Photo: Elisha Terada
Rossdale Board Meeting
The RCL will meet tonight at 8:00 via Zoom, a deviation from the regular date and time. Monthly meetings will resume in February, the third Tuesday of the month at 7:00 pm, via Zoom.
Fireworks
The Riverhawks have advised that fireworks will be set off in the ballpark Friday, January 27, around 7pm or 8pm for a small wedding party.
The City of Edmonton has provided this link to their Homeless Encampment Response strategy document.
Please note if the weather permits we will meet on the deck, otherwise we will be inside. We will plan for a short efficient meeting.
Bylaw amendment
Please also note proposed bylaw change which must be passed by the general membership to be effective.
Motion: To amend Bylaw 8.2 of the Rossdale Community League Bylaws as follows:
Current: The fiscal year end will be March 31
Proposed amendment; The fiscal year end will be December 31.
The following Executive Positions are available; please consider helping.
President (1 year), Vice President (2 years), Treasurer (2 years), Facilities Director (2 years), Secretary (1 year), One Member at large (1 year))
Chloe Albert will perform in the Community Garden Area Sunday, August 21 at 4:00 pm
The upcoming Annual General Meeting will be held Tuesday, September 20, time and location TBD.
Please note the following Executive positions will need to be filled:
Vice President (2 year term)
Treasurer (2 year term)
Hall Manager (2 year term)
(3) Members-at-large (2 year term)
President (1 year)
Secretary (1 year)
Please consider volunteering for one of these positions. Our Executive is an integral part of our community’s liaison with the City and the community-at-large. We need engaged and knowledgeable residents to assist in ensuring that Rossdale’s interests and concerns are represented. On our website, there are descriptions for most of these positions.
City Council unanimously passed a motion that Administration prepare a report to Committee that:
Outlines a potential governance structure that empowers Indigenous MOU (Memorandum of Understanding) partners and community with historical and cultural connections to Rossdale to provide direct input on the implementation of The River Crossing Business Plan; Touch the Water; and future development on the Rossdale Flats location; and
Summarize the City of Edmonton’s current approach to private development and land use on locations of special, spiritual, or historical significance.
Monday Evening Yoga
Classes will begin on September 12th (No classes Oct 10th, 17th, 24th and 31st) to December 12th. Class size will be limited to 12 people per class.
Yoga for Strength 6:00pm-7:15pm
These slow moving, challenging classes are perfect if you are looking to build stamina and strength along with increased mobility. While this is not a typical flow class, it does include some flow-like sequences that are easily modified for individual needs.
Yoga for Relaxation 7:30pm-8:45pm
These gentle, all-level classes are a great way to venture into a new yoga practice and/or compliment your existing exercise regime. Each class combines a variety of functional mobility exercises with breath work, relaxation techniques, and feel- good stretching.
Cost:
Cost for full 10 week session: $150 includes GST
Registration:
Please register in advance by emailing Jane Squire Howden at jhowden@telus.net. Cut off for Rossdale resident registration is September 5. After that date classes will be opened up to people outside of Rossdale. All monies for yoga need to be e-transferred of $150.00 to bunting@shaw.ca and use the password rossdaleyoga for deposits please. There is no other payment option available at this time and there will be no drop ins.
The Queen Elizabeth pool is celebrating its 100th Anniversary. They are hosting a special event on Monday August 22.
The conditional lease agreement for the Prairie Sky (PS) gondola will be before City Council for a vote on August 15. This agreement gives PS the ability to lease land for the gondola towers and potentially other commercial ventures if they are able to satisfy regulatory requirements such as rezoning.
The gondola impacts Rossdale because two towers will be situated here , one in North Rossdale and one by the power plant.
I listened to the debate and presenters when the issue was before Executive Committee last week. Issues I heard raised included viability, concern about disrespect for the indigenous burial ground, noise, parking, disruption of the river valley and the legal structure of the agreement itself. To date there has been no detailed impact assessment on the gondola so much is unknown. PS did acknowledge there would be parking in Rossdale.
The Rossdale Community League has written to Council to express concern about the lack of information and consultation.
Given the impact to Rossdale, If you wish to let Council know how you feel by Monday- positive or negative - you can email councillors at
Or individually as follows:
aaron.paquette@edmonton.ca
amarjeet.sohi@edmonton.ca
andrew.knack@edmonton.ca
anne.stevenson@edmonton.ca
ashley.salvador@edmonton.ca
erin.rutherford@edmonton.ca
jennifer.rice@edmonton.ca
jo-anne.wright@edmonton.ca
karen.principe@edmonton.ca
keren.tang@edmonton.ca
michael.janz@edmonton.ca
sarah.hamilton@edmonton.ca
tim.cartmell@edmonton.ca
Chloe Albert,acclaimed local musician will be performing on Sunday, August 21 at 4:00 in the Epcor land/community garden area.
The RCL Executive was successful in obtaining a grant from the City of Edmonton to host a mini-concert series. Chloe Albert will perform in the Community Garden Area
Sunday, August 21 at 4:00 pm
Chloe has been a staple in the Edmonton music scene since the release of her debut Canadian Folk Music Award winning album “Dedicated State” in 2008. Her sophomore album “Dreamcatcher” earned her more critical acclaim with a JUNO Award nomination for Adult Contemporary Album of the year, a Western Canadian Music Award nomination, and multiple Edmonton Music Awards, rooting her as an important figure in the Canadian song-writing landscape. In the years to follow, Chloe was asked to open for world class artists like K.D. Lang, Lyle Lovett, and has been a repeat performer at the prestigious Edmonton Folk Musical Festival.The wisdom and experience gained from years leading up to her soon-to-be-released new album are evident as she showcases her adeptness in spanning genre and style.
Chloe will be leaving our city in the fall so this might be the last opportunity to see her perform live in Edmonton. Hope you can join us for some summer fun and music.
There are some guidelines that we will have to adhere to, namely:
• We were concerned that Linear Park may not have sufficient capacity to host the concert, thus, Epcor has graciously agreed to allow us to use the open space, immediately adjacent to the community garden, for this event
• There will be no tickets issued. Unfortunately, the event is only open to residents of Rossdale and not the general public. ID will be required to be presented as individuals gain entry through the garden gate. Please, only 2 guests/friends allowed per Rossdale household and guests/friends must be in the company of the resident when entering the community garden area
• No seating will be provided. Please bring your own lawn/camp chairs. blanket, etc.
• Please bring your own water, snacks, refreshments, etc. . **This is an alcohol free event**
• For this event, please be advised that the parking will not be allowed at the community hall due to having to access electricity from the Hall to the community garden with multiple power cords.
• There will be no access to washrooms as the Hall will be rented.
• We love them and they’re part of our family but sadly our 4-legged friends are not allowed within the Epcor fenced area.
There will be another concert September 16 with Joe Nolan. Details to be confirmed.
These concerts are due to volunteer fundraising efforts and a City of Edmonton grant.
EPCOR can help you minimize the risk of flooding on your property from a heavy rain fall event. Book a free inspection with one of their flood prevention advisors to help identify individual property risks and recommendations to mitigate those risks.
Visit the EPCOR pop-up booth before Saturday’s Edmonton Riverhawks baseball game to book an inspection or ask questions about our Flood Prevention Program
When: Saturday, July 23, 2022
Time: 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Where: Outside the main doors at RE/MAX Field
Do you like live music? As many of you will know, we used to have the “Rossdale Concert Series” that was organized and coordinated by a dedicated team of volunteers. They retained local artists who would then perform at the Little Flower Community Hall -- tickets were sold, snacks and drinks were consumed as we listened to some of the great sounds from Edmonton’s superb and talented artist community.
Then, covid happened ....
After a hiatus of almost three years, we have the opportunity to revive that experience once again.
Click the button below to view the newsletter from the Edmonton Riverhawks to Rossdale residents.
Just a reminder that the Big Bin Event is scheduled for this Saturday. Click the button below for more details.
The Edmonton Riverhawks have offered Rossdale residents two complimentary tickets per game when valid ID is presented.
Also note that there will be free fireworks after each Friday p.m. game!
The Summer Green Shack Playground Program returns for 2022!
Rossdale Green Shack will run M-F,
10:30 am - 1:30 pm
(July 4 - August 25).
View city-wide 2022 Program Locations and Times
Visit the website for program information
The Rossdale Community league has:
a four drawer metal filing cabinet that is surplus and available for sale - $25.00. Please note one of the drawer handles is broken and there are no keys available.
A trolley for file boxes $20.00
If interested please contact Natalie Bunting at bunting@shaw.ca
Date: Sunday May 29th, 2022.
Note that the MS Walk will take place on Sunday May 29th starting and ending at Donald Ross Park. The walk route goes through Rossdale park and Louise McKinney River Front Park.
Proceeds from this event are going to the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada to help individuals living with MS and fund research to find a cure to end MS.
Detailed Information for Residents:
• Event enters the area: 11:00 AM
• Event Leaves the area: 2:00 PM
• Event set up starts at: 7:00 AM
• DJ and music will be on site from 10:00 AM – 2:30 PM (And we have been assured that there will be no testing of music prior to 9:00 AM)
• Volunteers will be working to ensure safety of walkers at all street intersections
If you would like further information please call 587 – 772 – 3938 or check out the walk website at www.mswalks.ca and searching Edmonton.
The Summer Green Shack Playground Program returns for 2022!
Rossdale Green Shack will run M-F, 10:30 am - 1:30 pm (start date TBA).
View city-wide 2022 Program Locations & Times
Visit the website for program information - 2022 updates coming soon
Ensuring that your car doors and garages are locked is the best deterrent to theft.
Note that EPS has an online Crime Reporting function where it isn’t necessary to speak to an officer.
Since policing levels are dictated by these call volumes, it is important that you do your part and report any activity.
Beginning in June 2022, EPCOR Electricity will be completing work within the Rossdale Power Plant site on the Bellamy Pump House. The work entails:
1. Upgrade security controls
2. Install new entrance doors on southeast wall of the pump house
3. Remove handles and install blanking plates on existing doors (west wall of the pump house)
The work is planned to begin June 6, lasting for approximately 6 weeks. There will be no impacts to public roads. There will be noise for about half a day while the new space for the entrance doors are cut.
Please contact EDTI Consultation at 780-412-4040 if there are any questions.
Just a reminder that EPCOR Is hosting two community engagement events this week:
• Online workshop: May 24 from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.
• In-person open house: May 26 from 4:00 - 7:00 p.m.
Sunday May 15, starting at 3:00 pm, the Rossdale Garden is hosting a presentation at the community hall. It will cover topics such as pest control, weed management, soil enhancement, and maximizing your garden space.
A bbq will follow starting at 4:00 pm.
There will be a free seed give away, a door prize draw, and a tomato plant sale ($3 each for mature tomato plants).
A big bin event will be held at the hall on Saturday June 11th from 9am to 3pm.
What’s a bike swap you may ask? Well it is a safe place for anyone buying, selling and donating bikes. They tech check every bike and record every serial number.
WHERE:
MacEwan University - City Centre 107 Street Underground Parkade
WHEN:
May 14, 2022
CONSIGN:
May 14, 2022 0800 - 1400
BUY:
May 14, 2022 1430 - 1600
DONATE:
May 14, 2022
WHERE:
Kinsmen Sport Centre (north of Queen Elizabeth Pool, beyond main parking lot to grass overflow parking lot).
WHEN:
May 14, 2022 10:00 am to 1:00 pm
Items will include canoes, kayaks, and stand up paddle boards, as well as paddling and camping gear and gadgets. Proceeds support the Edmonton Paddling Centres Association programs and facilities.
Paddlers think the only way to see the river valley is by canoe, kayak, or SUP, as it involves so little environmental disturbance. And what better way to enhance sustainability than to assist the reuse of useful paddling and camping gear.
The Rossdale Big Bin Event is slated for Saturday June 11 between 9a and 3p.
Click the button below for the details.
If you’re able to volunteer to help out please contact Natalie …
Natalie Bunting, 780-984-2334, or email: bunting@shaw.ca
A big bin event will be held at the hall on Saturday June 11th from 9am to 3pm.
Residents interested in tidying the river valley can pick up free supplies. Each kit includes a safety guide, grabber, a pair of gloves, and 3 garbage bags. Kits can be picked up at 9634 100 street from the front porch. First come first served!
Epcor is planning community workshops on the flood protection project. More information on the project can be found at: Current engagement activities: Protecting Edmonton's Water Treatment Plants from Flooding (epcor.com)
The workshops are:
a. May 24 from 6 – 8 p.m.: online
Click here to sign up for the workshop (Zoom)
Click here for more information
b. May 26 from 4 – 7 p.m.: in person open house at the Rossdale Hall – offering free snacks!
Links to related information:
Relive the Porchside Prom concert with this short video produced by Geoffrey Jackson / Happy Home Productions.
Click for further information regarding the Rossdale Community’s COVID response.
The Edmonton River Valley Conservation Coalition is now in the process of filing a legal claim against the City of Edmonton to oppose its recent rezoning of 99 acres of river valley parkland for an Epcor industrial solar plant. Our legal documents were submitted to the Court of Queen’s Bench on Monday, December 7th.
We have a river valley bylaw precisely to protect our river valley from commercial, industrial, and public utilities threats. Solar energy is, of course, good in the right location – like on rooftops, landfills, and brownfield sites. But this is rare aspen parkland habitat that is heavily used by wildlife, and a regionally significant wildlife corridor; it is not an essential, nor appropriate, location for an industrial solar power plant.
This land is already sequestering carbon, purifying the air, cooling the city, preventing flooding and drought, and providing habitat to plants and animals. The project would disturb the plants and soil with pilings for 45,000 solar panels, preventing the land’s full functioning as a carbon sink. It would also include the cutting of trees. The panels would be located behind a security fence, meaning that an area the size of 26 football fields would be lost as habitat, and a pinch-point “alley” approximately 1.5 km long would be created in the already narrow wildlife corridor. According to the province’s own solar guidelines, large solar projects do not belong in river valleys because they are a hazard to water birds, which tend to mistake the panels for water and die from collisions or stranding after impact, as they require water to take flight again.
The city has an obligation to respect the river valley bylaw. And that respect is now critical in this time of climate crisis and biodiversity crisis. According to a recent UN report, modernity has wiped out 60% of wildlife populations since 1970, and one million species are now at risk of extinction. The greatest cause for these losses is the destruction of natural habitat. By simply locating the solar panels elsewhere, we can work toward our city’s climate goals and preserve our river valley, which is so valuable ecologically and to the people of Edmonton. The ERVCC is standing up for protection of our river valley against this non-essential industrial use.
The ERVCC is crowd-sourcing funding for the legal challenge. The river valley matters to all of us, and so we are counting on Edmontonians to contribute to our campaign. We all need to stand up for what we love, or we are going to lose it.
Donations can be sent by e-transfer to info@ervcc.com.
Thank you and take care,
Kristine Kowalchuk
Chair, ERVCC
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