the SUMMER 2015 •

YARDS FREE

THE DOWNTOWN COMMUNITY LEAGUE AND THE OLIVER COMMUNITY LEAGUE NEWSMAGAZINE

Hollow LOVE THY GAYBOUR Temples Reflecting Churches on our evolve LGBTQ for the history unchurched

HEART +6 SURGERY core Bikes lanes will change strength downtown—for the better exercises

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the THE YARDS | SUMMER 2015 theyardsyeg.ca YARDS SUMMER 2015

EDITOR INSIDE OMAR MOUALLEM ART DIRECTOR 5 EDITOR’S NOTE & COMMUNITY JENNIFER WINDSOR LEAGUE MESSAGES PUBLISHER JARRETT CAMPBELL CONTRIBUTORS FRONTYARDS Tracey L. Anderson, Murray The (Fit) Billett, Jeremy Derksen, Myrna 6 THE MOVE List Kostash, Brittany Nugent, Night courses and a condo help a virgin buyer 8 Ian Scott , Tim Querengesser plan for the future Reclaiming public spaces as your colossal urban gym CONTRIBUTING EDITOR Tracy Hyatt 7 THE ROUTE Downtown’s highlights through photographer EDITORIAL INTERN Raffaella Loro’s lens Allison Voisin ADVERTISING & EVENTS 9 AROUND DOWNTOWN Sona Chavda Clear your schedule for block parties, nerdy pub PODCAST RECORDING nights, thought-provoking speakers and more Steven Bowers EDITORIAL COMMITTEE CHAIR Jarrett Campbell CYCLES of VICE-CHAIR Chris Buyze

DIRECTORS CHANGE Alex Abboud, Justin Archer, 11 Can the future 102 Ave. bike Lisa Baroldi, David Cournoyer, Myrna Kostash, Milap Petigara, corridor transform the urban core? r r e Michael Phair, Anne Stevenson, e BY JEREMY DERKSEN iv Alison Turner vR i The Editorial Committee consults on story ideas R and offers strategic support, leaving the decision a n making and final content to The Yards staff R O wn S D BACKYARDS e N I h W a c R CONTACT US t E N a IF o k N INNER VOICES r s w N 16 t a JE The Yards Magazine N h ort S e Y h B

S h N A human rights advocate c O PO Box 43073 askat I T TRA LUS Edmonton, AB T5J 4M8 reflects on the “Gaybourhood” COVER IL BY MURRAY BILLETT ADVERTISING SALES [email protected] THE URBANIST 17 Hollow Published by How age-restrictive condos keep Temples The Central Edmonton families out 14 News Society BY TIM QUERENGESSER What does the future hold in partnership with for downtown churches and 18 YOU ARE HERE congregations? A flashback to the “Studio 54 BY MYRNA KOSTASH of the Prairies”

THE YARDS PODCAST Monthly conversations with influential voices on the past, present and future of our neighbourhood. Find out how the downtown dining scene was resurrected, why coffee shops feed a sense of community and whether McDougall United can be saved. theyardsyeg.ca/podcast theyardsyeg.ca facebook.com/theyardsyeg 4 THE YARDS SUMMER 2015 @theyardsyeg EDITOR’S NOTE COMMUNITY LEAGUE UPDATES OMAR MOUALLEM COMMUNITY LEAGUE [email protected] Tidying the City’s Living Room Who are s the weather warms and people turn out Prioritize Pedestrian Areas in droves, we’re faced with one of our great Edmonton has few areas where people are just Bike Lanes For? Achallenges: cleanliness. Especially after as likely to walk as drive, and Downtown is one of winter. The amount of garbage, sand, and debris them. Let’s all work together to improve the level hortly before summer, I tiptoe past the left behind from the “big melt”can be discouraging. of cleanliness on our main streets, along high-use accumulative junk on my balcony to a Add to that a short but sudden injection of festivals transit corridors, near bus stops and everywhere Scrowded corner and whip off a wrinkled and outdoor activities and you’ve got the recipe for else where people congregate. Pedestrians don’t plastic tarp with the flair of a magician. Beneath it a a mess. In Downtown Edmonton, where a large have the benefit of being sheltered by their vehicles. blue, upright bike that performs one trick: it gets me number of us walk, this mess detracts from the live- So in order to make the city walkable, we have to around for the next six months. ability of the neighbourhood. Equally unpleasant prioritize street and sidewalk cleaning in pedes- But the freedom and delight I get from cycling is the airborne sand and gravel kicked up from the trian areas. also opens up a minor domestic tension in my roadside curb by passing vehicles and busses, and house. thrown into our eyes. Although we organize a spring If You See Litter, Pick It Up My wife, who owns a little red cruiser she named cleanup that sees dozens of volunteers dedicating A little bit of effort here and there can go a long “Scout,” is too scared to ride it on most roads, so hours to the cause, a single day just isn’t enough. way to improve Downtown cleanliness. If you see a we constantly negotiate how we get to places as a Let’s do better to ensure it’s cleaned faster, kept at piece of litter don’t walk over it, don’t ignore it; take couple—often separately in summers. For Scout to a higher standard of tidiness and presentable year- a second to pick it up. It’s a simple act that goes a long touch the pavement, a practically interstellar align- round. Here are a few ways to do that. way to improving the Downtown experience for ment of good weather, low traffic and clear side- everyone. walks must occur. By contrast, I mostly avoid the Year-Round Street Sweeping —Milap Petigara, Treasurer and Development sidewalks—partly because it’s law, partly because The amount of concrete and asphalt Downtown Committee Co-Chair it’s statistically less safe—and get a passive aggres- causes winter snowfalls to melt quickly, and the sive kick out of taming traffic with my two-wheeled sand and gravel applied for ice control erodes to As of May 12 the DECL board is: Chris Buyze presence. street side within days of application. And that’s (President); Ian O’Donnell (VP); Milap Petigara On the cyclist spectrum identified by American where it remains for half the year. It’s filthy. That’s (Treasurer); Erin Duebel; Jillian Gamez; Laurissa transportation engineer Roger Geller, I’m in a why we’re advocating to sweep our core streets on a Kalinowsky; Christie Lutsiak; Jarrett Mykytiuk; small category of “enthused and confident” riders. year-round basis, instead of only in the late spring Lindsey Trufyn; Vikki Wiercinski; Scott Winder and My wife, however, belongs to the largest subset, and summer, as we’re doing now. Chris Wudarck. “interested but concerned.” Fifty-four per cent of Edmontonians surveyed characterize themselves OLIVER COMMUNITY LEAGUE like this and, as Jeremy Derksen writes in “Cycles of Change” (p. 11), that is for whom the 102nd and Make Oliver Yours 83rd avenue bike lanes are being constructed. If your imagination can’t conjure why this city— n the past few years, Make Something Make Something Oliver Committee. Examples of sprawling, affluent, 53rd parallel north Edmonton Edmonton has embarked on a new branding the types of initiatives, activities or projects that —needs a multimillion-dollar segregated bike Iexercise for the city. The primary idea behind may be funded include: lane, think of it as a service road. Service roads the city-funded campaign is that Edmonton is “an • Skill swaps or skill-sharing workshops separate local traffic from commuter traffic, and in unusually good place to make something, from • Community activity nights (e.g. board game a neighbourhood like Oliver, where 80 per cent of the ground up.” Born from the idea that some of or craft-making nights) households own bicycles, there’s potential for a lot our most cherished services and institutions—the • Advocacy groups (e.g. bike lane advocacy) of local traffic. Fringe Theatre Festival, ’s first mosque and • Drop-in sports nights (e.g. badminton, Potential, of course, because only a sliver of first food bank, Bioware—were conceived, born and basketball, etc.) people in the ’hood commute by bike—just 1.37 per nurtured here, the initiative encourages residents • Festivals and celebrations cent according to the municipal census. (However, to also build something from nothing. Learn more • Public/guerilla art these surveys are deeply flawed because they don’t about it at makesomethingedmonton.ca. • Educational or fitness programs account for multimodal people; I once argued with We at the Oliver Community League think our (e.g. bootcamps, yoga) a census taker who tried to put me down as a driver neighbourhood is a pretty good place to make Find out how to apply for a Make Something because it was one of the several ways I get around.) something, too. So, we’re exited to unveil “Make Oliver micro-grant, or how to get involved, at And so the hope is a 40-block segregated corridor Something Oliver.” olivercommunity.com. We encourage you to dream along 102 Ave. will induce more cyclists, just as We want to financially support activities and big as you come up with a way to make this neigh- adding a lane to a freeway is guaranteed to induce projects benefitting the community and aligning bourhood yours! more drivers. with our strategic goals, especially building I hope my wife will be one of them. partnerships within the community. Both As of May 1, the Oliver Community League board individuals and groups are welcome to apply for a of directors is: Lisa Brown (President), Jarrett On another note, this is our first issue designed Make Something Oliver micro-grant. Individual Campbell (Past President); Danny Hoyt; Simon by Jennifer Windsor, who joined our team in applicants must be current residents of Oliver or a Yackuli (Secretary); Leah Hilsenteger (Treasurer); March. We’re so thrilled to work with Jennifer, a member of the Oliver Community League; groups Amanda Henry; Hossein Zahiri; James Eastham; veteran designer with 20 years experience. We’re must include at least one member who’s residing Justin Keats; Curtis Boehm; Luwam Kiflemariam; ever thankful for the great work of past art director in Oliver or holding League membership. All appli- Erin Wright; Dustin Martin; Marija Petrovic; Vikki Wiercinski, to whom we wish the best for cants must be at least 18 years of age. Rowan Kunitz. her many design endeavours, which you can see Successful applications will receive up to $1,000 at veekee.ca. per initiative after adjudication by the League’s EDMONTON’S CENTRAL MAGAZINE SUMMER 2015 5 FRONTYARDS

THE MOVE THE OPTION THE BUY Growing Wiser Night courses and a condo help first-time buyer plan for the future PHOTOS IAN BY SCOTT

ESPANIA INNER TOWN MANOR 10335 117 ST. 10320 113 ST. The top-floor suite was Lex’s largest Lex wanted to do minimal renovations, option. Plus the building allowed residents so this updated suite was the most to barbecue on the balcony. But while the appealing—and had the lowest list price. spacious living room and the absence of It was hard to turn down the bright, open upstairs neighbours appealed to him, and kitchen with plentiful cabinetry and new he loved the laminate wood floor, the renos dishwasher, and a bathroom large enough didn’t look professionally finished. The for a modern vanity. Plus he could furnish original closet doors especially needed lots the master bedroom with his desk, which of work. He also worried about traffic noise freed up the second room for his sister to because the building is next to 104 Ave. rent. Although the common areas of the with nothing in between as a sound barrier. building are dated, Lex says the decision to buy his new condo was relatively easy. “It SQUARE FOOTAGE: 1,033 just was so much nicer for the price than FLOOR: 4 everything else. It really was a no-brainer.” BEDROOMS: 2 BATHS: 1 SQUARE FOOTAGE: 881 LISTED PRICE: $194,900 FLOOR: 2 BEDROOMS: 2 BY TRACEY L.ANDERSON @TRACY_ANDERSON UPSIDES: SPACIOUS, NEW OVEN RANGE, CLOSE TO BATHROOMS: 1 OLIVER SQUARE STORES AND OLIVER POOL LISTED PRICE: $187,500 ex grootelaar felt ready for a new chapter. While working as a yard supervisor and hot re-fueller (fuelling DOWNSIDES: RENO QUALITY WAS WORRYING; UPSIDES: GOOD LIGHTING, BALCONY, DOUBLE Lplanes and helicopters that fight wild fires) for an aviation SECOND BEDROOM TOO SMALL TO RENT TO KITCHEN SINK, WALK-IN MASTER CLOSET, fuel supplier in southeast Edmonton, he rented a basement suite FUTURE TENANTS; BALCONY FACES PARKING LOT, LAUNDRY ON EACH FLOOR near Whyte Avenue. He’d always viewed the area as a cultural hub ALLEY AND DUMPSTER and used to go out often, but, he says, “the bar scene was getting DOWNSIDES: UNCOVERED PARKING, NO ELEVATOR, old. It can also be sketchy at night.” Seeking a new challenge and an BBQ NOT ALLOWED ON THE BALCONY opportunity to meet new people, he decided to go back to school. He enrolled in full-time general evening classes at MacEwan Univer- sity to earn a Bachelor of Commerce degree. He also started looking for a place nearby. The first-time buyer wanted something that would work as a AVERAGE SELLING PRICE FEBRUARY – APRIL 2015 rental property in about five years. He chose Oliver because it’s close to downtown without being right in the core, and he can walk to Oliver: $ 287,551 Downtown: $369,037 the river valley and farmers’ markets. He viewed several walkups (+$2,330 from (+65,415 from south of 104 Ave. with realtor Alexandra Krutzfeldt until he found Feb-Apr 2014) Feb–Apr 2014) a renovated place for a great price. Of his new life, Lex says, “It gives me an amazing sense of pride that I’m slowly carving out my place in • Difference from listing • Difference from listing the world—after too many years spinning in circles.” price: -$9,409 price: -$12,863 • Days on market: 48 • Days on market: 45 (+1 from Feb-Apr 2014) (-20 from Feb-Apr 2014)

PROVIDED BY REALTORS® ASSOCIATION OF EDMONTON 6 THE YARDS SUMMER 2015 FRONTYARDS

THE ROUTE

BY BRITTANY NUGENT @MDRNGIRL Through Her Lens Two Words: Photographer Raffaella Loro appreciates downtown’s finer details Patio ith large urban parks and rolling trails along the river valley, it’s no wonder Raffaella Loro loves calling Season WOliver home. “We’re kind of in the suburbs of downtown,” the photographer and communications advisor jokes about the southeast portion known as Grandin. “We’re in the centre of the city but we’ve got a tiny little yard and access to green space.” Best of all, the 20-minute walk to city hall, where she works for the city manager, lets her effortlessly capture Edmonton’s natural and urban transforma- tions with her Canon. “It’s a really exciting place to be right now.”

1 District Coffee 2 John Howard Society Mural 10011 109 St. 100 105 St. Raffaella will pop in for a latte in the mornings to She’ll sometimes stroll a block south of Jasper to fuel her quick commute. “I wasn’t much of a coffee admire a painting so easily missed by pedestrians drinker until Nate [Box] first opened Elm Cafe. Now and drivers not looking up. “It makes me happy I’ll happily partake in a coffee pilgrimage whether every time I walk pass,” she says. It’s easy to see it’s to Elm, District or a stroll to Riverdale to visit why: “Transition” tells a story of compassion and Little Brick,” she says about the entrepreneur’s cafe environmentalism between two massive creatures empire around downtown. While there, she might made up of bright vegetation and cold industrial treat herself to an artisanal salted caramel or one of buildings. “There’s a lot of depth to it. You can pastry chef Erica Vliegenthart’s fresh baked goods. spend a fair amount of time examining the details.”

WORK 125 STREET 103 AVE 124 STREET 103 AVE

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HOME

3 Zenaris 4 Floc Boutique 5 LUX Beauty Boutique 10180 101 St. 10106 124 St. 12531 102 Ave. She meets with friends after To squeeze in a few extra steps on Raffaella then tucks into LUX work for a bottle of Prosecco her Fitbit, Raffaella scoots down to for perfect “gifts to pamper” at this family-owned Italian this 124 St. womenswear boutique and tips on the latest luxuries restaurant in the middle of offering superbly personalized from owner Jennifer Grimm . The seating shopping. Style consultants pair and fellow beauty experts. The and cocktail bar are nestled in the latest trends from Sanctuary specialty beauty shop is known the middle of the busy indoor Clothing, Fever London and for carrying top-quality, hard-to- The wait corridor, making for perfect St-Martens. “I just recently found find products. “My friends and I people-watching and patio a great dress and a beautiful navy are obsessed with this face mask is over. dining on the rainiest of days. jacket with an architectural collar called Glam Glow.” and leather sleeves.” FRONTYARDS

THEFITLIST

BY ALLISON VOISIN [email protected]

6 ways to reclaim public Urban Athletics spaces as your colossal gym BY TRACY HYATT @IAMTRACYHYATT PHOTO COURTESY OF VIVID RIBBON PHOTOGRAPHY & YEG FITNESS

RUN LIKE YOU MEAN IT SOAK UP THE WATER AND POWER THROUGH THE PEDWAY If the only obstacle between you and a Nothing beats a dip in the open-air The much-maligned 13-km pedway [1] marathon finish line is a support group, [3] Oliver Pool tucked behind the well- [5] system is the perfect way to up your then consider the River City Runners treed Kitchener Park. Originally heart rate on rainy days. Since exercise your new best friends. These dozen race enthusiasts built in 1924 to meet the growing city’s appetite for is the goal, excuse yourself as you climb the escal- meet weekday mornings outside of the Starbucks modern swimming facilities with heated change ators throughout the uninterrupted seven-block on 109 St. and Jasper Ave. for casual five to ten-km rooms and excellent water filtration, the pool kept route, starting at Shaw Conference Centre. runs through the river valley, then go hardcore on civilized Edmontonians from soaking in the North A caution here: though the City’s improved the Saturdays: 30 clicks. It’s obviously not for running River or neighbourhood bogs. Today, quizzical signage last year, some spots might still virgins; the goal is to compete in gruelling mara- the well-maintained pool keeps you from heading leave you second-guessing your direction. When thons and half-marathons. rivercityrunners.ca indoors on hot summer days. Laps and serious in doubt, follow the office crowd who know the workouts in this 30.5-metre pool prove difficult on connections best. busy weekends, but you could hold onto the ledge for GO WITH THE FLOW some callisthenics. This summer, fitness guru Jesse edmonton.ca/activities_parks_recreation SLAY THE STAIRS [2] Lipscombe brings home fitness to Oilers defenceman Andrew Ference North American living rooms with a [ ] will put you through a gruelling but new DVD workout program, FlowPower. But why MAKE LIKE JOHN McENROE 6 gratifying regime of running, stairs not try the tai chi/yoga/high-intensity training Pick up a game of tennis or practice and more stairs. Rain or shine, the Edmonton hybrid free with the man himself? Find Jesse or [4] your swing regardless of your skill level chapter of the free fitness movement November his crew every Tuesday and Thursday evening in at the Kinsmen outdoor courts every Project meets three days weekly at 6 am. Monday’s Constable Ezio Faraone Park, and then sweat your Sunday around 11 am. Don’t worry about bringing surprise location is sometimes in your backyard way through jumps, burpees and squats for 60 a partner: Team Edmonton, a local organization (check @Nov_ProjectCAN on twitter the day minutes—regardless of your fitness level. Muscle promoting LGBTQ sports and rec, pairs you with a before), while Wednesday sees the “tribe,” as they development is core to FlowPower, meaning you’ll player so you’ll be practising your swing in no time. like to be called, hit the stairs at Commonwealth lose weight while increasing your strength, balance Thin morning crowds mean the wait rarely tops Stadium. Friday’s workout begins from Emily and athletic ability. Or join Monday and Wednesday more than 30 minutes to snap up one of the three Murphy Park and you can bet it involves running for free bootcamp in the same location. Register at asphalt courts. the dreaded Glenora stairs. wevivefitness.com. teamedmonton.ca november-project.com

8 THE YARDS SUMMER 2015 FRONTYARDS

JUNE 26 JUNE 26 • JULY 31 • AUG. 28 The Works Golden Summer Gala MAKING CONNECTIONS Milner Book Club AROUND DOWNTOWN The signature summer arts festival of JUNE 8 Do you love to read and tell others the year starts off with an extravagant NextGen Month Kick Off Event about the books you’ve read? Share gala to celebrate the launch of the Young professionals and creative your impressions and interpretations BY ALLISON VOISIN [email protected] 30th annual The Works Art & Design types get their own month in with like-minded individuals at this Festival. The Wet Secrets and Capital Edmonton. If that’s you, then follow monthly book club that encourages City Burlesque perform while chefs this kickoff and subsequent events to lively discussions on thought- CREATIVE COLLISIONS showcase their own creativity via the network with your likeminded peers. provoking works of fiction and JUNE 5 Food is Art Dinner Experience. n Iconoclast Koffiehuis non-fiction. Heroes Vs. Villains Market n The Fairmont 11807B 105 Ave., n Stanley Milner Library, Creative Edmonton presents a full 10065 100 St., theworks.ab.ca edmontonnextgen.ca 7 Sir Winston Churchill Sq., epl.ca night of makers, music and food in an indoor market-styled setting, plus costumed heroes and villains compete THOUGHT PROVOKING against one another in a number JUNE 5–6 of themed Fear Factor-inspired Right to Housing Conference JUNE 16 challenges. The coalition on Housing and Timothy Caulfield n MacEwan, Bldg. 6, 10700 104 Ave., Homelessness educates on housing Ever wondered why that celebrity creativeyeg.ca insecurity and shows how you can play diet didn’t go as planned? Timothy a role in this human right. The two-day Caulfield knows why. The author JUNE 4–14 event showcases keynote speaker of Is Gwyneth Paltrow Wrong NextFest Michael Shapcott, an academic and About Everything? debunks and There are at least 600 reasons to founding member of the National exposes myths surrounding celebrate the emerging artist festival’s Housing and Homelessness Network, celebrity endorsed lifestyles in the 20th birthday. That’s how many on housing security related issues. Citadel’s ongoing speakers series. artists it takes to build this program of n Stanley Milner Library, n , 9828 101A Ave., original theatre, dance, music, visual ecohh.ca ecfoundation.org art and film. n 124 St. and Downtown, nextfest.org JUNE 11 Pecha Kucha Night JUNE 24 Twenty-two events later, it’s still the Johann Sebastian Bach best place to exchange ideas. The The 140th anniversary of All Saints’ 20-seconds per slide presentation Anglican Cathedral features many format promises a concise, fast-paced well-known local musicians, including and fun way to challenge conventional the cathedral’s own music director thinking. Find it in beautiful Louise and core contributor to choral music McKinney Park—rain or shine. throughout , Jeremy Spurgeon. n 9999 Grierson Hill Rd., n 10035 103 St., edmontonbachproject.ca edmontonnextgen.ca

JUNE 26

JUNE 3 Beers for Books Trivia Night Get your game face on, because Yellowhead Brewery’s bringing back a night of good trivia, brewery tours and food, in support of the Room to Read charity for making quality children’s education accessible in underprivileged regions of the world. Trivia questions range from geography to pop culture, but let’s test your skills on downtown history. Match the neighbourhood’s namesake to the correct personality. n $10, Yellowhead Brewery, 10229 105 St., tinyurl.com/BeerNBooks

a. Oliver b. McCauley c. Central McDougall d. Rossdale

1. Edmonton’s first , not to be mistaken with a certain self- aggrandizing Oscar winner

2. Built this neighborhood’s first house, later becoming Edmonton’s first hotel

3. Published city’s first newspaper, The Bulletin, used to demonize First Nations

4. Early pioneer who was pivotal to city’s construction Answers: 1. b / 2. d / 3. a / 4. c 4. / a 3. / d 2. / b 1. Answers:

EDMONTON’S CENTRAL MAGAZINE SUMMER 2015 9 FRONTYARDS

JUNE 5 AUG. 17 JUNE 12 Big Wheels Delivers Meals Are You Ready for THE YARDS SUMMER COMMUNITY Car enthusiasts will love this Show-N- Entrepreneurship? LAUNCH & SALON Shine of classic rides topped off with Starting a business can be over- Even though you’re already reading LEAGUE delicious barbecue. All proceeds go to whelming, but it could also be an it, we want to celebrate summer the transportation costs of Meals on exhilarating challenge. This two-hour issue launch with you at on one GATHERINGS Wheels delivery. introductory workshop offers women of the best patios in the city. We’ll n Save-On-Foods, 10180 109 St., entrepreneurial advice to help decide be joining forces with professor June 11 & Aug. 13 DOWNTOWN mealsonwheelsedmonton.org if business-ownership is the right call Heather Zwicker and human rights Monthly board meeting for you. And if it is, Alberta Women advocate Murray Billett, speaking n 7 pm, Community Space, AUG. 22 Entrepreneurs organization will set on a panel and live podcast 10042 103 St. Al Fresco you up with some of the resources you recording about Edmonton’s LGBT Mark your calendars for this action- need for this next chapter in life. history and 35 years of Pride. June 19 DOWNTOWN packed day of fun and excitement n AWE Head Office, 10310 Jasper Ave., n Latitude 53, 10242 106 St., Urban Kids Board Game Night in the heart of Edmonton. The awebusiness.com theyardsyeg.ca n 6 pm, Community Space, event kicks off with the Downtown 10042 103 St. Edmonton Community League Pancake breakfast and continues June 13 OLIVER on 104 St. long after the Farmers’ Pride Family Picnic afternoon Market. Experience thousands offers all-ages activities and of others coming together in the opportunities to meet neighbours. downtown core to enjoy extended Bring a blanket and lawn chair. patios from your favourite restaurants n 12 pm, Community Hall, and wine bars stage performers, 10326 118 St. fashion and drag shows, plus an armada of food trucks. Funds raised June 17 OLIVER will support the activities of the Programs and Events committee Alberta Council of Women’s Shelters. meeting n 104 St., 4thstpromenade.ca n 6:30pm, Community Hall, 10326 118 St. AUG. 22 What the Truck?! July 1 OLIVER It’s the best kind of road congestion Monthly board meeting when Edmonton’s food trucks serve

Improvaganza 2015 PHOTO MARC-JULIEN BY OBJOIS n 7 pm, Community Hall, up street food with a side of local 10326 118 St. music. Get there ahead of time—the JUNE 17–27 lineups are serious. After five years as comedy institution Rapid Fire Theatre’s artistic director, July 9 DOWNTOWN n TELUS field, 10233 96 Ave., Amy Shostak is hanging up her clown shoes—but not without first flooding Barbecue social whatthetruck.ca the city with dozens of international “alt” comedians during the 15th n 6 pm, Community Space, annual Improvaganza, a 10-day festival of improv, stand-up and sketch 10042 103 St. masters that’ll make you laugh in ways never thought possible. A BETTER YOU n Citadel Theatre, 9828 101A Ave., rapidfiretheatre.com Aug. 5 OLIVER JUNE 14 Monthly board meeting Painless Public Speaking The outgoing leader and downtowner Amy Shostak tells us all n 7 pm, Community Hall, Public speaking doesn’t come about the upcoming festival and her fondest memories. 10326 118 St. naturally to everyone. This three- hour workshop with voice and public Q: WHAT WILL YOU MISS MOST? Aug. 22 DOWNTOWN speaking coach Alyson Connolly I loved collaborating with such a passionate, skilled ensemble. Becoming Annual pancake breakfast shows how to master the craft with a solid improviser takes time and dedication. It’s been an honour to watch n 9 am. Community Space, proper preparation and breathing them grow and take risks together. They’re also just so fun to be around. 10042 103 St. techniques, plus an understanding of the psychological dynamic of speakers Q: WHAT’S THE BIGGEST RISK YOU TOOK? and audiences. Moving us in 2012 from the Varscona Theatre in Old Strathcona to the n Chateau Lacombe Hotel, Citadel Theatre downtown. We took a leap of faith, uprooted our whole BLOCK PARTY 10111 Bellamy Hill, alysonconnolly.com community, in the hope of growing our programming. It’s been Rapid Fire’s JUNE 5 goal to buy our own theatre for the last 15 years, and I knew if we wanted to Mercer Summer Super Party JUNE 20 do that, we’d need to produce more. Start your summer off right with WordPress for Beginners this closed-street festival hosted Whether you’re a blogger or busi- Q: WHAT CAN WE EXPECT AT IMPROVAGANZA 2015? by Mercer Warehouse businesses, ness-owner, WordPress is as It’s sincerely my favourite time of the year. The weather is gorgeous, featuring live bands, a dance party, important a computer skill as spread- Churchill Square is alive, and then we parachute in 45 of the most art market, food hawkers and open sheet-making. This workshop shows charming people from across the globe. Some of our visiting performers house inside Startup Edmonton. how to install WordPress, navigate it, are improvisers from Argentina, , or Norway, who find creative n 10363 104 St., mercersuperparty.com and edit a theme that’s right for you. ways to communicate without language. Every night is different, and there n Startup Edmonton, 10359 104 St., is something for everyone. 10 THE YARDS SUMMER 2015 startupedmonton.ca BY JEREMY DERKSEN @OUTDOORSINSIDER

CAN THE NEWCYCLES 102 AVE BIKE CORRIDOR SPARK TRANSFORMATION IN THE URBAN CORE? of CHANGE

amsin shute began riding her bike 136th streets. It’s still several years away, with from there will be a matter of both public and to work, at the Stanley Milner Library, construction set for spring 2016, but Shute is political will. from her Westmount home about five already dreaming of the possibilities for her and years ago. Originally from Vancouver, for her kids. “There are a lot of really amazing biking has become a fashionable expression Tthe children’s librarian and mother of two finds things that happen in the downtown core and of environmental, health and urbanist conscious- the ride along 102 Ave. relaxing and therapeutic, I want them to be a part of that,” she says. “And ness, especially among under-40s. Inspired by especially after a long day working with energetic riding a bike is a great way to give them some these ideals, and by rising fuel costs, parking rates kids. “No matter what’s happened during the day,” freedom and control. If they’re stuck in a car they and commute times, more people are getting back says Shute, 35, “just getting on the bike to ride don’t get that.” on the saddle for the first time since childhood. But home, I feel so much better.” it’s not all disciples and downtown On all but a few blocks, where she has to navigate Tamsin Shute hipsters spurring the charge, nor is it a new idea— busy downtown traffic, Shute feels comfortable not even for Edmonton. commuting on two wheels. But getting to the point Back in the late 1980s, when the late educator, where moderate cyclists like her are comfortable activist and politician Tooker Gomberg arrived on Edmonton streets hasn’t come easily—and the on the scene, political support was lean for bicycle work is far from done. and eco-friendly initiatives. Gomberg quickly got Edmonton cyclists have long been an under- involved with the Edmonton Bicycle Commuters serviced minority in a city that loves its trucks. For Society, through which he met his life partner their part, drivers are often faced with navigating Angela Bischoff. around vulnerable and sometimes unpredictable Together they lobbied hard for cycling initia- cyclists. For cyclists, the streets can be hostile with tives. It was an exciting time, Bischoff recalls, but crumbling curb lanes, confusing traffic signage, frustrating too. One failed campaign, Rails to disconnected networks and, at times, tonnes of Trails, aimed to convert old, downtown railway speeding metal piloted by drivers who just don’t lines into a network of dedicated bike trails—a give a damn. Potholes might be the only thing completely car-free corridor. “That was one of the they can unite on. It’s festered discontent on both big losses for Edmonton,” laments Bischoff. “These sides—discontent that’s not unique to modern were reasonable ideas that were good for the Canadian cities trying to promote active trans- environment, good for the economy, and they just portation. But while Vancouver, and even weren’t embraced.” downtown have taken huge steps toward Tired of battling an entrenched administration, peaceful traffic co-existence, Edmonton has been Gomberg ran for city council in 1992 and won. mired in a slow process of incremental construc- That year, Council approved the city’s first Bicycle tion, conciliation and occasional back steps. Transportation Plan and began expanding and With the planned redevelopment of 102 Ave. paving multi-use trails in the river valley. Even- putting new focus on cycling infrastructure in PHOTO BY IAN SCOTT tually, work began on urban streets, widening the downtown core, policy makers, municipal curb lanes, adding sharrows (painted markings planners and cyclists in Edmonton are hoping that But can the bicycle really take hold in indicating shared paths for drivers and cyclists) will change. Edmonton’s northern climate and become a tool and extending suburban bike lanes. Combined, At completion, cyclists will be able to pop by for change in the city? And what could that mean this system of trails skirted the periphery of the Downtown farmers’ market for some carrots for the downtown core? With the planning and downtown occasionally infiltrating the city centre and berries, maybe a latte, visit a boutique or two, construction of the 40-block 102 Ave. corridor, but never quite coalescing into a fully integrated check out the action on Churchill Square, attend Edmontonians are about to get a taste of how bike network. art galleries, a play, the symphony, and return dedicated bicycle infrastructure will alter the busy home—all on one continuous glide from 96th to urban transportation network. How things unfold EDMONTON’S CENTRAL MAGAZINE SUMMER 2015 11 PHOTO COURTESY OF COALITION YEG BIKE

Sharrows, introduced in 2010, were especially for a dedicated cycling path along 105 Ave., north supervisor of the City’s Sustainable Transporta- confusing and frustrating to cyclists and drivers of the Edmonton Arena District, was heralded as a tion department. “The design philosophy was to alike. In 2013, then mayor Stephen Mandel sign of renewed support for bicycle transportation move as many cars and to get them in and out of lamented that bike infrastructure development in urban Edmonton. Under Don Iveson, Edmon- downtown as fast as possible,” he explains. “We was turning into “a nightmare,” after Ritchie ton’s notably pro-cycling mayor, municipal support were trying to achieve extremely high levels of residents complained about the prospect of for bicycle initiatives is at an unprecedented high. service for the automobile, which deprived the losing parking along neighbourhood streets. It But what does the city have to gain from that? environment for people living or working here.” was a major setback for those in government and Cities such as Copenhagen and Amsterdam advocacy who’d dedicated themselves to quelling few riders have logged as many kilometres on have been redefined by cycling and active trans- the growing cultural war. Edmonton streets as CJSR bicycle traffic reporter portation, and how it gives life to public space, In October 2014, the bike community learned Karly Coleman. Every day, Coleman rides through reduces vehicle congestion and pollution, and,

“IT WAS LIKE YOU’RE A STUDENT BACKPACKING THROUGH ON A SHOESTRING BUDGET. THAT’S WHAT WE DID: WE TRIED TO PROVIDE AS MUCH BICYCLE INFRASTRUCTURE AS WE COULD WITH THE LIMITED FUNDS WE HAD.” — TYLER GOLLY, GENERAL SUPERVISOR, SUSTAINABLE TRANSPORTATION that funding for cycling infrastructure, including a cross-section of downtown, across the High Level generally speaking, contributes to better quality another bike lane north of Whyte Ave., might be Bridge and to the , where of life. Places like Portland, Melbourne and, axed from the 2015 budget. To rally support, the the human ecology student is also writing her notably, Minneapolis—which has a climate akin to Edmonton Bike Coalition quickly launched a master’s thesis on how cyclists define themselves ours—are successfully following suit. These cities campaign inviting cyclists to share images of them- and construct identity on two wheels. “Riding not are reshaping their urban infrastructure towards selves on bikes, holding signs reading “I bike,” “We only gives you a sense of your immediate physical bicycles and pedestrians not because it’s easy, but bike,” and “I would bike.” A video mosaic of over environment,” says the former MEC sustainability because it makes sense. But does it make sense for 1,000 of these distinct images played on a loop in coordinator and Bikeology director, “it gives you Edmonton? city hall. In December, City Council unanimously a sense of your immediate social environment as passed an $8.8 million budget for active trans- well.” ONLINE EXCLUSIVE: portation in the downtown core, with the 102 Ave On a larger scale, that question of identity can corridor as a centrepiece. also be extended to cities. What happens when a RIDING THE CORRIDOR The decision to approve the plan, which also calls city defines itself by its transportation mode? Writer and longtime cyclist Jeremy For far too long, downtown Edmonton was Derksen rides and documents the future. 12 THE YARDS SUMMER 2015 defined by the car, says Tyler Golly, general theyardsyeg.ca/riding-the-corridor The number one thing you need to make it Golly. “The priority users are going to be bicycles work isn’t infrastructure, but bikes. And there are and pedestrians.” many of them in the core. According to the Bicycle Although Golly’s been working with a renewed Trade Association of Canada, 80 per cent of Oliver and robust guiding document for bike infra- households have at least one. How many of them get structure development since 2009, the last six used is another matter. Three per cent of Edmon- years were marred by false starts. On top of the tonians ride their bikes daily, according to a 2013 culture war, public resistance and limited funding Bannister poll, while 35 per cent ride every week. has prevented planners from realizing the full Those numbers suggest that the potential is there, potential. “It was like you’re a student backpacking but what will it take to convert more of them into through Europe on a shoestring budget,” Golly THE TAO OF regular or even occasional cyclists? analogizes. “That’s what we did—we tried to provide as much bicycle infrastructure as we could TOOKER generally, cyclists fall into one of four with the limited funds we had.” categories, as identified by Portland transporta- “The result of that was some people not being Angela Bischoff smiles fondly as she recalls tion engineer Roger Geller. “Strong and fearless” happy,” he says. “Change is never easy for a city.” how the late Tooker Gomberg, former City riders, like Coleman, are undeterred by traffic or Big change is certainly ahead, but there’s no Councillor and her longtime partner, triggered weather conditions. You might find them charging guarantee on what the end result will look like, the original pilot for bike racks on Edmonton through stale yellow lights or merging across lanes yet. The 102nd and 83rd avenue designs are still transit buses. at the speed of traffic. “Enthused and confident” in consultation, and public input could sway “Administration came back saying they riders are a little more conservative, keeping to the the designs before shovels hit the ground next thought it was a great idea but they didn’t have curb and waiting until all is clear to switch lanes. year. “You can have policies galore,” says Natalie any budget for it,” Bischoff recalls. “So right in Combined, these groups account for less than 10 Lazurko, Golly’s colleague in the financial and City Council, when they were having this public per cent of cyclists. capital planning department, “but unless you have conversation, Tooker said, ‘Well, what would But then there’s “interested but concerned” people advocating for this and willing to put their it cost?’ And the head of transportation said, riders, which comprise the largest population neck on the line to support it…politically, you don’t ‘Not very much, maybe $5,000.’ And Tooker segment, 54 per cent according to a 2013 City have a hope of actually getting there.” said, ‘So if I paid for it, you would do it?’ And survey. These Edmontonians ride a bike now and That support wasn’t always there when it was he said yeah. So Tooker said okay, I’m happy to then, though not on a regular basis nor solely for needed in past, from council or administration, pay for it. From then on, on the transportation commuting. They may get out on the occasional she says. “It’s a large corporation with many budget there was a line item for Tooker’s bike leisurely ride on river valley trails but they’re different years of experience. Some have been pilot project.” hesitant to engage with traffic. (The remaining 30 working under the old approach for years and The story epitomizes how Gomberg would per cent is the “no way no how” group for whom years, and so just like we have to change people’s sacrifice himself to a cause. He was restless riding is out of the question.) Tamsin Shute is some- minds in public, it’s the same internally.” and rarely looked back. “Tooker was always where in the middle. But what if that political will shifts again? pushing his agenda,” says Bischoff. His “I’m definitely a fairweather biker,” says Shute, Frustrated, vehicle-bound ratepayers could methods could be controversial—he famously who commutes by bike half the year from April still pressure the City into cutting funding and refused to wear a tie at council meetings, and through September. “When I first started riding scaling back plans. It’s happened before. With he once locked himself in a vault in Ralph downtown I was really scared. Just the way the so many other major capital projects, as well as Klein’s office and faxed out media releases on roads work, I have to go into the middle lane and growing infrastructure maintenance costs, budget Klein’s own letterhead. But he was a dedicated there’s a lot of buses and taxis weaving in and out. priorities can change dramatically year over year, activist who sought creative ways to push for So that’s where I have to keep my eyes open and be resulting in watered-down versions of grander causes he believed in. really cautious.” plans. On Edmonton City Council, he advocated Since the fearless and the confident will ride As the population swells over the next few years, for environmental improvements beyond anyway, the City is focused on creating infra- a legacy of auto-centric urban design will continue the Bicycle Transportation Plan and into structure for the middle categories, to put them to accentuate downtown congestion problems. It waste management and recycling initiatives. at ease and build their confidence in hopes that will take a consistent, concerted effort by drivers, Gomberg eventually moved to Toronto and they will take up cycling in greater numbers and cyclists, pedestrians, planners and politicians— continued his activism. frequency. According to an independent review but the bicycle could be a part of the solution. However, his restless advocacy took its toll by engineering consultant Urban Systems, “Whatever the result, it will be better than it is and he was overcome with severe depression. one of the key things that would make more now,” says Shute. “If it were a bit more safe, I would After his anti-depressants stopped working, Edmonton cyclists feel safe is proper, dedicated definitely opt to take the bike more often when we his doctor increased his dosages—despite infrastructure. go out [as a family]. I want my kids to feel comfort- side-effect warnings—but his demons That’s where the 102 Ave. bike corridor comes in. able on bikes.” • continued haunting him. The current design concept prioritizes active travel Gomberg’s bicycle, helmet and a suicide over vehicular traffic, with bike lanes physically Jeremy Derksen is a former bike courier whose note were discovered on the MacDonald Bridge separated from the street by a curb or structural penchant for adventure informs his work, whether in Halifax in 2004. His body was never found. divider. “Cars will still be able to use it as an access it be as a magazine writer, location manager for He was 48. Bischoff continues to work in the road, but it’s going to completely change,” explains Alberta film crews or former newspaper publisher. environmental movement in . How churches are evolving to downtown’s changes

BY MYRNA KOSTASH

Hollow Temples PHOTO BY IAN SCOTT

n a walkabout through my neigh- to deans, bishops and pastors is who fills their pews Eve services in the stations. But these commuting bourhood early this winter, I had the rest of the year. parishioners in fact represent a dispersed congrega- taken note of the number of places tion and a new chapter in the cathedral’s history. of worship between Oliver and all saints’ anglican cathedral on 103 St. and During Edmonton’s original “boom” before the Downtown. I wondered, had these Jasper Ave. is an imposing structure with a grand First World War, All Saints’ was a “rich person’s Ocommunities of religious citizens come to terms nave, but on Thursday mornings coffee and muffins church,” according to Dean Gordon, who invited me with the area’s drastic change in demographics and are laid out in the Cathedral Common before a tax to think of the remnants of the grand old homes that topography since they had first opened their doors a clinic opens for low-income Edmontonians. They lined the residential streets along 100 Ave. Then century ago? And how do the heads of these central arrive mainly from east of the Coliseum and Alberta came the crash, the Great Depression, and the focus Edmonton churches view their neighbourhood Avenue and are then invited to Holy Eucharist and of the parish’s activities turned from “fund-raising today? Soup and Sandwich Lunch in the lounge. It’s free for nice things for the church” (processional crosses For instance, according to the 90-year-old Grace and “everyone is welcome,” Dean Neil Gordon told and clerical vestments) to relief projects, especially Lutheran Church on 114 St., “the absence of focus on me (a Dean is a Cathedral’s head while its Bishop at the outreach mission church in Rossdale Flats. the unchurched and dechurched in the neighbor- leads the whole diocese). I arrived in his Cathedral In Dean Gordon’s vivid image, it was “literally the hoods surrounding Grace” has resulted in a 10-year office to find out what these modern ’hoods look like cathedral on the hill, with a commitment to the stagnation in membership, dwindling Sunday from the perspective of the parish office. people living down below.” worship attendance and a Sunday school class Downtown’s new condo dwellers come too, to Dean Gordon said by the 1940s wealthier one-third the size it was in 2000. bake muffins or drop by for an hour to chat with Anglicans had moved out of downtown to Glenora, And then there’s the substantial, even hulking, visitors who wait their turn for tax assessments. while others from further away began commuting brick presence of McDougall United Church that They’ve discovered the cathedral because of the to All Saints’ “for the choir, the organ, the bells and had seemed an incorruptible and timeless artifact of concerts it hosts, such as Pro Coro, or for Choral incense”—the liturgical flourishes on offer in a our history—social and artistic as well as spiritual— Eucharist and the incomparable Jeremy Spurgeon Cathedral setting. In the 1960s, the parish became until last February. That’s when a report to City Hall on the massive organ. “We’re not just handing out more “activist” hosting a women’s shelter and, for estimated a repair and renovation bill of $18 to 25 food,” declared Dean Gordon. “We talk and learn a few months, the Middle cafe. “Imagine a million, citing a congregation reluctant to commit stories.” The participation of young volunteers is folk cafe, as in Inside Llewyn Davis. But not every- spending millions on urgent repairs for a building key. They want to do more than just worship; they body was happy with just coffee.” (It was raided for without provincial heritage status. Even more want face-to-face, hands-on service, whether it’s drugs.) distressing was the conclusion of a separate consult- serving the Friday morning breakfasts or collecting And today, the evolution continues: Sunday after- ant’s report that there existed no community or clothes for the homeless. “They also join us in noon worship services in the Dinka language for philanthropic “will” to save McDougall United. worship,” he noted, “but their primary religious South Sudanese Anglicans and, every third Sunday, Like all churches, Grace Lutheran and McDougall energy is in outreach. I love millennials!” First Nations services tie the Gospel narrative with have their C & E (Christmas and Easter) adherents. All Saints’ is metres away from Bay/Enterprise Aboriginal storytelling. Last year, 125,000 people went to Christmas Eve Station—a “gold mine” when the arena opens I came away exhilarated from my conversation services in Edmonton who may never be seen until up for business and downtown parking spaces with the very animated, emphatic Dean, with a April, if not for another 12 months. But what counts disappear, he said. Many people come to All Saints’ vision that swoops all around central downtown, from Cromdale and Southgate because of LRT from the cathedral steps to the empty lot across 14 THE YARDS SUMMER 2015 access. The church even advertised its Christmas from the once Greyhound bus station he hopes will Musician Jim Whittle at All Saints’ Cineplex Odeon in South Edmonton Common. I Anglican Cathedral for a Taizé service chased down one of its staffers, Kevin Machado, who is also a pastor at the downtown “campus,” for an interview at the Milner Library Second Cup. Despite its preference for large auditorium venues, City Centre Church (CCC) is not a mega- church such as those established by evangelical Christians in newly-minted suburbs. It has origins in a church-planting movement, which Machado told me “seeds through communities” like our own. Machado emphasizes that they are neither counsellors nor psychiatrists, but simply people be cleaned up and made safer for Aboriginal women. who have “spiritual awareness.” People who “burn cial heritage status with a contribution of $750,000 I also took note of other churches dotting central for community.” “I’m passionate about people who towards restoration (the City may be good for Edmonton that have found novel ways to fill their come from dark places where your soul is brittle and another $500,000), enough to complete the most pews: MacDougall United’s “rainbow” inclusive- cold,” he told me. People like he and his wife not so urgent repairs to the exterior. The interior will be ness, Robertson-Wesley’s free yoga classes and art long ago. preserved as a “vintage” performing arts space and therapy, Grace Lutheran’s open music stages. But It’s the hope of healing that the CCC offers those community centre, subject, of course, to the affirm- these chapels have been around for a century. What who join them, even temporarily, at prayer, Muffin ation of the congregation. about the rare places of worship that have emerged Sundays for families, at Hope Mission or Mustard Ah, yes, the congregation. This is, after all, a place in the last decade? I wondered what spiritual void Seed volunteer commitments, or (when they of worship. Its inclusive ministry—ordination of were they filling? were still in the Paramount) potluck meals in the women, support for LGBTQ—is what attracted theatre lobby—often the warmest place for the CCC families like Jodine Chase’s. But, as with so many around the corner from All Saints’ Cathedral community on a Sunday night. “People hear about denominational churches in the 21st century, the on Jasper Ave. stands the now-doomed Paramount us by word of mouth, or from a friend’ or they walk congregation cannot sustain the building on its theatre building that until recently sported the by our sign. They meet us and it’s okay not to have own and must force a “community partnership,” emphatic lettering of City Centre Church. The all the answers. We don’t yell at people while we’re she said. “The congregation is an integral part of the church now meets Sundays three blocks away, at feeding them. We have conversations. They are vision but we cannot be the sole steward anymore … Landmark Cinemas in City Centre Mall, or at the welcome to stay and pray.” We’re ready to walk the talk.” • But there is also this important difference: the CCC is a young church and still “spontaneous,” ALL SAINTS’ building itself as it goes along, not proclaiming any special understanding but just coming together, “normal people who have a shared experience,” in ANGLICAN Machado’s words. No pews or chandeliers, order of clergy or choirs, not a church “that says, ‘this is what CATHEDRAL you need to do’” with all the structures that go with it. CONTINUES TO Yet, along with All Saints’ and the others, the City Centre Church could be part of a movement, EVOLVE, WITH bringing central churches to the ‘hood.

AFTERNOON that’s what jodine Chase hopes will happen for the 1910 McDougall United Church. The congre- WORSHIP SERVICES gation member started campaigning to prove that there is a will to save it among the church’s most IN THE DINKA “feisty” members, plus supporters in the downtown arts’ community. “Right off the bat, we had a dozen LANGUAGE FOR ‘Friends of McDougall,’” Jodine Chase told me. Friends of McDougall’s efforts to save the building SOUTH SUDANESE began with fundraising, accepting donations from $20 to $20,000, “to capture our support and trans- BELIEVERS AND late it into meaningful dollars.” This was not a heritage that could be “preserved” FIRST NATIONS simply by renovating the facade and demolishing the interior for condos. For one, the interior, built to seat 2,000, is in good shape and still an SERVICES TYING THE ideal acoustic environment for musicians and performers. For another, the building has long been GOSPEL NARRATIVE the site of historic developments, as the original home of the Edmonton Opera, site of suffragette WITH ABORIGINAL rallies in the 1900s, University of Alberta convoca- tion venue, and the auditorium before the Northern STORYTELLING. Jubilee opened in 1957. “It has been a ‘tool’ for the Myrna Kostash is a full-time writer and a condo whole city,” Chase argued. “And all users needed to dweller in Oliver. She founded the Creative Nonfiction be at the table with their contributions.” Collective. Then, on April 1, 2015, the provincial Culture Minister announced formal intent to seek provin- EDMONTON’S CENTRAL MAGAZINE SUMMER 2015 15 INNER VOICES

BY MURRAY BILLETT A Wonderful Day in the Gaybourhood @MOOSEJAWMURRAY A reflection on Oliver’s evolution as LGBTQ community hub

liver hasn’t always been LGBTQ’s our successes, like in 1998, when we convinced the celebrations. Boystown cleverly chosen part of town. It owes its place as city to hold Pride Parade on Jasper, letting it roll confronted the mayor, adorning its front windows OEdmonton’s “gaybourhood” to the 1970s down the high street before ending in Oliver Park, with a huge protest sign right on Jasper. Once news- and ’80s, when the gay-owned Flashback Nite Club not far from the afterparty. Despite this significant papers took notice, the mayor had found himself on on 104 St. and 104 Ave. was the city’s “in place” (see milestone, we had a ways to go: Gay people could the wrong side of the fight. City lawyers advised him p. 18). In fact, Billboard once named it one of the legally be denied housing; employers could legally to sign the proclamation and not a year has since 10 Best Clubs in . Paired with the fire them; and the then-named Alberta Individual passed without this simple but important mayoral Roost, another gay bar across the street, the roots Rights Protection Act still didn’t include sexual gesture— avalidation of diversity. of our community were forming in nearby Oliver as orientation in legislation. So we faxed, we postered, Our fabulous LGBTQ community and allies have more LGBTQ started moving into its many walkup we petitioned, we protested. Being such a short come a long way from when we were reputed to be apartments. The only question about where to live stroll from the legislative grounds sure was handy. the Redneck Centre of Canada. Just as last spring was, “So J” (South of Jasper) or “No J” (North of One of our first protests on the legislature’s steps, we successfully fought against an egregious version Jasper)? in 1991, was after my friend Delwin Vriend was fired of Bill 10, in order to protect our youngest with Today, Oliver is home to the majority of Edmon- from King’s University College after telling his Gay-Straight Alliances in their schools, we continue ton’s gay establishments, but they are few compared family and church he had a boyfriend. Allies raised to stand up for equality. It’s made us feel a bit safer to those transformative years, as social networking, money and awareness, and, sadly, had to force our in our awesome little gaybourhood, but it’s also acceptance and tolerance has diminished their own province to the Supreme Court of Canada in solidified beautiful Oliver as the place to build and need. But in the ’90s, we needed them as politicians 1998—and we won! Alberta was ordered to include grow a vibrant community like ours. both provincial and municipal stoked homophobic sexual orientation in its human rights protection So, won’t you be my neighbour? flames and dismissed us as lesser-thans. That only laws. Little did we know the profound impact it helped our community organize and thrive. would have, not just in our city but across Canada Murray Billett is a long-time Oliver resident, former We often mobilized in a little coffeeshop called and beyond: it’s since become a studied human police commissioner and human rights advocate. Boystown, located in a building on 124 St. and rights case in law schools worldwide. Jasper, with Woody’s night club upstairs and The momentum continued when, four years INNER VOICES FEATURES THE OPINION OF A CENTRAL EDMONTON Edmonton Pride Centre in the basement. We had later, former mayor Bill Smith refused to proclaim RESIDENT. EMAIL QUERIES TO [email protected].

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™Trademarks of Alberta Treasury Branches. THE URBANIST BACK YARDS The Kids Are Alright … but age-restrictive bylaws aren’t KYLA woman stood at my neighbour’s door, BY TIM QUERENGESSER screaming at his face. “When I moved in here, @TIMQUERENGESSER I thought no children were allowed!” A KNIGHREALTORT® He’s a young father with an energetic two-year-old based on age amongst other things. Even in Ontario, the girl that I often hear through our styrofoam-strength human rights commission is cracking down on housing walls, often laughing, sometimes crying. “You’re going ads that are remotely discriminatory, such as “ideal for to have to move to another® place, then, because children quiet couple” or “suitable for single professional.” BUYING, SELLING, INVESTMENT KYLA KNIGHT, REALTORare allowed here,” he responded with equal fervour. But in Alberta, said Roberto Noce, a lawyer with BUYING, SELLING, INVESTMENT“This is the first time I’ve met you. I don’t know your Miller Thomson, age restrictions baked into condo RE/MAX River City name, I don’t know anything about you. Have a good bylaws are usually upheld in court, though they’re not day!” common in Edmonton, age-restrictive bylaws are “the 780-999-0093 RE/MAX RiverSlam. City exception, not the rule,” he says. It’s the same thing for 780-999-0093Despite my condo’s poor sound-proofing, the man when you want to bring home something that walks [email protected] had a point. That is unless the condo board can be on all fours. In fact, theoretically condos could restrict [email protected] to change its bylaws and restrict who can those with blond hair and blue eyes, though whether www.kylaknight.com live here, like many other multiunit homes in central our court would uphold that is another question. “I was www.kylaknight.comEdmonton. If my angry neighbour can convince 75 approached by one condo corporation who inquired per cent of condo-owners to place age restrictions on whether they could create a bylaw saying only those WHY WOULD SOMEONE WANT TO RESTRICT SENIORS?OR CHILDREN, OR ANY OTHER DEMOGRAPHIC FOR THAT MATTER? SURE, THEY’RE LOUD, THEY’RE ANNOYING. BUT THE BEST you live work play PART OF LIVING IN A CITY IS ITS DIVERSITY AND LIVING AMONG PEOPLE UNLIKE MYSELF. in the core

residents, a court will support it. There will be zero aged 60 and under can live in the building.” legal recourse. Alberta’s human rights laws are the But why would someone want to restrict seniors? so do I :) only in Canada that don’t protect tenant’s from age Or children, or any other demographic for that matter? discrimination. Sure, they’re loud, they’re annoying. But the best part of Despite our many playgrounds, pools and summer living in a city is its diversity and living among people festivities, few kids live in Edmonton’s densest unlike myself. What galls me is that Alberta recently neighbourhoods due to a cluster of forces: allowance of revised its condo legislation, and age restrictions were age-restrictive bylaws, backwards human rights laws, left out of the discussion. Nothing’s changing without SERVING EDMONTON’S a lack of three-bedroom-plus units, buildings with thin stronger human rights laws. RIVER VALLEY & CORE COMMUNITIES walls and floors and, one suspects, a lingering culture More worryingly, our biases toward families seem to of believing families belong in suburbs. Bev Zubot, replicate themselves in what developers want to build. planning advisor with the Edmonton Federation of There are few family-oriented buildings on downtown’s Community Leagues, says the problem is well-known. horizon. Zubot has made the problem known to city Migrating families find a condo close to the core and council for years, leading to a market study on the realize, to their shock, they’re unwelcome. “They’re demand for multi-unit family-oriented housing and, not accustomed to this discrimination, whether they be pending results, a possible zoning amendment could from B.C., Eastern Canada or other countries,” she says. pressure developers to increase the offerings. She’d like But that’s the legal side of the coin. If buildings in to see them take cues from Toronto’s city council, which Edmonton were better designed, a lot of these disputes recently required all new downtown developments to wouldn’t happen. Zubot says that poor regulations and have some family-friendly housing. building codes are the crux of the problem. “We still But until the change comes at cultural, municipal and don’t have the proper sound-proofing between floors… provincial levels, the young family I share a wall with is in hallways.” Fix these, she says, and conflicts between going to continue worrying about their kid pissing off neighbours that lead to age restrictions dramatically the building. decrease. “We’re setting them up for disputes.” This is less of a problem in the , thanks Tim Querengesser is president of The Edmonton to federal legislation that forbids tenancy discrimination Wayfinding Society.

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hutting down a street is hard. But an alley? So long as you’ve got a van to block it off and a couple of rowdy queens on guard you’re set. At least that was the thinking during the days Sof Flashback—a gay bar considered one of the hottest clubs in Edmonton if not Canada in the 1980s. Some even called it “Studio 54 of the Prairies.” For one weekend every summer the alley behind the converted warehouse on 104 St.—bulldozed over 25 years ago for the Excelsior luxury lofts—hosted the Drag Races, a ritual marking the end of one Ms. Flashback’s reign and the crowning of another. Spectators, mostly gay men, crowded the loading docks or stood amidst garbage bins for a view of the gravel strip where young men challenged each other to tug-of-war fights and three- legged races, and drag queens stumbled and clambered in their heels (the libations didn’t help). It was great summer fun. But much more than that, it was a public show of support and defiance. cheese • wine+beer • espresso

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