Our Issues

…as of Friday, November 29, 2024

  • Argyll Code of Conduct
  • All About the Trees
  • Radon Testing for Argyll Homes
  • Meals on Wheels needs our help
  • Sports Park Master Plan
  • Document Archive

  • Code of Conduct for Argyll Membership

    In the past year our league has been asked to develop a code of conduct for it's membership and executive board to comply with our requirements by the City of Edmonton as well as for our insurance policy.

    A couple of volunteers have researched a few standards documents and developed a draft of an Argyll specific document. The current draft was presented to the AGM in September of 2024 and was promised to be available for anyone to download and review. If you wish to contribute to the final version you can download the PDF (Here) and send your suggestions or comment to president@argyllcl.ab.ca and they will be considered for the final version.

    Once a final version has been drawn up it will be presented to the AGM in September of 2025 for a vote to accept it. The current version has been tabled for review at the last meeting. All contributions will be acknowledged at the 2025 AGM when the consolidated document is presented for discussion and acceptance.



    It's all about The Trees

    The City initiative to plant more trees

    The City of Edmonton is delivering on the commitment made in the City Plan to be "Greener as we Grow" – driving climate resilience ahead and strengthening our natural systems. Edmonton's City Plan sets a target to plant two million new trees as the population grows to two million people. The Urban Forest Asset Management Plan establishes a target of 20 per cent urban forest canopy coverage by 2071.

    To meet these targets, the City of Edmonton has developed a long-term plan for both naturalization, boulevard, and open space tree planting. During Phase 1 engagement in May 2022, Edmontonians took part in a city-wide survey to help them better understand how green spaces are used, as well the level of support for naturalization for boulevards and open spaces tree planting.

    The City of Edmonton would like to invite residents to complete an online stakeholder survey as part of their public engagement for the Naturalization and Boulevard and Open Space Tree Planting project. This phase of engagement is open until May 29, 2023. The City of Edmonton is developing a city-wide multi-year plan for both naturalization and boulevard and open space tree planting and to develop the plan, they are seeking both public and stakeholder feedback to understand:

    Stakeholder Workshops:
    There will be both online and in-person options for a stakeholder workshop to cater to a broad range of participants.

    Online Stakeholder Survey:
    You may also provide feedback on behalf of your group or organization, by completing the online stakeholder survey.

    Information Package:
    We have also put together an information package (attached) with content that you can share within their networks and promote public engagement activities. The package includes digital materials that can be printed, emailed, posted on social media and added to e-newsletters.

    If you have questions, please email the Project Team at: naturalizationandtreeplanting@edmonton.ca.

    Visit Naturalization and Tree Planting for public engagement and project updates.

    Visit New Urban Trees and Naturalization for additional project information

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    The Root for Trees program

    Did you know the City of Edmonton aims to plant 2 million new trees on City land as the population grows? Expanding the urban tree canopy will provide a number of benefits, including cleaner air, cooler street temperatures, reduced stress for residents, and enhanced biodiversity. Volunteers play a vital part in this initiative. The Root for Trees program relies on organizations like ours to help us achieve their targets.

    Root for Trees is an enhanced tree planting initiative through the City of Edmonton. They plant native trees, shrubs and wildflowers in naturalized areas throughout the city. The planting program starts in May and runs until mid-October. There are three primary ways to volunteer with the program.

    Registered Group Tree Planting Program:
    This opportunity is for groups of 10 to 60 people to plant with the help of staff at designated sites throughout the city. With this option, the staff meet a group on site at a designated time with all of the required plants, equipment, and safety materials. During registered plantings, staff also provide a presentation about the benefits of naturalization and the Root for Trees program.

    Drop In Tree Planting Program:
    Root for Trees offers public drop-in plantings with no registration required. Find the drop-in schedule online and join in, pair with someone, or bring a small group. Drop-in, plant, and help grow Edmonton's urban forest.

    Special Events
    Root for Trees runs a series of special events throughout the summer planting season. These are usually open to anyone and available for volunteers to attend on a drop-in basis, but some may require pre-registration. Check out the special event schedule on their website.

    Citizens who would like to volunteer with the program will need to create a BetterImpact account and follow the sign-up links available on the website. To sign up for the program, please visit rootfortrees.ca

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    Please contact rootfortrees@edmonton.ca if you have questions, comments, or feedback. Feel free to invite anyone you think would be interested in helping to enhance Edmonton's urban forest.

    Their mailing address is:
    City of Edmonton
    13315 - 89 Street NW
    Edmonton, Alberta T5E 3K3
    Canada



    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.

    Alberta Lung & NWT

    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?

    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.

    Meals on Wheels Logo

    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



    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:



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