| Summer Holidays!!??
The June League meeting marks the end of
another season of hard fought battles, some wins, some losses.... but the
“off-season” does not preclude emergency meetings if needed. But … what's
up this month, you ask?
From the Desk of the President.....
During the monthly league meeting, Hillary
Gray updated the large gathering on a number of on-going community issues.
The linked issues of hall maintenance and the sorry state of our bank
balance remain front and centre. McKernan, as with other leagues, is beset
by crumbling infrastructure and a lack of funds to prevent further deterioration.
This cause has been taken up by the EFCL, who petitioned the City for some
extra League funding. Those leagues, which have
defaulted, see their facilities go back to the City, which then become
solely responsible for their upkeep or demolition. (An infusion of dollars
at this stage, would likely save the city money in the long term.). Hillary
too has been pushing the issue and has written a number of letters to the
City. Responses have been received from the Mayor and Lotteries/Gaming,
stating that funding decisions are before council. Simultaneously, the
Edmonton Journal has been publishing articles on the "Cash-starved” Community
Leagues.
Meanwhile … our bank balance is zero (with money owing...). Should we
have seen this coming? Hmmmm.... we have been spending on playground equipment,
rink refurbishment and minor hall items, and programs for years out of
our savings and grants. However, the major hall repairs were not foreseen.
The most urgent work is partially complete but more is required before
the winter. A casino is in the works for the longer term, but this will
not pay this years bills. Other sources of funding are being investigated,
as usual…. but will the "cavalry" arrive in time?
Hillary reported on some meetings and consultations with neighbours
concerning upcoming traffic disruptions. During LRT construction, there
will be no left turns from 114 St. to 76 Ave. Several detours were proposed
by the city and local residents. (Thanks for your good ideas!) There
does not seem to be a "best" solution, so those affected will have to grin
and bear it for the duration. There will no doubt be additional inconveniences
in the coming months.
Housing Report
Margret and Jane were on hand to recount
their latest housing adventures. And low and behold they have a success
story. A home on University, west of 113 has come before the community
with plans for an addition ... before proceeding "down the garden path".
Their plans were reviewed and were found to adhere to the letter and the
spirit of the housing overlays! This is the way all building projects should
proceed. Well done!
Other cases are not so trouble free. Take for instance the (now) 3-story
structure at 109 St and 77 Ave. A city order remains in place, for
the demolition of the non-approved third story addition. The builder is
under a deadline for its removal or the city will do it at the owner’s
expense. Finally we are seeing some enforcement of the rules! This test-case
is a precedent setting victory for our housing committee.
Two other developments continue to attract attention. One exhibits a
clear violation of the percent building area coverage rule, but … was approved
by the City. Why have well defined rules if they can be overruled by the
"discretionary whims”??? A new development, has just come to the committees
attention via an announcement in the Edmonton Journal....... there continues
to be a problem with timely league notification. Hence..... if you get
a City notice in the mail regarding a local development, please contact
Margret or Jane.
Finally, the 60 unit, 5 story behemoth proposed for the corner of 109
St. and 77 Ave. remains a "sleeping giant". It is half expected that there
will be some movement during the quiet summer months. Be assured, the housing
committee remains on high-alert.
109 St. Development Study
The City has made good on their promise
to get serious about future developments 109th Street. A study is being
fast-tracked on the area from the high-level bridge to 61 Ave. and one
block either side of 109th. Meetings have begun between a planing consultant
and the communities involved. Our own Wayne Roders attended the area walk-about
and
subsequent discussions. Wayne was impressed with the consultants qualifications
and the "lets-do-this-sooner-rather-than-later" approach. This is also
a priority with Wayne's CACCL group, so he and others will remain involved
with upcoming workshops, ensuring our wishes are heard loud and clear.
Summer-in-the-Park
Our annual park program is gearing up for
another summer. In conjunction with Belgravia, we will be providing two
recreation leaders at McKernan park between July and August (see attached
notice), one for the wading pool and one leading games and crafts.
Our CRC, Terri Johnson provided some news regarding wading pools. There
has been a city-wide decree, based on Capital Health, that wading pools
are not healthy. Despite having fresh water each day, bacteria have been
detected in some pools. Since fear of litigation rules the free world,
ALL pools will be eliminated over the next five years. Those communities
wanting to utilize their pool space after this date will need to install
extensive plumbing and fixtures to create "splash pools" (i.e. no standing
water). Simple…… all we need is many-thousands-of-matching-dollars for
new facilities ........ It sounds as if the children will have to find
an alternate un-health wet play area…. How about the river?
Terri not only looks after our recreational needs, but manages the parklands
as well. If you are interested in holding a function in a city park, call
Terry for bookings and picnic table info.
The Pocket Park
Peter Gray's band of happy gardeners has
been doing a great job in the pocket park. The spring clean-up and perennial
sell-off was a success and many have volunteered for summer weeding. To
help celebrate this oasis.... the annual July 1st coffee and pot-luck goodies
social will be held in the park between 10 a.m. and noon. See you there!?
Report on the U of A
A mural has been commissioned by the U
of A to cover the visible wall of the ol' Balmoral Curling club. The aim
is to beautify the structure and to cover/discourage future bouts of graffiti.
The university currently spends $1000 per week dealing with graffiti clean-ups
(listen…. kids… frick'n grow up) The winning submission will be adorning
the wall this summer.
Not just another "load of crap", once again this summer the U of A farm
will be making organic material available on a help-yourself-basis. To
access this stockpile, enter the farm at the 60th Ave. entrance, go to
the 118th St "T" junction, turn left (south), take the second right and
you are at the composter. Note that this is a manure-based mixture and
should
be handled accordingly.
Summer Social Scene
Have you started planing your local block
party yet? One party is known for 73 Ave. Organizers were pleasantly surprised
by the enthusiastic responses from their neighbours.
The league will be holding it's own community party on Saturday, August
12th, starting at 2 in the afternoon. Though not quite at grandiose as
last year’s multi-community centennial get-together, this BBQ/fundraiser
will still be a gathering of neighbours. Details are being finalized, but
events will include a cash BBQ, children's games, the ol' tug of war, door
prizes and plain old socializing with your neighbours...... volunteers
are still needed to promote the event, set up chores, cooks etc. Call Anne-Maries
Thivierge at 433-4277 to lend a hand! Watch for posters on 76 Ave.
So long ... from the Editor
Who Ya Gonna Call?
For contact phone numbers for all of your
city departements, check the lings on the Mesenger home page......
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Housing Report
