On the front lines Edmonton charities grapple with the impact of COVID-19 on their organizations and clients - The Yards Magazine
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FALL 2020 • FREE
On the front lines
Edmonton charities grapple with the
impact of COVID-19 on their
organizations and clients
PG. 12
99.9%
Two peas in Around Eerie
a pie the Core Edmonton
Die Pie and Pêche Café A mix of virtual and Explore some of the
adapt to survive during physically-distanced core’s spookiest spots
COVID-19 events happening this fall
PG. 16
PG. 7 PG. 8
@YEGDTMARKET
Edmonton Downtown INSIDE
Farmers Market
FA L L 2 0 2 0
PUBLISHER
Simon Yackulic
MANAGING E DITOR
Alexandria Daum
ART DIRECTOR
Free Alberta Grown---
photo: Uryelle Dimailiq Jeremy Pudlowski
EDITORIAL INTERN
Parking!
Organic Benjamin Hollihan
Alberta Raised FRONTYARDS CONTRIBUTORS
Alberta Honey 4 Messages from the Oliver Community League and Downtown Edmonton Community League Justin Bell, Sydnee Bryant, Nathan
A bright, spacious heritage building On the first floor you will find a wide 5 News Refashioning Jasper Ave Fung, Benjamin Hollihan, Danielle
ALL WEEKEND! Alberta Cheese Paradis, Josh Pruden
which was once home to the much- assortment of locally grown BC Fresh Fruit 6 News Waiting for the LRT
loved Army and Navy Department vegetables, farm raised beef, 7 Shop the core The owners of Die Pie and Pêche Café adapt to survive a pandemic MARKETING & EVENTS
pork, chicken, lamb, eggs, cheese,
Alberta Made – Shyra Craig
Store, now is home to another 8 Events around the core
treasure-The Edmonton Downtown ethnic food vendors, organic meat Value ZESTFUL GENIUS
Farmers Market. With over one and eggs, Beef Jerky, BC fresh fruit, Added Foods WEB DIRECTOR &
hundred years of serving Farmers’ Kombucha, distilleries, wine and Seafood/Fish SOCIAL MEDIA
Market customers, this Market brewery products, mouth- watering Local Artists Roberto Villanueva
continues to grow, change with the bakery products, jewellery artisans, Indigenous Art
leather crafts, artists and so much GOVE RNANCE BOARD
times and provide a memorable Local Wine,
shopping experience. Ride the more. Totally unique to the EDFM is CHAIR
Breweries Lisa Brown
vintage manned and gated elevator a Fish Monger Store with a wide
variety of seafood and fish including and Spirits TREASURER
to the second floor to enjoy food
and beverages (coffee, milkshakes, fresh fish weekly from Iceland once Kombucha Josh Idoko
smoothies, speciality teas, etc.) plus the airways are open again to Handmade COMMUNITY LEAGUE
visit the vendors with great food, bring in this product. ATM machines Household REPRESENTATIVES
Allison Roland (OCL), Luwam
beautiful crafts, jewellery and are on site for your added Goods Kiflemariam (OCL), Jade Arnaout
convenience. (OCL), Chris Buyze (DECL),
clothing, nuts, chocolates and Handmade Michelle Ferguson (DECL), Anixa
pretzels to name a few. Sit and We have so many special vendors Clothing Patel (DECL)
enjoy a beverage – an ice cream waiting to greet you with excellent
service in a safe environment. Come
& Jewelry CONTACT US
sundae, smoothie, meat pie, fresh FEATURES The Yards Magazine
cinnamon bun - whatever you wish – and visit us Saturdays from 8:30- 1011, 10301 104 St. NW
12 On the front lines Edmonton charities grapple with the impact of COVID-19 Edmonton, AB T5J 1B9
in the upstairs seating area, or head 3:00 and Sundays from 10:30-3:00.
Year round. The IMPARK parking 16 Eerie Edmonton Visit some of the core’s spookiest spots
outside to enjoy the sunshine, ADVE RTISING SALES
lot behind the building is another sales@theyardsyeg.ca
where you’ll find more local food
special bonus the EDFM offers our
and crafts, as well as a couple of PUBLISHED BY
customers, it’s free of charge all THE CENTRAL EDMONTON
food trucks and more seating area.
weekend long! NEWS SOCIETY
I N PA R T N E R S H I P W I T H
Edmonton Downtown Farmers Market
yegdtmarket.com | 10305 97st Edmonton Alberta
FREE PARKING IN IMPARK LOTS BEHIND BUILDING
BACKYARDS
20 The List Explore the core
22 CoreSamples Gingerbread treasure
theyardsyeg.ca
facebook.com/theyardsyeg
@theyardsyeg
THE YARDS | FALL 2020 3
FRONTYARDS | OCL NEWS
Refashioning Jasper Ave
A greener, pedestrian-friendly
main street takes shape
Chris Buyze
Robyn Paches President, Downtown BY: Justin Bell
President, Oliver Edmonton Community
Community League (OCL) League (DECL)
The west end of Jasper Avenue is
getting a new look, with a major
overhaul planned over the next three
OCL PRESIDENT COLUMN changed, and are changing, rapidly. was named after someone who did such years, resulting in what the community
Jasper Avenue
We are not the society we were when terrible things.” hopes is a vibrant design that is photo: Mack Male
NAMES—A UNIFYING TOOL the majority of these people were Names are an important tool that have friendly and functional for all users.
Names hold weight. Everyone has one— chosen to be honoured. We stand in not been used well for decades. Instead The Imagine Jasper Avenue project
they’re simple and something we can stark opposition to racism, the use of of letting them stagnate and allowing is focusing on revitalizing the Oliver League has been working closely want it to extend over a decade. If that
all understand. They define both how propaganda to vilify an entire people, their stories to fade away, why don’t we segment of Jasper Avenue, from 109 with the city to ensure the west happens, phase one infrastructure
the world sees us, and how we want the and giving preference to people use them to unify and teach? Street to 114 Street, with remaining side of Jasper Avenue is more than could be years older than the new
world to see us. because of their physical or mental This is the core of our proposal. phases up to 124 Street to follow. just a transportation corridor into stuff being put in. The whole point is to
We identify our place in this world by ability. Frank Oliver was guilty of each of Names have proven a terrible teacher The goal will be on commuter- and downtown. create a consistent look and feel,” he
name. Canadian, Albertan, Edmontonian, these things. of history. We want to use them to pedestrian-friendly design. Upgrades The project has the support said. The east end of Jasper Avenue,
or a resident of Oliver—it’s usually one After hearing from residents, bring people together by allowing to the street will include seating, bus of councillors including Ward 6 in Downtown, is also being revitalized,
of the first topics to come up when you the Oliver Community League is in communities to re-evaluate and shelters and soil cells for new trees. Councillor Scott McKeen, whose from 92 Street to 109 Street, as part of
meet someone. opposition to honouring Frank Oliver celebrate their names each generation. Jasper Avenue will also be made ward encompasses both the the Jasper Avenue New Vision project,
Now, imagine that every time you with our community name. We want Learning from Indigenous governance narrower, lowering crossing distances Downtown and Oliver communities. with an anticipated completion in 2022.
used one of these names you were to create a new identity—one that is principles of renewal, let’s transform the across the street, as well as across side “Jasper Avenue is Edmonton’s
naming someone responsible for unifying instead of divisive. We want an way we think about names, and unify streets. main street—it is not just a commuter
the systematic demonization and all-encompassing co-creation process to our community around something we route into the downtown,” said
displacement of your ancestors, such as find a new name that we all love. can all relate to—our name. McKeen. “To my mind, it needs to
Frank Oliver. The most frequent comment we’ve “There has been a lot of reflect main-street grandeur. The
We—as humans, as a society—have received has been, “I had no idea Oliver BY: Robyn Paches work to make sure the project will narrow the street, widen
the sidewalks, upgrade the street
design is the main street lights and furniture and bring a
DECL PRESIDENT COLUMN for a community.” healthy tree canopy to support it as
a strolling boulevard.
SUPPORTING OUR COMMUNITY are doing their part to plant flowers, pull producers, and artists to boot! - Derek Macdonald, co-chair of “Oliver is Edmonton’s most
As Downtown weathers the challenges weeds, and clean sidewalks regularly. We do not know what fall and winter population-dense and least car-
the Oliver Community League
of the COVID-19 pandemic and its In July, we helped initiate a new will bring, but we will continue to look at oriented neighbourhood. It deserves
effects on our lives, local businesses, programming effort on 104 Street with ways to support local businesses while
Civics Committee a great walking, dining, shopping
and the city’s economy, our community the help of local stakeholders, the DBA, keeping everyone safe and healthy. A street running through its midst.”
league has committed to being involved Wild Heart Collective, and our partners proper winter city strategy for this year “There has been a lot of work to make Phase One of the Imagine Jasper
in supporting local businesses and at the City of Edmonton. With a lot of could be more important than ever. sure the design is the main street for Avenue project is expected to
gestures to brighten the lives of our hard work, Al Fresco on 4th (alfresco4th. Downtown is full of creative people a community,” said Derek Macdonald, wrap up in 2022, with an approved
residents through strategic volunteer ca) was launched on Saturday, July 18. and organizations that can work co-chair of the Oliver Community project budget of $26 million. The
and programming efforts. This outdoor market runs every Saturday together to help us through what League Civics Committee. “[Imagine rest of Imagine Jasper Avenue,
This spring, in the later stages of this summer until September 19, from 11 might be a lonely, cold time for many Jasper Avenue] does a really good job out to 124 Street, will entail two
lockdown, our community league to 4 p.m. exacerbated by the pandemic. We of the prioritization of pedestrian safety, more phases, with budgets to be
in conjunction with the Downtown It is a small but mighty outdoor look forward to doing our part as a making sure crosswalks don’t feel as examined by City Council in the
scary as they do now.” future.
Business Association (DBA) organized market—one block (104 Street, north of league to support programming efforts
The intersection at 110 Street will also Macdonald said the Oliver
well-attended annual clean-up days with Jasper Avenue) is closed each week for year-round. If you have fall and winter
get an upgrade, with a high-visibility Community League will be
the help of many area businesses and extended sidewalk patios from many of survival or programming ideas, email us
bike lane to improve safety and a advocating to include those next
residents. These efforts were needed in the street’s restaurants and bars, as well at info@decl.org.
traffic signal with a dedicated phase for phases relatively quickly.
part due to city budget constraints, but as live music in Michael Phair Park. What
cyclists. “I think it’s important to accelerate
also stemmed from a general desire to a great treat it is to spend some time BY: Chris Buyze
The project has been in development this process to do all of these
show pride in our neighbourhood. Many outdoors and support local businesses,
since 2015, and the Oliver Community phases in a timely manner. We don’t
4 THE YARDS | FALL 2020 THE YARDS | FALL 2020 5
FRONTYARDS | DECL NEWS FRONTYARDS | SHOP THE CORE
Waiting for the LRT
Downtown LRT construction
a consequence of what it looks like and Two peas in a pie
the amount of street area and stuff that
continues to cause frustration is closed off.” The owners of Die Pie and Pêche
for area businesses and residents “Overall, everyone supports the LRT.” Café adapt to survive a pandemic
BY: Nathan Fung he added. “It’s just can we do it a little
bit better moving forward.” BY: Sydnee Bryant
As Valley Line LRT construction and utility TransEd spokesman Dallas Lindskoog
Last spring, Die Pie, Edmonton’s first
relocation continues to disrupt a large says while he understands how taking
vegan pizzeria, was already facing
stretch of 102 Avenue, some in the area are up such a large amount of space could
challenges. Its once-prime location
frustrated by the impact it has had on their appear detrimental to the neighborhood,
on Jasper Avenue faced an onslaught
bottom line. construction would have taken longer if
of construction that severely limited
Catherine Medak, owner of children’s they had less space to work with.
access for customers. Co-owners
clothing store Alligator Pie, located in
Neil Royale, Thomas Goodall, and
Manulife Place, estimates she has seen
a 30 per cent drop in business since
“You try to give [customers] Karuna Goodall were also juggling two
a heads up before they’re businesses after opening Pêche Café
the road was closed in January 2018.
in the Quarters the previous fall. Then,
Medak’s frustration also stems from coming and sometimes, came the pandemic.
periods where construction seems to sit
idle for several months at a time.
they’re willing to venture out “As soon as we couldn’t operate,
we started losing money because
“You try to give [customers] a and find their way to you. But no one stopped charging us. Rent
heads up before they’re coming and
in many instances, they hear was still due every month and all the
sometimes, they’re willing to venture
utility companies and our insurance
out and find their way to you,” Medak ‘construction’ and they don’t
companies were charging us,” explains
says. “But in many instances, they hear even want to come.” Royale, who is the head chef of Die Pie.
‘construction’ and they don’t even want
The trio consolidated all of their
to come.” - Catherine Medak, owner,
businesses—they also operate a ghost
“I would say many businesses are Alligator Pie kitchen called Seitan’s Disciples—into
suffering like we are in Manulife [Place],”
the Pêche Café space under the Die Pie
she added. “To an extent, I’m not surprised
name. The 97th Street and 102 Avenue
Downtown Edmonton Community people are starting to question, ‘aren’t photo: Uryelle Dimailiq
location is twice the size of the Jasper
League president Chris Buyze shares you done yet,’” he says. “People are
Avenue space, making it easier to
some of these concerns. In addition getting tired and we’re doing our best to
follow physical distancing requirements
to being bad for traffic and bad for make it easy and as less impactful to the in-house. Rosso Pizzeria in Edmonton
for dining in. They launched a new from NAIT’s culinary arts program before
businesses, he takes issue with how public as we can.” serves Die Pie’s vegan mozzarella,
menu that was a fusion of the three working at several illustrious hotels
such a large stretch of 102 Avenue— City spokesman Quinn Nicholson and Die Pie sells four types of vegan
restaurants’ offerings. in Vancouver, Royale was raised as a
from 96 to 103 Street—had to be closed added that the use of chain link fencing cheese under their brand Kaju, meaning
At first, customers were eager to visit. vegetarian.
all at once. He feels the impact could as opposed to wood hoarding helps “cashew” in French and Hindi. The
“When we first reopened in June, we “I always wanted to open a vegetarian
have been reduced if materials were keep the area visible for pedestrians, most popular menu items tend to be
were quite busy. But as the weeks went restaurant. I had an allergy to dairy as
brought over as needed as opposed to and that it also helps reduce crime on playful takes on fast food items and bar
on, it slowed down,” says Royale. “I think well, so I started playing with vegan
using parts of 102 Avenue as a laydown construction sites. food–mac and cheese, wings, and a
people are still pretty weary of eating in cheese and really liked cooking vegan
area for storage. Lindskoog says that LRT construction Big Mack pizza similar to the beloved
dining rooms.” food,” says Royale. Pizza was always
Buyze also questions the lack of on 102 Avenue is expected to finish burger at a certain popular fast food
There weren’t any vegan pizza joints one of his favourite foods, and he
wood hoarding, as he says the chain sometime this year as scheduled. spot.
in Edmonton when Royale opened the mastered Neapolitan-style pizza while
link fencing being used to fence off However, he says the area may still There’s one definite upside to having
original Die Pie in August 2017 with his working in Jean George’s Culinary
the area “is just not appropriate for the need to be closed to traffic beyond only one restaurant. Before, Royale
sister, Karuna Goodall, and her husband, concept restaurant, Market.
downtown core.” the end of 2020 as they need to didn’t get to work with his sister very
Thomas Goodall. Karuna now works The new restaurant, nicknamed Die
“There are a lot of creative things that do electrical work and testing once often. “We hadn’t worked together for
alongside her older brother as the Pie 2.0, has folded in aspects from
could be done around a site like this construction is complete. probably a year so it’s great to be back
sous chef at Die Pie. Three years later, Pêche Café, such as desserts and lattes
that has the potential to be there for When completed, the Valley Line LRT working together,” says Royale. “That
the restaurant remains an anomaly in featuring their barista oat milk. “It’s a
several years,” Buyze says. “It’s such a will run from 102 Street and 102 Avenue was one thing that was really sad when
Edmonton’s meat-heavy dining scene. special recipe we have. It steams really
large project to the city that it needs to to Mill Woods, with an interchange at we were in self-isolation – we missed
photo: Kurt Bauschardt But for Royale, the concept was a no- perfectly for lattes,” boasts Royale. They
look as attractive as possible [...] so that Churchill to connect to Capital and making pizza together.”
brainer. A Red Seal chef who graduated also make all of their vegan cheeses
businesses in the area do not suffer as Metro lines.
6 THE YARDS | FALL 2020 THE YARDS | FALL 2020 7
FRONTYARDS | AROUND THE CORE FRONTYARDS | AROUND THE CORE
Around the Core By: Josh Pruden
Though we continue to grapple with the impacts of COVID-19 on our daily lives, many organizations in Edmonton are taking
steps to ensure we still have events this fall. Some are virtual and others are physically-distanced, but all provide ways to safely
connect with your community and engage with your neighbours. Here we share a variety of events planned in the core this fall,
from online festivals to causes that might ignite a passion. While we’re all ready for COVID-19 measures to come to an end, it’s
important to continue to stay connected safely.
Litefest
photo: paintimpact.com (Paintimpact) photo: Mack Male
FUN AND GAMES FESTIVALS
What do you get when you mix the board game Clue, Watch over 150 of the world’s best films created in the last
Pokémon Go, and Harry Potter? Witchcraft and Wizardry 18 months at the Edmonton International Film Festival
Edmonton by CluedUpp games, that’s what. On Saturday, (edmontonfilmfest.com). This Oscars-qualifying festival has
September 26, grab some friends, dress up in cloaks and been taking place in our great city for more than 30 years. EIFF
pointy hats, and get ready to solve a mystery. The event is is the place for high-quality, diverse cinema in genres ranging
Edmonton River Valley self-guided, and start times are staggered between 9 a.m. from comedy to documentary and everything in between.
to 2 p.m., so you won’t have to worry about social distancing In addition to film showings, the festival includes Q&A
photo: Mack Male photo: Kurt Bauschardt
and can just focus on having a good time. The ultimate prize sessions, filmmaker chats, gala screenings, local filmmaker
is having fun, of course, but there will also be awards for best spotlights, and more. Everyone’s welcome, whether you’re a
CAUSES + PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT dressed, quickest time to find out whodunit, most creative film connoisseur yourself or just interested in expanding your
team name, and more. Go to cluedupp.com to register. cinematic horizons. The festival takes place from October 1 to
Join the Edmonton River Valley Conservation Coalition for in the $20 registration fee, each participant will receive a
Check out downtown’s newest outdoor market, Al Fresco on 10, and you can purchase tickets on their website. Depending
their annual fundraiser: Night on the North Saskatchewan. commemorative coin dedicated “to those who rise to the
4th. Located on 104 Street between Jasper and 102 Avenue, on restrictions at the time, the festival will either be virtual or
What’s usual will be passionate speakers on relevant river challenge of service before self.” Proceeds from this event
this market runs Saturdays from 11 to 4 p.m., with the last held at its perennial location, Landmark Cinemas Edmonton
valley topics and the opportunity to make donations to fund will go to Courageous Companions who provide service market of the season on September 19. With extended patios, City Centre.
conservation efforts. What’s unusual this year is that the dogs to military veterans and first responders. If you are food trucks, and more, this market makes a great weekend With winter just around the corner, that means no more
Night on the North Saskatchewan will be hosted virtually. interested in participating, you can either walk, run, bike, or excursion. physically-distanced BBQs, fewer walks with friends, and still
If you’re interested in becoming involved in river valley exercise by yourself, or you can organize a group to do a no concerts, sporting events, or indoor mass gatherings. The
conservation, then this might be the perfect introduction for physically distanced display of physical activity. Just make good news? We’ve got LitFest, Alberta’s nonfiction festival
ENTREPRENEURSHIP
you. Clear your calendar on Saturday, September 19 from sure to register on canadianwalkforveterans.com before the (litfestalberta.org). Get acquainted with a new book, series,
Are you an entrepreneur who is stressed about your business, author, or even a new-to-you genre. LitFest is going online this
7 to 8:30 p.m. and learn how you can be part of protecting end of the event on September 27.
not to mention life in general? Or are you interested in year from October 15 to 25. You can still expect the regular
one of our city’s best features. You can get more info from The final installment of the five-part How To: webinar
entrepreneurship as a career path? Check out The Hustle masterclasses, panel discussions, live readings, and author
the Night on the North Saskatchewan Facebook page or by series, How To: make Edmonton’s winter sidewalks safe
YEG (www.aprilprescott.com/the-hustle-yeg), an entrepreneur Q&As, but there will be some live elements as well, which will
following Edmonton River Valley Conservation Coalition on + accessible to all is organized by Paths for People and
collective led by two local entrepreneurs. Jay Downtown aim to get people off their screens, promoting an immersive
Facebook. features students from the University of Alberta School is President of Oodle Noodle and co-owner of the River reading experience, and partnering with local businesses as
Canadian Walk for Vets will be hosting its third “shoulder of Urban and Regional Planning. This free event will be a Valley Company, among other things. April Prescott is a appropriate. Also, for the first time, LitFest includes podcasts.
to shoulder” Canadian Walk for Veterans on September 26 venue to discuss the City of Edmonton’s current strategies meditation and mindfulness coach, yoga teacher, and co- In partnership with the Alberta Podcast Network and the
and 27. While the goal was to host a walk in every province for clearing winter precipitation from sidewalks and founder of Shady Ape, among other things. Join their free Edmonton Community Foundation, LitFest will start off with
across Canada, this year will meet and exceed that with brainstorm alternative approaches. Some solutions might webinar, Entrepreneurial Well Being Today and Everyday, a mini podcast festival from October 1 to 3. There will be
a virtual walk, enabling the event to reach anyone with include community efforts, bylaw enforcement, and even put on by NAIT’s Mawji Centre for New Venture and Student masterclasses, workshops, panels, and interaction with the
an internet signal. This year’s focus will be on thanking more advanced options, including autonomous equipment. Entrepreneurship. This webinar is on Monday, October 19 from best podcasters from Alberta and around the world.
Sign up on Zoom to join the public talk on Tuesday, 12 to 1 p.m. and will focus on how mindfulness can help you as
active and veteran military personnel as well as front-line
September 22 from 7 to 8 p.m. You can register and add the an entrepreneur and end with a Q&A. You can also subscribe
medical workers, first responders, and all those who have
to their podcast, YEG Hustle, from wherever you get your
provided essential services during the pandemic. Included event to your calendar on eventbrite.ca.
podcasts.
8 THE YARDS | FALL 2020 THE YARDS | FALL 2020 9
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ON THE FRONT LINES The shutdown of office towers, pubs
and restaurants in the core during
Community Services, one of
Edmonton’s largest charities supporting
COVID-19, he says. “This used to be a
free flow, kind of in-and-out [service].
the COVID-19 pandemic created people experiencing homelessness Now we have all our doors locked and
Edmonton charities grapple with the an eerie feeling for the residents of and poverty, which operates numerous security is in charge of control. You
impact of COVID-19 on their Downtown and Oliver. The streets
resembled a post-rapture dystopia
sites and services including the Boyle
Street Community Centre.
get some questions when you come
in—how are you feeling, do you have
organizations and clients during work hours. Small groups of “I think if you had told me that we any symptoms, that kind of thing.” The
people lounged in parks or on cement got to July and we have only one case maximum occupation for the building
By: Danielle Paradis benches by Jasper. Otherwise, things [in the homeless population] I would has been reduced to 50 people. They
were silent. have been surprised. But then you still offer lunch but encourage people
The first presumptive positive think about the risk factors, like travel, to take it with them outside so that
COVID-19 case in Alberta was reported and the fact that the contact between others can enter the building.
by Dr. Deena Hinshaw, the chief snowbirds and our clients is pretty “Our goal is to provide as many
medical officer for the province, on minimal,” says Elliott Tanti, who works services as we can, but in the safest
March 5. In the early days of lockdown, in communications at Boyle Street. way for our community and our staff,”
fears ran high. While many people says Tanti. “When this first started, we
were staying home and stocking up as a leadership group tried to remind
on cleaning supplies, toilet paper, our staff that this is a marathon, not a
flour, and yeast, service providers in sprint.”
the core were working to ensure they Months after lockdown, in July, Tanti stops to joke around with a man
could continue to offer a place to go for there is a long line up along the side who has long dark hair by the hand-
99.9%
those who didn’t have the resources to of the bright blue and white building washing station. “I’m going to whoop
stockpile or a home to go to. that is the Boyle Street Community you,” the man, named Robert, says
During the initial lockdown, Centre. People are waiting to cash jokingly.
conversion of the Edmonton Expo their cheques. This inner-city bank is “Not today—we have to enforce
Centre and the Kinsmen Sports a unique service for people who often social distancing so we can’t be
Centre into homeless shelters allowed lack access to financial services. whooping each other,” replies Tanti.
vulnerable people to safely get a meal, There’s a blue pup tent and a large Inside, the bank is a small space
take a shower, or access medical blue patio umbrella and people are with pale yellow walls. There are three
or housing support while physically set up to wait. They sit close together clients inside, two seated in front
distancing. The city reported that an and there isn’t much social distancing. of glass screens talking to the bank
average of 675 people visited the In that way it is no different than when tellers. The glass partitions are the sort
Expo Centre on a daily basis, and as of you are walking down Jasper Avenue that are now standard on any counter
July there has only been one case of and watching people sitting on patios. where the public comes to interact.
PHYSICAL DISTANCING COVID-19 in the homeless population. “So the line up is here and then on “And you can see because of the way
6FT APART But in July, both temporary shelters
closed and organizations and those
cheque-day, which is now the first of
every month, the city shuts down the
our buildings are set up it’s a pretty
tight space. This has been the biggest
that depend on them are having to street and we put guard rails down,” impact on the bank. It is still pretty busy
adapt once again. explains Tanti. though. People still need to access
That includes Boyle Street Services have changed since their money,” says Tanti.
THE YARDS | ON THE FRONT LINES 13
SUPPORT PHONE
AN UNCERTAIN FUTURE NUMBERS
There are still many unknowns Sports Centre. A joint letter dated August • Community and Social Services
for social services in the core during 1 and signed by nine local groups, Helpline: 211
COVID-19. Information from health including the Coalition for Justice and • Edmonton Police Complaint Line:
officials and requirements, such as Human Rights and EndPovertyEdmonton, 780-423-4567
mandatory masking, are changing swiftly. aruges that the closure will lead to issues • Alberta 24-Hour Mental Health
Both Tanti and Smith have talked about in vulnerable communities. Line: 1-877-303-2642
the struggle to keep up with information, “While we recognize the temporary • CMHA Edmonton 24-Hour
and the flexibility to address the gaps that EXPO Centre was established to respond Distress Line: 780-482-4357
they see. “People are really struggling to COVID-19 needs, its closure on Friday, • Edmonton Sexual Assault Centre
to deal with a changing environment, July 31 is going to have severe impacts on 24-Hour Crisis Line: 780-423-4121
changing practices, [and] changing the city,” the letter said. • Alberta ONE LINE for Sexual
It has been a time of enormous council of its kind in Canada, REACH Navigation Support Services at CMHA. expectations,” says Tanti. The letter called for immediate action, Violence: 1-866-403-8000
upheaval, and not just because of the also attempts to look at the root “And we have only in [July] started to As this article goes to press, the including a joint-proposal from the • Access 24/7 Addiction & Mental
pandemic. While most people were causes of why people feel unsafe in see our numbers go up around issues Edmonton municipal government is Government of Alberta and the city for a Health Services: 780-424-2424
sheltered at home, the murder of the community and to consider the related to domestic violence.” passing a requirement for mandatory new day-use shelter and for more funding • Kids Help Line: 1-800-668-6868
George Floyd in the U.S. led thousands underlying factors of crime. “At very Katherine O’Neill, chief executive masking on transit and in all indoor public to groups that do street outreach, and • Child Abuse Hot Line:
of people to come out to the Alberta early times in their lives when the roots officer for YWCA Edmonton, says that spaces. for “immediate resource mobilization” to 1-800-387-5437
Legislature on June 5 in support of of crime and disorder start long before even identifying the issue of domestic The uncertainty extends to funding groups that are having to fill the gaps of • Teens Helping Teens:
Black Lives Matter. It also reinvigorated there’s any engagement with the violence in a pandemic has been tricky. availability and financial implications as government programs. 780-428-8336
a conversation about defunding the police,” says Smith. “Normally, a crisis comes and goes well. In May, the Alberta government While over the summer there has • National Human Trafficking
police, or appropriately funding social During the initial outbreak of quite quickly, but we are going to be announced $30 million in emergency been a sense that people are eager to Hotline: 1-833-900-1010
services where the responsibility COVID-19, the partners did a mixture in a crisis situation for a year or longer. funding to charities and non-profits to return to normal, the climbing number of
of these gaps have fallen to police of triaging services through 211 and This is extraordinary for a non-profit to support them during the pandemic, positive COVID-19 cases remind us that EMERGENCY
officers. engaging with people in the streets keep on top of,” she says. “Since this but organizations like Boyle Street are the virus is still around, and our current SHELTERS
The calls to better fund social to build relationships, provide food crisis has happened we have been also donor-funded. “I have been taken environment may be with us for some
• Lurana Shelter | Crisis Phone:
services instead of relying on police and clothing, or rides to the Edmonton absolutely overwhelmed with requests aback at how generous Edmontonians time. The fears of the early days have
780-424-5875
services have been underway in EXPO Centre that was converted to a for support.” have been. We have seen smaller donor somewhat ebbed, and the hoarding of
• SAGE Seniors’ Safe House | Crisis
Edmonton since 2015 with the 24/7 day-use shelter and used for COVID The YWCA offers counselling, and donations, but a lot more of them,” says toilet paper has stopped, but the social
Phone: 780-702-1520
crisis diversion program, an integrated testing. specializes in domestic violence cases, Tanti. upheaval continues.
• WIN House | Crisis Phone:
community response team that The first 211 call about COVID-19 was on a sliding scale depending on income Still it is hard to predict the long-term
780-479-0058
responds to people in distress through on January 31, and since then, 20 to 30 and what a person is able to pay. The financial implications of COVID-19. A
211. percent of calls to 211 have been about current estimated wait list would be a ballooned city and provincial budget and
REACH Edmonton, an organization COVID-19. year long. increased deficits could have an impact
whose core funding is provided by The first call into the CMHA distress O’Neill says the increase in domestic on the delivery of future services. We may
the City of Edmonton, coordinates line was on February 2. The number violence “comes down to the fact that not see the systemic impact of COVID-19
the service on behalf of various social one reason for calls to the distress line there is a lot of stress in the home for some time. There are financial
services organizations, including Boyle have been for mental health, but there economically, and having the children hardships for many families through job
Street, the Canadian Mental Health is a rising concern at both Boyle Street in the home more [...] When you put loss or access to childcare, and family
Association (CMHA), and Hope Mission. and CMHA about an uptick in domestic all that together in an unhealthy poverty could be on the rise as a result.
The goal is to divert calls from police, violence. relationship, it can lead to violence.” “As of yet I don’t think we have a
particularly calls that are better handled Before the pandemic, many calls into She adds that not all violence is clear picture of what [funding going
through social services. the hotline about domestic violence physical either—there can be financial forward] looks like and I don’t think those
“There was a real understanding would typically come in during the abuse and people withholding funds. government bodies have had those
that people in non-emergency crises workday or late at night when the “We really need to make sure that as conversations yet either. There is a fear
don’t need to engage with emergency abuser was sleeping, which may not a community we recognize that this can in lots of people’s minds in our sector
services. So how can we support be an option with many working from happen in any household and abuse that the financial struggle that COVID
people during those times and leave home. Tanti says there is a similar can happen in many forms,” she says. has landed the country and province in
the space for the police to do what they issue in identifying child abuse as Despite the challenges, a move to will serve as a basis for a decrease of
need to do?” says Madeleine Smith, reports would often have come through online counselling has given some programs, which is the exact opposite of
Co-Director, Community Initiatives at teachers at school. opportunities for the YWCA to expand what we need right now,” says Tanti.
REACH. “That’s definitely something we their reach. They have been able to There is also concern about the
As a part of the Edmonton Council have been watching for really closely,” assist with counselling services as far closing of the emergency shelters at the
for Safe Communities, the only says Emma Potter, Director, Crisis and as Iqaluit. Edmonton Expo Centre and Kinsmen
14 THE YARDS | ON THE FRONT LINES THE YARDS | ON THE FRONT LINES 15
There’s a chill in the air this time of year and the night is quickly
descending. As you walk down a darkened street you feel a tingle
up your spine. Is it the wind, or is there an eerier explanation?
Downtown Edmonton has its share of old haunts, so if you thought
you were safe from the paranormal in Edmonton’s core, think again.
With Halloween fast approaching, The Yards explores some of the
core’s spookiest spots.
Hotel MacDonald and the
Horseless Hoofbeats
The historic Fairmont Hotel Macdonald (10065 100 Street) He appears as a man smoking while seated in a beautiful
is a longtime fixture of the core, opening its doors to wingback chair. The sixth floor in particular seems to be a
visitors for the first time on July 5, 1915. But one of the paranormal hotspot; hotel staff have told stories of calls from
hotel’s longest-running residents doesn’t voluntarily walk rooms that are vacant and doors that are mysteriously locked
the halls in search of the spa; it gallops. One of the hotel’s from the inside.
most famous spooky stories is the legend of hoofbeats Whether or not these specters are good-hearted is up for
galloping around the eighth floor, the otherworldly racket of debate, but stories like radios tuning into nonexistent 1950s
a workhorse that allegedly died when the foundation was era music stations certainly make it seem like the ghosts are
being laid in 1914. looking for a good time. After all, the Hotel Macdonald was
The Yards explores For those who aren’t scared by the concept of ghastly one of the first establishments to acquire a liquor license after
animals, the hotel reportedly has its fair share of human prohibition in Alberta ended in 1924, making it the wingding
some of the core’s ghosts, too. Like the ‘boatman,’ the ghost of a 1913 sailor who hotspot in a then-relatively small town of 63,160.
spookiest spots sailed the North Saskatchewan River as part of the fur trade.
By: Benjamin Hollihan
THE YARDS | EERIE EDMONTON 17
The Yards spoke to Dr. Rodney Schmaltz, an Associate Professor of Psychology at MacEwan
University, whose research focus includes pseudoscience and why humans believe in the supernatural,
to find out why humans are attracted to the supernatural. The following interview has been edited for
McKay Avenue School and Alberta Block and the concision and clarity.
the Haunting of Rob Hlady Lobotomized Caretaker
The Historic McKay Avenue School Archives & Museum It’s a late night walking home on Jasper Avenue. It’s nearing
(10425 99 Avenue), originally built in 1904, is popular with Halloween, when the nights get longer and the leaves rustle
paranormal investigators and amateur thrillseekers alike. The in the wind. When passing the Alberta Block Building (10526
old schoolhouse, which was also the site of the inaugural Jasper Avenue)—the old CKUA building—if the scent of cigar
legislative assembly in 1906, is reportedly home to many smoke is in the air with no smoker in sight, don’t be afraid. It’s
spirits, and visitors report being spooked by feelings of being only the smoke of the undead.
watched, strange noises, and water taps found running. A Rumour has it that the specter of Sam, a 1950s caretaker
well-known recurrence is the blinds moving on their own who was lobotomized after making threats against Premier
accompanied by eerie laughter of students past. Ernest Manning, played a part in CKUA’s choice to leave the
One famous ghost that haunts the halls is a construction building. On the CKUA website, an article about the move calls
worker named Peter, who allegedly died in 1912 during the Alberta Block “probably haunted.”
renovations to the building. There is no archival evidence of Sam’s cigar smoke has shown up in places like a women’s Why are humans so fascinated with the haunted?
anyone named Peter dying in 1912, but it has not deterred bathroom at night, accompanied by running faucets. Several Rodney Schmaltz: There is curiosity about the unknown.
those who seek out McKay Avenue’s otherworldly population. employees of decades past have reported feelings of People are interested in the afterlife. But you can go broader.
Be careful when contacting the dead. In the late 1980s, someone watching them, or even seeing an apparition of There are people who aren’t spiritual, but are interested
technician Ron Hlady, who was working at McKay at the time, Sam, who apparently enjoys singing—fitting for the building’s in things like haunted houses. You can draw an analogy
began to notice strange events. Doors unlocking, furniture history. with horror movies. When you watch a horror movie,
moving in other rooms, light switches going on and off, phone Sam is not alone in his singing: in 2009, a group of neurotransmitters release endorphins, oxytocin, dopamine,
lines lighting up with no call to answer, and motion detectors paranormal researchers recorded an unknown girl’s voice serotonin. You get this natural high.
picking up invisible movement. During a session in which singing “go back, all the way back.” Seems like the building’s The interest, especially in regards to exploring haunted
Hlady successfully contacted Peter with a Ouija Board, he spirits have some amateur singing aspirations. CKUA began houses, is similar. When going into a haunted house, you’re
accidentally called upon another spirit that followed him home to broadcast out of the building in 1955 and left in 2012. The relatively certain you’re safe: you can always run out. It’s a
and terrorized his family. building is now owned by RedBrick real estate, and houses safe way of activating neurotransmitters that are associated Dr. Rodney Schmaltz
Hopefully this doesn’t scare off visitors entirely. The multiple businesses. Interestingly, the paranormal research with positive emotions. I look at commercial haunted houses Associate Professor of Psychology
beautiful building now serves as the Edmonton Public School and rumours slowed once CKUA left the building. Maybe Sam like Deadmonton and how popular they’ve become. Even at MacEwan University
Archives and is a fascinating museum that contains 1950s and decided to tag along to their new location at the Alberta Hotel. though it’s counterintuitive because it’s frightening, if you look
1880s era schoolhouses, and plenty of other resources about at the footage of people going through haunted houses, it’s a What could cause people to think they have a supernatural
the history of education in Edmonton. scream followed by a laugh. It’s a way to elicit these positive experience?
emotions. Rodney Schmaltz: Something that leads people to have these
feelings of unease is infrasound. Infrasound is a sound below
Can you talk about the phenomena of hauntings? 20Hz. You can’t hear it, but you can feel it. If you’ve ever been
Edmonton General and the Rodney Schmaltz: What’s fascinating is why we experience to a loud concert and you get that vibrating feeling in your
a haunting. Plenty of people report that they’ve been in a
Sinister ‘B’ Wing haunted house or had an unusual experience in one. A lot of
chest, it’s similar.
Infrasound is created by many natural things, like low
The Edmonton General Continuing Care Center (11111 Jasper who perished while working on the basement, whose what drives the experience of a ghost or being in a haunted rumbling pipes, thunder, or even high amounts of traffic.
Avenue), formerly known as the Edmonton General Hospital phantom still roams the halls. place is expectation. Haunted houses are usually quite old, and the haunting is
was built in 1895, making it 125 years old. This hospital has But there are more than a few mysteries surrounding the Researchers sent people into the Hampton Court Palace in usually centered in the basement. These are places where
seen two World Wars, two pandemics, a Great Depression, B wing of the hospital, some of them unrelated to ghosts. the U.K., supposedly the most haunted place in Britain. People there’s a good chance that there are some low rumbling pipes
and countless other smaller tragedies. No wonder it’s haunted. A spokesperson for Covenant Health denies the existence that expected to see or believed in ghosts reported unusual in there.
The most common legend is that of the B Wing, a reportedly of an empty wing. A report for 2014 by the Alberta Health experiences. People that didn’t believe or didn’t expect ghosts About 30 per cent of Canadians believe in ghosts. You walk
closed wing that is rife with hauntings. The distinct smell of Services lists a B Wing that is still fully functional, which was didn’t experience anything. Everybody went to the same into a haunted house, and it’s cold, creepy, and all of sudden
sick humans lingers in the wing, despite it supposedly housing built in 1959. The largest mystery about the Edmonton General place, but that expectation was the factor towards what was the hair on the back of your neck stands up and you feel a bit
no patients. The 8th floor formerly housed the pediatric area Hospital is where these rumours come from: how can there be experienced. strange. Most people don’t know what infrasound is, so it’s not
and in this area, the sounds of children running around and an haunted abandoned wing if there is no abandoned wing? unreasonable that someone would think it’s a ghost. It’s not
crying can be heard, along with the sobbing distraught spirit of The confusion and creepiness surrounding the Edmonton that people are irrational; it’s that they don’t know the other
a mother seeking her lost child who disappears when seen. General Hospital and this supposedly cursed wing remain explanation. We’re bombarded with stories, TV shows, and
There are also stories of a nameless construction worker unresolved. movies about ghosts. Especially around Halloween, when it’s
on people’s minds, if you go to a haunted place and have this
experience, people then understandably attribute it to a ghost.
18 THE YARDS | EERIE EDMONTON THE YARDS | EERIE EDMONTON 19EE
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1
Like what you’re reading? The Yards is supported by advertisements
Of all the seasons, Edmonton is known for its summers: festivals, the intense heat,
and sunny days. Autumn in our city is often overlooked. During fall, the river valley from some great community-focused businesses who like reaching out to
explodes with warm colours as the sun provides the final days of warm weather. This potential customers with quality, hyper-local content.
season can be quite short, smothered by a winter that crashes down overnight. Here are
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Please contact sales@theyardsyeg.ca for more information.
Circulation 28,000 copies
ALBERTA LEGISLATURE The Alberta Legislature
is the first pick for this list, despite it not technically being a 26,750 copies mailed to every residential dwelling and business and 1250 distributed to
trail. The government building is surrounded by 23 hectares select local businesses and organizations.
of paths, monuments, manicured fields, fountains, and trees.
Come equipped with a big sweater, hot chocolate, and camera.
Alberta Legislature
Mailed to every residential dwelling and business in the Downtown and Oliver communities.
photo: IQRemix via Flickr
Published four times a year in March, June, September and December.
VICTORIA PARK No list Victoria Park 97TH AVENUE TO
of walking trails in the core photo: Mack Male IRENE PARLBY PARK
would be complete without So you’ve spent some time
mentioning Victoria Park. This
trail is beautiful, but has some
at the Alberta Legislature
grounds, but are hungry for
WORKING HARD TO
REPRESENT
elevation change into and out more autumn air. Starting at the
of the river valley. The multi- Alberta Legislature, head east.
use trail starts at around 100 You’ll know you’re going the
YOU IN
Avenue and 116 Street. Walk right way if you’re on a paved
west along Victoria Park Road, multi-use path, not a road. This
which curves onto the Groat six-block walk runs parallel to
Road Bridge, but be sure to 97th Avenue. It’s a short walk
turn left onto River Valley Road
before crossing the river. Take
that straddles Rossdale and
downtown, providing sights of
OTTAWA
your next left again at the both valley and city. At the end
other end of Victoria Park, and of the trail, Irene Parlby Park
you will return to where you Irene Parlby Park
is only a couple blocks further
started. This path is about three photo: Kurt Bauschardt down 97th Avenue.
kilometres.
Another option is the network of
paths within Victoria Park. For those EZIO FARAONE LOOP This trail is another short expedition, no longer than two
who are walking to Victoria Park, kilometres. It starts at Constable Ezio Faraone Park, providing great views of the fall colours a s s e m b l y. a b . c a
the best way to access this network of the river valley, North Saskatchewan, and the High Level Bridge. Starting at the top
is to walk down the staircase and of the staircase, the trail runs northwest. Be prepared for a decline. When you reach the
Welcome back to the
Alberta Legislature Building and EDMONTON CENTRE 11156 142 St NW, Edmonton
100 Avenue and 120 Street. intersection at the edge of Victoria Park, turn left. At the next intersection, turn left again
Legislative Assembly Visitor Centre @jameskcumming
Alberta, T5M 4G5
onto River Valley Road, and complete the loop by following the path parallel to 109 Street. Public tours and visits now require reservations. @jamescummingcpc 780-442-1888
To book, go to the Assembly website or scan the QR code.
James.cumming@parl.gc.ca www.jamescumming.ca
20 THE YARDS | FALL 2020BACKYARDS | CORE SAMPLES
YOUR TABLE IS
WAITING
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and bars are still open, serving
you in safe and creative ways.
Offerings range from casual
bistros, bakeries, cafes, and delis,
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A Destination for FOOD your next special milestone. Your
continued support of 124 Street is
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Things change, but
values stay the same.
I’m still here for you.
There is only one like it left in the core—a Queen Anne style
home. “You can describe it as your typical gingerbread
house,” says Dane Ryksen, a heritage building enthusiast
who shares the city’s history on his Instagram The only remaining Queen Anne style home in the core is
account @_citizen_dane_. the Stocks Residence (9907 103 Street). The Stocks Residence
The uncommon style of architecture, named after the was built in 1906 by John Stocks, Alberta’s first deputy
18th-century queen, was popular during the 1870-1890s, minister of public works. It is currently an unprotected private
Edmonton’s first development boom, Ryksen says. The style residence. The other Queen Anne style home constructed in
blended medieval and newer tropes, borrowing heavily from
15th- and 16th-century architecture. Some traits are three-
the core was Secord House. It was built by Richard Secord, a
Conservative politician and founder of McDougall & Secord,
SELF-ISOL
ATE
2m
DAVID
SHEPHERD
STAY SOCIAL WASH
story asymmetrical layouts, turrets, red brick, wrap-around but was demolished in 1968. HOME
@DShepYeg
DISTANCING HANDS
verandahs, and ornate spindlework. We’re in this together. 780-414-0743
ALBERTA.CA/COVID-19
MLA Edmonton - City Centre Edmonton.CityCentre@assembly.ab.ca
22 THE YARDS | FALL 2020You can also read
