DIRECTION - December 2010 by Saskatchewan Parks and Recreation Association

DECEMBER 2010 | VOLUME 1 | NUMBER 4

S A S K AT C H E W A N PA R K S A N D R E C R E AT I O N A S S O C I AT I O N

Outdoor Life Taking Winter by Storm!

JUNE 2010

December 2010 | VOLUME 1 | NUMBER 4

SPRA BOARD OF DIRECTORS President Darrell Lessmeister

Director for Villages Clive Craig

Director at Large Mimi Lodoen

Director for Cities Jasmine Jackman

Director at Large Corrine Galarneau

Director at Large Mike Powell

Director for Towns Mike Schwean

Director at Large Clint McConnell

Director for the North Sandy Rediron

Chief Executive Officer Norm Campbell

Physical Activity and Fitness Wendy McKellar

Administrative Assistant I Amanda Rieger

Program Manager John Firnesz

Aboriginal Support Tim Haywahe

Corporate Services Manager Randy Durovick

Leadership and Evaluation Karen Thompson

Half-Time Administrative Assistant I Donna Matheson

Information and Research Services Luella Newman

Recreation Facilities Kelly Skotnitsky

Assistant Information Services Chantel Doerksen

ADMINISTRATION:

SPRA STAFF

TABLE OF CONTENTS SPRA President’s Report

Geocaching - Navigate Winter in a New Way

Scotiabank Prairie Pond Hockey Challenge

Dog Sledding, Born to Pull

Welcome to Canada, Welcome to Yorkton... And, Yes, We Are Really Going Out in the Snow!

Hitting the Snow-Covered Trail

Winter Camping in Saskatchewan

Active Transportation

Carlyle’s Dickens Village Festival

The “How To” Behind Outdoor Rinks

Helpful Tips for Those Considering Winter Biking

Lottery Lingo

Events

DIRECTION is published four times a year (September, December, March and SEPTEMBER). The publication is provided to members of the Saskatchewan Parks and

RECREATION CONSULTANTS: Grants and Funding Lee Anne Balliett Parks and Open Spaces Barry Rogers

Executive Assistant Lois McNaught Administrative Technician Ryan Monks Administrative Assistant II Paula Lichtenwald

in motion STAFF

Recreation Association. Direct all communications to:

Manager Cathie Kryzanowski

School Consultant Lyle Brenna

Editor, DIRECTION

Manager Community and Target Strategies Marnie Sinclair

Communications Consultant Kim Herperger

#100 - 1445 Park Street Regina, Saskatchewan S4N 4C5 You may also send letters or comments to Lori Ross, Communications Consultant at 306.780.9370, by fax at 306.780.9257, or by email at lross@spra.sk.ca. Articles within this newsmagazine are the opinions of the authour(s) and do not necessarily reflect the policies or opinions of SPRA. Articles in DIRECTION may be reprinted, provided that full credits are shown for the author and the newsmagazine.

Communications Consultant Lori Ross

Business Administrator Bonnie Thiessen

JUNE 2010

Phone: (306) 780-9231 or 1-800-563-2555 Fax: (306) 780-9257 www.spra.sk.ca

Manager - Marketing and Communications Christine Niemczyk Consultant Nicole Yacishyn Assistant Consultant Graham Richardson

Communications Assistant Julie Chabot Thoring Executive Assistant Carol Priebe Administrative Assistant Nicole Schewchuk

Youth Mentor Kendra Schmidt

Phone: (306) 780-9248 or 1-866-888-3648 Fax: (306) 780-9466 www.saskatchewaninmotion.ca

SPRA President’s REPORT Winter is my favourite time of year, to enjoy the many winter activities Saskatchewan communities have to offer. My view is that you have two options when it comes to Saskatchewan winters: 1. Bear it until we reach spring; or 2. Enjoy what the season has to offer There are many winter activities and programs offered, across our Province. Winter will also go by faster if you enjoy it, or at least try to enjoy it! Communities across Saskatchewan have great outdoor facilities and opportunities, including ice rinks, curling rinks, downhill ski areas, cross country ski trails, toboggan hills, walking paths, outdoor rinks, outdoor ovals and much more. A lot of communities and facilities have incentives and inexpensive ways to come out and give an activity a try. And, if outdoor winter activities are not your cup of tea, you may have an opportunity to escape winter by utilizing the many indoor

facilities, including aquatic centers, community centers, gyms and much more. My preference is the enjoyment of outdoor winter activities and the fresh, crisp air. One thing you can always count on is that there will be no mosquitoes or bugs! If you are in an area where there are limited facilities, or you have limited funds to enjoy the facilities, make the challenge into an opportunity. Enjoy winter with family members and friends, build snow forts and snowmen and if you’re creative - build a snow sculpture for everyone to enjoy. Go together, as a group, and find opportunities to go for a night walk or sled ride and enjoy the many winter lights and decorations. It does not have to be complicated or expensive - it is the initiative to get out and take winter by storm. You will feel better and will have fond memories of the winter months. As we all know, there are a lot of places in the world that don’t have our winter wonderland! Darrell Lessmeister SPRA President

DECEMBER 2010 01

GEOCACHING - NAVIGATE WINTER IN A NEW WAY Geocaching (pronounced geo-cashing) is an outdoor sporting activity in which the participants use a Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver or other navigational techniques to hide and seek containers, called “geocaches” or “caches”, anywhere in the world. (Source: Wikipedia)

The change of seasons is a serious game-changer for geocachers. Winter’s cold blast of wind and snow alters the outside world that is the geocaching playing field. New obstacles and challenges are added. But snow drifts and chilly weather are no reason to put the treasure-hunting adventure of geocaching on hiatus until the spring thaw. Here are a few tips, compiled from winter geocachers around the world, to make geocaching a year-round activity.

ADVICE FOR THOSE SEEKING GEOCACHES:

Safety First: Geocache in groups of two or more. Tell a friend where you’re going and when you plan on returning. Don’t forget extra batteries for your GPS device. Cold weather causes batteries to drain faster. Bring a pencil. Pens often freeze in winter, making signing a geocaching log impossible. Be prepared - as the affects of winter weather may increase the difficulty and terrain rating on a geocache. Geocache containers may be frozen shut. To open, warm the container with hand-warmers or a car heater. Don’t be a spoiler. Be careful of your tracks. Do not lead other geocachers straight to the cache or arouse curiosity among non-geocachers (muggles).

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ADVICE FOR THOSE HIDING GEOCACHES: Hide your geocache above the snow level. Use water tight geocache containers to keep the logbook and the contents of the geocache dry. Be extra vigilant about maintaining your geocache through winter. With the right preparation, the adventure of geocaching lasts all year round. Be safe and think ahead and you’ll enjoy treasure-hunting in the winter months. Visit www.geocaching.com and enter your address to search for the geocaches closest to you. With more than 3500 geocaches in Saskatchewan alone, there is bound to be a winter treasure-hunt waiting for you just out your front door. Eric Schudiske Social Media Specialist Groundspeak - The Language of Location

Give Geocaching a Try! Borrow a GPS Lending Kit! Looking for an idea for your next program or event? Borrow a GPS Lending Kit from SPRA Information and Research Services. It has everything you need to set up and run a geocaching program, including GPS units, Instruction Manuals and Sample Planning Tools. For more information on our lending kits, visit www.spra.sk.ca/lendingkits.

SCOTIABANK PRAIRIE POND HOCKEY CHALLENGE The Scotiabank Prairie Pond Hockey Challenge on Wascana Lake – Saskatchewan’s first-ever official pond hockey tournament will take place February 12 and 13. The event has also been announced as an official remote location for Scotiabank Hockey Day in Canada on CBC, on February 12, 2011. The Challenge, a partnership between the Saskatchewan Hockey Association (SHA), the Regina Regional Opportunities Commission (RROC), the Wascana Centre Authority (WCA), the Cougar Men’s Hockey Alumni, and title sponsor Scotiabank, will take place on February 12 and 13, 2011, on eighteen rinks along Wascana Lake - east of the Conexus Art Centre and between Goose and Tern Island. CBC will broadcast live from Wascana Lake on February 12, 2011, and will highlight the hockey festivities in Saskatchewan as part of their national programming. “Hockey is alive and well in Saskatchewan and this event is the perfect opportunity to strap on the skates and play the game the way it was meant to be played,” said Kelly McClintock, General Manager of Saskatchewan Hockey Association. “Family friendly fun both on and off the ice will take the sport back to its roots this winter.” “As Canada’s Hockey Bank, Scotiabank has seen firsthand through the many community events that we sponsor, the passion that Canadian families have for this great game,” said Russell Seifried, Scotiabank District Banking Manager, Saskatchewan South District. “Winter in Regina is a time to celebrate, and I can’t think of a better way to enjoy the season than by taking hockey back to its roots by playing the game in its purest form.”

The Scotiabank Prairie Pond Hockey Challenge is open to both male and female participants 19 years of age and older, with the focus on fun and enjoyment. There is a registration fee of $600 per team, with an early bird price of $500 until December 31, 2010. Register at www.prairiepondhockey.ca The format of the Challenge is made up of 30 minute games (two 15 minute halves) played by teams of five players, with four on the ice at any given time. Teams are guaranteed four games during the tournament on Saturday, and the top 32 teams will move to the single elimination play on Sunday until the first-ever Scotiabank Prairie Pond Hockey Champions are named. Starting at noon on Sunday, the rinks not being used in tournament play will become available for public use. For further information on the Scotiabank Prairie Pond Hockey Challenge, visit www.prairiepondhockey.ca Kyle Ulmer Manager Communications & Marketing Saskatchewan Hockey Association Email: kyleu@sha.sk.ca Phone: (306) 789-5101 www.prairiepondhockey.ca

There will be plenty of activity both on and off the ice. Spectators can visit the entertainment tent, which will broadcast the NHL games as part of Scotiabank Hockey Day in Canada. There will also be a raffle starting at the registration night on Friday, February 11, at the Conexus Art Centre.

DECEMBER 2010 03

Dog SLEDDING

Born to Pull Half a dozen sled dogs are hooked up and ready to run. They are a yelping, bouncing, pawing detonation of canine excitement. It’s powerful. Intense. A hundred yards down the trail, the team is transformed by its motion into something serene, fluid and beautiful in its unity. Dog sledding offers as many different fulfillments as there are mushers: independence, freedom, companionship, exhilarating speed, long stretches of quiet trails for reflection. Perhaps, most importantly, there’s a bond with other living beings - a basic, primal connection with a wild heritage.

have to pull yourself back onto the runners. The dogs can’t be blamed because you are part of the team too. The bond is the firmest when it’s based on the welfare of the dogs, plenty of time shared in the yard and on the trail, respect for their capabilities and love for the animals.

A few years ago you might have found me dreading the approach of winter. But after more than a dozen seasons of dog sledding, I find I’m wishing for winter to start and hoping it won’t end too soon.

WHERE THE PAWS HIT THE TRAIL - DOG SLEDDING FOR BEGINNERS

YOU ARE PART OF THE TEAM BUT THE DOGS COME FIRST Alaskan huskies, which most Saskatchewan mushers run, are a mixed breed. They are lighter, quicker and shortercoated than traditional breeds like Siberian huskies, Malamutes or Inuit dogs. They don’t resemble most of the population of pet dogs. The best way to understand these working dogs is by comparing them to human athletes. Their heart and lung capacity are tremendous, muscles are well-toned and body fat is at a minimum. A 40 mile run is like a ‘walk in the park’ for these dogs when they are in prime condition. Mushing is more fun if you’re in shape too. You don’t just ride a dog sled. You have to drive it, handling the sled and your weight smoothly, pedaling on hills. At some time or another, you’ll stretch muscles, be dragged by an excited team and 04

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Dogsledding in Saskatchewan is enjoyed for recreation, competition and tourism adventure. You don’t have to run a big team to enjoy the trails and canine companionship outdoors. Your first dog team might have just a single mutt that pulls a very light ‘kick sled’, powered in conjunction with your muscle and sweat! Or try ‘skijoring’, which is when a dog in harness pulls a person as they cross-country ski. Most healthy, medium-sized dogs are strong enough to pull, if it wants. Only by gentle trial will you learn if your dog has the inclination to be a working dog. That’s where experienced help is appreciated. Veteran mushers have mentored rookies over the decades, creating a strong tradition in Saskatchewan. New mushers can reduce the likelihood of mishaps by befriending a trusted, experienced musher or by taking lessons from a commercial, dogsled tour operator. There are no designated dogsled trails on public lands in Saskatchewan. Mushers generally share routes such as

snowmobile trails, trapping and hunting trails and unused logging roads. Skijorers are welcome on trails in Prince Albert National Park and most provincial and municipal parks. However, skijorers should inquire with crosscountry ski trail providers for local policies.

MUSHING RESOURCES

Dog sledding, or ‘mushing’, has been evolving rapidly over the past 20 years, both as a recreation and competitive sport; the Saskatchewan situation is no exception. Highend competition has spurred major advances in nutrition, conditioning regimes, breeding and equipment.

As you learn more about the recreation, you’ll be not only looking for good dogs, but equipment too: skijoring belts, sleds, harnesses, lines.

Off To The Races Ma-Mow-We-Tak Sled Dog Racing Association mamowwetak.homestead.com - listing of dozens of races on the sprint circuit in western and northern Canada. Hudson Bay, Prince Albert and Preeceville host three of the larger events. Torch River Run www.torchriverrun.ca - 200 miles of wilderness between Christopher Lake and Tobin Lake. La Ronge’s Neckbone Sled Dog Race www.freewebs.com/larongeneckbone - runs from La Ronge to Weyakwin and back. Canadian Challenge www.canadianchallenge.com - the longest, at 320 miles, and most competitive race of its kind in the region. It’s a qualifier for the Yukon Quest and Iditarod 1,000 mile sled dog marathon races. A testament to the skills and dedication of Saskatchewan mushers, the Canadian Challenge, while drawing teams internationally, has been won by local mushers nearly half of the time!

A wonderful introduction to dogsledding, as a spectator, comes by taking in a race or two. These are great family events, often coupled with winter festivals or banquets and breakfasts, where you can meet dogs and mushers before or after the races. A number of Saskatchewan communities host sprint races (usually 6 - 20 miles) or mid-distance races (usually 100 miles and longer). Saskatchewan’s dogsledders are very open to sharing knowledge, stories of adventure and locations of mushing trails. For those wanting to try dogsledding for themselves but are not prepared to build a team or acquire even a single dog, there are tourism operators like Sundogs Sled Excursions. Sundogs runs one hour to overnight trips in the boreal forest. Sundogs uses a progressive approach, building guest’s mushing knowledge, skills and comfort level with the sled dogs. The guide-hosts share their love for the landscape and an in-depth knowledge of its ecology.

Sled Dog Central www.sleddogcentral.com - premiere, international on-line source for mushing. Follow its links back to Saskatchewan mushing. Akela’s Den Sled Dog Supplies and Racing Kennel www.sleddogsupplies.com Sundogs Sled Excursions www.sundogs.sk.ca - book a dogsled excursion or lessons. Tourism Saskatchewan www.tourismsaskatchewan.com listings of dogsled events and operators

Bradley Muir Sundogs Excursions Anglin Lake, SK

MUSHING FULFILLMENTS! With a swish of a sled runner and a light jingle of brass, the heart, determination and beauty of sled dogs is revealed as the team passes at a lope - tongues swaying, frosted muzzles, eyes intent and honest. Eyes that reflect a basic enthusiasm for running. Dogs born to pull.

Photo Credit: Keith Starks Courtesy of Tourism Saskatchewan

On the back of the sled, I am the beneficiary of dozens of miles of travel in wild places, hundreds of hours of physical conditioning, and thousands of years of the human-canine bond. DECEMBER 2010 05

welcome to Canada, welcome to Yorkton ...

and, yes, we are really going out in the Snow! The Activities Exchange Program was designed to give a short introduction to new activities and to familiarize newcomers with current clubs and organizations that already exist within the City of Yorkton. Most participants had never experienced snow prior to immigrating to Canada and the winters of Saskatchewan were quite a shock to most! In the beginning of 2010, the City of Yorkton (Amber Harvey, Urban Youth Sport Coordinator) and “Partners in Settlement and Integration - PSI” (Christy Persick, Recreation Coordinator), joined together to introduce some of our City’s more recent immigrants to the wonders of winter and the great leisure activities that can only be enjoyed at that time of year. It was important for the City to become involved with Partners in Settlement and Integration, because it allowed us to connect directly with newcomers to our City. It was a complete win-win situation - their agency had the interested residents and our department had the resources and facilities.

The Activities Exchange Program (AEP), which operated from January to June, 2010, was designed to give a short introduction to new activities and to familiarize the newcomers with current clubs and organizations that already exist within the City. A main goal of the program was to help build the confidence of the newcomers - to enable them to join in regular already existing programs. One of the first obstacles that the Activities Exchange Program had to overcome was convincing participants to come out for cold-weather activities. Most participants had never experienced snow prior to immigrating to Canada and the winters of Saskatchewan were quite a shock to most. Many of the first activities always started the same, “are we really going out there?!” For the first few minutes, comments about the cold echoed throughout the group - but once the activities started, the cold was quickly forgotten. The program introduced all types of winter activities from Snoccer (snow-soccer) to ball hockey and curling. Participants went skating, tobogganing and cross country skiing. Working with the Recreation Coordinator and the participants of the Activities Exchange Program, to meet their need of learning about the Canadian culture, allowed us to promote ourselves to our current residents as well. This partnership was an opportunity to refresh our outlook on the traditional

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winter leisure opportunities in our City. We have very accessible facilities and winter opportunities here in Yorkton, that we aren’t maybe promoting well enough or encouraging our residents to participate in. It also gave us a new appreciation of what we have in our City. The Recreation Coordinator with PSI, Christy Persick, recalls that “On the first cold night we went tobogganing, after everyone had climbed the hill, enough times to warrant a big mug of hot chocolate, one of the newcomers came over to me and asked, ‘what is this, this, Land of Living Skies?’. It took me a moment to answer, I’ve seen this phrase on license plates for years, but how often had I stopped to think about it? My answer involved open spaces, beautiful sunsets, and dancing northern lights, but the man and his wife also mentioned the “airplane tails”. Being from a City with a population of over 10 million, they had never seen a plane cross the entire sky, how amazing it was for them to see these things!”

benefit of the program was the chance to build relationships with other people in the community, in an atmosphere where they could share and learn from one another, without worrying about their English language capabilities. Most recently, in correspondence with participants of the program, Christy Persick was most excited to have received this: “Regarding curling, don’t think I would lose it. We went last Friday and we will go again this week. Your help to introduce ourselves to this sport was really useful. We are almost able to slide accordingly! I guess this season we will be able to have fun with winter sports instead of pretending it…” The Activity Exchange Program was a chance for everyone to learn (or in the case of some of the Canadians, re-learn) how to have fun in cold-weather. Lisa Washington Community Development Manager City of Yorkton Amber Harvey Urban Youth Sport Coordinator City of Yorkton

Over a period of 5 months, 54 events were facilitated for newcomers. There were over 50 people attending the final event in a very soggy ball field. However, it became evident that the Activity Exchange Program was not about the activities at all. For participants, the best part and the number one

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HITTING THE SNOW-COVERED TRAIL When winter arrives with a blanket of snow that covers the Saskatchewan landscape, we have the opportunity to see and experience the world around us in a new and special way. The vast network of Saskatchewan trails serving hikers, bicyclists and all-terrain vehicle enthusiasts are transformed into pathways for snowmobiling, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. Imagine yourself barrelling down a perfectly groomed trail, with the roar of the snowmobile engine in your ears. The thrill and exhilaration from the speed of the ride is underpinned by the knowledge that these trails, mapped and marked with traffic signs, are extremely safe. Every year in Saskatchewan, 9,000 km of interconnected snowmobile trails are maintained by community snowmobile groups. So, if you want to take your sled a little farther away from home, the whole province is open for you to explore. If the view from on top a snowmobile is not for you, crosscountry skiing or snowshoeing could be what you are looking for. The slowed pace will allow you pause to experience the tranquil silence of the winter scenes. Many cross-country ski associations in Saskatchewan maintain a variety of groomed trails suitable for first-time skiers and those with years of experience. In cities, towns and rural settings, there are trails groomed for cross-country skiing. Whether you are looking for some healthy exercise, or to push yourself to the limit of your athleticism, cross-country skiing will suit your need. “There’s no question that winter in Saskatchewan is long, and it’s not always easy to get out of the house,” said Cathy Watts, President of the Saskatchewan Trails Association. “Trails are a great reason to get outside in the winter - it doesn’t matter if you’re an experienced athlete, or if it’s your first time on a snowmobile – there really is something for everyone.” The Prince Albert National Park (PANP) grooms hundreds of kilometres of skiing trails, which immerse visitors into the

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natural world, while keeping them close to modern conveniences. A number of trails in the PANP are lit into the night, so they can be enjoyed long after the sun has set. Many of Saskatchewan’s provincial parks provide trails for both skiing and snowmobiling. Warming stations, which offer a chance to step out of the cold, are a frequent feature on Saskatchewan trails. Should you be looking to get off the trail and forge your own path, then snowshoeing may be the perfect fit for you. By spreading your weight over a larger surface area, snowshoes allow you to walk over snow banks. Over a frozen lake in the province’s north, or an untouched, snow-covered field in the south, snowshoes let you pass over what would be otherwise impassably deep snow. For more information on cross-country ski trails near you, visit www.crosscountrysask.ca. For more on snowmobile trails, visit www.sasksnowmobiling. sk.ca. Pat Rediger Saskatchewan Trails Association

WINTER CAMPING IN SASKATCHEWAN The ground is covered in a fresh blanket of white, sparkling snow. The air is as still and crisp as only winter air can be. The branches of the evergreen trees droop with snow. The sun shines brightly without a cloud to be seen. It is fleeting moments like these that connect me to nature and give me a profound sense of peace. With the smack of a snowball, I come back to reality: here I am, camping in January! For many people, camping is an activity to be enjoyed from June until August, while the weather is hot and the days are long. With a bit more preparation, some extra planning and several pairs of long underwear, you too could enjoy camping year round! One of the greatest pleasures about winter camping is the snow! Freshly fallen snow is like a blank canvas, just waiting to be explored. Every trail you blaze is a new one. Skiing, cross-country or downhill, snowshoeing, building forts, making snow angels, building snow creatures - and my favourite, building quinzhees, all require snow in all its many forms. A quinzhee is a snow structure made by hollowing out a pile of settled snow. Igloos are different in that they are made by putting together blocks of hard snow to form a structure. It was with some trepidation that I spent my first night in a quinzhee. Would it feel cramped? Would I be warm enough? We crawled inside with our sleeping bags, layers of clothes and a candle to add a bit of light and heat up the interior. Initially, I felt a bit claustrophobic as we plugged up the door with snow to keep the cold air out - leaving only the small hole in the roof for ventilation. Despite my concerns, my night in the quinzhee was restful, warm and very quiet. Crawling out the next morning, I once again admired the serene wintery scene that greeted me. For my first experience in a quinzhee, I was glad to have knowledgeable company because there is a special technique to building a structurally sound quinzhee. Before you try it, do your research.

If winter camping interests you but youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re not sure where to start, join the Saskatchewan Outdoor and Environmental Education Association (SOEEA) for a winter camping trip near Lumdsen on December 4 - 5, 2010. For more information, email soeea.sk@gmail.com or visit www.soeea.sk.ca. Leah Japp Saskatchewan Outdoor and Environmental Education Association

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ACTIVE TRANSPORTATION “The whole notion of walk-ability didn’t exist 30 years ago,” said Burden. “We’ve made cities unsuitable for walkers. Everything we were doing before was basically for the auto, now it’s for the people.”

The Weyburn in motion committee, along with the Sun Country Health Region and the Community Initiatives Fund, recently brought in Dan Burden to evaluate the City of Weyburn on its opportunities for residents to choose active transportation. Burden determined that the City of Weyburn had developed an impressive trail system, but he noted some areas that could be improved. One suggestion was to consider using roundabouts and mini circles as an alternative to four way stop intersections, to help slow down traffic and make residents feel more comfortable and safe while walking and cycling. “The whole notion of walk-ability didn’t exist 30 years ago,” said Burden. “We’ve made cities unsuitable for walkers. Everything we were doing before was basically for the auto, now it’s for the people.” Weyburn in motion chair, Susan Nedelcov-Anderson, views the implementation of Burden’s recommendations progressing in several ways. “We need to make sure we have the structures in place so that physical activity is an easy choice.” Burden’s visit to the City has spurred many people to write to the local newspaper with their opinions and concerns about how the city should be designed with the pedestrian, not the automobile, in mind. Nedelcov-Anderson said these people have been voicing their opinion for years now, but Burden’s visit and report has sparked their voices once more. She said their main point is, “if Weyburn truly is an in motion community, then the City needs to look at how they pile snow on residential sidewalks, forcing people to walk on streets, which of course isn’t safe.”

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Based on his findings, Burden generated a report and action plan for the City of Weyburn, which will be evaluated by a core team involving the City of Weyburn and members of Weyburn in motion. The City of Yorkton has also given residents another opportunity to choose active transportation with the launch of two new bikeways. Since 2006, the Yorkton in motion committee and the City of Yorkton, has been focused on creating a safer environment for people to choose physical activity for their transportation purposes. Saskatchewan in motion Manager, Cathie Kryzanowski, believes that the bikeways greatly increase opportunities to be physically active in Yorkton. She says, “With only 15% of children and youth active enough, it’s crucial that communities follow Yorkton’s suit and begin to adapt the built environments in their community to make it easier for people to be physically active.” Sheila Hryniuk, spokesperson for the Yorkton Active Transportation Collaborative, believes the bikeways are a big step towards changing the way people move around Yorkton. “As a society, we have been engineering physical activity out of our lives and it is having an impact on the health of our communities. It’s now time to engineer it back into our lives,” said Hryniuk. Julie Chabot Thoring Saskatchewan in motion

CARLYLE’s

DICKENS VILLAGE FESTIVAL Carlyle’s Dickens Village Festival is held during the first weekend in December, regardless of the weather! Many organizations, businesses and individuals come together to participate in this unique event – Carlyle is the only community in Canada to hold a Dickens Village Festival. Main Street in Carlyle is transformed back to the Victorian Era, with folks dressed in vintage clothing, pine garland, bows, and twinkling lights decorating the store fronts and planters full of greenery. This year, you will even see lanterns on the lamp posts, along with the wreaths that adorn the street lights. You will find vendors selling smoked turkey legs, chili in a bread bowl, smokies on a stick, cups of hot clam chowder, and more!

Also, be sure to get your tickets in advance for the Christmas Theatre Production, which is performed both Friday and Saturday evenings. There is a Matinee performance on Sunday afternoon as well. You’ll be surprised by the talent! All of these events support local organizations that make the festival one of their major fundraisers of the year. The “free” entertainment and horse drawn carriage rides are sponsored by the Dickens Festival Committee that raises funds with a

SOUNDS LIKE FUN?? – IT IS!!! Be sure to taste the goodies on the Tiny Tim’s Taste Tour (follow the signs), and take the time to enjoy a horse-drawn carriage ride. As you stroll down the street, regale yourself in the sights and sounds of our cloaked carolers and locals dressed in their finery. Don’t let Scrooge’s chastising spoil your Christmas spirit! And please be sure to have some change ready for the street urchins who will come begging for money for the poor! Along with the outdoor activities, there is free entertainment at Fezziwig’s Pub (a.k.a. the Memorial Hall) all afternoon, featuring young as well as more seasoned performers providing a wide variety of music and song (with maybe the odd magician thrown in). A hot lunch is served there from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. While you’re there, check out the goods in the silent auction, and the charming gingerbread houses that the Elementary School has for sale. High Tea at the United Church is a “must” to take part in, complete with a hat for you to wear. There is an English Market with craftspeople selling their wares. And don’t miss the lighted parade at 6:00 p.m. each evening.

thrift sale twice a year. Everyone benefits! We may be challenged by the weather, but our activities and light-hearted fun make up for it! Dress warmly, and come join us for a fun filled weekend in Carlyle. Check us out at Shelley Slykhuis www.townofcarlyle.com. Chairperson of the Dickens Huguette Lutz Festival Committee Chief Administrative Officer Town of Carlyle

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The “How to” BEHIND OutDOOR RINKS There are certainly many ways to skin a cat and the same holds true for ways to flood an outdoor ice area. There are a number of tools on the market for a backyard rink, but in all the years of flooding outdoor ice pads, it is most important to take your time, prepare the area and have fun doing it! The City of Yorkton operates 5 outdoor rinks: 3 of the 5 facilities have lights that operate from dusk to 10:00 p.m. daily 3 of the 5 rinks also have a permanent board system 1 has a temporary end board system 1 does not have a board system and is designed for leisure skating 4 of the 5 rinks have an asphalt surface and the other is grass There is no schedule for booking of the rinks as their intended use is for the general public. Our target opening date is mid-December but certainly, the weather dictates everything we do. There have been times that we have had ice in November and other times not until Christmas break. The rinks are closed once the ice starts to deteriorate.

INSTALLATION ON HARD SURFACES Our ice installation preparation for the outdoor rinks is very similar to that of our indoor program, other than having to deal with the weather. If the weather is cloudy with daytime highs between -5 to -10 degrees, our crews are ready to go! All the outdoor rinks have access to a City water supply and staff use a 1” flexible, soft rubber hose to flood the ice. The initial floods on hard surfaces are open hose flooding. In slightly warmer conditions, less water should be put on - to

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allow the water to freeze. If the operator notices any seepage or leakage off the rink surface, these areas need to be sealed. A snow/water solution (slush) can be used to seal the leak areas. Allow this slush to freeze prior to continuing the flooding process. If there is no snow, perhaps you can use the snow from the indoor rink maintenance program, or your local hardware store may have some application for crack sealing. If you are losing water, you will not be building ice. Take the time to seal the boards - to keep water in and allow ice to build. Remember, the water is warmer than the ice or ground, so there may be some melting prior to freezing. Less is better in most applications, so take the time to do a good job. If you do not have boards, then you may have some challenges to keep the water in the designated area In colder weather, daytime temperatures of -15, continuous flooding can take place as long as previous floods are completely frozen. Continuous flooding over areas that are not completely flooded may create air pockets and may delay the freezing process. Once there is complete ice coverage over the entire hard surface, you should be well on your way to building ice. For safe operating, our rinks are not considered ‘open’ until we have at least 1” of ice throughout the entire surface. When our rinks are ready, we place nets on the ice and the lights are operational.

INSTALLATION ON GRASS AREAS A little different procedure may be used for flooding grass surfaces. If there is snow on the ground, it would be beneficial to pack the snow in the area that you wish to flood and let the snow harden. Once that has happened, a nozzle or spray application may be used to apply the initial floods as opposed to an open hose flood. Again, less is better, so the less water you put on each time, the quicker the water will freeze. The snow allows the water to be absorbed and speeds up the building process. Uneven surfaces may create a challenge as water will tend to run to the low spots - another reason to use a spray, as opposed to an open flood application until you have some ice build up. It may be beneficial to bring in snow into low areas to level the ground. The more level the ground, the quicker the ice will build. If you have low areas, possibly work on those low areas first - build them up and then work on the entire area. Packing snow around the perimeter of the area that is being flooded is another way to build up your ice faster, as it may keep the water in the designated area. The more water you keep in the area, the quicker you will build your ice. As in hard surface flooding, once there is complete

ice coverage over the designated flood area, you should be well on your way to building a skating surface. As you build ice, more volume of water may be applied as long as the previous amount of water has frozen prior to applying the next flood.

MAINTENANCE Ice maintenance may depend on snow fall, usage and possibly budgets. As an operator, providing the best quality ice surface is something our staff strive for. In Yorkton, we try to clean rinks three times a week and flood them twice a week. There is no weekend coverage for maintenance, although we do provide a snow shovel for the user to clean the rinks. A 60â&#x20AC;? snow blower is used to remove snow and staff will use snow shovels if additional cleaning is required. Brian Dudar City of Yorkton

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HELPFUL TIPS

FOR THOSE CONSIDERING WINTER BIKING When the flakes flew, I got on my bike and got going. Not only did I feel healthier and happier all winter, I also saved money on gas, parking, repairs - not to mention time.

There are a lot of assumptions about winter biking in Saskatchewan - a common one being that the people who do so are crazy. Also, that it is dangerous or hard. I wouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have tried it myself until I spoke to a number of people who highly recommended it. That, plus a desire to avoid my regular winter weight gain, sluggishness and general feelings of cabin fever, helped me to decide to try it. Plus, my partner and I only own one vehicle and work in two different parts of the City and I cannot help but feel that a ratio of one vehicle per person is often too high, too expensive and not so good for the environment. So, I did my research, bought a bit of gear and waited for the snow. When the flakes flew, I got on my bike and got going. Not only did I feel healthier and happier all winter, I also saved money on gas, parking, repairs - not to mention time. Instead of waiting for a vehicle to warm up, scraping the windows, shoveling snow and finding parking, I was able to get up, get dressed and go. And the cold? Another surprise. When I was moving and dressed properly, I was much warmer than if I was sitting in a cold car waiting for the heat to kick in. Winter biking helped me feel that winter was manageable. If I could bike to work, then I could get out there and have fun as well. I started to notice the beauty of winter and had more energy, even on those cold dark mornings that I used to dread. 14

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For anyone that is interested in trying winter biking out for the first time, here are a few tips.

STAY WARM Wear a breathable, sweat wicking layer next to your skin and a windproof layer on top. Add as many in-between layers as you need. Start out a bit cold to avoid overheat- ing once you get going.

Good gloves are essential! I wear a thinner pair of wool gloves under windproof shells, so that I can take off a layer and I have gloves that are nimble enough for bike locks and tools without having to expose my hands entirely (for those-40 days!).

Cover your face. You may look a bit scary, but a good breathable facemask and goggles will keep your skin and tear ducts from freezing. I use snowboard goggles that donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t fog up. Make sure your helmet is adjustable, so that you can fit a toque underneath. Toques only protect you from the cold, not head trauma! Hoods are not as good as they reduce your peripheral sight and the wind blows them off.

STAY SAFE Plan a route that avoids busy traffic if you can, or stick to streets with two lanes so that cars can safely pass you. Stick to a speed that feels safe and adjust it according to the road conditions. You may need to give yourself more time, so prepare for that.

Good tires are a smart investment and keep you upright. I bought studded tires for under $100 each and they have fantastic traction and can last for years. Cheaper ones don’t last as long, so weigh your options. Some people keep their regular tires, but I felt too unsteady on mine.

Bright lights! Visible clothing! Cars are probably not look ing for you, especially at first when everyone has somehow forgotten how to drive on ice and snow. Be a defensive rider. Some bells do not work in the cold. I recommend that you find one that does, a good loud one that people can hear through their toques.

I like disc brakes, as they work in wet and cold conditions. No matter what kind of brakes you have, get into the habit of testing them as soon as you get on the bike - in case they are initially frozen. Use your right brake to avoid spin- outs on icy streets.

BE PREPARED

LOTTERY LINGO Blackjack Top Prize Winner in Hodgeville Oneil Desrosiers dropped everything when told he had won the Top Prize on his $2 BLACKJACK lottery ticket! The Hodgeville resident won $21,000!

“My wife and I will have a good Christmas!” “This was only the second SCRATCH ’N WIN ticket I have ever bought,” said Oneil, who purchased the ticket from EMTA Agencies, located at 20 Main Street in his hometown. “The clerk was filling the display board and asked me if I wanted one, so I bought it.” Oneil scratched the ticket in the store and wasn’t sure about it, so he took the ticket back to the clerk to have it checked through the lottery terminal. “He told me, ‘You’d better sit down and I will tell you a joke,’ because we joke together all the time. When he told me I had won, I got so excited that I left the store without my hat, my cup and the ticket, and went home to get my wife,” he laughed. “She thought I was joking, since I do joke a lot.” With his windfall, Oneil said he plans to buy new kitchen cabinets to finish some home renovations. “My wife will have a good Christmas,” he said with a grin.

When you get to your destination, you will have to have a place to stow your gear - or a way to comfortably carry it. A good pannier or backpack works well.

Fresh, unplowed snow does stop me for a day or so - until it gets packed down or plowed. However, those are great days to walk (and help push out cars), or take the bus. Just make sure to have a back-up plan. Note that many cities do a great job keeping their cycle paths clear all winter.

Keep your bike in good working order by cleaning your chains regularly and staying lubed. There are good kits for this, or you can get regular tune ups. It is especially important to clean your bike when riding in slushy conditions and when salt is used on the roads - to avoid rust.

Happy riding! Dennie Fornwald Saskatchewan Outdoor and Environmental Education Association DECEMBER 2010

DECEMBER 2010

EVENTS JANUARY 30 - FEBRUARY 2, 2011 2011 SUMA Convention Saskatoon, SK

JUNE 3, 2011 SPRA Scott Irving Memorial Golf Tournament Warman, SK

The 2011 Convention is themed “Connecting Voices, Strengthening Communities.” For additional information, visit www.suma.org.

The SPRA Scott Irving Memorial Golf Tournament will be a Texas Scramble, with teams of 4. The Tournament will include supper and a variety of great prizes! For additional information, visit www.spra.sk.ca/golf.

MARCH 7 - 10, 2011 SARM Annual Convention Saskatoon, SK The SARM Convention provides members with the opportunity to gather to debate resolutions, discuss current issues and hear from political leaders and other presenters. For additional information, contact SARM at (306) 757-3577. APRIL 4 – 7, 2011 SPRA Spring Education and Training Symposium Humboldt, SK The Symposium will provide recreation directors, facility managers, park operators and volunteers with practical and applicable knowledge related to parks and facilities. For additional information, visit www.spra.sk.ca/ springsymposium.

OCTOBER 20 - 22, 2011 SPRA Conference and Annual General Meeting Saskatoon, SK The 2011 Conference and AGM will bring together recreation practitioners, parks and facility operators and volunteers from across the Province to learn the latest information and trends in the parks and recreation field. For additional information, visit www.spra.sk.ca/conference.

For information on more great Saskatchewan events, visit Events Saskatchewan at www.saskevents.com.

MAY 5 – 7, 2011 SPEA/SHEA Conference Saskatoon, SK The Conference provides an opportunity for professional development, and the chance to discuss and collaborate on health and physical education issues. For additional information, contact SPEA at (306) 656-4423. JUNE 1 – 30, 2011 June is Recreation & Parks Month Locations across Saskatchewan Each year, recreation service providers and park authorities throughout the country utilize June to celebrate the return of summer programming, to gather their communities together, recognize volunteers, get residents involved in fun outdoor physical activities and gain support for the parks and recreation sectors. For additional information, visit www.spra. sk.ca/juneisrecreationandparks.

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Financial assistance from:

Publication Mail Agreement #41967532 Return Undeliverable Canadian Addresses to: SPRA • 100 – 1445 Park Street • Regina, SK • S4N 4C5 email: office@spra.sk.ca