Our Issues
…as of Tuesday, February 28, 2023
Parking in Argyll
With the help of our City Councillor areas adjacent to all our sports fields now have Resident only Parking. A small group brought forward a petition in support of the idea for residents with homes in the areas nearest the sports parks. These residents successfully gained approval from the City to permit Resident Only Parking on the field side (West) of 88 street and the area adjacent to the school fields along 69 avenue (north) which are used by some other stakeholders.
This group found it encouraging to hear their neighbours expressing relief that something has been done about this. It is important, to me as president, to see neighbours being supported in this way as it builds community and makes all of us feel better about living here. The expression of support from most neighbours goes a long way toward making everyone feel welcome and appreciated by those around them.
There may be some issues arising from this new arrangement and the Argyll Community League will respond when necessary. This is a "seasonal" parking restriction for only the summer months; May to October. Residents should have received a notice in their mailbox with their parking permit (papers) for two (2) vehicles and what the terms of use will be. Look for a follow up survey from the City to arrive in your mailbox after October (and perhaps into spring) asking your opinion about this program.
Police will only respond when individual behaviour becomes threatening or abusive. They strongly recommend using the 311 phone app (as well as the phone line) to notify bylaw enforcement when you think you see illegal parking. Bylaw officers can respond to a current vehicle location issue (such as alleys, driveways, or no-parking areas) as well as idling and parking on the sports field grass. Police tell me the increase in calls regarding parking in a particular area of the city will result in more focus on that area from Bylaw Enforcement. Having an image of the parking is also helpful to illustrate and document the time and date, as well as, a vehicle license should help them investigate further.
By far the most complaints were around bad behaviour by visiting sports people as well as when the BMX group hold a provincial competition in the neighbourhood.
Radon Exposure
It was brought to the attention of everyone who attended the AGM how Argyll seems to be a prime location for high levels of Radon radiation. More than one resident had installed mitigation measures after having their home tested.
Without wanting to alarm anyone about this kind of radiation, it is a health hazard for children and adults. Extended exposure to Radon has serious side effects and should be considered as serious as exposure to asbestos and other household gases.
Another resident did a little digging and found a resource for an inexpensive testing kit from Alberta Lung & NWT. If you wish to pursue a test of whether your home is exposing your family to high levels of Radon gas you can follow the link below.
This time of year is the best time to test as the conditions are better for a good test in colder weather. These are Health Canada approved radon test kits. They can be ordered online from the link above and cost $68.25 each. The kits come with free shipping to you and back to the lab for analysis with prepaid mailing labels.
What is Radon?
- Radon is an invisible, odourless, and tasteless radioactive gas.
- Long-term exposure to high levels of radon can lead to lung cancer.
- Radon is the leading cause of lung cancer among non-smokers and the second leading cause of lung cancer overall (after smoking)
If you prefer to have a test done by professionals, here is a link to a resource locator online. Take Action on Radon measurement professionals.
Meals on Wheels provides Support to Communities
Your donation provides life-saving connections.
March was a turning point for everyone, especially the vulnerable and elderly. Meals on Wheels clients found life as they knew it was on hold. For some, instead of the Sunday visit from family or weekly coffee with friends, the doors to the outside slammed shut. For others, the world of isolation was far too familiar. Getting out, even for essentials, became impossible.
Edmonton Meals on Wheels is a saviour for many. Meals, pet food, hampers and grocery delivery continues. Services have ramped up to meet the need of the community. Even from a distance or through a closed-door, volunteer drivers still ensure people were safe, and their stomachs were full. The service's frequent phone calls brightened their days. Greeting cards and messages sent through our volunteers bring a smile. The delivery of toilet tissue was especially appreciated when there was none. Activity books and essential toiletries are a godsend to many.
During this unprecedented time, many of us struggle mentally as the impact of isolation and lack of human contact wears on. A donation to their services today ensures they will continue to deliver nutritious meals but valuable human connections. No person is forgotten.
People know the difference Meals on Wheels makes. People understand the positive impact their volunteers have on each day. People appreciate how delivered meals carefully prepared are connectors. People are helping people while nourishing both the body and the soul.
Your donation during this challenging time is even more critical. We are all coping with the new reality of living through this pandemic. Today, Meals on Wheels is asking for continued support to help provide life-saving food, and connections, to our homebound and elderly neighbours. By donating to Edmonton Meals on Wheels, you will be helping people cope as they endure this challenging time.
Call them today to volunteer, or visit their website to make a donation: Meals on Wheels Edmonton
ElderDog Canada
ElderDog Canada is a national registered charity (#832404057RR0001) dedicated to helping aging people, aging dogs and the important connection between them. ElderDog Canada is the only organization in the country providing free companion animal in-home support for seniors. They help seniors in the care and wellbeing of their dogs. They re-home older dogs who have lost their human companion due to illness, long-term care placement or death. They conduct and support research, and provide education, about the role of the human-animal bond in the health and wellbeing of seniors.
Anyone who has shared life with a companion animal, or observed the significant role companion animals play in the health and wellbeing of seniors, knows the power of the human-animal bond. Research supports the importance of this bond and shows the many ways older adults benefit from this relationship. ElderDog's goal is to enable older adults, living at home with challenges affecting dog care, to continue to benefit from their relationship with their canine companions as long as possible. For seniors on a fixed income help could mean financial assistance with costs of veterinary care.
Sadly, the physical bond between human and companion animal is all too often cut short. When moving into a retirement community or nursing home, many seniors are forced to leave behind their devoted companions. Often their dogs also are old and not so adoptable. ElderDog endeavors to find new homes for these loyal, old friends so they are able to live out their lives with the comfort and care they deserve.
As a community-based charity, their work depends on the commitment of dedicated volunteers as well as support from community organizations of various kinds. The ElderDog organization believes there is a role for everyone to play in supporting the vital connection between seniors and their dogs. Whether working directly with seniors and their dogs, helping with fundraising, contributing to outreach and education, or working behind the scenes in some important capacity they welcome your involvement.
They would like you to think about how you, as an individual, or as part of a community group might get involved in ElderDog's work. For more information; visit www.elderdog.ca.
Sports Park Master Plan
Recent inquiries have revealed decisions which suggest the City is not yet ready to re-start the Master Plan process for Argyll Sports Park. Signs of this could be seen by their refurbishing of the ball diamonds last summer. It appears the current situation will remain unchanged for the next few years. Information which was shared with our president suggests the renewed interest from previous years has come up against budget restrictions in the aftermath of our health crisis. Our fingers remain crossed we will hear more encouraging noises, but what we've learned recently is not very encouraging.
When the City revisits the decision to restart the planning process our community will consult residents about participating in a new design process.
Selected Documents regarding Argyll Issues
The new Bylaws governing our league's administration were approved in March of 2020. A copy of the bylaws is now on our list of documents.
This is a list of documents available for viewing by residents who would like a little history about our issues and the background on some of what is described above. The Park Master Plan, our Velodrome challenge, and the draft of the revised bylaws are all listed HERE. If you wish to comment or ask questions Dave Trautman is always available by e-mail.
Our address is:
- Argyll Community Hall
- 6750 - 88 Street NW
- Edmonton, AB T6E 5H6
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