FEBRUARY 2017 PARKDALE POST · All editorial content must be submitted by the 10th of the month for...

PARKDALEFEBRUARY 2017

THE OFFICIAL PARKDALE COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER

your

DELIVERED MONTHLY TO 1,700 HOUSEHOLDS

POST

PA R K D A L E I F E B R U A RY 2017 3

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Contents

7 farmers’ market

9 news from the friends of nose hill

10 at a glance

11 real estate council of alberta:

ask charles

12 real estate update

13 calgary wildlife: the common redpoll

14 take control of your heart health

16 mp len webber’s report

17 councillor druh farrell’s report

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HAWKWOODSANDSTONE

THORNCLIFFEPARKDALEKINCORA

RegistrationongoingGov’t fundedKindergarten

Parkdale & Kincora

www.earlydiscoveries.ca

EARLY DISCOVERIESPROGRAMS FOR 1 & 2 YEARS (mom & tot) TO 5 YEARS

Contact:Carol Hale

403-239-3444

EARLY DISCOVERERS, since 1983, has taken pride in developing the “whole child.” We focus on social and emotional growth, intellectual development, fine motor skills, and gross motor skills. We encourage children to be all they can be and more! Children will leave us with a joy of learning and a quest for knowledge.

OPEN REGISTRATION FOR SEPT 2017

Locations: Hawkwood

Kincora Parkdale

and Thorncliffe

CALL US AT 403-239-3444 OR GO ONLINE TO WWW.EARLYDISCOVERIES.CA

In Person on March 4th: Kincora at 9 a.m. & Hawkwood at 1 p.m.

By Phone: For all locations starting March 7th at 9 a.m.

Our programs include classes for 1-4 year olds and kindergarten

Youth + Experience!

Check Us Out

CalgaryFineDentistry.com

CalgaryFineDentistry.com

Quality work in a Friendly Environment

Come Check Us Out!

Dr. Christine Lilge Dr. Lauren Vredenburg Dr. Jennifer Maguire

1910-20th Ave NW, Suite 206(one traffic light north of 16th Ave Home Depot)

403-284-3061

403.291.2122 sehetclinic.ca

130-4411 16 Ave NW, Calgary AB T3B 0M3

Now accepting new patients.

Family Practice+ Walk-in Clinic

NEW

OPEN ON WEEKENDS

WALK-IN FOR-Minor injuries-Lacerations-Fractures

-WCB

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important numbersALL EMERGENCY CALLS 911

Alberta Adolescent Recovery Centre 403-253-5250

Alberta Health Care 403-310-0000

AHS Addictions Hotline 1-866-332-2322

ATCO Gas – 24 Hour Emergency 403-245-7222

Calgary HEALTH LINK 24/7 811

Calgary Police – Non Emergency 403-266-1234

Calgary Women’s Emergency Shelter 403-234-7233

Child Abuse Hotline 1-800-387-5437

Kids Help Line 1-800-668-6868

Child Safe Canada 403-202-5900

Distress/Crisis Line 403-266-4357

ENMAX – Power Trouble 403-514-6100

Poison Centre - Alberta 1-800-332-1414

HOSPITALS / URGENT CARE

Alberta Children’s Hospital 403-955-7211

Foothills Hospital 403-944-1110

Peter Lougheed Centre 403-943-4555

Rockyview General Hospital 403-943-3000

Sheldon M. Chumir Health Centre 403-955-6200

South Calgary Urgent Care Health Centre 403-943-9300

South Health Campus 403-956-1111

OTHER

Calgary Humane Society 403-205-4455

Calgary Parking Authority 403-537-7000

SeniorConnect 403-266-6200

Calgary Kerby Elder Abuse Line 403-705-3250

Alberta One-Call Corporation 1-800-242-3447

City of Calgary 311

Social Service Info & Referral 211

Community Mediation Calgary Society 403-269-2707

RNR Lockworks Ltd. 403-479-6161

Road Conditions – Calgary Weather Information

511

Gamblers Anonymous 403-237-0654

parkdale community association3512 - 5 Avenue NW, Calgary AB T2N 0V7403-283-5767 [email protected]

Delivered monthly to 1,700 households and businesses for 2 years!

Editorial [email protected] editorial content must be submitted by the 10th of the month for the following month's publication.

Advertising Opportunities403-263-3044 | [email protected] advertisements must be submitted by the 1st of the month for the following month’s publication. Published by Great News PublishingServing Calgary communities for 28 years91 newsletters reaching over 415,000 households in Calgary and surrounding areas. #34-4550 112 Ave SECalgary, ABT2C 2K2 Check out our website:www.great-news.ca

The opinions expressed within any published article, report or submission reflect those of the author and should not be considered to reflect those of Great News Publishing and Parkdale Community Association.The information contained in this newsletter is believed to be accurate, but is not warranted to be so.Great News Publishing and Parkdale Community Association does not endorse any person or persons advertising in this newsletter. Publication of any advertisements should not be considered an endorsement of any goods or services.

You don’t take clean drinking water for granted — and neither do we.

Calgarians put a higher priority on clean drinking water than any other Canadians… but you’re also more confident in the people and systems that deliver water to your taps.*

For Calgary’s city employees, your expectations spur us on to do even better.

As with all the services we provide, our commitment is to work in partnership with the City to deliver fresh, pure water for your home and family.

* According to the 2016 RBC Canadian Water Attitudes Survey

Making your city work for youCalgary’s city employees

You don’t take clean drinking water for granted — do we.

You have a lot riding on us getting it right.


Parkdale Community assoCiation

ExEcutivE

President Colin Brandt [email protected]

Vice-President Jon Balkwill [email protected]

Treasurer Terry Allardyce [email protected]

Secretary Traci Nayeri [email protected]

Past President Darcy Morgan [email protected]

Board MEMBErs

Director Ruby Miller [email protected]

Director, Communications Colin Brandt [email protected]

Director, Community Garden Jason Tauber [email protected]

Director, Events Tammy German [email protected]

Director-At-Large Steve Lemp [email protected]

Director, Soccer Traci Nayeri [email protected]

Director, SSASDC/SSASPG Vince Walker [email protected]

Director, Rink John Butterwick [email protected]

Director, Rentals Jon Balkwill [email protected]

Director, Fundraising Marek Hejduk [email protected]

Director, Parents and Tots Anita Thomson [email protected]

NoN-votiNg MEMBErs

Executive Director Bill Biccum [email protected]

City Representative Gini Clark [email protected]

about your Parkdale Post Editor David Wing [email protected] Colin Brandt communications@ parkdalecommunity.comIf your would like to get your community article printed in next month’s issue of your Parkdale Post, please submit it to communications@ parkdalecommunity.com by the 10th of the month prior to publication. For details and a copy of the PCA Style and Editorial Guide, visit http://parkdalecommunity.com/news/styleguide/

Follow us on soCial mediatwitter@ParkdaleYYC

@ParkdaleMarket

FaCebookhttps://www.facebook.com/parkdalecommunity

https://www.facebook.com/pcggs

3512 - 5 Avenue NW, Calgary AB T2N 0V7 • 403-283-5767 • [email protected] • www.parkdalecommunity.comThe PCA Office is usually open 7:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Monday to Friday.

Please call or email and leave a message if you need support from the PCA Office. The PCA Office is closed on all statutory holidays.

Groundhog Day, celebrated on February 2, came about because of a German supersti-tion. They thought if a hibernating animal cast a shadow on February 2nd that winter would last for another six weeks. If there was no shadow, spring would come early.


News from the Friends of nose Hillby Anne Burke

Calgary has over 8,000 hectares of parkland and natural areas, including 800 kms. of pathways. Public off-leash areas are also multi-use, so let’s share these spaces. It is illegal to harass wildlife in parks and natural areas. Keep dogs on leash on paved pathways, even in an off-leash area if wildlife are near. Better to be safe than sorry. Keep your dog away from porcupines and coyotes.

Conservation in an urban world means protecting natu-ral areas, according to Alberta Wilderness Association guest speaker Chris Manderson, urban conservation lead for the City Parks Department. He explored how Calgary has been shaped by its natural environments and, in turn, how they are impacted by a growing city of 1.2 million in an urbanising world. Although Calgary is blessed with a rich fabric of parks and protected areas, he acknowledged some of the new challenges and ap-proaches to protecting Calgary’s natural heritage. The Alberta Wilderness Association is a non-profit, federally registered, charitable society since 1965. Dedicated to the completion of a protected areas network and con-servation of wilderness, the group has a provincial of-fice and resource centre in Calgary, active members, volunteers, and sponsors in Alberta and beyond. Go to: www. albertawilderness.ca.

Since 1996, communities have had the option to pay a public tax for enhanced landscape maintenance in parks and other green spaces.

Usually, community associations and residents organi-zations are responsible for overseeing irrigation, weed management, mowing, trimming, and cleanup. The levy per household ranges from $39 to $219. City-wide standards for local parks were reviewed. If a $5 levy was added city-wide, the increase would not be enough. Instead, the Canada 150 banner/flower pilot program in 16 communities will be extended for another two years and possibly expanded. Using native plantings in-stead of annuals would help reduce cost and watering. The City will ask for feedback, partner with garden and community groups, and explore options. The focus will be on community entrances, major intersections, and open spaces. The plan is to introduce flower beds and street light banners in each community. The aim is to add 20 communities a year, while 14 communities were involved in the This Is My Neighbourhood program. www.engage.calgary.ca/TIMN.

Alberta Ecotrust announced a 2nd annual Environmen-tal Gathering: “Breaking Through”,Feb. 23 – 25, 2017 at the Shaw Conference Centre, in Edmonton. Details are at www.albertaecotrust.com.


I saw a house for sale, and I want to check it out – will I have to sign a contract to get a real estate professional to show me the house?

The short answer is no. If you see a house for sale and you simply want a real estate professional to show you that house, you’re not required to sign a contract.

Simply viewing a home with a real estate professional doesn’t trigger a regulatory requirement to sign a con-tract with that real estate professional. However, if you start sharing confidential information such as your mo-tivation for buying or your financial qualification, the real estate professional has a responsibility to clarify your working relationship, at which point they are go-ing to provide you with some documents to review.

In the process of clarifying your working relationship, the first document a real estate professional should present to you is the Consumer Relationships Guide. The Consumer Relationships Guide is a mandatory document for real estate professionals when they begin working with a buyer or seller of residential real estate. It explains the different types of working relationships between real estate professionals and consumers.

The Consumer Relationships Guide is not a contract. It does not commit you to a specific ongoing working relationship with your real estate professional, but it is an essential information piece for consumers to under-stand what working with a licensed real estate profes-sional entails. Among other things, it discusses respon-sibilities and obligations.

The Consumer Relationships Guide contains an ac-knowledgement that consumers have to sign indicating they’ve read the Guide, understand it, and have been provided with an opportunity to ask the real estate pro-fessional questions about it. Consumers need to review and sign the Guide before entering into any contract with a real estate professional.

Some real estate professionals may actually present the Consumer Relationships Guide and request that you sign the acknowledgement even before showing you a single property, but that specific practice is not a re-quirement.

“Ask Charles” is a monthly question and answer column by Charles Stevenson, Director of Professional Standards with the Real Estate Council of Alberta (RECA), www.reca.ca. RECA is the independent, non-government agency responsible for the regulation of Alberta’s real estate industry. We license, govern, and set the standards of practice for all real estate, mortgage brokerage, and real estate appraisal professionals in Alberta. To submit a question, email [email protected].

ask charles

REAL ESTATE COUNCIL OF ALBERTAYour CommunitY/CitY EvEnts

at a glance...

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First Tues/Weds every month, Free Mini Builds at the LEGO Store – Chinook CentreParticipantsmustpre-registerin advance to take part. Registration opens at 7 am on the 15th of the month preceding the mini build. Register as soon as possible to avoid disappointment; these events areverypopular! Register at https://shop.lego.com/en-US/minibuild-registration

Mar. 3 – 18, The Urban Jungle Book at Story Book TheatreMichael is a foster childwith a vivid imagination. Whenever the world gets a bit much for him, he retreats into the amazing world inside his head, and the people in his life become the characters from his favourite story – The Jungle Book. Recom-mended for ages 6+, tickets at www.storybooktheatre.org

Mar. 16 – 19, The One Act Play Festival at the Pumphouse TheatreOne theatre, four evenings, ten one act plays, a diverse array of local artists. The One Act Play Festival is sure to delight regular theatre goers and the newly curious alike. $15 adults, $12 students/seniors. Tickets at www.pumphousetheatre.ca

Mar. 16, Hodgetwins at the Laugh ShopThese American identical twins have some the most popular channels on YouTube with over 600 million views. Enjoy the edgy sense of humour of these handsome siblings while having a drink at this comedy hotspot. Adults only, $29.95. More info at www.thelaughshopcalgary.com

Mar. 25 – 26, The Outdoor Adventure and Travel Show at the BMO CentreGet pre-season deals on the best outdoor gear and travel experiences at this exciting two-day event featuring hundreds of exhibitors. Discover hiking, running/triathlons, camping, kayaking, canoeing, and adventure travel, plus be inspired with seminars from seasoned travelers and experts. More info at www.outdooradventureshow.ca

Mar. 31, Calgary Flames vs. San Jose Sharks at the Scotiabank SaddledomeThe C of Red is calling! Don’t miss your Calgary Flames live in action at the Scotiabank Saddledome on March 31st as they take on San Jose Sharks! Tickets start at $29. More info at www.scotiabank.saddledomecalgary.com

Mar. 3 – 12 The Big TasTe Foodie FesTivalCalgary’s premiere dining festival offers splendid lunch and dinner options at over 60 downtown restaurants, ranging between $15 for lunch and $65 for a gourmet 5 course dinner. More info at www.calgarydowntown.com/the-big-taste

Mar. 23gaTe To PlaTe Teens & adulT Cooking Class aT souTh healTh CaMPus Wellness kiTChenPoppy Innovations is thrilled to launch their ‘cooking from scratch’ series this summer for Gate to Plate. Classes are suitable for those aged 15 years and above. More info at www.poppyinnovations.ca

Mar. 7an evening WiTh BlaCkie and The rodeo kings aT JaCk singer ConCerT hallPlaying tracks from their newest offering titled Kings And Kings, the album features some of the band’s best “guy” friends from the world of roots, blues and country. One night only, tickets $32.75-$62.75. More info at www.artscommons.ca/WhatsOn/

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Parkdale Real Estate UpdateLast 12 Months ParkdaleMLS Real Estate Sale Price Update

Last 12 Months ParkdaleMLS Real Estate Number of Listings Update

Average Asking Price Average Sold Price

December 2016 $774,900 $763,000

November 2016 $950,000 $921,250

October 2016 $834,900 $816,750

September 2016 $941,950 $909,500

August 2016 $737,450 $728,750

July 2016 $749,900 $730,000

June 2016 $959,000 $956,700

May 2016 $959,000 $960,000

April 2016 $709,900 $720,500

March 2016 $662,200 $642,500

February 2016 $0 $0

January 2016 $899,900 $860,000

No. New Properties No. Properties Sold

December 2016 3 3

November 2016 4 6

October 2016 2 1

September 2016 4 2

August 2016 4 2

July 2016 2 1

June 2016 3 3

May 2016 8 7

April 2016 7 2

March 2016 3 8

February 2016 7 0

January 2016 2 3

To view more detailed information that comprise the above MLS averages please visit parkdale.great-news.ca

the common redpollA Winter Migrant to Alberta Article by J.G.TurnerPhoto by J. Burns

The Common Redpoll is an energetic, little songbird with a flaming red cap, black throat, whitish rump and streaked back. This songbird a highly sociable, noisy, chattering bird that travels in large flocks of several hun-dred birds. It is one of the finch family’s most northern breeders and is found circumpolar.

Fun Facts:•You can find the Common Redpoll from April through

September in the Yukon, Northwest and Nunavut Territories, and even across into Newfoundland and Labrador. The Common Redpoll migrates south into the lower Canadian provinces in late autumn. •In Alberta, we are likely to see the Common Redpoll in

the winter when they might forage as large groups in weedy fields or small tree lots. •Sightings can be scare when there are winter food

shortages in their normal wintering range. This forces them to go even farther south, a behaviour called an “irruption.” Common Redpolls tend to exhibit this ir-ruptive behaviour every second year to match the pro-duction cycle of catkins on birch and alder trees. •The Common Redpoll’s normal breeding range is on

the Arctic tundra or in boreal forests. The female nests low down in dwarf willows, spruce, birch, alders, and small shrubs, where the male brings her food. •This songbird likes the small high-energy seeds of

birch and alder trees and can eat 42% of their body mass every day! •When in a large group, the Common Redpoll often

moves frantically on the ground in their search for seeds to eat. •When it is extremely cold or food is scarce, the Com-

mon Redpoll can store some seeds temporarily in a stretchy part of their oesophagus (diverticula). They will knock seeds down, fly down to scoop them up,

then find a sheltered and safe spot to shell and eat the seeds at their leisure.•If you want to attract them to your yard you can plant

birch trees, but we city folks are most likely to see them at a backyard feeder in the winter where they favour nyger seed offerings.

If you find an injured or orphaned wild bird or animal in distress, please contact the Calgary Wildlife Rehabilitation Society hotline at 403-239-2488, for tips, instructions and advice, or look at the website at www.calgarywildlife.org for more information.

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FINd SOLUTION ON pAgE 15

parkdale nifty fifties seniors association

In accordance with our mission statement, we here at Nifty Fifties seek “to provide community based programming for seniors aged 50+, to enhance their physical, social, and emotional wellbeing”. Part of this community based programming includes a variety of art classes taught by well-known and sophisticated instructors, which prove to be very popular among our members. Whether you are novice or experienced, we have the right class for you! In addition to Art, Nifty Fifties also hosts Duplicate Bridge, Yoga classes, Board Games, Mah Jong, Qi Gong, Floor Curling, Book Club, and Move N’ Mingle. We offer frozen meals and are now taking requests for all our members baking needs! Be sure to also watch out for our Christmas baking platters arriving in December. Nifty Fifties puts great importance on community and we are proud to have hosted annual garage sales, fashion shows, and barbecues for members and those apart of our community. One of the most successful events was of course our first Stampede Breakfast on July 16, 2016, where we teamed up with the Parkdale Community Association. This was a wonderful event where members of our association joined with members of the Parkdale Community Association to help serve pancakes, setup tables and chairs, and overall provide Parkdale with an entertaining Stampede tradition. Whether you volunteered or just came to indulge in some yummy grub we want to say thank you for attending, and we look forward to next year’s Stampede Breakfast! Nifty Fifties is a longstanding community association that has a program suitable for everyone, and we are always looking for new members to join our community.

For more information we welcome people to check out our webpage: pdnf.org or stop by the office and say hello!


business ClassiFieds

For business classified ad rates call Great News Publishing at 403-263-3044 or [email protected]

NEPTUNE PLUMBING & HEATING LTD: Qualified journeymen plumbers/gasfitters, very experienced in Parkdale. Upfront pricing. Reliable, conscientious, fully guaranteed. Mon - Fri 8:00 am - 5:00 pm. 24 hour emergency service call 403-255-7938. “Showering you with great service.”

DO YOU NEED AN EXTRA SET OF HANDS? C & L Helping Hands can provide them! We offer handy-man services, personal assistant, kitchen helper, cleaning and much more! Email: [email protected]. Call Craig or Laurie at 403-880-7125 or 403-510-8551.

HOME BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY: Clinicair is the leading provider of Indoor Air Quality and Medical Grade Duct Clean-ing services in Canada. We are looking for a dealer in Calgary to represent our growing company. We offer a royalty free business. Clinicair supplies you with the latest technology, and training. Call Craig: 1-416-277-6067.

NEIGHBOURHOOD CONFLICT? Community Mediation Calgary Society (CMCS) is a no cost mediation and conflict coaching service that can help you resolve problems and re-store peace! We help neighbours be neighbours again! www.communitymediation.ca, 403-269-2707.

K2 BOOKKEEPING: Are you too busy to keep up with your bookkeeping? Experienced bookkeeper now accepting new clients. Specializing in small to medium sized business. Twelve years of experience with QuickBooks and Simply Ac-counting, GST, Payroll, WCB Filing, T4 Filing, and competitive rates. Phone Katie 403-870-0737.

CPR CLASSES FOR INDIVIDUALS OR GROUPS: ($75 for individuals. $65 for individuals in groups of two or more). Weekends, evenings and some day times are available. Con-tact Brian at 403-253-7475 or email [email protected].

UNIVERSITY DISTRICT WILL BE OPENING THE NEW DISCOVERY CENTRE IN MARCH! It will be a central hub for community connections where we’ll showcase the neighbourhood, home options, and much more. Meet, learn, and explore University District and how life works here. Sign up for more information at www.myuniversitydistrict.ca.

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As many as 9 in 10 Canadians have at least one risk fac-tor for heart disease and stroke. While some risks are outside of our control, up to 80% of premature heart disease and stroke is preventable through lifestyle choices that can reduce key risk factors.

You can take control and decrease your own risks by making small, healthy changes in your daily routine. Making changes is always challenging. Your health-care team can help you figure out what risk factors you should focus on first and set goals that you can reach.

Maintain a healthy weightIf you are struggling with your weight, you’re not alone. Over 60% of Canadian adults are overweight or obese. By achieving and maintaining a healthy weight and waist, you can significantly reduce your risk for heart disease and stroke, and help control other conditions such as high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol, and diabetes.

Maintain a healthy dietThe foods you eat affect your health. Start by making sure you eat five or more servings of fruit and vegeta-bles every day to get you on track to a healthier diet.

Stay activePeople who are NOT active have double the risk of heart disease and stroke as well as increased risk of diabetes, cancer, and dementia. Being active helps your heart, brain, muscles, bones, and mood.

Working towards 150 minutes of moderate to vigorous activity every week is one of the most important things you can do for your health. And if you already have heart disease, regular activity is one of the best ways to make a good recovery.

Choose to not smokeSmoking contributes to the buildup of plaque in your arteries, increases the risk of blood clots, reduces the oxygen in your blood, increases your blood pressure, and makes your heart work harder. You might be afraid that quitting will be too hard, but there is lots of help available when you are ready.Reduce Stress

Stress is a part of life for just about everyone. Sometimes it’s not easy to recognize stress because we are caught up in the flow of life. Although stress happens first in the mind, it has strong effects on the body, such as higher cholesterol or blood pressure levels.

Control alcohol consumptionHow much and how often a person drinks alcohol are key factors that increase or decrease health impacts. Canada’s Low-Risk Alcohol Drinking Guidelines provide guidance on risky drinking patterns, including avoid-ance of alcohol in pregnancy. Low risk does not equal no risk. Whenever unsure, always consult your health-care provider.

Find more information, resources, and health etools at heartandstroke.ca

take control of your heart

health

2.875 x 3.625

Black History MonthThe 21st Black History

Month is celebrated this February, it was formally recognized following a

motion introduced in the House of Commons by the first black Canadian

woman elected to Parliament, the

Honourable Jean Augustine.


Calling All PARENTSVisit mybabysitter.ca and find available babysitters in and around your community.

Calling All BABYSITTERSEnroll free at mybabysitter.ca and choose the Calgary communities you would like to babysit in.

LOVE TO SING? Want to experience the benefits of singing in a welcoming vocal community? Vocal Latitudes may be the choir for you. A non-audition World Music community choir, Vocal Latitudes meets Tuesday evenings from September to May in a convenient central location. For more infor-mation, see www.vocalatitudes.org.

COMMUNITy

Free announcements: lost/found, household items for sale, wanted, garage sale, student/senior services, etc.

Forty word limit

Deadline – 1st of each month for the next month’s publicationContact [email protected]

announCements

calgary confederationlen webber, mp2020 10 St NW, [email protected]

It’s tax time!It is tax time and you may require assistance when filing your taxes and the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) can help. They offer service in both official languages as well as via TTY service. Their website at www.cra.gc.ca is an invaluable source of information for the 26 million tax filers in Canada.

Most Canadians get a tax refund and so it pays to file your taxes. Low-income Canadians must file a tax return to ac-cess certain income support programs. Free tax prepara-tion software is available at www.cra.gc.ca/netfile.

It is important to avoid tax scams! The CRA will NEVER communicate with you via email. If you get emails re-garding your taxes, they are not legitimate and should be deleted immediately without opening the attach-ments. If you receive a phone call from someone saying they are from the CRA and you are unsure if it is legiti-mate, hang-up and call the CRA directly and they will be able to call up your file and address any issues. Never give personal information to a stranger.

Through the Community Volunteer Income Tax Pro-gram (CVITP), community organizations host free tax preparation clinics and arrange for qualified and secu-rity-cleared volunteers to prepare income tax and ben-efit returns for eligible individuals who have a modest income and a simple tax situation. To see the clinics in Calgary, please visitwww.cra-arc.gc.ca/tx/ndvdls/vlntr/clncs/calgary-ab-eng.html or call 1-800-267-6999.

If your enquiry requires CRA to access your account and release or update personal information, they will ask you to identify yourself. Please be prepared to provide the following:•your social insurance number or business number;

•your name or business name;

•your complete address or complete business address;

•your date of birth (individual accounts only);

•for individual and trust accounts, details from your account or your most recently assessed return, notice of assessment, reassessment, or other tax document; and

•for business accounts, details from your business account or your most recently assessed business-related tax information return.

If you wish to deal with the CRA on someone else’s behalf, you must be an authorized representative.

For a full list of contact numbers for the various departments at CRA, please visit www.lenwebber.ca/need-help-with-your-taxes/.

councillor, ward 7druh farrell [email protected] • www.druhfarrell.caTwitter: @DruhFarrell • Facebook: Druh Farrell

Canadian CoolEven with Calgary’s fairly mild winters, many dread the snow and the cold, choosing to squirrel away indoors. But what if we did not shy away from winter? What if we celebrated the season and embraced our cold climate?

There are many ways to live healthy, active, and social lives in winter that do not require leaving the city for the mountains or hitting the indoor gym. Here are a few ideas that Calgary and other winter cities are exploring:

•Build warming huts along our pathway network. These tiny pop-up pavilions encourage pathway use in the winter by providing a space to mingle with fellow Cal-garians and get toasty. In Winnipeg, huts are also fanci-ful art installations created through an annual design competition.•Promote ice skating across the city. The City of Calgary

operates large outdoor rinks at Olympic Plaza and Prince’s Island, with several community associations maintaining smaller local rinks. Talk with your commu-nity association about building one. In Edmonton, the Freeze Way is a pathway-like skating route that encour-ages people of all ages to strap on their skates for a lantern lit skate through City parks.•Encourage skiing in the city. In Edmonton, transit users

are encouraged to “ski to LRT” with free secure cross country ski storage at LRT stations. In Calgary, the Foot-hills Nordic ski club is piloting improved cross-country skiing trails at the Confederation Park Golf Course. •Develop a four-season patio culture. Many cities have

busy patios well below freezing through the use of heaters, blankets, and protective awnings. This sparks social interactions and boosts the local restaurant scene. In our city, hardy Calgarians line up down the street to get into the Container Bar patio on Kensing-ton Road, even in the dead of winter. •Shop local! Montreal sets up colourful Adirondack

chairs around communal fire pits along their retail streets to foster casual conversations and encourage shopping at local businesses. The Mount Pleasant

Community used to run a weekly get together and sto-ry-telling around a fire pit – the cut off was minus 15. •Organize local walks, events, and festivals throughout

all four seasons, not just the summer.•Make transit work in all seasons by providing heated

bus shelters at key locations, with priority snow clear-ing on connecting sidewalks.•Plan for a winter climate. Edmonton’s new Winter City

Strategy encourages the design of buildings and pub-lic spaces to include shelter from the elements and al-low for more sunlight to shine on sidewalks.

Some of these ideas require effort from the City, but others can be pioneered by Calgarians. Together, we can build a city that is vibrant and active throughout the year. Bundle up, get outside, and embrace winter!

18 F E B R U A RY 2017 I Ca l l 403-263-3044 fo r adver t i s ing oppor tun i t ies

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See how at heartandstroke.ca

Life’s best moments aren’t the big ones. They’re the billions oflittle ones. The simple ones we miss the most after they’re taken

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FEBRUARY 2017 PARKDALE POST · All editorial content must be submitted by the 10th of the month for...

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