Community
Family Day fun in City Hall & Churchill Square

Looking for something fun to do with your family this Family Day in Edmonton? Look no further than the City Room at City Hall, where you can enjoy live performances by double JUNO and WCMA nominee Beppie and JUNO award-winning artist Garth Prince. Afterward, dance to the high-energy sounds of Marango Pie, an eclectic mix of traditional Ukrainian music infused with a touch of swing.
If you prefer the great outdoors, head outside to the City Hall ice rink, where you can take a spin around the rink and participate in Family Day games and activities in Churchill Square, including drop-in street hockey hosted by Free Play. Warm up by the fire pit with a cup of free hot chocolate.
If you’re looking for indoor activities, the Muttart Conservatory is the place to be. With face painting, a planting activity, sensory play, and crafts, there’s something for everyone. Don’t miss the international art exhibit Gaia by UK artist Luke Jerram. General admission applies.
Don’t forget to participate in the City’s annual Winterscapes photo contest by creating a wintry display in your front yard and submitting your entry before February 27th. You could win some cool prizes!
If you’re still looking for more family fun, check out the Stanley A. Milner Library, the Art Gallery of Alberta, or the Alberta Legislature for free activities and events.
And don’t forget about the Silver Skate Festival at William Hawrelak Park, featuring live music, storytelling, snow sculptures, food vendors, and more.
Getting to these events is easy with convenient and accessible public transit options like buses and LRT. Use a Family/Day Pass to travel for up to five people for just $10.25. You can also use Arc, a convenient way to pay for and take transit. For more information, visit edmonton.ca/transit or use the Transit app.
Community
Glendale Skatepark now includes on-site mentors from the YMCA

News release from the YMCA of Northern Alberta
With consistent fair weather and summer right around the corner, skateboarders, BMXers and scooter-riders are excited to return to Red Deer’s skateparks. Glendale Skatepark in Red Deer’s north side is a popular choice, and has the added benefit of being staffed by Northside Community Centre YMCA’s skatepark mentors.
The Y’s skatepark mentors are experienced skaters and BMX bikers who want to help make sure the skatepark remains a safe and inclusive space for kids and youth of all skill levels and backgrounds to enjoy. They hang out at the park every day after school and on weekends, offering encouragement, teaching skills and providing water and snacks to anyone who wants it.
“The biggest part [for me] is just creating community engagement and connections,” one skatepark mentor explained in a video on the YMCA’s social media channels, adding, “engaging with the kids, teaching what you love to do… just being a positive influence on everyone and trying to make this place a better community.”
The YMCA Skatepark Mentorship program was piloted in 2021, and after a successful season Border Paving Ltd. stepped up with a generous donation to make it possible for the Y to staff the park all summer long in 2022 and 2023. The Y has since expanded the program, and will have skatepark mentors and youth workers at the Red Deer Skatepark downtown in addition to Glendale, starting in July.
Youth can find YMCA skatepark mentors at the Glendale Skatepark Monday to Friday from 2:30 to 7:30pm, and noon–4pm on Saturdays and Sundays until the end of June. Starting in July, their weekday hours will expand to 12:30 to 8:30pm and they can be found at the Red Deer Skatepark downtown from 10am to 1pm every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.
Visit ymcanab.ca/skatepark to meet Northside Community Centre YMCA’s skatepark mentors for 2023 and learn more about youth programs at the Y.
Community
Red Deer group cycling across Canada for Big Brothers, Big Sisters of Red Deer

A Red Deer resident has gathered some friends and begun on a trek to cycle across Canada while raising funds for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Red Deer.
Ben Pelletier, a teacher in Red Deer, is a strong supporter and believer of BBBS and Youth HQ and decided that he wanted to use his cycling adventure from Vancouver to Halifax as a chance to give back.
In addition to Ben Pelletier other members of the group include Logan Davey, Keith Weber, Jade Weber, Tristan McDonald and Karina Bennett.
“As a teacher here in Red Deer, I have had the chance to visit Youth HQ, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Red Deer, and simply love what they do for the youth in this city. All donations will go directly to support this awesome organization” said Pelletier on his GoFundMe page for the event.
The trek kicked off in Vancouver on May 1 and will see the group reach Halifax by the end of June. Youth HQ is excited to see the updates as this trek continues and will be sharing them on our social media channels throughout the coming weeks. Simply go to the “Gofundme” page and follow the group throughout their journey.
“We at Youth HQ applaud the efforts of this group of amazing individuals. What an adventure they are embarking upon, and what a great way to support the amazing work of Big Brothers and Big Sisters.” States John Johnston, Community Engagement Manager, Youth HQ
From GoFundMe
Updates (5)
A little bbq burger dinner to end off the day put any sore muscles and achy bones in the rear view mirror, life is good!
-
Social Media2 days ago
Meta starts testing paid verification for Canadian Facebook, Instagram creators
-
Top Story CP2 days ago
CP NewsAlert: Equinor postponing Bay du Nord offshore oil project in N.L.
-
International2 days ago
David Johnston plans to keep role, as House of Commons votes for him to step aside
-
Business2 days ago
Total Canadian debt hit new record in first quarter: TransUnion
-
Sports1 day ago
Thunderbirds look to lean on big-game experience in run for first Memorial Cup title
-
National1 day ago
Fifth day of fighting major wildfires in Nova Scotia could prove pivotal
-
National1 day ago
Firefighters from U.S., South Africa to battle Canada’s ‘unprecedented’ fires
-
National1 day ago
Bill 96: Quebec public servants now required to make ‘exemplary’ use of French