| Local News Briefs….
City Services
Two water projects are happening in our community this year. In reaction
to recent flooding an additional main along 114St and down to the river,
will relieve the local bottleneck and help to prevent future flooding.
A second project, slated for late spring and summer, will be a water
main replacement program. Those affected will have prior notification.
Three portions will be replaced:
· between 77 & 78 Ave. west of 115 St.,
· between 78 & 79 Ave. and between 113 & 114 St., and
· 112 St. at 74 Ave.
For addition information call Tina Yanitski at Epcor, 412-3446
Cash Flow
Our casino application has been accepted. Unfortunately due to high
demand from fund strapped communities, the earliest we can expect to do
the casino will be June …2008!! This doesn’t help much with our current
shortfall. The McKernan Childcare Society does however have a casino some
time in 2007. There may be some sharing of resources between these two
casinos. Volunteers will be needed!
We continue to check other opportunities for facility upgrade grants.
One of the few provincial sources, CFEP grants, funded by the province’s
“numbers racket” ……. errr ….. I mean lotteries. This application is
a long arduous process, with no guarantee of success. A response is
expected by fall.
Thanks to help from our CRC, Terri Johnson, we receive our yearly City
league operating grant early this year. This will go directly to our contractor
for a portion of outstanding bills.
Trolley Busses
The elimination of our trolley busses continues to be a concern to
the 46 core neighbourhoods serviced. The arguments against the trolleys
continues to elude those in the know. In the last six years, electricity
costs have jumped 36%, however diesel fuel has soared 107%. At street level,
trolleys are preferred from a noise and exhaust perspective. (Try cycling
down 109th Street.) Make your feelings on this issue know to Councillor
Ed Gibbons, chair of a Transportation committee at 496-8110 or the
Citizens Action Centre at 496-8110.
In a related story, there is a proposed renovation to the Cities bus
barns. Apparently the air quality is unacceptable due to (surprise) …..
diesel fumes…… cough, cough...
What the Hall....
Phase one of our hall repair is complete. The long-term basement moisture
problems were further investigated by an inspection by the city. The source
of the water is from the roof and eaves. The recent energy audit highlighted
inadequate roof insulation, which contributed to ice damming. In addition,
as confirmed by some recent excavation work, the earth next to the basement
is completely saturated, despite the installation of new weeping tiles
a few years ago. This work appears to have been “botched” as the
system is clogged with silt. The upgrade committee has defined the
following short-term goals:
· Perform all recommended (low-cost) recommendations of the
energy audit.
· Re-do the eaves troughs & down spouts
· Re-shingle and install water shields in a 2m strip above the
eaves
· Add insulation to the roof
These repairs are estimated at $10,000, but will have to wait for funding.
The committee will also be investigating a long-term option of replacing
the hall.
Our committee investigating the hall rental rates poled a recent meeting
of the Central Area Council (CACCL). Apparently McKernan is unique in having
a full time renter, (the McKernan Childcare Society). And, our suspicion
that our rates were low rental rates, was confirmed. (hence our rate increases
reported last month).
SLRT / High-speed Transit
Frank Weichman continues to oversee the SLRT planing and construction
efforts your behalf. A recent meeting with the City reports the formation
of a new committee, to oversee construction and provide feedback to communities.
Volunteering for McKernan’s representative is Wytze Brouwer, and others.
The upcoming construction schedule was itemized last month (see web page
archives).
With regard to the high-speed bus routes ….. discussions continue on
routes:
· west to WEM and Lewis Estates and
· north to downtown, Nait, Northgate
Considerable effort will be required to choose the actual paths / bridge
locations. Open houses will be held in September (@ Foote Field) for the
western route and in December for the northern leg. The usual assurances
were received from the City, that local communities will be consulted and
involved.
Recreation
Our CRC, Terri Johnson filled us in again this month about upcoming
City activities. First up is our Summer-in-the-Park program, which starts
again this August. Stay tuned for the official poster. For other
children’s programs this summer, see the brochure distributed to the children
at the elementary schools, or available at recreational facilities around
town. Note that teens 13 to 17 years old are encouraged to volunteer for
the “Youth in Training” program. Valuable work experience will be gained
which can lead to paying summer jobs with the city in subsequent years.
Terri reminds us that June is “Block Party Month”. Kits are available
from the city to assist in the planing process. But ultimately, you just
have to do it. The best way to get to know your neighbours better.
The Pocket Park
By the time you read this, the annual cleanup will be complete. However,
neighbours are encouraged to lend a hand with the summer weeding etc. Mark
your calendar for May 27th, the annual “Perennial Exchange &
Planting Morning” at the pocket park. Drop by to help with the
planting, drop off some of your own perennials or pick up some low cost
new ones for your own garden. Proceeds go towards the yearly park expenses.
Contact Peter Gray at 434-0480, for more information or to volunteer some
time.
Housing Report
The housing committee continues its vigilance with the following:
· Reminding the City of their ruling for the property at 79Ave.
& 109th St. to have the dis-allowed third story room demolished.
· A property on University Ave. near 116 St. is attempting to
subdivide the lot and construct a second dwelling.
· A house across from the school on 76 is slated for demolition
and a semi-detached house built. The lot width may not support this development.
Meanwhile….. the committee met with the city and made the argument,
“Why should the communities be spending significant volunteer hours, policing
property developments, reporting to departments, which
have no inclination or authority to do anything about infractions or
enforcing decisions?”. The housing committee remains the hardest working
committee.
There has been no visible action on the potential 5-story behemoth development
at 79 Ave and 109 St. If an attempt is made to proceed during the summer
holidays, emergency league meetings will be called. Keep your eyes on the
web page and your ears to the phone in July and August.
A New Community Position
As reported above, the new position of Heath & Safety Officer is
being considered with the League. Consider applying if this interest you.
The next meeting of the league, the last before the summer break, will
be held on Tuesday, June 6th at 7:30.
See you there? Hey….. it’s a night out….. and a break from hockey!
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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Hall Repairs
