City of Edmonton Engagement

William Hawrelak Park has been identified as a priority to address the aging park infrastructure that requires repair, replacement, and upgrades in order to meet the current and future demands of the park. Your input is required to help refine the preliminary design on improvements to the circulation of pedestrians, cyclists, and vehicles through the park. Engagement closes January 25.

The Mill Creek Ravine is a popular park with numerous outdoor amenities for the public, such as multi-use trails and an off-leash area. The purpose of this project is to build a trail alignment on the stable ground that connects to the existing trail system. Everyone is invited to share their thoughts and feedback. Engagement closes January 27.

2021 Community Investment Operating Grant

The City of Edmonton Community Investment Operating Grant program provides operating assistance to Edmonton's non-profit organizations whose activities benefit citizens of Edmonton. The CIOG program is now available and open for applications. Deadline for applications is Wednesday, January 27, 2021.

COVID-19 updates for Sport and Active Recreation Organizations

The Alberta government has declared that the current situation is critical. Mandatory restrictions affecting sport and recreation apply province-wide and will be in place until further notice. All indoor recreation facilities must close, and group physical activities, including team sports, fitness classes and training sessions, are prohibited or restricted across Alberta, effective December 13.

COVID-19 Related Grants

Eligible small and medium-sized businesses and non-profits have the opportunity to apply for a second payment from the Government of Alberta's Small and Medium Enterprise Relaunch Grant. Applications will be open until March 31, 2021. On January 14, the Alberta government expanded the Small and Medium Enterprise Relaunch Grant to allow new businesses and nonprofits to apply. Businesses that started operating between March 1 and October 31, 2020 will now be eligible for this funding.

Federally, Bill C-9 implemented new, targeted support to help businesses, non-profits and charities. The measures adopted are the new Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy, the new Lockdown Support and the extension of the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy.

Edmonton Budget Adjustment Documents

The City of Edmonton has released a set of reports that will form the basis of Council’s 2021 budget discussions starting next week. The reports include proposed adjustments to the 2021 operating and capital budgets. City Administration is proposing a zero per cent tax levy increase down from the previously approved increase of 3.2%. In order to hold the budget at current levels, reductions of $64 million are necessary. City Administration proposes $56.5 million in program changes, efficiencies, facility closures and other reductions and $7.5 million in other financial strategies. Click the links below for a summary of the proposals that effect active living opportunities for Edmontonians:

• Operating Budget Adjustment
• Capital Budget Adjustment

Live Active Stories of Edmontonians

Check out amazing Live Active stories, and if you are interested, sharing your Live Active story, especially if it is FREE or low cost, involves family members, is quick and easy, and can be done in a variety of locations. Send us your submission (up to 500 words) with a picture or link to your of your Live Active experience video.

Facility Inspections

The Government of Alberta will be conducting facility inspections across various industries to ensure controls in relation to COVID-19 are in place. They may show up without notice or request a time when the facility operator/management is available.

New & Reopened Grant Programs

The Community Initiatives Program Project-Based grant stream has reopened. Higher priority will be given to projects that consider public health measures, and programs and projects that support social connectivity. Next deadline is January 15.

The Small and Medium Enterprise Relaunch Grant offers financial assistance to Alberta businesses, cooperatives, and non-profit organizations that faced restrictions or closures from public health orders, and experienced a revenue loss of at least 50 per cent due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Safe Sport During COVID-19 – Liability Considerations for Canadian Sporting Organizations

Gowling WLG has published an excellent summary of the current situation and suggestions for mitigating and minimizing the legal risks associated with COVID-19.

The importance of sport, physical activity and recreation during COVID-19

Brian Torrance, Edmonton Sport Council chairperson and the Hon. Leela Aheer, Minister of Culture, Multiculturalism and Status of Women, discuss the importance of sport, physical activity and recreation during COVID-19.

COVID's Impact on Sport

Sport for Life has released the findings of a nationwide Impacts of COVID-19 on Local Sports Organizations survey  conducted between May 19 and June 5 based on a Sport Calgary survey which was replicated by other Alberta sport councils. The data collected from 1,300 respondents representing nearly 4 million members and more than 56 sports, informs governments of the operational and financial impacts the pandemic has had on sport organizations. Watch a recorded webinar which explores the National findings and/or the Alberta Report.

Edmonton Economic Recovery Grant

The Edmonton Economic Recovery Grant is available to help Edmonton businesses (including non-profit organizations) recover from COVID-19. It provides local businesses and business organizations with flexible funding in order to relaunch and strengthen their business models.

Re-Activating Edmonton: COVID-19 and Waivers

A Discussion with: Vivian R. Stevenson, QC

Session Overview: COVID-19 shut down sport and recreation as we knew it. As organizations begin to plan their return to play, it is essential that they have their waivers and assumption of risk documents reviewed. In this session, Ms. Stevenson identified the risks associated with not reviewing these documents, and clauses to be added, and other mitigations they should take to protect the health of organization’s and individuals. View this recorded session!

Re-Activating Edmonton: The importance of sport and community for overall wellbeing during COVID-19.

A Discussion with: Richard Lewanczuk MD, PHD and Kate Storey PhD, RD

Session Overview: COVID-19 has shut down sport and recreation as we know it and is impacting our mental health. In this session, Dr Lewanczuk and Dr Storey explored how play, be it through sport, physical activity, recreation, and community connections builds our overall wellbeing. View this recorded session!

The Live Active Update

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And check out what you've missed in The Live Active Update E-news Archive!