February 2020
Greetings!
The Alberta groundhog (Balzac Billy) did not see his shadow and we are so excited for the possibility of an early spring!
Although it means that our winter sports will soon come to an end, we look forward to hearing the sounds of basketballs on pavement, birds coming back from the south, and children laughing on the playgrounds once again.

We have lots in store for the next upcoming months!
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
Branding Project Update
The Brand Development Committee and Town Staff would like to thank all who participated in the Logo Testing Survey that ran from January 20 - 27, 2020.


There will be more chances to get involved as we start Step 3 of the project, defining the desired brand. Follow our social media and next month's newsletter for a link to the new survey!
To get more info about the project, next steps, or how to get involved visit blackfalds.com/brandblackfalds.
Blackfalds Historical Trivia Challenge
From now until April 30, learn about Blackfalds history & enter to win a "Blackfalds Package of $100 Value."

The "Question of the Week" will be posted on the Wadey Centre webpage or you can pop into the Wadey Centre on Thursday afternoons to get the question and the answer.

The more you play, the better chance you have of winning the prize, as participants will receive one entry for each correctly answered question.
New Thursday Programs at the Wadey Centre
Starting in January, the Wadey Centre will be offering fun afternoon programs that can be accessed on a drop-in basis.

For more information or to register contact Linda at 403.304.7317 or Terry at 403.396.2824.
Blackfalds Parent Link Programming Schedule & Calendar
With the support of the Town, Blackfalds Parent Link Programming will continue January through March.


Program & Activity Guide
Check out the programs, events and activities in the Winter Program & Activity Guide or view the Programs Calendar to get a quick look at all the programs we offer by date.
The Spring/Summer Program and Activity Guide will be out for distribution the first week of March.

Limited hard copies of the guide will soon be available in the beginning of March at the Abbey Centre, Town Office, and FCSS.
New Mayor's Blog
Read the new Mayor's Blog, a personal and interactive blog that is open for your comments and questions.

The blog can be accessed in the Town Council section below or by using the shortcut blackfalds.com/mayorsblog.
AJHL Team coming to Blackfalds
The Alberta Junior Hockey League (AJHL) Board of Governors has approved the transfer of ownership of the Calgary Mustangs to Mr. Doug Quinn and the relocation of the franchise to Blackfalds, AB. The new AJHL member will play its inaugural season from the newly expanded Blackfalds Multi-Plex in the 2021-2022 campaign.

For all Town news visit blackfalds.com/news
Community Events
Flag Day!
According to History Canada, almost 6,000 designs were considered for the National Flag of Canada but on this day, 55 years ago, Canada adopted the maple leaf flag.

Be a part of the #CanadianFlag #FlagDay photo challenge and share your picture with the flag on social media on Saturday, Feb 15.
Winterfest
Various locations around Town
February 17
Join us for our annual Winterfest event taking place at various locations around town on Family Day.
Various winter activities will be held, including our annual Penguin Dip.

Red Deer Home Show
Stop by our booth at this year's Home Show where Council, Town Staff and committee members will be on hand to answer all your questions and reveal all the exciting new opportunities and plans for the community of Blackfalds.

Don't miss another event! Bookmark blackfalds.com/events
Notice to Residents
Municipal Enforcement would like to remind all residents to keep their sidewalks clear of snow. Not only is this a requirement, but it’s also a “good neighbour” practice. By clearing the sidewalks surrounding your property, it provides a safe path for all pedestrians, lowering the opportunity for injuries associated with slips, trips, and falls. Please do not shovel snow onto the roadways.

We also ask you to keep fire hydrants clear if they are on your property. You may save a life by ensuring our fire fighters can get to water quickly if they need to. 

For questions or to report your concerns, contact the  Community Peace Officers or submit a Complaint Form.
Tax Installment Payment Plan (TIPP)
Tax payments made affordable! 

Join our Tax Installment Payment Plan to have your Annual Tax Levy divided into equal payments.

For more information:
Tax Clerk at 403-885-4677
Winter Sand Facts
Every season, the Town purchases sand from a local supplier who provides pre-mixed sand with chips (small rocks) and a 5% salt additive.
The sand's primary purpose is to provide traction in any temperature as long as it is applied directly on the surface of the ice. If it is applied to fresh snow, it will sink within the snow and become ineffective.
Sand tracks easily on ice or hard packed surfaces so chips are mixed with the sand to aid with traction.
Finally, the salt's main goal is to melt ice, which it will, unless the temperature falls below -18c. At times, and when temperatures are conducive, the Public Works department will add more salt to a load to accelerate the melting process. This is called a "Hot Load".

Sand is available to the public during the winter months via a sanding bin on the west end of the Outdoor Rink, beside the Multi-Plex Arena.
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
Pink Shirt Day!
Town Staff and Council invite you to join us in celebrating Pink Shirt Day, a nationally recognized bullying awareness campaign on Wednesday, February, 26 2020.
We encourage everyone to practice kindness and wear a pink shirt to symbolize that we do not tolerate bullying.

Snow Angels Volunteers Needed
The Snow Angel Program is a volunteer program that supports Blackfalds residents who require assistance to clear their snowy driveway and/or walkway.

As a Snow Angel you are committed to the same resident throughout the season and may adopt more than one resident if desired.

For more information please check out the brochure.
Nominations for Volunteer Awards
 
Do you know someone in our community who selflessly gives their time? Nominate them before March 1, 2020 for the following awards:
  • Carol Simpson Volunteer of the Year Award
  • Gloria House Mentor Award
  • Outstanding Group – Adult & Youth category
  • Dylan Stork Youth Ambassador Award
  • Leaders of Tomorrow Award – Elementary, Junior High and High School category
 
Programs & Activities
Come enjoy the fantastic benefits associated with bouncing around on a trampoline. Smile, laugh and have fun with friends whilst getting exercise.
Fitness Studio 1 | Abbey Centre
Wednesday, February 19
2:00 - 3:00pm
Grades 4 - 12
Registration Required
FREE
Vision Board Workshop
Learn the process behind creating a vision board and how it can help achieve your dreams by attaching actionable steps needed to achieve them.
Multi-Purpose Room | Community Centre
Thursday, February 20
1:00 - 4:00pm
Grades 4 - 12
Registration Required
FREE
Girl Power Part 2
Banquet Room | Multi-Plex Arena
Thu, March 5 - April 9
(no program March 26)
5:00 - 6:30 p.m.
Free
Grades 4 - 7

2BBoys Part 2
Banquet Room | Multi-Plex Arena
Thu, March 5 - April 9
(no program March 26)
7:00 - 8:30 p.m.
Free
Grades 4 - 7

Blackfalds Youth Crew
Banquet Room | Multi-Plex Arena
Grades 4 - 6 | Every Mon
3:45 - 5:45 p.m.
Grades 7 - 12 | Every Tue
5:00 - 7:00 p.m.

Get Amped for C'AMPED
Servus Program Room
Abbey Centre
PD Days | 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
These day camps are jam-packed with games, crafts, sports, and adventures that will keep kids active and stimulated throughout the day.
Winter Walking Club
Abbey Centre | Walking Track
Every Monday & Wednesday
10am - 11am
$2 drop in rates apply
Youth Succulent
Terrarium Workshop
Banquet Room | Multi-Plex Arena
Tuesday February 18
1:00pm - 3:00pm
Learn how to create and care for
your very own terrarium.
All materials provided.
Pre-Registration required
Grades 4 - 12
Cost $10.00
No school? No problem!
Multi-Plex Arena
Come and enjoy some fun and exercise as you hit the ice at the Multi-Plex Arena on Fridays (Wolf Creek School District PD Days).
Jan 17, Feb 7, 21, Mar 6, 20.

1:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. | $2/person or $5/family

Time to Lace up Your Skates
Multi-Plex Arena
The change of the season means the return of Jim Hurley Free Skate!
Sponsored by the Blackfalds Ag Society, this free event happens every Sunday, until March, and allows families to lace up their skates and spend time on the ice!

Register today! Set up an online account for online registration.
Complete the  Online Account Setup Form  and  email  to Guest Services.
Abbey Centre Promotions
The Abbey Loves You!
For one day only on February 14, use promo code "HEARTU" to save 14% off of your monthly or annual membership(s).
Available at the Abbey Centre or online.
Available for renewals or brand new membership activation.

Happy Heart Day from the Abbey Centre.
xoxo
Track Only Option
Get away from the elements and run on the Cottonwood Meadows Running Track for just $2! Users will be given a running track only wristband valid for the day of purchase.
This special offering ends April 30, 2020.
Childminding Services
Need to work out or run some errands? Our childminding services offers off-site services!
Please pre-book as spaces are limited. Contact Guest Services at 403.885.4039.

Drop-In to Registered
Fitness Classes
Guests can drop-in to a variety of select fitness classes with the purchase of a punch pass or day admission.
Members can enjoy drop-in access with their membership for FREE.
Find more Abbey Centre information or email  to Guest Services.
Did You Know?
The Town of Blackfalds maintains numerous locations for outdoor skating, including:
  • Centennial Pond Rink - Just off Panorama Blvd map
  • Multi-Plex Outdoor Rink - map Monday - Sunday 8:00 am - 10:00 pm
  • Pine Crescent Outdoor Rink - Monday - Sunday 8:00 am - 10:00 pm
  • Riser Pond - Westridge Drive map
  • Harvest Meadows Skating Loop - map

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, February 25 at 7:00 p.m.
RCC: Tuesday, March 10 at 7:00 p.m.
SCC: Monday, March 16 at 7:00 p.m.

The public is welcome to attend.

See Councillor's Corner by Councillor Laura Svab.

See the Mayor's Blog, a personal and interactive blog that is open for your comments and questions.
Council Live-Stream
You can now join Council meetings from the comfort of your home! Catch them live streamed on the Town's YouTube channel.

Please note that Video, images and audio contained in a live stream or recording must not be altered, re-purposed or republished without the permission of Council.

Watch Live Stream here.