El Cortez Fire causes damage to multiple businesses in the Strathcona Business District

Fire erupted around 9:15 in the rear of the El Cortez Mexican Restaurant at 8230 Gateway Boulevard in Edmonton. People in the vicinity of the restaurant said they heard two loud pops, and then a plume of thick black smoke rose above Whyte Ave between 103 and 104 st.  

                                    

The fire caused significant damage to a mural by Okuda San Miguel, located on the north wall of the Crawford Block, which was turned into a 5-story apartment building with commercial on the street level.  The mural cost in excess of $120,000 to do and was finished on July 18, 2018, by Okuda and his team working round the clock for 6 days to complete the project.

   

The Restaurant was well known for it's mexican-style fare, and atmosphere, closed in January of 2025 for renovations.

The restaurant, which opened in 2014, has been closed for renovations since January 2025 (according to it's facebook page), when the fire broke out,is located in the building known as the Crawford Block and was built in 1912 and was designated a Municipal Historic Resource in 2014.

6 crews were called in for the fire, and Edmonton Police were also on scene for crowd and traffic control 

The cause of the fire is not known but investigators have been on site since the fire.   

                   

Photo taken 2 Hours prior to the fire 

Renovation sign in the window of the EL Cortez

Damage to Okuda Mura can be seen as firefighters continue to fight the fire.

All Images are the property ©2026 Ron Palmer ©2026 Ron Palmer Photography.

Images may not be used in any form without the consent of Ron Palmer  

 

The Legacy of Former US President Jimmy Carter in Edmonton

The are times when even the President of the United States can make his presence known in Canada, while helping those in need.  

With the latest news about President Jimmy Carter entering hospice care in Plains, Georgia, it made me think back to when he and his wife of 76 years visited Edmonton, as part of their Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter Work Project in Canada.  Working with Habitat for Humanity Edmonton and Habitat for Humanity in other locations in Canada, President Carter and his wife Rosalynn got down to working on a 50 unit complex in Edmonton in July of 2017.

Although, he was 93 at the time, that didn't stop him from getting in and working with the construction of the complex located in South East Edmonton.  Having the opportunity to speak with the couple even for only a few seconds, was an honor.  But to also be able to watch as the President and Mrs.Carter got right into the work and didn't slow down but also took time to speak with the workers and maybe President Carter was giving out a little direction.  I actually think the First Lady was probably keeping a closer eye to make sure her husband of 71 years was doing things correctly.

What comes back to me was his ability to talk to the people who were about to embark on this massive project, and yet he still made sure to thank them all, for having turned up to help build all of these homes for those less fortunate. He to talked to the volunteers, throughout the build site.  He showed them that he was no different (well except for the Secret Service officers that were all over). 

The former president even at 92 could get in there and put together framing, and cut wood, as he told one of the workers you have measure twice and cut once.  He grabbed a skill saw and cut the wood, just like those who were at least 50 years his junior.  It was quite a feat to see President Carter and his wife Rosalynn get down to work, working side by side, as they had in the White House.  

President Carter also received some assistance Garth Brooks and his wife, Tricia Yearwood, on the project.  

President Carter didn't miss a beat and he made sure that he did his part to help out.

After leaving the Edmonton Project, The President and his First Lady headed to Winnipeg and participated in the Habitat for Humanity Build there as well.  

Although he was the former President of the United States, President Carter, a former peanut farmer, showed that there were no borders when it came to helping people.

 

 

Our thoughts and prayers go out to President Carter and Mrs. Carter and their family at this time

 

All Images are ©2017 Copyright of Ron Palmer Photography -  Facebook Twitter

2021 CEBL Award Predictions - Stingers to Face Black Jacks in Semi Final in Edmonton

 In what has been a rough year, the first semblance of normalcy arrived in the name of the Canadian Elite Basketball League.  The first pro sports league to play sports during the COVID pandemic in a bubble. This year the first Canadian pro sports league to have fans in the seats.

Now the Championship week arrives in Edmonton.  The hardware for the year is handed out on Wednesday night lets have a look at some of the nominees.  The Edmonton Stingers are well represented.   

Canadian Player of the Year has Edmonton's Jordan Baker up against Hamilton's Lindell Widdington.

Now some analysts are saying that this is Lindell's but the game isn't only played on the court at the basket and points.  Baker brings both defense and offense and because he doesn't shoot as much as others what we don't see is the stat where he feeds the ball or sets the play or runs the block. There is more than just the stats, like Xavier Moon, Jordan brings more to the game than just scoring he is a leader on and off the court.

Before I get jumped on from the Hamilton fans, in all areas both players are close with the exception of points per game.  Unfortunately there are not any stats to show for just the regular season and Widdington had a great game in the quarter final.  But if I am going to choose in this one and the edge goes to Baker with all the extras he provides. 

 

Clutch Player of the Year has Lindell Wigginton (Hamilton), Marlon Johnson (Edmonton), Xavier Moon (Edmonton).

I think Lindell is again out manned here as it's hard to go anywhere but with Edmonton on this one and Marlon Johnson gets the nod here.  Don't get me wrong Xavier has the skills and the problem here is he has all the skills.  Its expected every day, every game.  Marlon Johnson Jr. came to Edmonton and showed his skills from the get go, but when it comes to the clutch Marlon grinds it out.  Some how, some way, Johnson digs in and finds the break just when its needed.  Again its hard to hand this one to Lindell, those clutch plays are hard to come when its expected that you will be the one.

U SPORTS Player of the Year: Lloyd Pandi (Niagara), Alain Louis (Ottawa)

I think I have to go with Pandi on this one having seen him in action, he is involved in every play while on the floor, whether it is back court or in the front of the offense Pandi is involved in them all. 

Unfortunately, I don't think there is any other choice in the matter. Louis has the offensive numbers but sometimes numbers don't tell the whole story.

Sixth Man of the Year: Adika Peter-McNeilly (Edmonton), Shaquille Keith (Fraser Valley)

Again, unfortunately, Shaquille Keith is his own worst enemy, having gotten tossed in the last meeting with Edmonton on 2 Technical fouls.  The sixth man means being there for the team when they need you. If his mouth didn't get him trouble then his foul trouble would have.  But his energy on the floor definitely provides excitement in the game and gets him at least consideration.

Adika Peter-McNeilly is exactly what is expected of the 6th man, more than a clutch player, the sixth man can be called on at any time and get the results needed.  Peter-McNeilly leads the bench with 21 minutes a game, 10.3 points a game, 72% from the line, 39% from outside the arc and 0 starts over the year.  Those types of numbers are starter numbers which makes him the 6th Man of the year.

 Defensive Player of the Year: Brandon Gilbeck (Fraser Valley), Javin DeLaurier (Niagara)

 This is another category that based on play Gilbeck gets the nod, although Delaurier is deserving of the nomination his 9 games hurts him overall, Gilbeck was a pain in the butt to the offense of most teams in the league played in every game for Fraser Valley, but also on the other side of the court.  

Had Delaurier held the numbers he put up in the 9 games he played in, over the whole season of 14 games, his numbers would probably have put him ahead, as we know, sometimes offense is also a defense in the game. 

Player of the Year: Xavier Moon (Edmonton), Lindell Wigginton (Hamilton)

This is going to be called the Xavier Moon award, as there is no comparison between the 2.  Consistency is one of the biggest parts of this and we all know that if Moon is anything it is consistent.  Xavier has again put up numbers that are astronimical, breaking the league record for points in a game at 39. 

But let's be fair, let's look at the numbers.

Lindell Wigginton

33 mpg, 21.5 ppg, 6.1 fgm, 14.3 fga, 43% fg, 3.1 2pm,    6.9 2pa, 44.9% ft%, 3.0 3pm, 7.4 3pa, 41% 3p% ,

4.9 rb,4.4 as, 1.1 ST, 0.3 BL, 2.9 TO

 

Xavier Moon 

31 mpg, 22.9 ppg, 8.3 fgm, 16.0 fgm, 52% fg, 5.7 2pm, 10.8 2pa, 52.7% 3p%, 2.6 3pm, 5.2 3pa, 50% 3p%

4.5 rb, 4.8 as, 2.1 ST, 0.5 bl, 2.5 TO

the numbers tell part of the story but again there is something about Xavier ability to see the plays and set them up, which is the job he was brought in to do.  

Wigginton needs a little more to work with.  With only 4 other players with 20+ minutes its hard to keep it all together.  He can do it, unfortunately, Moon is in a different class.

Moon for the 3rd straight year.

Those are my predictions for the Player awards. #CEBLAWARDS

You can watch the awards on CEBL+ on Wednesday August 18th, 2021.  You can attend the awards in Edmonton on Wednesday  August 18th, 2021 https://am.ticketmaster.com/stingers/gala

Semi-Final Schedule in Edmonton at the Edmonton Expo Centre

Aug 20, 2021 - 7:00 pm EDT  Fraser Valley (4) vs Niagara River Lions (2)

Aug 20, 2021 - 9:30 pm EDT  Edmonton Stingers (1) vs Ottawa Black Jacks (6)

Championship Finals Edmonton Expo Centre

Winner Game 1 vs Winner Game 2  4:00 pm EDT (2 pm MDT)

For further information on the CEBL click Here

Tickets for the Championship Weekend are available here.  Single Days and full weekend tickets.

https://www.cebl.ca/CW-Tickets

All images are provided from the CEBL and are copyrighted and may not be used without consent of the CEBL.  

Information provided in this story is for informational purposes only.  

 

Stingers win 12th game to go 12-1 in 1st of the CEBL But where are the fans?

 18 months in a pandemic unable to go to sporting events and now that things are open, fans should be running for the seats to watch some of the best Basketball Canada has to offer.  Especially considering the Edmonton Stingers are the CEBL 2020 Champions and have the best record in the CEBL this year.

 

CEBL Champions Trophy

But no, Edmontonians are not flocking to the gates to catch some of the best players in Canada and from around the world.  You aren't going to get tickets for any other Pro Sports league game for these prices.  From $25 to $45 a ticket you can be sitting watching the best in Canada.  Try going to a Oilers game or an Elks game for that price.  The Elks for Saturday against Ottawa is 562 each for lower level centre field (50 yd line).  You could have gone to all 6 games for 2 people for the price of 1 ticket in the lower bowl.

Friday is the Stingers last game of the regular season against Fraser Valley all in preparation for the Championship weekend August 18-22, 2021 right here in Edmonton.

From Wednesday's Edmonton's 106-65  defeat of Fraser Valley at the Expo Centre.

Xavier Moon lays up for 2 points against the Fraser Valley Bandits

These guys are just that good, they are 31 and 7 in the last 3 years and have only lost 2 games in the last 2 years.  Xavier Moon, Matthieu Kamba, Jordan Baker, Adika Peter-McNeilly and Marlon Johnson Jr, should be household names with the year they are having.

Edmonton you support the Elks who haven't won a championship in the last 6 years and the Oilers haven't won a cup in the last 31 years and everyone shows up to watch 

 Edmonton has a championship team right now, the ONLY CEBL MVP in Xavier Moon and CEBL Canadian of the Year Jordan Baker, Coach of the Year Jermaine Small, and 3 first team all stars.  

Come on now, what does it take to you get down to the game tomorrow night show some support, The Stingers put it all on the floor every game and you can watch them all for less than 2 beers at an Oiler's game.

Championship weekend brings the best in Canadian Basketball to Edmonton with the Semi Finals on Friday August 20, 2021 at 5 and 7 pm with a concert right after the last game and the final game on Sunday August 22, 2021 at 2 pm.  you can watch all 3 games in person for just 99.00 to 150.00 per ticket for all three games, this includes the concerts and three by three tournaments.

You just can't get value like this anywhere else.  EDMONTON this is your team, your players, and your champions get your tickets now at www.thestingers.ca/tickets or for championship weekend at https://am.ticketmaster.com/stingers/ism/MjFDSEdQ

Let's show the team we have their back.......GO STINGERS GO. Let's make it 2 in a row.

Edmonton (2-0) Goes Moon Over Niagara in 82-75 Win

Not Warren Moon, Grey Cup Champion and Football Hall of Famer , but The Canadian Elite Basketball League's only MVP, Xavier Moon.  Moon led the Stingers with 30 points hitting from all points in the field.  Xavier was 68% from the field, 66% from inside the circle and 71% from 3 point land.. but the league's MVP showed why from the line hitting 100% in free throws.  It was fitting that Moon had 2 free throws with 2 points left in the ELAM ending, not one to miss an opportunity, he dropped both to give Edmonton the win to go 2 and O.

Xavier Moon sinks the free throw to win the game.

Not to be out done, Mathieu Kamba, hit for 14 points, and pulled in 3 rebounds defensively.

Mathieu Kamba with sweet layup with 0:25 left in the 1st.

The Stingers opened with 2 on a jumper from The CEBL 2020 MVP, Xavier Moon and never looked back. The bench was a little light on Friday night bringing only 15 points to game.  

But the play of the game had to be an open run SLAM dunk by one of the newest Stingers, Marlon Johnson Jr.   It was like everything slowed as Johnson hit the air for a straight on Slam for 2.  All I can say is the man's got jump and he doesn't need propulsion rockets to get air.

Marlon Johnson sets airborne for a SLAM

 

The play was fast and there was a lot of movement back and forth by both teams.  The River Lions played a lot better than their record shows.  Not one River Lions player broke 20 points and team percentages from the line were dismal at 31%, and not breaking 50% in any category.  All Active players for the River Lions hit for points with 19 from the man who caused the most trouble for the Stingers, Xavier Steen.  Steen was in the face of Xavier Moon at every change.

Stinger's captain Jordan Baker who had 9 points, was dropped on a stationary block when he was run into by shooter, number 6 Guillaume Payen-Boucard.

 

Baker after being hit to the floor.

 

The 2020 Champions are now 2 - 0 in league play, with another game Monday night at 7pm at the Expo Centre.  

The CEBL will be holding a news conference on Monday Night, to provide information about the Champions Weekend in Edmonton, August 18 – 22, 2021, with Edmonton guaranteed a spot in the weekend games, and they will be defending their 2020 Championship.

The Edmonton Stingers are based at the Edmonton Expo Centre. Tickets are available on the Stingers Website click HERE, you can also order your championship weekend tickets as well.

For more information on the CEBL (Canadian Elite Basketball League) Click HERE

Basketball Canada Click Here 

More about the ELAM Ending in CEBL play.  The Elam ending is designed to remove all those free throws in the last 30 seconds of the game.  Making the game much more exciting and entertaining right to the last drop.

HOW it works?

In the CEBL the first whistle after the clock hits the 4 minute mark in the 4th quarter, stops the clock.  Yes you heard it right it stops the game clock, not the shot clock.  Then game target is then set by adding 9 points to the leading score at that time.  (IE. if the team leading at ELAM Ending time has 90 then the target score becomes 99.)  This is where things become interesting. The FIRST team to reach the target score wins the game.  If the team that was behind at the time had a score of 85 and goes on 14 -5 run they win.  There is very little reason to foul because your opponent can gain 2 or 3 points on you with out really having to work for it.

So come on down to the EXPO Centre Monday night and catch the latest game with your CHAMPIONSHIP Edmonton Stingers. Catch Canada's Game invented by a Canadian James Naismith at a YMCA in Springfield, Massachusetts and picked up by Canadian YMCA's, High schools and universities before it became what it is now in the US.

#ItsOurGame

 
Ron Palmer

Capital EX – Monday Morning Madness

Edmonton Cheer Team

By Ron Palmer

One of the great things done by the organizers of Capital Ex is the Monday Morning Madness, where Kids with disabilities get to ride the rides without having to worry about lineups, loud noises and big crowds. This year was no different, with kids from all walks of life and various disabilities laughing and playing, they all had a great time along with there parents.

Riding 4x4, meeting ponies, fighting fires and seeing there favourite sports stars, the looks of joy on their faces was something to behold. I am sure the volunteers who gave their time to host the event have some idea what it meant to the children and their parents. They also made over 300 lunches to make sure the day ended correctly, Hot dogs of course, what would the fair be without a hot dog.


Many thanks to Edmonton Fire Department, Emergency Medical Services, the Edmonton Eskimos team (I believe they were all there),the Edmonton Eskimos cheer team, Edmonton Oilers Steve McIntyre, Jason Strudwick, the Edmonton Oil Kings and Edmonton Rush player Jimmy Quinlan for the support they gave to all the kids,posing for pictures and riding the rides with the kids as well. Ever seen an Edmonton Eskimo try and fit in a kiddie swing (we have pictures) or an Edmonton Eskimos wearing a balloon hat.

It was definitely all for the kids.







Having come from Toronto, originally, I am an Edmontonian now and proud of it, in Toronto this would never happen on the scale that it does in Edmonton. Not only participation from all of the sports franchises but also the news media making sure the day got its due.









All I can say is "the children thank you all."


In the pictures below
Steve Mcintyre
Edmonton Eskimos arrive
City TV's Bridget Ryan
Fighting Fires
Jason Strudwick

It Happens in Edmonton

An Introduction to this blog, Edmonton is known as festival city but that is not all that goes on in Edmonton! We will be covering everything from festivals to anything that may happen. Negative or positive we are going to bring you a different perspective.

Pictures and stories about the life and happenings of the Capital of Alberta, Canada. Different perspectives, pictures from all around the city. Our first story will deal with Security at Northland's Park during Ed Fest I guarantee it will not be as you expect. I play out for you 2 nights and 2 different outcomes. Other stories will originate from the fringe, downtown on Jasper, from the people to the stories, we will try to give you a look unlike those around. With special guests and photographers you will see things from our eyes.

Edmonton is a bustling city, and stories happen all the time, our Idea is to give you the reader a chance to be part of it, whether you live in Edmonton or around the world, you will see what we see through our words and our pictures.

We look forward to having you join us on our adventure.

If you have a story or an event you want covered let us know by emailing us. click on one of the contributors on the right and we will contact you for more information.