Latest news with #RecreationDepartment
Hamilton Spectator
28-07-2025
- Business
- Hamilton Spectator
Rocanville ready for Communities in Bloom
Rocanville has entered Communities in Bloom this year in a non-competitive category, and Town Administrator Tanya Strandlund says she is proud of the community effort. 'The residents of this town have really stepped forward with us being part of the Communities in Bloom this year,' she said. 'The beautiful lawns, the additional flowers, the extra care people are putting into the community has really been noticed, and even those that go around and pick up garbage when they're out walking, it's made such a difference.' Strandlund planned to express her gratitude to all those who pitched in to make Rocanville look extra nice through the Communities in Bloom campaign, including praise in a town-wide email last Friday. 'Our town looks so clean, and we've gotten a couple comments here in town of how beautiful our town is,' she said. 'So a huge thank you to the residents and the businesses that make that happen.' The Recreation Department has really embraced the Bloom spirit, posting photos of local flower beds, and issuing weekly challenges such as prune an unruly tree in your yard, and weed a flower bed. 'They've been sharing some of the beautiful flower arrangements people have put out and made in their pots, in their baskets, in their front yards and on their decks,' Strandlund said. 'It is so bright and colourful they look beautiful out there.' The Communities in Bloom judges will be making their stop in Rocanville on Aug. 8, and Strandlund encourages folks to 'keep doing what you're doing, because it's beautiful out there!' Positions approved During their regular meeting on July 23, Rocanville town council approved Kristen Walchuck be hired as the Recreation Facility Caretaker. Rayne Thieven was also approved as the Summer Program hire. Town looking for IT help The Town of Rocanville is looking for some local information technology gurus willing to put their expertise to good use. 'We are looking for an individual potentially in the area, and we are going to be approaching some individuals for future IT help,' said Strandlund. 'Somebody that really understands computers, networks, and setting up new computers.' The plan is to create a contract for a casual position, which would also involve troubleshooting possible issues as well. 'There's a few more names that came out from conversations last night regarding that, so we'll be contacting them as well,' Strandlund said. 'But if anybody loves computers and really understands IT, call me! Lot development discussed Initial discussion took place regarding the creation of commercial lots from a town-owned green space. 'We're not exactly sure what it's going to look like yet or how quickly they're going to be developed, but we're in the beginning stages of turning a large green space and subdividing it into commercial lots that would then be sold for light industrial usage,' Strandlund explained. Surveys from Gateway Economic Development will be going out, asking residents what services they feel are needed in Rocanville. Should the project continue, next steps would include rezoning, subdividing, and involving land surveyors. 'We're trying to find some space for people, because we want to grow,' Strandlund said. 'We want people here, which just brings in business, brings in families, and we want to make Rocanville your home!' PDWA procedure Council also discussed creating a Precautionary Drinking Water Advisory procedure outlining what happens when a water advisory needs to be issued in Rocanville. 'We are creating a policy right now regarding our town procedure for when a PDWA is issued, just so that we have some steps, who's responsible for what when it happens,' Strandlund explained. 'It's not finalized yet, just because we're tweaking it a little bit and reading it over a few more times to make sure that it does make sense, we are within regulations and making sure that everyone in town, when there is a water situation, are taken care of.' One important area is the means of communicating a water advisory—be it social media, email, and physical posters. 'In the moment it happens, yes—Facebook and email is the quickest way to get it out to as many people as possible, but it's not foolproof,'Strandlund said. 'Trying to figure out a way to make sure that everyone is notified to the best of our ability as quickly as possible is what we're trying to focus on. There's always room for improvement, we aren't perfect, and we will continue to do better.' Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .
Hamilton Spectator
13-06-2025
- General
- Hamilton Spectator
Open Door Kingsville connects residents to municipal operations
Every homeowner pays taxes to their municipality, but many may likely not know all the services their township provides. Last Thursday, the Town of Kingsville tried to bridge that informational gap by hosting its first Open Door Kingsville event at the Grovedale Arts & Culture Centre, which offered an open house-style format with an afternoon and evening session to accommodate resident schedules. Kingsville Mayor Dennis Rogers said the open house showcased all of the Town's different departments to be open and transparent with the services it provides. Residents might not know all of the services the town provides, so the event offered an opportunity for each department to set up a booth and for attendees to walk around the facility and speak with staff. Rogers noted most residents know the town provides things like road maintenance and winter services, but may not know it also oversees infrastructure for wastewater and water, drainage operations, planning services, and engineering. 'There's a lot of different parts,' Rogers said of municipal operations. 'We have a great team, a strong team.' He said it was nice to be able to put a face to emails that have come through in the past with residents having a chance to engage in-person during an informal open house. The event was also designed to get young people thinking about municipal careers. 'We are always looking for great people,' Rogers said, noting it would be good to set high school students on a path that would lead them to a fulfilling municipal career. Though this is the first public event of its kind in Kingsville, Rogers noted something similar was hosted at the beginning of this Term of Council for the newly elected municipal reps. That gave them the opportunity to learn about the organization and all its departments. Jen Galea, Manager of Human Resources, organized the event in collaboration with Kingsville's Senior Management Team, inviting not only municipal staff to engage with residents, but representatives from various community partners, such as the Essex County Library, Ontario Clean Water Agency, Essex-Windsor EMS, and the OPP. For Galea, the event was an open invitation for residents to 'come talk to us.' It was also an opportunity to let the community know Kingsville is currently recruiting volunteer Firefighters for its Cottam and Kingsville Fire Stations. To help explain the role Firefighters play in fire prevention and emergency response, Kingsville Fire and Rescue was onsite with a fire truck to answer any questions. Youths onsite were also able to play with activities the Recreation Department organized. Staff from the Recreation Department found various ways to promote its programming and community events, such as the multi-week summer Kingsville Block Party, the Live at the Lighthouse music series, and the Fantasy of Lights. Each visitor walked away with a Kingsville-themed grab bag. Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .
CBC
16-05-2025
- Politics
- CBC
Drinking in Ottawa public parks could be allowed this summer
Social Sharing Ottawa parkgoers could soon enjoy alcohol in public parks, as a report from City of Ottawa staff is recommending consumption be allowed within certain parameters. In a report tabled for the city's Community Services Committee, staff included a proposed update to the parks and facilities bylaw. This proposed version would allow alcohol consumption in designated areas of parks and would establishe parameters for where it will continue to be prohibited. The current bylaw prohibits anyone from possessing alcoholic beverages in park spaces, except for at events with a proper permit. City staff outlined two options for councillors to consider. The first option would identify parks where personal consumption of alcohol is allowed. Councillors would then work with communities in their wards on designating parks or continuing prohibition. This option would establish parameters for limiting consumption of alcohol, such as before before 11 a.m. or after 9 p.m. It would also forbid drinking within five metres of playgrounds, parking lots, beaches, and sports fields. The report said these restrictions are designed to prioritize the safety of children and park users and ensure that areas frequently used by them remain secure, while also maintaining public safety. The second option would test drinking in parks with a pilot that would run from July to October. The Recreation, Cultural and Facility Services Department would select up to one park per ward with the local councillor to authorize the consumption of alcohol. Afterwards there would be a post-pilot evaluation that would go to council for further direction. Capital ward Coun. Shawn Menard introduced a motion last year to launch a pilot program, citing cities like Toronto that allow alcohol consumption in designated parks. Both Ottawa Public Health and Ottawa Police Service voiced concern with the proposed bylaw. In a letter, Police Chief Eric Stubbs said, "permitting alcohol consumption in public parks presents risks that could compromise public safety and strain our resources." A letter from Ottawa Public Health raised concerns linking increased alcohol consumption to several types of cancer, as well as the risks of underage drinking. Councillors will discuss the report from city staff at a Community Services Committee meeting scheduled for May 27. If approved, the proposed bylaw would then go to city council.
Yahoo
28-01-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Council approves engineering services contract for new stormwater ponds, trails
Jan. 28—The Albert Lea City Council on Monday voted to approve engineering services for a series of stormwater rain gardens and public use trails slated to be constructed off of Front Street between Maplehill Drive and South Fourth Avenue. City Manager Ian Rigg said the city received an almost $886,000 stormwater resiliency grant for design and construction of the project, which will take place on city-owned property at 1300 Front St. The area is prone to flooding. Rigg said the parcels were donated to the city to create stormwater storage. Third Ward Councilor Jason Howland said he was glad to see the project ahead. "This project — I want to forewarn — this isn't going to solve completely flooding, but this will help," he said. "Flooding in that area has been an issue for a long time. Looking forward to see this move forward." He said it will not only aid in the flooding but it will also provide some new opportunities for pedestrians nearby. The council approved a cost of $173,700 with HR Green of St. Paul to develop construction plans and a cost estimate for the project, including design, wetland delineation, stormwater modeling with Geotech coordination and ADA walkway and improvements, along with optional construction oversight. The total estimated cost of the project is $1.028 million. Howland said the project is slated for completion at the end of 2025 or spring of 2026. In other action, the council: —Accepted donations totaling about $6,500 toward a small changing room for referees and hockey players in a portion of the skate-changing area outside the Nystrom Rink at City Hall. Rigg said Recreation Department staff had expected to build the room themselves, but Attig Construction offered its services, along with Geneva Lumber, Rink Systems and Albert Lea Electric, which also offered supplies and services. The 9 1/2-by-17-foot room will display the names of the donors. Howland, Mayor Rich Murray and Councilor Brian Anderson thanked the businesses that donated their services and materials to the project. —Accepted the feasibility report and called a public hearing for the reconstruction of 11th Street, from Margaretha Avenue to the east end. Proposed work includes complete removal and replacement of the pavement, curb and gutter, sanitary sewer, storm sewer and watermain. —Accepted the feasibility report and called a public hearing for this year's state-aid overlay projects. The project includes bituminous mill and overlay on Garfield Avenue from Fairlane Terrace to Richway Drive. —Accepted the feasibility report and called a public hearing for the neighborhood improvement project for this summer. It includes two main components: bituminous mill and overlay in the Crossroads Boulevard area and a portion of Lake Chapeau Drive, and replacement of the bituminous surface on a portion of SE Marshall Street. —Appointed Marly Steele to the Senior Center Board.
