April Recreation and Culture Guide

ABOUT THE POOLS

What is happening at our pools this season? The Recreation Excellence leadership team is excited to present to you exciting improvements for the new year. The Stan Siwik Family Leisure Pool, Nicholas Sheran Family Leisure Pool, Fritz Sick Pool, and Henderson Outdoor Pool are community treasures that serve the people of Lethbridge and Southern Alberta. Our team is committed to providing the community our best customer service, clean and safe facilities and activities geared towards all ages.

What are the improved programs?

• U18 Rec Swim - A swim time geared towards youth! It’s the perfect opportunity to swim, socialize, and have fun in the water with your friends. Everyone is welcome!

• Sensory Swim - Inclusive approach to activities that recognizes and caters to the specific sensory needs of individuals.

• Swim & Splash - Family play time in the tots pool for toddlers and preschoolers!

What do you offer for fit and jog classes? What can I do during leisure swim?

Nicholas Sheran offers a total of 9 weekly aqua fit classes, ensuring you stay active and fit, while Stan Siwik provides 8 weekly aqua jog classes, for those looking to exercise in the deeper end of the pool. Fritz Sick offers a wide array of classes from aqua jog and aqua fit to aqua Zumba and senior aqua fit.

What is leisure swim, you ask? It’s a time for you to swim at your own comfortable and leisurely pace. It’s also an excellent way to get a gentle form of exercise. Float, tread water, or swim as slow or as fast as you like – it’s all about relaxation and enjoyment.

Can I rent the facility for an event?

You certainly can! We offer private facility rentals at a great price, available outside of our normal hours of operation.

Do you offer any other courses aside from swimming lessons?

We sure do! Stan Siwik and Fritz Sick Pool offer Canadian Swim Patrol. The Canadian Swim Patrol program consists of Rookie Patrol, Ranger Patrol, and Star Patrol. Structured the same as a swimming lesson, these courses are an excellent introductory to lifeguard knowledge and skills.

Stan Siwik also offers in-house courses whether you’re looking to register or recertify, we’ve got you covered. Mark your calendars for November 14th as our lesson and advanced course registration will be open at 9:00am!

Our mission is to make sure our community is up to date on Alberta’s Health and Safety Standards. The Alberta Occupational Health and Safety Code has undergone changes in its Part 11 (standard first aid) section, effective from March 31, 2023. Standard First Aid is Intermediate First Aid, the new names are in line with the CSA Standard Z1210-17 23. The changes were made to ensure that the names of the courses are consistent with the national standard.

How can I find out more information?

Our website RecEx.ca/Lethbridge has detailed information on programming, schedules, fees and frequently asked questions you might find helpful. You are welcome to send us an email at leth@recreationexcellence.com

ADMISSIONS, VISIT CARDS, and MEMBERSHIPS

Memberships and Visit Cards sold at:

Stan Siwik Pool: 1901 15 Ave N

Nicholas Sheran Pool: 401 Laval Blvd W

Fritz Sick Pool: 420 11 St S

For more information about memeberships and admission visit: RecEx.ca/Lethbridge

April 2-5 18509

April 6 18509 Sat

Swim Instructors are responsible for teaching and evaluating candidates participating in the Swim for Life and Canadian Swim Patrol programs. The course prepares instructors to apply level 1 leadership competencies and strategies designed to teach swimming and lifesaving.

Prerequisite(s): Must be 15 years old and hold Bronze Cross or higher

Basic First Aid and caregiving skills for youth 11-15 years old. During this 8 hour course participants will learn how to provide care to younger children in a variety of age groups and how to prevent and respond to emergencies.

April 19 18139 Fri 5:00pm-9:00pm

April 20 & 21 18139 Sat/Sun 8:30am-5:00pm

This 20 hour course prepares candidates an understanding of the lifesaving principles in the four components of water rescue education: judgement, knowledge, skills and fitness.

Prerequisite(s): Must be 13 years old and hold CPR-C.

*Note: Bronze Medallion is offered seperately from Bronze Cross Bronze Medallion

Intermediate First Aid (previously called Standard) provides comprehensive training covering all aspects of first aid and CPR. This course is for those who want an in-depth understanding of first aid such as: medical/legal aspects, spinal injuries, environmental injuries, bone and joint injuries, abdominal and chest injuries, burns, and medical emergencies.

*Note: Includes CPR-C and AED certification. Current for 3 years Intermediate First Aid Recertification

$100.00

May 11 18146 Sat 8:30am-5:00pm

April 26 18138 Fri 5:00pm-9:00pm

April 27 & 28 18138 Sat/Sun 8:30am-5:00pm

This 20 hour course begins the transition from lifesaving to lifeguarding and prepares candidates for responsibilities as a lifeguard.

Prerequisite(s): Must be 13 years old, hold a Bronze Medallion (need not be current) and Intermediate First Aid CPR-C & AED (must be current) is required. Bronze Cross

Intermediate First Aid Recertification (previously called Standard) is a challenge of both theory and practical examination of all skills. Individuals using another Alberta workplace approved standard first aid as a prerequisite to recertify must provide proof of current certification in order to be eligible to recertify (e.g. copy of certification card). Individuals who are no longer current cannot recertify, must attend original course. Individuals who are unsuccessful in completing an Intermediate Recertification course are required to complete an original course.

Prerequisite(s): Must bring current Intermediate First Aid Certification to course.

Lifesaving Instructor

This 40 hour course will certify successful candidates with the NLS Pool option award.

Prerequisite(s): Must be 15 years old, hold a Bronze Cross & Standard First Aid CPR-C Certification.

*Note: Please bring proof of IFA CPR-C to first class.

National Lifeguard - Pool Recertification

May

$376.00

June 22 & 23 18512 Sat/Sun 8:30am-5:00pm

Distinction, Basic and Emergency First Aid, and CPR-A, CPR-B and CPR-C.

*Note: Must bring NL certification and current Intermediate First Aid Certification to the exam RecEx.ca/Lethbridge leth@recreationexcellence.com

Prerequisite(s): Must be 15 years old and Bronze Cross or higher and Intermediate First Aid CPR-C & AED

Prices include all materials, certification fees, and GST

*Spring 2024 Swim Lessons - Begin April 15th - June 22nd

REGISTRATION & REFUND INFORMATION

Lesson Registration

• Registrations can be made online at lethbridge.ca/swimming or by telephone/in-person Monday-Friday between the hours of 9am and 5pm.

• Registration is on a first come first served basis.

• If registering by phone and no one answers please leave a message.

• Participants may register in a maximum of two (2) classes/session.

• Participants may waitlist in any class

Preparing to Register

• Create an account prior to registration at lethbridge.ca/ swimming

If you do not have an account you will need the following:

• Name & birth date of account holder (Adult)

• Name & birth date of participants

• Home address, phone # and postal code

• Program level, session time and alternatives if class is full

• Payment information incl 3 digit CVV # on credit cards for phone registrations

Fees

Fees must be paid in full at the time of registration. Cash, Debit, Visa, MC, Rec Ex Gift Card & Cheque are accepted in person. Cheques are payable to Recreation Excellence. Post dated cheques are not accepted. A $25 charge will be applied to all NSF cheques. Only Visa & MC are accepted for phone registrations. Visa & MC Debit cards are accepted online and in person.

Registration Locations

Stan Siwik Leisure Centre 1901 15 Ave N

Phone: (403) 320-3054

Nicholas Sheran Leisure Centre 401 Laval Blvd W

Phone: (403) 320-3046

Fritz Sick Leisure Centre 420 - 11 St S

Phone:(403) 320-3109

Online and Phone registrations are highly encouraged for more information look online: lethbridge.ca/swimming

Program Cancellations

Programs with insufficient registration are subject to cancellation. Customers will be notified as soon as a decision regarding cancellation has been made. All efforts will be made to accomodate any registrants displaced by cancellations. A full refund or credit to account will be issued for courses cancelled by Recreation Excellence.

Withdrawals

• Withdrawals received more than fourteen (14) days prior to the start of the lesson set or course will not be subject to a withdrawal fee.

• Withdrawals made between five (5) and fourteen (14) days prior to the lesson start date will be subject to a 10% withdrawal fee. The remaining balance may be left on your account for future use or a refund may be requested. Refunds of less than $5.00 will remain on the account.

• You may withdraw and re-register into another program without penalty prior to five (5) days before the lesson start date.

• No refunds will be given if withdrawal is within five (5) days of the lesson start date.

Transfers

All transfers are subject to availability and may be made without penalty up to five (5) days prior to the lesson start date. Transfers made by Recreation Excellence will not incur a penalty. Any resulting increase in program fees due to the transfer must be paid by the customer at the time of transfer.

Medical / Moving

Withdrawals for medical / relocation reasons are permitted with no penalty prior to the lesson start date. Refunds for withdrawal after the lesson start date will result in a pro-rated refund or credit on account. Proof of medical / relocation must be provided within two (2) weeks of notification of withdrawal for refunds or credits to be issued.

Lost Card

At the request of the card holder lost or stolen cards will be replaced. A $5.00 lost card fee will apply. Does not apply to Visit Cards

For more infromation on memeberships, visit cards, age groups and facility amenities visit RecEx.ca/Lethbridge

Leth@recreationexcellence.com

Opening of Lethbridge Public Library Building, 1974

On 14 August 1919 the public library became a reality when two rooms were set aside in the YMCA (10 St & 4 Ave S) for public library service.

In January 1922 a public library building was opened in Galt Gardens. The 1922 building was expanded in 1951 but soon was again too small to serve all the library needs.

So, a north Lethbridge branch was opened in 1956 (closed 1973) and a south Lethbridge branch in 1961 (closed 1974). By the 1970s, it was decided that a new public library was needed and in April 1974 this building was opened on 5 Avenue South.

This 1974 building – 50 years old this year – amalgamated all the services previously located in the three separate buildings.

The downtown library was added onto in 1992. The library opened a second location, the Crossings Branch, in 2010.

Lethbridge Historical Society

facebook.com/LethbridgeHistoricalSociety/ Instagram @lethbridgehistorysociety

Email info@lethbridgehistory.org

Photo s : Lethbridge Landmarks Photograph Collections .

EXHIBITION RUN

April 6 - June 1, 2024

OPENING NIGHT: SATURDAY, APRIL 6 AT 7PM

THROUGHOUT CASA TRAJECTORIES

ULethbridge Student Exhibition

SAOKITAPI GALLERY

NDN GIRLHOOD

Mikayla Martin Itsooaakii

CONCOURSE GALLERY

A CAPELLA ALLUSIONS

Eve Ford

THE GALLERY AT CASA IS ALWAYS FREE TO VISIT!

Sikapinakii Low Horn, Apikayii, painted mural, 2024. Courtesy of the artist. Photo by Blaine Campbell.

INDIGENOUS HISTORY

ARCHIVES

APRIL 2024 EVENTS & PROGRAMS

Thu 04, 11, 18, 25 | 5:30–8 PM

Blackfoot Language Class

all ages | supper provided every session | online and in-person | free

Sat 20 | 10 AM–noon

Pemmican Workshop with Api’soomaahka

all ages | registration encouraged

archives topics and presenters | adults and seniors

Fri 05 | 1–4 PM

Varenyky (Perogy) Making with Troyanda/Curator’s Tour

HANDS-ON HISTORY

interactive | all ages | children to attend with caregiver

Sat 06 | 1–3 PM

Pink Lawn Buffalos with the International Buffalo Relations Institute

CURRENT EXHIBITS

CLOSING APR 07.24

UNTIL

CREATIVE COMMUNITY

adults and seniors | registration not required | museum admission applies | free to members

Tue 09 | 10:30–11:30 pm

SPECIAL EVENTS

Tue 16 | 4–6 PM

Ukrainian Easter Celebration

all ages | registration recommended

Fri 19 | 6–9 PM

Exhibition launch: Extra! Extra! & The Road to L.A. all ages | no cost to participate

Sat 27 | 6–8 PM

Wes Olson: The Ecological Buffalo adults and seniors | registration not required | museum admission applies | free to members

Pink Lawn Buffalos with the International Buffalo Relations Institute www.galtmuseum.com/calendar

Choose the AAC Membership that is best for you and join us ...

Where the Arts Meets Community!

Allied Membership: Ideal for not-for-profit groups and organizations involved in the arts. Benefits include participation in AAC events, access to the Arts Directory, a vote at the AAC AGM, and more

Artist Membership: Tailored for individual artists. Enjoy workshops, promotion of events, and networking opportunities.

Associate Membership: Open to individuals, businesses, and collectives supporting the arts. Connect with the creative community.

Friend Membership: Perfect for arts supporters.

Lethbridge Folk Club

The Lethbridge Folk Club, established in 1979, is a vibrant hub for folk music enthusiasts. Founded by a diverse group of individuals, its mission is to provide a platform for local, national, and international folk music. Over the years, iconic Canadian folk acts like Valdy, Spirit of the West, the Rankin Family, and Connie Kaldor have graced its stage. Recent performances include those by Peter and the Wolves, Lennie Gallant, Oscar Lopez, and Sid Marty with Wailback.

The club has a rich history of organizing folk festivals, starting in the 1980s and continuing into 2021 and 2022. It played a pivotal role in the formation of the South Country Fair in Fort Macleod and participated in the Lethbridge Children’s Festivals. Currently, concerts take place at The Cave at Lethbridge College, while open stages unfold at McKillop United Church. Genres explored include folk, roots, blues, country, bluegrass, and Canadiana, ensuring a diverse musical experience for all. The Lethbridge Folk Club rmly believes that live music enriches our cultural, spiritual, and community fabric, remaining committed to supporting local and regional artists and celebrating the magic of music together.

The club maintains a website which lists current and upcoming events and provides the option to purchase tickets online. The club is constantly evolving and needs the participation of new volunteers each year if it is to continue. For more information, head to their website at lethbridgefolkclub.ca. Membership Fees are WAIVED For 2024!

Allied Arts Council of Lethbridge

318 7 Street South

403.320.0555

info@artslethbridge.org

artslethbridge.org

Photo Credit: Karl Marten

Photo Credits: Morris Soenen

Did you know?

SHOW YOUR LOCAL LOVE AND MAKE LOCAL ISSUES #UNIGNORABLE

Hunger, social isolation, and mental illness affect our communities, impeding progress and well-being. Together, we can make a difference. United Way of Lethbridge & South Western Alberta funds impactful programs, empowering individuals and families to thrive.

Our collective efforts touch the lives of thousands each year, providing access to nutritious food, enabling vibrant and active senior living, fostering positive mental health and well-being, and so much more.

Join us in creating thriving communities. Support United Way to transform lives today!

Learn more or donate at www.lethbridgeunitedway.ca

Ages 2 to 5

Celebrate spring and explore nature with your preschooler during these 3 week courses!

April | May | June

Thursdays | 9:30am - 10:30am or 11am - Noon

$15 per course | New Topics Each Week!

Register Online: Leisure.Lethbridge.c a

Ages 11 to 15

Natural Builders

Be inspired by nature! Participate in a series of building challenges with Nature Centre staff.

April 4 | 1:30pm - 3:30pm | FREE

Register Online: Leisure.Lethbridge.c a

Ages 6 to 10

Get outside and enjoy nature-based games and activities in these 3 week courses!

April | May | June

Saturdays | 10:00am - Noon

$30 per course | New Topics Each Week!

Register Online: Leisure.Lethbridge.c a

SPRING ECO WALKS

with Ryan First Diver

Join Ryan First Diver on an Ecosystem Exploration Walk during different phases of spring.

Walks will be in a different Lethbridge park each month & will have a different theme.

• April 21 - Water

• May 19 - Wildflowers

• June 16 - Birds & Nests

1:00pm - 3:00pm | $10 per walk

Ages 16+ | Call to register: 403 -320-3064

Helen Schuler Nature Centre

Helen Schuler Nature Centre

Helen Schuler Nature Centre

Helen Schuler Nature Centre

Helen Schuler Nature Centre

Lethbridge College

Did you know?

NEED READING MATERIAL

We’ve got you covered with interesting local features from Health to Home, Travel to Sports and everything else!

Did you know?

Supported by

A free interactive trade show for sport and active recreation.

PRESENTED BY

SATURDAY MAY 11

9:00 AM - CALM BEFORE THE FEST

10:00 AM - DOORS OPEN w

CELEBRATE

EARTH DAY AT LEGACY PARK

SATURDAY, APRIL 20TH 2024 / SATURDAY, APRIL 20TH 2024 / 10AM - 2PM 10AM - 2PM

Adopt-A-Park registration

Learn about climate adaptation

Kids activities

Learn about greet cart and food scraps - download the LOOP app for collection reminders

Litter cleanup

Learn about trees!

Free compost and mulch (while supplies last, bring your own containers)

Consider active/sustainable transport to the event! (Carpool, walk, bike, scooter or take public transit and enter to win a prize pack!)

www.lethbridge.ca/earthday

Did you know?

Mother's Day at the Cemeteries

Cemetery Services is offering a complimentary rose to the first 300 visitors who would like to remember their loved one on Mother's Day.

Roses may be picked up beside the Mountain View Cemetery office on Sunday, May 12th from 9:30am-1pm or until they are gone.

Join the Summer Fun Environmental Programs

2024 BLITZ DAYS

Paint yellow fish by storm drains, clean storm drains and gutters, clean up our parks, and learn about invasive species in our storm ponds.

Come join us for the fun, and get some information about our programs!

Tuesday, June 18 5pm to 8pm @ Firelight Pond W

Tuesday, July 16 5pm to 8pm @ Chinook Lake N

Tuesday, August 20 5pm to 8pm @ Coulee Creek Park S

Visit our webpages for more information on how to participate year round!

For more information:

www.lethbridge.ca/adoptapark

www.lethbridge.ca/yellowfishroad

www.lethbridge.ca/adoptastormdrain

Gender Sensitive Programming for Women and Girls

There are multiple reasons for gender disparity in sport programs Research conducted on football (soccer) programs identified challenges and solutions to increase gender equity.

The interviewed sport clubs identified difficulty in engaging women and girls. Specifically, they reported challenges in the female ‘disinterest’ in sport, and socio-cultural gender norms

Based on the findings of the research, five recommendations were identified to improve the gender sensitivity of programs and increase the number of women and girls.

1.

2.

3.

Implement a gender-sensitive recruitment strategy

Actively use female players and coaches in the recruitment strategy. The visibility of female role models will make women and girls more aware that the programming is also meant for them.

Expand the demographic to include women from other marginalized communities.

Actively address stereotypes

Address stereotypes in both the recruitment strategy and the programs. Having female coaches as role models is a critical aspect of addressing stereotypes.

Set up parallel girls-only structures

Some girls can feel less comfortable participating in mixed-gender environments. It is also important to have boys and girls play in a mixed-gender environment to challenge stereotypes actively. Therefore, up to age 15, mixed-gender sessions are encouraged.

Read the full resource on the Lethbridge Sport Council website or visit sportanddev.org to read the full research.

Scan with a smartphone to see the sport for all resources.

Did you know?

City of Lethbridge Skating Programs

Ability Skate: A slow-paced skate in a sensory-friendly environment for those with special needs and disabilities.

Beginner Skate: A slower-paced time for people to practice their skating basics. Skating aids are allowed during this skate. Helmets are recommended.

Family Skate: A special time for parents and children (17 yrs. of age & under) to enjoy a skate together.

Parent & Tot Skate: Free Fun time for parents & pre-school children to learn how to skate. Helmets are recommended.

Public Skate: A skate open to everyone to enjoy.

Senior Skate: A skate open for everyone 55 years and over.

Figure Skate: A time for skaters of all ages to practice figure skating skills.

Youth Shinny Hockey: For ages 5 to 17 years, shinny hockey is played with a sponge puck with no body contact and no slap shots. Play is on half ice with 2 games running. Ice Marshals will coordinate players and games based on age and/or ability of players. Players require a hockey stick, skates and a helmet.

Adult Shinny Hockey: Informal hockey for adults is played with a hard puck with no body contact or slap shots. It is played on full ice and is self-supervised.

Protective equipment is required.

Senior Shinny Hockey: Senior shinny hockey is for adults 55 and over with no body contact and no slap shots.

Protective equipment is required.

Ringette Shinny: For all ages. Ringette shinny is played with a regulation ring, with no body contact. Players require a ringette stick, skates, gloves, and a helmet with a cage.

Pass Fees

(Effective September 1st)

Skating & Hockey

Since 2005, Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities has removed financial barriers to play for over 1.8 million* kids. A SPORTING CHANCE

What kids do is up to them; we’re here to help them do it. *As of

From swimming to hockey to football and dance, kids in Canada like to stay active. And when they do, the benefits last a lifetime. LEARN MORE AT JUMPSTART.CANADIANTIRE.CA OR CALL 1-844 YES-PLAY

Skating & Hockey

5-6

6

University of Lethbridge

4401 University Dr W 7:30pm-10:30pm

$20 Tickets

For more info and tickets visit: www.uleth.universitytickets.com

Public Library-Downtown Branch

810-5 Ave S 1pm-4pm

For more info visit: www.seedysaturdayyql.com

Lethbridge Exhibition Grounds

3401 Parkside Dr South

$10 Admission

For more info visit: www.saoutdoorshow.ca 5-7

13

Lethbridge Exhibition Grounds

3401 Parkside Dr South 9am-4pm

For more info visit: www.lethbridgehandmademarket.ca

Global Drums in Concert

Experience the dynamic and powerful performances that only Global Drums can deliver! This extraordinary ensemble of percussionists, a harmonious blend of community and student members, invites you to embark on a musical journey that spans the globe. Global Drums promises an unforgettable evening of rhythm, culture, and pure percussion magic.

Seedy Saturday

On April 6, Environment Lethbridge and its partners will be hosting Seedy Sunday in Lethbridge from 1-4 pm at the downtown branch of the Lethbridge Public Library. As part of the event, we hope to have a variety of gardening, sustainability and plant related exhibitors.

Southern Alberta Outdoor Show

Prepare for a BRAND NEW three-day adventure like no other! The Southern Alberta Outdoors Show is set to take over the Agri-Food Hub and Trade Centre in Lethbridge, transforming it into a unique marketplace comprised of all things boating, hunting, fishing, and unforgettable adventures in the great outdoors.

Lethbridge Handmade Market-Spring Splendor

Immerse yourself in a curated collection of handmade treasures at the upcoming Lethbridge Handmade Market!

25

Movie Mill

1710 Mayor Magrath Dr S 7pm-10:30pm

$25

For more info and tickets visit: www.mountainsonstage.com

Mountains on Stage 2024

Mountains on Stage is a film festival that aims to bring the mountains into cities with a selection of the world’s best films related to mountain sports such as skiing, mountaineering, climbing, or paragliding.

*Kinsmen Picnic Shelter* Henderson Lake Park 9:00am

For more info or to register go to:

www.parkrun.ca