edmonton alberta daily photo

Filler #2

2008-08-15T10:02:00.003-06:00

The Heart Institute

2008-08-14T06:13:00.004-06:00

The Mazankowski Heart Institute was declared open in May of this year, following a month of various celebratory events. However, the doors have not yet opened for treatment. Reality shots and more history will be posted when that day comes.

Filler series # 1

2008-08-11T13:07:00.004-06:00

I am away and filled with guilt that I have failed my duty to post a daily photo. Therefore, please enjoy the following fillers until my return.

This is the east view from the top level of my favourite photo-op parkade in downtown Edmonton

The Mac.

2008-08-10T14:02:00.005-06:00

2008-08-09T17:30:00.000-06:00

Will resume soon.
Had to leave the city.

Banana Lily

2008-07-31T00:23:00.003-06:00

These day lilies bloom a little later than the previous pink ones and are particularly large and spectacular this year. I must go to bed...so this one is a bit of a filler.

Northlands Park

2008-07-29T10:01:00.006-06:00

Northlands is a nonprofit, community driven organization overseen by a combination of approximately 30, either elected or appointed, board members - none of whom receive renumeration. Initially formed to showcase an agricultural theme, the organization now hosts numerous trade, craft and art shows, entertainment and sporting events, rodeo, racing and gaming and the Capital-Exhibition. Northlands generates over 300 million in revenue and is a major employer in Edmonton, however much of the success is due to a large dedicated, as well as, fluctuating group of volunteers working on all levels of the organization.

This view taken from the ferris wheel at Northlands' Capital-Ex fairgrounds looks southwest across the Race Track to city centre (left) and Clarke Stadium (right).

Lilies

2008-07-28T00:15:00.007-06:00

We are a city of gardeners - perhaps because we crave a little colour after several months of cool, crisp whiteness. Prolific and avid gardeners are nominated by Canada Postal Carriers and receive an award of recognition. However, I will not be a recipient in spite of these lovely, perennial, pastel, pink lilies' efforts to reach out for the sun in my overgrown yard.

Giant Flower

2008-07-27T14:51:00.000-06:00

The MegaDrop: a giant flower with human petals towers above the other rides at Edmonton's Capital-Ex.

Capital-Ex

2008-07-26T06:19:00.000-06:00

A ferris wheel is seen through the brain rattling circular track of the Fireball. Empty your pockets and your stomach.

Klondike Mike

2008-07-25T20:50:00.001-06:00

Edmonton has held a mid summer festival of one form or another since 1879. In 1962 the 10 day fair held in the latter weeks of July was officially dubbed Klondike Days. Period costumes, sourdough raft races, beard growing contests, gold panning and numerous other Klondike era themes were adopted by by Edmonton's citizens, as was the mascot Klondike Mike. In 2006 , with dwindling participation and decreasing attendance it was felt that the theme had run its course and Capital-Ex was born. Klondike Mike retains his place of honour welcoming attendees to the murky silt and gold ladden stream where they can use their gold panning skills.

Arlington Apartments

2008-07-24T12:28:00.000-06:00

The Arlington Apartments located a few blocks from the city core was the first apartment building built in Edmonton. Constructed in 1909 the 49 suite, 5 story building was a favourite with downtown professionals and artists until the 1970's. Its desirability diminished in later years as the area became popular with prostitutes. The Arlington survived a fire in 1990 but then suffered permanent damage in 2005. The building has been designated both a provincial and a municipal historic resource, and thus, the city has demanded that the original facade be used in any reconstruction. In 2007 an agreement was reached, however by 2008 the architect deemed that the plan was no longer feasible. Today, the Arlington stands, as is depicted, awaiting a resolution to the difficult problem and serving as home to hundreds of pigeons.

Filler Day 1

2008-07-24T12:12:00.000-06:00

Our ever changing sky.

South Edmonton Post Office

2008-07-22T12:44:00.000-06:00

One of Edmonton's registered historical sites, the former post office built between 1911 and 1913 is a classic example of Edwardian era architecture. In 1915 the clock tower was reconstructed ten feet taller to meet the aesthetic of this era. Set in limestone tower capped with pyramidal metal roof with finial, each of the four clock faces is surrounded by a semicircular reveal. They were imported from J. Smith and Sons Midland Clock Works in Derby, England.

Edmonton Seasons

2008-07-21T09:46:00.000-06:00

It has been said, perhaps too many times, that Edmonton has only two seasons: Winter and Construction. This seems to be particularly true this year. For example, numerous improvements to major arteries and bridges around the city and the expansion of the LRT to the south are underway. Expect delays.

Formerly Known as the Odyssium

2008-07-20T09:26:00.000-06:00

"We must be explorers of the vast universe within ourselves, where we stand on the knowledge of the past but are willing to leap off that knowledge into the realm of all possibility, because only in that realm will we create a new and exciting world for our future.

Douglas J.Cardinal

Telus World of Science

2008-07-19T13:13:00.000-06:00

Edmonton's Space Sciences Centre was designed by Douglas J. Cardinal as a commemorative project for Alberta's 75th anniversary and is located in Edmonton's west end in Coronation Park. The 45,000+ square foot facility has undergone several changes since opening July 1, 1984. Presently the centre holds 6 exhibit galleries, an IMAX theatre, observatory, learning centre, computer and science labs, amateur radio station, star theatre, as well as the boardroom, a cafe, concession and gift shop.

Now showing: The amazing Body World Exhibition. You should go.

North Saskatchewan River.

2008-07-18T11:58:00.000-06:00

This image, taken while heading south on the Light Rail Transit (LRT) bridge, shows the North Saskatchewan River which winds through Edmonton in a largely eastern direction. In the foreground is a partial view of the High Level Bridge and in the distance a small powerboat approaches the Walterdale Bridge across from the, soon to be decommissioned, Rossdale Power Plant. Highrise residential apartments and condominiums loom atop the south bank of the river and a section Edmonton's River Valley Park - the largest stretch of urban parkland in North America - approximately 21 times the size of New York's Central Park.

Edmonton Cenotaph

2008-07-17T16:09:00.000-06:00

A gull rests atop the war memorial. The Cenotaph, initially unveiled in August, 1936, is currently situated in front of Edmonton City Hall and has come to memorialize "Our Glorious Dead" from both World War I and II, as well as the Korean War. It is constructed from concrete, steel and British Columbian marble, weighs 100 tons and stands 23 feet tall.

City Hall bell/clock Tower

2008-07-16T06:11:00.000-06:00

Also know as Friendship Tower, the bell/clock tower at Edmonton's city hall is approximately 200 feet tall and has 26 bells which play 99 songs.

Edmonton City Hall

2008-07-15T16:14:00.000-06:00

Gulls circle above the crowd on the final day of the Street Performers Festival 2008. The festival is centrally located in Winston Churchill Square with a backdrop of Edmonton's City Hall, including war memorial, fountains and bell/clock tower. City Hall was completed in 1992 on the site of the previous city hall and was designed by local architect and former city alderman Gene Dub. (A somewhat controversial decision.) Also shown, a few blocks north, is the 26 story CN (Canadian National Railway) Tower. When it was built in 1966 it was Western Canada's tallest office tower. The VIA rail passenger terminal was located in the CN Tower's basement and it was a hub of excitement and activity. The tracks were removed in 1988 and CN has moved on. Nevertheless, the CN Tower remains a prominent landmark in the downtown core.