25th Anniversary of Edmonton Light Rail Transit
(Commissioned by Edmonton Transit System)
by Raymond Thériault
2005, Oil on canvas, 30″ x 42″
In a brief ceremony attended by the artist and representatives from Edmonton Transit, the painting was recently unveiled at its permanent home at D.L. MacDonald Garage. This painting celebrating rail features an LRT train in its new colours crossing the Dudley B. Menzies Bridge, symbolizing the bridge to the future of Edmonton’s rail transit journey. The train is shown heading south towards its new destination of Heritage/Century Park in South Edmonton. The North Saskatchewan River Valley is depicted in the springtime, representing the rebirth of rail in Edmonton after a long hiatus.
The Alberta Legislature in the background acknowledges the role of the province of Alberta and proclaims the status of Edmonton as the capital city. If you look closely, you’ll also see the Canadian flag on top of the dome – so all three orders of government are represented in the painting – and the historic streetcar on the High Level Bridge as a fitting tribute to the history of rail in this city, the first public transit service in 1908. And last but not least, the painting features landmarks that are distinctly representative of Edmonton – both the High Level Bridge and the River Valley fit this bill.
Corporate collection, Edmonton