Community Focus Winter Newsletter 2008

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What’s Inside:

Monthly Tax Installments

The Town of Grande Cache is once again offering monthly tax installments for 2009. Two (2) options are available:

Postdated Cheques or Preauthorized Debit

Please call the Town Office PRIOR to January 1, 2009 should you wish to participate in the monthly tax program. If you are already participating in the monthly tax program and wish to withdraw or change your payment option please advise the Town Office PRIOR to January 1, 2009, or your payments will continue under the same option as 2008.

From Your Mayor

As the end of another year approaches, we reflect on the many accomplishments and initiatives of 2008, acknowledging with appreciation the contributions of our staff, volunteers and citizens.

To those of you who have served on and contributed to the work of the Town, through membership on boards and committees, or who have taken advantage of public meetings to provide input, we sincerely thank you. Our community becomes stronger as citizens become engaged and involved, and decision-making more accurately reflects the needs and wishes of residents.

2009 will be another exciting year for Grande Cache, as we look forward to our 40th anniversary celebrations and all the planning that will entail. We will want to look our best as we welcome back former residents and friends, and will rely on support and involvement from all sectors of the community. Working together, we will accomplish wonderful things.

On behalf of Council and staff, I extend very best wishes to all for a joyous holiday season and success and happiness in the New Year.

Pg.2 - Recycling in Grande Cache

Pg.3 - Tourism Notes

Pg.4 - FCSS Programs

Pg.5 - 10 Keys to Livable Communities

Pg.6 - Small Business Seminars

Pg.7 - Interest-Free Beautification Loans

Pg.8 - Rec. Programs & Events

Pg.11 - Public Works has New Face Lift

Pg.12 - Fitness Classes

Pg.13 - Rec. Culture & Heritage

Pg. 14 - Welcome to New Urbanism

Pg.15 - It’s all About Mixing the Uses

780-827-3362

780-827-3610

780-827-2446

780-827-2296

780-827-3300

Recycling in Recycling in

Grande CacheGrande Cache

If everyone on the earth lived like the average Canadian, we would need at least four planets to sustain our lifestyles and provide all the materials and energy we currently use.

We create a lot of waste – over 1,000 kilograms per person each year. Did you know the majority of stuff we throw out isn't "waste" at all, it can be reused or recycled!

Did you know?

?About 40, 000 trees are cut down each day just to produce the newsprint for Canada's daily papers.

?Recycling 1 Aluminum Can saves enough electricity to power a TV or a 100 watt light bulb for 3 hours!

Recycling Center: (located at the Ball Diamonds)

‐ Cardboard ‐ Plastic Containers ‐ Clear Glass ‐ Tin Cans

‐ Paper (all types) ‐ Phone Books ‐ Christmas Wrapping ‐ Plastic Bags Refuse Recycling: (located at the Ball Diamonds)

‐ Grass Clippings ‐ Leaves ‐ Garden refuse ‐ Christmas Trees Landfill:

‐ Computers ‐ Electronics ‐ Batteries ‐ Cars ‐ Trucks ‐ Tires ‐ Alkeline Paint ‐ Aerosol Cans

Town Office:

‐ Printer Cartridges Public Work Building:

‐ Used Oil ‐ Used Oil Filters

Recycling Locations:

Grande Cache Bottle Depot 10017‐98 Street

Business Hours: Tuesday ‐ Thursday: 1:00 ‐ 6:00 pm Saturday: 9:00 am ‐ 3:00 pm Prices: 1 Liter & Under ‐ $0.10 ‐ Glass Bottles ‐ Plastic Bottles ‐ Pouches ‐ Aluminum Cans ‐ Poly Coat Container

Anything Over 1 Liter – $0.25 ‐ Glass Bottles ‐ Plastic Bottles ‐ Pouches ‐ Aluminum Cans ‐ Poly Coat Container

Beer Cans & Bottles ‐ $0.10

Why Recycle?

Plastics take about 400 years

to break down in a landfill.

It takes one million years for a

glass bottle to break down in a

landfill.

Aluminum takes 500

years to break down

in a landfill.

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Travel Alberta Accreditation This fall, the Tourism & Interpretive Centre obtained official status of an Accredited Travel Alberta VIC (Visitor Information Centre). This was a result of meeting specific standards within the facility, including information available and trained staff. We will receive new highway signage at no cost, as well gain status in all Travel Alberta VIC publications. Interpretive Programs Although our tourism activity has slowed, the winter season is the time when the interpretive side of our wonderful Centre starts to play a more active role.

We started the season with a Halloween event on October 29th. Twenty‐five listeners were enthralled to hear Robert Guest’s ghostly tales and experiences. Mr. Guest is an intriguing storyteller who leaves one guessing as to what is fact versus fiction. He ended the evening with his story featured in “Legends of Grande Cache & the Yellowhead” (one of the books we carry for the Historical Society) . Historical Society The Historical Society had their annual potluck evening on November 22nd. After a delicious supper, two excellent film shows were enjoyed in our Theatre on 2006 expeditions to Mt Kvass and Mt De Veber. Grande Cache is fortunate to have such talented contributing members to the Historical Society. Thanks to Richard Wuorinen, Jo Sharlow, Jack Deenik, and Lee Abraham for providing such great informative entertainment, as well as kudos to all the members who provided such wonderful food!

Upcoming Events In the near future we will host monthly film nights of travel/educational content. Starting January 31st at 7 p.m. the Historical Society will host “A History of Grande Cache” based on their book of the same title. Presented by Richard Wuorinen, this will be an informative evening in which we can all learn more about our shared story and ask questions. Also watch for postings between January and May, when we will host promotional shows and events that will focus on our area’s wildlife and landscape.

All these events are free and open to the public, so we urge all Grande Cachites, old and new, to take advantage of what we have to offer. Many visitors have remarked on our unique Centre, of which we can all be justifiably proud. Come help us celebrate! Big Horn Gallery Gift Shop Our gift shop, which carries various unique items focusing on wildlife, has already seen Christmas shoppers dropping in, looking for “something different.” Come and check out our cute baby clothes, fun T‐shirts and boxers, as well as our books and animal tracks. We also have new Grande Cache branded Roots clothing!

Tourism Notes…. .Tourism Notes…. .

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Parent Place and Roots Parent Place and Roots of Empathy Program:of Empathy Program: Grande Cache Parent Place, funded through a partnership with Children & Youth Services Region 8 and F.C.S.S., has been open since November and already we have surpassed our projected participant numbers. Our Parenting Classes are divided into three age groups, 1‐4, 5‐12 and 13‐17 years of age. Each of these courses teaches parents helpful s t r a teg i e s on e f fe c t i v e communication, stages of child deve lopment , red i rec t ing misbehavior, and sidestepping power struggles between parent and child. These courses encourage the development of self‐esteem and character building in our children as well as providing a strong knowledge base for parenting. Classes can take place one on one or in a group setting. Also, check out our Parenting Resource Library. Anti‐bullying supports are also available through Parent Place. A first for Grande Cache! The Roots of Empathy program is being facilitated by Diana Blaszczyk to grade one students at Sheldon Coates Elementary School. A big thank you goes to Principal Margaret Price and grade one teacher Ms. Brein for supporting this program. The Roots of Empathy program teaches students about their own feelings and the feelings of others. This is accomplished by a mother and her baby coming into the classroom over an 8 month period where the students have the opportunity to i d e n t i f y t h e baby’s feelings. This in turn helps them to describe their own feelings as wel l as understanding the feelings of others. In 2009, the

program will be offered at Summitview School. For more information on Parenting Supports, Bullying or the Roots of Empathy program, please contact Diana Blaszczyk, Parent Support Worker. Call 827‐2828 or [email protected] Family Relief Respite Family Relief Respite Program:Program: The Family Relief Respite Program has been available to the community and surrounding Aboriginal Co‐operatives and Enterprises since 2000. Funded through Children & Youth Services, Region 8 and managed through F.C.S.S., The Family Relief Respite program has assisted many families in its 8 year history by providing child care for registered parents experiencing stress in their lives. What would you do if you had some free time in your day? Visit friends, go shopping, attend appointments, or just relax, the Family Relief Respite program gives you the opportunity to take time for yourself. If you would like to find out more about this program, please contact Donna Kennedy, Family Relief Worker. Call 780‐827‐2828 or [email protected] Budgeting Supports and Budgeting Supports and Newcomer Packages:Newcomer Packages: The How to Make Your Budget Work program is up and running. One on one and group sessions are available to teach participants of all ages how to manage a household budget and how to save for the future. If you are having difficulties making ends meet or would like to learn about budgeting, this program can help. Since January 2008, 117 newcomers have moved to Grande Cache! If you are a newcomer,

please drop by our office to pick up your Newcomers Package filled with community programs and services information, telephone book, and other great stuff! For more information on the How to Make Your Budget Work program or Newcomers Packages, please contact Joan Evans, Commun i t y Coo rd i n a t o r . Call 780‐827‐2296 or e‐mail [email protected] Grief and Loss Support:Grief and Loss Support: Since its beginning in 2004, our Grief and Loss Support program has helped over 240 clients. The Grief & Loss program provides support for those who are experiencing a loss of a loved one, relationship, life style, etc. Please contact Kelly Smith, F.C.S.S. Director if you would like a referral to th i s f ree program. Call 780‐827‐2296 or e‐mail [email protected] Girls Night Out Program:Girls Night Out Program: Girls Night Out for ages 10 to 14 years is a hit! Facilitator Denise Caines and the participants have developed a schedule of events such as popcorn and movie night, games night, dance party, Christmas baking and a Christmas movie, and spa night to name a few. This is a free program, however for special events a small fee may be required. There are only a few spots available, so if your daughter would like to participate in this program, please contact Denise Caines to register. Call 780‐827‐2296 or e‐mail: [email protected] .

Where To Find Us...Where To Find Us... F.C.S.S. is located in the Provincial Building beside Home Hardware complete with a new sign indicating the home of Parent Place and Family Relief.

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Walkable communities are destinations. These livable towns and cities are talked about, celebrated and loved for their uniqueness and ability to champion the natural environment and human spirit. There are a number of key measures that can be taken to create places like these. Our community has a crystal clear vision for the future, and we are in the process of achieving each of the following measures: 1. Compact, Lively Town Center Buildings frame streets; block lengths are short. Merchants take pride in their shops’ appearances. A variety of stores offer local products and services. Significant housing is found downtown or in our downtown core area. There is unique and distinct personality or character to the place. 2. Many Linkages to Neighbourhoods (including walkways, trails and roadways) People have choices of many routes from their homes to the center; the most direct are walking routes. All sidewalks are at least five feet wide and most buffered from streets by planting strips, bike lanes or on‐street parking. Well‐maintained sidewalks are found on both sides of most streets. Bike lanes are found on most streets.

3. Low-speed Streets Most motorists behave well on narrow neighbourhood and town center streets and near public areas by yielding to pedestrians. Motorists make turns at low speed. On‐street parking slows traffic and protects pedestrians on sidewalks.

4. Neighbourhood Schools and Parks Most children are able to walk or bicycle to school and nearby parks. There is limited or no busing of school children. Most residents live within a half‐mile (preferably 400 meters) of small parks or other well‐maintained and attractive public spaces.

5. Public Places for All Services and facilities are provided for children, teens, people with disabilities and senior citizens. Public restrooms, drinking fountains and sitting places are plentiful.

6. Convenient, Safe and Easy Street Crossings Downtowns and neighbourhood centers have frequent, convenient, well‐designed street crossings. 7. Good Landscaping Practices The community has many parks and “green” streets with trees and landscaping. Heritage trees line many streets. Trails, bridges and promenades provide access to the natural areas in town. Landscaping is respectful of place, often featuring native species, drought resistant plants, colorful materials, stone treatments or other local specialties. In desert and high country areas, many methods are used to minimize use of water and other precious resources.

8. Coordinated Land Use and Transportation People understand and support compact development, urban infill, integral placement of mixed‐use buildings, and mixed‐income neighbourhoods. The built environment is of human scale. Heritage buildings are respected. People support their small, local stores. People seek ways to include affordable homes in most neighbourhoods. Residents have a choice of travel modes to most destinations.

9. Celebrated Public Space and Public Life Whether it is a plaza, park, street or square, well‐loved public spaces are c o n v e n i e n t , secure and comfor tab le . These places are tidy, often surrounded by r e s i d e n c e s where people keep an eye out for appropriate behaviour. There are many places to sit, few or no large blank walls, and few or no open parking lots. Any parking lots have great edges and greens. 10. Many People Walking Many diverse people are walking in most areas of town. There are no rules against loitering. Lingering in public places is encouraged and celebrated. Children rarely need to ask parents for transportation.

6

The Town Works with Community Futures West Yellowhead on

Economic Development Projects

Small Business Seminars and Brown Bag Video Conference Presentations Effective in the new year, the Town of Grande Cache will be able to offer Small Business Seminars and Brown Bag Video Conference Presentations. Video conferencing equipment is being installed at the Tourism & Interpretive Centre in support with Community Futures West Yellowhead. If you’re starting or expanding a business and looking for direction, you can’t afford to miss the great training sessions designed to save you time and money offered by Community Futures. Seminars are three hours and cost $35, and you will walk away with practical information and ideas to help you in your business planning. Past seminars included Marketing Awareness, Do‐it‐Yourself Incorporation, and Preparing your Business Plan.

The Brown Bag Presentations are FREE presentations that offer quick‐to‐learn, quick‐to‐use business basics over the noon hour. Bring your own lunch and learn from professional and experienced presenters in a casual classroom environment. Past presentations included Web Design that Works, E‐Business Considerations, Promotional Strategies, and Exporting Procedures. Watch for new Seminars and Brown Bag Presentations starting in February 2009. For more information on these Video Conferencing Presentations, contact Tara Wignes, Manager of Economic Development & Tourism at 827.3362 ext. 27.

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Interest-Free Loans Available to Help

Beautify your Business! In partnership with Community Futures West Yellowhead, interest‐free loans are available to all local businesses (retail, commercial, or industry) for the purpose of renovating store frontages. In compliance with the themes established as a part of the Town’s overall Community Beautification and Revitalization Strategy, the intention is to develop an attractive community with a unique and natural mountain identity.

The Town of Grande Cache would like to encourage local businesses to participate in our Beautification process by revitalizing your storefronts. By working with natural materials, local businesses can upgrade their facades to compliment our overall beautification goals.

“As part of an overall Vision for our future, the Town of Grande Cache recognizes the importance of a vibrant and appealing business community – both in terms of meeting residents’ needs as well as promoting and

enhancing tourism.” Mayor Louise Krewusik

Community Futures West Yellowhead has worked with the Town of Grande Cache to develop a Community Beautification Loan for local businesses to access in order to help with beautifying your store frontage to complement our Beautification and Revitalization Strategy. This may include repairs, painting, or entire new facades.

The loan administered through Community Futures is over three‐years, and if approved, is interest‐free to the business. If the renovation plans meet the Town’s beautification standards as set out in our Beautification and Revitalization Strategy, and is approved by Council, the Town of Grande Cache will incur all interest costs over the three years of the loan.

Assistance with design ideas for your property is available through the Town and EDS Group, the firm we have been working with to accomplish our beautification goals. More information on this loan is available by calling Tara Wignes, Manager of Economic Development & Tourism at 780.827.3362 ext. 27 or Jason Paterson, Executive Director of Community Futures West Yellowhead at 1.800.263.1716.

Design Assistance Available!

8

Sun. Mon. Tues. Wed. Thurs. Fri. Sat. 1 2

Movie: Journey to the

Centre of the Earth (PG) 8 pm

3

Game Night 7 pm

4 5

6

Introduction to Grappling

(Ages 9‐12) 4–6 pm

Drop‐In Volleyball (High School) 6:30‐8 pm

7

WII Sports Drop‐In (All Ages) 4‐5 pm

Drop‐In Basketball (High School) 7‐8 pm

8


(Ages 9‐12) 4–6 pm

Grotto Climbing Wall Drop‐In (All Ages)

3:30‐5pm

9 Good Eats & Great Treats – learn about nutritious eating & healthy choices (Ages 8‐10) 2:30‐3:30 pm

$15

Grotto Climbing Wall Drop‐In (All Ages) 4‐5:30pm

Movie: Nick & Norah’s Infinite Playlist (PG)8pm

10

Youth Dance (ages 13‐17) 8–11 pm

Geocaching (all ages) 1‐4 pm $5

11 12

13


(Ages 9‐12) 4–6 pm


14


Scrapbooking Fun (Ages 10‐13) 5:30‐6:30 pm

$22.50


15


(Ages 9‐12) 4–6 pm


3:30‐5pm

16 Good Eats & Great Treats (Ages 8‐10) 2:30‐3:30 pm

$15


Movie: City of Ember (PG)

8 pm

Midnight Teen Swim 11pm –12 am

17

18 19

20

Dance Party Drop‐In – learn new dance moves (ages 10‐13) 4‐5 pm


21



$22.50


22

Grotto Climbing Wall Drop‐In (All Ages) 3:30‐

5pm


$15


Movie: Beverly Hills Chihuahua (G) 8 pm

24

Family Skate at Power Pond 7‐10 pm

25 26

27

Dance Party Drop‐In – learn new dance moves (ages 10‐13) 4‐5 pm

Drop‐In Volleyball

(High School) 6:30‐8 pm

28



$22.50


29


3:30‐5pm


$15


Movie: High School Musical 3 (G) 8 pm

31

January Monthly Draw: 1-Hour Ice Rental

Multiplex Open House will be scheduled near the end of January. Come to view drawings and a model of the proposed facility, information on the importance of recreation, the budget, and the proposed methodology to pay for it.

9


3

Dance Party Drop‐In –

learn new dance moves (ages 10‐13)

4‐5 pm

Drop‐In Volleyball (High School) 6:30‐8pm

4


Scrapbooking Fun

(Ages 10‐13) 5:30‐6:30 pm $22.50


5


3:30‐5pm

6 Good Eats & Great

Treats (Ages 8‐10) 2:30‐3:30 pm $15


4‐5:30pm

Movie: Casino Royale (14A) 8 pm

7

Game Night 7 pm

8 9

10

Dance Party Drop‐In – learn new dance

moves (ages 10‐13) 4‐5 pm


(High School) 6:30‐8pm

11


Scrapbooking Fun

(Ages 10‐13) 5:30‐6:30 pm $22.50


12


3:30‐5pm

13 Good Eats & Great

Treats (Ages 8‐10) 2:30‐3:30 pm $15


4‐5:30pm Movie: Madagascar:

Escape 2 Africa (G) 8pm

14

Youth Dance (ages 13‐17) 8 – 11 pm


15 16

Family Day – Free Swimming & Skating 1‐4pm

17

Game Day Drop‐In (All Ages)

4:30‐5:30 pm


18



19


3:30‐5pm

20 Candle Making

Workshop (all ages) 1:30‐3:30 pm $5 + supplies


4‐5:30pm

Movie: Quantum of Solace (14A) 8 pm

Midnight Teen Swim

11pm –12 am

21

22 23

24

Game Day Drop‐In (All Ages)

4:30‐5:30 pm


25



26


3:30‐5pm

27 Slipper Making

Workshop (ages 10‐15) 1:30‐3:30 pm $5 + supplies


4‐5:30pm

People of the Peaks Film Festival

28

People of the Peaks Film Festival

February Monthly Draw: All Day Family Pass at

Galaxyland at West Edmonton Mall

People of the Peaks Film Festival – presented by the Grande Cache Arts and Culture Committee. Watch for more information on our first annual Film Festival scheduled at end of February. We are excited to have joined the Toronto International Film Festival Circuit.

10

March Monthly Draw: One Hour Pool Rental with Swim Pack (goggles, nose plug,

swim cap, and water bottle)


3

Game Day Drop‐In

(All Ages) 4:30‐5:30 pm


4 WII Sports Drop‐In (All Ages) 4‐5 pm

Clay Creations

(ages 8‐10) 5:30‐6:30 pm $15 + supplies


5


3:30‐5pm

6

Movie: Transporter 3 (14A) 8 pm

7

Game Night 7 pm

8 9

10

Game Day Drop‐In (All Ages) 4:30‐5:30 pm



Clay Creations

(ages 8‐10) 5:30‐6:30 pm $15 + supplies


12


3:30‐5pm

13

Movie: Australia (PG) 8 pm

14


Youth Dance (ages 13‐17) 8 – 11 pm

15 16

17



(High School) 6:30‐8 pm

St. Patrick’s Day


Clay Creations

(ages 8‐10) 5:30‐6:30 pm $15 + supplies


19


3:30‐5pm

20

Midnight Teen Swim 11pm –12 am

21

Maple Sugar Festival (check grandecache.ca

for more details)

22 23

24




Clay Creations

(ages 8‐10) 5:30‐6:30 pm $15 + supplies


26


3:30‐5pm

27

28

29 30 Easter Camp (ages 5‐7)

9am‐3:30pm $15/day

(inc. snacks. Bring own lunch

& drinks)

31 Easter Camp

(ages 5‐7) 9am‐3:30pm $15/day (inc. snacks.

Bring own lunch & drinks)

Halloween Fun... ...at the Pool!

11

Sun. Mon. Tues. Wed. Thurs. Fri. Sat. 1

Easter Camp (ages 5‐7) 9am‐3:30pm $15/day (inc. snacks. Bring

own lunch & drinks)

2 Easter Camp

(ages 5‐7) 9am‐3:30pm $15/day (inc. snacks. Bring

own lunch & drinks)

3 Easter Camp

(ages 5‐7) 9am‐3:30pm $15/day (inc. snacks.

Bring own lunch & drinks)

4

5 6 Easter Camp (ages 8‐10) 9am‐3:30pm $15/day (inc.

snacks. Bring own lunch & drinks)

7


own lunch & drinks)

8


own lunch & drinks)

9


own lunch & drinks)

10 11

12 13 14

15 16

17 Babysitter’s Course (ages 10+) 1‐6 pm $30

Midnight Teen Swim

11pm –12 am

18

Babysitter’s Course (ages 10+) 1‐6 pm $30

Public Works has had a Facelift!

Over the course of the past few weeks, the office has been renovated, including new paint, windows, flooring, trim and even some small structural changes.

The work was well overdue and was the vision of the lone female in the Public Works Department. Carey Moulun, department secretary, brought her design ideas to life by choosing the warm colours, tile, and even the new office layout.

With all the renovations going on around her, she still maintained the office and all her regular duties, while keeping her sense of humour.

The Public Works crew would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Carey for a job well done.

The Public Works Department will open its doors to the pubic soon to come in and see our new digs.

12

Saturday Morning Swim Lessons

Jan 10, 2009 ‐ Feb 14, 2009 9:00 ‐ 10:00 am ½ hour classes Cost: $20.00

Swim Lessons

Tuesdays & Thursdays Feb 24‐Mar 26 & April 21‐May 21 10:00 ‐ 11:00 am & 5:30 ‐ 7:00pm ½ hr classes Cost: $31.00

Circuit Training

Monday, Wednesday & Friday 1:00‐2:00 pm Jan 5 ‐ Feb 13 Cost: $81.00 Feb 23‐March 27 Cost: $67.50 Location: Fitness Centre

Body Sculpting

Tuesday & Thursday 7:40 ‐ 8:40 pm Jan 6 ‐ Feb 12 Location: Lobby Cost: $54.00

Noon Boot Camp

Monday, Wednesday & Friday 12:10‐12:50pm January 5 ‐ February 13 Location: Lobby Cost: $61.00

Lunchtime Indoor Cycling

Tuesday & Thursday 12:10‐12:50 pm January 6 ‐ February 12 Location: Lobby Cost: $41.00

Early Bird Kickstart

(Indoor Cycling)

Monday, Wednesday & Friday 6:00‐7:00 am Jan 5‐Feb 13 & Feb 23‐March 27 Cost: $81.00 each Location: Lobby

After Work Burn Out

(Indoor Cycling)

Tuesday & Thursday 6:30‐7:30 pm Jan 6‐Feb 12 & Feb 17 ‐ March 26 Cost: $54.00 each Location: Lobby

GROOVE Cardio Dance Class

Monday & Wednesday 7:40‐8:40 pm January 5 ‐ February 4 Location: Lobby Cost: $45.00 Mix of different dance styles, the steps are basic but it will get your hips and feet moving. The dance style is salsa, samba…Latin flavour with an urban twist! This class will be a mix of cardio and core strength.

Step Class

Monday & Wednesday 6:30‐7:30 pm Jan 5‐ Feb 11 Location: Lobby Cost: $54.00

Get in Get in SHAPESHAPE with Fitness with Fitness Classes at the Rec Centre!Classes at the Rec Centre! Register Early! All classes must have 5 participants registered at least 1 week prior to their start date or they will be cancelled. There is a $5 drop‐in fee for all classes based on room (if there is a free piece of

equipment at 5 minutes past the start of a class, that equipment is deemed available for drop‐in).

All programs are Free with a 6 month or 1 year membership

Tai Chi

Monday’s 6:00‐7:00 pm Jan 26 ‐ March 9 Location: Tourism Centre Cost: $27.00 No Class Feb 16

Aquafitness

Beginner – Intermediate Class Tuesday & Thursday Jan 6‐Feb 12 & Feb 17‐March 26 Cost: $54.00 each 9:00‐9:45 am

Water Running

Tuesday & Thursday Jan 27 ‐ March 5 Cost: $54.00 March 10 ‐ April 30 Cost: $72.00 8:00‐9:00 pm

Build it & Shake it

½ hour resistance training followed by a 45 minute water class Monday, Wednesday, Friday January 5 ‐ February 6 9:00‐10:15 am Cost: $84.50

Deep Water Aquafit

Tuesday & Thursday January 27 ‐ March 5 7:00‐8:00 pm Cost: $54.00

Call the Akasaka Recreation

Centre to Register!

780.827.2446

13

Winter is on our doorstep and is promising something for all to enjoy. Take advantage of the numerous recreational activities Grande Cache has to offer, and stay active this winter!

Physical Activity, Recreation and Sports As the cold winter days begin to become part of our lives, the Recreation, Culture and Heritage Department continues to heat up. Hockey, figure skating, swimming, curling, and fitness training have become the major activities for the Rec. Centre. Our Programs department offers many activities such as: Drop‐in volleyball and basketball at the high school gym, pre‐video released movies at the Rec. Centre and Lighting of Rocky the Ram Park celebration (please check out our list of activities in this newsletter). For the cross country skier the Nordic Ski Club will be grooming trails at the Municipal Campground and at Pierre Gray Lakes this winter, and there are many miles of trails.

New Recreation Facility ‐ Update After community consultation with the Rec. Expansion Steering Committee and direction from Town Council, it looks like we have a finalized plan for our Town’s expansion of the Recreation Facility. The Town has hired a Fundraising consultant to begin the work of writing grant proposals and achieving donations to help make this project a reality. We will be having an Open House in January 2009 to show the public the details of this upcoming project.

Highlights ‐ A Year in Review A review of our calendar highlights some significant successes which enhanced the quality of life in our community. Many programs, events, and improvements were driven by Recreation Department, while others were supported or facilitated as our expertise at partnering continued to grow. Successes included:

Programs and Events: DeathFest 2008 (David Wilcox, Road Hammers, Doc Walker), Canada Day, Blues and BBQ with Matt Andersen, Much Music Video Dance, Hoja, Black Elk Hockey Camp, Summer Camps, Circus and Soccer Camp, Skateboard Park Grand Opening, Farmers Market, Aquatics (swim lessons, fun “themed” sessions, Junior Lifeguard Club), Fitness Training (Spin, Cardio, Step, Circuit) Guitar Lessons, Painting, Conversational Spanish

Beautification: The Grand Opening of Mt. Hamel Park; the Transition of United Church Park to Mt Stearn Park; Installation of Green Gym and (part) installation of Water Park in Central Park; further development of Trails, Campsite and Ball Diamonds.

On behalf of everyone at the Recreation Department, have a healthy and active winter in Grande Cache!

Local Recreation, Local Recreation, Local Recreation,

Culture, & HeritageCulture, & HeritageCulture, & Heritage

After 50 years of living in places that are far from work, entertainment and institutional buildings, there has been an increased demand for places that have it all. Places where residents, if they so desire, can live quite comfortably without an automobile. Where most of the daily activities are located within walking distance and are connected by attractive streets and public spaces. In addition, it would be nice to have a variety of travel options, housing for all and protected natural areas. An attempt to deliver these amenities in one package is a form of planning called new urbanism. Why do we need new urbanism? Isn’t the conventional way of building good enough? The planning of conventional suburbs is based on the rigid separation of land uses. The assumption is that everyone going from place to place will use a car. Consequently, modern cities have become dominated by pavement that sprawls in vast distances across the landscape. In the process, farms and wilderness are destroyed. Residents spend much of their day in traffic,

and everyone budgets a lot of money for transportation. Those who can’t drive – the poor, the elderly and children – are more restricted and dependent than everyone else. If people are going to walk, there have to be places to go and things to do nearby. There must be an assor tment of pr ivate , commercial and public buildings; these buildings must be connected by a variety of public spaces. Good neighbourhoods also have a balance of jobs, housing and services. A new urbanist neighbourhood (also known as a “traditional neighbourhood development” TND) is created at the human scale.

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Buildings are placed closer together and exteriors are designed to be safe and attractive for pedestrians. Streets are constructed for slower speeds and traffic is dispersed through many different connections. Walking in front of a business or around town is simply a pleasant, interesting activity. Neighbourhoods like these have survived and prospered over the centuries. New urbanism returns to these time‐tested principles and adapts them for a healthy, sustainable 21st century.

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Town‐making principles begin and end with the premise that uses within a neighbourhood (residential, lodging, office, retail, manufacturing and civic) should be laid out in such a manner as to benefit the entire area. This approach represents an attempt to replicate the planning of our country’s older towns rather than continue the more recent practice of developing separate single‐use pods.

Traditionally, Canadian town planning was the work of pragmatic pioneers, government consultants or, in the early 20th century, developers using architects and town planners. After the Second World War, however, planning practices took a complete about‐face. Zoning By‐laws were adopted by thousands of municipalities in a sweeping movement across the country. Using these conventional zoning By‐laws, master plans were drawn up for individual municipalities marked with symbols like R‐1, R‐2, R‐3 (residential); C‐1, C‐2 (commercial); and CM, RM (industrial). These symbols stipulate the use and density in each area. Single‐family homes were completely separated from townhomes and apartment buildings. Commercial buildings could only be built in spaces marked with the “C” code, totally segregated from the residential areas. High‐speed roads, or “collectors,” were designed to connect all of the separated uses. Under these conventional zoning practices, “open space” is provided in the form of buffers, easements and setbacks instead of traditional parks and squares.

What planners did not foresee was the outcome that would result from the endless repetition of this pattern. Instead of roads moving people swiftly from home to work to play, they have become clogged with traffic. People spend hours every day in the car shuffling children and themselves from one use to the other. Gaining access to cultural and social experiences has become a frustrating, time‐consuming experience.

The Town of Grande Cache is now making an effort to recover the wisdom of the past – intermixing uses within neighbourhoods and developing plans with flexibility. This is not always easy: in order to accomplish mixed‐use planning, the Town must either grant numerous variances to overcome the restrictions of current zoning policies or adopt an entirely new Zoning By‐law that allows for this type of zoning.

Our Town is currently is the process of adopting traditional neighbourhood development (TND) zoning reforms that restore the option of creating new development in traditional patterns. This zoning enables a broad range of activities within a neighbourhood. People are able to move with ease from home to shopping and workplaces, and automobile reliance is reduced because biking and walking options are provided.

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A close look at our country’s best‐loved towns reveals one very important fact – not one of them is comprised of just a single building type. Single detached homes are mixed in with townhomes and apartment buildings. Commercial properties are within walking distance of residential properties. On the main streets and town centers, “live/works” are standard, with apartments and offices located above storefronts.

Even with all their mixing of types and uses, traditional towns are not chaotic. They have a certain unity and functionality that result in two things: appropriate design and appropriate context. Design and ContextDesign and ContextDesign and Context

An important element of urban design is the frontage. This is the area between the front façade and the property lot line. The elements of a frontage include fences, stoops, porches and galleries, awnings and arcades.

Diverse building types are unified through the use of harmonious frontages and facades. For instance, a two‐story house and a four‐story office building can coexist quite happily, as long as certain

architectural rules are observed. The proportions of the buildings should be complementary, as should details such as windows and cornices.

Although diversity is important, it does not justify excessive detailing and busyness. Building facades cooperate to define the streetscape in much the same way that walls define a room. An excessive number of appendages – such as porches, balconies and bay windows – may destroy the alignment of the façade.

Context is the other half of the equation. There is a spectrum of environments from urban core to natural wilderness, and these environments establish the context for buildings. In the urban core, for example, the commercial activities dominate. Buildings are connected in continuous facades, while streets and landscaping are formal and geometric. A broad variety of building types can be accommodated in any context as long as they adhere to the local character of the environment.

For instance, a downtown City Hall surrounded by a berm, a shrub and a waterfall is out of place in the urban core. It is trying to exist in a ruralized landscape that is more appropriate for a small town. Benefits of DiversityBenefits of DiversityBenefits of Diversity

The benefits of mixing building types within one neighbourhood are substantial.

The inclusion of a variety of residential building types gives people a choice that suits their lifestyle. A wide range of pricing and rental options can be available, allowing a diverse population to live in the same area. This means that several generations can own property in the same neighbourhood. This also gives homeowners the opportunity to move from one housing type to another within the same neighbourhood as their needs change over the years.

For Information & Inquiries, Please Contact: Town of Grande Cache P.O. Box 300 Grande Cache, AB T0E 0Y0 P: 780.827.3362 F: 780.827.2406 E: [email protected]

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Community Focus Winter Newsletter 2008

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