SOLITA BICYCLES And Upcycles page 7 TOWNHOUSE

March 2014
www.ramsaycalgary.ca
Circulation 1250
Printed on recycled paper
SOLITA BICYCLES
And Upcycles
page 7
TOWNHOUSE
Development
Page 17
NEXT General MeetingS
Tuesday, March 4th & April 1st 7pm, Upper Hall
R a m s ay C o m m u n i t y A s s o c i at i o n • 1 1 3 6 – 8 t h S t r e e t SE , C a l g a r y, A B T 2 G 2 Z 7 • 4 0 3 - 2 6 5 - 4 8 9 8
Tisha’s Market Update
Ph. 403-869-9730
tisha@findyourhomeincalgary.ca I currently have clients seeking
properties in the Ramsay area. Ideally
40+ foot wide lots or irregular shaped
lots. Long term possessions possible. If
your interested please feel free to
contact me. For a free home evaluation or
more information about
Ramsay’s local Real Estate
market, please don’t hesitate
to contact me.
Tisha
Where is
Tisha???
In the resale market properties under
$500,000 are moving quickly, where
higher price point properties are
typically taking longer to sell.
Feel free to contact me for your Ramsay
area questions.
Tisha
Living and working in Ramsay
I bet you a ten dollar
Cafe Rosso Coffee
Card you can’t find me!
But if you can....be the first to email me and win a $10.00 gift card from
Caffe Rosso.
tisha@findyourhomeincalgary.ca
Thank you Caffe Rosso for
co-sponsoring “Where is Tisha”. Ramsay Community Association & Hall
well!
that was a weekend!
canada won hockey again
ladies game was particularly riveting
shame we haven’t done that with the cup
since habs ‘93
Board of Directors & Community Chairs
1136 - 8th St SE T2G 2Z7• T: 403.265.4898 • F: 403.265.4858
Contact Info
[email protected]
vpexternal@ramsaycalgary.
ca
vpinternal@ramsaycalgary.
ca
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
hallmanager@
ramsaycalgary.ca
Hall Secretary Evelyn Bell hallsecretary@
ramsaycalgary.ca
Safety
Nicole Schon 403.605.1074 safety@
Committee
ramsaycalgary.ca
Recreation
Shannon Fox [email protected]
Heritage
Angie
[email protected]
Maeots
Casino
Pat Baker
[email protected]
Beautification
beautification@
ramsaycalgary.ca
Community
Carol
[email protected]
Garden
Engstrom
Ramsay School Jenny
403.248.9335
Liaison
Jensen
[email protected]
Web Support
[email protected]
Website
www.ramsaycalgary.ca
Newsletter
[email protected]
Team
Newsletter
Josie Casale advertising@ramsaycalgary.
Advertising
ca
Newsletter
Fred Holliss 403.815.3733
Layout
[email protected]
Anyone above can be contacted by leaving a message at the
Community Hall at 403.265.4898.
General Meetings are held on the first Tuesday of most
months at the Hall. Elections are held in October.
Ramsay Logo designed by Janice Thoroughgood
more troubling
unexpectedly less trouble
letting bars open at five eh em
than hand-wringers and police expected
now a.l.c.b. considering relaxing restrictions
around opening hour
Complaints about Lilydale smells:
• City of Calgary 311
• Alberta Environment 1800.222.6514
• Calgary Health Region 403.943.8060
P olice C ontacts • Emergency: 911
If you see crimes in the area, please contact the police by
phone at 403.266.1234 or : [email protected]
Community liaison officer: Const. Simon Staples 403.567.6146
D rug H ot l i n e 403.206.8100 leave msg.
Newsletter Contributions
Any community member is welcome to contribute to this newsletter.
The deadline for submissions for each upcoming month’s issue is the
15th of the preceding month. Please email your contributions, comments, and articles to:
[email protected] or drop it off the Hall.
The opinions expressed by the writers of some of the articles included
herein do not necessarily agree with the position of the newsletter
Editor or Committee.
last thing i want
more drunks starting earlier
at shamrock or other local bars
mixing with poultry-hauling tractor-trailers
fly, chicken, fly!
Photo: Martin L’Heureux
Name
Kevin
Cunningham
Past President —
Vice President Jenny
– External
Jensen
Vice President Josie Casale
– Internal
Treasurer
Sierra Love
Secretary
­—
2 yr Member Michael
Gallant
2 yr Member Ryan
Howard
2 yr Member Martin
L’Heureux
1 yr Member Allan Baker
1 yr Member Iain
Chynoweth
Hall Manager Gisele Ruel
Solita and her bike on a sunny winter afternoon.
President
ON THE COVER:
Position
403.815.3733
[email protected]
web design print
in like a lion, out like a lamb… let’s hope!
COMMUNITY MEMBERSHIP
Contact Josie Casale at 403.265.4898
You are the community – Your voice is important!
Annual Membership allows you to:
Participate in Community Sports • Voice your concerns to the Civic Government • Beautify our Community
$10 Family • $8 Single • $6 Senior, Disabled, Associate
Send this form with your cheque/M.O. to:Ramsay Community Association, 1136 - 8th St. SE, Calgary, AB, T2G 2Z7
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Email: Children: 1.
Children: 2.
Children: 3.
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page 3
President’s Message
Past newsletters: ramsaycalgary.ca/newsletter/newsletter-archives/
Kevin Cunningham, President, R.C.A. • 403.680.0854 • [email protected]
Ramsay Inspiration Series #6
Everyone is welcome to join me at Ramsay Hall on Saturday March The main affected areas will be between 25th Ave SE
22nd as I host the first Ramsay Inspiration event of 2014.
and the bottom of the stairs on Scotsman’s Hill. If you
have any questions, send them to president@ramsayWe will be screening a documentary about a crazy avant-garde
calgary.ca and I will forward them to Michael.
architect determined to develop sustainable housing by looking and
New Secretary on the Board
working outside the box. Earthships are what he came up with,
and we will follow his journey developing the earthship and what it I want thank Joleen Kadler for her time with us on the Board. She’s
been a great neighbour and a fantastic volunteer for Ramsay. I want
took to be able to legally build and live in them.
to wish her the very best as she travels over the next year.
Great movie and, as always, great conversation with your neighI would like to announce our new RCA secretary, Jenny
bours. Nice healthy snacks and beverages will be there for you to
Innendorfer. We are all looking forward to getting to know and
enjoy. I look forward to seeing you there.
work with her. Welcome Jenny!
Saturday March 22nd
Community Clean-up
Upper Hall
We have booked the 2014 Ramsay Community Clean-up for
6:30-9:00pm
Sunday June 15th.
Everyone is welcome
Elbow Remediation
I met with Michael Walker from AMEC about the repairs on
the south side of the Elbow river between Macleod Trail and the
MacDonald Ave bridge. Weather permitting, construction will
begin in April, with a break between May and July due to fish
spawning and high river levels, then completed in August. They
are looking to block access only when they have heavy equipment
working during construction.
Then As Now? Way Back When…
Fred Holliss
Michael Fitzpatrick’s President’s message and softball season
dominated the cover of the March 2004 edition of the Ramsay
Newsletter, 10 years ago. We still had a table of contents back
then, and a Calendar of Events on the back cover. Loose Moose
Theatre was trying to move into the Ramsay Design Centre, and
the Stampede was trying to expand into Ramsay (as they still
are); vacillating between closing off Spiller Road or (the eventual
choice) tunnelling beneath it. Traffic calming was still top-of-mind
and our very own Ev Bell took on her first stint as Secretary. Artist
Dale Fehr, who did the mural on St. Annes High School, offered
his regrets as he left Ramsay for Meaford, ON. A pair of lost
gloves got their own Community Tidbit, along with Family Skate
Day and The Point of Art taking over their entire building. Artist
Dean Stanton was due at Ramsay School, where the computer lab
got a $40,000 grant. Alderman Joe Ceci talked about two studies
regarding
the rehabilitation of Deerfoot Trail, and
MLA Wayne Cao talked about lowering
driving insurance premiums. Sports and
horticulture were on the menu, along
with the opening of Ramsay Village
Market (where Double-Elle Bakery
is now). Calgary Health complained
about lack of funding and talent
retention (an ongoing issue) and artist
Allison Morgan was profiled by Beth
Carter. Oh, and a certain Fred Holliss
had his first ad in the newsletter,
reminding you to do your taxes.
page 4
Last year we had some great Ramsay t-shirts for volunteers, so this
year I want to put out a call for submissions on a design for our
2014 clean-up. It has to be simple artwork, one color and submitted to me by April 11th. If you have any questions, contact me at
[email protected].
Alexandra Medical Clinic
Welcome all patients for all your medical needs
Walk-ins welcome
OFFICE HOURS
Monday to Friday - 9 am to 5pm
LOCATION
Alexandra Centre
922 - 9 Ave SE, Calgary
Main floor
(Handicap accessible)
CONTACT US
Telephone: (587) 350-6750
Facsimile: (587) 350-6760
City Hall Ward 9
City Councillor Gian-Carlo Carra • 403.268.5330 • [email protected]
I am sure everyone is looking forward to spring as much as I am - it
has been an excruciatingly long winter. This month, I am happy to
provide my first Ramsay-specific update of the 2013-2017 Council.
I’m extremely proud to report that at Council’s Strategic Meeting
on January 31, and thanks to the infusion of $520 million from
the $52 million tax room, we were able to fully fund the first 10
years of the Route Ahead with the SETWAY and the Central East
Corridor figuring large in the plans. As of right now, construction
of the station at 11th & 11th connecting Ramsay with Inglewood is
slated to begin in 2018. Additionally, Transit Oriented Development
Planning for Ramsay - the City’s answer to the community’s request
for a new approach to planning and a new plan for Ramsay that
came out of the work the community did with the Natural Step - is
fully funded and slated to occur over the next year.
My belief is that the station at 11th & 11th is essential for three
reasons: 1) it offers the opportunity to bridge the tracks that have
historically separated Ramsay with Inglewood; 2) it is the logical
junction point where the SETWAY and Central East transit-ways
meet; and 3) it is in a central point with regard to redevelopment
opportunities in Inglewood. The drawback of this station is that
it is far removed from significant redevelopment opportunities on
the Ramsay side - the fabric of streets and single family homes are
amongst Ramsay’s most historically significant. As such, I have been
very vocal about the need for a second station in Ramsay closer to
the pending redevelopment of the Dominion Bridge lands and along
the large redevelopment potential offered by the industrial lands
along Hurst Road.
I also want to note that the improvement of the rail
crossings throughout Ramsay and Inglewood this
summer were a result of an improved working relationship between
the City and the CPR. As part of this relationship, we will also be
working together to ensure the development of SETWAY maximizes
CPR operations and minimizes conflicts with the community. The
crossings at 8th Street and 11th Street will be examined for grade
separation as part of the SETWAY planning process.
Please stay in touch and never hesitate to contact Team Ward 9 if we
can be of any assistance: 403-268-5330 or [email protected].
ALBERTA LEGISLATURE
WAYNE CAO, MLA
CALGARY FORT
Constituency: 2784 Glenmore Trail SE, Calgary, AB. T2C 2E6
Tel:216-5454 Fax:216-5455 Email: [email protected]
http://cao.mypcmla.ca/
Find farm fresh
year-round
from more than 80 farmers, producers and independent
vendors at Calgary’s largest inner-city Farmers’ Market
Over 25 new vendors
1235 - 26 Avenue S.E. | At the corner of Inglewood & Ramsay | 403-291-5208 | www.crossroadsmarket.ca
page 5
Yoga In Inglewood
Hatha Yoga- Yin Yoga- Back Pain Yoga
Evening & Saturday Classes
Nyk Danu Yoga
www.nykdanu.com
page 6
Bicycle, Localize, Upcycle: Solita Work
Nancy Janovicek
It’s not unusual to see Solita Work cycling
through Ramsay to open her shop,
ReWorks Upcycle, or on her way to a find
it meeting or banjo lesson. A bike is the
ideal transportation for her lifestyle and
commitment to supporting local businesses
and community initiatives. Riding a bicycle
puts her politics into action. And so does
her Inglewood shop, which aims “to play an
integral role in developing solutions to the
world’s pollution problems” (www.shopreworks.ca).
Solita has lived in Ramsay for three years,
but has long been a participant in community events because her daughter, Mia,
attended Ramsay School. She used to have
a table at Ramsay’s Art in the Hood sale,
selling purses made out of discontinued
upholstery that she sourced from Calgary
businesses. This small enterprise was the
precursor to her current business that sells
household goods and jewelry handmade
by artisans who share her commitment to
keeping recyclable garbage out of landfills.
Photos: Solita Work
She first started to think about opening a
store like ReWorks Upcycle when she was at
ACAD, where she studied visual communication. “I had this idea. Wouldn’t it be fun
if there was a store where everything was
made out of garbage.” She sat on the plan
for a many years because there were not
enough products to fill a store dedicated to
upcycled products - items that add value
to garbage by transforming it into funky,
useful objects. The recession changed that
because it fostered the growth of a DIY culture. Increased environmental consciousness
also helps her business. Solita is concerned
that the debates about climate change are
diverting attention from pollution. She
explained that there are 10, 000 landfills
in Canada and 80 per cent of the garbage
that goes to landfills could be recycled.
Paying for the long-term housing of garbage
is expensive and unsustainable. When she
speaks to elementary school children about
ways to solve the pollution problem, she
compares the cost of styrofoam and compostable plates. Styrofoam cups are cheaper,
but we’re still paying for them because we
have to maintain landfills. Compostable
plates are more expensive, but we only pay
for them once. And when we chuck them
into our compost bin, we get the added
bonus of producing food for our garden!
Solita is dedicated to supporting Canadian
artists and businesses. All of the products
are sourced from North American industries in order to reduce their carbon footprint, and most of the items are made in
Canada. She’s proud that her shop inspires
people to be creative with garbage and loves
supporting people from the community.
Many of us are saving our old gift cards
for Ramsay’s young entrepreneur Jacob
Schon, who upcycles them into guitar picks
sold as sets displayed in wine corks. Some
customers bring upcyclable material to the
shop. Alberta Beverage Container Recycling
Corporation (www.abcrc.com), who buy all
of their corporate gifts at her store, recently
dropped off 120 porcelain wine bottles that
can’t be recycled. Solita has plans to turn
them into vases and oil bottles. And you
can see some of my old jeans, too worn out
to be donated to thrift shops, in some of
the pillows that she makes for the shop.
She’s currently collaborating with ACAD
instructor Kerry Harmer, who teaches a
course on Object Design this term. Their
project, Bright Reclamation, encourages
first-year students to think about how good
design can contribute to the sustainability
debates. The students’ assignment is to
make a shade for a desk lamp or hanging
lamp using upcycled materials. Their creations will be on display in the ReWorks
Upcycle window from April 18th to May
9th. Solita is quite excited about the project
because it encourages first year students to
think about the materials that they use in
their designs and gives them an opportunity
to showcase commercial work. She’s also
mentoring a third-year ACAD practicum
student who is interested in sustainability
and who will be working on product development for the shop.
A fence
BRIGHT RECLAMATION
made out of
AN UPCYCLEDreclaimed
LIGHTING SHOW
pallets
April 18th – May 9th, 2014
Bike rentals will be a new service available
at ReWorks his summer. Sean Carter from
BikeBike (www.bikebike.ca) sought another
bike rental location, and Solita, a cycling
advocate, was happy to partner with him to
bring rental bikes closer to the city’s wonderful bike paths. She sponsors and rides
in Bike Calgary’s (www.bikecalgary.org)
Tweed Ride, an annual Victoria Day event
when cyclists don their best tweed for a
leisurely tour of the city. Her commitment
to improving Calgary’s bike lanes supports
her belief in the need to localize our communities. Studies demonstrate that cyclists
are good for business. On February 19th,
she made a presentation to City Hall during
the debate on Calgary’s proposal for bicycle
lanes on major downtown routes. As a businesswoman, Solita wants more bicycle lanes
in business areas, like Inglewood, because
it will make the community dynamic and
bring more traffic to local businesses.
find it events this summer will combine
cycling, localizing, and sustainability. She’s
one of the founders of the group that has
brought us fun pop-up events for the past
two years. The popular night markets will
return this summer, and will include other
events in conjunction with the market. The
first night market will be on Friday, June
13th. They’re organizing a Full Moon ride
as part of the first market. “It will bring a
whole bunch of people who love bikes into
the community!” The rest of the events are
top secret, but will also highlight Ramsay &
Inglewood’s quirky artistic community.
Upcycled products make Solita’s Ramsay
home cozy and unique. Her husband Burke
used discarded palettes to make a fence,
turned old tires into plant boxes, and transformed old propane tanks into these cute
plant holders that look like pigs.
When you see her cycling through the
streets of Ramsay, you realize that Solita’s
got momentum. Juggling family, business,
advocacy, and community work, she is
helping to make Ramsay a more green and
sustainable neighbourhood.
Flower
Planters made
CREATIVE
UPCYCLED LIGHTING
planters
from car tires
made from
ACAD students contribute to the sustainability debate with a
propane
selectiontanks
of lampshades created from upcycled materials.
Curated by ACAD Instructor Kerry Harmer and Reworks Upcycle
page 7
Shop owner and designer Solita Work, the lighting will be on display
in her retail store. The store specializes in one-of-a-kind decor and
Recreation Update
Shannon Fox • [email protected] • 403.966.5130
Winter Festival Success – January
This year the Recreation Committee decided to move the date of
the Winter Festival from mid-February to January so we could
enjoy better ice quality. Too bad the chinook moved right along
with the date. I guess what they say is true: you can’t control the
weather! Those who came out to Winterfest still had a lot of fun
with our field activities. We had rockets, snowball shot put, team
ski races, winter golf, kickball and skating on the pleasure rink.
Congrats to Simon who used the hints to find the mysterious Ice
Worm and won an Inglewood Pizza prize!
Valentine Date Skate Fun – February
Those who made it out to the Valentine Skate party had a fantastic time on February 14. The decoration for this event made
hearts race. Candlelight and twinkle lights transformed the skate
shack. A short skate through the tunnel of love took couples and
kids to the ice decorated with painted hearts, floating balloons
and the rink was edged in candlelight. We all enjoyed hot chocolate and we all agreed the fondue was the best we’d ever tasted!
Families partake in
Winterfest science
experiments with
baking soda!
David and Carolyn Graham out on their Valentine’s couple skate
Warm Thank You to the Ice Makers
I want to send a HUGE thank you to all of the flood volunteers.
The amount of volunteer hours required to clear snow and make
ice can be daunting. This committed group comes out to battle
the weather and the challenges of our aging rink and limited
equipment because they love skating and they love seeing the
community out skating. Thanks to Colin, Darren, Ray, Simon,
Alison, Scott, Rick, Ross, Matthew, Dave, Jake, Ryan, Ian, Phil
and Alex. I apologize if I missed anyone, but let me know if you
were out to help because I want to say thanks.
Props to Our Rec Committee
Thanks so much to everyone who repeatedly put in hours of their
time, share their awesome ideas, help plan events, decorate, fundraise, work in the canteen, clean and so much more. Cheers to
Alison, Carolyn, Melody, Nancy, Darlene, Hilary, Allison, Julie,
Dave, Iain and Ryan.
Summer Fun in the Sun
Watch for some upcoming events and activities to continue at
Ramsay Rink and Rec Area. Of course, we’ll have our annual
Ramsay Stampede Party. And we may have a few more ideas in
the works.
page 8
Photos and captions: Ross Graham
Big thanks to everyone who organized and made the Winter
Fest happen – Darlene, Melody, Nancy, Hilary, Alison, Carolyn,
Martin, Rick and the Explorers, Wade, Allison, Ross, Elizabeth
and all the flooders who worked so hard to keep our ice while the
weather cooperated. Thanks to Inglewood Pizza for their donation, Boreal Cuisine for cooking the chili, Leah at Double Elle,
and the creative folks who made the fantastic trophies.
Our Awesome Trip to Canmore
Medina Dennie
First we drove to Canmore’s Nordic Centre, and waited for the others. The Path Finders were there too. Once everybody was there,
we rented skis and ski poles. Then we went out, and some people
never went skiing before. We skied around for about 30 minutes.
We practiced getting up, skiing without poles, and we played some
games. Then we picked a trail and went out.
belay. Belaying is the person that is pulling the rope up.
Then we waited at the tables for the pizza to come. Of
course, we ate it!
After that, we went swimming. There was a slide, a hot tub, and 3
pools. After that we went and had scones. They were good scones.
Our trip to Canmore was awesome!
Once we got back the Path Finders went. The
Girl Guides stayed inside and had our lunch.
Once we were done, the Path Finders got back.
Then we packed up and we each got a bag of
gummies! And the deal was if we got the bag of
gummies, we wouldn’t complain. It took about
1 hour 10 minutes to walk to the chalets. We
booked three of them.
First we went to the climbing wall. We all got
harnesses and shoes, and they told us how to
Photo: Julianne Osberg
We had lasagne and salad for dinner. It was
good. The Path Finders made brownies and for
dessert we had brownies and chocolate sauce.
Then we went to bed. They woke us up at 7:00
for breakfast. We had pancakes, fruit and frozen
berries and ice cream. Then we packed up and
put our backpacks in the car and walked to the
leisure centre.
Girl Guides, Pathfinders, and Rangers chilling in Canmore
page 9
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Jan Hudec Brings Home a Bronze
Medal!
Ramsay resident Jan Hudec won a Bronze
Medal in Alpine Skiing Men’s Super-G
at the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi.
Congratulations! You did Ramsay proud!
Parking Permit Renewal
Remember to renew your residential parking permit. Zone D permits expire on April
30th. You can get your 2014/2015 permits
starting March 1 2014 from the Calgary
Parking Authority. For more information,
visit www.calgaryparking.com.
Esker Foundation
Join us on March 20 from 6:30-8pm for
a free screening of Watermark. This film
explores human reverence of water in its natural state, and the massive impact of human
intervention in its lifecycles. Free popcorn
will be provided! Register to reserve your
spot at www.eskerfoundation.com/program/
current.
Co m m u n i t y Ti d b i t s
BeatlemaniArt!
BeatlemaniArt is an art event celebrating the
influences and spirit of The Beatles’ music in
fine art. Painting, photography, artisan jewelry, sculpture, fashion and more! Live music!
Food truck! Drawings for artwork from our
artists! And a special surprise! Saturday April
5th, 10am to 5pm at Inglewood Community
Hall. Facebook.com/BeatlemaniArt
Artpoint
Please join us for an opening reception for
both exhibitions on Friday, March 7, from
5-9pm.
Main Gallery: Mali Vargas & Seka Owen:
“Two Directions”
Red Gallery: Magic Boxes by Nadine
Charman
www.artpoint.ca
Jack Long Foundation
JLF will run another community conversation in March or April, at Inglewood Silver
Threads. The date will be announced.
Contact [email protected] or
call Shirley-anne Reuben at 403-265-6809
Calgary Public Library
Join us to expand your horizons with free programs on
a large variety of topics. Pick up a program guide at any
location or view programs online at calgarypubliclibrary.
com. Registration has already begun for most programs.
Register in person, online or by calling 403-260-2620.
International Women’s Day 2014
Join us for a celebration of International Women’s Day
and a discussion of how women are creating strong and
vibrant communities. Light lunch is provided. Doors open
at 11 a.m. Lunch 11:15 - 11:45 a.m. and is first come,
first served. Program 12 - 1 p.m.
• Friday, Mar. 7
• 12 - 1 p.m.
• 2nd Floor John Dutton Theatre
• Registration begins Dec. 23 and ends Mar. 4
Music in March
Sit back and enjoy live performances from Calgary’s
established and emerging musical artists.
• March 10,11,13,14,17,18,20,21
• 12 - 1 p.m.
• Central Library –main floor
Travel Day 2014
Join us for a full day of travel programming including
The Face of Adventure, Volunteer Abroad, Do You Love
to Learn? Icefield Skiing with Ben Gadd, Top Adventure
Destinations.
• Saturday, Mar. 15
• 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
• 2nd Floor John Dutton Theatre
page 12
Civic Affairs
Jenny Jensen, VP External
Stampede Open House (April 30th) Stay tuned for more details on the April
30th Open House with representatives
from the Calgary Stampede. This will be
an opportunity for Ramsay community
members, the City, and the Calgary
Stampede to exhange information.
DP2014-0299 (1804 Ramsay St. SE) This Development Permit is to add a
second story to an existing garage. The
owners need a relaxation because of lot
coverage. Civic Affairs supported the
relaxation.
Parking on Spiller Road - Civic Affairs
received a request for comment from
City of Calgary regarding 2 parking spaces on Spiller Road in front of
Ramsay School and two spaces across
the street from the school. Currently
there is no parking in these areas and
the city is requesting that these become
parking spaces. The committee supported 2-hour parking in these spaces
within the requirements of the existing
restrictions during special events.
Community Garden
Carol Engstrom
The Ramsay Community Garden is celebrating its fifth gardening
season in 2014. We have 24 plots available for rent. Small plots are
$15 and large plots are $30. There are plots available for this season if you are keen. We are a group of friendly Ramsay people who
are passionate about growing our own food. We also like gardeners
to help out at the garden a minimum of 8 hours a year. There are
always plenty of things to do such as watering, weeding, raking
mulch, moving soil, turning composters and more.
The City of Calgary will be building a fence around the garden
this year as part of the park redevelopment. This will be a great
addition to the garden.
Please contact Carol Engstrom at [email protected] if you
are interested in joining the garden this year.
Photo: Martin L’Heureux
Co m m u n i t y Ti d b i t s
Local Writing and Literacy Classes for Youth
Starting in April Kim Firmston, local author, writing instructor, and creator of the Reality Is Optional kids’ writing club and DramAntics
Theatre camp, will be offering four new local writing/storytelling classes for a variety of age groups in two wonderful locations.
At the Loft 112, Calgary’s brand new literary arts space located just over the bridge in the East Village, a story telling class for three to five
year-olds will take place. Through this class, preschoolers will explore the art of storytelling through the use of their five senses, drama, and
art. This fun and active class is a great way to promote early literary skills and still get them home in time for their nap.
Also at Loft 112, homeschoolers in grades six to nine will be able to try a full spectrum of writing. Multi-media Writing includes comics,
political speeches, Ad writing, and much more. Teens will explore the many ways to use the written word and find that writing can be
both useful and fun.
Photos: MJ Uszy
Does your daughter or son struggle with
reading, writing, and spelling? Are their
essays, and other written work, disorganized
or difficult to read? Do you suspect, or have
they been diagnosed with, a learning disability? Well help is close at hand. Over at the
Alexandra Writers’ Centre Society, located in
Inglewood, Kim is tackling these issues with
two classes focused on assisting students in
grades four through seven and grades eight
through twelve using group exploration and
strategies for reading, writing, spelling, and
organizing, as well as reading and writing
practice in a non-critical environment. The
goal is to help local children succeed and
find enjoyment in the written word in a
financially accessible and fun way.
For more information on any of these classes
visit www.kimfirmston.com or call Kim at
403-237-6837.
page 13
Otter & Explorer News
Scouter Rick Ryan, 403.278.2547 • [email protected]
My how time flies!!! I just got news that one
our first Scouts John Sangster is turning 29. I
guess that means we have been in Inglewood
and Ramsay for 17 or 18 great years. To add to
this, his sister Kim is engaged. Barbara Stewart is expecting
as is Stephanie Ell, you know Winnie’s kid and then there
is PJ who has a three year old and she already thinks my
canoe is neat. Looks like we will have more Otters in a few
years.
Photo: Rick Ryan
As always we have been busy. The Otters and the Explorers
were to the chocolate shop for Valentines. Nothing says
happy Valentines to Mom more than a chocolate dump
truck with a bite out of it. The Otters made a trip to Pacific
Place by LRT and bus to checkout the Chinese New Year.
Tomorrow (February 16) they are off skiing. In March they
are off to camp at the Lions Camp in Cremona.
Selina, Matias, and Kennedy at Chain Lakes.
The Explorers passed their swimming badge at Inglewood
pool. Their contribution to the Ramsay Winter Carnival
was a huge success as they helped in 5 different events
and provided some neat trophies. They went ice fishing at
Chain Lakes this weekend and caught a pile of fish which
they cleaned and cooked on the ice. They are now into a ski
program to get ready for a ski trip into a mountain cabin at
Lake O’Hara. Next week they will be in Banff for a long ski
finished off with a trip to the hot springs.
RIO: Kid’s Writing Club
Emily Firmston (youth member)
Recently, the RIOites have wrangled a new minion
into our service. Her name is Maxine. We are very
impressed. Speaking of her, she is leading our next
meeting. Writing through movement, quite poetic,
isn’t it? We had our annual Valentine’s Day meeting, and made
videos using pickup lines, and created an anime-style video, a
mystery and a, well, um… romance? Maybe horror? Anyway you
can see them on our website and decide for yourself. Some of us
are excited to go to Drink the Wild Air youth writers’ retreat, and
the ones that aren’t excited are not attending. We are also anticipating summer WordsWorth youth writing residency, which is
much warmer, and longer. Spring DramAntics Theatre Camp is
approaching, with only four spots still open. Hurry and sign up
for this beach party themed play! There is still room in the summer version of this camp which performs the play at the Calgary
Fringe Festival, so if you don’t make it in the spring camp you can
hang out with us at this one instead. Or both! At Loft 112, a new
amazing writing centre, we played with their manual typewriter
and built swords for Drink the Wild Air and LARPing (the official
RIO sport).
Visit our website: realityisoptional.weebly.com to find out more
information about these events and to see our videos and writing.
Inglewood Night Markets are back!
Great news! find it's INGLEWOOD NIGHT MARKETS
are back by popular demand in 2014.
Running the second Friday of June through September
June 13 | July 11 | Aug 8 | Sept 12
We're planning to open the vendor booking system by late April.
But you can start getting involved right now. We welcome all ideas
and feedback about how to make the markets even better. What
kind of vendors would you like to see? What kind of entertainment
and food? If you'd like to be on the planning committee. We're all
volunteers and can always use extra hands (hearts and brains too),
whether you have a little bit of time to put in or a lot.
Thank you to Inglewood BRZ - our major sponsor this year!
www.finditcalgary.ca
page 15
Grab & Go Breakfast
7am - 10:30am weekdays
Breakfast Sandwich
bacon, egg, avocado, oka cheese, lettuce, tomato
& roasted red pepper remoulade
4.95
Breakfast Wrap
egg, bacon, gouda, lettuce, tomato
& roasted red pepper remoulade
3.95
***
Worried About Filing Your Income Taxes?
Starting March 1 to April 30
The Alexandra Centre Society will once again be
helping low income bracket residents of
Inglewood, Ramsay, Victoria Park, and East
Village fill out their income tax returns. Some
restrictions apply to the types of returns we are
able to help with.
***
Breakfast Burrito
refried beans, egg, firey cheddar, sour cream,
salsa, lettuce & tomato
3.95
Smoked Salmon Bagel
over medium egg, spinach, marinated onion, fried capers
& lemon-caper infused cream cheese
4.75
English Muffin
smoked pork, egg, sharp cheddar, spinach,
grilled red pepper & garlic aioli
4.95
Fruit Parfait
berries, house made granola & vanilla greek yogurt
4.85
Fresh Fruit Cocktail
with mint chiffonade
2.95
Steel Cut Oatmeal
new flavours daily
3.95
quality | food | experience
1023 - 9 ave se
Look for our new website coming soon!
DramAntics Spring Theatre
Camp Beach Party!
For our Spring Break Day Camp young people
aged 9 to 16 will write their own beach play,
create the props and set, make the costumes,
and put the whole thing on stage for your
entertainment.
Spring DramAntics runs March 24-28 from
9:00 – 4:00 daily (with a performance on Friday
night) at the Alexandra Centre Society and costs
$235.00 for area residents or $260.00 for those
from other communities.
***
Looking for rental space
for your group, gathering, or meeting?
Come check out the
Alexandra Dance Hall, Rose Room,
and Molly Cropper Board Room
today!
Call Sarah to inquire
403-269-5588
***
A BIG Thank you to our Christmas
Hamper Donors!
Corworx, Tier One Travel, Vision 2000 – Calgary, Mrs.
Fleming, Eco Canada, Mr. & Mrs. Tamblyn, Calgary
Exhibition & Stampede, Calgary Outdoor Swimming
Pool Association, Mr. & Mrs. Hall, Encana Corporation,
Mrs. Meyer, Canadian Pacific Railway Company, Alero
World Wide/Two Amigos Calgary, Junktiques Ltd.,
Crown Surplus Stores Inc., Streetside Calgary, West
Canadian Industries, Inglewood Savings & Credit Union,
Calgary Hitmen, Safeway, Sobeys, CMD Carstar Group,
Sofina Foods Inc., Heritage Park, Costco Wholesale,
Double L Motors Ltd., Tea Trader, Calaway Park, Mrs.
Precosky, Mrs. Gruetzner, Mrs. Robillard-Metters, Mrs.
Klaassen, Mrs. Beard, Mrs. Tumback, Mr. Newel, Mrs.
Taylor, Devon Canada, Mr. Criddle, Mrs. Zimmer,
Fulcrum Communications, Mrs. Moss
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Townhouse Development at 8th St and 17th Ave SE
Chuck Smith
On Thursday February 20th, Smith and Co hosted an Open House
at Ramsay Hall about the rezoning of the properties running from
1703 - 1709 8th St SE. The following is a brief overview.
The owner of the lands has applied for and received a Development
Permit for two semi-detached dwelling units at the southeast corner
of the lands. The owner has also applied for re-zoning of the lands
from the current RC-2 zoning to MCG-96. This effectively doubles
the number of units allowed on the site from 8 to 16 units.
Because the lands are surrounded by streets on 3 sides with limited
or no access to either 8th Street or Elizabeth Street, a single vehicle
access was placed from 17th Ave into an internal parking lane with
townhouse units flanking it facing both 8th and Elizabeth. The
plan has been met with favor by the community and the Civic Affairs committee.
Despite this, Amber Osadan-Ullman, Planner
from Land Use Amendments, refused the
application. The reasons for the refusal are as
follows:
1. The site is not extensively serviced by
existing infrastructure, or public facilities
compared to other locations in the community
2. The site is not in a transition zone adjacent to an area designated for higher density
3. This site has not been identified through
subsequent local area plans as a transition
zone
4. The site does not lend itself to sensitive,
modest, intensification in the form that
respects the scale and character of the
neighbourhood due to significant grade
and narrow lot size
5. he proposed district does not meet the
intent of the Low Density Conservation
policy of the ARP
6. The existing Ramsay Area Redevelopment
Plan is recognized as providing specific
policy direction
Neither the Developer and his consultants
nor the Civic Affairs Committee have a clear
understanding of what the Planner meant,
so she was invited to attend the Open House
and provide clarification. She accepted the
invitation but chose not to attend.
Prior to the Open House, the Developers’
consultants met with Alderman Gian-Carlo
Carra. He was at a loss for words as to why
the Planner would refuse the proposal and felt
the project was “not only appropriate but necessary for Ramsay.”
The February 20th Open House was well
attended and participants were presented with both the refusal
comments from the Planner as well as four alternative concept
plans for the development of the site, ranging from the original 16
unit proposal to a semi-detached plan. The overwhelming feedback
was that the original proposal would be a welcomed addition to the
community.
The developer intends to move forward with the proposal despite
this setback. Smith and Co will display 3 multi-family alternatives
in their store front windows located at 2012 Spiller Road SE until
February 28th.
If you would like to review and comment on the proposal, please
contact [email protected].
Yoki & Jeff Nichol
INNER CITY SOLD FOR 96% of List Price
1031 Rundle Cres NE
Active Listings
RAMSAY
# of
Actives
Bungalow
2 Storey
2 St/split
1.5 Storey
Attach/Twnh
1
2
0
0
0
Avg. List
Price
319,913
962,000
----
INGLEWOOD
Avg.
# of
Sq.Feet Actives
706
2087
----
Avg. List
Price
7
8
0
2
5
Yoki
&
691,910
798,166
-477,400
817,380
Avg.
Sq.
Feet
910
1755
-1296
1695
BRIDGELAND
# of
Actives
3
6
0
0
9
Avg. List
Price
539,000
1,017,866
--879,100
Avg.
Sq.
Feet
809
1799
--1647
Jeff Nichol
TOP 1% in Canada Since 1983
Bus: 252-5900
Relocation Specialist
TOP 1% in Canada
Since 1983
www.yoki.ca
From one Generation to the Next…
Both working for you with
SINCERITY AND INTEGRITY
[email protected]
[email protected]
SOLUTIONS
INDEPENDENTLY OWNED AND
OPERATED BROKER
16 – 11625 Elbow Dr SW
Licensed
Licensed
Agent Agent
Assoc. to
16 years
sales
Yoki
6 years
sa 1experience
9 years MLS Million Dollar Club
Licensed Agent Assoc. to
Yoki 6 years sa 2

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

1324 ~ 8th Ave S.E.
4 Active Listings Currently
$319,913 > $1,175,000
5 Sales for 2014
$242,500 > $ 1.075,000
2013 saw a total of 51 Ramsay
sales starting at $ 218,888
with a high of $1,100,000.
The market looks good for
Ramsay in 2014!
Who wouldn't want to live
in Historic Ramsay!

Built in 1893 this 1.5 Storey home has strong bones
& is in wonderful condition with lots of original
character & a partially developed basement. Prime
location lot 33 x 122 x 145 backing to the Bow River
& park and siding up to the Rhubarb Patch. A 121
year old home ideal to restore or ... build new!
$699,900
CONDITIONALLY SOLD!

Your home is unique and has its very own “Top” market
value. Call me for a complimentary, confidential and up
to date evaluation!
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