EFCL is seeking members to volunteer for the landmark 100th Anniversary project.  We are working with the City on a plan to upgrade a portion of Hawrelak Park, which will include elements to recognize the contributions community leagues have made in Edmonton.  For more information contact Allan.Bolstad@efcl.org  780-437-2913.

Join us on Saturday, February 11, 2012 1:00 pm at Capilano Community League Rink Room, 10810 – 54 Street.   Register :  info@efcl.org  There will be presentations by the builders and the EFCL, and an opportunity for general discussion.  All leagues welcome.

This spring, let’s get excited about community leagues! In conjunction with our Next Generation initiative to bring more young people under 40 into community leagues, the EFCL will be hosting 6 regional matchmaking gatherings for non-league members with leagues  throughout the city.

Are you hosting an event on February 2^nd, 4^th, 6^th, 21^st, or 27^th? We would like to work with you and the Edmonton Oil Kings to co-promote your winter activity and take your event to the next level!

As a board member of a not-for-profit organization, have you ever wondered…
•    what are my legal and ethical responsibilities?
•    what role do I play in governing our organization?
•    how can our board organize its work and fairly and efficiently to avoid volunteer and staff burnout?

Oil Kings are top of the league this season with huge attendance at their last game!  BE part of this family oriented fun at a family price

EFCL has released the requirements of new technology needs for the website and office.  We have four projects in which you might be interested in all or none; ideally, you have the expertise in all areas and can service all of our needs.

PROJECT  1:      Issue of Membership Card for Online Sales
PROJECT  2:      Online Data Entry Interface
PROJECT  3:      Subscription Module
PROJECT  4:      Exchange Email Implementation / Offsite Backup

28 of the 52 Community Leagues that submitted applications for the Community League Infrastructure Program(CLIP) grant received funds for 2011.  Increased funding will be available for 2012.

In response to numerous complaints about cell tower developments, several city councillors made an inquiry about potential changes to the community consultation process and the criteria used to decide whether or not to support a tower proposal.

The Membership Brochure copy is complete and we are sure you will like what you see!

ORDER DEADLINE IS FEBRUARY 10 - DON'T MISS IT!  Login with your CLAdmin account and proceed to Store / 2012 2013 Membership Supplies

Fundraising Success: Where to start and how to build it

An introduction to volunteer management

Check out these great activities around the City!

The City has prepared a new draft of the TOD Guidelines. It is available for review on the city website, at www.edmonton.ca/tod.  The major change is the application of the TOD Guidelines to transit centres.

Given the auto-oriented nature of transit centres, do you think the LRT station Guidelines should apply to transit centres?   Please contact Bev.Zubot@efcl.org with your thoughts to help EFCL reflect your ideas during consultations. 

Executive Committee of Council is scheduled to consider the TOD Guidelines on February 8, 2012. 

KaBOOM! currently has Funding Partners that will cover the majority of the funding as well as provide volunteers to help build a playground in Edmonton in June 2012.  We are working to identify nonprofit, child-serving organizations that would benefit from and embrace the process of a community-built playspace partnership.

The Mediation & REstorative Justice Centre  three-part practical and interactive workshop series is designed to provide participants with the knowledge, tools and hands-on experience we all need to communicate more effectively in interpersonal relationships both at home and at work.

The Edmonton Police Service is accepting applications for the upcoming class of Citizens Police Academy.

EFCL is booking a center spread in the examiner promoting our Outdoor Rinks and enjoying the many fine events Leagues have to offer this winter.  We are in desperate need of Event Listings to give this promotion a little bit of festivity ~ Register your rink opening times and your winter events of any kind (not just rink events).

Visit our RINKS page  to see what's up so far!

We have seen a number of leagues start a successful Skate Loaner Program at their rinks and it has definitely improved the usage.  Essentially, a skate storage area is created where skates are stored by size. Kids come and sign out the skates.  That simple and we can get you the skates!

Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) is a widely accepted set of crime prevention principles.  The CPTED premise is that the proper design and effective use of the physical environment can reduce the perception of fear and incidence of crime.  This leads to an improvement in the quality of life

 EFCL had two rather large increases to the request we put forward annually for Leagues and both of them were approved on Friday December 9 at 4:50pm..

The selection jury for Living Local Arts & Heritage Neighbourhood Grants Project met and reviewed applications on Wednesday, November 30th. The winners are . . .

Want more children and long-term residents in your neighbourhood? The EFCL has a tool for you to use when advocating for more quality mulit-family housing.  See EFCL's Recommendations for Child/Family-Friendly Multi-Unit Housing.

Reduced Parking Requirements for Seniors Housing and other supportive housing projects is being considered by the City.

  Grandview Heights Rink ignites true community spirit among rink volunteers . . .“I just love coming down here with my buddies,” said Chatwin. “You just call them up and they’re all here within minutes and everyone wants to skate.”  Read more to see the full story.

EFCL is helping Edmonton outdoor enthusiasts find where they can have winter fun

Find 116 Community Rinks, Learn to Skate programs, Winter Carnivals, Pancake Breakfasts, and Christmas parties

The Snow Angels program is an awareness and recognition program encouraging Edmontonians to voluntarily shovel snow for a neighbour in need like a senior or person with disabilities. The program also allows those who’ve received help to recognize the volunteers who shovel their walkways by nominating them as Snow Angels with the City of Edmonton.

More Dollars Sought for Infrastructure and Training

A joint committee of the EFCL and Edmonton Community Leagues has been struck to review the city’s development strategy for constructing major recreation facilities.  ~photo courtesy of Rob Agostinis

The EFCL is working on a proposal that would provide solar energy systems along with energy and carbon audits for a number of Edmonton Community Leagues.

The Edmonton Federation of Community Leagues has asked the Copyright Board of Canada to exempt Community Leagues from paying Tariff #21, which directs them to pay $185 each year to SOCAN

City of Edmonton is beginning the allocation process for ice time in the 2012-2013 winter in City indoor arenas and swimming pool time for outdoor pools in summer 2012 and indoor pools in winter 2012-2013

The Edmonton Federation of Community Leagues is reviewing a plan put forward by a consortium of companies to place a roof over an outdoor skating rink.

In keeping with the recently-approved tripartite license agreement, halls are only to be used by non-profit organizations.

 Foster Park Baskett Insurance are very pleased to announce the official launch of our highly anticipated On-Line Short Term Facility Rental Application effective December 1, 2011!    

The Edmonton Federation of Community Leagues has started to define its centenary project, which is designed to recognize 100 years of volunteer work by 154 Edmonton Community Leagues.

While news releases and web updates will still be used to inform residents about what is taking place in regards to parking bans and residential service, an number of new tools have been put in place that will get the information to citizens even more quickly and efficiently.

Rink board advertising is now permitted under the following conditions. . .

After many requests by EFCL to make family friendly infill housing a priority, the Executive Committee of Council finally directed City Administration to review the definition of family-oriented housing and to report on options to promoting family friendly infill housing.   

The EFCL supports the development of City guidelines to direct the type of development that can occur in neighbourhoods near transit stations over the next 30 years.  The EFCL has submitted a position statement to the City with the following recommendations . . .

Following a couple of workshops with Leagues this summer, EFCL prepared a comprehensive report to the inter-governmental and citizen Community Sustainability Task Force.

On October 19^th, Bev Zubot, EFCL’s Planning Advisor, and Christine Bremner, EFCL Board member, spoke to Executive Committee of Council about Restrictive Covenants limiting grocery stores.    They spoke against the practice of grocery chains placing a covenant, on their sold properties, which restricts the future sale of food on the site

 The Light Efficient Community Coalition and EFCL were both disappointed with the digital sign regulations adopted by City Council in September.

In 2012, City Council will be considering new bylaw regulations for non-medical massage parlours, or rather, Body Rub Centres

Though I have heard some voices claim that volunteerism is dead I beg to differ, especially after compiling the projects at our latest Community League Showcase. We have champions

Come join us on Thursday nights for interesting topics, activities and of course the Alberta Avenue Farmers' Market.

Get your league involved or hook a Senior up to the Snowbusters program.

Registered Day Camps…Lower Cost for families in need! 

Snow Shacks… Free Winter Fun for Kids!

Report a Grow op - Grow ops are a danger to your neighbourhood. If you spot a grow op, report it immediately to Crime Stoppers at: 1.800.222.8477     Read more for tips for Landlords

At the November 19 Community League Showcase, the energy and inspiration of the attendees was paramount and who could resist the appeal of compelling stories of original, innovative, and humanitarian projects we heard about.  Watch the videos and download the stories on the efcl.org / news / league showcase page

 Group hugs in order for outstanding volunteer Nancy Rempel!

Councillor Henderson and EFCL President David Dodge congratulate with an EFCL President's Award.

Photos courtesy of Rob Agostinis

Transportation Services has changed its guidelines and procedures dealing with temporary portable signs placed on road rights-of-way

At Woodvale Community Hall October 18, the house was packed to hear what experts have to say about living local. Speaker Tony Druett made the point loud and clear that Civil Engineering should not merely be the art of directing the great sources of power in nature, but should do it for the use and convenience of Man. . .

 Mega-events may trigger the building of iconic stadiums and plenty of promises about a sparkling future.

 Read all about it!  

Representatives of the Edmonton Arts Council and Edmonton Heritage Council teamed up with the EFCL on Monday night to officially launch the Living Local Arts and Heritage Program.  Photo courtesy of Allan Shute, Riverdale Community League

The sun was shining and representatives from The Sun, Global TV, and City TV were there to record for posterity the fun world's largest croquet game featuring EFCL President David Dodge, Mayor Mandel, and Don Iveson.

 Aside from the 25 C temperatures, for the second year running Evansdale combined soccer and program registrations with free jumpy arenas, horse-drawn wagon rides and free hot dogs and refreshments for anyone who came. More is better as Evansdale is learning.

EFCL made a call to SOCAN and is sending a letter restating our position

Communities have collaborated to make this fabulous tool for exploring their neighbourhoods . . .

The Business Plan update has been approved by our EFCL Board and is available for everyone to read.

New regulations for four storey apartments and six storey apartments have recently been approved by City Council.   Many of these rules can be used to benefit your neighbourhood.

On July 13, EFCL hosted the second consultation on mature neighbourhood sustainability.  

Over 140 people attended the Second Annual Green Shack Wrap Up Party and enjoyed free hot dogs, jumpy things, and a most entertaining petting zoo! 

Together the Edmonton Heritage Council, Edmonton Arts Council and the Edmonton Federation of Community Leagues have launched a unique project to connect people and their neighbourhoods through arts and heritage and provide up to $20,000 funding!

“An Ounce of Prevention” Special Funding Pilot calls for proposals. The funding is part of a one-time, special project funding opportunity being piloted jointly by REACH Edmonton and the Community Services Advisory Board.  Entitled “An Ounce of Prevention”, this funding will consider proposals that advance the common outcomes of safe and healthy communities and individuals shared by REACH Edmonton and the City of Edmonton’s Community Services Advisory Board

AT THE EFCL BOARD RETREAT -This planning exercise turned out to be a well spent day.  Thanks to EFCL President, David Dodge for capturing it in these photos.  Read board packages for EFCL actions and directions and click more to see the mobile me gallery . . .

Canada Day in Riverdale is always a ‘big deal’ for the community, and this year one of the main events will be the ‘unveiling’ of two outdoor murals. Two artists were commissioned by the Riverdale Community League to paint murals on the west and south walls of Riverdale House

EFCL has hired seven outreach workers who can help you plan ways to reach out to them and revitalize your core of members! Check out their languages and biographies on the Cultural Outreach Team Page on efcl.org

In the last few weeks, over a third of the mature neighbourhood community leagues had representatives meet with the Community Sustainability Task Force to explain the challenges facing their neighbourhoods and to suggest solutions.  

Imagine as soon as a membership is sold your contact database, distribution list, bank account, and accounting ledger is updated!  Without a volunteer having to do a thing! 

The city is considering reducing the minimum lot width from 39 feet (12 m) to 25 feet (7.62 m) so that a standard house lot can be subdivided to allow the building of two single family homes.

 EFCL is pleased to report that David Dodge is the new president of the EFCL. 

The $5000 prize money provided by CO2RE went to winners Grovenor and runner up Southwood.

Take advantage of this Telus World of Science Sponsorship program!

The EFCL is entering discussions with the Edmonton Public School Board on the controversial issue of school closures.

The City’s Planning and Development Department is considering modifications to parking requirements for multi-residential units near transit facilities. An updated version of the proposed Draft Amendment to Zoning Bylaw 12800 is available on EFCL’s website under Planning Matters- Civic Documents .

One of the centre’s hardest working visionaries is Dr. Robert Agostinis. The president of Terwillegar Riverbend Advisory Council (TRAC) and EFCL District H director described the opening of the $160 million facility as, “Amazing.”  

A new task force appointed by Edmonton Mayor Stephen Mandel is looking for ways to help sustain and support Edmonton’s mature neighbourhoods. The committee will be conducting research and meeting with citizens over the next three months. The EFCL will be organizing a meeting for leagues to discuss solutions and to help the EFCL develop its submission to the Task Force.

If you live close to an existing or future LRT Station or Transit Station, you can expect to higher density developments coming your way.

Talks are happening at community leagues about gardens, the City just released its pesticide schedule, and we can imagine that the snow will one day leave. Remember to make green choices and go pesticide free!  More weblinks on our Green and Growing Edmonton Page

Representatives from the Office of Environment will be there to talk about energy and climate change. There will be discussion about community action – what we can do at the community level, and what the best ways are to raise awareness and spread the word.

EFCL roving reporter, Nancy Rempel,  interviews Loretta Wonitoy after the Castledowns volunteers returned from the Phillipines.  Listen . . .

You have an opportunity to influence the development of ‘overlay’ regulations for low-rise apartment and stacked row housing developments in mature, pre- 1972 neighbourhoods.    The Medium Scale Residential (MSRI) Overlay is being drafted by the City to enhance the quality of medium scale infill developments.  

 The City of Edmonton is now accepting bookings for Indoor Skating next Sept 4, 2011 to April 2, 2012.

Edmonton Public is reviewing their community use of schools policy. Here is a survey and a blog post from Trustee Michael Janz with some more information about the survey and the policy How do you think that the community should use Edmonton Public Schools?