FALL 2016 • FREE

THE DOWNTOWN COMMUNITY LEAGUE AND THE OLIVER COMMUNITY LEAGUE NEWSMAGAINE

MAKING HISTORY. BUT HOW? predictions for 10 the

Board to Death Surviving your condo neighbours Pipe Down! Residents take on motorbikes + 7-11 Food Hacks the

FALL 2016 inside PUBLISHER FRONTYARDS JARRETT CAMPBELL 4 COMMUNITY 6 OLIVER COMMUNITY EDITOR LEAGUE UPDATES Controversy surrounds a new OMAR MOUALLEM tower; an update on the Jasper Ave. INTERIM ART DIRECTOR 5 DOWNTOWN COMMUNITY makeover; fresh faces in the league; ERIK GRICE A new film series about the core; parks plus community events. Jennifer Windsor (on leave) are going on the chopping block; plus EDITORIAL INTERN community events. 8 AROUND THE CORE Kalyna Hennig A grab bag of hidden gems, VIPs, CONTRIBUTING EDITOR gossip and noteworthy events Lee Craig, Rhonda Kronyk CONTRIBUTORS 12 EXTRAORDINARY Jessica Barratt, Jeff Day, NEIGHBOURS Jeffrey Dekker, Jeremy Too many children never step foot on Derksen, Lizzie Derksen, downtown pavement—until they meet Ryan Frost, Mike Kuby, David Mrs. Hut. Then they never see their McBean, Jodie Mckague, Jyllian city the same way again. Park, Samantha Power MARKETING & EVENTS OPEN YEAR-ROUND! Sona Chavda ACCOUNT MANAGERS Travis Riedlhuber, EVERY SATURDAY Katie Turner THIRD PARTY AD SALES 9 AM TO 3 PM Carto Media GOVERNANCE BOARD CHAIR Jarrett Campbell 18 TREASURER 11 The List Eric Hermanns A high-end chef’s guide to SECRETARY Lee Craig low-brow, late-night snacking Hopes, Dreams, with 7-11 ingredients COMMUNITY LEAGUE JOIN US ON 104TH STREET FROM MAY LONG Fears and Anxieties REPRESENTATIVES How will the Ice District change our core? Lisa Brown, Marjorie Henderson & Nobody knows, but everybody has an idea. Simon Yackulic (Oliver); Chris Buyze, WEEKEND TO THANKSGIVING LONG Here are 10 predictions. Milap Petigara & Scott Winder (DECL) INTERVIEWS BY OMAR MOUALLEM DIRECTORS AT LARGE: The Condo Carolyn Jervis, Rhonda Kronyk, WEEKEND. THEN FIND US UNDER THE Adriana Amelio, Carolyn Jervis, 14 Board BACKYARDS Ben Whynot Survival CONTACT US BEAUTIFUL GLASS PYRAMID ON THE MAIN 23 CORE QUESTIONS The Yards Magazine Guide Can loud motor-bikers and patio diners 1011, 10301 104 St. NW A comprehensive on Jasper Ave. get along? Edmonton, AB T5J 1B9 FLOOR OF CITY HALL! breakdown of every issue, ADVERTISING SALES foreign word and colourful 24 INFOMAGIC [email protected] character you might find The North Saskatchewan River Valley, Published by on your path to harmonious now and tomorrow The Central Edmonton homeownership in the core News Society BY JYLLIAN PARK 26 YOU ARE HERE in partnership with Snapshots from last summer’s community events

ON THE WEB Pokémon Safari in Oliver How residents are rediscovering—and reinvigorating—their www.city­market.ca neighbourhood through the wildly popular app. theyardsyeg.ca BY DAVID MCBEAN theyardsyeg.ca/pokemon-oliver facebook.com/theyardsyeg THE YARDS FALL 2016 2 @theyardsyeg FRONTYARDS

Downtown Edmonton Community League FALL DECL board of directors: Chris DECL EVENTS here is a lot of development and invest- 3. Clarifying the Urbanism Rules: Recent Buyze (President), Ian O’Donnell (VP), Tment in Downtown to celebrate, but rejected “megabar” applications have Milap Petigara (Treasurer), Jillian Gamez there is also still a lot undone. We need to raised the need for fine-tuning of our (Secretary), Phil Anhorn, Erin Duebel, SEPT. 3, OCT. 1 keep looking critically at improving our city zoning bylaws. Sensitivity to Downtown’s Yvonne Epp, Laurissa Kalinowsky, Parks for Sale Membership Table (especially our urban areas), as we’re coming mixed-use nature and the desire to Christie Lutsiak, Alena Manera, Jarrett In a rapidly expanding core, parks are at the City Market Downtown from behind in many respects. With that in continue to attract residents (including Mykytiuk, Chris Pilon and Scott Winder. becoming a negotiated space Come get your new 2016/17 memberships for mind, here’s your league’s wish list for the families!) means our high-density core Rosvita Dransfeld $5 and get free access to the Don Wheaton heart of Edmonton: needs clearer rules to prevent disruptive decl.org rank Oliver Park’s flowerbeds and mani- YMCA Sunday afternoons. • 9am–3pm, 1. Separated Bike Lanes: Councillor businesses from ruining the street for [email protected] Fcured shrubs are a brief square of colour 104th St. and Jasper Ave Scott McKeen and Stantec’s initiative to all of us. We love our nightlife, but at the @declorg opening the vista of the . It’s Downtown implement a “minimum grid” separated right scale and in the right location. accessible to Edmonton’s many residents and SEPT. 10 bike lanes pilot makes sense. While very 4. Developing Surface Parking: Surface visitors. And it’s for sale. CornFest 2016 few Edmontonians commute by bicycle, parking lots do nothing for Downtown It may come as a shock, but like the Docs Drop by to renew your membership, grab some that, we believe, is because of lacking safe vibrancy or community. Provincial rules Melcor-owned park on 102 St. and Jasper, or A film series all about your neighbourhood free corn-on-the-cob and check out the debut infrastructure. The pilot is actually quite about taxation do not encourage owners the proposed urban balcony project in the of our Urban Agricultural Fair! Balcony in 104 AVE a cheap project that’s had big returns in to build on empty lots. Edmonton and OCL Quarters, Frank Oliver Park is an example of atch a great flick with old friends Blooms winners will also be announced. 118 ST. 116 ST. 103 AVE • other cities, including ones with similar Calgary are lobbying to change the rules. 112 ST. 111 ST. 109 ST. 105 ST. 104 ST. 103 ST. private property posing as a public space. Cand new neighbours at Downtown 11am–3pm, Beaverhills House Park, winters, like Calgary. 5. More Community Programming: We’re 102 AVE When ProCura bought it from the Docs at the DECL Community Space 105 St. and Jasper Ave. 2. Better Streetscaping: While roads like doing more events than ever. This year Fairmont, in 2009, chief operations officer and All Saints Lutheran Church. The 104 St. have been made more pedestrian we’re proud to add the Balconies in Bloom JASPER AVE Randy Ferguson said that it should never be free monthly film series starts Sept. 27 SEPT. 28 DECL and retail friendly, we have literal miles to awards (with an urban agriculture fair 100 AVE blocked by a tower. Today, judging from the and the league will take care of snacks Downtown Docs go. The OCL fought against the status quo component), plus a mini film festival (p. 5). sign for a future development on it, there’s and a cash bar. Just show up and get to The first of the film series, where we feature for the west side of Jasper Ave. (p. 6), but Events are our way of connecting residents nothing holding ProCura to that earlier know the community better through local films by local directors, feature’s Anti-So- every central Edmonton street, especially with new and returning community promise. Grant Pearsell, director of parks three movies by local filmmakers, like cial Limited by Rosie Drensfeld, who’ll be in right Downtown, deserves better. The league members. If you have ideas and What’s a Community League? and biodiversity with the City of Edmonton, Rosvita Dransfeld. Director of Broke, attendance. • 7pm, DECL Community Space, 10042 103 St. City ought to budget this as a priority, not suggestions for future programming, we’d Community Leagues are unique to says if the park space disappeared it would the Gemini-nominated documentary as an afterthought. love to hear from you. work to find replacement space, but that does about an inner-city pawnshop, Drans- Edmonton. They’re inclusive, grassroots, nothing to protect the glorious view of the feld will be in attendance to screen her OCT. 7 -9 community-based organizations found Hotel Mac from Jasper Ave. 2014 filmAnti-Social Limited. We caught Up + Downtown Music Festival @ DECL in each of this city’s 150-plus neigh- As downtown redevelopment takes hold, up with her to find how downtown We are proud to be a festival venue partner Oliver Community League bourhoods. They facilitate healthy, safe, and land prices increase, Pearsell says the influences her movies. —Jessica Barratt again this year. Concerts at DECL feature Jody City is looking to relationships with private Glenham and the Dreamers, Lucette and informed and connected communities ommunity League Day is again upon As for why should you care? The OCL developers to ensure park space is provided. What is it about this city that more. • Full festival details at updt.ca. Cus. This day, every third Saturday of helps shape our community. The league by promoting participation in recreation, Most recently, it worked with Norquest in its keeps you making films here? DECL Community Space, 10042 103 St. September, is set aside to celebrate neigh- believes in the power of neighbours knowing social activities and civic advocacy at the redevelopment to include park space. “That’s It’s really a world-class place. I think bourhood associations. Sometimes we get neighbours; the requirement of building sidewalk level. They’re volunteer-run and a way to make our dollars stretch further.” Edmontonians need to be prouder of NOV. 17 asked what exactly is a community league developers respecting our community’s But finding green space is always more everything they’ve accomplished. Some of Fall Regular General Meeting promote volunteerism because getting and why should we care? needs; the importance of recreation, difficult in the heart of Edmonton. Muni- the programs invented here [like Project for Members An explanation of these inclusive walkability, ease and safety of movement in involved is a great way to learn more about cipal urban planners calculate the amount KARE, or the Edmonton Food Bank] have Here’s an opportunity for members to meet organizations is printed on this page every Oliver; and the significance of inclusion of its your neighbourhood and city. It’s also a of necessary park area at 1.4 hectares per been adopted internationally. the board, ask questions and find out what’s issue (see sidebar), but it’s important to residents. This is why you should care. More fantastic opportunity to learn valuable thousand people, and they take into account going on in their community, plus hear from remember that although leagues are similar importantly, this is why you should become private park spaces. But what happens when How has Edmonton’s inner-city inspired an insightful guest speaker. • 7pm, DECL professional skills, meet your neighbours in that they are volunteer-run and volun- involved. those spaces are developed? asks Justin some of your films? Community Space, 10042 103 St. teer-driven, they each have their individual Attend an event, join a committee, or read and have fun. Join the movement today! Keats, DECL’s former garden director, who is When I’m making films, I like to get very nuances. Some leagues, like Oliver’s, repre- the magazine—it all adds up and creates this now with the OCL. “We need more of a guar- close to people with my camera. Because MONDAYS STARTING SEPT. 12 sent tens of thousands of people (19,000 to great place we call home, this great place antee these spaces can be around longer.” Edmonton has less of a ‘city’ feel, it’s easier Urban Kids Playgroup be specific); others only represent a couple called Oliver. Some fun events to participate The OCL knows first-hand how difficult it to meet people from all walks of life and Meet other parents and kids ages 0–5 of thousand. While property development in are coming up, including Community is to navigate private parks and land swaps. get to know them personally. There aren’t Downtown. We’ve had so much interest, play- may be a priority for some leagues, kids League Day. This year we are very excited to OCL board of directors: Lisa Brown The community’s Peace Garden Park has as many ‘uppities’ as you might find in ground is now every Monday. • 10–11:30am, soccer and day care are priorities for others. have Planet Organic – Jasper Ave. proudly (President), Craig Lidstone (Vice- moved three times since 2009. The City other cities. DECL Community Space, 10042 103 St. Leagues are reflections of the communities sponsoring Oliver’s Community League president), Simon Yackulic (Secretary), owns the land the garden now occupies, and themselves. Day celebrations. Join us on September 17 Mary McPhail (Treasurer), Anika Gee, leases the space to the OCL for free. “Parks What is some advice you might give SEPT. 16, OCT. 21 AND NOV. 18 In Edmonton, community leagues are to learn more about our league and to meet Marjorie Henderson, Justin Keats, are integral to our health and to reconnect burgeoning Edmonton filmmakers? Urban Kids Family Night connected by an organization called the your neighbours and have some fun (p. 5 Rowan Kunitz, Luwam Kiflemariam, Tim with nature within the hustle of the city,” It’s important to really find the story before Our monthly children’s game night is where Edmonton Federation of Community for more details). And later in September, Mallandaine, Angelika Matson, Marija says Keats. “We need to be able to spend more you start filming. I tackle big subjects with kids—and parents—can play, explore and Leagues and supported by the City of be sure to check out the Main Street Petrovic, Erin Wright and Hossein Zahiri. time emphasizing what these spaces do for my films, but if you find the right char- make friends in their neighbourhood. Edmonton. While the notion of community installation and programming on Jasper people. And you can’t always put a dollar acters, or story, that will make a project • 6–8:30pm, DECL Community Space, may seem old-fashioned, it’s a highly valued Ave., meant to spark conversation on what olivercommunity.com value on this type of thing.” — Sam Power • successful. 10042 103 St. concept in Edmonton. Oliver’s main street was meant to be. • [email protected] 780-454-2450 4 THE YARDS FALL 2016 EDMONTON’S CENTRAL MAGAZINE FALL 2016 5 FRONTYARDS

specialist at the University of achieve with these tall buildings.” “That’s not something that we asked for; it’s Years in Oliver: 4 Renovating Onward and Not everyone is pleased about the project something that they offered,” Martin says of Why did you join the board? I feel proud in its current state. Dustin Martin, the the cash, which could go toward beautifying to call Oliver my home and I wanted to give Oliver’s Upwards OCL’s civics director, wished the project parks, upgrading back by putting my skills to use and creating a were altered before it was brought before playground equipment Neighbourly positive change. Living Room Will the Emerald Tower be Oliver’s crown city council—and approved—in June. “From or a new community What do you love most about Oliver? jewel or royal pain? the urban design perspective, it’s better to hall. Faces Our community is one of the densest have more eyes on the street, more active According neighbourhoods in Alberta, but I also think t’s been a year since the City’s open ne floor of street-level retail, three uses, more vibrancy,” says Martin. And to Anderson, Earlier this year the Oliver Community League we have the most diversity and hidden gems. I Ihouse invited us to help dramatically Oof parking and 41 of condominiums. while that’s achieved by street-level retail, donations to affected voted in a whole slate of new members at its love our old trees, the Bubble Houses and the makeover the west side of Jasper Ave. Stack them in that order and you’ve got the he explains, the same goal is hindered by the communities are a annual general meeting. We met with a few 124 Grand Market. I often use #OliverProud Another round of public engagement is in Emerald Tower, coming soon to Jasper Ave. podium’s three stories of coloured glass with normal means for of them to find out what they love most about on my Instagram. the works before the 18-month planning Without the invisible ceiling once imposed little inside them but empty cars and storage. communities to their community and what they hope for What would you change overnight if you process, branded as Imagine Jasper by the City Centre Airport, such grand This model drives down the price of each redeploy resources Oliver’s future. — Kalyna Hennig could? I’d have more affordable family- Avenue, concludes with a finalized buildings like the Emerald could become the condominium unit (a win for proponents and mitigate the friendly housing and an updated rec centre concept plan, tentatively in February norm in Oliver. So what could this evolution of affordable housing) but does nothing for upheaval caused by Name: Tim Mallandaine, with a library. 2017. Once approved, construction will in our skyline mean? Jasper’s safety or image, he says. large-scale projects. Director at Large take some years to start, says Edmonton “We’re going to see housing take different But from the perspective of Regency But the OCL would Occupation: Voice coach and Name: Anika Gee, Make chief planner Peter Ohm. kinds of forms, shapes and sizes,” says Kalen Developments, below-grade parking would rather have seen their owner of Songkraft Studio Something Oliver Director The project’s true purpose is to Anderson. The City’s director of planning add about $50,000 to each residential sale, concerns addressed Years in Oliver: 7 Occupation: Volunteer reconstruct Jasper’s road base, coordination says towers like the Emerald thus pricing out a lot of homebuyers. The more concretely. “I Why did you join the board? I joined to and program coordinator at but under immense pressure from and 2015’s the Pearl, which share a developer, Pearl, which has underground parking, like to think that city create a role for OCL in the arts. I want to Sorrentino’s Compassion House Oliver residents, council asked the are a natural part of any Canadian city’s hardly broke even, developer Raj Dhunna council takes the begin a dialogue to discover what the arts Years in Oliver: 5 transportation department to rebuild it growth. “We have to stretch ourselves to told the Edmonton Journal. input of communities mean in Oliver and build on that. Why did you join the board? It’s my way of as a “complete street”—one that will not think differently about urban living,” says Martin is also concerned about its seriously,” says What do you love most about Oliver? You giving my best effort to make sure our piece exist entirely for the benefit of motorists, Anderson, citing the influx of residents, enormous shadow. “We don’t want to see a Martin, “but in this can’t go a day without meeting someone new. of Edmonton is the best it can be. but also for pedestrians, cyclists and new commercial space and neighbourhood wall of towers shadowing our public parks.” scenario it didn’t seem What would you change overnight if What do you love most about Oliver? residents as a whole. The project’s $19 vibrancy as reasons to grow to such great That impact could be somewhat mitigated by to go that way.”• – you could? I’d create a greater awareness of The people. They’re friendly, caring and have million budget is approved, but it’ll heights. “It’s up to us to see what we can a $200,000 donation to the OCL by Regency. Ryan Frost and connection between artists and Oliver, a pride in Oliver. The sense of community only cover the roadway replacement. with the hopes of greater opportunities and we’ve managed to foster in such a high- Streetscape work will require additional benefits for both. density neighbourhood is impressive. funding from the next capital budget What would you change overnight if you once the concept plan is complete. Name: Majorie Henderson, could? We’d all wake up to a beautiful new “Jasper Ave. is Oliver’s living room,” Director of Communications hall with more space for ongoing programs says Ohm. In the City’s most recent Occupation: Communications and maybe even a library! survey residents have made their top priorities clear: more sidewalk cafes and patios, street trees and landscaping, and barbecue in our beautiful park round broader sidewalks for better movement FALL out the day. • Starts 2pm; beer garden and and mingling, and more support OCL EVENTS barbecue at 5pm, Oliver Park, 10326 118 St. of nighttime activities with better lighting.“Certainly the question has to SEPT 18, OCT 16, NOV 20 be asked, Where do we get the room for SEPT 12, OCT 10, NOV 14 Ollie’s Treehouse that if not from the traffic lanes?” says Civics Committee Inclusive Playgroup Ohm. “The answers will be coming.” In This fully engaged committee meets on the Come let your little ones run around the other words, they don’t know yet. But second Monday of the month to discuss hall and play with friends. Held every third he acknowledges that sacrifices to car developments in Oliver. • 7pm, Oliver Sunday, Ollie’s is a great place to meet other commuters will have to be made to find Community Hall 10326 118 St. parents and make new friends. the right balance for the project as a • 4pm, Oliver Community Hall, 10326 118 St. whole. — Kalyna Hennig SEPT 17 Oliver Community League Day SEPT 21, OCT 19, NOV 16 presented by Planet Organic Events and Programs Committee TOP ANSWERS FROM A CITY SURVEY If you like event planning, this is the (Jasper Ave.) What do people like most about Jasper Ave.? Join the league as we celebrate Community committee for you. • 6:30pm, Oliver League Day. We’re delighted to have our Community Hall, 10326 118 St. 1. Connects the community proud event sponsor and partner, Planet 2. Represents Edmonton’s history Organic (Jasper Ave.) onsite with snacks. SEPT 23, OCT 21, NOV 18 3. Close to the River Valley Members of all ages are welcome as the Walking Pub Crawl of Oliver Edmonton Public Library kicks off the day Meet with new and old friends at the hall What do people dislike about Jasper Ave.? with MakerSpace tools. Or try your hand (and every month, before walking to pre-deter- 1. Not visually appealing whole body) at bubble soccer! A beer garden mined locations to enjoy the Oliver nightlife. 2. Sidewalks too narrow • 8pm, starts at Oliver Community Hall, 3. Doesn’t connect well to destinations off the avenue 6 THE YARDS FALL 2016 10326 118 St. FRONTYARDS

all proceeds go to supporting its community create memorable appies for this holiday their trippy tricks. There’s also jack-o-lantern AROUND HALLOWEEN THE CORE programs. • $20, 5pm, Robertson-Wesley season that will have your guests talking. carving and trick-or-treating at the City United Church, 10209 123 St., rwuc.org To register, email gail@seasonedsolutions. SEPT. 30–NOV 5 Market Downtown. • 12–4pm, Churchill ca. • 11am-4pm, Seasoned Solutions, Deadmonton Sq., edmontonarts.ca OCT. 5 seasonedsolutions.ca Face your fears at Deadmonton Haunted BY KALYNA HENNIG [email protected] Sides for Thanksgiving: House and scream your way through this Express Demo Class year’s all-too-real experience inside the FAMILY-FRIENDLY Want to bring more flavour and colour to your bowels of an old cinema house. See website SEPT. 10 Lindy West Thanksgiving table this year? Chef Gail Hall for details on daily operating hours. Welcome Back BBQ FEAST FOR THE EYES leads this quick cooking demo to teach you • $20-40, Paramount Theatre, 10233 Join All Saints’ Cathedral and the DECL OCT. 13–23 WEDNESDAYS how to spice up your holiday meal. Learn Jasper Ave., deadmontonhouse.com in welcoming back the community from LitFest 2016 Cinema at the Centre how to perfect your stuffing or take this as summer. All are welcome to this free For 11 days, cafes, shops, performance Enjoy a screening of independent, foreign an opportunity to learn how to amp up the OCT. 28 barbecue with activities, entertainment venues and concert halls across and classic movies inside the library’s competition on Gran’s famous cranberry Spooky Organ Recital and good company. • 12:30–3pm, All Edmonton will open their doors to large theatre. Check out the website for the sauce. Reserve a spot by emailing gail@ This mysterious atmosphere will be full of Saints’ Anglican Cathedral, 10035 103 St., showcase the most talented voices line-up. • 6:30–8:30pm, Stanley Milner seasonedsolutions.ca. • 6:30–8:30pm, ghouls while you snack on Halloween treats allsaintscathedral.com in literary nonfiction from all over the Library, epl.ca Seasoned Solutions, seasonedsolutions.ca and enjoy Robertson-Wesley United Church’s globe. As Canada’s only nonfiction Tokyo Police Club organist play out some creepy tunes in the NOV. 26 festival, you won’t want to miss out TILL OCT. 1 NOV. 4 spirit of Halloween. Admission is $15 at the Rummage Sale on the action—meet authors, listen Crafting Conscience Chili Cook Off OCT. 7–9 door. • 11pm, Roberston-Wesley United Pop in to Memorial Hall and find everything to readings, be a part of important Canada has long had a tradition of Kick off Rodeo Week with Edmonton’s 26th Up + Downtown Music Festival Church, 10209 123 St. you never knew you needed at this annual conversations about current events craftspeople making both art and provocative Annual Chili Cook Off. Taste the varieties and This multi-venue music festival rummage sale. Browse the treasures and and take writing-workshops led by statements at once. Crafting Conscience vote for your faves from some of the city’s celebrates the independent music OCT. 31 the bargains and find jewellery, linens, award-winning professionals. This features recent works of Albertans that finest restaurants, as well as some talented industry and boasts over 50 talented Scare on the Square housewares, appliances, home decor, art, year’s speakers include Shrill author examine some of the most complex and hobbyists. • Churchill Sq., edmonton.ca/ artists across genres. Get an Get the kids and yourself into your costumes gardening items, electronics, toys, sporting Lindy West and CANADALAND’s compelling social issues in our world today, rodeoweek all-access weekend pass ($110) or and join this spook-tacular event. You’ll get goods, hardware, games, craft supplies … Jesse Brown, who’ll be recording a live including Syrian refugees, environmental tickets for individual shows ($8–$33), lost in the hay-bale maze, enjoy a wagon ride the discoveries are endless! • 9am–3pm, episode of the popular podcast. issues, political freedom, gender roles and NOV. 24 including Tokyo Police Club, Basia and watch in horror as some of Edmonton’s Robertson-Wesley United Church, 10209 • Various locations, litfestalberta.org more. • Alberta Craft Council, 10186 106 Trendy Appetizers: Hands-On Class Bulat, White Lung and comedian scariest magicians and illusionists show off 123 St., rwuc.org St., albertacraft.ab.ca Sign up for this hands-on cooking class Bruce McCulloch. • Various with Chef Gail Hall and cook the day away downtown venues, updt.ca SEPT. 17–DEC. 31 with a glass of wine in hand. Learn how to Every Story Has Two Sides Canadian contemporary artists Damian Moppett and Ron Moppett collaborate to explore the history of art through assemblage NONFICTION and collage. By crossing and interpreting the historical and the modern, they showcase the Season know it from the energy on the “YEG Like Reality TV. similarities of various artistic practices over Downtown Moms” Facebook Group. time. • , 2 Churchill Its mere 60 members have been very But Smarter. Sq., youraga.ca Shout-Outs! active, sharing tips, worries and questions about how to bring up baby OCT. 1 ave you noticed sturdy and steel in the core. It’s a great place for young Edmonton Short Film Festival lime green stems cropping up moms to connect in the virtual space, Enjoy these Albertan quick flicks, from Haround town? Those are Steam as well as the physical, when they meet 30-sec trailers to 15-min short films that Whistle Brewing’s bike repair regularly at Café Tiramisu and the are sure to capture your long-term attention stations for DIY fixes. You’ll see one just DECL Community Space. spans. Tickets start at $17.50 (online) or outside Kelly’s Pub on 104 St., complete The museum’s new downtown home $20 (at door) and include admission to a with a tire pump and tools, so you’ll won’t be finished for another year, but Red Carpet Gala, pre-film popcorn, hors rarely have to walk your velo home with you can get involved now by joining d’oeuvres, live music and cash bar. • 6pm, a flat tire. the board of the Friends of Royal , 12845 102 Ave., Robertson-Wesley United Church Alberta Museum Society. Established esff.ca brings back its Spiritual Arts in 1982, it supports the RAM through OCTOBER 13–23, 2016 Collective for the fourth consecutive fundraising and runs programs like 30+ DOWNTOWN EVENTS FOR year. But this time they’re doing it “Go!” so low-income Albertans can AVID READERS & CURIOUS FOLK FOR THE FOODIES differently, by hiring several artists- access the museum with ease. SEPT. 24 Celebrating 10 years of INFO: litfestalberta.org in-residence in the areas of media arts, Email Peggi at [email protected] fearless nonfiction. Italian Dinner photography, film, and physical theatre to apply. – Staff • FOLLOW: @LitFestYEG Have a taste of Italy at Robertson-Wesley or dance—and, yes, that might include United Church and savour a locally famous clowns (wruc.org). Want to share central Edmonton gossip? spaghetti, a surprise dessert and wine bar. In There aren’t many young parents in Got some news to spread? Give us a shout case you need one more reason to say yes, Central Edmonton, but you wouldn’t at [email protected].

8 THE YARDS FALL 2016 EDMONTON’S CENTRAL MAGAZINE FALL 2016 9 THE LIST 7-11 HACKS New Life from the third floor all the way into the basement.” A high-end chef’s guide to low-brow, Now with the Gibson in the repair stages, late-night snacking for the the program, which hopes to re-open its doors in the fall, sees the crisis as Gibson Block opportunity. “We’ll increase access to our BY JODIE MCKAGUE @JODIEMCKAGUE elders and our community, as well as events ILLUSTRATION BY JEFFREY DEKKER that are going on, and we want to partner PHOTOGRAPHY BY MIKE KUBY @JEFFREYDEKKER with other organizations in the community @MIKEKUBY for this to be an official place for Aboriginal ceremonies.” says Tellier. WEAC also n April 26, a fire at the Gibson wants to make its programming more illiep Lament has cooked at high-end Block—one of Edmonton’s most accessible for women to come in, volunteer, eateries in Montreal. Locally, he’s Oiconic buildings—displaced 66 or participate in groups, rec activities, Fbeen spotted in upscale kitchens like homeless women. Over its 103-year life, clinic care or sharing meals, even if they Woodwork, Three Boars, North 53 and now it was a boarding house for German aren’t staying in the residence. Upon the new Café Linnea from Duchess Bake immigrants, a bathhouse and numerous opening, expect to see local art in the Shop. But the sous chef wants closeted private businesses, but in recent years building’s window display, too. “Overall, 7-11 fans to know that, after their kitchens it housed the Women’s Emergency what we are striving for, is to be good close, even the city’s best cooks grub out Accommodation Centre (WEAC)—a neighbours.” on Jamaican patties and greasy meatball 24/7, 365 days a year operation. That is, There’s even more good news for the kebabs—or “hack” the convenient store until the fire. Gibson: in July, city hall gave its owner, staples by, say, filling a hot dog bun with a dish on top of shallow pan in the oven. Pour The sprinkler system did the most E4C, permission to use the ground floor taquito smothered in nacho cheese. hot water in the pan, making sure the water harm. “It nearly made this big ’ol boat for just about any commercial, retail or “It’s very convenient because it’s one comes halfway up the sides of the baking float away,” says WEAC director Tanya food business. We may finally see this truly place downtown that is open 24 hours,” dish. Cook for 45 min. Cool and serve at Tellier. Water damaged half of the unique building reach its potential. says Lament. It’s even more convenient room temperature. It’ll satiate the latchkey building. “Ceilings were falling down — Kalyna Hennig since, in recent years, three 7-11s have kid in you. popped up on Jasper Ave., no more than eight blocks apart. And while he’s no BANANA SPLIT 4-2-0 pints of craft beer brewed in the same room. advocate of a 7-11-only diet, Lament says • Ben and Jerry’s Ice Cream (2–3 flavours) THOUGHT PROVOKING Come help our community discover more that hacking recipes is a fun way to take • 1 banana WEDNESDAYS ways to be sustainable and green. your inner foodie on a trashy date. • 1 sm. carton of whipped cream Edmonton Story Slam • 7–10pm, Yellowhead Brewery, 10229 105 • 2 pkg. Stroopwafels Wordsmiths, poets and animated storytellers St., thelocalgood.ca WONDER BREAD PUDDING • 2 chocolate bars (Hershey’s plus a are invited every third Wednesday of the • 10 slices of Wonder Bread diced peanut variety like Snickers) month to this competitive story-telling night into large cubes • 1 pkg. of Cherry Blasters made famous by the Moth Podcast, giving SEPT. 29 • 1 sm. carton whipped cream JERKY CHILI DAWG performers all the creative freedom and just The Yards Magazine Presents: • 2 vanilla International Delight creamers It’s just four ingredients, two toppings • 1 Big Bite hot dog five minutes to weave a tale. The winner The Great Arena District Debate “borrowed” from the coffee station and zero guilt (until it’s all gone). Melt the • 1 bag of beef jerky (not teriyaki flavoured) takes home the cash from the passing of a Don’t miss this showdown between • 1 egg chocolate bars in a bowl placed over top of • 1 generous helping of chili from the hat. • 7pm registration, 7:30pm showtime; a prominent supporter (DECL • 4 egg yolks boiling water to make them drizzle. Score the condiments section The Mercury Room, 10575 114 St., development chair Ian O’Donnell) and • 2 chocolate bars peeled banana down the centre length-wise edmontonstoryslam.com opposer (Professor Jay Scherer) of (Caramilk or Cookies n’ Cream) and place on plate. Cut Stroopwafels in half Order one Big Bite hot dog, buy a bag of the billion-dollar Ice District, as they chopped into large bite-sized pieces and place two on each side of the banana. Add jerky and proceed to condiments stand. SEPT. 7, OCT. 5, NOV. 2 debate on whether or not it will improve a scoop of each ice cream on top. Whip the Cut up strips of jerky into bite-sized pieces. Green Drinks downtowners’ quality of life. The debate Gently mix all of the ingredients into a bowl cream with fork and scoop on top of ice cream. Cover the hot dog with liquid chili from the Presented by the Local Good, these are is moderated by editor Omar Mouallem. with your hands and let it soak for up to three Repeat with another layer of ice cream and condiments stand (yes, this exists). Top chili monthly themed events for environmental • 6pm, EPCOR Tower, 16th Fl., 10423 hours. Pack mixture into a square baking whipped cream. Spoon on chocolate drizzle with jerky pieces and enjoy—but probably not and social do-gooders to enjoy a relaxed 101 St., picatic.com/fallyards dish and preheat oven to 300F. Set baking and top with Cherry Blasters. just before bed. • evening of networking and conversation over EDMONTON’S CENTRAL MAGAZINE FALL 2016 11 FRONTYARDS

EXTRAORDINARY NEIGHBOURS CITY HALL SCHOOL FIRST- STUDENTS RECOGNIZE THAT CLASS THEY HAVE CITIZENS A PLACE AND Many Edmonton children never step foot A VOICE IN on downtown pavement—until they meet Mrs. Hut. Then they never see their city THEIR CITY. the same way again. Photo by Lizzie Derksen

BY LIZZIE DERKSEN @LIZZIEDERKSEN meet most of Edmonton’s student body by towers that rival Tolkien’s fortresses. unanimously vote “no.” Hut turns to the PHOTOGRAPHY BY the time they’re in high school. Morgan imagines a pet shelter shaped like class. “Guess what? You voted the same SHAYNE WOODSMITH “I’m very fortunate to be able to work a dog’s paw. Keeva draws a library. Maja, way that city council voted on this very @FACESOFEDMONTON with over 600 students each year and a soccer club. Under Hut’s direction, the same question!” plant seeds for the future,” she says. students move from learning about cool After completing their week at city “Edmonton’s future is in good hands with buildings to showing appreciation for a hall, the students may not see Hut, or t’s 9:32 on a January morning, the first these thoughtful, engaged, caring, socially civic service that touches their lives in an downtown, again until the year-end day back from the holidays. Rushing active citizens.” important way. Citizenship Fair in June, to which the Iinto city hall, I’m met with a troop of Before City Hall School, she taught Beside the classroom’s formidable Lego year’s participating classes are seven- and eight-year-olds from École J.A. grades 1, 2 and 3 at Westglen Elementary replica of city hall, Hut keeps a copy of On all invited. That’s when Hut asks Fife, a French immersion school in Lake School in Westmount. “​Although I miss Looking by Alexandra Horowitz. The book is them one fundamental question: “What District, venturing single-file into the being in a regular school and the rapport about observing the same environment from is citizenship?” pedway maze en route to Churchill Station. that you build with one class and your​ staff, different perspectives. Likewise, Hut tries to Last year, the responses were, perhaps, Many of them are about to take their first I’m constantly rewarded when I see how open her students’ eyes to their own city by all too typically Canadian, focused on LRT ride, but they’re not the only ones. students and teachers take City Hall School asking them to observe the urban core from being polite and rule-abiding. This year, “I’ve lived in the city for 10 years,” says a connections and build them into year-long the perspectives of people most familiar with Hut hopes her students will express parent assisting with the field trip, “and experiences.” Hut keeps in touch with all it. A typical week at City Hall School might an understanding that “citizenship is this is the first time I’ve been here.” 25 of her participating classrooms through include tours of the Art Gallery of Alberta, more than being kind, being nice.” For City Hall School is now in session. her weekly newsletter, City Beat, which CBC, McLeod Building and MakerSpace at Hut, seeing her students develop even Led by Linda Hut, a public schools showcases city events and initiatives, such the Stanley Milner Library, plus visits from the smallest traces of participatory and instructor for 30 years, the civic education as the Winter City program, and offers aboriginal relations liaison Gord Stewart, justice-oriented citizenship is both the her students are about to receive quickly suggestions for classroom discussion city hall’s artist-in-residence Jennie Vegt or most important and the most exciting part outstrips the average Edmontonian’s and activities. Kevan Lyons, “the Poet of Churchill Square.” of her job. experience. Every year, about twenty- Moselle Semeniuk, this Grade 1/2 split “Many children have never actually The full impact of the City Hall School five elementary and junior-high classes class’s regular teacher, appreciates Hut’s been downtown,” she says. “It’s such a stint often manifests after students have spend a week downtown with “Mrs. Hut,” ability to make each week relevant to pleasure to introduce them to the heart returned to their regular routine. Last year, learning about Edmonton’s history, individual classes. “Linda is always looking of their city and open their minds to all for instance, a Grade 6 class from Belvedere municipal government and urban to make new contacts to help students the possibilities that it offers—all the Elementary that joined Hut in volunteering infrastructure. Former councillor Karen get the most out of their City Hall School possibilities for connecting citizenship and for the city’s homeless at Leibovici, impressed by a classroom in the experience,” she says, pointing to a visit career pathways through encounters and the Mustard Seed started a Make Legislature, initiated the City Hall School from the City’s chief architect Carol experiences with real people in authentic Something Edmonton project called in 2005. Similar schools have since been Belanger. “It’s a wonderful surprise that situations.” Calendars for Hope that raised money to added to the Valley Zoo, Fort Edmonton she was able to find an architect that speaks No week is complete without a visit to help end poverty. Park and Edmonton Journal offices, but French.” council chambers. Hut asks the J.A. Fife “City Hall School students recognize none immerse the students so completely After discussing his passion for public students to find the seat of their ward in the city’s innards as this. Hut, who buildings, en francais, Belanger shows councilor, Dave Loken, and then steps up that they have a place and a voice in their took over the program six years ago, now the class renderings of the new police to the lectern to demonstrate the process city.” But they’re not the only ones.​ “I have receives double the number of applications academy, which everyone agrees looks for speaking as a citizen in a council always been a proud Edmontonian—born she can accept. By maintaining an even like something from Star Wars. Hut then meeting. She asks the children to vote on and raised here—but over the six years in distribution among both Catholic and challenges them to design their own civic the question of whether smoking should this role I have developed a deeper sense of public school wards, she will, at least once, building: Junior sketches a city hall with be permitted on school playgrounds. They pride and belonging.” • 12 THE YARDS FALL 2016 EDMONTON’S CENTRAL MAGAZINE FALL 2016 13 THE FIVE PERSONALITIES GLOSSARY OF TERMS OF EVERY BOARD CONDOMINIUM PROPERTY ACT: No two condo associations are exactly alike, but there are A.K.A. the Bible for Condominium Living, a few personality types that seem to appear on just about this 88-page document compiled by the THE every committee. Do you recognize these repeat offenders? Alberta Government can be found online, and is painfully dull (and yet excruciatingly • The Overachiever important) for anyone with a reading This person, most likely to be nominated for condo comprehension level below that of a third- president by some of the lazier members, was a straight-A year law student. student and still refuses to let any small detail go CONDO unscrutinized. The Overachiever is on top of all of the LIEN: Think of this as a pen-pal communications between the board and maintenance staff, relationship with an eloquent loan shark. If inspects financial statements with a fine-toothed comb and you fall behind on your financial obligations has a memo template permanently open on the computer. the board (with help of a lawyer) will send While he or she may complain from time to time that they you letters informing you that they will get are doing far more work than any other board member, the the first cut off your eventual sale unless BOARD sense of superiority is too intoxicating to quit. you pay up. • The Bylaw Thumper MINUTES: The task given to the member You’ll swear they have a photographic memory. The Bylaw who’d much rather be on their laptop Thumper has read every page of the condo bylaws, and than be saddled with too much public they are not about to let anyone get away with putting up a speaking. Tedious to read, these recordings SURVIVAL three-foot nutcracker statue in the common area without of meetings are invaluable when trying proper authorization. Think you can get away with bending to learn who’s doing what, or whether a few rules? Think again. The Bylaw Thumper has already anything’s being done at all. prepared a passive-aggressive note to slip under your door, and at least 15 minutes of regulation review at the QUORUM: How many board members next meeting. does it take to pass a motion to screw in a GUIDE light bulb? According to the Condominium • The Cheapskate Property Act, at least a quarter of the total BY JYLLIAN PARK ILLUSTRAIONS BY ERIK GRICE No one wants to spend money where they don’t need to, number of representatives. @JYLLIANPARK @ERIKMGRICE but the Cheapskate practices next-level penny pinching. This person will argue over every expense that the board RESERVE FUND: The condo’s invisible proposes, because why hire a professional snow plower piggy bank exists to cover any upkeep and when the Cheapskate has a 12-year-old cousin with a shovel repairs, and likely the reason that your and an allowance that needs supplementing? While most condo fees are so dang high. There’s no s the adage goes, good fences president of the Canadian Condominium adult to do something without coming of the Cheapskate’s financial bellyaching can be sloughed standard amount, but it should be enough make good neighbours. But for Institute North Alberta Chapter. “These across as bossy,” says Matthew Garrett, who off, their miserly ways are a potential problem when serious and be a healthy buffer for maintenance condo dwellers, when all that documents tell you how the condo board is has served on his petite building’s five-unit repairs are in order. “Why sink $15,000 in a new furnace?” and upkeep. separates your living space with saving money, how they are allocating their board since moving in, in 2014. Because winter, that’s why. Athe one next door is a single wall, you’re money for capital projects, and whether Joining your condo board shouldn’t be RESERVE FUND STUDY: Every five years, bound to butt heads. With real estate they are acting efficiently.” It all comes as painful as a bikini wax from a first-year • The Ghost a condominium must undergo a mandatory in the core at a premium, prospective down to a cohesive and well-run board. cosmetology student. If your corporation This person was at the AGM and agreed to a few action inspection of all of the complex’s capital homebuyers are exploring the realities Though not many people actually enjoy is willing to work together, the process of items, but no one has seen them since. Always ready with property (doors, windows, elevators, roof, of condominiums—whether apartment- the monotony of balancing budgets, and governing can actually be pleasant. “I don’t an excuse or an out-of-office email reply, this apparition etc.). It’s like a physical for the building. style complexes, three-story walkups or only a sadist would enjoy breaking the necessarily like to be in control of everything, of a board member has more social engagements than townhouses. They offer the opportunity to news that everyone must pitch in for but I like to have a say in my own destiny,” Her Majesty the Queen. Armed with a friendly smile and SPECIAL ASSESSMENT: Oh, it’s own a slice of our city’s burgeoning central a new elevator. Hiring a management says Jeff Johnston, who served as his former lightning quick reflexes with the “close door” button on the special all right. When something neighbourhoods, but shared living spaces company instead of self-governing might condo’s president for four years. Even in the elevator, the Ghost has made an Olympic sport out of significant in a building needs to be require a special type of cooperation. formalize the process and ease the board’s midst of overseeing a major structural repair ditching their responsibilities. repaired or replaced, like a foundation The condo board. It’s both the first line administration duties but it’s the elected to the building’s foundation, he found it to be or roof, or you just learned that your of defense for issues that may arise and the board of directors who make the decisions, incredibly rewarding. They regularly met in • The Contrarian 10-year-old condo was never properly first source of frustration for new owners. says Sharma. “But at the end of the day, the someone’s suite to discuss goings-on in the No one loves playing Devil’s Advocate more. For better or water-proofed, but the reserve fund won’t A well-run committee can improve your buck stops with the board.” So what makes a building or the neighbourhood. “It wasn’t all worse, the Contrarian will fight you on any topic, and there cover the full amount, owners must pool quality of life, but few board members healthy board? drudgery,” he says. “The meetings were quite is simply no hill too small to die on. They have no problem together whatever’s left. Depending are experts in conflict and financial Like any good relationship, open lines of fun, and it helped us to build a community.” wasting everyone’s time in a board meeting, because they on the direness, it can be owed in a management. “If the condo board isn’t communication are key. Still, balancing the Now doesn’t that sound nice? That’s why were just going to spend the evening arguing on their one-time lump sum, or as a monthly or doing their job, it will be reflected in the wants of everyone in the building is hard. we’ve prepared a comprehensive breakdown friends’ Facebook pages anyway. Even if the Contrarian yearly contribution. Make no mistake: corporation’s condo documents and reserve “You are interacting with people that you of every issue, foreign word and colourful agrees with the proposals put forward by the other board special assessments are practically fund study, which is required to be updated don’t see everyday. It can be hard to get a character you might encounter on your path members, every meeting seems to turn into an Ivy League inevitable for long-time condo dwellers, every five years,” says Anand Sharma, read on people, or to tell another grown to harmonious homeownership in the core. debate competition. so brace yourself.

14 THE YARDS FALL 2016 owners ended up paying for the repairs JUST SAY ‘NO’ TO REPLY-ALL twice.” few hundred dollars investment could save After years of lawsuits, thousands of We’re living in the digital age so naturally, you tens of thousands in future costs. MEDIAN SELLING PRICE dollars wasted, and finally seeking the help communication between residents should Keith stresses that a full building tour, MAY – JULY 2016 of a professional management company, be more evolved than lengthy print-outs short of entering into other’s suites, is the building is now in working order. The and casual memos posted in the lobby. paramount. Typically, inspectors will Anderson’s were able to get back on their It has also evolved beyond receiving a just inspect the interior of the unit and feet, but the whole ordeal left Ryan with a blizzard of emails with two dozen carbon- not any of the common areas, but, warns Oliver: $268,500 laundry list of best practices for would-be copied addresses. Embrace their online Keith, when you are purchasing a condo, (-$50,500 from May–Jul ’15) condo buyers: tools to ease the task of governing: you aren’t just buying your unit—“you are • Difference from listing price: • Join the board. Come prepared to buying your unit’s portion of the whole -$3,900 meetings with written questions. If building.” • Days on market: 38 something doesn’t make sense, or GeniePad Whatever issues you find, ensure (-6 from May–Jul ’15) WHAT TO DO something feels wrong, investigate. This Made-in-Edmonton that those concerns are echoed in the WHEN DISASTER STRIKES • If possible, hire professional property software compiles and building’s condo documents; otherwise, Downtown: $314,000 management that will do the work disseminates communication WHAT TO EXPECT it’s a huge red flag that the board isn’t ($-5,000 from May–Jul ’15) It’s hard to talk about condo living without for your board. Large complexes within a condo corporation in WHEN YOU’RE minding their problems. And be aware • Difference from listing price: coming across horror stories from people with dozens of units require special one convenient place, so you INSPECTING of the future costs of things naturally -$15,900 burned by massive repair bills and treatment, so get help when things are won’t need to hunt through meeting the ends of their lifecycles. • Days on market: 46 mismanaged funds, like Ryan Anderson. outside your area of expertise. your email for a single memo No one would dare to think of buying For instance, asphalt shingles need to (+2 from May–Jul ’15) When he and his wife decided to about boiler maintanence. a house without undergoing a proper be replaced every 20 years. “If the last upgrade to a larger condo after moving inspection of the property, yet it’s not reserve fund study was done four years PROVIDED BY REALTORS® out of their small downtown loft, they Slack uncommon for condo buyers to forego this ago, and the roof is 17 years old right now,” ASSOCIATION OF EDMONTON never envisioned they’d be buying into a “THE RENOVATION This friendly instant messaging critical service. “I do proportionately fewer explains Keith, “it might not be reflected situation that would leave them strapped service shared between condo inspections than I do for single family in the current budget.” • for cash and emotionally exhausted. “A BEGAN FALLING “teams” is popular amongst houses,” says veteran home inspector year after moving in, we were nailed with APART AND THE tech companies and works Jamie Keith of Access Home Inspection a hefty assessment to address a series of well for non-profits and condo Services. “People tend to put a lot of faith in repairs that had been put off by previous CONSTRUCTION boards too. the reserve fund study. In some complexes, Jyllian Park is the Edmonton editor of Western Living, a regular contributor to Avenue boards,” says Ryan. TEAM CLEARLY that’s not a problem, but for others it is. A and a fashion stylist. She was nominated for a 2015 Alberta Magazines Award. The initial year-long renovation to the MailChimp exterior —including window upgrades and DIDN’T KNOW The email newsletter service patio repairing— turned into a three-year WHAT THEY helps keep people up-to-date ordeal, with even further damage to the WERE DOING.” on building news—whether building and a special assessment that good or bad. Best of all, there’s was the stuff of nightmares: each owner no reply-all option. had to cough up over $45,000 to cover a —RYAN ANDERSON, staggering $9 million reno bill. CONDO-OWNER To save funds, the condo corporation relied heavily on the in-house management team and board, made up of mostly volunteers who chose to hire the • Ask questions about liability and GOOD HOME TRAINING contractor with the lowest bid, and hastily don’t be bullied or rushed into stupid rushed into beginning the renovations. decisions. Organizations like Canadian The lack of expertise amounted to • Ensure your board is saving for Condominium Institute (CCI) additional problems throughout the obvious long-term projects or repairs. North Alberta Chapter offer construction, including sewage backups • Boards are made up of volunteers and classes to give current or and even fires. “It was clear the in-house neighbours, so treat them accordingly. future board members a better management team tasked to oversee the When the occasional hostile owner grasp of their duties. For first- job were in way over their heads.” says causes issues, kill them with kindness. timers, consider signing up for Ryan. “The renovation began falling apart • If someone is using technical jargon Condo 101: Board Basics and and the construction team clearly didn’t and can’t explain in plain terms what Best Practices. This one-day know what they were doing.” needs to be done, press them to speak introductory course—$50 or Fed up, Ryan asked to join the board, plainly, or find someone else who can. free for CCI members—offers examined the condo minutes for himself • Be aware of large projects or upcoming tips on financial management, and became immediately aware of how assessments before buying. They will governance basics and legal dire things had become: an incompetent come, so be prepared. responsibilities of every board. treasurer had released a majority of the • Ask your bank about ways to borrow Visit CCI’s website for more money in advance he says. “The money money for possible future assessments. information about dates and how was spent; the job was partially started, • Check the track record of the developer. to sign up. (cci.geniepad.com) but done poorly at best. The work had to Google, ask friends, ask your realtor. be completed, which meant that all the And take their warnings seriously!

16 THE YARDS FALL 2016 EDMONTON’S CENTRAL MAGAZINE FALL 2016 17 HOPES, DREAMS, FEARS & ANXIETIES How will the Ice District change our core? Nobody knows, but everybody has an idea.

INTERVIEWS BY OMAR MOUALLEM PHOTOGRAPHY BY JEFF DAY

ere it just an economic complex even as it grows by leaps and proposition, the bounds, might a single, heavyweight owner expectations for the Ice of the local hockey club help change how District would not be so others see Edmonton? How Edmontonians high. Were it just about see themselves?” creating jobs or boosting investment, How it will change our outward then the September 10th open house at appearance is yet to be seen; it’ll be at least may not even be happening. another four years before the $2.5 billion Certainly other cities’ arena proposals dream is realized with its promised plaza, have touted billion-dollar spillovers to community rink, premium retail, glitzy rally taxpayer support—and most, for the hotels and residences. But how it will change record, have been wrong—but in a city as our inward appearance is well underway, prosperous as Edmonton, merely boasting and nobody knows this more than the people economic virtues, let alone hockey pride, living, working and studying in the core. to unzip the public purse would never pass To them, the stadium’s silver body and muster. From the beginning, this project surrounding towers are like a Rorschach was about status. The confidence of our test, reflecting their hopes, dreams, fears city. The face of Edmonton. The glory and anxieties about turning 25 acres of of downtown. derelict or drab land into a major attraction. As Edmonton Journal columnist John Where one sees an opportunity for social MacKinnon put it in 2007, a year before cohesion, another sees class division. To one, billionaire businessman Daryl Katz the promise of big crowds is a much-needed bought the Oilers, “In a city with a small- defibrillation for the heart of the city. To market mindset and a lingering inferiority another, an unwelcome nuisance.

18 THE YARDS FALL 2016 EDMONTON’S CENTRAL MAGAZINE FALL 2016 19 A New Mom Sees a Friendlier members whom we serve are getting Future for Families jobs with businesses there, that there’s a A Senior Dreads the Noise partnership with the Ice District and inner- RACHEL JONES city services, that we’re working together. Residence: Downtown The worse case scenario is it becomes a ANDREW BROWN Occupation: Executive Advisor, closed space for only a few people who can Residence: Oliver Department of Energy afford it. The [Alex Janvier tile mural] Occupation: Retired project inside is great, but will our indigenous management consultant “My husband moved downtown eight years community members actually get to see it? ago and bought literally two blocks from We understand that it’s business—the Ice “One major problem we have now, living the arena. We love living downtown, but we District isn’t here to save the world—but as we do on , is the traffic never pictured having a family here. It will if they want to create public spaces, and noise, particularly from souped-up sports change the whole landscape and make it use public dollars to do that, then the city cars and motorcycles, which basically more fun. If they have the community rink, primarily has a responsibility to ensure that goes on and on every nice sunny day. I’m and shopping, and the whole entertainment all of the citizens irrespective of income, or afraid we’ll get the same thing in the winter area, once our son is older he’ll be able to whether they’re intoxicated, have access.” months now when that arena opens. enjoy those things. In five years, if we’re not “The other issue is going to be parking. living directly by it, we’ll be living close, so A Boyle Street Client We live six blocks from it and parking is I hope it will be inviting for families, with Doubts We’ll All Get Along going to be dreadful. It will spread into events that bring out little kids. Oliver—left, right and centre. It’s going “There’s about 10 of us new moms who FABIAN GREYEYES to make driving difficult and we’ll have live by the arena and get together. If we’re Residence: Oliver noise till 11:30pm, when the traffic clears, going to hang out there, shop there, take Occupation: Casual cleaner because there’s only two escape routes to our babies there, but there’s nowhere to be get south of the river. They never thought comfortable—to take a break, feed a baby, “People around here will be trying to get through the consequences, just like the get around in a stroller, get a high-chair in a into their cars and the whole nine yards. High Level Bridge suicide barriers.” restaurant—that would be a shame.” I know the kinds of people around here. Whether or not I choose to have [Boyle A Season Ticket Holder Predicts A Community Worker Wants Street Community Services] here, it has to a Spark for the Team to Be Part of the Excitement be moved to keep the conflicts away. (and a Headache for Drivers) “The worst case scenario is we’re still here IAN MATHIESON and there will be fights and arguments every SHELDON HEEKS Residence: Griesbach day from the fans. They’ll be scrapping each Residence: Westmount Occupation: Director of Operations, other, for sure. It’ll be chaotic down here Occupation: Vice-president Consulting Boyle Street Community Services between the white guys and native guys. Services, CGI consideration. We just loved the space. “The best case scenario is we move five, SO, HOW WILL Business consistently got better, but the “There will certainly be more people seeing ten blocks away from the immediate arena “I’m an avid sports fan and long-time third year was the hardest. We became the inner city, which is a good thing. People and things go a little smoother. I like it here, Oilers season ticket holder—so anything to THE ICE DISTRICT mentally exhausted and, financially, it’s think this is an unpleasant part of society, but I know it can’t be here. One of them has to get the team to the next level. I think this such a big space, so we considered selling but you’ll see some of the most amazing be moved and, of course, they can’t move actually could help the Oilers in trades. CHANGE OUR CORE? it, put out some feelers. The arena sure examples of compassion and citizenship the arena.” International events give a positive helped the idea of going forward. There here. Of course, there will be challenges as outlook on Edmonton, and the Ice District The truth is nobody knows. If you ask 10 was a light at the end of the tunnel. If well. Any time someone interacts with our A Businesswomen Hopes for will just add one more flavour to who we people, you’ll get 10 answers—which is we sold it, one day we’d look back and community and our community interacts a Safer Community are as a city. Growing up here, and working exactly what we did. The Yards listened to regret it. with folks who aren’t familiar with them, downtown for 30 years, I saw it go through ordinary Edmontonians from all walks of “What I hope and think will happen there has to be an understanding that our LILY MOUNMA its time, from when it was a ghost town, life, from arena supporters to detractors, is, with the extra daily exposure we’ll get guys, who work and live in our community, Residence: McCauley to slowly coming around over the last from the corporate executive to the street- from being so close, every time there’s a are as much citizens of Edmonton as anyone Occupation: Restaurateur (Viphalay) decade with new bars and restaurants involved, in order to get a shake of their game there will be thousands of people else. That takes some time. and condominiums and towers, to what it crystal balls. exposed to our brand. It’s going to be “We’re waiting to see what it will look like “This is going to bring even more people, is today. I’ve watched the whole thing get tough competition out there; the chains on an event night. Crowds leaving, public increase more traffic to the area, which built from my office window. A Downtown Restaurateur concern us, but we still have a niche. intoxication from the people at the event—it is positive. It will probably also increase “We’ll have to see what the logistical Who Played the Long “During the 1980s, the chains came in can put our community members at risk property prices and lease agreements, as problems are with moving all those Game Has Big Hopes and the independents couldn’t survive when those big events let out and people it becomes more of a desired area, but I see people downtown, in and out of the anymore. opened, aren’t thinking rationally. There’ve been a that as more of a benefit. Everything will cost building, having them park somewhere. LINO OLIVEIRA everybody left, the suburbs grew and all lot of arena developments around the world more, but it will renew downtown. When Katz Group wanted additional Residence: Oliver the little shops closed down. I was working and they’ve ended up displacing people. This “The one downfall is, if it’s booming, if parking for their own land, the city said Occupation: Co-owner of Sabor, downtown as a kid and coming here every is a chance to do things differently. We want people are intoxicated, it could increase there’s 18,000 spots downtown, what’s Bodega, Urbano Pizza day. As soon as the rush hour was over you to be part of the excitement around it. We some problems. I remember the 2006 Oilers the problem? They’re right. I know could hear the wind in the streets. So even want to be good neighbours and the Katz riots; I wouldn’t want to see that happen where to go to park any day, any time “When we got here the arena was just if I had nothing to do with this business or Group and Oilers want that too. again. The arena will be so central, and of the night. It isn’t an issue if you know talk. We didn’t even take that into downtown, I think it’s a great thing.” “The best case scenario is community people get pretty crazy sometimes.” what you’re doing.”

20 THE YARDS FALL 2016 EDMONTON’S CENTRAL MAGAZINE FALL 2016 21 BACKYARDS

CORE QUESTIONS FIND In a presentation to the police commission in January this year, Insp. Fury Road Dennis Storey admitted YOUR the major collisions Can motor-bikers and patio investigation unit, diners on Jasper Ave. get along? which was conducting noise enforcement, didn’t have the resources to address NICHE BY SAM POWER noise, let alone the @SAMANTHA_POWER unit’s main focus of ILLUSTRATION BY major collisions. Only 175 ERIK GRICE violations were enforced @ERIKMGRICE by police in 2015. This year, EPS trained25 more officers to deal with noise violations iving in the core, you expect a and has stationed those “ANY PATROL OFFICER OR PEACE Llittle noise. But Edmonton’s officers throughout the city, roads can sound like a speedway which shifts enforcement to a OFFICER SHOULD BE ABLE TO when drivers, and especially neighbourhood-level approach. WRITE AN ORDER ON THE STREET motorcyclists, feel compelled McKeen says this shouldn’t to stunt with pimped out rides, be a police priority. Instead he’d TO SAY YOU HAVE TO APPEAR leading recreational vehicle like to see bylaw officers’ powers WITHIN THE NEXT TWO WEEKS users to clash with patio expanded in the Municipal AND HAVE YOUR BIKE TESTED.” and it will only get worse. The purpose of patrons. Government Act. “Any patrol A Psychic Forecasts having it downtown is to get people using As Edmonton improves the officer or peace officer should – COUN. SCOTT MCKEEN Good Things, Mostly buses and commuting here by public core’s walkability and street be able to write an order on the transit. For people living here, it will be life, community members and a street to say you have to appear AYANNA DEMMONS better. But there’s not a bus I can take.” determined city councillor want within the next two weeks and Residence: Queen Mary Park exhaust pipes to pipe down. have your bike tested,” says Occupation: Tarot card reader A Construction Worker “Patio culture can add so McKeen. Takes Pride in What He’s much to an urban area,” says Many motorcycle riders argue “This represents a new beginning. It’s Helped Create Coun. Scott McKeen. “If that loud pipes are necessary going to bring a lot of good energy, a lot of cruising noisy vehicles take for safety—to let bigger vehicles Mortage Solutions new people. I look at these next 50 years, VASCO KALALA away from that it’ll impact the know their comparatively and it’s going to be a good thing. Edmonton Residence: Central McDougall area and its success.” Loud small presence—but not all will is changing from a redneck town to a Occupation: Journeyman plasterer vehicles aren’t just disturbing agree that noise is a necessary that work for you. metropolitan town, and that’s always good. at the Ice District the patio peace, but young part of riding. “High visibility It will bring a lot more business to the city, families, seniors residences trumps loud pipes for safety,” Financing life can be filled with big decisions. At so Edmontonians can set up some standard “I’m also an artist, so I get passionate and those catching sleep after a says Ricardo Dominguez, a ATB we’ll work together to sort out the details and living allowances for poverty stricken about creating, entertaining and seeing night shift, he says. local rider of six years. He says get you into the home of your dreams. Call today to people, and right now I’m one of them. I’ve other people happy. The moment I Edmonton implemented a the pipes are useless because find out the right mortgage option for you. been in my apartment for two years. The realized that what I was doing was noise bylaw for motorcycles they point backwards, not arena is going to build up my area, but it’s helping community, bringing people in 2010. Vehicles must not be forwards, toward the traffic it’s also going to raise my rent. My apartment is together, it became more than a job. louder than 96 decibels while approaching. a Main Street [Equity] building, so this is a Just to be a part of something that’s that driving. EPS has a sound The Oliver Community IN THE moneymaker for them.” big, for the community and the city, is level meter that captures League and Downtown amazing. levels provable in court. Edmonton Community League EDMONTON A MacEwan Student Fears “It will make Edmonton a more iconic But enforcement of noise would like to see a public Tommy Kalita the Wrath of Parking Prices place. I’ve seen a lot of hockey players complaints is not an easy education campaign on the Mortgage Specialist ICE DISTRICT come in to tour the new arena, when they process. Police are aware of the effects of noise. They also want 780-490-9570 SANDRA MCLELLAN come and see where they could be living, problem spots, such as Jasper traffic planning to constrain [email protected] Residence: Wabamun how beautiful the city is. Who wouldn’t and Whyte avenues, but they riders’ speed in the core—and Occupation: Second-year nursing student want to be a part of this? It’s a cool can’t respond to individual thus their noise—by timing package, especially for the people who complaints, and instead will set street lights in a way that doesn’t Downtown Oce and Retail “When I started here, parking was say they don’t have a reason to go up zones to test vehicles. “There turn them green for blocks on $60 a month, which was pricy but reasonable, downtown. I’ve been in Alberta for [needs to] be better enforcement end, and by better emphasizing Leasing Specialists but it jumped $100. They said they had to seven years. I never had a reason to go of noise issues on Jasper,” says cyclist infrastructure and match the prices downtown, in other words, downtown before; it didn’t feel alive. The Dustin Martin, civics chair with pedestrian crossings as road- 780 420 1585 the arena. It takes from my student loans, arena will bring some life.” • the OCL. calming measures. • www.collierscanada.com

Yards Aug 2016 2.25x9.25.indd 1 2016-08-26 8:38:16 AM BACKYARDS MYSTIC

107 AVE. RIVER 107 AVE.

The North Saskatchewan, now and tomorrow 124 ST 109 ST 105 ST 101 ST . . . . BY JEREMY DERKSEN . @OUTDOORSINSIDER 104 AVE. ONY PLAIN RD ST BOYLE STREET ILLUSTRATION BY ERIK GRICE @ERIKMGRICE GR OA RIVERDALE T RD

. verybody wants a piece of the North 102 AVE. 102 AVE. Saskatchewan. Some want to cycle, paddle or run through the river 7,400 OLIVER valley. Some want to walk their HECTARES JASPER AVE. Edogs. Others want to enjoy a coffee, beer or By total area, the river valley entertainment riverside. How can we have is the largest urban parkland DOWNTOWN it all? The debate over access and amenities in North America in the river valley has been ongoing for as long as most Edmontonians can remember. But to fully grasp accessibility, it helps to know what’s already there, what’s in the works and what the future holds. There’s a lot to enjoy already—if you know where to 30% go—and more is set to come. 150 KM Proportion of Edmontonians For starters, in the central river valley, Paved trails who didn’t step foot into the funicular and south LRT will open new the river valley in 2015 portals onto the river valley. Meanwhile, new development is in planning for Dawson Park and Rossdale Flats. From 82 St. on the 22x SASKA east to 136 St. on the west, north and south TCHE MOOSE, DEER, COYOTE, the size of New York’s WA of the river valley topography is changing Central Park N DR OWL, BEAVER, HARE quickly. By 2025, you might find yourself . Just some of the wildlife you might encounter strolling seamlessly from European promenade into western Canadian wilds within just a kilometre or two along the riverbank. Until then, here are the basic GARNEAU BONNIE DOON puzzle pieces easily accessible from the core, mapped out to represent the changing physical reality of Edmonton’s most STRATHCONA treasured natural asset. •

FUTURE DEVELOPMENTS River Valley Wayfinding Mechanized Access and New Walterdale Bridge MAP LEGEND Bolder, more attractive signage along the “Touch the Water” Promenade The final arch was raised this spring Dawson Park (Planned) parks and trails —with updated maps, We’re just a year away from a funicular and completion is anticipated by 2017. Access Points Amenities There’s a new vision for this dated clearly marked amenities and at-a-glance linking the Hotel MacDonald area to LRT Stations Restaurants downtown parkland recognizable by directions—is on its way starting this year. the river valley, where the vision is to West Rossdale River Crossing (Planned) Boat launches Parks and BBQ spots its unique white clay coulee formations build a promenade stretching to the new The vision for Rossdale Flats suggests Construction Recreational sports and popular bike trails. Final design and South LRT Bridge at Louise McKinney Park Walterdale Bridge within the next, well, park and public market space, upscale Attractions construction timelines aren’t known By 2020, a new LRT line—with pedestrian let’s say decade; the City needs more time residential and mixed commercial, but yet, but planning and consultation are crossing—will span the valley, linking to a for funding and development. construction is still years away. underway. south side station by .

24 THE YARDS FALL 2016 EDMONTON’S CENTRAL MAGAZINE FALL 2016 25 YOU ARE HERE

•• The streets were filled with mirth during the Oliver Community Festival block party, hosted by Robertson Wesley United Church and sponsored by the OCL and 124 St. Business Associ- ation (May 28/16)

A huge crowd for the groundbreaking of • From left: DECL president Chris Alex Decoteau Park (June 10/16) • Buyze, Mayor Don Iveson, and Ward 6 councillor Scot McKeen plant the first garden of Alex Decoteau Park (June 10/16)

Sasha Harding with Edmonton Centre MP Randy Boissonnault at OCL Canada Day Pancake Breakfast (July 1/16) •

• Jennifer Chaput and Devin Pope at The Yards Summer Salon (June 16/16) SMART. URBAN. CONNECTED. YOUR CUSTOMERS. OUR READERS.

t h e

W

I

N

T

E

R

2 0

E E R 6 1 0 2 G N I R P S 1

5 • • 5

F R

Y E A R D S E THE DONTON ED MONTON COMMNITY LEAGE AND THE OL IER COMMNITY LEA GE NEWSMAGAZINE

E AGAZIN NEWSM EAGE NITY L COMM OLIER ND THE RGIN E A ME G W LEAG E ITYR T MN I COMS T TON E E MON R D B N E S M M U S ONTO T THE D BES Hounding C H R E 2 S D 016 6 1 0 2 M

E E R • Shafraaz Kaba at The Yards THE DONTON EDMONTON COMMNITY LEAGE AND THE OLIER COMMNITY LEAGE NESMAGAZINE C E L E B R A T I N G O U R N E I G H B O U R H O O D S F I N E S T C A F E S , B O U T I Q U E S E A T S Summer Salon (June 16/16) , , M U R A L S , P A R T I E S , H E R I T A G E , A R C H I T E C T U R E , S T A G E S , D O G P A R K S …

I A T Why parkingTHE BEATT C reasons rules stall small Can rich to wish Jason Gold Inside the core • businesses and poor live GOEforS longer ON ’s live music revival finds some side-by-side? 6 winters “gold” at the Why business owners like • Jeff Burwash and El Niven at OCL Rummage H SusanD Forsey love pint-sized spaces When does history outweigh property rights? S H The Yards Summer Salon (June 16/16) Sale (June Community leagues helping refugees 18/16) S S Saluting the trees we love 6 reasons dogs Oliver and Downtownlove (and one reason they don't) Smokehouse BBQ owner Terry Sept serving up pulled pork at at The Yards Summer Salon (June 16/16) • ADVERTISE WITH THE YARDS [email protected] 26 THE YARDS FALL 2016 w w w . y o u r t r u h o m e . c o m

Are you or someone you know looking in the Oliver or Downtown area? Consider these great buys!

E E AL AL R S R S FO FO

Enjoy Panoramic Views of Expansive 2 Storey Condo the River Valley at Grandin Green in The Monaco

ELISSE MORENO 28 1.587.400.SOLD (7653)