The View From Where

The View from Where is an exhibit at the UofA FAB Gallery Second floor, running until November 5. 

Artist alissa rossi uses her experience of the boreal forest of British Columbia and western Alberta to explore how global extractive capitalism and the ongoing climate crisis manifest on a local level. 

rossi grew up in the Fraser Valley in BC with a family whose income was directly connected to the forestry industry. She spent her childhood summers in the Chilcotin-Caribou where mountain pine beetle adapted their behaviour leading to the destruction of much of BC’s pine forest.

Her work counters the human- and western-centric ideas of the Anthropocene—a name for the current geological era marked by human activity—where she explores how the human, the technological, and the ecological are not separate from but deeply enmeshed with each other. 

She proposes a view of ecology that sees humans and our technologies not as separate from and superior to the ecological world, but as one of several forces that shape it, a view from which we might more successfully negotiate the ongoing and cataclysmic shifts in climate.

Climate change and the environmental degradation that follows in its wake are complex issues that are explored in the visual art and print making exhibition called Transitional Impressions: Visualizing Environmental Change. 

The exhibition runs until November 5, at the University of Alberta FAB Gallery on the main floor and features the work of artists Sean Caulfield, Sue Colberg, Jill Ho-You, Heather Leier, Kiona Ligtvoet, Tara Manyfingers, and Jewel Shaw. 

Many of the complex questions raised in current environmental discourse can be difficult to capture in scientific data or everyday language. The artists tried to articulate the sense of anxiety, loss and uncertainty we might be feeling as well as feelings of hope for positive change. They hope their art can help create a fuller picture of what environmental change means to Canadians.

New On-demand service app for St. Albert Transit “book a bus”

There’s a new on-demand service app for St. Albert Transit and it’s effective September 18, 2022.

It will replace the current On-Demand Transit: Rider App. The On-demand service hours will remain the same for weekday evenings, Saturday evenings, Sundays and statutory holidays.

It’s available on both Android and iPhone platforms. You’ll be able to book trips in advance through the new app, online at ridestat.ca, or over the phone at 780-418-6060.

Current users of the On-Demand Transit: Rider App will need to download the new Book-A-Bus app and create a new account to take advantage of on-demand buses, push notifications and text messages, personal search results, and   favourite locations 

You can visit ridestat.ca for more information

Recently, I broke several pairs of shoes, leading me to wonder about what kind of advice for buying shoes there is on the internet. Here’s a smattering of what I found from the REI website.

Think about where you plan to walk most of the time. Then narrow your walking shoe choice based on that place. As I was looking at REI’s advice, they have three categories: road-running shoes, hiking shoes, and trail-running shoes, but there are a plethora of other good walking shoes out there, so splash about and see what suits you. 

The experts at REI suggest that when you’re considering any walking shoes, you should focus on these factors:

• Stability: lateral support: a shoe that you can’t bend or twist easily is what you’re looking for.
• Cushioning, and
• Fit

They also point out that fit supersedes all other considerations: technology, reviews, fashion or recommendations from friends. A proper fit helps prevent bruised toenails and heel blisters, as well as more serious foot problems. Buying a shoe that fits you well is the best way to end up with a shoe that’ll keep you and your feet happy forever.

How to walk in the heat

You’ll have noted it’s quite hot outside so here’s some tips for enjoying your walking during the summer.  

·      Avoid the heat of the day by walking before 10AM or after 6PM. 

·      Walking where there’s tree cover provides shade and makes your walk much cooler. Keep in mind that direct sunlight can make the temperature feel up to fifteen degrees hotter. 

·      Light-coloured clothing and hats can shield you from ultraviolet rays, but remember to keep your arms and legs covered regardless of what you’re wearing. 

·      Be sure that whatever you wear wicks away moisture.

·      Drink water a few hours before you walk and then during your walk. Do so by carrying a bottle with a mix of ice and water 

·      Take regular sips - six to eight ounces of water every fifteen minutes are recommended. 

·      Consider making a shirt, bandana or hat damp before you go walking 

Active Transpo options

If you’ve ever wanted to try out active transportation options, there’s never been a better time in Edmonton. 

First, there’s bike lanes so you can feel secure whilst transporting yourself about 

Second, there’s bike-share-ebikes so if you don’t have a bike, but do have a way to access the ebikes you’re golden

Third, there’s scooters, which can make the both the first and last miles of your trip very fun

Fourth, the funicular gives you easy access in and out of the river valley

Fifth, ebikes are generally are on the uptick so if you have children with whom you are cycling, have health issues or even other cargo, the ebikes help make getting around easier

Sixth, if you are more of an acoustic bike rider, there’s still options for carrying children and gear galore. Check out the wide array of trailers, luggage racks and paniers that are available.

Seventh, there’s no reason you need to stick with one mode of transportation. Consider multi-modal options. For instance, you could drive, walk, or bus part of your journey, then hop on a shared bike or scooter for the rest of the distance.

Rainy day riders

If you’re trying to bike about and are disheartened by all the rain, fear not transpo-fans.  

Consider installing fenders on your bike. Not every bike comes with them and these spiffy bits of plastic cover the wheels and prevent spatter from the road and water from your wheels drenching your feet and legs.

I’m not saying you won’t get wet if you install fenders, but you will have a sporting chance at keeping dry for a bit longer. 

There are other handy bits of gear for riding in the rain, but you must balance the convenience of not getting wet with the sweat that will accumulate under whatever rain gear you choose. Often, it’s far better to get booties or wrap your feet in plastic bags, and bring a change of clothes for when you arrive wherever you’re going. 

One last bit of advice, stay away from the puddles, as you cannot easily gauge the depth of the puddle and a pothole that could jettison you off your bike.

It’s celebration time, active transpo folks! 

The Edmonton Bike Coalition is holding a family-friendly celebration & bike protest on Saturday, June 18, at noon located at 101 Avenue & 75 Street.  

The event is focused on the concept plans for the 101 Avenue Streetscape project released in March 2022.

Overall the plans are an improvement over the existing state of 101 avenue but there are better designs elsewhere that would fit much better!

Join the Edmonton Bike Coalition on Saturday at noon at 101 Avenue & 75 Street to showcase Edmonton’s desires for a safe, equitable and active transportation-oriented city.