|
Edmonton is the second largest city & capital of Alberta.
In the late 19th century the fertile soils surrounding Edmonton helped attract settlers & established Edmonton as a major regional commercial & agricultural centre.
Incorporated as a city in 1904, Edmonton became the capital of Alberta as the province joined Confederation a year later. In November 1905, the Canadian Northern Railway (CNR) arrived in Edmonton, accelerating growth.
The first licensed airfield in Canada, Blatchford Field (now Edmonton City Centre (Blatchford Field) Airport), commenced operation in 1929. Pioneering aviators used Blatchford Field as a base for the distribution of mail, food & medicine to Northern Canada. During World War II Edmonton's become a major base for the construction of the Alaska Highway & the Northwest Staging Route.
The first major oil discovery in Alberta was made on February 13, 1947 near the town of Leduc, south of Edmonton. In 1914 oil reserves were known to exist in the southern parts of Alberta but they produced very little oil compared to those around Edmonton. Most of Alberta's oil reserves were concentrated in central & northern Alberta so Edmonton has became home to most of Alberta's oil industry.
The North
Saskatchewan River snakes its way through Edmonton, from southwest to
northeast, cutting the city in half. The river valley parkland is a
playground for all seasons &includes more than 100 kilometers of
multi-use trails for walking, jogging, in-line skating, cycling, &
cross-country skiing.
Downtown Edmonton sits high on the north bank of the river. The main
downtown drag Jasper Avenue, also known as 101 Avenue is a popular
"cruising" route with young people. The cobblestone pedestrian
strip, Rice Howard Way & its pubs & cafes, is a favorite hangout
of the office workers & weekend crowd. Churchill Square is host to
many of the city's festivals & is bordered by the glass pyramid-topped
City Hall, the Edmonton Public Library, the Francis Winspear Centre for
Music & the Art Gallery of Alberta.
Enclosed pedestrian walkways - both underground & overhead, connect
most of the downtown buildings. They make getting around during Edmonton's
"eight months of winter" easier.
Across the river from downtown is Old Strathcona with many turn of the
19th century buildings.Each Saturday the popular Farmer's Market is held
in the old bus barns.
The West End is almost a city within a city. Residential neighborhoods,
mega grocery & hardware stores plus many hotels & restaurants. The
West End's landmark, West Edmonton Mall, is reputed to be the largest
shopping mall in the world with 800+ shops, services & attractions.
