Tekla Luchenski

Council promises to announce an action plan in March 2020 On Oct. 29, community members attended a meeting at city hall with the Urban Planning Committee. Concerned citizens included Alberta Avenue resident Virginia Potkins and local resident Rickshaw Dave, who lives next door to a notorious landlord’s property.  Community members addressed safety concerns and frustrations. […]

One family’s experience with limited resources in an overwhelmed system During question period in the legislature in October, Edmonton-Highlands-Norwood NDP MLA Janis Irwin asked Health Minister Tyler Shandro if the UCP government planned to build the proposed children’s mental health facility. The NDP initiative had been finalized right before the 2019 provincial election. Shandro replied, […]

Brain development tool has shocking results for Edmonton children On Sept. 9, the City Centre Early Years Coalition held a meeting of potential partners at the Norwood Child and Family Resource Centre. The coalition is one of seven in Edmonton, based on geographic boundaries. It is also in dire need of help from the community […]

Residents band together to create safe, affordable housing On Aug. 28, Alberta Avenue, Spruce Avenue, and Parkdale residents met at Spinelli’s Bar Italia. The attendees were all concerned about problem properties in their community.  The meeting echoed one held 20 years ago at the same place. Ana Bubel remembers that first meeting, when fellow McCauley […]

Organizer hopes seminars will spread to other local leagues Virginia Potkins is not wasting any time getting programs off the ground in her new role as program director for Alberta Avenue Community League. Beginning on Oct. 10, Potkins will run a monthly speaker series, aimed at educating Alberta Avenue league members on a wide range […]

Program director is set to introduce great programs to a vibrant league Virginia Potkins is a veteran contributor to the neighbourhood. You will find her in formal positions, such as program director, board member, and event planner. She’s also active in less formal positions, such as volunteering at the Edmonton Folk Fest or organizing get […]

Nicola Dakers says it’s all good in the hood Nicola Dakers wants to spill a secret about our communities with her new podcast. The intro says the podcast is about “all things inner city Edmonton, from Boyle Street to Delton, from Spruce Ave to Eastwood, and all the great little places in between.” Her well-researched, […]

Changing the face of policing through public engagement Our complex, diverse, and vibrant communities have an important partner in the Edmonton Police Service (EPS) in creating the kind of space we desire. For Superintendent Trent Forsberg and Sgt. Andrew Weaver, the vehicle for change is the return of the beat patrol: officers on foot or […]

International artists celebrate Latin culture and community Edmonton Carnaval may have found its new home at Alberta Avenue.  For its first two years, the event took place in Dr. Wilbert McIntyre Park. Volunteer Erick Estrada explains, “We like the [Alberta Avenue] space. It’s bigger. We are looking for more support from the community. Also, events […]

Fundraising events will bring much-needed revenue to youth camp Two upcoming fundraisers will help support Spark! Youth Camp, a theatre camp taking place at Alberta Avenue Community Centre this summer. Fees are kept low through donations, and the camp offers a financial assistance program to make the program accessible. On Sunday, May 12, celebrate Mother’s […]

Fundraising events will bring much-needed revenue to youth camp Two upcoming fundraisers will help support Spark! Youth Camp, a theatre camp taking place at Alberta Avenue Community Centre this summer. Fees are kept low through donations, and the camp offers a financial assistance program to make the program accessible. On Sunday, May 12, celebrate Mother’s […]

Resilience and strength bolster strained resources Low-income earners are a diverse group in our community. Their struggle is profound. They are are also resourceful, hard-working, and resilient. Mary Smith (pseudonym) is a single mother receiving AISH, Canada Child Benefit (CCB), and court-ordered support. After rent, her AISH deposit is $185. Smith works under the table […]