River City

The river not only defines this city – it consumes it.

After months of ceaseless snowfall, Edmonton is beginning to be released from her entombment.  The snowdrifts no longer stand harsh and jagged along our walkways and streets, but have a saggy appearance about them as they become dissipated by hopes of impending spring.

The city wishes to live again.

Rivers rush down their loose gravel beds, diligently laid out by city workers, and pool into newly formed lakes within the asphalt.  The banks to either side of these numerous rivers are muddy brown and wet, standing in proud contrast to the white sheet that has been drawn over the city during its hibernation.  Although the river-ways may be perilous for commuting this time of year, it is an assurance that we will thrive again soon.  We are the River City.

… And the rivers will run dry to join their mother, until we forget yet again what it is to be alive come October.

Upon reading the piece by Mike Davis, I was really drawn to this conflict between humanity and nature, and how it's difficult for the two to coexist.  The article mentioned a constant battle against the reaches of nature, whether it be fought by weeding gardens, pruning trees, or outright clearing of nature to make room for more urbanity.  Building upon the idea of Edmonton being a River City, I wanted to reflect Davis' ideas in terms of the river in defining Edmonton's unique urban nature.