Take the Plunge at Terwillegar Community Recreation Centre

Terwillegar Community Recreation Centre aquatic area will re-open on February 6, 2012 following the completion of required warranty maintenance work.

As part of the construction process, a warranty shutdown was required to ensure that all mechanical, filtration and chemical systems in the aquatics area were working as designed. Now that the maintenance work is done, we welcome Edmontonians back to swim and splash in the pools at Terwillegar Community Recreation Centre.

Operating hours, facility schedule and program information is available online at www.edmonton.ca/TCRC.

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Better Collaboration and New Urban Agenda Needed to Sustain Mature Neighbourhoods

Community Sustainability Task Force releases report and recommendations

A new urban agenda and a formal partnership between Edmonton school boards and the municipal, provincial and federal governments are needed to ensure the vitality and sustainability of Edmonton’s mature neighbourhoods. That’s one of nine recommendations of the Community Sustainability Task Force as outlined in its report, ELEVATE.

ELEVATE is the result of a year of consultation and deliberation by the Task Force, which was appointed by Mayor Stephen Mandel in February 2011 to create solutions to sustain and support Edmonton’s mature neighbourhoods as part of a healthy and vibrant city core. 

“The Task Force has put a tremendous amount of thought and work into its report and recommendations,” said Mayor Mandel. “Formalizing our relationships with stakeholders and putting operational processes in place will allow us to break down silos, share valuable information, reduce duplication and find innovative ways to ensure our mature neighbourhoods are vibrant and viable communities.”

The Task Force, Chaired by former City Councillor Michael Phair and Vice-Chair Teresa Spinelli, owner of Edmonton’s Italian Centre Shop, with representatives from school boards, communities and the municipal and provincial governments, released its report with recommendations and action plans on February 2, 2012.

“We learned that when confronted with historical and demographic change, it’s not easy to keep communities and schools lively, desirable and vibrant,” said Phair. “However, Edmontonians want to be engaged in helping to lift up or elevate their communities. ELEVATE is the result of an extensive and complex process of listening, consulting, discussing and debating. It is the result of our examination of community sustainability and offers recommendations as a ‘blueprint’ for the next steps Edmonton can take to achieve ongoing community vitality.”

Nine recommendations have been developed, each with a number of associated action plans. In addition to calling for a new urban agenda, the Task Force also recommends:

• A channel or body that would bring the City, the school boards and the Province together to ensure community sustainability
• The development of an asset-based plan for every mature neighbourhood (to determine strengths and needs)
• A collaborative regulatory environment
• The creation of and support for business diversity within communities
• A diversity of housing, and better education within communities around diversity and densification
• The delivery of life-long learning opportunities in all community-driven plans
• Innovative and sustainable funding from the Province of Alberta to guarantee that existing and new schools are modern, multi-functional and able to accommodate a diversity of programs

Leaders from the key partners - the City, school boards and Alberta Education - will now begin developing an implementation plan for the recommendations.

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Jasper Place and Londonderry Leisure Centres Reopen with a Splash

Jasper Place and Londonderry Leisure Centres are back in business and just in time for Edmontonians who are looking to fulfill their New Year’s resolutions to shed a few pounds while working up a sweat.

Following the completion of maintenance work, renovations and upgrades, the recreations centres are open again. We are pleased to welcome our regular patrons and those newcomers who are looking to lead more active lives in 2012.

The upgrades and maintenance work at Jasper Place (9200-163 Street) and Londonderry (14528-66 Street) are part of the City’s continued commitment to providing Edmontonians with high quality recreation facilities that help us all lead healthy and active lifestyles.

For information on admissions to City recreation and leisure centres, please visit Admission and Memberships. 

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Oil Kings Trade Crowns for Halos

Nominated Snow Angels get hockey tickets under new partnership

Edmontonians helping neighbours with snow and ice are being rewarded by those really familiar with ice time.

People nominated as Snow Angels through the City of Edmonton program will receive tickets to an Oil Kings game as a result of a new partnership between the City and the Edmonton Oil Kings. In addition to providing tickets, the Oil Kings players will trade their jerseys and sticks for winter coats and shovels to clear snow from sidewalks in various Edmonton communities in between home games this winter.

“As part of the Rexall Sports Corporation it’s a priority in our organization to always remain focused on the responsibility we have to making a difference in our local community,” said Oil Kings vice president and alternate governor Darryl Porter. “It’s a point we emphasize every day to our players who under our encouragement we are developing for the next level both on and off the ice.” 

“We are so happy to have the Oil Kings on board as a program partner,” said Elvie De Benedetto, senior project planner with City of Edmonton Capital City Clean Up. “While the tickets are a great incentive, we really hope seeing the Oil Kings out in the community will inspire others to watch for those in need of snow and ice removal and offer to lend a hand.”

Oil Kings Captain and bronze medalist at the 2012 World Junior Championships Mark Pysyk was among the five Oil Kings players shovelling snow and removing ice from sidewalks in Westmount this morning.

“Anytime you can be a part of a great program like this where you’re helping people out firsthand it’s a great feeling,” said Pysyk. “Hopefully people can take from our lead and choose to volunteer as Snow Angels themselves.”

The Snow Angels program is an awareness and recognition program encouraging Edmontonians to help a neighbour in need of snow removal and to acknowledge those volunteering their time to shovel as a City of Edmonton Snow Angel.

If you have a volunteer you’d like to recognize, fill out a nomination form or call 311.

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Snowshoe Through Edmonton’s Past by Moonlight

Come on your own or bring the family for an evening of winter fun at the Moonlight Snowshoe Lantern Tour.

This magical evening begins at the John Janzen Nature Centre where you will learn about snowshoeing and the local animal residents.

Once you’re strapped into snowshoes, you’ll hike along the river to Fort Edmonton Park. Take in a night tour of the Fort, warm up by a roaring fire with a cup of apple cider before catching a wagon ride back to the Train Station entrance at the front of the Park.

Upcoming sessions

January 27, 2012:  6:30-8:45pm or 7:30-9:45pm
February 3, 2012:  6:30-8:45pm or 7:30-9:45pm

Snow shoes will be provided. It is recommended children be over 7 years of age so that the snowshoes fit.

Cost is $14 a person. An adult must register with children taking part. Dress warmly!

Register online or call 311.
    

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