February 2013

A Newsletter from Neighbourhoods, Parks and Community Recreation Northwest

Celebrate our Winter City

For the Love of Winter is the name of the recently approved Winter City strategy developed by Edmontonians, for Edmontonians, and endorsed by Edmonton City Council. Edmontonians contributed hundreds of ideas to help us embrace winter including: river valley warming huts, free skate and ski rentals, outdoor patios with fire pits and heaters, and snow clearing techniques to makes walking and biking easier. 10 Goals were identified in the strategy around 4 key themes: Winter Life Goal 1: Make It Easier to Go Play Outside: Provide More Opportunities for Outdoor Activity Goal 2: Improve Winter Transportation for Pedestrians, Cyclists and Public Transit Users
Winter Design Goal 3: Design Our Communities for Winter Safety and Comfort Goal 4: Incorporate Urban Design Elements for Winter Fun, Activity, Beauty and Interest Winter Economy Goal 5: Increase the Capacity and Sustainability of Edmontons Winter Festivals Goal 6: Develop a Four-Seasons Patio Culture Goal 7: Become a World Leader in Innovative Winter Related Business/Industry Our Winter Story Goal 8: Celebrate the Season and Embrace Daily Living in a Cold Climate Goal 9: Promote Edmontons Great Northern story Locally, Nationally and Internationally Goal 10: Kick Start and Lead Implementation of Edmontons Winter City Strategy: Apply a Winter Lens to Our City The next step will be an implementation plan - stay tuned! For more information: http://www.edmonton.ca/city_government/initiatives_in novation/wintercity-strategy.aspx or contact Susan Holdsworth, Project Manager at 780496-3664

Family Day Weekend Events!

The Family Day weekend will be filled with free neighbourhood dropin programs for children and families offered in partnership with Community Leagues at various locations across the City. Events can include snow shoeing, snow fort building, snow painting, bannock making, crafts, and games. Programs may be cancelled or adjusted in the event of extreme weather. Contact you Community League for specific event details. Friday, February 15 High Park 11032 154 Street 5:00 8:00 pm Saturday, February 16 Laurier Heights Winter Family 14405 85 Avenue 4:00 - 6:00 pm Westview Village Program 10770 Winterburn Road 1:00 - 4:00 pm Sunday, February 17 Athlone Community League 13010 129 Street 1:00 4:00 pm Kensington Community League 12140 134 A Avenue 12:00 3:00 pm Meadowlark Winter Carnival 15961 92 Ave 2:00 - 5:00 pm Monday, February 18 Sherbrooke Community League 13008 122 Avenue 12:00 3:00 pm Event

February 2013

City of Edmonton is becoming a City of Hope

All children can succeed, NO EXCEPTIONS! This truth can become a reality through caring, supportive, and genuine relationships with children and youth. Further encouraging children and youth to clearly describe and create their future through their present actions are key. By working to inspire Edmontonians to adopt this culture of hope through targeted Hopeology workshops, the training of internal staff and the implementation of Kids at Hope principles within City of Edmontons Community Recreation Program Team, we are actively working towards becoming a City of Hope. To date the City of Edmonton has trained over 670 individuals in Hopeology workshops impacting over 1,200 children and forming many new partnerships with community organizations across the city. Top 3 ways YOU can inspire HOPE in your community: 1) Commit to forming genuine and caring relationships with children and youth in YOUR community 2) Contact the City of Edmonton to hold a Hopelogy workshop in YOUR community 3) Change your belief system! Understand that YOUR actions determine success in children; set children up for success and they will succeed. To learn more about our City of Hope initiative or to book a Hopeology session for your group, school or community contact: Savannah Westgarde at 780.423.5827 or by email: savannah.westgarde@edmonton.ca

Priceless Fun
Priceless Fun is your guide to free and low cost recreation opportunities in Edmonton. Find information such as: Festivals and Specials Events Park Information Volunteer Opportunities Tobogganing Areas Community League Ice Skating and Cross Country Ski Trails and more!

Look for your spring/summer 2013 guide in mid-April.

2013 Summer Employment Grants

Canada Summer Jobs
Canada Summer Jobs is a Government of Canada initiative that provides funding to help employers create summer job opportunities for students. It is designed to focus on local priorities, while helping both students and their communities. The CSJ grant application will be available online at the following website, on February 1st. The application period will be February 1st to February 28th. http://www.servicecanada.gc.ca/eng/epb/yi/yep/progra ms/scpp.shtml

Summer Temporary Employment Program

The STEP (Summer Temporary Employment Program) was developed by the Alberta Government and community partners to help students who would benefit from temporary employment during the spring and summer months. STEP application information was not yet available at the time of publishing. 2

February 2013

Did You Know?

Parks Operations removes snow from sidewalks and parking lots which are located at pools, arenas and other City owned recreation facilities. Transportation does most of the remaining City of Edmonton sidewalks throughout the city.

Spend Family Day at the Reuse Centre

Learn about reusing and the Reuse Centre by taking a tour Volunteer by sorting through donated items Participate in reuse crafting sessions and take home your craft! Shop through our treasure trove of items

Open House begins at 12pm and goes until 4pm on Monday, February 18th. For more information, email hayley.orton@edmonton.ca or phone at 780-495-9851 or visit our website at www.edmonton.ca/reuse 3

February 2013

Preserving Edmonton's Ash Trees

After a thorough tree health assessment staff found approximately 1700 ash trees in a number of areas across Edmonton infected with Lilac-ash borers. As a preventative measure, staff will be treating these trees with either pesticides or biological control agents in the spring. This will help to contain the pest and preserve the Citys urban forest. The trees in poor condition that cannot be saved will be removed; we anticipate removing approximately 200 trees across the city. Removals will begin December 10, with replanting efforts starting as early as 2013. City staff continues to research the best management practices to improve the growing conditions of the trees and to control this pest. The City of Edmonton is committed to having a diverse, healthy and sustainable urban forest that enhances the beauty of Edmonton. For any questions or concerns regarding these removals or treatment, please contact Forestry at 780-496-4958. For more information, please visit: http://www.edmonton.ca/for_residents/pest_manageme nt/ash-borer.aspx

volunteered their time to shovel as a City of Edmonton Snow Angel. www.edmonton.ca

Build Community with Front Yards in Bloom

Front Yards in Bloom is an easy, fun way to make your community shine. Since 1999, Edmontonians have been nominating attractive front yards around the city. Everyone is eligible to nominate before the nomination deadline of June 30. Each nominated yard receives a sign and a certificate to congratulate the gardener. Community leagues can do Front Yards in Bloom too. Its a fun program that's easy to do. Community Leagues benefit by celebrating and encouraging nice yards, connecting with new potential community league members, and simply having neighbours meet neighbours.

How it works
Front Yards in Bloom will give you a list of all the nominations in your neighbourhood give you signs & certificates give you judging sheets show you how to judge front yards Community League Representative will meet a friend for coffee visit yards in the neighbourhood and smell the flowers deliver signs & certificates & pick top 2 yards get an extended nomination deadline of July 14 How to Participate 1. Register your community league at front.yards@edmonton.ca 2. Work with someone in your community to lead the program. 3. Encourage residents to nominate their neighbours. Nominate between June 1 and June 30 at frontyardsinbloom.ca 4. Deliver signs and certificates to nominated yards in your community. A list of addresses will be supplied by July 1. 5. Select the top two addresses in your neighbourhood. Submit by July 13th. These two addresses will continue on to the citywide competition. For more information visit www.frontyardsinbloom.ca 4

Neighbourhood Spring Break Programs

Are you looking for a fun-filled Spring Break program? Try A Taste of Camp! This camp is designed to give participants a taste of all sorts of camps including cooking, dancing, outdoor adventures, arts, and sports. Participants will get the chance to discover what their favourite activity is in this "theme a day" program. March 25 28 6 12 years old. Cost and location information to come

SNOW ANGELS WHERE ARE YOU?

Your Neighbourhood Needs You! Shoveling snow can be difficult, especially for seniors or people with disabilities. Icy, snowy sidewalks are hazardous for everyone sometimes even dangerous. This winter, do your part. Shovel snow for a neighbour who needs help. Snow Angels is an awareness and recognition program encouraging Edmontonians to help a neighbour in need by shoveling their snow and to acknowledge those who

February 2013 All Workshops are at the EFCL Office and begin at 5:30 pm.

COMMUNITIES CONNECT 2013

Save the Date April 11, 2013!
Join your CRCs and neighbouring Community Leagues for three hours on April 11 for Communities Connect. This is an event for Community Leagues in the North West District to come together and talk about what matters to your leagues and residents. We will provide dinner, information and resources This is your chance to get the tools to improve and be a more effective Community League! This years focus in on: Community Engagement Recruitment and Retention of Volunteers Increasing Memberships This event is for YOU; for Community League Volunteers to come together, build relationships and learn from each other and have some fun!

2013 Summer Program Grant Application Workshops

Presented by Community Services

If filing a grant application for the first time feels like putting a square peg in a round hole, then this workshop can help you. Join our knowledgeable Community Recreation Coordinators for hands on assistance in completing the 2013 STEP and/or CSJ Grant Application. Both online and paper applications will be available. STEP (S UMMER T EMPORARY E MPLOYMENT P ROGRAM) CSJ (C ANADA S UMMER J OB G RANT )

Community League Board Training Opportunities (EFCL)

Tools for Treasurers Thursday February 7, 2013 This workshop will have a strong focus on the necessity of having a budget and working within the budget that the community league has set. Social Media 101 Thursday, February 21, 2013 Presented by Joseph Carma, technology and social media consultant. Joseph will present information that he presented at the Leagues Alive Conference in 2012. Volunteer Recruitment & Screening Thursday, March 28, 2013 As all community league boards are run with volunteer energy and input, the need to recruit the right individuals is an important and timely issue. How do we ensure the new board volunteer is the correct fit for the league and the jobs at hand? This session will look at ways to recruit new volunteers, as well as methods involved to screen potential volunteers.

Two Sessions to Choose From (Same information at both sessions): Thursday, February 7, 2013 STEP @ 6:30 PM CSJ @ 7:30 PM City of Edmonton Community Services Office Circle Square Building (11808 St. Albert Trail) Wednesday, February 13, 2013 STEP @ 6:30 PM CSJ @ 7:30 PM City of Edmonton Community Services Office Millcreek Office (221, Bonnie Doon Mall)
Cost: FREE To Register: e-mail: NCDEastEvents@edmonton.ca or call 780-442-4972 You must pre-register to attend. Sorry no onsite registrations

Community League Operating Grant

The Community League Operating Grant provides funding assistance to community leagues in the city of Edmonton to help offset expenses incurred by providing programs and events, services and facilities to community residents. Application Deadline 4:30pm Tuesday, April 2, 2013 Applications must be submitted to your Community Recreation Coordinator. Community Leagues are encouraged to submit their application earlier than the deadline if possible. 5

February 2013 Applications can be found at; http://www.edmonton.ca/for_residents/communityleague-operating-gra.aspx Canadas longest running documentary film festival celebrating 30+ years, dedicated to presenting Canadian and International films exploring socially relevant issues.

Community League Infrastructure Grant

The Community League Infrastructure Grant program provides funding assistance to community leagues for capital costs to preserve and enhance existing facilities or for construction of new facilities that provide an overall benefit to the community and value to the citizens of Edmonton. Application Deadline 4:30pm Monday, March 4, 2013 andom Acts of Kindness Week Applications must be delivered to your Community Recreation Coordinator or their office. Applications and resources for applying for the CLIP grant can be found at; http://www.edmonton.ca/for_residents/communityleague-infrastructure-grant.aspx

Important Dates to Remember

February 1: CSJ Grant Application available on line http://www.servicecanada.gc.ca/eng/epb/yi/yep/progra ms/scpp.shtml February 2: Groundhog Day February 7 and 13: STEP and CSJ Training e-mail: ncdeastevents@edmonton.ca or call 780-4424972 February 14: Valentines Day February 18: Family Day
January 29, February 4, 12, 19 and March 7, 13, 26: Combined GAIN and Use of Proceeds Workshops; FREE; call (780) 447-7499 or visit http://aglc.ca/gain/gain_schedule.asp to register.

February 28: Deadline to submit CSJ Grant applications.

Events in Edmonton
Canadian Birkebeiner Ski Festival February 8 to 9, 2013 www.canadianbirkie.com The Canadian Birkebeiner is Canadas largest classic cross county ski event. It is a mass-start recreational loppet, with events for all levels of skiers beginners to elite, and is a family friendly event. Wildfire Improv Festival February 13 to March 2, 2013 www.rapidfiretheatre.com Three weeks of teen improv - Canadian Improv Games, Nose Bowl Theatre sports tournament and Junior Wildfire (for junior high students). The most creative, hilarious, spontaneous young performers from across Alberta Silver Skate Festival February 15 to 24, 2013 www.silverskatefestival.org Edmontons oldest winter festival returns with art, culture, recreation and sports programming at Hawrelak Park. This is a free, all-age event featuring skate races, winter sport demos, a Heritage Village, the Silver Skate Folk Trail, live performances, as well as snow and fire sculpture. Global Visions Film Festival February 27 to March 3, 2013 www.globalvisionsfestival.com 6

February 2013

Neighbourhoods, Parks and Community Recreation Northwest Team

Director Chantile Shannon

944-5506

Community Recreation Coordinators Tracey Bink 822-2175 Duane Boos 944-7595 Una Bryce 944-7593 Chris McMorran 9447596 Susan Meunier 9445450 Jessica Monk 442-4629 Alison Mould 944-5531 Trudy Raadik 944-5528 Savannah Westgarde 423-5827 Ruth Wong-Miller 496-6431 Website - www.edmonton.ca Community Services West Office Locations Parks and Community Services (PACS) - West 11410 - 149 Street Monday Friday Jasper Place 10030 - 167 Street Monday Friday Phone: 442-4974 8:30 am 12:00 pm 1:15 pm 4:30 pm Phone: 442-4848 8:30 am 4:30 pm