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Disclaimer: Published articles, reports or submissions reflect the opinions of the author and should not be considered to reflect the opinions of Great News Media (GNM) and the Mckenzie Towne Community (MTCA) and/or Mckenzie Towne Council (MTC). The information contained in this magazine is believed to be accurate but is not warranted to be so. GNM and MTCA and/or MTC do not endorse any person(s) advertising in this newsletter. Advertisements are not an endorsement of any goods or services

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Contents

5 MTCA’S COMMUNITY MESSAGE

8 COMMUNITY MEMbEr GAllErY

12 MCkENzIE TOwNE COUNCIl NEwS

18 rESIdENT pErSpECTIvES

20 dOllAr & SENSE: dON’T bE lEfT OUT IN ThE COld whEN hIrING A SNOw rEMOvAl CONTrACTOr

21 COlOUrING pAGE

22 COMIC: SNOw dAY

23 pArkS, pEOplE, plACES: CAlGArY rIvEr vAllEYS

24 GOvErMENT Of AlbErTA: CONSUMEr prOTECTION

24 YOUr CITY Of CAlGArY UpdATES

26 COUNCIllOr ShANE kEATING’S rEpOrT

28 bUSINESS ClASSIfIEdS

18

24

GREAT NEWS MEDIA

Magazine EditorKrystle [email protected]

Design | GraphicsCecilia ChoMarina LitvakErica Morton

Advertising SalesSamantha BrownJocelyn Taylor

[email protected]

Print & DigitalTARGETEDMARKETINGBY COMMUNITY

Talk of the Towne - Designed, manufactured, anddelivered monthly to 7,500 households by:

5 Excellent reasons to Advertise in Community Newsletter Magazines1. Top of Mind Brand Awareness: Consistent advertising leads to increased sales. Companies maintain and gain

market share when community residents are consistently reminded of their brands.2. Payback: Community residents trust, and call businesses that advertise in their community magazines.3. High Readership: 68% female | Even distribution of Millennial, Gen X, and Baby Boomer readers4. Cost Effective: With advertising rates as low as $0.01 cent per household, advertising in our community maga-

zines is incredibly affordable.5. Geofence Your Audience: Manage your budget, optimize your returns and target your audience by specific

community magazines.

Nearby Community Newsletter Magazines:

To Advertise Call 403 720 0762Email [email protected]

GREAT NEWS MEDIA

4 d e c e m b e r 2020 I ca l l 403-720-0762 fo r adver t i s ing oppor tun i t ies

MTCA’S COMMUNITY MESSAGE

Happy Holidays, McKenzie Towne!

We’re excited that the CA is up and running again with COVID protocols in place. We are busy figuring out new ways to bring us all together while staying apart. At the end of October, we had fun hosting YYC Food Trucks in the big field on Elgin. Despite the cold, we had an ex-cellent turnout and raised over $300! Thank you to ev-eryone who came out to enjoy some yummy food and support us. Check out the photo spread this month for some pictures from the event (including one of me all bundled up sitting at our table)!

We have some new board members, and I love the fresh energy and the ambition they bring. Suggestions for new great events are being implemented, like our first annual Festival of Lights coming up Thursday December 10! The event will be held between 6:00 and 9:00 pm, and you can vote on your favourite houses in the dif-ferent categories. Follow us on Facebook or Instagram for the links to the map, the voting survey, and to en-ter your house into the competition. There will be two prizes for the top of each category and a small thank you gift for all those who enter. The deadline to enter is December 6, so by the time this newsletter comes out, you will have to hurry to register your house! I can’t wait to see our community decorated for the holidays!

The MTCA is excited to have teamed up with Riendo, McKenzie Towne Council, Mike Burton Home Team, and Calgary Mortgages by Tim Lacroix for McKenzie Towne Help-a-Family. This holiday season, more than ever, there are many families that could use a helping hand. If you would like to donate and help us in providing holiday meals and gifts to families in McKenzie Towne, please visit mtcouncil.com or our social media websites and follow the links. Your donation will help us provide an entire holiday turkey dinner and gifts for struggling families. No amount is too small, and every dollar goes towards helping families in our community. If you’d like to donate in person, you can visit Yarn Twisters in Ma-hogany and they will match all community donations! (Did you know the two ladies that run Yarn Twisters both live here in McKenzie Towne?) Thank you to everyone who donates and for making our community so great.

We will have some fun prizes at our next open meeting, which will be held virtually on Wednesday, December 9 at 6:30 pm. The link will be mailed to all email sub-scribers and will also be posted to our Facebook and Instagram accounts. If you are interested in being a part of it but are not on our mailing list or Facebook, please reach out to us and we will send you the link. We will have guest speakers in attendance such as representa-tives from the Calgary Police Service, Shane Keating’s Ward 12 office, the City of Calgary, and other organiza-tions. The main focus of the MTCA is to bring our com-munity together by being the liaison between these organizations and also by planning community events. Please Note: We are the MTCA, not the MTC. The McK-enzie Towne Council (MTC) is the board that is in control of our annual Homeowner Association (HOA) fees and they are in charge of maintaining the environment and physical amenities in McKenzie Towne. MTCA meetings do not address these issues, although we often have discussions about the traffic circle.

Memberships for 2021 are now on sale. For $10 a year, you can help support our community outreach. Please visit our website www.mckenzietowneca.com/memberships for more information. Feel free to reach out to our board at [email protected] or to me directly at [email protected]. You can also find us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/MCKTCA) and Instagram (www.instagram.com/mckenzietowneca).

Sincerely,Sarah Ferguson

That’s Strange!Penguins were first discovered in 1520 during Magellan’s circumnavi-gation. A crew member named Antonio Pigafetta then referred to the birds as “strange geese.” The penguins that were found during the circumnavigation in the Falkland Islands are now referred to Magellanic penguins.

M CK E N Z I E T O W N E I d e c e m b e r 2020 5

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Decorate your house for the holiday season and enter to win prizes with the 1st Annual Festival of Lights event. Cost to enter is free with the purchase of a 2021

community membership or $20 without purchasing a 2021 membership.

6 holiday themed categories - you choose which category you would like to enter your house in. 1st and 2nd place in every category win a gift basket filled with

items to enjoy this holiday season from local companies.

Every household gets a thank you gift just for registering!


Submit your community photos to [email protected]


Your mortgage may be costing you thousands more than you need to pay! As a local mortgage professional, I have helped your neighbours navigate their purchase, refinancing, and renewal options.

Licensed by Verico Avenue Financial Real Estate Solutions.

LOCAL MORTGAGE BROKER

Contact anita for a Quote403-771-8771 • [email protected]

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MTC rECrEATION

UpdATE

McKenzie Towne Hall is open with limited rentals and programs. We want to thank you for your patience and cooperation while we navi-gate the necessary adjustments during what is typically a very busy season at the Hall.

We have enhanced cleaning protocols, PPE, and wellness checks to en-sure the safety of all of our staff and guests to the Hall. Thank you for staying home if you are experiencing any COVID-19 symptoms, have been in contact with a confirmed case, have recently been out of the country or are feeling unwell in general.

Beginning August 1, face masks became mandatory within indoor pub-lic spaces and this includes the Towne Hall. Please ensure you are wear-ing a mask, should you need to visit us in person. We will also provide you with a mask if you do not have one. Thank you!

Our Winter Classes and Programs are open for registra-tion. Don’t miss out the fun – register now. Spaces are lim-ited! We have safety measures in place to keep everyone well. To register, please visit www.mtcouncil.com. For questions regarding classes and programs, please con-tact 403-781-6612, ext.3, or email [email protected].

McKenzie Towne Council is excited to announce the opening of MTC Childcare! Quality care for children ages 2 to 5 is offered right here in our Towne Hall! Register now by calling Nikki at 403-781-6612, ext. 2, or email her at [email protected]. Spaces are limited!

NEw MTC ChIldCArE!


EvENTS

Join us for a free Christmas movie at Landmark Cinema Shawnessy on Saturday, December 12. Available to McKenzie Towne residents only, spots are limited. Choose one of the following classic Christmas movies: The Grinch (9:00 am start), Polar Express (9:30 am start), Elf (10:00 am start). Popcorn and drink are included. This event is brought to you by Mike Burton Home Team, Tim Lacroix Mortgage Team, and McKenzie Towne Council. To register, please visit www.livinginmckenzietowne.com. Social distancing and safety measures are in place in order to keep everyone safe.

hElpING hANdS

Christmas can be a challenging time for many, and this year the pandemic has added to that challenge. We invite you to join McKenzie Towne Council, McKenzie Towne Community Association, Mike Burton Home Team, Tim Lacroix Mortgage Team and Riendo to be a helping hand for families within our community! There are options available for all budgets to lend a little love and support to our neighbours during this coming season of giving. The deadline for the donations is December 10. For more information, please contact Melissa Brown at 403-483-9165 or [email protected]. To donate, please contact the Hall at 403-781-6612, ext. 0.

*Please note that no tax receipts will be provided as we are not a registered charitable organization.

Gingerbread cookies are a holiday-favourite. Did you know that gingerbread people were invented by Queen Elizabeth I? Although she did not bake the cookies herself, she did ask her royal bakers to make cookies that were shaped like visiting dignitaries.

M CK E N Z I E T O W N E I d e c e m b e r 2020 1 3

McKenzie Towne Council is a not-for-profit Residents’ Association collecting annual dues (an encumbrance on title) which maintains and manages common ame-nities and features in the community. This includes the McKenzie Towne Hall which provides rental space, programming and events. For more information about McKenzie Towne Council, please visit their website at www.mtcouncil.com.

40 McKenzie Towne Blvd SECalgary, Alberta, T2Z 4X5Phone: 403-781-6612 • Fax: 403-930-1551Email: [email protected]

MTC Hall Hours December 2020Monday to Friday: 9:00 am to 8:00 pm*Saturday: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm*Sunday: 10:00 am to 5:00 pm* Christmas Day: Closed

*Hours are subject to change

Please call (403) 781-6612 Ext 0 or go to mtcouncil.com concerning hours of operations.

hAll rENTAlS

Need a meeting space bigger than your living room? We have that! Book a room at the Towne Hall for your next meeting of the minds and have enough elbow room to keep everyone safely dis-tanced. For bookings, contact Adrianne at 403-781-6612, ext. 4 or email [email protected].


GOOd fOOd bOx

McKenzie Towne Council is proud to be a Good Food Box Depot!

What is the Good Food Box?

The Good Food Box (GFB) is a program under the Community Kitchen Program of Calgary whereby we purchase fresh fruits and vegetables at a very low cost. The Good Food Box is a hands-up program as opposed to hands-out. We offer all Calgarians sustainable access to nutritious food to ensure that no one has to go hungry. The boxes are put together and delivered by dedicated volunteers who along with The Community Kitchen Program desire to see individuals and families accessing affordable nutritious food.

How the Good Food Box Works:

The boxes are delivered once a month to vari-ous depots around the city. A depot could be any place where five or more boxes are ordered, examples of current depots are churches, com-munity centers, senior centers, apartment com-plexes, etc. When a member of the community wishes to order a GFB, they are matched with the closest depot to them by calling into our office. They are then given the contact details of the depot and are responsible for contacting the de-pot, placing their order and payment as well as pick-up of the GFB on delivery date. Customers pay $25, $30, or $35 for their box, depending on the version that they choose. Each box contains the same mixture of food, though the contents change with each delivery.

To Order: Cash only at the front desk of McK-enzie Towne Hall. A receipt will be issued which shows the pick-up date.

Good Food Box Dates:

Order Date Pick-Up Date at McKenzie Towne Hall(By 12:00 PM) (Between 3:00 and 8:00 pm)December 1 December 11

40 McKenzie Towne Blvd SE403-781-6612, ext. 0 | [email protected]

Box Options:

$25 Small Box: 20-25 lbs* of fruits and vegetables

$30 Medium Box: 30-35 lbs* of fruits and vegetables

$35 Large Box: 40-45 lbs* of fruits and vegetables

*Weights are approximate and depend on produce size and density

Good Food Box ProgramSkip the grovery store and have fresh produce ready for pick up at the Hall.

For more information call the front desk at 403-781-6612 ext. 0

Through our team approach, we help those recovering from injury, as well as those striving for better health. We provide Chiropractic care, Active Release Therapy (ART), Massage Therapy, and use our access to many other health professionals to

provide you the best outcome for your health goals.

We are currently accepting new patients and can direct bill to most insurance companies.

McKenzie Towne Chiropractic and Massagemckenzietownechiro.ca

Ph: (403) 257-6163 Fax: (403) 257-616581 High St SE | Calgary Alberta | T2Z 3T9


Dear Neighbour,

403-619-1633karen@karenhutchinsonrealtor.cawww.karenhutchinsonrealtor.ca

Karen Hutchinson, REALTOR®and

Seniors Real Estate Specialist®Royal LePage Solutions 205, 264 Midpark Way SE Calgary, AB

Not intended to solicit homes currently listed for sale

As we start saying goodbye to 2020, and saying hello to 2021, let us trust the magic of new beginnings.

A lot can happen in a year!

As we start saying goodbye to 2020, and

saying hello to 2021, let us trust the magic of

new beginnings.

Karen Hutchinson, REALTOR®

Seniors Real Estate Specialist®

A lot can happen in a year!

Dear Neighbour,

403-619-1633karen@karenhutchinsonrealtor.cawww.karenhutchinsonrealtor.ca

Not intended to solicit homes currently listed for sale

Royal LePage Solutions 205, 264 Midpark Way SE Calgary, AB

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Contact me today to see your options!

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resident perspectives

by L R McLaughlin

This is the first article in a series.

The intention of these articles is to introduce the con-cept that simple adjustments or shifts we make in our daily lives make a big difference. This is especially true if a lot of people start making small shifts at the same time.

Shut off your vehicle in the winter and summer.

Winter:Drive your vehicle to warm it up; don’t idle it. Instead of running your parked vehicle for 5 to 30 minutes to warm it up, drive it. In my 2000-era super sized minivan, on a -25 degree morning, it takes approximately 9 min-utes of driving for the cold engine to start generating heat. Idling statistics can be found by doing an internet search for “idling vehicle emissions”. Condensed infor-mation is found here: https://afdc.energy.gov/files/u/publication/idling_personal_vehicles.pdf

Windshield frost prevention:Put an old sheet/blanket across your windshield at night to prevent frost/ice build up. Doing this prevents the need to run the engine to defrost the windshield in the morning.

Summer:Whenever you can, avoid running your vehicle to keep it cool. Roll down the windows. Park in the shade. Don’t go to drive-thru windows but instead park, turn off the vehicle and walk into the building to order your items.

In general, we have a sense of entitlement to feel com-fortable. People forget that running a vehicle to make the inside temperature more acceptable to us pollutes the air we all breathe. As shown above, many times, idling is completely unnecessary.

Shifting forwardresident perspectives

by Elisabeth Fayt

I’ve made it a new ritual to spend Saturday mornings with my sister and my mother who’s 81. We sit around my mom’s kitchen table and talk about the world. Our latest visit was so inspiring I had to share it.

My sister is the Principal of a large K-9 school and every year, the District holds an annual Faith Day. This year, it was held at each school, due to COVID, so my sister led her team of 55 staff through a day of inspiration. In one of her talks, she relayed a personal story of a time when she had called me for advice (which we do for each other). Instead of sympathizing with her pain, I called her out on what I thought was a “woe is me” attitude. Al-though I could tell she wasn’t happy with my response, I advised her to turn her attention to the lesson and the gift of that lesson.

Once she realized what was happening in our conver-sation, she had an epiphany, which she shared on that day: “Life doesn’t present us with TESTS, it presents us with an INVITATION.”

She went on to say, “Sometimes in life we get caught up in a tornado, where we feel like we’re spinning. When we’re able to pass through the test and get outside of it, we can look back and realize ‘Hey, I was in that!’”

When we’re in it, we don’t think clearly.

We all have challenges. We can choose to gripe to others about them, and stay in the tornado. Or we can choose to step out, by accepting the INVITATION to learn, grow and connect; to become stronger, wiser, and better.

Something to ponder: What has been your most recent challenge? What could it inspire you to do or become? Think of even the little daily challenges you have, and turn them into invitations. And if someone comes to you, beaten down from life…invite them to do the same!

The Invitation


by Jennifer L. Scott B.Sc., D.V.M.

Do you have a picture in your head of the perfect glowing Christmas tree beside a blazing fire with flowers and can-dles throughout the room and the adorable blond (they’re al-ways blond!) puppy sitting in front of the tree, ribbon in his mouth and his present between his paws? Look at the picture and see the dangers our pets face at Christmas.

At Christmas, veterinarians see a huge increase in dogs suffering from what we call “Garbage Gut Gastritis”. Gastro-intestinal upsets can range from mild to potentially life-threatening and can ruin Christmas… so practice restraint. Cooked turkey bones splinter and ham is far too rich for most pets to tolerate. Bowls of unsupervised treats left out on coffee tables beg to be eaten. Chocolates, nuts, candy canes, and shortbread…yum! If the goodies can be sniffed out in a wrapped box under the tree at floor level, even a well-behaved pet may believe…mine! Remember: chocolate, especially dark chocolate, is toxic to dogs.

Mistletoe, holly, lilies, and poinsettias all contain toxins to varying de-grees to pets and children. The toxic element of poinsettias has been re-duced by growers and now usually causes only mild enteritis. A dusting of powder from a lily flower on a cat’s fur that he licks off can seriously damage kidneys.

Ribbon, twine, and tinsel fall under the veterinary category of “linear or string foreign object” if ingested by a pet. They are doubly dangerous be-cause the sharp edges of ribbon and tinsel can cut the lining of the gut. The free ends move down the intestine and act like knives as the normal waves of motion pass through the guts. Diagnosis of the problem can be difficult because there is no complete blockage of the intestine and the ribbon does not show up on radiographs or x-rays. Decorations with wires in the middle and popcorn or candy on the outside go down the gullet easily, but don’t pass through so well. What veterinarians have seen animals eat or swallow whole over the years is usually limited only by your imagination! Some veterinary journals have competitions inviting vets to share our most impressive x-rays of what our patients eat!

Flickering candles, tree ornaments, and all the electrical wires necessary to light our homes are as attractive to a pet as they are to a young child. All those bright ornaments can shatter and lacerate your pet’s paws or mouth. Chewing a wire may cause a fire in your home. If you have a pet, stand back and look at your house with the same mindset to child proof-ing you would do with an infant or toddler.

My pet as part of My Christmas picture

With additional socializing inherent to the holiday season, make sure your pet is wearing identification in the event they slip out the door. If parties are not to your pet’s taste, confinement in a quiet isolat-ed part of the house may be preferable. Between the lights and the excitement, many of my epileptic patients have more seizures and many of my fragile el-derly patients are more likely to become stressed and decompensate.

Finally, making a pet a part of your fam-ily should never be an impulse purchase. The whole problem of impulse adop-tions has increased in the COVID world we live in. Many humane societies halt adoptions at Christmas time. You need the space, time, and financial resources to support a pet, and this needs to go beyond any restrictions to life being lifted in the future. A healthy pet can live well into its teen years. Don’t buy or gift a pet on a whim caught up in the fever of giving or boredom with COVID-isolation. Be cautious of where you get your pet, COVID has allowed puppy mills to flourish.

Christmas morning, many furry chil-dren have their own gifts under the tree (mine do). Select your pet’s gift like you would one for a toddler. Have a very Merry (healthy and safe) Christmas.

resident perspectives


dollars & sense

As the snow piles up many people may be considering hiring companies and contractors to take care of their home and business snow removal. Your Better Business Bureau (BBB) is warning you to beware of bad busi-ness practices taking advantage of the need for snow removal.

Complaints from consumers include:• Contractor not coming when the snowfall was over the

snow amount in the contract• People having to shovel their own driveways several

times to make it to work or other appointments• Contractor came, but did a poor job and/or damaged

property without restitution• Calls for service never returned

To avoid these and other inconveniences, BBB urges consumers to keep these important tips in mind when hiring snow removal services:

Get more than one estimate. BBB recommends you get at least three estimates before making a decision. Ask for all the costs up front to avoid any surprises. Keep in mind the lowest price doesn’t always mean the best service. Check with BBB.org for free Business Profiles which can provide company information, complaint history and detail, and customer reviews.

Review the contract. Never settle for a verbal agree-ment. Contractors should always provide a written contract. A representative should visit the property and make notes about services requested and potential ob-stacles. Get all of the details in writing and always read

anything before you sign. Understand cancellation fees and any extra charges that may apply.

Ask about scheduling. Some contractors do snowplow services as a part-time job, and this may affect their availability to clear a driveway when needed. Always check to see if there is a schedule for snow removal.

Ask about insurance. Is the company fully insured in case of damage to property? Be sure to get it in writing on your con-tract and request a statement from their insurer confirming current liability and workers compensation coverage.

Split the payments. Find out how the company ex-pects payment. Most contracts take two forms: pay-per-plowing or pay-per-season. If you’re expected to pay all fees upfront, consider it a red flag. Most contractors will split fees into two or three payments – one at the begin-ning, middle, and at the end of the season.

Ask for references. Remember even if a business ap-pears to be reliable, it does not mean that it is. When a company is reluctant to answer questions, won’t supply proper information or is unwilling to offer references – there could be cause for concern.

File a complaint. If you run into a problem that you cannot resolve on your own, file a complaint with BBB so we can help resolve the issue.

Report a scam. If you spot a business or offer that sounds like an illegal scheme or fraud, tell us about it through BBB’s Scam Tracker. BBB’s Scam Tracker pro-vides information on trending scams in our area.

don’t be leftin the Coldwhen hiring aSnow removalContractor


Colouring page

Image by Nicole Rocher


by Joni Righthand

comic

[email protected]


parks, people, places

by Simone Lee

On Halloween Day, Calgary River Valleys (CRV) assembled a small group of volunteers to begin our 2020 riparian rehabilitation. This project had previously been de-layed due to weather conditions, but CRV saw a window of oppor-

tunity and went for it. The project was only slightly diminished due to COVID restrictions. Just 15 people could take part, and all recom-mended hygiene protocols were followed.

Working with the City of Calgary as a partner, the Hanson Ranch stretch of West Nose Creek in Hidden Creek was identified as our proj-ect area. CRV surveyed the sites and made plans for planting. A target of the number of willows to be planted was set by the City (more than 700), and our fabulous volunteers accomplished it in record time.

Amongst our volunteers were Jennifer and Josh. They are local area residents who heard about our plans through social media (Face-book: @CalgaryRiverValleys and Twitter: @clgrivervalleys), and joined us for our restoration, and brought their children.

Jennifer explains her motivation, “When I heard about the project to revitalize the banks of Nose Creek in Hidden Valley, I was very excited. How could we pass by an opportunity to contribute to a natural area so close to where we live? Two of my kids went there in grade 4 to learn about wetlands and how incredibly important they are. Not only did I want to support the project, but I wanted to strengthen my children’s appreciation and connection to the area. Even more, I wanted to empower them to take action in creating positive change and ownership towards their community.”

Josh had previously worked as a landscaper in the area around the creek, and was rewarded with a renewed sense of stewardship for the land he once took care of, “It was fun to get back into the wetland and do something that should help maintain and increase the quality of the natural area there.”

Their children were equally enthusiastic. Rose, Sean, and Eve shared their experiences:

“I wanted to participate because I thought it would be fun to plant trees. It was a little fun, until my sister dumped water into my boots.”

“I actually really liked pushing the willow sticks into the ground, and the hot chocolate.”

“I liked scooping up the water in a bucket from the creek to water the trees after they were planted. I also really liked the feeling of the

Calgary river valleys

sticks going into the ground without difficulty. I thought that we would be putting potted trees into a hole, but we just put a bunch of sticks into the ground that would grow to be a bush kind of tree.”

They have a common hope for the outcome of their plantings, “I want to be able to see the trees grow.”

Calgary River Valleys took an experimental ap-proach to this planting, with several methods of treating the willows:

Some were soaked to promote growth, some were not.

Some were treated with water soluble paint on their tips to prevent drying, and some were not.

Some were spiced with chili oil and yoghurt mixture to see if animals might be deterred from eating them.

Our youngest volunteer, Rose, was very obser-vant, “I enjoyed writing letters on the flags to make sure we knew which types we were plant-ing. Some sticks had beaver repellant or paint on them. We saw a muskrat and it was really cute.”

Calgary River Valleys will provide an update in the spring, when we return to the site to observe our success rate with the willows, and to plant more shrubs. Please contact us at [email protected] for more information.


frOM ThE CONSUMEr INvESTIGATIONS UNITHiring a Contractor? Having issues with a Landlord? The Consumer Investigations Unit (CIU) work to ensure a fair marketplace for both the consumers and businesses. Our department provides an appropriate regulatory framework, and informs consumers and businesses of their rights and responsibilities.

CIU investigates complaints from Albertans about con-sumer transactions where a business has breached Alberta’s consumer protection or tenancy laws. If you want to submit a complaint, go to https://www.alberta.ca/file-consumer-complaint.aspx#toc-2

The CIU can investigate complaints and transactions related to:• auctions• cemeteries• charitable fundraising• collection agencies• condominium developments• credit reports• door-to-door sales• employment agencies• energy marketing• gift cards• home inspections• landlords and tenants • payday loans• prepaid contracting• time shares and travel clubs• unfair trade practices

Contact Us: 1-780-427-4088 | Toll-Free 1-877-427-4088https://www.alberta.ca/consumer-business-tips.aspxD

A MESSAGE

Festive celebrations, flickering lights and winter greens are all hallmarks of winter holidays, but they also present fire risks that can quickly turn festivity into devastation.

Check out these tips for keeping you and your family safe during the holidays: 1. Keep pets and children at least three feet away from

lit candles, the stove and oven, especially when cook-ing.

2. If you’re putting up a real Christmas tree, make sure it’s fresh and water it daily to prevent it from drying out and becoming a fire hazard.

3. If hanging lights, make sure you are following the manufacturer’s instructions about how many lights can be connected to prevent electric shock and fire.

4. Keep anything that can burn away from heat sources. Also, consider using flameless candles as an alterna-tive to real ones when decorating.

5. Don’t overload electrical outlets. Plug strings of lights directly into wall outlets and keep the number to a minimum.

6. Replace any strings of lights that have worn or broken cords or loose bulb connections – these can easily start a fire. Also make sure you’re using indoor lights indoors and outdoor lights outdoors.

7. Once the holidays are over, safely and responsibly dis-pose of your tree, away from your home, garage or anything that could catch on fire.

8. Make sure you have working smoke alarms in your home and create a home escape plan that you have practiced with your family.

Be safe - don’t let a fire ruin your holidays!

For more tips, visit calgary.ca/csps/fire/safety-tips/ safety-tips-for-home/holiday-and-winter-fire-safety.html.

your city of calgary

winter holiday fire Safety

winter holiday fire Safety


Safety during the festive Season It’s December and by now we’ve figured out how to safely celebrate holidays and special occasions. But it is still a good time to remind ourselves of the things we can do to have a safer festive season.

Besides figuring out all the details of your festivities, you’ll want to think about how many people you can safely accommodate. It is best to keep the party small and limited to your cohort. If you have a lot of friends and relatives who are especially vulnerable, this might be the year for a virtual Christmas, Hanukkah, or Kwan-zaa. Consider having a second event like a brunch, Box-ing Day snowshoe, or a dinner on a different day to keep numbers smaller.

When deciding where to host, use a home that offers the greatest space possible with the highest ceilings and best ventilation. Ask guests what measures would make them feel more comfortable and do your best to accommodate. It is also important to let your guests know that it is okay to cancel last minute if they feel un-well.

If the weather is nice think about what kind of activ-ities you could do after dinner, so everyone isn’t sitting closely together indoors. Consider going for a walk, playing outdoor games, sitting around a fire pit, or go-ing on a scavenger hunt. Seating can make a difference; seat more vulnerable people at the end of the table or where they can stay further away from others. Sit closest to those in your household or cohort.

Keep hand sanitizer accessible for your guests and con-sider single use hand towels in the washroom. Plate everyone’s meal in lieu of buffet, and if someone wants seconds of your famous green beans, serve them so your guests don’t share serving utensils.

Be creative and use your judgement on what will work best for your situation to follow public health guide-lines. A few small adjustments can make your family safer and ensure everyone goes home healthy.

For up to date information on COVID-19, check out calgary.ca/covid19.

your city of calgary your city of calgary

Winter Green Cart Schedule Starts in NovemberThe seasons are changing and so is your green cart col-lection. Starting in November, your green cart will be picked up once every other week. Weekly green cart collection will resume in the spring.

Holiday Collection Schedule ChangesThere is no bin pick up on Christmas Day or New Year’s Day for single-family homes.

If your blue, green, or black cart collection normally falls on one of these days, your collection day will be three days later on Monday:

• Christmas Day (Friday, December 25, 2020) pick up will move to Monday, December 28, 2020.

• New Year’s Day (Friday, January 1, 2021) pick up will move to Monday, January 4, 2021.

• Regular Friday collection will resume on January 8, 2021.

Visit calgary.ca/collection to check your schedule and sign up for reminders, or download the Calgary Gar-bage Day app.

Collection day Changes

With 2021 approaching, it may be the perfect time to par-

ticipate in a tradition that is celebrated in some parts of Columbia, Cuba, and Puerto Rico called Mr. Old Year.

Families stuff a life-sized male doll (Mr. Old Year) with items

they want to leave behind, and dress the doll in clothes from each

family member. At midnight, Mr. Old Year is set on fire, paving the way for more happiness in the new year. After the craziness of 2020, this isn’t sounding like a bad idea!


8 2 4 6 3 7 1 5 9

5 6 9 1 2 4 7 8 3

1 3 7 8 9 5 2 4 6

3 9 8 4 6 2 5 1 7

4 1 5 3 7 9 6 2 8

2 7 6 5 1 8 3 9 4

7 4 3 9 5 1 8 6 2

6 8 1 2 4 3 9 7 5

9 5 2 7 8 6 4 3 1

Councillor, ward 12 Shane keating 403-268-1698 caWard12@

calgary.ca www.shanekeating.ca @councillorkeats

www.facebook.com/councillorkeating

Merry Christmas, season’s greetings, and happy holi-days Ward 12. It’s been a busy past couple of months, and I feel it’s going to be like that for the rest of term. With that said, here are some announcements.

On December 16, the Utilities and Corporate Services Committee will be meeting to receive an update on the Waste and Recycling- Residential Black Cart Collection Mixed Service Delivery Model Pilot.

The purpose of this report is for Waste & Recycling Ser-vices to provide an update on the pilot project to com-pare service delivery models (public and private) for residential black cart collection, as directed by Council. The objective of the Mixed Service Delivery Pilot is to evaluate the performance of private sector service de-livery in comparison to public sector service delivery for residential black cart collection. The principles guiding the pilot are meaningful comparison, customer experi-ence, and fairness. The pilot program is funded as part of the Black Cart Program. Which means, no increase in the Black Cart Fee charged to customers is anticipated. Improved customer service continues to be the main driving force with this pilot.

I know a lot of the kids in Ward 12 will be looking for jobs. Now’s the time to get a head start on that resume. The Youth Employment Centre offers free career plan-ning and job search assistance to those between the ages of 15-24. YEC services include exploring career options, preparing your resume, interview preparation, and industry training. Get connected to employment opportunities. Schedule your appointment by visiting YouthEmploymentCentre.ca or call 403-268-2490.

And as you know, for the latest on City Council, or to reach out to me personally, you can visit www.shanekeating.ca.


GREAT NEWS MEDIA

RE-OPENING?

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BUSINESS CLASSIFIEDSNEPTUNE PLUMBING & HEATING LTD: Qualified jour-neymen plumbers/gasfitters, very experienced in McK-enzie Towne. Upfront pricing. Reliable, conscientious, fully guaranteed. Mon - Fri 8:00 am - 5:00 pm. 24-hour emergency service, call 403-255-7938. “Showering you with great service.”

MCKENZIE TOWNE MORTGAGE BROKER: Your mort-gage may be costing you thousands more than you need to pay! As a local mortgage professional, I have helped your neighbours navigate their purchase, refinance, and renewal options. Call Anita at 403-771-8771 | [email protected] | Licensed by Verico Avenue Financial Real Estate Solutions.

MCKENZIE TOWNE CONTRACTOR FOR HIRE: Over 20 years’ experience completing renovations in and around McKenzie Towne. Lefroy Construction is happy to quote, organize and execute any renovation or new construc-tion project. Call 403-616-0880 to discuss your project. www.lefroyconstruction.com.

OFFICIAL PLUMBING & HEATING: Small company, low overhead, excellent warranties, and great rates. Specializing in residential service and installs. Services include furnace service and replacement, hot water tank service and replacement, leaks, clogs, gas fitting, and more. Licensed and insured. Why wait? Call to-day and get it fixed today! Available 24/7, we accept debit/VISA/MasterCard. Call 403-837-4023 or email o f f i c i a l p l u m b i n g a n d h e a t i n g @ o u t l o o k . c o m ; www.official-plumbing-heating.ca.

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GOT RADON? - WE FIX THAT! - WWW.GOTORADONSOLUTIONS.COM: Local SE li-censed and insured radon testing and mitigation profes-sional. One in six houses has dangerous levels of radon gas in Calgary. Please get tested. Second biggest cause of lung cancer. Free information, written quotes, and guar-anteed results. Contact [email protected], or call 403-463-7555.

AFFORDABLE DENTAL CARE MINUTES FROM MCKENZIE TOWNE: Below ADA fee guide! Direct billing OAC. Only pay deductible/co-pay, get tax receipt. Save money, no charge PPE, uncomplicated dental care, live better. 30+ years of no fluff, no frills! Call today; 403-272-7272 or 403-287-6453. Visit calgarydentalcenters.com.

ELECTRICITY IS NOT A HOBBY: Call a licensed electri-cian and pot light specialist. No job is too small. Excellent rates. Please call John at 403-281-5002 / 403-708-6555.

CODERAD ELECTRICAL LTD: Over 13 years’ experience. Quality service and installation for a fair price. Certified Master Electrician. Fully insured and WCB compliant. Call Cody for your free estimate today, 403-333-6344 or email at [email protected]. Is your Electrical up to code? www.coderadelectrical.com.

NEIGHBOURHOOD CONFLICT? Community Mediation Calgary Society (CMCS) is a no-cost mediation and con-flict coaching service that can help you resolve problems and restore peace! We help neighbours be neighbours again! www.communitymediation.ca, 403-269-2707.

DOGGONE GORGEOUS PROFESSIONAL PET GROOMING: 20+ years of professional pet groom-ing experience by award-winning stylist, Elyse Fern-ets. Offering all styles for your pet’s needs, including breed-specific and scissor trims. Home-based, lo-cated in Cranston. Veterinarian recommended. Visit us on Facebook (Doggone Gorgeous), Instagram (DoggoneGorgeous1), or call 403-470-7853 to receive $5 off of your first visit.

PAINTING: Our mission is to provide the best qual-ity, clean, and on time service. A team with more than 25 years of painting experience, with over 2,000 homes painted. We do all kinds of interior and exterior painting, staining, refinishing kitchen cabinets, ceiling painting, and other kinds of spraying. Please call Eric at 587-893-0326. www.elementpaintinginc.ca. Thank you.

NEW BRIGHTON CHILD CARE: New Brighton Child Care is now accepting infants to Out of School (New Brighton & FFCA). Qualified staff, Reggio-inspired emergent pro-gram, hot lunches, and field trips! Call Andréa at 587-471-7735 to book a tour. Limited spaces available!


For business classified ad rates call Great News Media at 403-720-0762 [email protected]

GROOMINGTAILS PET SPA: Gentle, professional grooming for your dogs and cats in McKenzie Towne, located at 245 Inverness Park SE. Access from back lane, entrance via garage. Open Tues – Sat, 8AM – 4PM. Bath & tidy, teddy bear, kennel cut, breed trim, teeth and nails. Call 403-726-1113 or email [email protected] for an appointment. Walk-in nail trims: 10AM - 4PM. www.groomingtailspet.ca.

MASSAGE THERAPY: I am a 2200 hour Registered Mas-sage Therapist offering treatment from my home-based studio here in McKenzie Towne. From relaxation to deep tissue. Affordable rates and insurance receipts available. Please call Jocelyn for more information, or to book an appointment. 403-860-3957.

THE GUTTER AND SNOW DOCTOR! Eavestrough cleaning, repairs, and replacements. Fascia, soffit, clad-ding, roofs, siding, and snow removal. For over 17 years and 40,000 projects, we have done the job right – and it’s always guaranteed! Full liability insurance and WCB. A+ rated BBB member. Top award winner. www.gutterdoctor.ca, 403-714-0711.

LIFE INSURANCE: Protect your family in case you un-expectedly die. Contact Jeff Tovee, CFP., at 403-923-5333, [email protected], www.eternalwealth.ca (In-home meetings are available).

PROFESSIONAL ACCOUNTANT: Accepting new clients for those growing businesses that need to keep their accounting in order. I provide small business services - accounting, bookkeeping, payroll and taxes. Please contact Wendy CPA, CGA at 403-607-4617.

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