North of McKnight Community Connection » Communities

Airport Trail Tunnel Update

Ald. Jim Stevenson — Sat, 07 Jun 2008 06:55:06 +0000

I am continuing my fight to increase awareness of the need for the tunnel under the new north/south runway being built by the Airport in the next few years. I am finding that most residents and a lot of businesses and organizations don’t even know where the proposed tunnel would be, let alone its impact on traffic flow. In a little over two years, all access to the Airport from the south (Barlow & McCall Way) will be eliminated. This means anyone living or visiting east or south of the Airport (including hotel & motel shuttles and taxis) will have a choice of taking McKnight to Deerfoot north or Country Hills to Barlow and travel south to the terminal. As to the first option, if you think McKnight is backed up now, wait until they close Barlow & McCall.

At this time, the second option is not that bad, but there are only four stop lights coming south from Country Hills on Barlow. At this time, we only have 60 thousand residents north of McKnight, east of the Airport. At this time, in this area north and east of the Airport, inside the ring road, we have thousands of acres of bare land. But in the next 15 years we will see an increase of 100,000 residents and employment for about 40,000 people. The bare land will be replaced with houses, hotels, offices, warehouses and retail stores all of which are in the planning stages at this time. With these facts in mind, how will the second option look in a few years? Country Hills Boulevard will have many more stoplights (six or seven between Metis Trail & Barlow alone). Country Hills Boulevard is planned as a major roadway, not an expressway, so it will have three lanes in each direction, much like Macleod Trail.

On the other hand, Airport Trail is designed as an expressway so you would come off the east freeway and drive to the terminal without hitting a stoplight. If we do not connect Airport Trail from the east with Airport Trail from the west (under the runway) we will have a stretch of land nearly 8 km long (McKnight to Country Hills Boulevard) with no east-west passage. That would be like not being able to cross Macleod Trail anywhere between City Hall and Heritage Drive. Calgary’s Airport will be an inner-city Airport within the next 15 years and east-west traffic flow will be a major concern to all Calgarians, especially those living in the north. It is a costly venture but if we do it before the runway is built, it is a matter of cut and cover. After the runway is built, it will require tunneling and the huge cost will make it unlikely to ever happen.

This Airport is an International Airport, so it is not just the City’s responsibility. We need the help and support of the Provincial and Federal Governments.

If we don’t build the tunnel now, I believe in 10 years residents will be asking “What were our elected officials thinking? Did they not see this growth and congestion coming? It would have been so simple to make the connection before they built the runway!”

If you agree with me, I need your help. Contact your MLA and your MP. Send a letter or email to Art Hanger, MP, Calgary Northeast. These letters of support are important in his fight to help me at the Federal level. We need support from businesses, organizations, community associations and from individual residents. If you need contact
information for your MP or MLA, please contact my EA, Elaine Kirby at EAWARD3@calgary.ca.

For a map of the area, go to the Ward 3 website at www.ward3calgary.ca and please feel free to contact my office if you have questions or require more clarification. CC

Accident on the Circle

Dave Brown — Sat, 07 Jun 2008 06:54:05 +0000

Last August I received a call from a resident of Saddle Ridge with a concern about a lamp standard on Saddletowne Circle that had been struck in an accident. On September 16th, 2007 yet another call regarding the electrical box located directly behind Shoppers Drug Mart–that impacted the entire neighbourhood knocking out power to 1000’s of residents.

I received a call on May 10th about yet another accident on Saddletowne Circle. This time the fence behind Shoppers. This time, as you can see from the photos, they managed to go right through to the storage shed.

Last year I wrote to Alderman Larocque and the City responded to our request about barriers on Saddletowne Circle.

The results of the calculation indicate that a guardrail is not warranted at this location.

That was their reply. The guard rail came as a suggestion from the Saddle Ridge Land Use Committee meeting due to increased cost to residents having to maintain the fence, and of course the safety of children playing in yards and walking on side walks. Today I have written a quick note to our current alderman.

Alderman Stevenson,

Are we still waiting for someone to get killed on Saddletowne Circle before the City of Calgary bureaucrats decide that something will be done. They didn’t listen to the community the last time, nor did they listen to the Alderman. I hope that now they will listen before someone has to die.

Unfortunately all we can do is wait, however please note that the posted speed limit is 50 KPH on Saddletowne Circle and it is a one-way road flowing in a counter-clockwise direction. Speeding on the road will eventually result in tragedy or perhaps even a fatality. For the safety of everyone, including yourself, please slow down. Many children will soon be out of school for the summer and with the nice weather ahead, pedestrian traffic will only increase. Help keep our neighbourhood safe and slow down. CC

Crossing Park School News

Nancy Perry — Sat, 07 Jun 2008 06:53:24 +0000

The months of May & June will continue to be eventful and busy ones with grade 3, 6 & 9 students writing provincial Achievement Tests, Field Trips, Grade 6 Celebration, Treasure Island Presentation, Sports Day, and our first Grade 9 Graduation.

We had a surprise visitor come to our school on April 17th. Canadian children’s author Robert Munsch came especially to meet one of our students, Duncan, who is in a wheelchair and unable to talk or walk. Using a special communication device, Duncan and his education assistant wrote letters to Robert Munsch. Mr. Munsch flew to Calgary to meet with Duncan and then treated our students with his fantastic storytelling.

It has been a very busy and exciting year for Crossing Park School. We continue to appreciate the tireless efforts from our dedicated School Council & Society members. Their hard work and support on behalf of all students is very much appreciated!

Plans are being made for the upcoming Casino on August 8 & 9. This is a significant fundraising event and benefits all students. Please consider volunteering for at least one shift on one of these days; either Friday (Aug.8) or Saturday (Aug 9). Call Suki Lail at 403-777-7195 (wk), or at 403-285-5596 (hm) if you are able to volunteer on either of these dates. Volunteer forms are available at the school office. We need a minimum number of volunteers for the Casino so please help us out! CC

Terry Fox School Council Report

Dolores Van Leeuwen — Sat, 07 Jun 2008 06:52:28 +0000

Terry Fox continues to be a hive of activity. Preparations for final exams are underway. Be sure to check the school web site for exam information. http://schools.cbe.ab.ca/b689/

Terry Fox school council hosted a staff appreciation event. We appreciate all the hard work and the extras that the staff does for the students of the school as well as their families. A thank you is also extended to all parents and guardians who have volunteered throughout the school year. Our students flourish because of your support.

School council would like to recognize all students who have represented the school in any way this year. Whether it is an individual event or a team sport, you have done yourselves and the school proud. Appreciation goes to the staff members who have also supported the students with their activities.

Continue to check the school’s web site for end of school information.

Planning is well underway for the beginning of the next school year. School council will be holding its first meeting of 2008-2009 in September. Please watch for information on how to become involved.

Congratulations to the graduating class of 2008. All the best as you head to High School! CC

A Message from Ward 3 Aldreman Jim Stevenson

Editor — Sat, 07 Jun 2008 06:50:47 +0000

STONEY TRAIL/EAST FREEWAY UPDATE
Construction of Stoney Trail is proceeding as scheduled with the section from Country Hills Boulevard to Harvest Hills Boulevard to open this fall, and from Harvest Hills Boulevard to Deerfoot Trail to open in 2009. The Northeast section through to 17th Avenue SE is scheduled for completion by November 2009. The project is somewhat ahead of schedule but, as always, timing is weather dependent.

During construction of the northeast section, the Provincial Government has instructed crews to utilize any surplus materials to create berms along the roadway in order to mitigate potential noise impacts for adjacent residents so you may be seeing temporary berms in some areas at this time. The material being used for these berms may be removed at any time should it be required for other uses such as stormwater management or wetland material. The Northeast Stoney Trail project meets all current Provincial standards for noise impacts. Once the project is completed, additional sound studies will be done and if it is found that sound levels exceed the allowable 65 decibels, mitigation measures will be implemented, such as sound walls and/or berming, to bring the noise levels back to acceptable levels.

For a more detailed construction schedule, you can visit the Ward 3 website at www.ward3calgary.ca where we have provided a link to the Government of Alberta Infrastructure and Transportation website.

GENESIS WELLNESS CENTRE (NECCS) UPDATE
The SPC on Community and Protective Services has approved Administration’s recommendations in CPS2008-34, Northeast Centre of Community Update, regarding the concept plan and implementation strategy for the Genesis Wellness Centre. The recommendations will be considered by Council on May 12, 2008. You can view the report on-line at the City’s website which you can access through www.ward3calgary.ca.

CALGARY POLICE SERVICE CITIZEN ONLINE POLICE REPORT SYSTEM
Using the CPS Citizen Online Police Report System you can report crimes, as listed below, to the Police Service immediately:
•    Lost Property (less than $1,500 CDN)
•    Theft (less than $1,500 CDN)
•    Damage/Mischief to Property (less than $1,500 CDN)
•    Theft from Vehicle (less than $1,500 CDN)
•    Damage/Mischief to Vehicle (less than $1,500 CDN)
Using this on-line reporting system is convenient, efficient and helps to keep CPS phone lines free to handle emergency situations. All cases filed using the CPS Citizen Online Police Report System are reviewed and if further investigation is required, you may be contacted.
If you would like further information, we have a link to the Citizen Online Police Report System on the Ward 3 website at www.ward3calgary.ca.

Contact
As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact my office directly.

Elaine Kirby,
Executive Assistant
eaward3@calgary.ca 403-268-2530
or
Jenn Turcott
Community Assistant
ward03contact@calgary.ca 403-268-4854

Now online – ward3calgary.ca

Ask Ann-Marie

Ann-Marie Sperling — Sat, 07 Jun 2008 06:49:27 +0000

Do you ever wonder what’s going on in your community of Taradale or surrounding communities? Let me introduce myself, I am a board member for Taradale Community Association. I have been on the board for over two years. I will be able to answer any questions you have regarding our community of Taradale.

Each month this new column will appear in your community newsletter. Residents will have an opportunity to ask and have published selected questions and answers to community related inquires. Please send email to bookmark10000@shaw.ca. If you’re wondering about something, you bet someone else is to. I’m looking forward to helping out each month in Ask Ann Marie. CC

NECCS Elects New Board and Executive

Carol Steiner — Sat, 07 Jun 2008 06:46:01 +0000

In late April, NECCS elected its board of directors and executive for the coming two years. We are very happy to announce that most of the previous board members have returned for another term, and we have added a few new faces (and lots of talent!) to the mix. On the executive, Carol Steiner and Khalil Karbani have returned as president and vice president, respectively. Khalil has proven his leadership skills on numerous occasions, and we are pleased to have him back as VP. For treasurer, we have Amandeep Khangura, who joined us earlier this year, and whose many skills will be utilized not only as treasurer, but also as chair of the Finance and Human Resources Committees. For secretary, we have Sherry King, who is brand new to the board and is very energetic and extremely organized; she has already shown that she can get things done and keep us all on track.

In early May, we completed another important milestone. We appeared before the Standing Policy Committee (SPC) on Community and Neighbourhood Services on May 7 to report on our progress so far, and to request permission to commence detailed design. City Administration did an outstanding job on the report, and with the support of our alderman, the committee voted unanimously to recommend approval of the funds needed for the next step.

This recommendation from SPC will go to Council on May 12 and, upon approval, we will begin detailed design immediately. During the design process, which will take at least a year, there will be opportunities for you to provide input, and open houses so you can see what is being proposed. We will keep you posted as things unfold. It will be an exciting year, as we see the facility finally taking shape! CC

NECCS
Fund Campaign Office:
Unit 145A, 4851 Westwinds Drive NE
Calgary, AB T3J 4L4
(403) 590-2833

President’s Message – Martindale

Terry-lyn Martin — Sat, 07 Jun 2008 06:44:06 +0000

I am so happy to receive phone calls from residents after they read the magazine. It makes me realize how important it is to involve residents in community decisions.

I would like to remind everyone that we are volunteers and try to represent the interests of the community. We are always looking for volunteers to help out, so if you feel strongly about a subject then spend a few hours helping out the community, it can be a rewarding experience.

I would like to welcome the new Francophone School to Martindale. The MCA board looks forward to working with the students and parents. There is no firm date of the school opening however it is expected in the next school year.

As the representative of Martindale on the NECCS board I attended a meeting on May 7th at City hall, the Standing Policy Committee for Community Protective Services, where we presented to this committee the request for the funding for our new Genesis Centre for Community Wellness. The request to SPC was for $108 million dollars. The community share is $15 million. Martindale Community Association as been working for years and putting some casino money aside and we have been able to donate $216,472. This is another great milestone towards our new facility. The YMCA Calgary and the Calgary Public Library also attended and supported the request to the committee.

This summer Martindale will be working on helping with the NECCS 2nd Annual Golf Tournament. As a Martindale resident, if you have a prize you can donate, would like to be a sponsor of the tournament or golf in the tournament, please let us know. The green fees are $250 with prizes, a hot meal and more. Last year the tournament was a lot fun and all the money raised went directly to our new centre.

On May 12th I attended City Council to support the motion that the SPC – Community Protective Services put forward before City Council to vote on. The communities of Martindale, Taradale and Saddle Ridge have worked for over 8 years on the project and step by step we are attaining our goal of a new recreation facility for our community.

I read an article in the Herald on Thursday, May 8th written by Naheed Nenshi concerning the NE LRT extension. I will agree with Mr. Nenshi that a handful of volunteers may not be able to represent all the Martindale residents, however these handful of volunteers have given their time and realize that they can make a difference to our community, so Mr. Nenshi it is easy to sit back and criticize, however it takes courage, dedication and strength to stand up and be a volunteer. Perhaps next time you write an article taking aim at volunteers I suggest you consider sitting on the LRT committee and this way you will see what it takes to give back to the community. I do take exception when the volunteers of this community association come under fire and I will voice my opinion and stand up for them.

Volunteer Appreciation
I would like to acknowledge all the work that Kelly Jones has contributed to the community of Martindale. The list of time and projects is endless and most recently Kelly and his friend Greg have been cleaning up the glass at the bus shelters. We have had two bus shelters damaged this month. Kelly will continue to serve Martindale residents as he will be sitting on the Community Consultative Committee for Transportation Infrastructure to continue work on the northeast leg of the LRT; also he reviews the development permits that Martindale receives from the city. It takes a lot of time to volunteer for the community association and without volunteers like Kelly we would be truly lacking the expertise he brings to our board. Kelly is an engineer by trade and works for a service company in the oil patch.

Most recently I had received a comment from a resident that without volunteers like Kelly our community would be lacking and it is with the dedication of volunteers like him that projects get completed and the community wins!

Casino – Volunteers 2008
Pam, Cathy Nesbitt, Janet Hamilton, Terry-lyn Martin, Virginia, Sherry, Crystal Fright, Joan Wisnoski, Kris Brooks, Cathy Renkas, Jolene Anderson, Dwayne Thomas, Carol Thomas, Trina Huff, Val Wilson, Dawn Mclean, Lizette Taylor, Sharon Milgate, Neal Jaeger, Jennifer King, Romika Prasad, Ravi Prasad, Chris Clarke, Margaret Patton, Martin Caron, Jeanette Lavoie, Ron Rennie, Barry Hort, Teresa, Kathy Smyke, Lynn Martin & Margaret Patton.

These volunteers helped out at the semi-annual casino. This is the fundraiser for the year of 2008. A special thanks to those volunteers who stepped up at the last minute to help out. Several of these residents worked a double shift also. Your gift of time is one that is truly appreciated by the MCA board. The funds raised for our community will go to supporting programs, maintenance of the existing skating rink & park and also towards the building fund of the new community centre Genesis Centre of Community Wellness (NECCS). VOLUNTEERS ARE GREAT! CC

197 Falconridge/Castleridge Beavers, Cubs, Scouts and Venturers

Ron Rennie — Sat, 07 Jun 2008 06:42:21 +0000

Our year is coming to a close at the end of May. I would like to thank all the Leaders that helped put another fantastic program together, for the youth in Falconridge/Castleridge area.

Our registration for the 2008/2009 season will be on September 9, 2008 at 7:00 p.m. at the FCCA Hall.
Scouter Ron • 197 Falconridge/Castleridge Scouts
www.197scouts.ca • scouterron@197scouts.ca • 403.651.7715

President’s Message – Falconridge/Castleridge

Pat Buchanan — Sat, 07 Jun 2008 06:40:52 +0000

The communities of Falconridge/Castleridge are looking forward to the actual arrival of spring and hopefully followed by a warm and inviting summer. To improve the appearance of our community, we are hosting a Community Cleanup Event on June 28th. We will be holding a Pancake Breakfast from 8:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. and a BBQ from 2:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. We will have several forms of garbage/toss away collection groups on hand to relieve you of those unwanted item that have been cluttering up your lawn, backyard, basement and your garage. Where can you get a better offer? Two meals that you don’t have to cook or provide and a chance to make room for all those items you will purchase at this year’s garage sales. Watch for notices in the mail and signage for additional information.
Falconridge/Castleridge continues to be a busy hub for a variety of activities. We have the Buzz Club which is a “before and after school” program. We also have a very successful Playschool Program which currently has a waiting list. If you are interested in either of these programs, contact Sherry at 403-280-4422 for more information or drop by and pick up a brochure with all the information.

A Boys & Girls Club also operates from the Falconridge/Castleridge Community Centre. The Boys & Girls Club offers an excellent social atmosphere for your children up to 17 years of age. They have a drop-in program for teenagers. If you have a teenager who is looking to make friends or is at loss for what to do with their time, contact the Boys & Girls Club and ensure that suggestive activities and the role model are a positive influence. You can contact the Boys and Girls Club at 403-695-5925 (Breanne – Coordinator) or 403-276-9981
(Cara – Club Manager).

Many organizations hold their events in the Falconridge/Castleridge Community Centre. This includes Kumon, Cubs, Sparks, Scout, Johal and AMC, just to name a few. If you wish for more information on any of these organizations, just call Sherry at the office between 8:30 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. – Monday to Friday. The Falconridge/Castleridge Community Centre is also in high demand for rental due to our two special event halls. Our Walsh hall has a seating capacity of 275 persons and our Auxiliary Hall has a seating capacity of 125 persons. We have many bookings into July and August. If you are planning a party–birthday, wedding, banquet, etc., don’t delay in contacting the hall Assistant Administrator at 403-280-4422. The weekend availability is filling up fast.

We are going to make a second attempt to have our parking lot cleaned and the lines re-painted. Mother Nature interfered in our first attempt with her donation of snow and more snow. Our plan is to have the parking lot swept clean, and all parking lines repainted. This will include the creation of a NO PARKING zone along the front of the community centre building. This zone will be reserved as a “dropping off/picking up.” This no parking area is being designed for safety reasons and will also be posted as a “tow away zone”.

The FCCA will be posting two important and essential positions over the next two months. We will be looking for a part-time bookkeeper to start by the middle of June, 2008 and a part-time Facility Manager to start sometime in August. These are key positions to the successful operation of the FCCA. Look for postings in this community magazine and the City of Calgary newspapers. If you know someone who might qualify for either of these positions, please email Pat Buchanan at
pat.buchanan@pc.gc.ca. Both of these positions would be an excellent opportunity for a retired person.

Our aging Community Centre requires some “Tender Love and Care” (TLC), however at this time funding and volunteerism are delaying issues. We are researching grant opportunities with the Federal, Provincial and Municipal governments to secure the necessary funding to give our beloved Community Centre a “new look on life” – “an extreme makeover”. Please have patience with us as we apply for grants and budget the resources in order to under go this TLC enhancement. We are optimistic that good things come to those who persevere. CC