Greetings and welcome!,
The days are already getting shorter, and the evenings cooler, but summer is technically not over yet. Before the kids go back to school, why not make a point of enjoying the last bit of summer before it’s gone?

Scroll down for various ideas on how to make the best of your last summer days!

We are committed in being transparent by providing accurate and relevant information.
If you have any suggestions or see something that needs to be corrected, please send them to [email protected] .
Latest News & Updates
Fully accessible playground coming to Blackfalds
The community has been working with Variety The Children’s Charity on developing the playground since last year. The playground is an important addition to Blackfalds' variety of playstructures that will make everyone feel welcome and included.

The playground will be located on the corner of Westbrook Road and Vista Trail in Blackfalds.
Read the CTV story here .

Don't miss the fundraiser Saturday, August 10 hosted by the Optimist Club of Blackfalds! See details in Community Events below.
Blackfalds High School Becomes Wolf Creek Public Schools’ Top Priority
We are excited to share the news that the Wolf Creek Public Schools’ (WCPS) Board of Trustees revised its three year capital plan, with a new Grade 7 to 12 school for Blackfalds as its top capital priority.

“This is an exciting development, one we have been working towards for many years,” noted Mayor Richard Poole.
Complete the Budget Survey for a Chance to Win
Have your say in the upcoming 2020 budget!
Fill out the 2020 Budget Survey and let us know what you would like to see for the future of Blackfalds.

The survey will take about 5 minutes to complete and you will be entered to win a $100 credit on your utility bill and will run until August 15.

Results of the survey will be available at the Budget Open House during the Community Info Expo on September 9. See events calendar for details.
Should Blackfalds Implement an Urban Hen Program?
Town Council is interested in learning your thoughts about implementing an Urban Hen Program.
There has been an increasing popularity for people wanting to raise hens in an urban environment in many communities, including those within our region.

As a resident, your opinion matters to us. The survey will only take a couple minutes to complete and ends on August 30.
Switch to Utility E-bills for a Chance to Win
Sign up for utility e-billing during the summer months and be entered to win a $100 utility bill credit. If you are already set up for e-billing, you are automatically entered! 

Contest closes August 31 .    

Sign up for e-billing now!
Nominate Your Best Business for the 2019 Business of the Year Awards
The Blackfalds Chamber of Commerce & the Town of Blackfalds Economic Development & Tourism Committee are excited to continue the tradition of recognizing community businesses and celebrating business leaders. Two new award categories are featured this year;  Home-Based Business and Employee of the Year.
 
The deadline for nominations is September 27.
Nomination forms can be picked up at numerous local businesses or submitted online.

Send in your nominations today!
Multi-Plex Arena Expansion to begin in 2020 and includes new Library
Even though this is last month's news, we still wanted to share this exciting message with you in case you missed it:

We are excited to announce that Council passed a resolution to move the expansion of the Multi-Plex Arena forward and includes the Library! Watch Mayor Poole's video announcement. See news release for more details.

More information on the Multi-Plex expansion.
Summer-Lovin' Photo Contest
Thank you to everyone who participated in this photo contest, showcasing all of the summer activities we offer in Blackfalds!

The contest ran until Aug 5 and our top choices will be selected by a volunteer vetting panel. Be sure to watch out for a public vote from Aug 13-20 on our social media platforms!

Winner of the Town Swag and Abbey Centre gift card will be notified through Direct Message and posted onto the Instagram page.
For all Town news visit blackfalds.com/news
Community Events
Summer
Culture Series
Ag Society Amphitheatre
4500 Womacks Rd

Join us this summer and enjoy music, animals, science or comedy every Thursday at the amphitheatre on the east side of the Abbey Centre.

Summer
Community Market
5302 Broadway Ave
Thursdays
4:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Come down and shop at the many quality local vendors this summer every week until August 29 at the
Multi-Plex Arena.

Brought to you by the
Inclusive Playground
Pub Night Fundraiser for the Inclusive Playground
Blackfalds Motor Inn & Sidetrax Pub
Aug 10
8:00 p.m. - 12:00 a.m.

You are invited to an evening of great music, drinks, and entertainment! Proceeds go towards the New Inclusive Playground being built in Blackfalds! Tickets just $20.
Call 587-877-6297

Hosted by the
Community
Information Expo
& Budget Open House
Abbey Centre
Sep 9
6:00 - 8:00 p.m.

Meet with various community groups, get information about services and register for the programs they offer. Plus, it's Budget Time! Council and staff will be on hand to answer your questions and provide feedback.
Multi-Plex Arena Expansion Open House
Banquet Room | Level 2
5302 Broadway Ave
Sep 12
5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

The final architectural design will be unveiled and the public is invited to come and let us know your thoughts.


Blackfalds Culture Days
Various Locations
Sep 27-29
TBA

Join us  for a 3-day event celebrating Arts & Culture in Blackfalds.

Stay tuned for more details and events schedule.
Don't miss another event! Bookmark blackfalds.com/events
Notice to Residents
Road Closure
Road closure for the repaving of Waghorn Street has begun and will change vehicle access to the Civic Cultural Centre, FCSS and Tayles Water Spray Park. Road closure barricades will remain in place and we ask drivers to follow the detour signs.

The project will be worked on in phases and will take approximately 4 weeks to complete depending on the weather. Thank you for your patience .

For more information, please see the news release .
Get regular updates on the Town's Facebook page .
Homeowner Property Maintenance
Our Parks staff would like to remind homeowners that grass that is 6" outside your fence and is still inside the property line is the owner's responsibility to trim. If you border a public space, the Town will cut up to 12”-18” away from your fence (see Bylaw 1220/18 ) to ensure no damage to your property or fence is incurred.

If you have any questions, contact the Parks and Facilities Manager, at 403-885-4677 or email [email protected] .
Avoiding Sneaky Water Leaks
A leaky toilet, a water softener with a drip, a leaking outside faucet, a cracked underground sprinkler, or a humidifier that isn't functioning properly can quickly add up to a shocking utility bill. We often forget about these water wasters; out of sight, out of mind. Proper inspection and maintenance of these water consumers keeps money in your pocket.

The Town offers dye tablets at no charge for residents and is a cheap easy way to check for leaky toilets which are typically related to the flapper valve not seating properly.
Glass No Longer Accepted
Please be aware that our Collection Service Provider has informed us that glass is no longer an accepted recycling material. 

If you are wanting to recycle glass bottles, please go to Blackfalds Cosmos Bottle Depot located at 5405 South St. (East Side of Highway 2A).
 
The collection service has been contracted to a private business Can Pak Environmental, who may be contacted directly at 403.341.9300.

To see a list of acceptable materials and other information, please click here.
Help Us Save the Bumblebees
Bumblebees have a fat, furry look and are large-bodied bees. Native to North America, bumblebees are a social bee that live in colonies. At its peak in late summer, a colony can have anywhere from 15-300 bees. There are about 250 species of bumblebees, which live primarily in temperate regions, and about two dozen reside in Canada. 

Read more to find out how to you can support bumble bee conservation.
Shining a Light on Bats!
Did you know that bats are naturally shy of humans? Bats are not blind, and have an excellent navigation system. This, combined with their natural aversion to humans, means that it is unlikely that they will dive at people, get tangled in long hair or attack pets - contrary to popular belief.

Learn more about how you can protect bats here.
Report an Issue
Did you find broken playground equipment in a park or a pothole in the road? Report your public property non-emergency issues to the Town of Blackfalds from your smartphone or computer using Blackfalds Connect!

For more details and to download the app visit the Report an Issue web page .
Be the Difference in Your Community!
Volunteering at Town events is a dynamic way to get involved and contribute to the community, develop new skills and meet new friends.

Let us help you find your perfect match!

Visit www.blackfalds.com/volunteer for more information.
See the latest volunteer newsletter.
Apply to Get Involved in Blackfalds Future
If you are interested in making a difference within the community, provide creative and valuable input, and be involved in the growth of Blackfalds, contact [email protected] for more information or visit the Boards and Committees page at blackfalds.com.
 
Send in your application before Sept. 12, 2019 to be considered for a member at large position that will be appointed by Council at the Oct. 22 Annual Organizational Meeting.
 
 If you have questions about serving on a Town Board or Committee or would like additional details, please contact [email protected] or 403.885.6360.
Programs & Activities
Spring/Summer 2019
Program & Activity Guide
Your Guide to Blackfalds
Don't miss any of our fun activities, classes, events, or programs. Register today!
You must have an online account. Complete the  Online Account Setup Form  and  email  to Guest Services .
Camp Curious
Weekly Summer Camps
What better way to spend those hot summer days than at Camp Curious Day Camps.
Every July and August the Abbey Centre welcomes youth ages 3-11 to an action-packed summer of fun!
Limited spots are still available!
Red Cross Swim Lessons
The love of swimming
starts here!
Our Swim programs strive to make water safety active, engaging and age appropriate. Lessons include all five strokes and promotes fitness and endurance, and gives swimmers lifelong skills to safely enjoy the water.
Fresh Air Art
Youth in grades 4 to 12 can experience art outdoors every Thursday from
1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
FREE
NEW!
Summer Drop-In Fitness
Drop in and join a variety of fitness classes every Wednesday at the Abbey Centre.
Personal Training Special
Take advantage of the personal training promotion
this summer and save!

Offer expires Aug. 31, 2019
For all programs and classes visit blackfalds.com/programs
Did you know?
Blackfalds has almost doubled its population in the last decade?
According to the 2009 census our community had 5,610 residents with a growth rate of 15.84% since 2007. Compare that to the 2018 Census with a population of 10,125, that means we have grown over 80% in just 10 years!
Town Council Schedule
Regular Council meetings (RCC) are held on the second and fourth Tuesday every month in Council Chambers at the Civic Centre at 5018 Waghorn St.

Standing Committee meetings (SCC) are held the third Monday each month.
Meeting agendas and schedule can be viewed at blackfalds.com/councilmeetings .

The next scheduled dates and times are:
RCC: Tuesday, August 13 at 7:00 p.m.
RCC: Tuesday, August 27 at 7:00 p.m.
SCC: Monday, September 15 at 7:00 p.m.

The public is welcome to attend.

Read this month's Councillor's Corner
by Councillor Marina Appel