Downtown Edmonton Community League is pleased to release ideas for an upgraded Michael Phair Park on 104 Street Downtown. These preliminary concepts were developed in conversation with HCMA Architects and former City Councillor Michael Phair to look at opportunities to enhance his namesake park.

Modeled after Michael Phair’s Alley of Light, the ‘Phase 2’ concepts are meant to spark discussion and interest in this important urban park space used by so many area residents, office workers, and visitors alike. By making strategic upgrades with lighting, colour, and programming, we can create a safe and inviting space that draws the community in. As the City commits to refreshing the park area in 2023, our hope is that the concepts will spark interest, build excitement, and inspire the community to get involved.

Huge thanks to HCMA Architects for working with Michael Phair and DECL to imagine what this park could be. Stay tuned for consultation and feedback opportunities, but for now feel free to send your thoughts, comments and questions to info@decl.org!

Join us for the online Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Downtown Edmonton Community League (DECL) on Tuesday, April 27 at 7pm.

This event is open to all Downtown Edmonton residents and DECL members. Please register in advance to attend. Online registration will end at 5pm April 27.

Find out if you live in the boundaries of Downtown.

Once registered you will be provided a RingCentral meeting link. Please follow the prompts to download and install the RingCentral platform. If you are familiar with Zoom, it is very similar. If you can not download and install the program, a phone in option will be available.

The purpose of this online meeting is to review the business of the league over the past year, including 2020 financial statements. We will also be hosting a presentation from the City of Edmonton on the status of the Warehouse Campus Central Park consultation, design and development.

We will also be filling any vacant board of director positions. If you’re interested in being a board member, please email us at info@decl.org for more information.

You must be a member to vote, however membership is FREE. Get your membership online at efcl.org.

At home with some time on your hands? Help us build some decorations for our annual holiday window display!

We need folks to help build at least 20 tissue paper lanterns (like the ones in the photo)!

SUPPPLIES: You can get the supplies at a local dollar store or come by to DECL to quickly pick up supplies:

Thursday, November 26 between 5:00-6:30 pm
Sunday, November 29 1:00-2:30 pm to

(all COVID-19 pre-cautions and regulations apply. Supplies will be individually bagged and offered for curb-side pickup only.)

INSTRUCTIONS: You can go online for instructions and inspiration. Youtube: ‘paper mache lanterns’.

1. Shred a bunch of white tissue paper and some colored tissue paper.

2. Put plastic down on a table ( a large plastic bag).

3. Make the paste. If you are using wall paper paste; it should be like a smoothie with no lumps. If you are using white glue; add water to the glue. Use a container with a lid.

4. Blow up the balloon and cover it or brush it with paste.

5. Cover the balloon with 4 to 5 layers of white tissue paper. This gives your lantern form, strength and structure. And the white tissue paper lets the light shine through. Too much paste and the tissue payer clumps and can fall off the balloon. You can use a brush gently for the paste if the tissue paper sticks too much to your hands.

6. Put the lantern on plastic to completely dry for a day or 2.

7. Paste your color tissue on the dry balloon . you can also use bits of cloth, ribbon or colored cellophane. NOTE: You can use colored tissue paper on the last layer of step 5, but if you do step 6, you can have more control of your design.

8. Let your lantern completely dry somewhere safe on plastic.9. Pop balloon and make holes in the lantern. These holes can be small jabs or large shapes. You can further decorate the lantern to look like a giant Christmas tree decoration with paper and sequins etc.

DROP-OFF YOUR LANTERNS! Drop the lanterns off to DECL on December 6, 1pm to 2:30pm and between 6pm to 8pm. Put your name and contact info on the lantern to get it back in February.

Questions? Send us a PM or email to info@decl.org.

Due to the outbreak of COVID-19 virus, our Community Space is closed. All programming, meetings and rentals have been cancelled until further notice.

Please contact us if you have any questions. Thank you for your understanding and stay safe!

The DECL Board

Are you a Downtown resident and want to garden at the new Alex Decoteau Park this year? If so, please take a look at our online application form. Applications must be submitted by April 27.

We will also provide an update on the garden at our Annual General Meeting on Tuesday, April 24 at 7:00pm (6:30pm registration).

We are looking to fill vacancies on our Board of Directors for the volunteer positions of Programs Director and Garden Co-ordinator. Programs Director is responsible for organizing events and developing and curating on-going programming at our Community Space, while the Garden Co-ordinator will be responsible for chairing and organizing the new Garden Committee at Alex Decoteau Park.

Please send your resume and a small paragraph about why you’d like to join the DECL team to info@decl.org. Application deadline has been extended to November 8.

If you have any additional questions, please let us know!

The DECL Board

—
Term of office: Remainder of 2017-18 year.
Weekly time commitment of 3-4 hours.

General Duties/Requirements:

– A director is expected to be fully informed on community league matters and participate in discussions and decisions in matters of policy, finance, programs, personnel and advocacy.
– Commit to the work of the organization.
– Speak positively of the league and assist in developing and maintaining positive relations among the board, committees and communities to enhance the league’s mission.
– Prepare for and arrive on time for all required meetings.
– Develop, monitor, review and approve all policies and other recommendations received from the board, its standing committees and staff.
– Participate in the development of the league’s organizational plan and budget.
– Approve the budget and other financial matters.
– Prepare and present required reports at board meetings.
– Prepare and present an annual report (if applicable) at the annual general meeting.

Responsibilities of Programs Chair:

– Works with the City Community Recreation Coordinators (CRCs).
– Is Chair of the Programs Committee and works with the other members of that committee
– Prepares and reviews policy and procedures related to programs and social activities
– Is “point person” or main contact for DECL’s main events/membership drives, the Pancake Breakfast and CornFest, as well as smaller events.
– Determines which programs will be offered to the community, then arranges for instructors and accommodation.
– Establishes process for approving new programming proposals
– Makes recommendations to the board.
– Coordinates marketing of events with Communications Chair
– Coordinates rental of DECL space with Facilities Coordinator
– Prepares budget and financial reports for the treasurer
– Arranges payments to instructors and keeps appropriate records.

Responsibilities of Garden Co-ordinator:

– Is Chair of the Alex Decoteau Park Garden Committee and works with other members of the committee
– Prepares and reviews policy and procedures related to the Garden Committee
– Is “point person” of main contact for DECL in regards to Alex Decoteau Park Garden.
– Determines how Alex Decoteau Park gardens will be offered to the community
– Coordinates marking of events related to the Garden Committee and provides content to Communications Chair
– Makes recommendations to the board
– Prepares budget and financial reports related to Garden Committee to treasure

FREE Yoga for DECL Members every Wednesday in September!

Take a break to breathe and relax your mind with Irma and Jessica, enjoy some flow and Hatha practices at lunch! All levels welcome and beginner friendly!

Free for DECL members with current membership (must be Downtown resident). Non-members $10.00.

Space is limited! Please register in advance to irma.yoga@gmail.com.

Dates – September 6, 13, 20, 27. Other dates will be announced based on popularity of the classes.

Facebook Event

Alex Decoteau Park is nearing completion, our first Downtown park in decades! While the signs are now down, fresh sod has been laid that needs a few weeks to settle and take root.

We would like to invite you to experience the new park at our Annual CornFest this year on September 9! Details to come soon.

In addition, please mark your calendars for the formal Dedication Ceremony on September 16.

The former Augustana Lutheran Church site at 107 Street and 99 Avenue is currently being redeveloped for 235-unit rental apartment tower. This tower and rezoning was supported by DECL and approved by City Council late fall 2016. It will bring much needed residential and retail into the area.

In the process of this redevelopment 3 mature trees will unfortunately need to be taken out. They will be replaced with an improved public realm and wider sidewalks, including 7 new trees of larger than standard caliper planted in silviculture growing medium to ensure proper nutrients and moisture for the roots of the trees.

DECL was consulted on this change. We asked that information be provided to us that could be shared with our members and residents, and contact information provided should anyone have any questions. We can also pass along any questions or concerns.

Ian Kermack, Owners Representative, 780.392.1523
Jill Robertson, Landscape Architecture, DIALOG 780.429.1580

We were also able to confirm that adjacent sidewalks on both 107 Street and 99 Avenue will remain open for the duration of the construction.

October 2 is the first FREE community league skate time at the new Edmonton Downtown Community Arena! This includes FREE skate and helmet rental.

If you need to grab a DECL membership, find us at the City Market on 104 Street this Saturday, October 1 from 9am-3pm. You can also purchase you membership online at efcl.org.