Turner Valley & Black Diamond News – June 2020

Hello Diamond Valley. Well another month has passed in our “new normal”. At the time of writing, the Alberta government declared that we could start opening up some of our non- essential services. It’s such a different life than we are all used to, and I see too many questions and not enough answers. Or too many answers that are not consistent. It’s been frustrating, and my heart goes out to those who have lost someone due to this awful virus. But my editor, Lowell, put it very well in our last issue in his editor’s comments. He said social media and public talk about blaming and shaming others, and also blatantly disregarding public health orders, is very concerning. It’s easy to blame others, and demand things go back to the way they were. But is that helping anything?

Let’s continue to do our part in this war against the pandemic, and respectfully engage in public discussion rather than casting stones. Everyone you see is struggling! At least spring has sprung and the weather will be fine, and that is indeed a blessing.

There are some resources we can turn to in our beautiful Foothills. Foothills Primary Care Network is a team of 450plus family doctors who work with other health professionals to provide resources for residents and their families. They can steer you in the right direction with help on physical and mental health, chronic conditions, financial support programs, healthy eating, virtual activities, and more. To find out what they are all about, visit cfpcn.ca.

So, the kids sure had a different end to their school year. Kudos to all families that made it through and happy graduation to our students! The Foothills Primary Network has resources for children and youth as well. We had a program called Parent Link in the Foothills, but funding for that program ended March 31, as well as the Literacy for Life organization, due to lack of funding. I know many other organizations have been trying to fill the gap, and the Network is targeting real issues such as youth homelessness or hunger. They are a way for children and youth to connect, and parents or caregivers as well. Please check them out online and also Wild Rose Community Connections, Foothills Community Counselling, or any of our FCSS (Family and Community Services) branches.

Normally a lot of our kids would be looking into summer camps right now. At the time of writing, many of these camps were unsure about whether they could open up this season or not, and what the protocols would be. So, with many of us going back to work, some good ones to check out are the Boys and Girls Club of Diamond Valley and District, Youth Write Society Canada, Ann and Sandy Cross Conservation, and the Leighton Art Centre.

The Leighton Art Centre is a not for profit historical museum, art gallery, and art education centre located near Millarville. They have launched their first ever virtual exhibit, and it is receiving a lot of attention. This is their 18th Juried Members Show, and it runs until June 7. It showcases 115 pieces of art selected from 365 submissions, and this year’s exhibit is “exciting, varied, and a visual feast”. So, see what our talented artists have been up to for this exhibit, at leightonartcentre.org.

With our businesses opening up again, help may be had with some resources from the Diamond Valley Chamber of Commerce, the Foothills Business Recovery Task Force, the Black Diamond and Turner Valley Intermunicipal Economic Development Committee, Highwood Community Futures, Foothills Tourism Association. These organizations are local citizens who offer resources and share information that promotes new and existing businesses. Check out Monday Mingle, an online webinar which provides a platform for businesses in the Foothills and where they can find supports. The webinar is on Mondays at 4pm, Facebook has the details.

So, our famous Farmer’s Markets have been allowed to open up again, with rules in effect regarding social distancing and such. Again, please call or confirm they are open and what to expect before going. Millarville Market should be opening June 20, at the Racetrack. The Okotoks Market is located one mile north of Okotoks on Highway 2A, and they are scheduled to open June 12, on Fridays, from 3:30-6:30. High River’s Farmer’s Market is reviewing their status currently, as is Granary Road. The Saskatoon Berry Farm has U-Pick for berries and has a lovely market as well as trees, shrubs, and more, and hopefully will be up and running the beginning of July, if not sooner. And I have heard many farmers are selling directly to customers, so I expect you can find out more through word of mouth. Nothing like fresh produce and all the other goodies we have come to expect from our Markets, let’s keep them in business.

I took a drive on May 14 out to Sandy McNabb to check out what was happening up there. It turns out I got there just as they were opening the road further west. This road is closed during the winter months so wildlife can have better access to food, among other reasons. Well I counted well over 30 vehicles parked alongside the road, and people were off hiking and biking. There was a sign along the way stating to keep 2 metres away from others and to keep your pet on its leash, and the fine it said was $120 for non-compliance. There was also a fire ban in place. Camping is set to open June 1, with restrictions. As well as complying with these measures, remember, take a picture and leave a footprint. That is, don’t disturb our nature and don’t leave your garbage behind! Pets on a leash is essential as well as you don’t want Fido chasing after wildlife. We are so incredibly blessed to have such beauty so close in Kananaskis, so hopefully everyone including visitors will respect these rules.

A word about Alberta’s water. It is a life source, and we all share the responsibility to sustain it. Our rivers, lakes and wetlands are known as surface water, which is the majority of water used by Albertans for drinking, bathing, and cooking. It is treated through our municipal water treatment facility, and samples are sent to Alberta Environment for testing. Many acreages have wells, and they should also be tested at least once a year to keep track of any bacteria. We also have ground water, which is water flowing underground, and this is usually good quality water because it is filtered through gravel, sand, and hard rock. We can help keep our water supply clean by being aware of what goes down the drain, no oils or harmful substances, and try composting instead of using the garburator when you can. Make a difference in the amount of water used, every drop does count. And both towns and district have water restrictions as to when you can water your lawns and wash the car. Some may shrug and say, well, I pay for extra water, or I’m one household and it won’t make a difference. But it does! And our natural resources won’t last forever!

Rain barrels are an excellent way to conserve and use water. Outdoor watering can account for 30% of your average water bill. Rain barrels use less treated water, helps protect the environment, and your soil, lawns, and gardens will love the warm, non- chlorinated, free rainwater. You can use any size barrel, equipped with a downspout from your roof, a lid to keep out mosquitoes and other curious animals, and a drain or tap near the bottom to attach a hose. Examine it regularly to prevent mosquito larvae, and keep a fine mesh or screen over where the downspout enters the barrel, along with a lid. Drain your barrel, rinse, and turn it upside down in the winter.

Another relatively easy method to use rain water is to develop a rain garden. Water usually flows quickly towards the sewers on hard surfaces such as roads. It picks up salt, oil, animal wastes, pesticides, and fertilizers, which makes it harder and more expensive to treat. The basic premise of a rain garden is to use the water that comes from downspouts, and also directly from the sky, to drain towards a garden directly. Observe where rainwater runs naturally, and place your garden at a low point or somewhere along this natural flow path. Use stones and plants to fill the garden. Water should not sit on the surface for long in your garden, it should infiltrate the soil at a nice pace. It does take some figuring out and call before you dig if needed. Note if your lawn is well aerated it will absorb almost all rainwater already. For more information, just google rain gardens and you will come across a plethora of information.

Remember, sustainability comes in many forms. Water conservation is just one of them, and if we each do our part, it does help.

In the meantime, stay safe, let’s flatten that curve. Enjoy the weather and keep on rooting for our planet and everything on it. If you have any comments, suggestions, or want to put your not for profit organizations out there, please email me at elaine.w@telus.net. This issue will be for the month of July so anything going on during that month feel free to drop a line also, and the deadline for this issue is June 15.

Happy Father’s Day June 21!
Elaine Wansleeben