District B News & Update on November Board Meeting

Well it's been a very busy month. As a volunteer at the EFCL, it seems there are limitless opportunities to serve on committees and work on community issues.

Regular General Meeting
The EFCL held its Regular General Meeting on October 23 at Britannia Youngstown Community League. You can still download the meeting package here. The membership did decide to have a third meeting each year so the EFCL can pass its budget in a timely fashion. If you have any questions about the meeting please let me know.

District B News

In district news we were very sad to learn of the passing of Margaret Day's husband Les Day. He passed away at age 80 after a short fight it cancer. Margaret Day has been an active community league president and volunteer in Londonderry for decades and we offer our sincere condolences to Marg at this most difficult time.

Welcome to Troy Kalita, the new president of McLeod Community League and it sounds like Lago Lindo is getting a new president as well with news of Ralph Guido leaving the position as president. And after getting funding contributions from Area 17 and the City of Edmonton Steele Heights is still waiting for crucial funding from the province to resurrect their hall.

Committee Work

Edmonton Minor Hockey Association Strategic Planning

I am representing the EFCL in the EMHA strategic planning process which we view as a good opportunity to attempt keep community connections going in hockey in Edmonton. The EMHA is challenging itself to look to the future and improve on one of the most successful hockey programs anywhere. Community Leagues still have 120 rinks in the Edmonton area and community leagues still offer a tremendous opportunity for kids to skate and try hockey. We'll let you know how this goes. By the way the EFCL suggested to the hockey folks that they opening game of Minor Hockey week be played on an outdoor rink - we're not sure it will happen, but what a neat thing this would be for hockey to return to its outdoor roots on this historic year.

Renewable Energy Task Force Redux

Seven community leagues
are participating in the
EFCL's solar and energy
conservation program.
Photo David Dodge

I represented the EFCL on Edmonton's Renewable Energy Task force that wound up its work with a report earlier this year. It was the work of the task force that inspired the EFCL Solar and Energy Conservation program now underway at seven leagues in Edmonton. Part of the task force has been reassembled to provide reaction to the consultants who are now preparing a draft renewable energy program for the City. As you may recall about 18 community leagues applied for the solar and energy conservation program that had only seven spots. Hmmm.

Edmonton Journal Community Advisory Committee

I also serve on the Journal's community advisory committee. The paper is looking for ways to connect with community and a business model that works in the age of the internet. The Journal wants to interact more effectively with community, involve the community more in the news process and collect feedback to the Journal on new ideas they are working on. The Journal tried to connect with readers by encouraging them to contribute ideas and content to the Bridge - it didn't work. We'll see where this goes.

Communities in Bloom

On October 10 I joined Mark Stumpf-Allen of Alberta Avenue and Stephane Labonne of the City of Edmonton in making a presentation on community leagues to the National Symposium & Awards Ceremonies held in Edmonton.

EFCL November Board Meeting Update

Download the EFCL November Board Package (section #s refer to the board package) 
Each month in the board package you will find our reports, all of the recommendations to the board and a full record of all decisions made at the EFCL. You can also find copies of letters we send and summaries of recommendations coming to the board from the planning committee. Don't forget our elected District B Representative on the Planning Committee is Ron Favell from Killarney Community League. You can reach him at 780-456-4706

Here I am with
EFCL Allan Bolstad,
executive director
at Leagues Alive.
Photo Rob Agostinis

With Councillor Kim Krushell and
EFCL VP David Gibbens.
Photo Rob Agostinis

Russ Dahm of the Chamber of
Voluntary Organizations at
EFCL's Leagues Alive with
me, David Dodge.
Photo Rob Agostinis

3.1 Leagues Alive Conference

The Leagues Alive conference seems to have been a big hit with community leagues with good attendance at most of the sessions and some very good suggestions for improving the sessions for next year. The lunch with City council was popular with leagues and councillors alike. It seems trade show attendance is down however, so we will be evaluating that component of our fall event. If you have any feedback please send your thoughts to us now.

5.1 Living Local Arts and Heritage Program

The board appointed Maureen Esch as the EFCL jury representative for the Living Local Arts and Heritage program this year. The Deadline is December 1 for grants up to $20,000 to  undertake arts or heritage projects in your community. The community must raise 1/3 of the cash to get the grants.

5.3 Name the District - Time to get creative

Let's face it "District B" is just not a great handle for our district name and it tells you nothing at all about where we are located or what makes our area unique. To this end the EFCL is asking the districts to recommend names for the districts before the new year to help people recognize our districts. We will retain the letter "B" in our district name, but we are looking for some description, creative ideas for the name of our district. Please send your ideas to me ASAP: president@efcl.org
How about the North Central Lake District, or possibly a historical reference?

5.4 Dates for next two general meetings

Mark your calendars the EFCL has set the dates for its next two general meetings: January 30, 2013 for  the first of our new year's meetings and May 29, 2013 for our AGM.

5.5 Four leagues sign up for Rink Roof Pilot Projects

Four leagues stepped forward indicating they wanted to participate in the Rink Cover pilot project. Belvedere, Eermineskin, Jasper Park and Grandview Heights all came forward before the deadline and qualified for a small amount of seed funding from the EFCL. If their project goes ahead each league qualify for $20,000 from the EFCL. If a project does not go ahead the funds will be split amoung the leagues that actually go through with their projects. There are a lot of details to work through to make this work for the league, the community and the city, but we are hopeful that this may be a way to provide a very useful year-round facility that is still community league scale.

5.6 Civic Engagement Practices

The EFCL is asking the Mayor and the City Manager for a meeting, or a series of meetings to discuss new ways of interacting on civic issues. The EFCL is very proud of our efforts in recent years to up our game in terms of representing leagues on city-wide issues through the work of the EFCL Planning Committee and numerous other committees, but we are constantly stretched in terms of our capacity to respond to requests for input and even worse sometimes we are not afforded the time for due process properly consider issues and get feedback from our leagues. A pile-up of issues in recent weeks has meant leagues are frustrated, some city councillors are frustrated and the EFCL is frustrated. So we intend to seek out some creative solutions to increase the opportunities and the quality of our input on issues.

5.7 Cell Tower issues

The EFCL Planning Committee has developed some principles for consideration by the City for siting cell phone and other towers in the city. This is definitely tricky since the cell towers in particular are regulated by the federal government, but with increasing numbers of towers going up to serve ever increasing demand for remote digital communications the principles call for good process, adequate notice and a consistent application of city policies in such matters.

8.6 League Attendance at EFCL General Meetings

This board package contains graphs and an analysis of which members have been attending general meetings at the EFCL. The good news is that attendance is definitely growing at EFCL general meetings. Our district has one community league that have attended 10 out of the last 10 EFCL general meetings: Evansdale, okay, okay that's my league. In addition Rosslyn has attended 8 of 10 and Killarney has attended 7 of 10 meetings. The general meetings are held three times a year and it's your change to have a voice in the policies of the EFCL. Remember the league can send any representative to these meetings, it does not have to be the president. 

8.7 Community Development Officer's Report

Community Swims

Of interest to folks in Area 17 and Area 2, our community consultation is set for January 23, 2013 at 7:30 p.m. The City has agreed to provide a venue for the meeting but have not identified one yet.

The City is proposing a new structure for community swim contracts. As proposed, communities will no longer be required to sign a rental contract. Rather, communities will be asked to acknowledge their inter- est in being involved in the community swim program in their local pool. The Department will calculate the program fee based on the enrolment seasonally and leagues or area councils will be billed monthly. Communities will remain enrolled, for both the winter and summer seasons, until they notify the Department (Facility Booking Unit) of their intent to withdraw.

8.8 Planning Advisor's Report

1. Low Density Zones & Mature Neighbourhood Overlay

Leagues were very interested in changes here. About 20 leagues wrote the City about changes. 

Council will hear from the public on January 28, 2012 at Executive Committee of City Council. City Administration is organizing an Open House at City Hall, Nov 20th, 4 pm – 7:30 pm. Community Leagues wanted workshops, but that can't happen until after January 28, so the EFCL is organizing a workshop before the January 28 executive meeting.

3. Vacant School Sites

The Oct 15, 2012 Public Hearing resulted in all 8 sites being approved by Council for Seniors Housing, but not without several amendments to the motions recommended by Administration. EFCL members provided significant input. (please see the report in the board package for details)

10.2 EFCL Letter on Food and Agricutlure Strategy

This item is actually from last month. With almost no time to gather additional feedback or to share this city strategy with community leagues the EFCL commented on the Food and Agricultures strategy that went to report and before council at hyper speed. EFCL Past President David Gibbens served on the committee and had some deep reservations about the report of the committee, but we had no time to consult with our members. The EFCL indicates that this is "a forward-looking step" in our letter to City Council, but we recommended against accepting the policy at this time. This incensed one council member. It also prompted one of our members to write an email that provided a different take on the reports recommendations. Council passed the strategy.
You can read our letter in the November EFCL Board Package on page 38.
Here is an email I received from Lisa Jimmo after the board meeting from the President of Horse Hills Community League. It offers a slightly different assessment of the strategy:

Hi David,  

I was reading your current blog and feel that I must comment on the entry regarding the City-Wide Food & Agriculture Strategy.  As you are likely aware, I am also a member of the Advisory Group with David Gibbens.  In my view, this is a high level strategy document and provides a good framework for the future Food Council to develop detailed projects to implement that will bring about cultural change concerning local food within the City.  It is not an implementation plan but a starting point.
I do not believe that more time will add to the end product.  I may not agree with every word of the document but I attended all meetings and provided my input.  It is a reasonable and sensible compromise between a lot of differing viewpoints and I do support the final strategy.  Council gave over two years to bring back a product and that is a reasonable expectation in my view.

I feel that the EFCL should be looking at this strategy and saying "this is where we see the EFCL & the member community leagues contributing"  instead of saying that you need to be told where you fit in.

Preservation of agricultural land is an agreed upon objective - so that is a commitment.   How much land needs to be saved has to be done in concert with the Area Structure Plans.  You need to see the whole picture and not pre-judge the ASP's.  Because of this focus on saving agricultural land, anything good in the CWFAS is being lost.  

Saving agricultural land within the Urban Growth Areas is a nice to have; it is not key or foundational in my view.  It is only a part of the overall view.  Agribusiness in the form of greenhouse production needs to be developed as well as encouraging individuals to use what is in their backyards and neighborhoods. Encouraging more institutional use of local ingredients needs to happen.  There are more opportunities for creative land use than preserving large tracts of land.  The Edmonton Energy & Technology Park holds a large amount of "good dirt"  & its use is never discussed.  I support the farmers who want to retain the land they own for farming.  I also support the farmers in our area who feel that there is "good dirt" other places and want to move on.  

Make no mistake, however, this strategy does not address the needs of the vulnerable and disadvantaged - that needs to be done.  This is a strategy for those who are better off.
Lisa Jimmo
President
Horse Hill Community League

There are certainly divergent opinions on this issue as reported in the Edmonton Journal.
As we indicated in our letter the idea of community gardens, farmers markets, food hubs are all encouraging suggestions. It's when you get to the issue of protecting farmland that the going gets really tough. At the EFCL we strive to have excellent processes and to engage our members. It is far better to have the time and capacity to hear from our members in matters so important. Hopefully by communicating more with council and administration we can find even better ways of engaging our citizens in meaningful dialogue on important issues.

That's it for this month. If you have any comments please contact me anytime at president@efcl.org

Cheers,
David Dodge
President, and District B Representative
Edmonton Federation of Community Leagues (EFCL)

October EFCL Board Meeting Highlights - RGM

Hi everyone, you can download the board package from the October 11 board meeting and here some hightlights from the meeting. 

Notes From The October Board Meeting

1. Registrations Rolling in For “Leagues Alive” Don't Miss It!

Fifty six community league executive members have now registered for the “League’s Alive” Conference and Trade Show,
which will run from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, November 3 at the Mayfield Inn. So far, the four most popular sessions
are Use of Gaming Proceeds, Bylaws and Policy Development, Event Planning and Role of the President.

In addition, nine members of city council have confirmed their attendance for lunch with the councillors session at 11:30 a.m.
in the trade show ballroom. Registrants will be able to sit at an individual table with any of the following councillors
- Linda Sloan, Kim Krushell, Dave Loken, Tony Caterina, Ben Henderson, Jane Batty, Amarjeet Sohi, Kerry Diotte and Ed Gibbons.

Admission to the conference and trade show, including lunch, is free to all community league executive members. However,
delegates need to register to reserve a seat in any of the sessions, as well as for lunch. It should also be noted that there are no child
care services on site.

2. $60,000 Available To The First Rink Cover Applicants - Act Soon!

In an attempt to encourage one or two demonstration projects, the EFCL is making $60,000 available to the first leagues that decide
to build a cover over their outdoor rink.

Leagues are reminded that there is also federal matching grants of $250,000 available for such a project. The deadline for applying
is November 19. Information on rink cover suppliers is available through the federation office.

3. Living Local Arts and Heritage Grants Available

Leagues are reminded that the EFCL, Edmonton Arts Council and Edmonton Heritage Council are once again sponsoring the Living
Local Arts and Heritage Program. Up to $20,000 is available to any league that wants to engage a local artist or artists to do a project
or performance that recognizes the historical character of their area.

Leagues are responsible for providing 1/3 of the total funding and must provide a letter of endorsement. Applications are available
through the EFCL website (www.efcl.org) by clicking on “Activities” and then “Arts and Heritage Grant.”

4. Leagues Reminded About Fall General Meeting - Oct 23 RSVP now!

Each league is encouraged to send a representative to the fall general meeting of the EFCL, which is set for 6:30 p.m. at Britannia/Youngstown
Community League (15927-105 Avenue). Updates will provided on all of the federation’s programs, elections will be held for board and
committee members and leagues will be asked to consider the addition of a third general meeting, to consider the federation’s budget and
annual program plans, in January or February of each year. Delegates are encouraged to register so we know how much food to order for dinner,
which is set for 5:30 p.m., as well as the number of agendas and reports we need to print.

5. Food And Agricultural Strategy Needs More Meat On The Bones

The EFCL has decided to ask the city to do more work on the Food and Agricultural Strategy before adopting the draft document as city policy.
While liking many of the ideas presented in the policy, such as the promotion of food hubs, farmer’s markets and community gardens, the EFCL
couldn’t determine from the document who was going to undertake any of the projects, how they would do them or where they would get the
resources. The EFCL also didn’t see any commitment to protecting any of the city’s prime agricultural land, which is a key ingredient to providing
locally-grown food.

Without additional direction the federation is concerned that the draft policy won’t accomplish much of anything.

6. EFCL To Register Concerns About Changes To Mature Neighborhoods

The EFCL is not sold on the idea of allowing more front garages and driveways on properties in mature neighborhoods, or the concept of allowing
some properties to sit very close to the street and others quite far back. Hence, it is going to ask the city to scale back on its plans to change the rules
for development in mature parts of the city.

7. Realtors Pitch Fancy New Edmonton Website

The Realtors Association of Edmonton and Area – which is one of the key sponsors of the EFCL – is putting together a $2 million website which will
contain a host of information about the community along with homes that are for sale.

The EFCL has been asked to provide information for the “YEG is Home” website and encourage its leagues to do the same. It has also been asked to
contribute financially to the project.

The federation is quite intrigued by the possibilities presented by this communication tool and will use the next few weeks to flesh out the role it can play.

8. Planning Continues on 100th Anniversary Project

The EFCL is continuing to refine its plans for the upgrade of Hawrelak Park. The biggest decision that needs to be made is the possible inclusion of a
water play feature next to the playground. This will hinge on the recommendations of a consultant the city has just hired, who will review the pros and
cons of including a water play feature as part of the federation’s project, next to the playground, or putting it north of the main pavilion, near the northeast
corner of the lake, where the city will be responsible for the design, development and financing. The consultant will be meeting with relevant stakeholders,
including the EFCL, and welcoming public input over the next few months.

In the meantime, the EFCL will continue to flesh out plans for the Community League Plaza and Stream Upgrade.

9. Conflict Resolution Session Set

In order to help leagues deal with difficult situations, the EFCL is offering “Tips and Tools for Having a Difficult Conversation” at the EFCL office at
6:00 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 18. The workshop is being presented by staff from the Mediation and Restorative Justice Centre.

10.Federation Pleased With Traffic Calming Measures

The EFCL was pleased to see the city approve a set of traffic calming measures to reduce speeding on residential streets. The city will now prepare a
set of custom-designed plans, featuring traffic islands, extended curbs, raised intersections and road medians for neighborhoods experiencing significant
speeding issues.

Neighborhoods are also welcome to apply for a 40 km./hr speed limit on their residential streets. The initiative must be endorsed by the community league
and two thirds of the area residents before it will be considered by the city.

11. Meeting Set with City Council

Eleven members of Edmonton City Council have confirmed their attendance for the annual meeting with the board of the EFCL, which is set for Monday,
October 29. The EFCL will update council on various federation initiatives and seek input from council on future directions.

12. Representing the EFCL on Hockey, Edmonton Journal and Edmonton's Renewable Energy commitees

I have volunteered to represent the federation on three task forces or committees. The first is a visioning task force set up by the Edmonton Minor Hockey Association, which is looking for ways to increase participation and engage the community in the provision of hockey programs.
The second is Edmonton Journal’s Community Advisory Board and the third is the city’ renewable energy task force, which helped spawn the federation’s solar
and energy conservation program.

If you have any questions or comments please call or write anytime. Thanks to Allan for these notes.

David Dodge
President and District B Representative
Edmonton Federation of Community Leagues (EFCL)

Board Orientation Strategies Workshop - Don't Miss It!

Hey District B Community Leagues - get some orientation and inspiration for your board members - check out our upcoming workshop! Get Your Board Into Gear  A well planned orientation is a great way to give new board members a positive direction: New Board members need to feel like they’re an integral part of the Board as soon as possible.  If they don’t feel comfortable voicing their opinions, you’re all losing valuable input!   Information is what will help everybody feel at ease. Board orientation is a process to thoughtfully provide Board members with the precise information they need regarding their role in the organization. Getting Board members comfortable with Board responsibilities and participating in meetings is a key objective.  Not only do the new directors start contributing right away during the meetings, they also develop a good working relationship with the veteran Board members. Attend the Board Orientation Workshop on September 27, 2012,  6-9PM EFCL Offices, 7103 – 105 Street  RSVP Andrea.Sage@efcl.org

Community League Day 2012 Photos

What a day!
More than 90 community leagues across Edmonton held Community League Day events that involved everything from dunk tanks to volunteer rink rehabilitation work bees. I managed to get to Belvedere, Rosslyn, Lago Lindo and Kilkenny community leagues, all from EFCL district B. Delwood and Evansdale held their events the week before. What an amazing job by our city's community leagues. Belvedere pulled out all stops and hosted a carnival like event that started at 10 am and finished at 10 pm on Saturday. Participants seem to particularly enjoy dropping Belvedere president Mike Kleparchuk in the dunk tank. But Councillor Tony Caterina and Const. Sylvia Kozina also took their turns getting dunked.
Here are some photos from Rosslyn, Lago Lindo, Kilkenny and Belvedere community leagues:



These photos are posted as a slide show at the EFCL's Flickr site, you can download full resolution images of your league's events there.

Also check out the Edmonton Journal blog on Community League Day, the Edmonton Sun photos and check back with the EFCL website for more photos! Also see the Journal story on Newton Community League.

EFCL Sep. 2012 Board Meeting Highlights

Hi Everyone, I hope you are out enjoying Community League Day 2012. Check out the EFCL Community League Day Map to find an event in your community. 

Download the Sep. 2012 EFCL Board Package

September Board Meeting Notes

1. Thirty Five Leagues Land A CLIP Grant

The EFCL was pleased to see so many leagues take advantage of the city’s Community League Infrastructure Program (CLIP) in 2012, its first full year of operation. Altogether, 35 leagues received a grant, for projects big and small. Under an agreement with the EFCL, the city has agreed to provide $3 million in annual funding to help leagues build new facilities and repair existing ones. The deadline for 2013 applications is March 4. The city is also holding two workshops to help leagues understand the program. They are set for 7:00 p.m., Monday and Wednesday, Oct. 22 and 24, at the Central Lions Seniors Centre (111 Ave. – 113 St). 

2. Federal Infrastructure Grant Deadline Looming (Get a rink roof-see item 6 below)

Leagues are reminded that the deadline for applying for federal infrastructure funding is Nov. 19. The EFCL has been lead to believe that this program will not be extended. As much as $250,000 in matching money is available to repair, renovate and enhance league facilities. Details on project eligibility and application forms are available at www.wd-deo.gc.ca.

3. Third General Meeting Recommended

The EFCL will be bringing a recommendation to the general membership at the fall RGM that we hold a general meeting early in the new year to review the federation’s budget and annual work plan. This will mean that we will have three general meetings from now on. The fall regular general meeting is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. (5:30 p.m. dinner), Tuesday, Oct. 23 at Britannia Youngstown Community League (15927-105 Avenue). This is our solution to the budget approval challenge we faced. We promise to make this meeting more interactive and more fun!

4. Leagues Invited to Take Part in 50th Anniversary of Minor Hockey Week

Edmonton Minor Hockey has asked its partners to join with it in celebrating the 50th Anniversary of Minor Hockey Week, which is set for January 11-22. Discussions are focusing on one or more legacy projects to which proceeds from the tournament could be used. The EFCL has also decided to ask Edmonton Minor Hockey to hold the opening game of the tournament on an outdoor community league rink. It will also be encouraging leagues to hold informal shinny tournaments during minor hockey week so that all children, including those not involved in organized hockey, can enjoy the week.

5. Registrations Now Open For “Leagues Alive”

The EFCL is now taking registrations for “Leagues Alive”, the conference and trade show it is hosting at the Mayfield Inn on Saturday, Nov. 3.

This will be an excellent opportunity for league executive members to talk with suppliers, attend some interesting workshops and network with volunteers from other leagues in Edmonton. Members of Edmonton city council will be on hand to share lunch with our volunteers.

Admission is free but delegates need to register for the conference sessions to ensure a spot.

6. Rink Roof Workshop Set

The EFCL is holding another workshop for leagues interested in covering, or partially covering their outdoor rink. At least two new suppliers will be in attendance. The session is set for 7:00 p.m., Tuesday, Sept. 25 at the EFCL office (7103-105 Street). Rink roofs are one of the projects that are eligible for federal infrastructure funding, in a program that ends Nov. 19.

7. Snow Busters Program Back in Action

The EFCL is pleased to report that the Snow Busters Program offered by the Seniors Association of Greater Edmonton (SAGE) is back on track.

The program asks interested community leagues to identify a primary contact person or “Snow Buster Leader”, who will be responsible for identifying people who are willing to shovel snow for seniors in the community. SAGE will provide the leader with the names of seniors who have paid for the service. The rates range from $70 – $100 per month for the service, depending on the size of the job.

SAGE will retain 10% from each customer’s monthly payment to cover administrative costs, with the remainder going to the community league. The league can decide whether or not to pay the snow shovellers or use the money as a fundraising scheme.

SAGE attempted to introduce this program last year, however the agreement was very demanding of both the leagues and the snow shovellers. The latest agreement calls for the snow shoveller to use their “best effort” to clear the walk and the league will no longer assume any liability for accidents.

8. EFCL Looks To Improve League Engagement

The federation is applying to the city for some funds to help it engage its member leagues and in turn, help leagues engage their members on the many civic issues we attempt to deal with each year. Whether is it is traffic safety, social housing, crime prevention, land use planning, or recreation programming, both the federation and its leagues are continually trying to get proper feedback from their members on a regular basis. The EFCL is exploring the idea of holding more workshops, using professional polling techniques and making better use of its district and area council meetings to get additional feedback. Council will consider the request this fall as part of its 2013 budget.

9. Help For Aboriginal and Refugee Children

The EFCL is also looking for some financial support from the city to set up a program to cover the sports registration costs of aboriginal and refugee status children. The EFCL realizes that they are many children in low income who need assistance, but has decided to target these two groups as part of its cultural inclusion exercise. The federation believes that many of these children are not coming to the leagues or minor sports organizations in part because their families know that they cannot afford to pay.

10.EFCL Teams Up with Catholic Social Services

The federation has decided to team up with Catholic Social Services (CSS) to manage the next stage of its cultural inclusion exercise. The focus will be to work with individual leagues to identify the cultural background of people living in or near the community, that are not involved with the league and then develop a strategy to engage these people. The EFCL and CSS have jointly submitted a grant application to Immigration Canada to hire two cultural outreach workers to help with this exercise.

11. Community League Art Inventory

The Edmonton Arts Council has graciously offered to give leagues some advice on how to preserve and/or restore any artwork they may have on their grounds, or on or in their buildings. The Arts Council would also like leagues to let them know what they have in the way of art, so they can create an inventory of public art. Leagues can contact the council at 424-2787.

12.Vacant School Site Review

The EFCL is closely monitoring the redevelopment of vacant school sites into various forms of housing, including eight sites that are currently slated for seniors housing projects. It is also supporting the request of a number of leagues to be given access to reports that assess the need for parkland in their community, as well as any cost-benefit studies that were done to determine if the former school site is the best location in the park for a housing development.

Thanks to Allan Bolstad for the update. If you have any questions, comments or input into any of these items please get in touch anytime.

David Dodge

President and District B Rep. EFCL

Tricycle Race at Community League Day launch 2012

The launch for Community League Day 2012 came in the form of the Tour de Edmonton, a Tricycle Race for young and old at Churchill Square on Wednesday, September 15. Here are a few photos from the launch courtesy of Dr. Rob Agostinis. 

Cheers,
David Dodge
EFCL President and District B rep.

EFCL Community League Day Map

Hello EFCL District B,

Click to see the EFCL Community League Day map of events.

Here is a list of District B Community League Day events. I know Evansdale held their event last week and that Steele Heights had a late summer event. If you are holding an event not on this list please reply and let me and Val know. We will add it to the map at the EFCL site. 

Here are links to pdf documents of events sorted by district  and  events sorted by region of the city

DISTRICT B

Belvedere Fall Festival

Mixed Slowpitch tournament, Beer Gardens with Entertainment, BBQ & Concession, Best Homemade Pie in Town Contest, Car Show, Dunk Tank, Petting Zoo, Kids games, entertainment, & prizes.  Come and visit with your neighbours!!  10–10 pm, 13223 - 62 St

13223 - 62 Street

Lisa, info@belvederecl.com, 780-476-1224 

http://www.belvederecl.com/

Delwood Fall Festival

Sep 8 - Wrestlers,Hypnotist,Car Show,Beer Gardens,Teen DJ Dance,Bike Parade,Dunk Tank,Longest Golf Drive,Jumpy Things,Face Painting,Petting Zoo,Concessions, Fireworks, REMAX Hot Air Balloon Rides,Raffles,Bingo,Food Bank donation & more 10-10pm

7515 Delwood Road

http://www.delwood.ca/

Lago Lindo 2nd Annual Fall Festival

Jumpy things, games, corn on the cob, hot dogs, beverages and much more! 12-3pm

17123 95 Street

Alissa Tremblay, lagolindosocial@hotmail.com 

http://www.lagolindo.ca/

Rosslyn Community League Day

BBQ 12-2pm, Garage Sale 10-2pm, Fun & Games! Swim passes with membership purchase.

11015 - 134 Avenue

dcsydor@telus.net to reserve a $10 table.

The media event to launch Community League Day is Wednesday at noon at Churchill Square. I hope to see many of you on Community League Day - good luck with your events!

David

Leagues Alive 2012 Conference and Trade Show

The EFCL is pleased to announce that our 3rd trade show, entitled "Leagues Alive 2012 Conference and Trade Show" will feature a series of workshops specially designed for community leagues.

This year’s Trade Show will be taking on an exciting twist with a whole new slate of educational programming which will offer something of interest for everyone on Community League Boards.  To date, confirmed workshops will include education regarding:

Board Governance Basics     Role of the President Consensus Building

Connecting with your Community Volunteer Engagement; and Recruitment      Community Gardening

Crime Prevention Developing Policy Bylaw Review

SAVE THE DATE:
November 3, 2012  at the Mayfield Inn
16615 109 Avenue,     Saturday, 8:30 to 4:30 

Watch the EFCL website for more details as the date approaches.

David Dodge

EFCL President and District B Rep.

Seven Community Leagues selected for EFCL Solar and Energy Conservation Program

Draw held today for leagues involved in solar program

Today the  Edmonton Federation of Community Leagues (EFCL) selected the seven lucky community leagues who will get to participate in a new and innovative Solar and Energy Conservation Program.

The successful leagues are: Rossdale, Riverdale, West Jasper Sherwood, Ritchie, Alberta Avenue, North Glenora and Meadowlark.

Warren Saurer of the Solar Energy Society
being interviewed by CTV at the launch
of the EFCL Solar and Energy Conservation
Program in June. Photo David Dodge

Each of 15 community leagues filled out an application and submitted a cheque for $6000 to qualify to get in the draw for the program. Successful leagues get package that includes a small 1.2 kW solar system, a comprehensive energy and carbon audit and an LED monitor system to report energy production and to program community league programs inside the hall.

The EFCL was only able to raise enough money for seven leagues to participate in the program so a draw had to be held to select the qualifying leagues. 

Being president of the Edmonton Federation of Community Leagues didn't matter today in this random draw since my own community league (Evansdale) was not successful in the draw to participate. Neither was McLeod, also from District B of the EFCL, the district I represent.

To summarize we had enough money (from our own funds, a $30,000 grant from the City and from leagues themselves) to involve seven community leagues in our Community League Solar and Energy Conservation Program.


Video of the draw held at the EFCL offices: July 4, 2012

The program was discussed over the last year or so, but it was just officially announced about one month ago and 15 leagues sent cheques for $6000 (ore more) to the EFCL to qualify for the draw that happened today. That is very rapid turn-around for leagues to not only display interest in a program but commit their hard-earned cash as well. We actually heard there are other leagues that would have joined the draw if they had more time.

Today in a draw witnessed by numerous community leagues, two city staffers and the EFCL staff seven leagues were chosen as successful candidates for the program.

The cheques will be returned to the leagues who were not successful. Based on this level of interest the EFCL may try to raised additional money to allow more leagues to participate in this innovative renewable and energy conservation program.

As president of the Edmonton Federation of Community Leagues I am thrilled at the level of interest and excitement in this program, but naturally I am disappointed that my own community league (Evansdale) was not successful in the draw. I have asked the energy conservation audit folks and the solar folks for independent quotes should we decide to participate in solar or energy conservation on our own. There is a remote possibility that the EFCL will try to raise more money to involve the other leagues who demonstrated serious interest in joining the program.

David Dodge

District B Rep and President EFCL

Notes from the June 14th EFCL Board Meeting

Allan's Notes From the June 14 Board Meeting

Applications Roll In For Solar and Energy Savings Program

Five community leagues – Ritchie, McLeod, Evansdale, Riverbend and West Jasper Sherwood – have decided to invest in the EFCL’s Solar and Energy Savings Program.  The pilot project will see each league get a 1.2 kw (five panel) solar energy system, an information display monitor, an energy and carbon audit and a chance to take part in a provincial energy retrofit grant program.

The EFCL, which along with the City of Edmonton is subsidizing the cost of the program, has spots for seven leagues to take part.  Each league is required to provide a cheque for $6,000, along with some league contacts and basic information about their hall.  If more than seven leagues apply by the July 3 deadline, a draw will be held on July 4.

In related news, the federation decided to enter its own office building in the program, at a cost of $14,000.  The EFCL negotiated this arrangement with the suppliers separate from the league program, so that it wouldn’t impact the amount of subsidy money available.

EFCL Explores Opportunities With Indigenous Games

The Edmonton Federation of Community Leagues is working on a partnership proposal with the organizers of the Alberta Indigenous Games, which is set for Aug. 5-9, 2013.

The plan focuses on the recruitment of volunteer coaches, to help run team sports such as soccer, softball, volleyball, basketball, ball hockey, lacrosse and canoeing, as well as coaches for individual sports like golf, archery and athletics.

The coaches would prepare the athletes for a month or two prior to the games, which will be held in Edmonton, St. Albert, Leduc and Enoch.  All participants on Edmonton teams in the games would need to have a community league membership in order to participate.  Participants, largely with the help of their coaches, would then be introduced to community league and other community-based programs after the Games.

Games co-chairman Allan Ross and Edmonton Public School Board consultant Dawn Marie Marchand pitched the proposal to the board at its meeting Thursday night.

They expect to see between 2,000 and 3,000 participants, aged 12-18, take part in the Games.  They will include people from First Nation, Metis and Innuit backgrounds.

The EFCL plans to hold meetings with interested sports organizations to help get this project off the ground.

Infrastructure Assessment Program Winding Down

Community leagues have until December 31 of this year to apply to the EFCL for infrastructure assessment funding, according to decision reached by the board on Thursday night.

After that date, all remaining funds in the program will be redirected to other federation projects.

The infrastructure assessment funding is available to any league that needs to do work that wasn’t covered in the basic hall assessment that was completed by Stantec or Williams Engineering in the past couple of years.  Sample projects are geotechnical reviews, to determine the integrity of the hall foundation, as well as investigations to locate and determine the degree of hazard presented by asbestos in the hall.

The EFCL is willing to cover 80% of the cost of the review, on projects up to $20.000.  Leagues are expected to obtain three quotes for the work before applying to the federation for funding.

Applications should be sent directly to the EFCL executive director, Allan Bolstad.

Presenters Sought for League’s Alive Conference

EFCL Board members were asked to bring forward the names of community league executives who would be willing to make a presentation at the federation’s conference on Nov. 3.  Confirmed topics at the conference are as follows: Consensus Building, Board Governance Basics, Developing Policy, Bylaws, Role of the President, Role of the Treasurer, Connecting with your Community, Road to Accountability, Use of Gaming Proceeds, Volunteer Engagement and Recruitment, Social Media, Building Operations, Crime Prevention, Community Gardening.

Online System For Membership Card Distribution Well Accepted

The EFCL has yet to receive any complaints from Leagues or customers about the online sale of membership cards.  We have also yet to notice any cases of people trying to take advantage of leagues with very low membership fees.

Requests far outweigh submissions to the Supplier Marketplace

We have only had three submissions so far from Community Leagues for our Supplier Marketplace.  We do get a lot of leagues interested in finding a recommended supplier – 1,260 visits that page in May alone - so we need to promote this service to our Leagues and continually remind them to submit suppliers.

Living Local Arts and Heritage Program (Year Two) Launched

The EFCL launched the second year of its Living Local Arts and Heritage Program. 
The program is open to any league that wants to hire local artists to do a project that showcases 

June 2012 EFCL Board Package

June EFCL Board Package

Download the EFCL June 2012 Board Package

The solar program includes
five modules, a
eomprehensive energy audit
 and an LED monitor.

5.3 Solar and Energy Conservation Program
As you have probably heard by now about 18 community leagues showed up at the information session for the Solar and Energy Conservation program. In addition I know McLeod passed a motion to apply and I heard Northmount and a few other District Leagues may be interested in this program. See my blog post on the Solar and Energy Conservation program for more information or visit the EFCL website page on the program. You have until July 1 to fill out an application and send that with a cheque for $6000 to the EFCL to qualify for this $22,000 program. If more than 7 leagues apply there will be a draw.


5.4 Community Swim Fees
A motion is before the EFCL board to support the City's plan to not adjust fees for community swims in the middle of the season if a community league drops out of the program or joins the program mid-season. If a league leaves rates will not go up for the leagues still involved and if a league joins the rates will not go down. Rates will only be adjusted once each year depending on how many leagues are involved. This makes sense to me. And it does not affect us in District B that much.


5.5 Make it mandatory for leagues to provide contact information
The EFCL serves as a central contact point for community leagues when people can't find out who to talk to about their area. And the EFCL needs to communicate with leagues to let them know about programs, and all sorts of things that are of interest to leagues. But sometimes it's like pulling teeth the get basic contact information for the leagues. The board is considering an option to require leagues provide contact information as part of their membership payment process each year. It's good for the leagues if we can send people to them and provide them with ongoing information so this seems logical to me - some folks may balk, but I am not sure why since it's in the league's interests to make it possible for folks to contact them. Let me know what you think.


5.6 Associate Memberships
A proposal is coming to the board to ask the EFCL Governance Committee to recommend a strategy for leagues to have people sit on their boards from outside their boundaries. Note we are not deciding on a policy yet, but we are providing guidance to the Governance Committee to look into this. Note I have great personal reservations about policies that make it easy for leagues to attract board members, soccer players or any other folks from outside their boundaries since this almost always causes friction and bad-blood between leagues. It can hurt a league that is already hurting by cannibalizing their volunteers. I am not even sure why Associate Memberships are even required in most cases. Frankly there is little leagues can do to prevent somebody (a soccer coach for example) from volunteering in another community, but most leagues try to respect membership boundaries. In my league you must live in the boundaries to be a member of our league. If a coach wants to coach for Lago Lindo from Kilkenny they should still buy a membership in Kilkenny, shouldn't they? These are the sorts of issues that can really cause problems. THOUGHTS?


5.7 Summer Operations at Community Leagues
The EFCL is simply urging Community Leagues to consider staying as active as they can in the summer months where there are high demands for activities and programs. You can reach many people in the summer!


5:10 City Growth Strategy

The EFCL Planning Committee has recently reviewed the City’s 6th draft of the Growth Coordination Strategy and believes there is much more work to be done before it should go to Council for consideration. Please see the board package for the recommendations and discussion of this topic.


5:11 Neighbourhood-friendly Social Housing

The recommendation coming to the board suggests the EFCL participate in a working group to develop guidelines for neighbourhood-friendly social housing projects. It also recommends the EFCL apply for a research grant to develop some Good Neighbour Guidelines. See board package for details. The recommendations here make sense to me.


7.6 Community Development Officer's Report - Shahriyar Khan
You can read Shahriyar's report on 40 km speed limits, Jackson Heights traffic concerns, Cultural Inclusion Program, Crime Prevention and the Gym User Committee meetings.
However I would mostly like to draw your attention to a comprehensive report that Shahriyar has written on our Cultural Integration Program thus far. The report is being presented to the board for later discussion at our July meeting.


Online Membership Cards

And lastly I purchased my own Community League Membership for 2012-13 online to test out the new system and I did indeed receive a membership card via email from the EFCL, so the new system is working.


That's it. If you have any comments, suggestions and issue you would like me to take to the EFCL please let me know.


David Dodge
EFCL President and District B Representative

Solar Energy Conservation Program Launches

About 18 Community Leagues showed up for an information session on the Edmonton Federation of Community Leagues new Solar Energy Conservation Program on Monday June 4, and the EFCL offices on the Southside. 

The EFCL is offering leagues the chance to invest $6,000 and get $22,000 worth of solar modules, energy conservation audits and an LED monitor for their halls.

Warren Sarauer of the Solar Energy Society of
Alberta showing a panel at the launch of
the new EFCL Solar and Energy Conservation
Program. Photo David Dodge

The program is attracting considerable media and community league interest. In my travels to community leagues Belvedere, McLeod, Lago Lindo, Evansdale and a few other EFCL District B leagues have expressed an interest in getting involved in the program.

The program also offers an opportunity to add extra sets of 5 solar modules for $5,000 if ordered at the time of signing up for the program.

Leagues that came to the information session at the EFCL offices on June 4 were keen to get the Energy Audit being done by C3 Returns - a comprehensive energy audit of their halls that includes information about retrofits and what the energy paybacks might be.

The solar systems are very small, and include five 240 watt solar modules, all of the wiring, permits, hall assessment and installation certainly attract attention. And that's the idea of the program to help leagues engage in a high profile energy production and conservation program that will help community members see energy efficiency and solar energy systems in action.

So far I am aware that McLeod and Evansdale have passed motions and are cutting cheques to get in on the application process. There is room for only seven leagues in this pilot program and interested leagues must complete an application form and submit a cheque for $6,000 to the EFCL before July 4, 2012 to be considered for the program. If more than seven leagues apply then a draw will be held to select the leagues.

The application forms should be at the efcl.org website in the next day or so. Or email me and I can send you a copy of the form.

That's all for now.

David Dodge
EFCL President and District B Rep.

Report on May EFCL Board Meeting

Download the EFCL April 2012 Board Package

Thanks to Allan for preparing this report on the EFCL May 2012, Board meeting.

EFCL Executive Team Elected

The EFCL is pleased to report that all four members of its executive team have agreed to serve for another year. 

• David Dodge, from Evansdale Community League, has been re-elected for his second term as president.

• David Gibbens, from Meadowlark Community League, has been re-elected for his second term as Vice-President External.

• Christine Bremner, from Highlands Community League, has been re-elected for her third term as Vice-President Internal.

• Al Innes, from Evergreen Community Association, has been re-elected for his third term as Treasurer.

EFCL Bylaws allow executive members to serve for a maximum of three consecutive terms.

Living Local Arts and Heritage Program Information Session Set

All community leagues are welcome to learn about the Living Local Arts and Heritage Program and the money that is available to help leagues reach out to local artists in their area.

The session is set for 7:00 p.m., Tuesday, May 29, at Newton Community League (5520-121 Avenue).   Two leagues that qualified for funding last year will be making presentations: Hazeldean Community League will describe the sculpture and other interpretive displays it is putting together to acknowledge the history of the railway along a greenbelt that runs through the community.  Alberta Avenue – in conjunction with Eastwood and Parkdale/Cromdale Community Leagues - will describe how it is using digital audio interviews with long-time residents to put together interpretive performances and publications commemorating the history of the area.

Staff from the all three sponsoring agencies – the Edmonton Arts Council, Edmonton Heritage Council and EFCL will be on hand to describe how this year’s program works.

EFCL Awaits Decision on Infrastructure Assessment Dollars

The EFCL is expecting a decision next week on its application to redirect $234,000 in infrastructure assessment money to three other projects.   If approved, the federation will redistribute the money in equal portions to its 100^th Anniversary, solar energy and rink roof projects.  The federation will also notify the leagues of the pending change, in the event that leagues have any last-minute plans for additional assessment work.

City council’s community services committee has recommended to council that the application be approved.  Council is scheduled to vote on the matter on Wednesday, May 16.

Leagues Welcome to Attend Good Neighbors Awards Program

Everyone is welcome to attend the Good Neighbours Awards ceremony, which is set for 6:30 p.m., Tuesday, May 15^th at City Hall.

One winner has been selected for each of the city’s 12 awards.  All nominees are to get a certificate of recognition from the City of Edmonton.

The EFCL was proud to be a sponsor of this year’s program and will welcome the input and support of leagues as we prepare for next year’s program.

EFCL Encourages Leagues To Join SOCAN Tariff Appeal

The Edmonton Federation of Community Leagues is encouraging all member leagues to ask for an exemption to tariff #21, which compels leagues to pay an annual fee of $185 for the right to play music in their hall.  The fee is paid to the Society of Composers, Authors, and Music Publishers of Canada (SOCAN), which has recently applied to have this tariff extended to 2013.

Leagues wishing to add their voice to this appeal are encouraged to send a letter no later than June 30 to Gilles McDougall, Secretary General, Copyright Board of Canada 56 Sparks Street Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0C9.  His e-mail address is Gilles.McDougall@cb-cda.gc.ca

Leagues are also encouraged to contact their member of Parliament, as the federal government appoints directors to the Copyright Board and sets out the rules under it operates.

The EFCL will soon be supplying each league with a draft letter outlining the rationale behind our position.

Front Yards In Bloom Seeks Nominations and Offers Training For Judges

Anyone interested in nominating front yards for recognition in the city’s Front Yards in Bloom program is encouraged to contact Megan Rogers, at megan.rogers@edmonton.ca.  Selections of  well-attended flower gardens, edible front yards, or natural yards, are made throughout the month of June.

Community Leagues are given the task of selecting the top two yards in their neighborhood.  League volunteers are welcome to attend one of the following judge training sessions:

• Sat. June 9 – 2:00 to 3:30 pm Edmonton Horticultural Society, 10746-178 Street
• Tues June 12 – 7:00 to 8:30 pm Edmonton Horticultural Society, 10746-178 Street
• Thurs June 21 – 7:00 to 8:30 pm 11001 107 Street

To pre-register please send an e-mail note to neil.lang@edmontonhort.com or leave a message at 780-378-5320 and state which session you would like to attend. For more info see: www.edmontonhort.com/frontyardsinbloom.  

It’s Time to Book League Gym Time

Information sessions on Gym booking procedures have been organized on the following dates:

• May 16 –  Medium Gym User
• May17 -  Small Gym User
• May 24 -  Large Gym User

Time:  6:30.   Location:  Central Lions Senior Centre (11113, 113 Street).

For more information, contact Shauna Richard, at shauna.richard@edmonton.ca, 780-495-1964

EFCL Learns How to Make the Most Out of Winter

The federation was pleased to team up with the City of Edmonton to discuss a city-wide strategy for winter activities.

Held at Glenwood Community League hall on April 19, the evening featured a presentation from Councillor Ben Henderson, who showed photos of his recent fact finding trip to northern Europe.

Perhaps the main conclusion from the evening was to focus on ways to help Edmontonians enjoy a variety of different winter activities when the weather in conducive.  This could include the lighting of cross country ski trails, the provision of snow to community leagues for informal toboggan runs and snow sculpturing and the construction of semi-enclosed shelters, complete with overhead electrical heating, next to outdoor rinks.

Participants noted that it is very risky to plan a large scale outdoor event, particularly if it is held on multiple days, given the extreme and rapid fluctuations we experience in winter weather.

EFCL Planning Committee Hard at Work

There seems to be no shortage of topics for the EFCL planning committee to consider these days.

Current key initiatives include a review of the city’s policy on siting cell phone towers, the design of new neighborhoods, the development of family-friendly, high density housing, and the redesignation of surplus school sites to other uses.

Fall Conference Plans Shaping Up

EFCL board development officer Andrea Sands has released a draft agenda for the Nov. 3 “Leagues Alive” Conference at the Mayfield Inn Hotel.

The following is a list of the sessions that are confirmed:

• Board Governance Basics
• Bylaw Basics
• Consensus Building
• Connecting with your Community (covering newsletters and use of social media)
• Cultural Diversity
• Developing Policy
• Dos & Don’ts of Social Media (title not yet confirmed, but dealing with the good, bad & ugly of 21^st century communication strategies)
• Road to Accountability (the 1^st confirmed “sponsored” workshop with Wanita from FPB; planning to have her introduce speaker and be available during & after workshop for questions)
• Role of the President
• Role of the Treasurer
• Volunteer Engagement & Recruitment
• Use of Proceeds
• Building Occupant (designed to provide introductory information on complex topics related to efficient operation of league buildings: electrical, lighting, HVAC & water)
• Community Gardening (still planning to secure a rink related workshop)
• Crime Prevention (will include Hall Rental, Personal & Building safety)

We are also pleased to report that Community Services has accepted our invitation to work together on planning and implementing the conference and has assigned three CRCs to the task.

Board Responds to Concerns Raised About the 100^th Anniversary Project

While an overwhelming majorify of community leagues voted in favor of the federation’s 100^th

Anniversary Project, a few concerns were also raised at the April 30 Annual General Meeting.

It was pointed out that some leagues might have in raising the $400 supplemental membership fee each year from 2012 to 2016 to help pay for the project.  Other leagues wanted to know what would happen with their money if the project didn’t pan out.

In response to those concerns, the board approved the following motions:

That the federation seek ways to mitigate any hardship that the supplemental fee might cause on leagues that are in financial distress.That the federation not make any material changes in the nature of the anniversary project without the support of the membership. Further, if the EFCL does not proceed with the project, the supplemental membership fee will be refunded.

Estimated to cost approximately $2 million, the anniversary project features a three-phased set of upgrades to Hawrelak Park, including a Community League Plaza, stream walk and water play feature.

Online Membership Sales Now Include Card At Time of Purchase

As of May 2, the EFCL launched the issuing of membership cards with online purchases.  So far we think our computer debugging is complete but we will see with time and more transactions.  Please advise your leagues that they can distribute skate tags at Community League day or at the rink when it opens.

Leagues Encouraged to Refer Quality Suppliers

Many of our members call EFCL to ask if we know of a vendor we could recommend that other leagues have used.   Now through the supplier marketplace you can help your peers and recommend a supplier of a service or product.

It could be a painter or a paver, a custodian or snow remover!  Whoever you were happy with – let us know by registering on  supplier marketplace at www. efcl.org

EFCL Reaches Out to Under 40 Crowd

Edmontonians over 18 and under 40, living on the southside, are welcome to join the federation for a free evening of fun, brainstorming, entertainment, drinks (compliments of AlleyKat Breweries) and eats.  Southside leagues are welcome to send a rep as well.

When and Where: 7:00 p.m., Thursday, May 31 at Strathcona Community League.