In 1920, the University of Alberta purchased a 380-acre piece of land south of its main campus. For $53,000 the university's footprint increased and became what has been, for 97 years and counting, a place where important agricultural research has been conducted.
On Sunday, Sept. 24, the university will officially recognize Canada's 150th birthday with a community event that will see the opening of the Evergreen Pond and the Circle; two features designed and developed to represent the history of that land-what is now South Campus-and the relationship that exists between the institution and its place in Canada.
"Evergreen Pond and the Circle is the University of Alberta's Canada 150 gift to the community," said Jacqui Tam, vice-president, university relations. "We decided to create a place that people could use, a place for contemplation, reflection, inspiration and celebration.
"All of our Canada 150 activities this year have been motivated by the larger Canada 150 themes of diversity and inclusion, reconciliation with Indigenous peoples, environmental stewardship and youth. We believe that the pond, circle and celebration tie in nicely with these themes, and we hope the space will be used extensively by future generations from Edmonton and beyond."
Starting at 11 a.m., South Campus will be filled with family friendly activities that will include a kite festival, a farmers' market, children's activities, food trucks and live music. The ALES Agriculture Museum will be open for tours and many of the university's faculties and units will be on hand to provide information on what makes the university an important part of Edmonton's fabric.
"An opportunity to share South Campus and its beauty with Edmontonians is one that the faculty always embraces," said Stan Blade, dean of the Faculty of Agricultural, Life and Environmental Sciences. "Our faculty's research labs and fields at South Campus make it one of the highest impact agricultural research stations in Canada and a perfect venue for a place where citizens can gather, enjoy nature in the city and reflect on what it means to be part of this multicultural wonder of what makes up Canada."
At noon, U of A president David Turpin will lead the dedication ceremony, where community members, dignitaries, faculty, staff and students will come together to celebrate Canada's sesquicentennial.
Events will run until 4 p.m. and city LRT transportation between North Campus and South Campus is free from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., which includes the University, Health Sciences/Jubilee, McKernan/Belgravia and South Campus/Fort Edmonton Park LRT Stations. Attendees are reminded to plan on taking public transit, biking or walking, as there is no parking available beyond disabled access. There is also a free ETS shuttle services from the Stadium Car Park to the event, running every 15 minutes from 10:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
For a full listing of events or to learn more, click here.