The Hug Capital of Canada

A night that reminded me how deeply this city shows up for one another

I’ve always loved just how prairie-social Edmonton is as a city.

People are up early; working out together, grabbing breakfast together, introducing each other to the people they need to meet. They’re invested in one another’s lives. They’re asking, What do you need? They’re getting the update on each other’s kids, teammates, and neighbours.

It’s one of the reasons why Edmonton is, hands down, my favourite city.

So it came as no surprise that Monday night’s Quiet Champions launch at the Edmonton Public Library had that same energy radiating through it — that sense of connection and care that makes this city vibrate higher.

All evening, I noticed the small, powerful things that happen when people show up for each other.

Two of our MacGregor Cup winners, Brent Hesje and Don Wheler, reconnected after not seeing each other since their teenage days in North Battleford. I was asked about my hopes for the book, my family, my team, our company. You can feel it in Edmonton: people care. They invest in what matters to you, and you find yourself investing right back.

We were wrapped in a heartfelt welcome and territorial acknowledgment from Chris Turchansky and ATB Financial, followed by a thoughtful introduction from Jason Herle at Fountain Tire. Both of these organizations have partnered with Roy Group for more than 20 years — and both made the evening possible as our event sponsors.

There was laughter. There was careful listening.

When you ask Edmonton to help you make something happen, they get at ’er.

And the hugs; so many hugs. The kind that warms you long after the night is over.

Thank you, Edmonton.

-Chiz