Erik Backstrom

Urban planner, planning historian, family man and faithful Edmontonian

[Erik Backstrom @e_backstrom]

@dawnvalentine @ProvArchivesAB @Friends_PAA Thanks for sharing, Dawn. An interesting moment in time: bridge piers going up, Sir William Place newly erected, and the incinerator soon to come down.

[City of Edmonton @CityofEdmonton]

Heritage goes beyond just buildings. We want all voices and people reflected in our new Heritage Places Strategy.

Tell us what you think by visiting https://t.co/D6oHhosHCq

[Edmonton Transit Service (ETS) @takeETSalert]

Today is special for two reasons! It's Earth Day AND we’re celebrating the 47th year of the Capital Line LRT! On April 22, 1978, we proudly opened the LRT line, coinciding with the Commonwealth Games.

Back then, the LRT line had just 5 stops along the CN right-of-way, connecting Belvedere Station to Coliseum and Stadium Stations and ending downtown at Churchill and Central Stations.

Happy Birthday, Capital Line!
And remember, when riding ETS, you are helping the environment by reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
#Yeg #YegTransit #EarthDay

Photos courtesy of the City of Edmonton Archives.

[Erik Backstrom @e_backstrom]

“What part of the past is worth preserving and transmitting to posterity?”

If this question interests you, consider attending my Edmonton & District Historical Society talk tomorrow (Tuesday) evening. To register to go https://t.co/1AOBsEPW7g

[Erik Backstrom @e_backstrom]

@englishhistpod @ApplePodcasts Waiting semi-patiently, @ApplePodcasts.

[Edmonton Journal @edmontonjournal]

Edmontonians call on province to abandon Royal Alberta Museum demolition: survey results https://t.co/zLQK72T0LU

[Timothy Snyder @TimothyDSnyder]

1/5. The way Trump, Trump Jr, Tuberville, and Hannity are talking now about Greenland, Mexico, Panama, and Canada plagiarizes Putin in 2013, before the first invasion of Ukraine.

[Erik Backstrom @e_backstrom]

"Edmonton Line" -- the city's light rail aspirations began early!

[Provincial Archives of Alberta @ProvArchivesAB]

Rose Mine, Edmonton, Northwest Territories, 1891 (A3809).

[City of Edmonton @CityofEdmonton]

Following a vital rehabilitation, the historic Ortona Armoury building has reopened! Built in 1914, this designated Municipal Historic Resource will continue to serve as an arts and community hub, operated by Arts Habitat.

The rehabilitation upgraded the building’s systems & restored the building’s original brickwork, wood columns & hardwood floors. The project, which received @CdnHeritage funding, also added a covered courtyard & elevator.

Learn more: https://t.co/fp86OSeX81 or https://t.co/6QKCzXdJlg

#Yeg #YegArts

[Erik Backstrom @e_backstrom]

@everydaytourist Vacancy varies by subarea and type of retail. Interior-facing retail in the central core is struggling. This would be a different offering, though, in a subarea with stronger market demand. Agreed that the arrangement would need to be favourable because of the needed upgrades.

[Erik Backstrom @e_backstrom]

A culture, food & recreation centre would work in the former Royal Alberta Museum building in Glenora. It's close to the densifying West Village & the larger surrounding area would love the day care, cafe, pickleball courts, etc. Plus the building is so high quality. #yegheritage

[Erik Backstrom @e_backstrom]

@everydaytourist Opinion based on a certain degree of understanding of urban retail and the economics and demographics of the district. The devil is in the details, of course, but if there were a motivation to save the building I can see this kind of redevelopment being successful.

[Erik Backstrom @e_backstrom]

https://t.co/DLlaEzhBSd

[Erik Backstrom @e_backstrom]

Here's the radio clip where one of the reuse proponents talks about their vision. https://t.co/ExxNaQenBJ

[The Cultural Tutor @culturaltutor]

A short introduction to Gothic Architecture:

[Erik Backstrom @e_backstrom]

A realtor here talks about wanting to avoid demolition of the Princess Theatre. Just so that everyone is aware, it's a Provincial Historic Resource and so is legally protected from demolition. But it needs a good new owner to take care of it. #yegheritage https://t.co/iVq495jbvy

[Erik Backstrom @e_backstrom]

“When you add up the cost of the mortgage, plus the cost of owning, operating, maintaining, and insuring those vehicles, you see that it’s much more expensive than the sticker price of the house initially led you to believe.” https://t.co/tfzUkcs2Es

[Erik Backstrom @e_backstrom]

Love seeing this new investment into the Great West Saddlery Building! #yegheritage

[Erik Backstrom @e_backstrom]

Scientists keep telling us that permanent standard time is best for health. When will a provincial or state government do the right and make it happen? https://t.co/a0N4bEA09x

[Erik Backstrom @e_backstrom]

Archival Halloween! https://t.co/aFcFuThhWM via @ABHistoricPlace