The ice rink is now officially open to the community (as of 9:00 am Sunday November 29). Thanks to the ice crew for their many volunteer hours that were required to build up the ice sheet. It is very fortunate to have ice to skate on in November. Due to the importance of physical distancing, a porta-potty has been installed for the season and extra benches will be provided. The community hall will remain closed at this time. Please be mindful of the current physical distancing guidelines. 

Play safe and be kind.

If you would like to volunteer to help maintain the ice rink, contact Dave Browne, the Ice Rink Coordinator, at ice@standrewsheights.ca 

Yesterday, the Province of Alberta announced another state of public health emergency imposing new restrictions on individuals and businesses. 

Social gatherings remain the largest source of transmission and so effectively immediately:

• No indoor social gatherings: outdoor social gatherings are allowed, with a maximum of 10 persons.
• Funerals and weddings – Max 10 people.
• Faith Services: 1/3 of capacity, mandatory masking
• Masks will be mandatory in indoor workplaces.
• Restaurant rules will continue in enhanced areas (Edmonton / Calgary or others with 50 cases per 100K) – NEW: Dining in restaurants/bars, etc. can only be done with members of one’s household, in enhanced areas.
• Closed:
  • Banquet halls, conference centres, trade shows, auditoria and concert venues, non-approved/licensed markets, community centres
  • Children’s play places or indoor playgrounds
  • All levels of sport (professional, semi-professional, junior, collegiate/universities and amateur). Exemptions may be considered.
  • Casino TABLES – however, slots can remain open
• All customer facing businesses will be limited to 25 per cent of fire occupancy limits.
  • Retail businesses and services
• Appointment only businesses
  • Professional services
  • Personal services

These measurers are mandatory and those that break these rules will be subject to fines of $1,000. They will be in place for 3 weeks and then will be re-evaluated. In addition,

• Students K to 6 will continue in-school learning but will begin winter break Dec. 18 and return to classes Jan. 11.
• Students Grades 7 to 12 will begin online learning Nov. 30, end Dec. 18 and return on Jan. 11.

An emergency alert will go out later this week on the cell phone network to alert all Albertans. If these measures are not successful, more strict measures will be required. Premier Kenney encourages us all to do our part. 

All the detail can be found at: https://www.alberta.ca/enhanced-public-health-measures.aspx#toc-3

As we anticipate another skating season, we want to congratulate Nik Rasula for 25 years of coordinating the ice rink maintenance crew at St Andrews Heights. During that time, Nik recruited and trained a volunteer crew that is second to none.

Nik has now retired and we have a new Ice Crew coordinator:  Dave Browne.

Please consider joining the ice rink maintenance crew, no experience is required, as we offer on the job training to learn the art and science of ice making.

In a typical year, our most experienced members start building-up the ice surface in late November (weather dependent) and the rink is ready for skating in early December. The bright Calgary sunshine and Chinook winds usually end our season by early March. A typical rookie crew member’s  time commitment is 3 outings of 2 hours each.

Here are some of the benefits of being on the rink crew – giving back to the community by providing a healthy outdoor activity for all ages;  obtaining fresh air and exercise (no need to go to a gym);  end of season volunteer party (held at a secret location)

You can contact Dave at ice@standrewsheights.ca  

The St. Andrew's Heights Twitter account is activated again. You can receive regular updates via Twitter @SAHCA-YYC.

We are pleased to announce the launch of our new website!

Many thanks to Jeremy Mortis who has revamped our site. For those of you who are unaware, Jeremy is our digital guru behind the scenes in our community!

We would like to extend our gratitude to Gwen Schafer who has maintained our website for years. Gwen and her husband Jeff built our original site and we are thankful for their continued contributions to the community.

There appears to be a pack of coyotes in the off-leash park area and they were a very happy group this morning. The yelping and calling were in full force starting around 5:20 am. Be aware that they are in the neighbourhood and do not leave your pets out unattended.

We have had a report about a homeless encampment in the treed area by the 11th Ave-Crowchild pedestrian overpass between St. Andrews Heights & West Hillhurst: There has always been encampments there on and off for many years with no problems that we are aware of. Yesterday some people were hiding in the trees wearing scary masks and jumped out to chased some children on the path. Police attended the scene but could not do anything about the encampments due to COVID restrictions. The campers did not attempt to grab the children and did not continue pursuing them. If you encounter a problem like this please call the police non-emergency number at 403-266-1234. If you feel you are in an emergency situation then call 911.

Targeted health measures will take effect on Nov. 13 to curb the rapid growth of COVID-19 in Alberta and protect the health system.  Alberta’s government is implementing additional health measures to help protect hospitals, keep schools and businesses open, and protect vulnerable Albertans.

It's that time of year again when when we ask you to renew your community membership. MEMBERSHIP HAS ITS ADVANTAGES!
It supports the cost of running the community association including sports activities (including the rink), special events, insurance, hall upkeep, and upgrades to our aging building. (See: http://www.standrewsheights.ca/membership.html)

This year we only have 40% of memberships paid for 2020/2021 so please consider renewing your membership.
Fees:
Family: $25/year
Senior: $15/year
How to do it:
1. Include the fee with your name, address and type of membership (family or senior) and deposit in the locked mailbox at the hall or my mailbox at 1208 Kingston St.
2. Include the fee with your name, address and type of membership (family or senior) and contact info@standrewsheights.ca for pick up
3. Please send an eTransfer, (password: Gwen20) to membership@standrewsheights.ca

Yesterday, Dr. Deena Henshaw, put a new order (CMOH Order 35-2020) in place with new restrictions for social gatherings. This order immediately changes the social gathering limit from 50 to 15 people, regardless of whether it is indoors or outdoors. 

As such, our Halloween event and pumpkin carving contest is cancelled.

Thank you to Ellen and Tiffany for all of their work on this. 

Be well,
Your SAHCA Board