The Inaugural High Level Line Day!
The first ever High Level Line Day is officially in the history books!
Earlier in the summer, we put the call out to help us activate the line in whatever way possible. We imagined a couple lemonade stands, some buskers, and maybe a sign or two that said “High Level Line,” and we would have been happy with that. Instead, community groups and neighbouring businesses stepped up in a big way, and we couldn’t be more proud.
On Sept 7, 2019, High Level Line Day, we saw:
Old Strathcona Farmers Market set up a booth in Railtown Park, giving away (yes, for free!) sandwiches, cookies, apples, and market dollars, encouraging Oliver residents to take High Level Line to the market year round.
CNIB brought their new Cycling Without Age trishaw over to show seniors and those with visual impairments what it’s like to be on a bicycle again. We admit, our families definitely took more than a few rides on this throughout the day!
The Alberta Legislature hosted special tours of the Legislature grounds!
Downtown Business Association set up shop at the northern streetcar terminus, welcoming people to Downtown Edmonton with maps, guides, and #yegdt swag.
Musicians set up throughout the afternoon at Ezio Faraone Park. Shout out to Jesse Cunningham for volunteering to organize four acts including himself, Rebecca Lappa, Marissa K, and Kathryn Johnson. Thanks to Yeg Music, Central Social Hall and El Cortez for sponsoring the musicians!
CommuniTEA Infusion set up free lemonade and iced tea in Ezio Faraone Park, run by volunteers from the Skills Society.
An interactive art activity called “I See You” by Françoise Thibault (facilitated by Gaby Pelc) livened up Ezio Faraone Park too.
Walkable Edmonton and Paths for People shared info about walking and biking in Edmonton. And the free popsicles from Walkable Edmonton were a huge hit!
Lime brought their e-scooter training crew to Ezio Faraone Park, giving people a chance to try the scooters without committing and sharing tips for how to ride safely along High Level Line.
Jeff Davis of Edmonton Road and Track Club volunteered to guide people on a leisurely bike or scooter tour along High Level Line.
The Edmonton Radial Rail Society had two of their vintage streetcars running. The volunteers always share fascinating history along the line, making the experience of being on top of the High Level Bridge even more interesting.
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To mark the occasion, Mayor Don Iveson proclaimed it High Level Line Day in Edmonton, and kind remarks were delivered by Councillor Scott McKeen, Councillor Ben Henderson, and MLA David Shepherd. As volunteers running with this initiative in our spare time, it was really meaningful to see our tireless effort being recognized. Oh, how far we’ve come from putting an idea out there on social media!
Word traveled fast about the inaugural event, catching the attention of Global News, CBC News, CTV News, Edmonton Journal, and CBC Radio One.
We can’t say this enough: THANK YOU to all of those that helped make High Level Line Day a success. To those that took time out of your weekend and joined us in activating the line, to those that came out to learn more about the project in person, to Old Strathcona Business Association and Downtown Business Association for providing us with sponsorships to make it happen, to those that helped spread the word about what we’re trying to do: Thank you, thank you, thank you. Now, should we do it all again next year?