The Official Voice for the Alberta Association of Recreation ...Cheryl Wauthier, Vecova Recreation Centre E: [email protected] 403.267.1233 GOVERNMENT REP Roger Kramers, Government

This is to certify that

Has Successfully Completed All Requirements Of

Cer

tifi

cate

DATE

Certificate No.

PRESIDENT

RECREATION FACILITY PERSONNEL

Postal Registration: Canada Publication Mail Sales Product Agreement No. 40037331 - Calgary, Alberta

RETURN UNDELIVERABLE CANADIAN ADDRESSES TO: RFP LEISURE LINES, P.O. BOX 100, COCHRANE, ALBERTA T4C 1A4

IN THE WORKPLACE:

IN THE NEWS: RFP’s Board Transforms from Zone Reps to Stream Reps

FEATURE STORY: Cochrane Welcomes New Recreation Facility with Open Arms

Calgary Ice Maker Looks Back on 30 Year Olympic-Sized Career

RECREATION FACILITY PERSONNELRECREATION FACILITY PERSONNEL

aarfp.com

The Official Voice for the Alberta Association of Recreation Facility Personnel (RFP)F

AL

L 2

017 LEISURE

LINES

www.pinnacleaquaticgroup.com

R F P L E I S U R E L I N E S FA L L I S S U E • S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 7PAGE 3

RFP LEISURE L INES | FALL SEPTEMBER 2017

ASK AN EXPERT

CAREERS IN RECREATION

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The Dime That Slime Costs........................................20

Sustainability .............................................................24

A Visit From the Future .............................................25

Brooks Alberta Opens Doors To Change at

JBS Canada Centre.....................................................28

Lifesaving Society Alberta - 2017

Drowning Reports .....................................................29

RFP’s 6th Annual Skip Hayden Memorial

Golf Tournament .......................................................30

IN THE WORKPLACE

RFP’s PARTNERS

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Calgary Ice Maker Looks Back on 30 Year

Olympic-Sized Career ................................................21

News From Our Partner: ARPA..................................26

President’s Report ...............................................................4

Executive Director’s Report .................................................5

2017 RFP Board of Directors................................................6

RFP’s Board Transforms from Zone Reps to

Stream Reps.........................................................................7

RFP 2017 Board Member Spotlight .....................................8

RFP Associate Membership ...............................................12

2017 RFP Course Schedule ................................................13

2017 RFP Course Registration............................................14

Cochrane Welcomes New Recreation Facility

with Open Arms ........................................................16

Town of Cochrane Deputy Chief Administration

Officer Created Her Own Path to Success .................18

FEATURE STORY


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We gratefully acknowledge the financial assistance from the lottery fundsdistributed by the Alberta Recreation and Physical Activity Division.

Leisure Lines is the official magazine of the

Alberta Association of Recreation Facility

Personnel, published four times per year.

To contribute articles, contact the

Communications Coordinator,

Monica Culic,

P.O. Box 100,

Cochrane, Alberta T4C 1A4

Phone: (403) 851-7626

Fax: (403) 851-9181

MISSION STATEMENTProviding Education, Consultation and

Advocacy for people involved in Recreation and Facility Operations.

Postal Registration: Canada Publications Mail Sales Product Agreement No. 40037331 - Calgary, Alberta

RETURN UNDELIVERABLE CANADIAN ADDRESSES TO: RFP LEISURE LINES, P.O. Box 100, Cochrane, Alberta T4C 1A4

GOALS

1. Ensuring government awareness of industry needs for uniform facility education standards.

2. Implement the Marketing Plan specific to brand awareness and membership growth.

3. Increase use of technology for education promotion and communication.

4. Improve instructor and course material quality assurance.

5. Define and implement an effective board structure including roles and responsibilities.

PUBLISHING INFORMATION

VISION STATEMENT

VALUES

We are the leaders in recreation facility operations, contributing to an active Alberta.

Leadership

Fellowship

Diversity

Passion

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TABLE OF

contentsT

HIS IS

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R U S S TA N N E R


president’s reportRECREATION FACILITY PERSONNEL

With the second year of my 2-year term as your President of the RFP, I would like to provide an update of where we are at for awareness and acknowledgement.

RFP staff and the Board continue to work through the following:

Board structure final details Red Deer College education marketing final detailsJoint initiatives with ARPA (i.e. buyer's guide)Marketing/Communications updates (high performance initiatives)Conference resources (i.e. event planners & master of ceremonies) Final year of strategic plan adjustments. This plan affirms our mission, values, beliefs, and drives our core-business decisions.

I look forward to seeing the fruits of our newly acquired stream reps' labour as they participate in board meetings and sit on newly-formed committees.

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Their roles will help us continue to enhance our training programs and best practices that reflect the needs of our members. Our

programs are building the knowledge base that keeps our communities safe while providing them places to play and relax. In many cases, we are growing our future leaders with the knowledge shared. This happens with the hard work, dedication, and cooperation of all: the Board provides the vision and direction, the office staff do much of the legwork and our instructor cadre provide the content

while delivering the programs where needed effectively. A true team effort!

The revenue from these programs afford us the opportunity to fulfill many other roles and responsibilities within the industry that influence policy, procedure, regulations and best practices in our industry.

The RFP continues to foster many strategic alliances and partnerships with key agencies to further enhance our membership. We will continue to strive to make the right connections and further foster current relationships as we move forward.

On behalf of the Board, I would like to extend my sincere appreciation to the staff at the RFP who continue to provide our members and us on the Board with excellent service.

I also like to thank all of you that have played a part in getting us to where we are today, those that have dedicated a little or a lot, whatever time you could afford, as every little bit helps.

I hope you all have taken the time to enjoy some rest and relaxation this summer. There is likely still some time to get out and enjoy good weather in our beautiful province. As always, we are here when you need us.

Russ TannerE: [email protected]

ARTIFICIAL TURF • HARDWOOD GYMNASIUM FLOORING • SYNTHETIC SPORTS FLOORING • ATHLETIC TRACKS • SPECTATOR SEATING • SCOREBOARD AND VIDEO DISPLAYS • MESSAGE

DISPLAYS • GYMNASIUM EQUIPMENT • RUBBER FITNESS ROOM FLOORING

Our programs are building the

knowledge base that keeps our

communities safe while providing

them places to play and relax. ”

”

...for next year's Annual Training Conference

and Tradeshow in Banff, AB. Watch for

further details at www.aarfp.com

Mark your calendars

www.centaurproducts.com


S T U A R T R AYexecutive director’s reportRECREATION FACILITY PERSONNEL

Welcome to our Fall edition of Leisure Lines. Time sure does march on and fall is once again upon us. Everyone, I am sure, is busy with the change of the season. Summer vacations are a faint memory and it's time to get things in order for the inevitable coming of winter. I must admit fall is my favorite season and I am enjoying the season so far.

AARFP in conjunction with Alberta Recreation & Parks Association (ARPA), Alberta Association of Agricultural Societies and the Province of Alberta, Climate Leadership are working together to bring this exciting opportunity to facility operators, managers and owners.

Join us in Edmonton this November for the first-ever Greener Facilities Conference & Expo! This event serves to better understand and address climate change and the associated cost-savings. The two-day conference & expo, held Nov 9 to 10, 2017, will feature:

Education from speakers addressing specific opportunities and challenges associated with energy efficiency and a reduced ecological footprint.Innovative new technology products and services demonstrated by companies and consultants at the tradeshow expo, helping facilities deliver on their environmental and efficiency goals.Best practices sharing through sessions and networking with other like-minded sector practitionersReal-life solutions from municipalities and organizations who have already moved to energy efficient methodsInformation on grants, funding and cost-saving

We invite anyone involved in the planning, upkeep, financing or management of community facilities or outdoor spaces, including recreation facilities, schools, sports fields, municipal buildings, etc.

ARPA is coordinating the registrations for this event so visit http://arpaonline.ca/events/greener-facilities-conference-expo to book your spot for this informative and educational opportunity.

You may not have heard, but AARFP has entered into an agreement with Red Deer College to provide facility operators with two new Certificate Programs. The first is the Recreation Facility Management Certificate and the second certificate program is the

Greener Facilities Conference and Expo:

New Recreation Facility Management Certificate & Advanced Certificate

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Advanced Recreation Facility Management Certificate.

To receive the Recreation Facility Management Certificate the successful candidate will have completed their Arena Level 1 course, Pool Operator 1 course, Building Maintenance Level 1, their Parks & Sport Fields Level 1 Course from RFP. They will have also completed the Foundations of Management, Effective Communications, Conflict Resolution and the Synergy of Teams course from Red Deer College.

To receive the Advanced Recreation Facility Management, Certificate the successful candidate will have completed their Arena Level 2, Pool Operator 2, Building Maintenance 2, and the Parks and Sport Fields Level 2 course from RFP. They will have also completed the Applied Process Management, Strategic Planning, HR for Managers, Business Process Mapping and the Essentials of Finance courses from Red Deer College.

These two Certificate programs are now available to you. All you have to do to start is to start taking the courses you do not currently have from the list above. Once you have them all a simple application needs to be filled out with Red Deer College along with a $100 processing fee and you will have earned your Recreation Facility Management Certificate or Advanced Recreation Facility Management Certificate.

The interest in this program continues to grow and we are hoping that you will also be working towards your certification in the near future. To register for the RDC courses go to http://rdc.ab.ca/ Continuing Education and the AARFP courses can be found at http://www.aarfp.com/cgi-bin/courses.cgi

Mark your calendars for next year's annual training conference and tradeshow in Banff, AB. We are currently putting together the program which promises to bring you relevant and timely topics that you can put to use in your facility operations. Keep an eye open for registration details, conference session descriptions and lots of additional information that will be posted on our website at www.aarfp.com as soon as it is available.

In closing on behalf of Rhonda, Monica and myself we hope you have a safe, productive and enjoyable Fall!

AARFP Conference and Tradeshow – April 15-18, 2018

Stuart RayExecutive [email protected]

Mark your calendars for next year's

annual training conference and tradeshow in

Banff, AB. We are currently putting together

the program which promises to bring you

relevant and timely topics that you can put

to use in your facility operations. ”

”

R F P L E I S U R E L I N E S S P R I N G I S S U E • M A R C H 2 0 1 7PAGE 6

PRESIDENTRuss Tanner, City of Brooks

E: [email protected] (Ext 1)

PAST PRESIDENTSandi Stewart, City of Lacombe

E: [email protected]

PRESIDENT ELECTLloyd Smith


SECRETARY

TREASURER

Carol Dunnigan, City of Spruce GroveE: [email protected]

780.962.7616

Les Turner, South Fish CreekCommunity Association

E: [email protected] 403.254.3454

EDUCATION REPSonia Dodd, Town of Stettler


ASSOCIATE REPDaniel Robinson,

Pinnacle Aquatic Group Inc.E: [email protected]

403.453.1944

ARENA STREAM REPChris McKenna, Town of Blackfalds

E:[email protected]

BUILDING MAINTENANCE STREAM REPKevin Olsen, Town of Hanna


PARKS STREAM REPLarry Golby


POOL STREAM REPCheryl Wauthier, Vecova Recreation Centre


GOVERNMENT REPRoger Kramers, Government of Alberta

E: [email protected] 780.422.3305

RFP 2017

board of directors RECREATION FACILITY PERSONNEL


OFFICE STAFFStuart Ray, Rhonda Phillips, Monica Culic

P.O. BOX 100,COCHRANE, ALBERTA T4C 1A4

(403) 851-7626Fax: (403) 851-9181

1-888-253-7544email: [email protected]

www.schoolhouseproducts.com


The original role of the eight Zone Representatives on RFP's Board was to keep current RFP members (who were organized by zones throughout the province of Alberta) engaged and informed and to attract new members to the association, now in its 41st year.

To meet the needs of an increasing member base (+1500 strong), the Board realized it needed to become more efficient, with a more appropriate organizational structure to represent our growing association.

The idea to look closer at RFP's Board structure was first presented in June 2014, with Board members and staff working together to address RFP's member's needs. In March 2015, a full day's Board review with a professional facilitator resulted in the creation of a plan.

It was decided that the Board representatives' positions would transform from representing eight zones throughout the province of Alberta to be more relevant and represent RFP's four streams instead: aquatics, arena, building maintenance, and parks and sport fields. This led to a reduction from 15 to 11 members of RFP's board.

The new Board structure will allow for better governance, more accountability, more flexibility and better cost savings, all the while maintaining the ability to make good decisions for RFP's membership. Engagement of the Board, staff and RFP members has been important to this process.

RFP's Annual Conference, Tradeshow, AGM and Zone Meeting. The Zone Reps presented the idea to the membership at the zone meetings.

Continued general membership engagement to review proposal via RFP's Leisure Lines articles, communication during courses, chats at Cadre (Instructor) meetings.

Incorporated feedback from the membership and finalized the Board Structure Proposal during our Board meeting. The proposed structure with Bylaw Changes was to be presented at the April AGM.

The timeline for the transition from zone to stream for Board reps looked like this:

April 2015:

April – November 2015:

January 2016:

April 2016:

January 2017:

The new structure and the aligning Bylaws were approved unanimously with an implementation date set for April 25, 2017.

Outdated documents for the Board organizational change were updated and approved. The Board Nominations Committee started taking nominations for the 2017 election, with six positions available (including the four new Stream Representatives).

If you have any questions about the new RFP Board structure or are interested in joining the Board as a stream rep in the future, please contact [email protected].

RFP 2017

board of directors RECREATION FACILITY PERSONNEL

RFP's Board Transforms from Zone Reps to Stream RepsBy Sandi Stewart, Past President

Longbow Sales Inc.#7, 1435 – 40th Ave NE

Calgary, Alberta T2E 8N6Tel: (403) 291-3166Fax: (403) 291-4774

[email protected]

Longbowsales inc.

www.longbowsales.com


continued...

RFP 2017

board member spotlight RECREATION FACILITY PERSONNEL

Larry GolbyRFP PARKS & SPORT FIELDS STREAM REPRESENTATIVE

Larry was born and raised on a farm in Coronation, Alberta. After high school, he attended the University of Lethbridge where he majored in Physical Education and Recreation and minored in Psychology. Upon completion of University he returned to his home town and accepted the job as Recreation Director which he held for 20+ years.

He has worked with the Government of Alberta as a Recreation Facility Consultant for 5 years and 6 years as the Executive Director for the Recreation Facility Personnel.

Larry has installed ice in a number of unique places, such a large shopping mall in Doha; Qatar; Honolulu; Hawaii; Orlando; Florida; Glasgow; Scotland; as well as numerous communities in the North West Territories, Yukon, Nunavut as well as all over Western Canada and the northern United States.

In 2005, Larry had the opportunity to install the Outdoor Ice in Hamilton at the Ivor Wyn Football Stadium for the NHL charity game called the "Game To Give".

Larry is an avid golfer and works closely with Hockey Alberta and Hockey Canada. He had the opportunity to spent 10 days in Harbin, China working with their National Coaches, Women's National Hockey Team as well as a number of their Minor Hockey players and Coaches in their Hockey Development Programs. Larry has been teaching for the Association for over 20 years now and in the Arena, Park & Sport Fields, and Supervisory Streams.

Larry held the position as Executive Director for the Association from 2007 - 2012 and as Technical Director for 1 year.

He has held the position as Education Representative for 6 years and is presently the Parks & Sport Fields Representative.

Chris McKennaRFP ARENA STREAM REPRESENTATIVE

Originally from Montreal Quebec...I have been in Alberta since 1982 and I am the Parks and Facilities Foreman for the Town of Blackfalds.

I have worked in Recreation since 1984...33 years

My first post was in High Level as the combined position of Recreation Director and Facilities Manager

I have a Master's Degree in Administration and a Bachelor of Physical Education.

I think being Operations Manager for the Edmonton Oilers and being General Manager of one of the Toronto Blue Jays Farm Teams....were a lot of fun.

I have been a member of RFP for over 30 years, having been on the board for 14 of those years. There are so many great things to say about RFP...but what stands out the most...over and over...is the networking between members. It sets our Association apart from all the others.

My main hobby is coaching football. I look forward to it every Fall.

In general, I am very proud to be the Arena Rep for the Association. I have been an Arena instructor for over 25 years and I have consulted and made ice at all levels...including the NHL. Along with working for the Oilers...I consulted for 5 years with the Phoenix Coyotes. Arenas are a passion of mine and I look forward to assisting in any way I can. Feel free to contact me on any "Arena" subject...If I don't know the answer, I will find it out for you.

www.multigasinc.com


RFP 2017


Kevin OlsenRFP BUILDING MAINTENANCE STREAM REPRESENTATIVE

I still live and work in the town where I grew up. I have worked for the Town of Hanna, in the Community Services Department, for just about 18 years. I can honestly say that it felt like a career within the first month on the job. Started in the arena and have a hand in just about every facet of recreation. Over my years I have completed all available courses through RFP and in turn received my Western Certification. I have my Playground Inspection certificate and have been involved in upgrading and replacing many of our play areas and parks. I have been involved in the renovating of our arena, the move to a fantastic 6 bay parks shop, the building of a new outdoor pool facility and waterslide as well as the building of a new rec centre with dance studios, fitness centre, fieldhouse and walking track. Outside of work I enjoy hitting the golf course as often as possible in the summer or just finding any reason to be outside, winter or summer.

I joined the RFP board for the wealth of knowledge available across our association. With the new Board structure, I felt I had a lot to bring to the table. The Building Maintenance and Operations position seemed best suited, as being in a small town, in encompasses a little bit of everything. A “jack of all trades” situation I suppose. This is a position created for the Association and I hope that the members will assist in guiding the direction of our new board so we can fully meet your needs.

continued...

www.vfdservice.com


Cheryl WauthierRFP POOL STREAM REPRESENTATIVE

Cheryl began her career in 1989 at Vecova providing direct services to persons with disabilities. Always ready for a challenge, she quickly moved into a management position. In 2008, she was ready for a change and started exploring new opportunities. A need arose for a leader at Vecova's Recreation Centre and she readily accepted the position of Recreation Manager at the facility. During this time, she has expanded her knowledge of the recreation industry through education, certifications and a number of courses.

She recently attended Haskayne School of Business and completed Business Essentials. She gives of her time, knowledge and experience through her participation on various committees and organizations in the community. She has been very involved with the Canadian Red Cross over the past 8 years working on the Water

Safety Conference Committee, the Instructor Development Program Committee and the Red Cross Adapted Swim program. To date, her greatest career success has been partnering with the Red Cross to develop the adapted swim program which was launched nationally.

She is a member of the Canadian Armed Forces and works with the air cadet program. In 2016 she became the Calgary Zone Rep for AARFP. In 2017 was elected as the very first RFP Aquatics Stream Rep for Alberta.

Cheryl has said that her reason for wanting to join the RFP board was because she truly wants to connect the aquatics community across the province and provide valuable information, resources and support. Being the aquatics stream rep on the RFP board provides the opportunity to strengthen the aquatics industry in Alberta by sharing facility standards, best practices and experiences.

RFP 2017


www.startec.cahttp://www.aarfp.com/cgi-bin/courses.cgi

www.cimcoregrigeration.com


The Associate Membership of the Alberta Association of Recreation Facility Personnel are companies that offer products and services to the recreation industry. This membership plays a key role in the success and growth of our association. The companies and their staff have consistently strived to provide excellent technical advice and first-rate products and services that are used by our valued members.

This list of our AARFP Associate Members is proudly provided for the benefit of our membership. When looking for excellence in products and services, we encourage you to look first to this list before you shop elsewhere. You will be pleasantly surprised to find everything you need right here. For a list of their products, services and contact information, please visit our Supplier's page at www.aarfp.com.

Commercial Aquatic Supplies

Crown Sports Floors

Energie Innovation Inc.

Erv Parent Co. Ltd.

Eye On The Ice

FCS Solutions Ltd.

Fitness West

Gateway Mechanical

Guest Automation Inc.

Henderson Recreation Equipment Ltd

Industrial Machine Inc.

Jet Ice Limited

Kinetic Systems

Lifesaving Society

Longbow Sales Inc.

Master Pools

Mayekawa Canada Inc.

Multigas Detection and Reltech Drives and Controls

Musco Sports Lighting

Nationwide Commercial Aquatics

New Perspective Pools

New-Tech Turf Products Ltd.

Nilfisk Canada

North West Rubber Ltd.

OMNI SPORT Inc.

A2Z Arena Products Ltd.AB Recreation and Parks Assoc.

Acoustic Solutions

Alberta Beverage Container Recycling Corporation

Alberta Municipal Health and Safety Association

Alberta Recreation and Parks Association

Apple Fitness Store Ltd.

Aquam INC

Aspen Ventures

Athletica Sport Systems Inc.

Automated Aquatics of Canada Ltd.

Big Hill Services Ltd.

Blue Diamond Equipment Innovations Inc.

Blue Imp Recreational Products of Canada

Bright Solutions

Canada West Refrigeration Ltd

Canadian Arena Products

Canadian Leak Detection of Alberta Ltd.

Canadian Recreation Solutions

Canadian Red Cross

CDI Spaces

Centaur Products Inc.

Centratech Technical Services Ltd.

Cimco Refrigeration Ltd.

CLM Distribution Pool and Spa Products Inc..

Colored Shale Products Inc

Park N Play Design Co. Ltd.

Phoenix Fence Corp.

Pinnacle Aquatic Group Inc.

PlayQuest Recreation

PlayWorks Inc and ParkWorks Inc..

RC Strategies

Regent Supply

Schoolhouse Products Inc

Softline Solutions AB Inc.

Splashables Inc.

Startec Refrigeration Services

Stevenson Industrial Refrigeration Ltd.

Strathcona Ventures

Swish Maintenance Limited

Titan Sport Systems

Tomko Sports Systems Alberta

TSE Technologies Inc.

Vilmac Inc.

W.E. Greer Ltd.

Watson Pools Inc.

Wesclean

Western Canada Heat Exchanger Ltd

Western Gym and Recreational Supplies Ltd.

Western Pro Sporting and Supply

White Ice 1995 Ltd.

RFP ASSOCIATE

membership RECREATION FACILITY PERSONNEL

SPORTS SURFACES & FACILITY EQUIPMENTOVER 9000 COURTS – SINCE 1978

TENNIS BASKETBALL SPORTS GOLF TRACKS

www.tomkosports.com

Tennis & Basketball Courts

Tracks / Pickleball Courts

Baseball / Hockey / Golf

JOHN DAFOE

Toll Free: (877) 631-19136C, 624 Beaver Dam Road N.E. Calgary, Alberta T2K 4W6

http://www.tomkosports.com/www.phoenixfence.ca


If you are NOT a current member, you will need to become one before you can register for a course. Membership is prorated.

Everyone has to have a current Membership to attend an RFP course.

2017 RFP

course schedule RECREATION FACILITY PERSONNELARENA OPERATOR LEVEL 1

ARENA MAINTENANCE

BUILDING MAINTENANCE LEVEL 2

September 19-20, 2017.................................................Redwater

September 25-26, 2017 .....................................................Airdrie

September 27-28, 2017 ....................................................Stettler

September 15, 2017 ...................................................Sylvan Lake

September 20, 2017 ................................................Spruce Grove

September 28, 2017 ................................Calgary (NE Sportsplex)

November 3, 2017.....................................Edmonton (Clareview)

September 13-14, 2017 .........................................Grande Prairie

(back to back w/Level 1)

CUSTODIAL

POOL OPERATOR LEVEL 1 (Certified)

POOL OPERATOR LEVEL 2 (Advanced)

October 16, 2017........................................................Sylvan Lake

October 19-20, 2017 .................................Edmonton (Clareview)

November 2-3, 2017 .........................................Calgary (Vecova))

September 25-28, 2017 .....................................................Brooks

www.schoolhouseproducts.com

For more information or to register contact Red Deer College (RDC) at:

Phone: (403) 356-4900Fax: (403) 342-3278

Email: [email protected]


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Arena Level 1

Certified Swimming Pool Level 1

Building Mtce. Level 1

Building Mtce. Level 2

Parks & Sport Fields 2

Supervisory Skills

*Prices subject to change.

IF you are NOT a current member, you will need to become one before you can register for a course. Membership is prorated.

Everyone has to have a current Membership to attend an RFP course. This membership provides you with benefits such as access to our quarterly

newsletters, and several other online features you can check out at www.aarfp.com!

PAYMENT OPTIONS: Payment can be made via money order or cheque made payable to “R.F.P.”. VISA, MasterCard and Purchase Orders also accepted. Payment MUST BE RECEIVED one week prior to the start of the course. Payment will not be accepted at the course.

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Arena Level 2*

Advanced Swimming Pool Level 2*

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Parks & Sport Fields Level 1

Arena Mtce.

Curling Mtce.

Lifecycle/Risk Management

Custodial

Developing a Policy & Procedure

Facility Manual

2017 RFP

course registration

$412.00 (includes $19.61 GST)

$645.00 (includes $30.71 GST)

$266.00 (includes $12.66 GST)


CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

online

CLASS SIZE:Maximum 20

COURSE START TIME:8:30 a.m.

FINISH TIME:5:00 p.m. on the last day

NOTE: ** Level II will be required to dosome after class & evening work.

RECREATION FACILITY PERSONNELRECREATION FACILITY PERSONNEL

Red Deer College (RDC) and Alberta Association of Recreation Facility Personnel

(RFP)

are pleased to announce a certificate for career-minded recreation facility personnel

Recreation Facility Management Certificate (RFMC) for Fall 2017

www.aarfp.com www.rdc.ab.ca

www.aarfp.comwww.aarfp.com

www.mycomcanada.com

R F P L E I S U R E L I N E S PAGE 16 FA L L I S S U E • S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 7PAGE 17FA L L I S S U E • S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 7 R F P L E I S U R E L I N E S

Cochrane Welcomes New Recreation Facility with Open Armsby Monica Culic, RFP Communications Coordinator

FEATURE STORY

The realization that the citizens of Cochrane, Alberta needed a new recreation and fitness hub didn't come about overnight. One of Alberta's most rapidly growing towns located just west of Calgary, Cochrane saw a 66% population growth from 2011 to 2016, with over 25,800 people now calling Cochrane home. Opened in the spring of 1990, the existing Big Hill Leisure Pool though seemingly new, was sadly outgrown. There was no lane space for swimmers. Quarters were cramped. For over 30 years, it had been well loved. The cost of fixing the aged building outweighed the cost of building a brand-new pool. A feasibility study was conducted into what the growing community needed. Costs were presented to Cochrane's Town Council. That was 2010. All parties were in agreement: Cochrane needed a new recreation facility but where, when and how?

The Spray Lakes recreation facility was identified as the right location for the new aquatic and curling centre, and the organization threw themselves wholeheartedly into the planning for the project. Owned 50-50 by the Town of Cochrane and Rocky View County, Spray Lakes has been managed by Spray Lake Sawmills Recreation Park Society since 2001. The Society is made up of a Board of Volunteer Directors comprised of active citizens and community stakeholders.

In total, 150,000 square feet of recreational and retail space was built, providing space beyond the pool and curling facilities for

fitness rooms, programming space and tenant space that will help bring SLSFSC as close to revenue neutral as possible.1

a new main entrance and lobby a curling club with six ice sheets and a 400-seat loungean aquatic center with an eight-lane, 25m competitive lap pool a leisure pool with wave generation a tots' play area a warm water therapy pool and an outdoor splash park

With almost 200,000 square feet of space and over 10,000 weekly users in its multiple spaces, Spray Lakes currently offers three NHL-size ice surfaces, full indoor soccer turf, indoor running/walking track, full gymnasium, multi-purpose space, child minding centre, University of Calgary gymnastics facility, martial arts centre, Cochrane Sport Physiotherapy/Massage, Edge Sports and The Skating Lab2

Spray Lakes' new addition includes:

•••

••••

John Napier, Spray Lakes' Manager, Aquatics Facility shed some light into the challenges the town of Cochrane faced when planning a project of this magnitude. “In 2011, we hired an architecture firm (Stantec) and gave them a design. They did up a concept for us and we worked with community groups to make sure it met their needs. The initial design phase saw us working with swim clubs, the warm water therapy group, and physiotherapists who would all use the space.”

After approving the $45 million budget for the new facilities on January 27 2014, with $35 million allocated to the pool and $10 million to the curling rink, construction work began in March 2015.1

Napier stated that once the preliminary design was done, construction management firm Tango was hired. Spray Lakes broke ground on their new facility, understanding it would be a two-year full-time construction project. According to Tango's website, “This addition to the existing Spray Lake Sawmills Family Sports Centre greatly expands activities available at the facility.”

Part of the construction process saw the installation of a Thermenex energy exchange system which uses patented technology to fabricate thermal energy plants for HVAC systems in large buildings. A large building is a thermal energy resource due to the thermodynamic activity in and around the building. Occupant load, occupant activities, machine use, outdoor temperature and solar effect are continuously changing; therefore, the building's demands for heating and cooling throughout the day, week, month and year are also constantly changing. 3

With five bodies of water including a splash park, the pool's filtration system had to be top notch. The high rate sand Behncke and Wapotec filters make sure the Spray Lakes water stays bright and clean and meets Alberta health standards.

Training pool staff included RFP's Pool 1 coursework and for technological advances like state of the art filtration and energy exchange systems. Napier was quick to point out that four building operators took the Pool 1 course to learn the intricacies of pool operations. Transitioning from a pool staff of 35 aquatic personnel to 60 on opening day meant hiring and training early. Pool staff were excited for the growth on their team. When they ran a lifeguard boot camp, 15 adults over the age of 30 participated; they hired two 60-year-old staff who were retired from other careers but who loved the atmosphere at Spray Lakes so much, they wanted to give back to their community by keeping swimmers safe.

When the doors opened July 30 2017, Cochrane's Jayman Built Aquatic Centre and Spray Lakes Sawmills Family Sport Centre ushered in a new era in recreation facilities. And the citizens of Cochrane have welcomed it with open arms.

1Taken Aug. 21 from: http://www.cochranetimes.com/2017/07/31/aquatics-centre-makes-

waves-with-sunday-opening

2Taken Aug. 21 from: http://www.rockthewaves.ca/cause/slsfamilysportscentre/

3Taken Aug. 22 from: https://thermenex.com/about/

continued...

Town of Cochrane Deputy Chief Administration Officer (DCAO) Created

Her Own Path to Successby Monica Culic, RFP Communications Coordinator

Suzanne Gaida's career in recreation began like most kids': with big dreams. Her goal? To serve her community to the best of her ability. Her status today? Gaida is the newly appointed Deputy Chief Administration Officer (DCAO) at the Town of Cochrane, Alberta. The key? She says it is because she created her own path to success.

What started as humble beginnings as a lifeguard at the Town of Hanna, Alberta pool has led to her life's work in a leadership position at the Town of Cochrane. But, she says, like most young people, she didn't always have a clear picture in her head of what she wanted to be when she grew up.

At 20, she knew that she wanted to become a supervisor at a pool 'somewhere': Canmore, Alberta she hoped. That somewhere turned out to be Cochrane, Alberta instead. Sitting next to the Town of Cochrane's Manager of HR at a recreation industry function, Gaida mentioned she was looking for a job. Her two years of study in Physiotherapy at the University of Calgary (U of C) left her feeling directionless: like she didn't know what she wanted to do with her life. A position at the Big Hill Pool in Cochrane gave her all the opportunity to grow and the challenge she was looking for.

When asked what the biggest challenges she faced were, she says: “The biggest challenge I faced was when I didn't know what I wanted. Then it was pushing through my career without a University degree”.

She knew she wanted to work in municipal government, somewhere, doing something. It just felt right and it was fun (fun being something she values in her work). While working at Big Hill, she applied for a role as the Manager of Recreation. She didn't get the job. It wasn't the right fit. The second opportunity she wanted was working in Human Resources (HR) but after

spending time job-shadowing the HR Manager, she quickly realized that wasn't her forte either.

Getting her RFP Pool 1 & 2 certifications taught her how to run Big Hill Pool effectively. Since then, she has acquired several certificates, including a Human Resource Management Certificate – University of Calgary (UofC), Certificate for Emerging Leaders – (UofC), and a Certificate in Municipal Management and Leadership – (UofA). The education she gained combined with valuable work experience led her further along her career path.

Editor's Note (and blatant RFP promotion): Gaida took her RFP Pool 1 Certificate in Hanna when she was 18 and her Pool 2 a few years later in Cochrane while working at Big Hill. Visit http://www.aarfp.com/cgi-

bin/courses.cgi to register for your Pool certificate course today. What are you waiting for? Career success awaits!

She has solid advice for women wanting to grow in their careers working in municipalities. She says women need to demonstrate their knowledge, capacity, and ability to deliver value in an organization. As far as gender equality in a typically male dominated industry goes, she says these days, everyone has the same opportunities, male or female. It's not a gender issue, she states. She feels strongly that if you want something bad enough, you'll work hard to get it. “There are a lot of folks retiring in the coming years” she advises, “Make it known you want to grow your career. Talk to the right people. Embrace the organization. Women tend to get 'gossipy'. You need to get above that or you'll be branded” she cautions.

Finding your way in your career isn't easy; sometimes people get lost. Gaida recommends being proactive. “Be open to new



Cochrane's new DCAO, Suzanne Gaida,

pictured left with Past President Aaron

Singh at RFP's 2017 Conference. Gaida

received her RFP Lifetime Achievement

Award. Singh received his Award of Merit.


C A R EERS IN R EC REAT IO N ( co nt in u e d)

opportunities” she advises, “Try everything. Find your fit. Ask your employer 'What else can I do?'. Be open. Make yourself valuable so your gender really isn't a part of the equation” she adds, “Take courses relevant to what you're doing. Take stuff that gets you where you want to be. Be well-rounded for what you want to do.” She even hired an executive coach to help her navigate her career path in her work. She's pretty clear when it comes to personal development perks at work: “Take it when you get it offered to you” she advises, “It's about helping you figure it out.”

Mentorship (getting guidance from others in your field) is equally as important as an education, she enthusiastically states. “I think you're kidding yourself without both mentorship and learning. I had mentorship with the RFP Board. I learned meeting management and how to work through issues. I've enjoyed mentorships at all levels at the Town of Cochrane”.

When asked where she sees the future of recreation going she says “We see a growing generation looking for the opportunity to enjoy recreation. The industry plays a big part in overall quality of lifestyle. Lots of families are wanting to be fit and get away from their screens. Municipalities realize that recreation is an essential service. When people move to a community, having

ample opportunity for recreation is a priority. We have to be careful not to overprice ourselves. Recreation should be affordable for everyone.”

The big thing she wants our readers to know? “Go after what you want! Take the initiative. You've got to say to yourself, 'I'm the driver in my life! This is where I want to go.' It's about ownership of your career. I'm blessed to work for an organization that embraces that belief.”

She was recently presented with the Honorary Life Award at the 2017 RFP Annual General Meeting (AGM) held in Edmonton, AB during RFP's Annual Conference & Trade Show. She's pictured on previous page with RFP Board Past President, Aaron Singh.

In navigating her career path to success, Suzanne Gaida's words of wisdom ring true: be your own best advocate, find a mentor to help guide you, and always be willing to learn something new.

For more information on RFP courses to give your career in recreation a boost, visit the website at: www.aarfp.com.

http://www.white-ice.com/


A SK AN EXP ERT

The Dime That Slime Costs

Collectively as a society, we are actively taking steps to ensure a healthier outcome for our future generations. With the progress of environmental consciousness, detergents and cleaning supplies available have changed, becoming greener, safer and less aggressive. Even with those positive changes and technological progress, challenges and negative effects may occur.

Discussions within the custodial and building maintenance industry have described a difficulty in keeping surfaces clean and free of slime as well as hard to remove soiling. Scientifically speaking, the hard to remove substances are a verity of microbial contaminations. Most often the contaminations are mould, mildew, fungi, as well as biofilm.

What is biofilm? Biofilm is a complex polymeric substance comprised of extracellular DNA, proteins and carbohydrate molecules bonded by glyosidic linkages (glucose). Many bacteria colonies cannot survive outside of biofilms, which is why they pose a threat when they are present on high touch surfaces. Bacteria's cross contamination may lead to illnesses with facility users and staff. A general misconception often is that accumulations of soap scum, grease, and other optically visible layers of grime are biofilms however, this is incorrect. Instead, those substances are the food sources and habitats that biofilms flourish in. Biofilm will colonize on these sources until the dispersal stage, where the capsule will rupture becoming airborne to find new areas to colonize.

Negative impacts aside from health concerns of bio film include: odour, staining, discoloration and an increase of degradation of materials. Biofilm is present in aquatic areas or areas where moisture is often present - pool decks, showers, washrooms, janitorial closets and custodial tools. Some visuals and physical attributes of biofilm include: loss of shine on tiles and slippery feel, red decolorization on grout, brown colored deposits along the wall where mop water is deposited.

Along with physical and visual effects, microbial contamination is the number one reason for odour within buildings. Mold will release odour when it is in its blooming cycle, and bacteria emits odour as it is dying and decomposing. This is why when flood damaged

areas are exposed to moisture, they will often smell once again, and why the tile under urinals will stink following cleaning.

To avoid the growth of biofilms, surfaces must be scrubbed using scalding hot water, then dried. This eliminates sources of proteins for which they need to survive. However, this solution is impossible in the real world of rec centers and public facilities.

One of the key differences between a simply soiled surface and biofilm is the amount of energy and time that goes into removing them. A soiled surface is generally much like sweeping up dry leaves on a sidewalk. Biofilm is more like trying to remove wet, decomposing, caked-on slime off a sidewalk. You can imagine the difference in time and effort between both scenarios.

Microbe Defence, a company located in Edmonton, AB uses a technology called Aegis®

Microbe Shield to solve this problem. Aegis® is a long-chain polymer comprised of saline, nitrogen, oxygen

and carbon, and once applied will remain on the surface for one to three years on high touch surfaces, and the lifetime of textiles. This is a non-toxic, non-leaching, and a semi-permanent coating that acts like a bed of swords rupturing and destroying all microbes that come in contact with treated surfaces, rendering the surfaces inhospitable for any microbial contamination to adhere or colonize on surfaces, including mould, mildew, fungi as well as biofilm. Following treatment, facilities are able to stay cleaner without changing from ecofriendly cleaners, able to cut down the need for deep cleaning and aggressive techniques, as well as a significate odour control due to the reduction in microbes. Utilizing this technology has been proven to cut costs on supplies, decrease damage to assets being cleaned as well as encourage a healthier facility.

Questions? Please contact us for more information. R. Alex von HauffE: [email protected] T: 1-888-913-3150www.microbedefence.com A division of Strathcona Ventureswww.strathconaventures.com

R. Alex von Hauff


Mark Messer is the Chief Ice Maker for the Olympic Oval at the University of Calgary working at the PyeongChang Winter Olympics in Korea in 2018. He's had a long career as an icemaker at Olympic games around the world. Mark shared that for over 30 years, he's had the privilege of travelling the globe doing what he loves to do, and for that, he's truly grateful. As far as the number of Olympic games he's worked at goes, this is Messer's seventh.

“I've worked at the Olympic Oval in Calgary since 1987. I worked the Olympics in Calgary in 1988 then Lillehammer, Norway in 1994, Nagano, Japan for 1998, Salt Lake City in 2002 (I was recruited to work on the design with mechanical and train their ice makers) then Turin, Italy in 2006 and on to work the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics” Messer says.

Ice making is a far cry from Messer's original career as a Heavy-Duty mechanic. When the big construction crunch hit in the 80's, he was laid off. When the Saddledome opened in 1983, Messer got back to work. It was his first ice making exposure but it would not be his last. He spent the next four years learning the tricks of the ice making trade.

Over the years, Messer has seen his share of technology changes. “There's been lots of improvements in what we do in the industry. New ovals come online every year, at least 2 or 3, that have the newest equipment, so we have to do what we can to maintain our reputation within budget restraints. We compete with much newer buildings” he says.

As for going back and forth to Korea, he's been there 10 times already in the last 18 months. He likes to come on board a project of this size early to avoid mistakes and save money. “It's better to get involved in a project early, otherwise I'm fixing stuff. It's more fiscally efficient. Beijing, China is the next Olympic games I'd like to get involved with early” he states. When asked about what kind of challenges he's faced in ice making for the Olympics, Messer was clear: “The first challenge is to make sure a building has what it needs and the right guys to do the job. Every building is so different. What works in one building doesn't work in the next one, you have to vary your approach.”

Travelling the globe as part of his job has been a huge perk for him. “The travel is nice. It's amazing to see the world! It was never an expectation of mine that any of this would happen” Messer says.

His favourite place to have travelled to so far? “The Olympic Oval in Hamar, Norway which was built on the edge of a lake where Viking ship ruins were found. The oval looked like inverted Viking ship ruins which was really cool.”

Working with people from different cultures and travelling

overseas isn't always glamourous. It has its challenges too. “The most challenging oval to work with has been Turin, Italy. The first word I learned in Italian means 'domani': tomorrow. Always tomorrow. When is this going to be ready, I would ask? Tomorrow. Not till tomorrow. Not till Tuesday. When the games began, the oval wasn't ready. When the TV cameras rolled we didn't see the part that wasn't done” he states.

As for working in Korea, he says, “Korea is amazing! Of all the countries I've been to, it's the most like North America. People are willing to work, and so happy to have someone to work with. It's been a great experience to be there.” Messer says. Meaning "flat land" or "peaceful land", is the capital and largest city of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (commonly known as South Korea). In Mark Messer's case, it's true that a career in recreation has taken him literally everywhere.

His advice to people wanting to get into ice making at the Olympic level?

“Make sure to get your Power Engineering and refrigeration education. That's what will be needed in the future. Once you get into a position, take advantage of any employee sponsored education, whatever you can: water treatment, building maintenance, business management. Take advantage of the education opportunities your employer offers” he says. (Editor's note & shameless plug: RFP offers ongoing courses in arena operator and arena maintenance, as well as building maintenance. Check www.aarfp.com for a course near you.)

PyeongChang

IN T HE WO RKP LAC E

Calgary Ice Maker Looks Back on 30 YearOlympic-Sized Career

By Monica Culic, Communications Coordinator, RFP

continued...


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Calgary Ice Maker Looks Back on 30 Year Olympic-Sized Career (continued)

Training is the key to advancing your career, he says, whether in ice making, pool operation or arena maintenance. Messer knows too well the value of a good education. “My goal is to train my guys here. When I hire them, I tell them use me for all the training you need. If you're good, I don't want to lose you, but if you go somewhere else, you're an asset to someone else. You gotta be open to learning different things. You never know how it will help your career” he says. He says he's taking some of his guys from Calgary to work as arena operators at the 2018 Winter Olympics in Korea to get experience.

Looking back on a vibrant 30-year career, Messer explains what's kept him engaged all these years, “In my job, there's always something different. It's always been dynamic. You don't have a chance to get into a rut.”

His plans for the future? “Hopefully after Korea in 2018, the Winter Olympics will be back in Calgary for 2026” he says.

For more information about how to become an ice maker like Messer, check out RFP's courses at http://www.aarfp.com/cgi-bin/courses.cgi

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A sustainable society can be defined by three core elements: where the society is environmentally viable, economically healthy, and socially equitable. These three foundations ensure that when meeting the needs of the present, those of future generations are not compromised.

Sustainability presumes that resources are finite. It is important to always view the long-term priorities and consequences of resourceuse. Every company has an impact on the environment. Sustainability in the cleaning industry is a growing area of interest. Asa result many are engaging in active stewardship. Now more than ever it is clear that living sustainable lives is not just something we should do but something we must do to protect the environment.

There are many ways to support sustainability, one of them is to make wise purchasing decisions. When buying cleaning products when possible acquire environmentally friendly products. An example of this in the Tennant Company. They have come up with many innovations for a sustainable future, such as ec-H2O Nanoclean technology, saving money and reducing environmental impact by lessening the amount of chemical use needed. Reducing disposable waste is another important part of sustainable cleaning. The Polykar Company, make bags from 100% recycled resins. Also, Kruger Inc. manufactures publication papers, tissue, lumber and

other wood products such as corrugated cartons from recycled fibers using green and renewable energy.

In addition, there are also environmentally friendly cleaning chemicals. For example ECOLOGO® Certified, indicates that chemicals have passed a rigorous list of requirements for biodegradability, exclusion of known carcinogens, impact on air quality, and green packaging choices. In regards to green packaging choices, there is the new bag-in-a-box packaging, which consists of a plastic bag and a surrounding cardboard box. The exterior cardboardis made from 20% post-consumer waste and both box and interiorbag are 100% recyclable. The plastic bag is non-toxic and BPA free. The 97% reduction of total material that flexible packaging generates means that more product can be packaged with substantially less energy and shipping consumption than rigid packaging.

In conclusion, buying locally can also help to minimize your carbon footprint. The less distance materials must be shipped reduces the environmental impact. Additionally, when buying cleaning products, choose a local chemical supplier vs eastern Canada or the USA. In this way you will be supporting the local economy and lessening resource stressors. You will have the satisfaction of knowing that you are not only supporting the Alberta economy, but the environment as well.

A SK AN EXP ERT

SustainabilityBy John Greer

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It was late one evening and I had just finished the last flood of the night. I drove my ice resurfacer outside to dump the snow. All of a sudden there was a bright light and a small spaceship appeared. Dazed by the bright lights, I stood in awe. A little guy jumped out and proclaimed, “Greetings from the future!” He said his name was Garry Lolby and he was from the year 2050.

I couldn't believe it at first, but after seeing the technology on his ship, I was convinced. He said he worked in an arena in the future and was an instructor with the Alberta Global Recreation Facility Personnel (AGRFP). He said he came to see what arena operations were like in 2017. He asked me why we dump our snow outside and commented on the possible “bio-hazards” inherent in arena snow. He explained that in the future, dumping snow outside is prohibited as it contains mucous from spit, blood and other contaminants. “Kids will play in those snow piles and we do not want them to get sick, catching some sort of bacteria from the snow”. “Good idea!” I said and made plans to fence in our arena snow pile.

Garry then asked me for a tour of our arena. As we walked through the place, Garry could not believe the amount of garbage on the floor and in the stands. “How many months has it been since you cleaned your arena?” he asked me. “Months?!” I questioned in shock. It was spot cleaned, top to bottom, last night. “Why would you think it was months?” I asked.

“I can't believe the amount of garbage and mess!” said Garry. “The cleanest part of your facility is the insides of the garbage cans”, he stated. "Yes, isn't that sad?!” I sighed. Garry asked me if people complain about the mess. “That is the ironic part”, I said. “The groups that complain are the very same ones who don't throw their garbage in the cans.” Garry said “Let me get this right…the ones that dirty the place are the ones who complain?”

“Bingo!” I responded. “In the future, we take this very seriously”, said Garry. “We have officers who patrol our buildings and actually give out tickets. It is considered an insult to litter to both staff and patrons especially in your own facilities.” exclaimed Garry.

Garry then noticed a big bruise on my arm. “What happened?” he asked.

“I was shoveling the snow off the ice at the end of a flood and a player hit me with the puck”, I responded.

Garry shook his head in disbelief. “We have strict rules to deal with that problem”, he explained. “We have maglock doors from the bench area to the dressing rooms that can only be opened by the arena attendant. When the ice is ready, then and only then, are players allowed on the ice. Last year, one of our guys was hit with a puck, just like you were. The player who hit him was prosecuted

and found guilty of assault. The whole community looks up to the Arena workers and they take their safety seriously”.

Garry went on, “In the future, people value the different roles an Arena attendant has to play. We are maintenance workers, security guards, janitors and social workers all wrapped into one. It takes a special person to perform all these duties. They are much appreciated in the future.” Garry stated.

“Chris, thank you for the tour of your arena but it's time for me to return to 2050.” Garry said. “I'll get home just in time for dinner. There is a Swiss Chalet restaurant on every corner”.

“Paradise.” I responded with a smile and I thanked him for travelling to the past to share his wisdom with me.

As he was leaving, Garry then asked me about a group they had heard about in the future. “We've all heard the legend of the Past President's Committee”, he said. “We heard that they had more secrets than the Masons.”

“You heard right” I said. “and that's a story for your next visit, Garry.”


A Visit From the FutureMr. Chris McKenna, Arena Rep, RFP Board of Directors

www.ervparent.com


Join ARPA this fall from October 26-28 at the stunning Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. Registration for the 2017 ARPA Conference is now open!

Greetings to ARPA members and friends. We will be returning to the breathtaking setting of the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise for the 2017 ARPA Conference and Energize Workshop being held from October 26-28.

This year's conference theme is “Change, Challenge, Opportunity” and continues to build upon our strong connection to A Framework for Recreation in Canada 2015: Pathways to Well Being as well as the ongoing Parks for All movement. These are three powerful words we know quite well in Alberta. The past few years have been challenging times for many of our communities but being the mavericks we are in Alberta we are also looking to the future. The Conference will also be our main opportunity to celebrate Canada's sesquicentennial.

Our Organizing Committee, comprised of representatives from municipalities and organizations from across Alberta, has compiled the best in learning, information sharing and networking opportunities for conference participants to enjoy. We are excited to continue the Connecting through Research (CtR) component and the Municipal Recreation Engagement Strategy, which is a multi-year collaboration between ARPA and the Recreation and Physical Activity Division of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism.

Through grants provided by the Government of Alberta and the Calgary Foundation we are excited to celebrate indigenous culture through a series of sessions, workshops and even the inclusion of a round dance. These events will once again highlight the recreation, sport and parks focused action statements from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission report and what we can do in various capacities to take action and enhance the impact of recreation and parks to the quality of life of all Albertans.

Last year we welcomed over 500 delegates that included over 100 elected officials. We look forward to building on the momentum of the recreation sector in the Province and hope you can join us in October. This year we will once again welcome Lieutenant Governor Lois Mitchell to help celebrate and recognize excellence in the recreation and parks sector on the Saturday evening. We will also be inviting several Ministers and all MLAs to join us in Lake Louise.

On behalf of the ARPA Board of Directors and staff, I invite you to join us for three days of learning, networking and replenishment. See you in beautiful Lake Louise!

Susan Laurin ARPA President

2017 ARPA Conference &Energize Workshop

News From Our Partner: ARPA

www.omnisport.ca

www.aquam.com


Brooks Alberta Opens Doors To Change atJBS Canada Centre

By Russel Tanner, Manager, Recreation & Facility Services, City of Brooks, T: 403-362-0135, E: [email protected]


Every municipality's goal is to upgrade its facilities to the best possible quality at the least amount of impact to their taxpayers. While achievements in this regard are far and few between despite best efforts, one recent exception is the transformation of the formally known Lakeside Leisure Centre in Brooks, Alberta to the JBS Canada Centre.

(With more than 2,000 team members, JBS Food Canada is one of the largest employers in southern Alberta and one of Canada's largest beef processors.)1

Not only did a $20.6 million budget allow a city with a population of only 14,451 to expand an existing facility of 120,000 square feet to close to 200,000 square feet and an additional 30,000 square feet of interior renovations, but it was accomplished under budget. The combined efforts of City of Brooks staff, Sahuri + Partners Architecture Inc. and Chandos Construction Ltd. resulted in an unexpected surplus of funds that went towards add-ons.

This concept for what took place dates back to 2010 with a master plan that identified numerous community needs, including more space for sport. Sahuri, whom we'd retained to build the EID Aquatic Centre in the early 2000s, took an existing layout we were happy with and improved upon it. When Chandos factored in the top cost of equipment in their budget and then came up with more affordable options, we experienced a wonderful outcome.

The updated Leisure Centre is a facility that could easily serve a major urban city: Sahuri's earlier renovation of the aquatic centre with its 25-metre competition pool, wave pool, and waterslide is now augmented by a 16,000-square foot library and a pre-engineered field house. Fieldhouse sports consist formally of soccer and lacrosse or it can be reconverted into three full size basketball courts and/or volleyball courts. The same space can and will be used for concerts, proms, tradeshows and other community events.

Also new to the JBS Canada Centre is a daycare, an expanded fitness centre, indoor play structure, a flex hall, meeting rooms and many other amenities, including a renovated lounge and the transformation of an old kitchen into the hub of a new dining venue, Terry's Restaurant. The entire complex is a full city block in size.

The project was completed in phases with careful scheduling because the leisure centre had to remain open to the public. We coordinated wherever we could with scheduled shutdowns of the existing facility components: for example, when the pool was closed for maintenance we performed the power upgrade, and when roof repairs to the flex hall were undertaken, we worked on the locker room floors at the same time.

Towards the end of construction, the City of Brooks realized there was enough of a surplus to perform several more improvements. That's when we undertook the cantilever viewing area for the field house and built a new gym roof because portions of the old one had been exposed to rot. The surplus will also pay for removable turf that we have proposed for the field house.

As many already know, Brooks is a very diverse community. Visitors and community members will be able to enjoy the variety of activities offered by the new JBS Canada Centre.

The project went so smoothly because everyone involved was on the same page: from city council, city administrators and the public, to the general contractors and their smallest sub trades. We all worked together for the best interest of the community and that's the ingredient that makes for a great outcome.

1Taken from: http://jbssa.com/our-business/canada/, July 18, 2017.


The Lifesaving Society has recently received the Canadian Drowning Report – 2017 Edition and the Alberta Drowning Report – 2017 Edition which are prepared for the Lifesaving Society Canada by the Drowning Prevention Research Centre Canada. Based on data collected from the Office of the Chief Coroner in the Northwest Territories, the Lifesaving Society Alberta and Northwest Territories Branch created the Northwest Territories Drowning Report – 2017 Edition, as well as two Infographics related to the Alberta and Northwest Territories Drowning Reports.

Current drowning reports and infographics can be viewed on the Lifesaving Society's website www.lifesaving.org under Public Education and Drowning Reports.

The Canadian Drowning Report – 2017 Edition was released just prior to National Drowning Prevention Week (July 16-22, 2017) to focus community and media attention on the drowning problem and drowning prevention.

The major risk factors contributing to why water-related fatalities occurred in Canada remain consistent with those the Lifesaving Society has identified in the past and include not wearing a lifejacket or PFD, alcohol consumption and absence of active adult supervision for children and youth.

The main messages below were selected because of the major risk factors presented in the Canadian Drowning Report - 2017 Edition.

If you're not within arms' reach, you've gone too far. Always actively supervise children. Never leave infants or children alone in, or around water.

•

•

•

•

••

•

•

“Canada's Drowning Prevention Charity”

Never swim alone. Always swim with a buddy. 28% of drowning deaths happened when swimming alone.Don't boat alone. Boating alone was a major risk factor in almost 30% of boating-related fatalities.Boat sober. Alcohol consumption is a factor in almost 40% of boating-related fatalities.Choose It. Use It. Always wear a Lifejacket or PFD.Lifejackets don't work if you don't wear them. Not wearing a Lifejacket or PFD was a factor in 82% of boating deaths.Learn to Swim to Survive®. Swimming is a life skill every child and adult should learn. Learning the essential skills to survive an unexpected fall into deep water is a means to immunize against drowning.Approximately 500 Canadians die in preventable water-related incidents annually. Even one drowning is one too many.

For more information contact the Lifesaving Society at [email protected] or phone (780) 415-1755.

The Lifesaving Society is Canada's lifeguarding expert. The Society is a national, charitable organization with a humanitarian mandate to prevent drowning and water-related injury through its training programs, Water Smart® public education, drowning research, safety management services and lifesaving sport.

F RO M O UR PART NER

By Mandy Fisher, Manager, Development & Operations – Lifesaving Society Alberta and Northwest Territories Branch

2017 Drowning Reports

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On a par 72 course, the winning team was from the City of Calgary's Stew Hendry Henry Viney arena with a score of 62.

The ladies longest putt award went to the City of Lacombe's Sandi Stewart. The men's longest putt had no official recorded winner. Ed Peacock from the Town of Olds was the winner drawn randomly to take home the prize. The men's longest drive was Sheldon Kingcott from McKenzie Towne Council. The ladies longest drive award went to Annette Boomer, also from the Town of Olds.

Huge thanks to sponsors: Gold: White Ice, Omni Sport; Silver: Playworks & ParkWorks, W.E. Greer; Bronze: Western Gym & Recreation Supplies as well as

RFP's 6th Annual Skip Hayden Memorial Golf TournamentHeld at the Olds Central Highlands Golf Friday Aug. 25th

prize sponsors McKenzie Towne, Town of Innisfail, Town of Lacombe, MultiGas/RelTech, Les Turner at Cardel Rec, Eliza May Day Spa in Cochrane, Erv Parent, and CIMCO.

The ALS Society of Alberta has become the charity of choice and its spokesperson, Lisa Copeland joined in the festivities to speak briefly about ALS – the disease that Skip succumbed to. A 50/50 draw saw ALS Society and Mr. Ajid Williams from the Playworks team take home $160 each.

A good day of golf followed by great prizes and a steak dinner meant a truly good time was had by all! We hope to see your team next year!

www.accousticsolutions.com

www.industrialmachine.ca

www.tabex.com

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The Official Voice for the Alberta Association of Recreation ...Cheryl Wauthier, Vecova Recreation Centre E: [email protected] 403.267.1233 GOVERNMENT REP Roger Kramers, Government

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