saturday farmers’ market shoppers weaving O’Donnell believes the City Market’s new stand by 2022. The interim location is accessible to almost between white-capped stalls holding samples building is a positive as well, but will take The old building was the oldest CNIB everyone, as it’s on a public transit route. of fresh baking in their hand. But all of that will some leg work to rebuild their brand in their property in , while the new tower has “As far as accessibility goes, this is more change this year. new home. been designed with the help of Chris Downey, accessible than our previous space,” Kay said. In March, the downtown community learned Plans are already coming together for an American architect who lost his vision. It Once complete, the new building will its weekly (in summer) City Market was complementary programming nearby, in will feature elements to aid in navigation for feature many residential units, with a portion disappearing, at least on 104 Street, at least Churchill Square, where arts groups— those with sight limitations. of units reserved for the visually impaired. for now. The Market needed a slightly larger But what does the demolition mean for Textural patterns will be on the floor to year-round home and found one in the historic Oliver and surrounding residents, who rely on assist cane users. There will be provisions GWG (Great Western Garment) building, at 97 “The question is its services? They’re still available at the CNIB’s to manage glare for those sensitive to light. Street and 103A Avenue, where it will now temporary home, at 11150 Jasper Avenue, said Doors on the main floor will have different open Saturday and Sunday every week, rain, really, how do you Matthew Kay, executive director of vision loss lighting and contrasting colours to help those sun, or snow. rehabilitation, Alberta & NWT Division. with low vision. Fragrance gardens will be But while some have worried aloud with replicate some of added as well to assist with navigation. concerns about what the future holds for According to CNIB, about 60,000 Albertans downtown’s most important high street and its “There’s always are affected by vision loss. businesses, many on the actual street remain that more urban Kay said the way we build cities affects sanguine. a few growing those with visual impairments and needs to “We were doing Jim Dandy before the experience along be considered. market came,” said Ed Fong, co-owner of pains when “Ultimately, I would like to see more deVine Wines and Spirits on 104 Street. 103A Avenue accessibility in homes and small businesses. Fong agrees that the City Market, which Large print signs, audio street lights, these are moved to 104 Street in 2004, gave some of his when there’s not moving into a new all important to our clients,” he said. neighbours a boost, like coffee retailer Credo. “Also, always be aware. If you see someone But for his business and others, “it was at best space, but as far with a white cane or a guide dog, treat them revenue neutral,” he said. “We lose the people much east of that with the respect they deserve. If someone that park in front of the store and buy three as accessibility asks for assistance, help them, but remember, cases of wine because they think there’s no at the moment?” they are independent and we shouldn’t make parking.” goes, this is more any assumptions based on the fact that they Still, some with a stake in the future of 104 -Ian O’Donnell have a visual impairment.” Street see the street as a venue. For them, the City Market’s move requires thinking to create including the , Citadel, accessible than new opportunity. and Winspear—are looking to expand their The 104 Street Action Committee met presence. “The question is really, how do you our previous the first week of May to lay out the options replicate some of that more urban experience for future programming. As The Yards went along 103A Avenue when there’s not much space” to press, the group was floating ideas of a east of that at the moment?” O’Donnell said. smaller market, a night market, performing Beyond the aesthetic of the 118-year-old -Matthew Kay arts, a series of mini al fresco events, more GWG building, City Market spokesman Dan car shows or block parties. The Downtown Young said the move will take time to catch “All services have remained, and we will be Business Association was also in talks with on, but said there’s opportunity in the area. adding new services,” he said. the organizers of 124 Grand Market, who have He believes development similar to what The temporary building is split into two been keen to gain a foothold downtown. 104 Street saw during the market’s tenure different organizations: CNIB and Vision Loss Whether this planning means the street will there could now be in store for The Quarters. Rehabilitation Alberta. continue to close to vehicular traffic remains The idea isn’t to replicate that, he said, but to Kay said Vision Loss Rehabilitation Alberta to be seen until a proposal is submitted to the build a new atmosphere in a less developed offers assessments, and skills development, City, Fong said, adding there’s “no rush” to part of downtown. like white-cane training and guide-dog close a deal. The market running two days a week is training. “This can be anything from cooking, Ian O’Donnell, executive director of the going to make it happen all the faster, he cleaning, pouring a cup of coffee, anything DBA, sees the City Market move to The added. you need to live independently.” Quarters as a win-win for 104. Fong said the City Market move was all for The CNIB offers volunteer services, like “Let’s create something new on 104th that’s the best -- construction was starting to limit the matching people up with a vision mate that going to be great and bring in a new crowd,” street’s capacity for the market and retailers alike. can help with grocery shopping. “We also he said. “But let’s support the decision [City “They’re ability to stay on this street, the offer employment services where we help Market made] and ensure we have a great time was up,” he said.

8 THE YARDS | SUMMER 2019 THE YARDSYARDS | | SUMMERSPRING 2019 9 FRONTYARDS | EVENTS FRONTYARDS | EVENTS Oliver Community Downtown Edmonton League Events Community League Events OCL Community Space, 9907 114 St. olivercommunity.com DECL Community Space, 10042 103 St. decl.org

DECL ANNUAL PANCAKE DEVELOPMENT 104 AVE

FALL 2018 • FREE OCL PICNIC IN THE PARK June 13, July 11, August 15, 6-8pm BREAKFAST COMMITTEE MEETING 103 AVE June 15 9am-11am Last Thursday of the month (June 27, 114 ST 112 ST 111 ST 109 ST 105 ST 104 ST 103 ST Come enjoy Oliver’s green space by 102 AVE having a picnic with your neighbours. We Join us for our Annual Pancake July 25, August 29), 7pm JASPER AVE will be visiting different parks in Oliver. Breakfast. What better way to Join us for a discussion on the latest start the day than with pancakes, development proposals and city DECL June 13 at Oliver Park, July 11 at 100 AVE sausages, coffee and juice. Only Pocket Park beside the Pearl, August Lunch Dinner Catering planning. Locating OCL 99 AVE Lulu 12 $2, proceeds go to support our DECL Community Space, 10042 103 Creating 17 15 at Monsignor William Irwin Park Champions Fresh Wholesome Korean Food Leaving programming efforts. Street Legacies 22 CANADA DAY PANCAKE DECL Community Space, 10042 103 What’s a Community League? Street PROGRAMS AND EVENTS Community Leagues are unique to BREAKFAST COMMITTEE MEETING July 1, 9-11am Edmonton. They’re inclusive, grass- DECL SOCIAL NIGHT First Wednesday of the month (June roots, community-based organiza- WINTER 2 WINTER Come celebrate Canada Day with

0 tions found in each of this city’s 1 5, July 3, August 7), 7pm

8 8 June 22nd, Time TBA

•

FREE your fellow neighbours and grab your Join us for a DECL social night. Watch Join us to discuss and plan our 150-plus neighbourhoods. They membership card if you don’t have it facilitate healthy, safe, informed for details on our Facebook page. downtown programming and events. already. Grace Lutheran Church will be and connected communities by pro- Location TBA in the coming weeks. Please email [email protected] if serving free ice cream, 8pm onwards. moting participation in recreation, facebook.com/declorg you plan to attend. social activities and civic advocacy Parking lot of Grace Lutheran Church DECL Community Space, 10042 103 at the sidewalk level. They’re vol- at 9907 114 Street DECL PATIO PUB CRAWL Street, or other locations when unteer-run and promote volunteer- July 25, Time TBA ism because getting involved is a Our fourth-annual Restaurant Hours required. experience the greatness celebration of of where and how to great way to learn more about your Downtown OLIVER SUMMER GREEN Join us for our annual patio crawl. Board Games and Oliver Mon to Wed: 8:00 am to 8:00 pm neighbourhood and city. It’s also a Win the Games of Condo Small Matters SHACK PROGRAM Boards pg 21 Downtown Retail Faces a Watch for details on our Facebook DOWNTOWN SUMMER Crossroads pg 24 July 3 - August 23 10am- Thurs & Fri : 8:00 am to 9:00 pm fantastic opportunity to learn valu- + 4 Faces of the Mercer Building page. GREEN SHACK PROGRAM pg 27 1:30pm Mon-Fri Sat: 11:00 am to 9:00 pm able professional skills, meet your THE YARDS | WINTER 2018 July 3 - August 22 Tuesdays 1 Location TBA in the coming weeks. neighbours and have fun. Join the The City’s back with children’s Sun: Closed facebook.com/declorg & Fridays, 2:30pm-6pm movement today! programming. Additional information: 10707-100 ave Petwin Tower The City’s back with children’s https://www.edmonton.ca/activities_ 780.244.2865 URBAN KIDS PLAYGROUP programming. Additional information: parks_recreation/green-shacks.aspx Buokfresh.ca Every Friday, 10am-11am https://www.edmonton.ca/activities_ Kitchener Park Urban Kids Playgroup for downtown parks_recreation/green-shacks.aspx Chris Buyze parents and kids 0-5 years of age! Alex Decoteau Park (10204 105 St. NW) DECL board of directors: Oliver Community League (President), Laurissa Kalinowsky (VP), Glenn GARAGE SALE AT GRACE 9907 114 St NW Join us for snacks and free coffee. Rowbottom (Treasurer), Rainer Kocsis LUTHERAN CHURCH Edmonton, AB T5K 1P7 DECL Community Space, 10042 103 (Secretary), Jason Gold, Christie Lutsiak, August 24, 9am-2pm web: olivercommunity.com Street Michelle McGuiness, Fardoussa Omar, Come get some treasures from this e: [email protected] YARDS SUMMER Cheryl Probert, Tim Schneider, Cameron annual garage sale. Table discount Facebook.com/OliverCommunityLeague LAUNCH EVENT FAMILY BOARD Smithers, Bronte Valk, Xiaosu Zeng for OCL members. Twitter: @OCLYEG GAMES NIGHT June 20 Grace Lutheran Church, 9907 114 Street Instagram: @oclyeg Third Friday of every month (June 21, Join us for a discussion on Downtown Edmonton Community League July 19, August 16), 6:30pm accessibility in the core. Join our team! 10042 103 Avenue BICYCLE SHOW & SHINE OCL board of directors: Robyn Paches The Hendrix Roof Top Patio Doors Bring your kids to a family-friendly Edmonton, AB, T5J 0X2 If you are interested in editing, June 22, 12-4pm (President), Luwam Kiflemariam (VP), at 6:30pm, Speaker at 7:30pm. board games night and meet other web: decl.org Bring your special ride, enter for best Kirsten Mah (Secretary), Lisa Brown, podcasting, grant writing or Downtown families. e: [email protected] Justin Keats, Jade Arnaout, Mark otherwise contributing to The Yards in show, and enjoy a drink & food Facebook.com/declorg Workman, Derek MacDonald, Geoffrey DECL Community Space, 10042 103 send us an email! while gushing over your favorite two Twitter: @DECLorg George, Les De Zwaan, Sarah Toderian, Street wheelers. Instagram: @declorg Adrian Bruff, Allison Rosland [email protected] Oliver Park

10 THE YARDS | SUMMER 2019 THE YARDSYARDS | | SUMMERSPRING 2019 11 FRONTYARDS | AROUND THE CORE FRONTYARDS | AROUND THE CORE

FROM MARKETS TO FESTIVALS TO A BIG RUNNING RACE HISTORIC FESTIVAL SNAP GALLERY BEYEG CHALLENGE AND DOORS OPEN ARTISTS TALKS /// June 15 What to do in the core this summer is a social-calendar dream. Beyond the friend Oliver EDMONTON hangs and the patio sessions (go easy, young buck), make sure to plunk some of these /// July 15 and August 23, 6:00pm Sign up as a team of two or events into the mix. /// July 1 to 7 Hear Kristie MacDonald (July 15) four and race around central Downtown Explore Edmonton’s past through and Amery Sandford (August 23) Edmonton to compete in various BY: MARYSIA WOJCIK the lens of this year’s leisure discuss the themes and journeys mental and physical challenges. theme by partaking in tours behind their most recent Various locations and gatherings at communities, projects. throughout the core. museums, and historical sites snapartists.com/event- beyegchallenge.ca around the city. type/artists-talks Various locations throughout Edmonton. Brewery District historicedmonton.ca/ events/historic-festivalMacEwan University 104 AVE

Stony Plain Rd Oliver Park Art Gallery of Alberta

Oliver Pool Churchill Square Paul Kane Park FREE! 109 ST 101 ST 124 GRAND MARKET /// Thursdays and Sundays Food trucks, local goods, live 104 ST music, kids programming and photo: Kurt Bauschardt more at this 124 Street staple. JASPER AVE photo: Mack Male Thursday markets run 4:00pm- 8:00pm, from May 9 to October SERVUS EDMONTON 10, and Sunday markets are MARATHON 11:00am-3:00pm from June 2 to SUPER SATURDAY /// August 17 and 18 September 29. /// June 15 Run one of Western Canada’s 108 Avenue and 124 Street flattest marathon courses, sign Start your day off right at DECL’s (Thursdays) and 102 Avenue up for a shorter distance, or Annual Pancake Breakfast, then and 124 Street (Sundays) grab a spot at one of the many head over to Mercer Super Party 124grandmarket.com spectator hot spots and cheer. (1-10pm) on 104 Street and Fruit Loop Pride Wrap-Up Street Party Edmonton Convention Centre, 9797 Jasper Avenue (check photo: Mack Male on 103 Street (3-10pm) EDMONTON’S website for route information). INDIGENOUS CARIWEST FESTIVAL PEOPLES FESTIVAL edmontonmarathon.ca /// August 9 to 11 /// June 22, 11:00am - 9:00pm THE USUAL HAUNTS The spirit of the Caribbean Celebrate National Indigenous comes to Edmonton in Cariwest’s - The Works June 20 to July 2 Peoples Day with a Pow-Wow, 35th anniversary celebration. YARDS SUMMER - Taste of Edmonton July 18 to July 28 interactive activities, live Immerse yourself in Caribbean LAUNCH EVENT - Premier’s Breakfast performances and an artisan food, crafts, entertainment and, /// June 20 - Canada Day Breakfast marketplace. of course, a rum garden. Join us for a discussion on accessibility in the core , Federal Building Plaza, 7515 118 Avenue 9820 107 Street The Hendrix Roof Top Patio Doors eipfestival.ca cariwest.ca at 6:30pm, Speaker at 7:30pm Alberta Legislature Building 12 THE YARDS | SUMMER 2019 THE YARDSYARDS | | SUMMERSPRING 2019 13 124 Street 14 Heavy Rail New LRT Street Cars THE YARDS | SUMMERTHE 2019 named ourmagazineafterthisspot. rail wasCanadianNorthernRailway yard,locatedwhereMacEwanUniversitynowstands. Funfact:We Bridge andintoOliver(withastation wherethere’s nowaMarbleSlab). Thebiggestconcentrationof north, justwestofOliver, andthe CalgaryandEdmontonRailway camedirectlyalong theHighLevel Railway cameinfrom thesouth,alongMillCreekravine, beforeheading westthroughRossdale and plied JasperAvenue andheadednorthalong124, 101and97streets.Meanwhile, theCanadianPacific in downtown(checkthebacks ofbuildingson104Street fortrain-height loading bays),streetcarsonce map. arrives overthenext fewyears,ourrailrootsareshowingagain.Here’s alookatthoseroutesonone was theepicentreofrail,beforewerippeduptracks beginninginthe1950s. AstheValley LineLRT Beyond spurlinesthatransouthfromtheyardsalong104Avenue, todeliverwaresintowarehouses You likely didn’t know this but Edmonton grew into a big city thanks in part to the railway. The core TRAIN LINES HAVE LINES TRAIN ALWAYS THE CORE SHAPED RAIL ROOTS FRONT Jasper AvenueJasper RESEARCH: ShirleyLowe YARDS WORDS: Staff |CORE SAMPLES

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May 16 - Sept 2 | Borealis Gallery | Edmonton

CONSERVATORY of MUSIC Creating Summer Workshops: Canadian Estill Voice Training Program Vocal Belting Workshop June 24-28, 2019 July 20, 2019 Cuisine ads Summer Music Theory Summer Jazz Workshop July 2-Aug 6, 2019 August 19-23, 2019 The Butternut Tree, at 110 Street and 97 Avenue, at the edge of Oliver, is chef Scott Year-round Private Music Lessons for All Musical Instruments. Downey’s attempt to answer that most difficult question in Canada: what’s ours cuisine. We 780-633-3725 | 10050 MacDonald Drive | MacEwan.ca/Conservatory caught up with Downey and, in his own words, he told us about his restaurant. I just want to provoke the question of HEALING THE LEGACY OF ‘What’s Canadian food?’ What’s the flavour of Canada and how are we as a country, as THE RESIDENTIAL SCHOOLS a group of people, going to give an identity to that? The whole goal is just being able to share everything that we learn all the way along and tell people exactly where to get it. It’s not like I got this special ingredient and I want to hide it and nobody else is going to be assembly.ab.ca/ Legacy of Hope able to have it anymore. That’s the complete visitorcentre Foundation opposite of what we want to do. Once we have that, we say exactly who we got it from, where we got it from, when you can get it, and I think that’s just the big thing – the sharing of knowledge. I ended up looking at about 130 spots YOUR TABLE IS through all of downtown … and finally, when I came to this spot, I knew immediately. The WAITING big part was the location and the view. When I walked in here and just saw this giant park, the With over 50 local establishments river valley, we have the streetcar that goes to choose from, it’s no wonder we across and then also being Canadian, we have the legislature, it was just this perfect fit. are known as a food destination. This type of mentality that you can have Offerings range from casual a dinner as your night … I want to build a bistros, delis, bakeries, cafes, and restaurant that was around that philosophy. I want you to come in, spend the night with us, brunch hotspots, to fine-dining fit let us take care of you. Drink some wine, eat A Destination for FOOD for celebrating your most special some food and relax and actually enjoy your milestones. Tempt your taste buds whole night here. We want to be fine dining in our quality on 124. of service. We want to be fine dining in the quality of our food, but I want it to be like you’re coming and having dinner at my house. Experience creative at 124STREET.CA If you come in, I just want to welcome you, take care of you and make sure that you’re having a good time and that you’re comfortable.

- Interview by Miranda Herchen

photo: William Frost

16 THE YARDS | SUMMER 2019 THE YARDSYARDS | | SUMMERSPRING 2019 17 WE DARE

We dare you to: Buy ice cream We dare you to: Endure We dare you to: Bike a mountain Craving a cone? Finding an ice-cream downtown construction Edmonton’s ribbon of green is a Normally Groat Road Bridge provides truck or storefront is tricky in the core, You should be forgiven for thinking mountain-bike paradise. The city’s a quick connection to either side, but YOU never mind chasing one down. But everything feels closed. A number of our extensive network of singletrack routes check your route before heading that YOU places offer grab—and—go ice creams provide (almost) continuous routes along way: construction has caused various flagship cultural attractions are shuttered and other frozen treats, if you know for renovations, including Fort Edmonton trails that form hundreds of kilometres detours and path closures. where to look. Park and the . Both of access to ravines and river valleys. If you’re looking for fellow mountain The summer is here, the summer is short, why aren’t you The Canterra Centre on 109 Street and the City Hall wading pool and one of The trails are mapped on Trailforks, a bikers in town, there are several groups doing what’s on this list right now? Jasper Avenue is the core’s ice-cream the pools at the Legislature are closed crowd-sourced database which counts and clubs. There is the Oliver Bike oasis. Marble Slab Creamery offers for repairs; they’re slated to open 678 different mountain-bike trails in Club, which meets Wednesday’s at You’ve heard of the countless things to do in Edmonton, especially standard fare, while nearby, La Carraia this summer (fingers crossed). Louise Edmonton and more than 40 user- 6pm, though that’s less about mountain in our long but fleeting summer. But where do you start? And for Gelato in the Mayfair has authentic Italian McKinney Park technically isn’t closed created routes. biking. If you’re looking for terrain, the those in the core, add the question: how do you get there? gelato. For ice cream with an Asian flair, but large parts of its trails are, thanks to There are several trailheads from Edmonton Road and Track Club hosts head to ZenQ, Tsujuri or Snowy Village downtown to the network of valley trails. weekly rides, including some for women While the weather outside is delightful, rather than frightful, we’ve LRT construction. The funicular is closed Dessert Café (all three are also within the fairly regularly (and randomly) and it’s For one of the best views, head to the only. The Edmonton Mountain Bike got a dare. We dare you to explore the heart of your city in one (or 109 Street area) for shaved ice and other almost impossible to keep track of the 100 Street Funicular, beside the Hotel Alliance is another good resource that all!) of the following ways. Get out there. eye-catching dessert bowls. There are closures and detours along LRT lines. Macdonald, and ride it down to the Low offers reports on trail conditions and a handful of other places offering Asian LRT construction extends throughout Level Bridge. This gives you quick access events including Trail Care Days where shaved ice downtown, including Ono downtown, is leading to rolling road to trails to the southeast in Cloverdale volunteers help spruce up the local trails. Poke on 104 Street and Dream Tea in closures and, coupled with other and Forest Heights, to the west and to WHERE: Trailheads at the 100 Street Oliver Square. development projects can make walking the direct south, including Mill Creek Funicular and Ezio Faraone Park. And no matter where you are in the down the street a dangerous challenge. Ravine. GET THERE: Biking to the funicular BY: Mel Priestley core, you’re probably not far from a Make sure to tell 311. Another trailhead is the High Level requires a bit of courage, so consider place offering Pinocchio ice cream— But many things remain open. Though Bridge, which connects to the trails by the walking your bike along the sidewalk Edmonton’s homegrown maker of ice its ultimate fate is still unknown at this University of Alberta. From there follow you’re forced onto. For Ezio Faraone, use cream, gelato and sorbet. Pinocchio point, Oliver Pool is happy to welcome you the trails west through Emily Murphy the Railtown multi-use path. doesn’t have a retail storefront itself, this summer. If the pool is too busy when Park and into Hawrelak Park. MacKinnon but hundreds of cafes and restaurants— you and the kids need to cool off, head to Ravine extends out from the west side including many downtown, like Care-it the splash pad in nearby Kitchener Park. of downtown, just north of Hawrelak. Urban Deli and Planet Organic—have Or visit Paul Kane Park, where upgrades a freezer filled with their products. just over a year ago can remind you that Pinocchio’s website has a map showing even though construction sucks, the end all the locations that supply their stuff, so result is often well worth it. Or check out you can tailor your own Alex Decoteau Park downtown, which cream odyssey. has a mini garden and a dog run. Or WHERE: 109 Street and Jasper Avenue. head just south of downtown for Queen GET THERE: Walk or bike, with Elizabeth Pool. connections to the protected bike grid WHERE: The core. using Railtown Park. GET THERE: However you need to, but bring a towel.

18 THE YARDS | SUMMER 2019 THE YARDSYARDS | | SUMMERSPRING 2019 19 We dare you to: Take a tour Okay, let’s say you’re not motivated to create a self-guided tour but still want to explore. Don’t worry, there are plenty of guided tours available. Pretending you’re a tourist in town is a great way to see the city through new eyes. The Downtown Business Association’s Core Crew hosts free historical walking tours throughout the summer (look for their red T-shirts leading groups around town). There are also free tours at the Alberta Legislature and City Hall throughout the summer. For something faster-paced, the River Valley Adventure Co., based in Louise McKinney Park, offers a number of popular Segway and cycling tours that will take you into and around the river valley. WHERE: Louise McKinney, downtown, City Hall, Alberta Legislature. GET THERE: On foot.

We dare you to: Discover We dare you to: Splash in the We dare you to: Eat out after #yeghistory and #yegart river midnight There is the Canada Permanent It’s unclear if Cloverdale’s Accidental The late-night twilight in high-latitude Building, or the Churchill Wire Centre, Beach, a short walk from the core, is here Edmonton means we’re often up late or Oliver Exchange. There is the public to stay. But there are other ways to get and looking for somewhere to eat, and art, both held at institutions like the Art out and enjoy the river. sometimes we want something other Gallery of Alberta, or just storefronts, like River Valley Adventure Co., based in than a greasy pizza joint or 24-hour at the window of art outside Jobber, at Louise McKinney, offers stand-up paddle- breakfast place. Downtown Edmonton Jasper and 105 Street. board rentals and classes, as well as has more late-night dining options than Regardless of where you go, as you rafting adventures. Canoe Heads hosts ever before. If you’re coming from an stroll the core look for historical markers, various canoe trips, from beginner day to event at Rexall, head down 104 Street statues, monuments and murals; you trips to more advanced overnight tours. to Drunken Ox, Sober Cat (DOSC) for may be surprised just how many you find. Haskin Canoe also does regular canoe upscale steakhouse fare (kitchen open (Hint: Many of these are also stops in the trips as well as kayak trips, in Edmonton until 1am on weekends). Pokémon Go phone game, which is a and out at Elk Island Park. Central Social Hall on 109 Street is great way to get kids involved. Go for a Black Gold River Tours offers tours another late-night spot. The kitchen stays walk to catch Pokémon, but stop to learn of the river by speed boat, if you’re open until 2am on weekends and offers about local history and art, too.) looking for something high-powered a range of casual fare, from flatbreads If you’re looking for something instead of human-powered. And of and burgers to classic comfort food like more structured, download the City of course there’s always the venerable chicken and waffles. Hello, Hola, Nĭ Hăo, Edmonton’s brochures for self-guided Edmonton Riverboat, formerly known But when you’re up *really* late, historical walking/biking tours, which as the Edmonton Queen. The Riverboat Chinatown is the place to go—some include tours of historical buildings has recently been renovated and is now places stay open until the very wee throughout downtown and Oliver. If art taking regular river trips. Like the trip for hours of the morning. For classic Chinese Salut, neighbours! is more your jam, check out ArtTourYEG, Accidental Beach, head to the funicular, food, there’s no beating All Happy Family which is a series of three self-guided cross the Low Level Bridge, walk about a Restaurant, which is open until 4am and tours of public art downtown. block east to Rafters Landing and you’re offers standards like green onion cakes, If you just can’t get enough there. fried rice and dozens of different noodle #yeghistory, check out the Edmonton And one overlooked way to enjoy the dishes. Sai Woo Garden (open until 3am) Heritage Network which features dozens North Saskatchewan is to test your luck is another good choice; get the deep- EMCN is coming to the Oliver Community Fall 2019 of local historical tours, events, museums at a fishing hole. (Note: Alberta sport fried calamari. If you’re in no hurry to get We are a non-profit organization supporting newcomers for over 37 years with and archives. fishing regulations apply, except on the to bed, hunker down over a cauldron of WHERE: The core. GET THERE: On foot. City’s free fishing weekends.) bubbling soup at Asian Express HotPot Language services, settlement, community engagement and employment services WHERE: At the river. (open until 2:30am). so they can thrive in our communities. GET THERE: Countless options, the WHERE: If it’s late, Chinatown, my friend. best of which are human-powered. GET THERE: Safely. emcn.ab.ca L @YEGNewcomers 780-424-7709 20 THE YARDS | SUMMER 2019 It’s easy to give up. Just yesterday, wardrobe. Around 70 per cent of blind While blindness has been a part as the driver delivered Marc Workman’s people are unemployed, and half live on of him almost his entire life, it wasn’t groceries at his Oliver apartment, less than $20,000 a year. Workman is until university that he thought about it Workman got an unsubtle reminder he’s different. philosophically. It started with a course different. Still, although he has a career, it took on equality and social justice. “There He’d sent a note in advance, like he more than 100 applications and 22 was nothing about disability in there,” usually does, which gave the driver a interviews. “I don’t want to say that I he says, “but it felt familiar.” He Googled friendly heads up to avoid an awkward could have gotten every single one of “philosophy+blind.” The U.S. National interaction—like offering a pen and Federation of the Blind (NFB) came up. Workman not noticing. He never knows Before, he’d seen disability as something how these quotidian interactions will “These things unfortunate that happens to people. go, and he’s met all kinds of people in “The NFB talked about how the problem Oliver—some judgmental, some clueless, aren’t inevitable. isn’t the inability to see—it’s the attitudes, some concerned, some compassionate. social situations and environments Who will it be today? that make it harder for someone who’s The driver handed him his groceries. That’s why we blind.” With a master’s degree in political “You do okay for yourself,” he said to science already in his quiver, Workman Workman, as he turned to leave, before have to change pursued a PhD in philosophy. But soon adding: “Considering you’re blind.” he learned he’d rather be advocating in Workman is used to these comments— our environment the non-academic world. He wanted to that’s why giving up can seem appealing. see his community change—so he set At 37, he’s slender and clean shaven, out to do it. and smiles frequently below his friendly to make them cheekbones. It’d be easy not to notice he’s blind, unless you met him walking less likely. That’s with his cane or with his Labrador It’s two and a half blocks from Retriever guide dog, Bella. He sits on evidence for why Workman’s apartment to the Grandin LRT the Oliver Community League board and station – north a few steps, then along 99 chairs its social advocacy committee. He we need to act.” Avenue past Grandin Elementary School, used to work as manager of advocacy where children almost always shout for the Canadian National Institute for the “Doggy!” at Bella. He recently started a Blind, a job he moved to Oliver for in 2013, those jobs,” he says, “but it’s equally new position with the government, where and he joined the board of the Alliance ridiculous to say blindness played no he’s worked for almost four years, so he for Equality of Blind Canadians when role in any of those decisions.” In 2015, can walk to his job now. But the train is he was 27. He’s also been involved with he was denied service at a restaurant in still vital for getting anywhere else in the Barrier-Free Canada, which advocates for Red Deer, which is illegal federal disability legislation, and he was under Alberta’s Service part of the push to get Edmonton Transit Dogs Act. (He happened System buses equipped with automated to be with the CNIB’s stop announcements, in 2015. Now he director of public affairs; works as a policy analyst with the Alberta they filed a complaint government. All that to say: Comments with the Red Deer RCMP like “You do okay for yourself” don’t and called the Red Deer surprise Workman anymore, because Advocate.) Even as he he’s spent his life thinking about why lives independently, the they occur. world insists on seeing “Common among all minorities is the him a certain way. fact that you have to work harder to be Workman has a genetic seen as competent,” Workman says. “He condition called retinitis was saying, ‘I’m impressed by you only in pigmentosa, or RP, and the sense that I expected less, and you it progressed quickly. He A blind disability exceeded that.’ I’ve heard it many, many was five years old when times.” he was diagnosed. He advocate It’s complicated, though, because figures he was legally explains how Workman is doing okay for himself. In blind by age 10. (“Legally Canada, he says, a blind person living blind” means he had he sees Oliver independently is rare, and in many 20/200 vision; he could — and how his cultures it’s unheard of. Workman, in see at 20 feet what contrast, lives on his own. He subscribes someone with 20/20 neighbourhood to a visual-assistant app called Aira, and could see from 200 feet.) sees him uses his iPhone’s screen-reader, called Although he has light VoiceOver, to navigate his smartphone. perception in his right He has a sister he’s close with who eye, he has no vision at helps him with tasks, like updating his all in his left.

22 THE YARDS | SUMMER 2019 THE YARDS | SUMMER 2019 23 city. He has a few strategies for walking: But every walk has its obstacles – often as other stations did. The warning strips Workman, with Bella at his left, heads depression. A community that makes it A NEW VIEW FOR CNIB He remembers if the last number of an the kind with four wheels and an engine. were upgraded about a year later, but to his tailor’s. Rather than turning off harder for blind people to interact will address is even, the building will be north According to the City of Edmonton, a there are still impediments. Edmonton’s Jasper Avenue at the stairs, the pair walk naturally create blind people who feel In April 2019, demolition began on of the avenue. The grid setup downtown pedestrian’s chances of survival are only LRT has two kinds of trains, and the to the end of the block and turn around more isolated. “But these things aren’t the old Canadian National Institute 45 per cent if hit by a vehicle moving at buttons on each one are located in so he can count the steps. A man across inevitable,” Workman says. “That’s why for the Blind building. Stationed along 50 kilometres per hour, so he has to be different spots. And neither of the the street yells at no one in particular we have to change our environment to Jasper Avenue and 120 St., it was an “For the visually especially vigilant. Quiet vehicles are a two train types have doors that open and Workman turns his head. A piece of make them less likely. That’s evidence for assortment of brown brick blocks, problem, too: According to the Guardian, automatically. To decipher which one sidewalk sticks out skyward, threatening why we need to act.” which fit in across the street from the impaired, the compared to conventional vehicles, is approaching, Workman has learned to trip someone who’s distracted or, for It’s difficult to build better communities, Beth Shalom synagogue and next to quiet-running electric cars are about 40 to differentiate them by an almost that matter, visually impaired. Here, by 112 but it doesn’t have to be. It can be as an unsuspecting stip mall. But that per cent likelier to hit a pedestrian, and imperceptible difference in pitch. “I don’t Street, with five lanes of traffic whirling simple as automatic doors and tactical area of Jasper Avenue is changing— giant parking 93 per cent of blind and partially sighted get it 100 per cent of the time,” he says. by, it can be disorienting for anyone. strips, or not assuming someone with The Pearl being the tallest example— people have had issues with them. Still, Workman has inquired about making the But Jasper is actually easier for a disability is less capable. Oliver, and so is the CNIB building. lots can be Oliver is more accessible than most doors open automatically but the City Workman to navigate. Downtown cores the centre of a flourishing, young, It was an old building, too, built neighbourhoods in Edmonton, Workman rebuffed him. The next step would have usually are. The traffic signals are more multicultural city, is more than just a in 1940. So around 2014 the CNIB dangerous and says, but it’s missing things like the accessible, and he has a better sense neighbourhood: It’s a promise to be made the decision to build a new yellow tactical strips so prominent in San for which direction vehicles are moving inclusive and respect each other while one. Now ONE Properties is building Francisco, or the prevalence of audio “While much of in. More than that, though, is how dense living in close quarters. Someone saying what will be a 32-storey tower with disorienting” signals at intersections in Vancouver. the avenue is, and how different that is “Considering you’re blind” breaks that four retail spaces on the ground “I’ve probably had a few close calls, but from areas like Oliver Square and the promise. When Workman advocates for floor and a 10,000-square-foot CNIB helps him navigate, just like numbered I wouldn’t necessarily know,” he says, Oliver is fairly Brewery District. It’s easier to find stores, a more accessible neighbourhood, or office occupying the second floor. streets. When he feels he’s about 20 feet chuckling. “There have been a couple which are right along the avenue and when he responds to a crass comment, The CNIB will reserve a percentage from the intersection, he begins listening times where I ended up on a totally accessible, Oliver unencumbered by parking lots. he’s not asking anyone to bend over of the tower’s rental apartments for for cues that tell him when to cross, different corner than I intended to.” backwards to accommodate him. He’s its clients—a nod to the old building, like which direction traffic is moving Even the train he’s arriving for can Square and the reminding us that every citizen, without which was built as residence for in, or the beep of audible signals. Not be challenging. In August 2012, a blind “A community fail, has a right to these streets, these people who are visually impaired. all intersections have them, of course, woman named Zaidee Jensen, whom Brewery District services, this community, and the dignity Designed by the architect Chris so he’ll pay attention to stationary Workman went to university with, died that comes with it—and that once we Downey, who lost his vision at age vehicles, too. If this idling vehicle had the after she fell from the ledge of University that makes realize we’ve broken that promise, we 45, the dazzling, ultra-modern tower opportunity to turn right and didn’t, he station. The station’s platform didn’t are outliers” have two choices. We can give up, but will embody the idea that a space thinks, it must be turning left or driving have the same kind of bumps, which it harder for it’s easy to give up. Why not live up to it built for someone who’s blind will straight through. warn people who are visually impaired, been to take the issue to city council, instead? also benefit someone who’s not. and he knows there would have been blind people resistance. “That’s one I considered fighting more for,” he says, “but I kind of to interact will let it go.” Pick your battles, he learned. While much of Oliver is fairly accessible, naturally create Oliver Square and the Brewery District are outliers. For the visually impaired, blind people the giant parking lots can be dangerous and disorienting. It’s difficult to tell who feel more which direction vehicles are moving in, and slower driving makes them hard isolated” to hear. Workman avoids these spaces altogether. This gets to something fundamental Jasper Avenue represents our city about how we build our neighbourhoods. in full. The cacophony isn’t a bug but Whether it’s the noiseless electric a feature. The density, walkability, vehicles or oceanic parking lots, there’s abundance of businesses, the fact that a continuous rivalry between drivers 20,000 people residents share the space and pedestrians, between making is what makes our neighbourhood livable. our communities more walkable and That’s part of why Workman moved encouraging urban activity, or making here, but it’s also part of what brings them more drivable and easier to park thousands of us here from other cities, in. The issue of accessibility highlights or from rural and suburban communities. this opposition, because people with Downtown, we’re connected by what we disabilities are adversely affected. When have in common; what makes it livable build more parking lots, when we favour for Workman makes it livable for the rest cars over pedestrians, we should ask: of us, too. Who benefits, and whose lives are we Of course, cities can be lonely, too— risking? and more so for people with disabilities. People who are blind are more than three times as likely to experience

24 THE YARDS | SUMMER 2019 BACKYARDS | COREQUESTIONS

LIBRARIES BOISSONNAULT build better communities MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT FOR EDMONTON CENTRE DÉPUTÉ D’EDMONTON-CENTRE

Every Sunday, I leave Oliver to find a safe space Henderson talked about. years, the time it takes most branches to workspace that checks two boxes: a hum The situation is particularly difficult for transform from concept to opening, Oliver’s of conversation and an empty table for my elderly residents who may not have social population is expected to have grown laptop. A library would check those boxes, connections in their own homes, and for further. The statistics suggest Oliver will but most areas in Oliver are at least a lower income families who cannot afford a need a library by EPL’s current policies, but half-hour walk from the closest libraries— trip to the movies every weekend. Libraries they don’t account for our uniquely-dense Enterprise Square and Strathcona. If you’re matter for people with disabilities, for new population. By some measures, Oliver is walking from west Oliver, that time almost immigrants, for students, for parents, and Edmonton’s most dense neighbourhood, a HOPE doubles. for everyone in between. far cry from the urban sprawl around the On the weekend, a coffee house is Libraries also nourish neighbouring edges of the city. the only local workspace outside my businesses. The Oliver Community League’s Edmonton Public Library has a HARD WORK apartment. Don’t get me wrong, I love my recent community survey found that the thoughtful, strategic plan for library Sunday trips to the coffee house, but I’m number one service residents leave the expansion. EPL leadership reviews their expected to drop four dollars on a coffee neighbourhood for is a library. When you branch and service point development and there are no research resources. An leave your neighbourhood for the day, your policies every three years, recognizing that Oliver library would address both concerns. wallet leaves with you. the needs must be re-assessed regularly. My neighbourhood has zero non-athletic On Valentine’s Day 2020, Edmonton’s I encourage EPL to review these policies public facilities for its 19,000 residents, rejuvenated Stanley A. Milner Library and understand that Oliver can no longer outside of MacEwan University on our is slated to open. The Milner will be a follow EPL’s traditional assessment of northern boundary. We no longer have massive facility serving all of Edmonton, library service needs. Our neighbourhood a community hall. We’re isolated in our Oliver included. But Oliver is not your is dense, diverse and lacks public facilities. condominium towers and developers typical neighbourhood. It’s unique. It’s not In Oliver’s future, a small branch library threaten our limited green spaces. More downtown, but pulses with a population might co-locate with a new community than ever, we need public facilities that density of a downtown. And it’s growing. By hall. Or a storefront library could slide into spark human connection, encourage new 2050, the city expects Oliver’s population a commercial strip on Jasper Avenue. Either friendships and support people in need. to approach 30,000. way, now is the time to begin planning. At the Alberta Library Conference this The EPL considers developing a library Let’s hope our booming neighbourhood year, councillors from Edmonton and when an area’s population reaches 20,000 will one day have its own library—for Calgary who serve on their library boards residents, is expected to grow to 30,000 our children, our elderly, people with spoke about public libraries. Among them within the next five years and when there disabilities, those looking for human was Councilor Ben Henderson. “One of the is no other library within five kilometres. connection, and those who would love to Get in touch! things that libraries do really well is create In 2019, an Oliver library would serve walk to the library on a Sunday afternoon. 780-442-1888 Edmonton’s Voice in Ottawa. a safe space for people,” he said. 19,000 of our own as well as some of the [email protected] In Oliver, we are missing the indoor, 7,000 Queen Mary Park residents. In 10 BY: Graeme Matichuk r.boissonnault @r_boissonnault 26 THE YARDS | SUMMER 2019 TH RDS PATIO SUMMER H PRT ACCESSIBILITY IN THE CORE June 20th Doors at 6:30 PM Speaker at 7:30 PM Hendrix 31st Floor Rooftop lounge & Patio (9733 111 St NW) $5 Cash at the Door Admission Join us a night of networking with your community Sponsored by Zenari’s