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Happy Monday!

This week's issue is loaded with lots of things to do. 🥳

In today's issue -  'The Story Behind Edmonton’s New $1.8B Hospital and Its Troubling Delay'.

Lets go! 🥳

Hope for a new South Edmonton hospital has turned into deep frustration for residents.

The critical project, planned for a site near Ellerslie Road, has been indefinitely paused by the UCP government.

Health Minister Adriana LaGrange cited concerns over initial planning and escalating costs as reasons for the halt.

This delay is a major blow to a healthcare system already under immense strain.

Edmonton hasn't received a new adult hospital since the Grey Nuns opened in 1988, despite decades of significant population growth, particularly in the city's south.

Medical professionals have long warned of a severe bed shortage, with overflowing emergency rooms and a system they describe as being on the brink of collapse.

For families in the area, the empty field is a stark symbol of a broken promise, leaving the community waiting for essential care.

Interested in weight management and a healthy lifestyle?

1. Outdoor and Nature

Edmonton River Valley Trails: Explore Edmonton's River Valley with over 160 km of maintained pathways through North America's largest urban park. Perfect for winter hiking, biking, or walking. Date: Open year-round, 24 hours Location: Various access points throughout Edmonton's River Valley Cost: Free admission Click for details

Elk Island National Park: Located just 35 minutes east of Edmonton, this park offers rolling hills, glassy lakes, stargazing, and wildlife viewing including bison and elk. Date: Open 24 hours daily Location: Improvement District No. 13, Alta. (35 minutes east of Edmonton) Cost: Free admission Click for details

Paranormal Tours at Fort Edmonton Park: Brave the dark and explore Fort Edmonton Park's most haunted places after sunset. Learn paranormal investigation techniques while trekking through historic buildings. Date: Various evenings through December 3, 2025 Location: Fort Edmonton Park, 7000 143rd St. NW Cost: $67 per person Click for details

Canadian Tire Magic of Lights: Drive through 2.5 kilometres of over two million twinkling LED lights from the warmth of your vehicle. Date: November 20, 2025 to January 3, 2026 Location: RAD Torque Raceway, 50342 Range Rd. 253, Leduc County Cost: Prices vary Click for details

Muttart Conservatory - Adult Evenings: Explore stunning glass pyramids filled with ever-changing botanical displays while enjoying cocktails every Wednesday evening. Date: Wednesday evenings, 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM Location: Muttart Conservatory, 9626 96A St. NW Cost: $14.95 adult admission Click for details

2. Shows & Entertainment 📺

Disney On Ice: Let's Dance: An epic Disney experience featuring Frozen 2, Wish, The Lion King, The Little Mermaid, and Moana with spectacular ice skating performances. Date: November 20-30, 2025 Location: Rogers Place, 10220 104th Ave. NW Cost: Tickets start at $41 Click for details

Guys and Dolls - The Musical: A classic comedy musical set in 1940s New York City featuring high-stakes gamblers and unlikely romances with unforgettable songs like "Luck Be a Lady." Date: November 21-30, 2025 Location: Theatre Servus Credit Union at La Cite Francophone Cost: Tickets vary Click for details

The Castle Spectre: A gripping gothic melodrama exploring trauma, redemption, and resilience with haunting castle scenes and dramatic lighting. Date: November 21-30, 2025 Location: Local theatre venue Cost: Tickets vary Click for details

The Bee: Adult Spelling Bee: EPL's Eighth Annual Adult Spelling Bee competition with 30 spots for spellers competing for glory as the 2025 Spelling Bee Champion. Date: Tuesday, November 18, 2025, 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM Location: Stanley A. Milner Branch, 7 Sir Winston Churchill Sq. Cost: Free admission Click for details

Charity Screening of Antarctica Documentary: Anton Ptushkin's travel documentary about Ukrainian polar scientists working at the remote Vernadsky Research Base in Antarctica. Date: November 17-21, 2025 (check specific date) Location: Local cinema Cost: Charity event (prices vary) Click for details

3. Arts, Crafts & Culture 🎭

River Cree Holiday Market: Discover handcrafted gifts by First Nation, Métis, and Inuit artisans with live entertainment, Indigenous cuisine, and free photos with Santa. Date: November 20-22, 2025 Location: River Cree Resort & Casino, 300 East Lapotac Blvd., Enoch Cost: Admission by donation (personal hygiene and toiletry items) Click for details

Art Gallery of Alberta: Edmonton's 100-year-old art institution featuring rotating exhibitions, workshops, and events in the heart of downtown. Date: Wed 11 AM-5 PM, Thu 11 AM-7 PM, Fri-Sun 11 AM-5 PM Location: 2 Sir Winston Churchill Sq. NW Cost: $13.33 regular admission (FREE 4-7 PM final Thursday of every month) Click for details

Art of Banksy Exhibition: Experience over 200 pieces of artwork by street artist Banksy, including interactive displays like the Infinity Room. Date: Through January 11, 2025 Location: Edmonton City Centre, 10025 102A Ave. NW #114 Cost: $21+ Click for details

Royal Alberta Museum: Explore vast collections including archaeology, Indigenous studies, work-life industry, and Earth and Life Sciences. Date: Hours vary (check website) Location: 9810 103A Ave. NW Cost: $10-$21 Click for details

Black Umfolosi International Concert: New Moon Folk Club presents this special international music performance. Date: Friday, November 21, 2025 Location: St. Basil's Cultural Centre, 10819 71 Avenue NW Cost: Tickets vary Click for details

The Polar Express Train Ride: Alberta's premier Polar Express experience - hop aboard the famous train and experience Christmas magic. Date: Through December 23, 2025 Location: Alberta Prairie Railway Excursions, 4611 47th Ave., Stettler, Alta. Cost: $105 Click for details

Bountiful Farmers Market: Fresh local vegetables, meat, coffee, beer, wine, ethnic food hall, children's play area, and live entertainment. Date: Every Friday, Saturday, Sunday year-round Location: 3696 97th St. NW Cost: Free admission Click for details

Telus World of Science: Experience IMAX screenings, navigate mazes, and try awesome games and challenges. Friday Night Trivia is free and family-friendly every Friday, 7-9 PM. Date: Open 9 AM-5 PM daily except Mondays Location: 11211 142nd St. NW Cost: $24.95 general adult admission (Trivia is FREE) Click for details

Galaxyland Amusement Park: North America's largest indoor amusement park featuring 27 Hasbro-themed rides for all ages. Date: Hours vary throughout the week Location: West Edmonton Mall, 8882 170th St. NW Cost: $64 general admission Click for details

World Waterpark at West Edmonton Mall: Tropical getaway with massive water slides and wave pool - perfect for winter fun. Date: Hours vary throughout the week Location: West Edmonton Mall, 8882 170th St. NW Cost: Prices vary Click for details

Moulin Rose Burlesque Performance: A dramatic burlesque performance with an optional early arrival cocktail hour. Date: Thursday, November 20, 2025, 7:30 PM - 9:00 PM Location: The Common, 9910 109 St. NW Cost: $25+ Click for details

Atwater Cocktail Club x Bar Nero Pop-Up: One-night-only guest shift featuring Damian Herrera Li from Montreal's #5 ranked bar on Canada's 100 Best Bars 2025. Date: Wednesday, November 20, 2025, 5:00 PM - Late Location: Bar Nero Cost: Standard bar prices Click for details

Free Stand-Up Comedy Open Mic: Every Wednesday at The Grindstone - open to first-timers and seasoned comics. 5-minute sets. Date: Every Wednesday, 10:00 PM - Midnight Location: Grindstone Theatre, 10019 81st Ave. NW Cost: Free admission Click for details

The Night Market Before Christmas: Over 85 food and market vendors under the roof of the Alberta Aviation Museum. Date: Friday, November 21, 2025, 7:00 PM - 11:00 PM Location: Alberta Aviation Museum, 11410 Kingsway NW Cost: Free admission Click for details

Double Double Comedy Tour: Live stand-up comedy show featuring touring comedians. Date: Friday, November 21, 2025 Location: Arcadia Brewing Co. Cost: Tickets vary Click for details

Disney On Ice: Let's Dance (Sports/Entertainment): High-energy ice skating performances featuring Disney characters and stories. Date: November 20-23, 2025 (various times) Location: Rogers Place, 10220 104th Ave. NW Cost: $45+ Click for details

Edmonton River Valley - Winter Activities: Biking, hiking, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing on over 160 km of maintained pathways. Date: Open year-round, 24 hours Location: Various access points throughout Edmonton Cost: Free Click for details

Whitemud Creek Trail Winter Hiking: One of Edmonton's most popular winter hiking trails with scenic ravine views. Date: Open daily Location: Whitemud Creek area Cost: Free Click for details

Mill Creek Ravine Trail: Popular year-round trail for winter hiking and walking in a natural ravine setting. Date: Open daily Location: Mill Creek Ravine Cost: Free Click for details

Terwillegar Park Perimeter Trail: Excellent winter hiking trail with beautiful river valley views. Date: Open daily Location: Terwillegar Park Cost: Free Click for details

Edmonton Language Meetup (ELM): Practice multiple languages in walking groups with language-specific groupings. Date: Check Meetup.com for weekly schedules Location: Various locations Cost: Free Click for details

Edmonton Make New Friends Meetup Group: Social gatherings for making new connections in Edmonton. Date: Various events throughout the week Location: Various locations Cost: Free or varies by event Click for details

Edmonton Tennis Community: Meet fellow tennis enthusiasts for games and social events. Date: Check Meetup schedule Location: Various tennis facilities Cost: Varies by event Click for details

Westmount Pickleball Meetup: Join pickleball players for games and social activities. Date: Regular weekly meetups Location: Westmount area facilities Cost: Varies Click for details

Edmonton Social Meet Up Group (Ages 18-35): Social gatherings for young adults to connect and participate in group activities. Date: Check schedule for events Location: Various locations Cost: Free or varies Click for details

8. Food, Drink and Happy Hours🍿🍾

Our Food, Drink, and Happy Hour updates are now in our sister publication - Edmunchie.com - The Delicious newsletter. Go here now.

Ottawa Opens Bids for Major Affordable Housing Project in North Edmonton

Edmonton Groups you should know!

Bison (at Elk Island National Park) 

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