Report to the Community
2014
2014... A Year of Purposeful Disruption - Norman McInnis, Town of Olds CAO As an organization, 2014 was about Organizational Learning and its component parts. According to Organizational Learning guru Peter Senge, many of today’s problems have been caused by yesterday’s solutions, or as Albert Einstein says “We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them.” As a community we are blessed to have a very dedicated, helpful and knowledgeable Town staff. As a group we are focused on providing the services that add to the quality of life of citizens. There is an understanding that not everyone values the same services and there is always a balance that needs to be reached regarding what services we do support and to what level. We understand that doing things the same way, because that is the way we have always done it, does not lend itself to improvement and innovation. These are some of the reasons why we have dismantled our Organizational Structure and are re-forming work around functional areas instead of departments. The four functional areas of Core Services, Support Services, Finance and Governance have surfaced as the most practical grouping. You will see different language used in Town of Olds material with these functional areas replacing the traditional departments. This is meant to promote cross functional thinking and lessen the need for management and supervisory positions and to get more “boots on the ground”. Staff is expected to be responsible for their work and to align their work with the stated priorities of Council and the CAO. One of the drivers for this change is the need for us in local government
to better manage our assets. By and large our Core Services are provided through physical assets like water and sewer pipes, land and buildings, roads, etc. Across the nation Asset Management is a major objective of municipalities, many of our grant programs from the provincial and the federal government, rely on us to know the state of our infrastructure and having a plan to manage and replace critical infrastructure. It is not necessarily about the asset but rather the service that the asset provides. We know that what matters is that when you turn on your tap, you get safe, clean water. One of the consequences of Asset Management is the need to do full cost accounting for those services that fit a full cost accounting model, this includes planning to replace assets that have completed their life cycle. Utility costs fit this model and will continue to rise. We need to be as diligent in controlling utility costs as we have been in controlling tax increases. An increased focus on Asset Management may lead to a greater focus on infrastructure funding which may in turn change funding priorities. Conflict is inherent when competing values are prioritized and perceived winner and losers are decided. Balance between core services and services that support programs and volunteerism will be needed as we continue to explore the changing local government landscape. I would like to thank our Leadership Team and all Town staff for their support and patience as we continue to learn and improve. I would also like to thank the people of Olds, including Mitch Thomson and the Olds Institute, for the tremendous amount of volunteer hours that go into making Olds the special place that it is.
From the Desk of Mayor Judy Dahl
It is enlightening to pay tribute with you on a year in review reflecting an image of our performance of the past year. Elected Officials launched an original Council Service Plan for 2014-2017 setting seven (7) Goals and our Mission that we engage all stakeholders in order to listen, learn and understand the current opportunities and challenges. Our VISION: Dedicated; Helpful, Knowledgeable addresses a shared journey in learning best practices to achieve innovation and excellence within the public sector. Significant progress has been achieved with our partners, volunteers and staff to increase transparency through public engagement. Olds Institute’s VISION: The Olds Institute is a community and regional development organization leading by example, cultivating opportunity and enhancing quality of life describes how we foster our spark of originality, nurture our wisdom and courage to create economic sustainability benchmarks. Visit www.oldsinstitute.com for beyond belief learning. Olds Institute Annual General Meeting will be held April 30th at 5:30 pm at the Olds Golf Club and we invite you to hear reports and goals directly from Associate Members. INVEST in Community is our message both in giving and receiving. Progress in development remains balanced through responsible growth that speaks volumes for diversity: housing (66) commercial (18) industrial (5)
institutional (5) for a total of $45.1M of permit values. Success in recycling and blue-bin delivery, Historic Uptowne Olds main street redevelopment, Olds Legacy Bench Project new public art benches (donation by FORTIS Alberta) Implementation of Master Plans: cemetery business, open space & trails and Uptowne Area Redevelopment align with the vision for our future. Our census count increased to 8,617 up from 2013 count of 8,511. We support local organizations.The FCSS program delivered $95,660 and Council applauds all organizations for their dedicated volunteer hours that donate dollars directly back into Olds community. Ladies and Gentlemen, we have a wealth of people networking to enhance our quality of life. We encourage you to connect to our 2015 community directory at www.olds.ca that was created to educate you on vibrant support services that is the spirit of Olds. We acknowledge ALL services and are inspired by you. Olds will continue to be part of a solution to build relationships that respect each other. On behalf of the Elected Officials, we applaud ALL people for your commitment to civic engagement and most importantly; your courage to build together this place “OLDS” we call home.
Town of Olds Councillors kick off the 2014 Blue Bin Recyling Program. Pictured from right to left are: Councillors Wade Bearchell, Harvey Walsh, Rudy Durieux, Mayor Judy Dahl, Councillors Mary Anne Overwater, Debbie Bennett and Mary Jane Harper.
GOVERNANCE - Office of the CAO Chief Administrative Officer The senior staff person at the Town of Olds, the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) is accountable to the Mayor and Council and provides leadership to the Town’s senior management in the development, implementation and administration of all policies and programs established by Council in accorda ce with all applicable bylaws and regulations. These policies allow for consistent, clear practices and an appropriate level of engagement for all stakeholders.
Functions in the Office of the CAO (OCAO) are responsible for overseeing, updating, and managing all corporate strategic documents, including policies and procedures. The OCAO is also responsible for Fire Services, Human Resources, Payroll and Benefits and Communications. Ongoing relationships with community partners such as the Olds Institute for Community & Regional Development, Olds College, Olds Regional Exhibition & Olds & District Chamber of Commerce.
Legislative Clerk • The successful completion of an electronic municipal census for the Town of Olds with a population count of 8,617 as of April 9, 2014. • In October 2013, a ‘Community Standards Project Team’, was formed. The purpose of this Team was, and, continues to be, to research the subject of a community standards bylaw, gather information, analyze existing Town of Olds bylaws and historic data, identify community issues (issue meaning: an important topic or problem for debate or discussion), and to engage the public for the creation of one plain language bylaw. Of great importance to Council is the balance of education and enforcement, to promote respect towards each other as neighbours and members of the community. It is Council’s desire for regulations that influence neighbourhood livability to be located, as much as possible, in one bylaw.
Strategy and Technology • Activities continue to foster and maintain suitable economic, social and political environments in which there is balanced growth over a period of years maintaining a 70/30 revenue balance between residential and non-residential property taxes. • Throughout 2014, the Town of Olds remained connected to activity taking place in the province of Alberta as well as supporting regional economic trade opportunities with Australia, Japan, China, United Kingdom, Europe, South America, Africa and the United States. • Response and support to 70 industry and business development inquiries. • Continual engagement of stakeholders such as Alberta Innovates, Central Alberta Economic Partnership, National Research Council, Economic Developers Alberta and Access Prosperity. • Technology and Trade stakeholder engagement includes Alberta Water and Wastewater Operations Association, Canadian Public Works Association, Alberta Society of Engineering Technologists, just to name a few. • Facilitate industrial, commercial and eco-friendly business growth and development as well as support for residential neighbourhoods. • Liaison with local business through a Business Visitation Program, networking opportunities with Service Clubs and developing ambassador training opportunities.
Coordinator of Strategic Affairs
• Support to Council in developing a Council Team Charter or team agreement that outlines how all elected officials will work and function as a group. • Support to Council in developing a Service Plan with seven goals for 2014-2017. • Participation in consultations with the province regarding the Municipal Government Act Review. • Olds has been involved in advocacy efforts through the Federation of Canadian Municipalities to the federal government as well as the Alberta Urban Municipalities Association to the provincial government, by attending both conventions and supporting resolutions, but also to make connections with like municipalities to share best practices. Olds presented a resolution that is being supported by AUMA and is part of talks with the province regarding the Community Revitalization Levy.
Human Resources
Employees are an integral part of the Town of Olds community. Human Resources and Payroll and Benefits under the Manager of Human Resources continue to support staff to achieve organizational goals and objectives and fulfill the town’s mission which supports a positive environment that embrace innovation and empower people to achieve their full potential. We have outstanding staff that forms a collaborative community that are Dedicated, Helpful and Knowledgeable. Approximately 59 full-time employees and 27 part-time, casual employees provide town residents with administration, water, garbage, infrastructure services, recycling, community development and recreation services.
Communications
Council’s strategic direction is to provide clear and concise communication that ensures messages are received and understood by every intended audience. A Strategic Communications plan was developed to provide day-to-day communication for the Town of Olds. Using both print and social media, we engage our community by informing, listening and acknowledging concerns. Citizens are encouraged to visit the Town of Olds website (www.olds.ca) and use the ‘Report a Problem’ feature to report problems or issues. Reports received are sent directly to our Chief Officers who ensure concerns are looked after in a timely and efficient manner. We welcome you to stay informed of Town activities and notices such as: • 2014 Census (population 8,617) • Council Highlights • Operational Updates – Water Shut Offs, Street Closures, Construction, etc. • Snow Removal Schedules • Recycling/Bin Schedules – Black, Green, Blue • Community Events/Engagement Opportunities • Municipal Enforcement Information • Public Information Notices • Sportsplex & Aquatic Schedules • Anonymous Good • Community Standards Bylaw • Annual Report
www.olds.ca
Fire Services & Emergency Management
Reporting to the Office of the CAO, the Fire and Emergency Management Department for the Town of Olds consists of a full-time fire chief, an administrative assistant, a contracted Director of Emergency Management and forty-one (41) volunteer paid-on-call firefighters. The primary focus of the department is to provide residents and businesses in the Town of Olds community with: fire protection; rescue services; environmental protection; fire prevention services, and, with Alberta Health Services - medical first response and medical assists. Fire and Emergency Management is also provided to a portion of Mountain View County through a rural fire protection agreement. In all, over 12,500 people are provided fire and emergency services. Each day over 42,000 vehicles travel the 75 miles of numbered highways in the area. As well as assisting fire departments in the region when requested, rescue and fire services are provided for any incidents that occur within the Olds Fire Department fire jurisdiction.
Incidents
In 2014 members of the fire department responded to 368 incidents ranging from motor vehicle collisions (MVC) to fires to medical first responses. *Fire Alarms range from burned toast to fire drills to forgetting to notify alarm companies. (see breakdown on pie graph).
Type
2014
%
*Fire Alarm Controlled Burn Fire HazMat Medical Response MVC Public Assist CO Alarm
120 6 53 9 77 80 8 15
33 2 14 2 21 22 2 4
Training
Firefighters are provided extensive training that meet standards established by the National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA), the Alberta Emergency Management Agency (AEMA), and the Alberta College of Paramedics. The theory portion of fire fighter training is delivered in an up-todate facility that offers access to local instructional materials and to electronic instructional materials. When not in the classroom, firefighters train at the Olds Fire Training Facility located off of 70th Street just north of the solid waste transfer station. Built in part with donations from the Rotary Club of Olds, and the Olds Fire Fighters Association, this facility is accredited by the Alberta Emergency Management Agency to offer certified training for NFPA 1001 (Standard for Structural Fire Fighters), NFPA 1002 (Standard for Fire Apparatus Operators), NFPA 1051 (Standard for Wildland Firefighting Training) and NFPA 472 (Standards for Dangerous Goods Awareness and Operations). Not only is this facility used by members of our local department, it serves as a regional facility for fire departments within and outside Mountain View County. Olds Fire Department members train each Wednesday evening throughout the year except during summer months when they train every other Wednesday evening. The training officer and/or his designate instructs the theory portion of a course/technique/application in the training room at the fire station and teaches the practical portion of a course/technique/application in various locations in the Town of Olds and at the Fire Training Grounds.
Some of the types of training your fire fighters received in 2014: • Positive Pressure Attack (PPA) – a safe and innovative way to combat structural fires • Ice Rescue – The department is equipped and trained to provide still water rescue • Railway 101 – A course provided by Canadian Pacific Railways about railcars and trains • TransCAER – Seminar on responding to dangerous commodities in tank rail cars • STARS Landing Zone – Updating skills required to safely land the STARS helicopter (old and new) at areas other than a landing pad • NFPA 1001 Level 1 – Successful challenge of the Provincial NFPA 1001 examination
Your Firefighters The Olds Fire Department welcomed seven recruits in the spring of 2014. Our OFD members were proud to see all of them complete probation in December. Congratulations Firefighters Josh Van Arnam, Ciaran Boggan, Brandon Thompson, Brent Barkman, Cody Maetche, Drew Worth, and Brandon Darrah-McDonald. Thank you to employers for supporting firefighter attendance at incidents whenever possible.
2014 Retirements Gord Leeson retired after 30 years of service and Brian Hoschka retired after 37 years of service. The officers and firefighters of Olds Fire Department thank Gord and Brian for their years of dedication to this community.
Municipal Emergency Management Provincial Legislation requires that municipalities prepare a Municipal Emergency Plan, or MEP, in order to prepare for a natural or man-made incident that affects the community on such a scale that local resources are stretched to the limit and the municipality must execute special measures to mitigate the situation. The MEP, which is updated annually, is also used as a document to plan and prepare for incidents such as tornados; extreme weather events (heavy rain/blizzard); hazardous materials, and large fires that could impact Olds and the surrounding area. The Town of Olds partners with Mountain View County, the towns of Sundre, Didsbury and Carstairs, and the Village of Cremona in the Mountain View Regional Emergency Management Agency (MVREMA). By working together and cooperating as a region, we are able to access a variety of resources. Each municipality has a designated Emergency Operations Centre (EOC), a facility with capabilities to manage the unexpected. The EOC for the Town of Olds is located in the fire hall at 5110 – 65 Avenue. Partial activations of the Town of Olds EOC occurred three (3) times in 2014 for weather related events and in support of one of our partners in the MVREMA. Like fire services, continual training is required for the individuals tasked with operating the EOC during an incident. In December of 2014 the Town of Olds hosted operation “Move Now,” a mock scenario involving a ruptured gas pipeline and a school. Not only did individuals from the Town of Olds participate, other agencies involved included regional emergency personnel, AEMA, Alberta Health Services, the Alberta Energy Regulator (AER), Trans Canada Pipelines, RCMP and Red Deer Catholic Regional School Board.
CORE SERVICES - Public Works & Utilities
Public Works and Utilities are two divisions within the Core Services Department. Public Works and Utilities staff attend to the maintenance of the Town’s infrastructure including roads; water distribution system; the Wastewater Treatment Plant; along with a large variety of other seasonal tasks.
Street Lighting
Waste reduction efforts in the Town of Olds are founded on the 3 R’s philosophy of management – Reduce, Reuse and Recycle. We have partnerships with both Mountain View Regional Waste Commission and Waste Management to assist in our efforts. Some of our programs include: • Recycling Centers and Programs (49 Ave, Olds Coop Center & Blue Bin Pilot Program – Council approved full implementation in 2014) • Composting (kitchen organics, bio solids and yard waste) • Spring Cleanup - (will be held May 4 - 8, 2015). • Christmas Tree Recycling (self drop-off at Olds Eco-Site) Thank you to all for your contributions and efforts to reduce our community’s environmental footprint.
South Red Deer Regional Wastewater Commission
Annual Water Volume Purchased
In conjunction with Support Services we are overlaying existing trails and continuing to connect the disconnected trails and sidewalks around town.
Solid Waste
Annual Wastewater Flows
2012 – 1,343,639 m3 2013 – 1,227,735 m3 2014 – 1,352496 m3 MATERIAL
2012 – 1,440,230 m3 2013 – 1,434,036 m3 2014 – 1,623,276 m3 2011 wt in tonnes
2012
2013
wt in tonnes wt in tonnes
2014 wt in tonnes
329.56 87.08 105.44 15.41 59.39
332.49 76.77 102.65 18.46 60.43
252.57 66.49 148.55 16.42 60.27
383.47 incl.w/mixed paper 237.38 22.08 75.42
TOTAL RECYCLING CENTRE WEIGHT:
596.88
590.8
544.3
718.35
n/a
39.92
121.25
338.09
TOTAL RECYCLING WEIGHT:
596.88
630.72
665.55
1056.44
TOTAL LANDFILL CLASS 2 RESIDENTIAL WEIGHT:
1438.18
1482.21
1601.94
1464.31
785.6
838.66
836.94
786.72
TOTAL COMPOST WEIGHT:
South Red Deer Regional Wastewater line is now accepting approximately 2000 m3 per day at a cost of $1.70 m3. This equates to approximately 730,000 m3 per year.
Municipal Improvements New sidewalks were laid this summer/fall as part of the Uptowne Redevelopment Plan. The Uptowne area continues to change and evolve. There is better walkability, established parking areas with flora/fauna, benches, garbage/ recycling receptacles to be placed in 2015.
Trail Networks
Infrastructure Statistics
Cardboard Newspaper Mixed Paper Tin Cans Plastics
TOTAL SINGLE STREAM WEIGHT:
50 Ave – Uptowne Olds area received all new light standards and LED lights. Hwy 27 – between 52 Ave and 57 Ave the electrical components were upgraded to accommodate the new Christmas Light decorations.
In 2014 the Town of Olds has: 2014 2005 Roads – 98.7 km 89.7 km Water – 77.7 km 61.7 km Sewer – 69.8 km 62.7 km Storm – 44.1 km 35.6 km Paved trails – 18.0 km n/a Sidewalks – 78.0 km n/a
Blue Bin Recycling Program In April of 2014 we kicked off our full town implementation of placing 2500 blue bins for all the properties in Olds. This program is to encourage more recycling and provide the ease of doing so for ALL residents. We wish to congratulate everyone on a job well done as our recycling amounts are increasing and our black bin garbage heading to the landfill is on the decline. This extends the landfill capacity and life expectancy. Currently we are diverting approximately 55.7% of recyclables away from the landfill. The target for us and the Province of Alberta is 80% or greater. We are doing very well but there is still room for improvement.
CORE SERVICES - Planning & Development
Development Statistics (Building Permits) Development Summary 2012 - $53,605,540 Development Summary 2013 - $22,074,230 Development Summary 2014 - $45,135,367
Business Licences
Business Licences issued – 767
Community Growth and Development
Residential The Town of Olds has shown some growth in both the Highlands (SW corner of Olds) and the Vistas subdivision (NW corner of Olds) with new phases in each area opening up more opportunity for new home builds. Vacant residential lots are starting to sell and development permits being issued for new home construction. Institutional/Commercial Institutional/Commercial/Industrial growth includes the Olds College Centennial Housing Project. This will replace the old Frank Grisdale Hall residences for students. Sunrise Encore opened its doors for new residents with its phased independent, assisted and full care facility. We are also looking at some prospective activity in the SE Industrial Park with some subdivision of lots for Industrial/Commercial purchase from the property owners.
East Olds Area Redevelopment Plan
-Was adopted by Council in 2014. Can be viewed at www.olds.ca.
Uptowne Olds Area Redevelopment Plan
-Was adopted by Council in 2014. Can be viewed at www.olds.ca.
Town of Olds Building Permit Statistics 2014 # of Permits
# of Units
Res Single Detached Duplex Multi-Unit
42 13 0
42 26 0
Accessory Bldg/Other
65
$1,048,067
Commercial Industrial Institutional
18 5 5
$4,830,200 $3,401,000 $16,980,000
Totals
148
Type
68
Bldg Permit Values
$14,071,100 $4,805,000 $0
$45,135,367
FINANCIAL SERVICES How 2014 taxes were spent ($11.2M)
Culture and Social Services, 0.82%
Mountain View Seniors Housing requisition, 1.62%
Public health and welfare, 1.30%
Council, 2.79% Fire Protection, 5.20%
Alberta Education requisition, 30.01%
Sports Complex, 5.88% Planning and development, 6.42%
Aquatic Centre, 6.97%
Police Protection, 7.20%
Roads and transportation services, 14.97% General government & Other, 8.79%
Parks, 7.54%
The Town's 2014 Spending ($23.8 M):
The Town of Olds Financial Services team provides service to the residents of the Town of Olds in the areas of records management, accounts payable and receivable, budgeting, annual reporting and other financial services. The function of records management has the responsibility of maintaining financial, planning and development, engineering and utilities files, records, documents, contracts and other information generated by Town staff. In 2014 the goal for records management was to consolidate existing files and purge those files and records that were no longer considered necessary to provide reliable and consistent documentation of the Town’s activities.
Council - 1.32% Public health and welfare - 2.21% Fire protection - 3.26% Sports Complex - 3.49% Parks - 3.55% Aquatic Centre - 3.89%
Financial services provides front counter reception, accounts payable and receivable, tax administration, utility services administration, budgeting and financial reporting services to the citizens of the Town of Olds. In 2014 major accomplishments include:
Waste management - 4.06% Planning and development - 4.76%
Culture and Social Services - 4.78%
•
General government & Other - 5.63% Police Protection - 5.71% Roads and transportation services - 7.21% Amortization of tangible capital assets - 11.49%
•
Town infrastructure - 17.85% Water and wastewater - 20.79%
•
Tax Revenue Comparison 7,800,000 7,600,000 7,400,000 7,200,000 7,000,000 6,800,000 6,600,000 6,400,000 6,200,000 6,000,000 5,800,000
2010 Actual (6.5) 2011 Actual (6.8) 2012 Actual (7.2) 2013 Actual (7.3) 2014 Actual (7.7)
Tax Revenue
Working with Council and other Town departments, the property tax rate increase from that of 2013 was limited to a special requisition of 3% for snow removal that was required due to the severe winter weather that was experienced. The value of non-residential assessment increased 1.6% from 2013 while the value of residential assessment increased 1.4% from 2013. Overall, the total assessment value increased 1.5% in 2014 to $1,232,672,880 from $1,214,780,370 in 2013. The total number of taxable properties in the Town of Olds increased to 4,033 in 2014 from 3,961 in 2013.
Requisitions: Property Taxes levied by the Town of Olds include amounts collected on behalf of other organizations and comprise roughly 33% of each property tax bill: • • •
Alberta School Foundation Fund (Education Taxes) - $3,363,130 (2013 - $3,429,419) Mountain View Seniors Housing - $181,228 (2013 - $91,766) Parkland Regional Library - $63,833 (2013 $59,950)
The Town receives a requisition for the amounts to be collected from each organization prior to setting the tax rates. The requisition amounts are collected along with the Town’s municipal taxes and are then remitted to the requisitioning organization.
Programs and Services NOT supported by taxes: The following programs and services are delivered by the Town through the collection of fees for services: • •
Water and Wastewater services Solid Waste Collection services
Cultural Programs that are funded through the collection of Natural Gas Franchise Fees, include: • • •
The Evergreen Centre The Museum The Olds Municipal Library
The cost of Street Lighting in the Town of Olds is funded through revenue received from Electricity Franchise Fees.
Solid Waste Operating Costs 1,200,000 1,000,000
Amortization Administration
800,000
Capital Investment
600,000
Commission Administration
400,000
Salary, Wages, Training
200,000
Repair & Maintenance Collcection Costs
2014
2013
2012
2011
2010
Wastewater System Operating Costs 4,000,000 Insurance
3,500,000
Administration
3,000,000
Commission Administration
2,500,000
Debenture Costs
2,000,000
Salary, Wages, Training
1,500,000
Amortization
1,000,000
Repair & Maintenance Capital Investment
500,000
Commission Sewage Treatment Cost
2014
2013
2012
2011
2010
Water System Operating Costs 4,000,000
3,500,000
Insurance
3,000,000
Debenture Costs
2,500,000
Administration
2,000,000
Capital Investment Repair & Maintenance
1,500,000
Amortization
1,000,000
Salary, Wages, Training
500,000
Purchase of Water
-
2014
2013
2012
2011
2010
Where Our Town 2014 Funding Came From ($22.0 M) Investment income - 0.98% Penalties, costs & fines - 1.26% Developers Contributions - 2.10%
Other Sales - 2.39% Sales and user fees - Recreation - 2.53% Licences, permits, rentals & insurance - 2.87% Franchise Fees - 4.87% Government transfers - 17.54%
Utility sales - 30.59% Taxes - 34.89%
SUPPORT SERVICES
Support Services focuses its resources on enhancing the quality of life for the residents of Olds. This team builds collaboration with community organizations, businesses and agencies by providing facilities, and supporting community focused special events for the enjoyment of Olds and area residents. Town facilities include the sports complex, the aquatic centre, parks, playgrounds and sports fields. Olds is always a busy place and 2014 was no exception!
Playgrounds Playgrounds continue to be a focus for the community. Core and Support Service staff worked in conjunction with the Horizon School, Olds Elementary School, Olds Kiwanis Club and others to fundraise for the replacement of the aging play structure located behind the Horizon School. This project was led by the Horizon School Parent Society and work was done with user groups for a design. The playground will be accessible to the public through man-gates from Hartman Green Park for community enjoyment, especially over school breaks, weekends, and before and after school. Access to this playground will have a profound effect on those students who do not have access to an inclusive, suitable playground in their home communities. This project is slated to be completed in 2015. A partnership with the Rotary Club made the development of a new playground possible in the Vistas in 2014 opening for use in the late summer, and the Town facilitated the Grand Opening with a neighbourhood Block Party.
Nu2U Thrift Store Nu2U thrift store continues to operate providing low cost household goods for purchase while reducing the strain on the environment by recycling and reusing used items. Profits from Nu2U are disbursed in grants to community. In 2014 grant money was provided to 15 groups with amounts totalling over $50,000. Since the fall of 2011 the Nu2U grant program has allocated over $150,000 dollars to programs and services in Olds. Staff and volunteers at Nu2U take great pride in the contribution this makes to local charities. Thank you to volunteers and the citizens of Olds and area for continued support of this valuable community enterprise.
Social and Development Programs Community Facilitators are involved with a variety of social development programs and services. The coordination of Olds in Motion guide, a biannual publication that provides information to the community about programs, events and activities related to recreation, sport, health, education and culture, was a major undertaking along with the annual production of the Community Program Guide. Collaboration, participation, and promotion continues to hold events such as the Race for Kids, Pitch In Week, Jump Start, Community Connections, Volunteer Appreciation, and Canada Day. Programming work continues with Mountain View Food Bank in the development of food security survey.
SUPPORT SERVICES
Family & Community Support Services (FCSS) Facilitators provide consultation to the following Family and Community Support Services funded agencies: Boys & Girls Club, Youth Empowerment and Support Program, Family School Wellness and Olds High School while working especially close with the Boys & Girls Club who have spent their year working on board and program development in addition to continuing to provide a much needed service to families and children in Olds and area.
Open Space and Trails Master Plan Implementation of the Open Space and Trails Master Plan continues. 2014 saw an overlay of the trails in the Imperial subdivision and an extension of the side walk along 57th Avenue from 51st Street to 46th Street ( Highway 27). The Off Leash Dog Park continued to progress through Mountain View County regulatory processes to develop the park on Town owned property west of the Town boundary. The Town of Olds worked through the process of designating the former landfill site to allow a dog park to be transformed on the site. Support was provided for local cross country skiing enthusiasts with the purchase of a track-set and assistance with location access for cross country skiing in and near the town for citizens to pursue the sport all winter. New LED lighting continued to be phased into public areas of the Sportsplex. The reduction in energy use is both environmentally conscious and fiscally responsible.
Partnerships Partnerships with community and service groups are paramount for maintaining such a strong presence of parks and playgrounds. Without this kind of cooperation the number and quality of our playgrounds would not be what it is. Support Services continued to build partnerships by providing representation, input and resources to many efforts in the community. The following committees benefited from Support Service involvement: • Early Childhood Mapping Coalition • Healthy Living Coalition • Healthy Choices Committee • YES Advisory Committee • Good Food Club • Race For Kids Committee • High Risk Youth Coalition
Anonymous Good The Anonymous Good program was launched in 2014. #Good4_Olds celebrated our neighbourliness, engaged everyone (especially kids) and increased goodness and wellness for all. Facilitators worked with the community schools and many volunteers and town staff to promote Good 4 OLDS. Individuals are invited to be part of Anonymous Good, and are encouraged to post the good things we all do or see in our community at: anonymousgood.org
SUPPORT SERVICES Community Development Support Services continues to work with Seniors and the Evergreen Centre. Program support to seniors includes initiatives such as Driver 55+, Elder Abuse Awareness, Personal Directives, and involvement with the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program (CVITP). We continue to strengthen relationships with community groups such as Mountain View Seniors Housing, Income Support, Probation, Olds Municipal Library (library subsidies) and FCSS funded groups including Olds Emergency Shelter, Victims Services, Olds and District Hospice Society, Mountain View Community Adult Learning Society and Parent Link.
Heritage Olds hosted the Board for the Alberta Historical Resources Foundation (AHRF) in February. AHRF is the funding body for heritage preservation initiatives province-wide. The Foundation visited Olds and it was a tremendous opportunity to showcase our arts, culture and heritage, as well as collaborate with various community organizations to coordinate the event, including: Olds Institute, Uptowne Olds Committee, Olds Historical Society, Olds College, Olds Regional Exhibition (formerly Olds Agricultural Society), and others.
Sunshine Bus The Town of Olds Sunshine Bus is a wheelchair accessible bus for Seniors (50+) and people with disabilities. The Sunshine Bus provides transportation within the Town limits for shopping, medical/dental/salon appointments etc. The town replaced a 2004 Ford F350 Econovan style van with a 2012 Chevy E-Lo bus. The new bus is equipped with a wheel chair ramp and can take two wheel chairs and up to 12 passengers. The Sunshine bus made over 2,100 trips in 2014.
Mountain View Museum & Archives The Mountain View Museum & Archives celebrated its 40th Anniversary in 2014, and an official celebration was held in conjunction with the Oldstice Festival on June 21. Prior to the commencement of Uptowne redevelopment and construction this past summer, we collaborated with Uptowne to create a pamphlet for the community to encourage visitors to continue to access the Uptowne area during construction. By providing information about the area and its redevelopment, accessibility, parking, and store hours, we hoped that the construction would go as smoothly as possible for all affected.
Main Street Program Olds is an Accredited Main Street Community. The Main Street program is a revitalization program that builds on local assets and focuses on all aspects that impact the vitality of a community. It provides leadership in four main areas influencing the economic vitality of a commercial heritage district: Organization, Marketing, Design, & Economic Development. Main Street is a place that evokes strong emotions and helps define a community’s identity. It is the Historic core of the community. Its buildings embody the community’s past and its visual identity. Uptowne Olds Committee has championed the task of revitalizing the Uptowne core to promote economic development through sound stewardship of the culture, heritage and historic fabric found in our community. We continue to work with the community to benefit the entire town.
Legacy Benches We were thrilled to receive a grant from Fortis Alberta to assist with the creation of unique art benches to commemorate the launch of the Town of Olds Open Spaces and Trails Plan. The Community information night held in September provided opportunities to gather input on “Fortis Legacy Bench” designs from community members as well as share information about ongoing heritage initiatives.
Municipal Enforcement In 2014 we welcomed a new Peace Officer to the community. Coinciding with this new arrival was a renewed approach to Municipal Enforcement. The Town strives to gain voluntary compliance with bylaws before resorting to enforcement actions such as issuing tickets or seeking stronger legal solutions. When possible, Town staff meet with a citizen to review the nature of the violation and advise options on how to achieve compliance with bylaws. Once all other options are exhausted, compliance with the bylaws within a given time frame are enforced. In situations where voluntary compliance is not achieved, particularly where the non-compliant behaviour is willful, repetitive, or harmful to public health or safety, or harmful to Town infrastructure or the environment, it is likely that one or more enforcement tools is employed to gain compliance. The ultimate goal of Municipal Enforcement is to obtain compliance by working with the public, providing education and outreach to the community.
Community Standards Bylaw It is Council’s desire for regulations that influence neighbourhood livability to be located, as much as possible, in one (1) bylaw. Of great importance to Council is the balance of education and enforcement, to promote respect towards each other as neighbours and members of the community. The first draft of the Community Standards Bylaw was introduced to the Policies and Priorities Committee in August 2014. Since then many meetings have taken place with Council for the review of the draft bylaw, section by section, to accommodate specific discussion and allow for modifications as deemed appropriate.
The Process: The Town of Olds draft community standards bylaw was built on: • • • • • • •
A review of twenty-one (21) Town of Olds bylaws Activity Reports of the Community Peace Officer and Bylaw Officer Analysis of the “Report A Problem” reporting Sample bylaws from ten (10) other municipalities Public engagement Electronic and written survey (March 2014) Community engagement opportunity (April 23, 2014)
Public engagement activities produced four (4) primary themes which influence neighourhood liveability:
• • • •
public behaviours and nuisances care of properties parking and traffic dogs and cats
Continuing the Process: THIS AFFECTS YOU
Beginning March 9, 2015: Opportunity for Feedback view the draft Community Standards Bylaw at www.olds.ca April 27, 2015: Bylaw first reading consideration. Town of Olds Council and Administration will be holding two Community Engagement Sessions to discuss the “draft” Bylaw on:
Wednesday, April 29, 2015
Olds United Church 4810 - 50 Street - 6:30 pm
Tuesday, May 12, 2015
École Deer Meadow School Gymnasium, 5411 – 61 Avenue - 6:30 pm May 25, 2015: Bylaw second and third reading consideration (tentative date for second and third reading).
THIS AFFECTS YOU!!! Community Standards Bylaw
View the “Draft”
Community Standards Bylaw on our website at
olds.ca
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