October 2019
Greetings!
Thank you to everyone who helped us say goodbye to summer with the first Blackfalds Culture Days!

We had a great turn out for all of our programs, despite the first snow fall of the season.
We hope to continue this new tradition for years to come.

We are committed in being transparent by providing accurate and relevant information.
If you have any suggestions or see something that needs to be corrected, please send them to communications@blackfalds.com .
Latest News & Updates
Canada Votes Monday October 21
Advance Voting Days are October 11, 12, 13 and 14
To vote, you must be a Canadian citizen, be at least 18 years old on election day, and prove your identity and address.
To see if you are registered to vote please visit Elections Canada.

Thanksgiving Holiday Hours
Please be aware that the Town and FCSS Offices will be closed Monday, October 14.

The Abbey Centre Holiday Hours are 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday, October 14.

We wish you all a very Happy Thanksgiving!
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Council Live-Stream
As of October 8, 2019, all Council meetings are live streamed on the Town's YouTube channel.

Please note that Video, images and audio contained in a live stream or recording must not be altered, re-purposed or republished without the permission of Council.

Watch Live Stream here.
Apply for the Christmas Bureau
Every child should have gifts at Christmas.

This collaborative community program helps Blackfalds families and residents celebrate and enjoy the holidays through the distribution of Christmas hampers.

Eligible families must apply by November 29.
BOLT in Blackfalds
The Mayor and Council of the Town of Blackfalds are very disheartened with the recent City of Lacombe's announcement to officially terminate their contract with the BOLT transit system, which will come into effect in September of 2020.

Fall Recycling Round-Up
Town crews will be picking up household and yard waste that are not usually put in the garbage from Oct 15 - 18.
All items must be out Oct 15.

Please register your items on or before October 11 by calling 403-885-4677 (8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. M-F)

Any items not registered will be the responsibility of the property owner.

Urban Hen Update
Thank you to the 329 respondents for the Urban Hen Program Survey!

The responses was brought to Council on September 10 where it was decided that the report be accepted as information.

At this time, the urban hen program will not be moving forward in Blackfalds.

Budget Survey
A big thank you to all those who completed the 2020 Municipal Budget. We had a total of 245 responses!
We appreciate all the feedback provided by residents and we look forward to implementing your priorities next year.

Multi-Plex Expansion Open House Attendance Success
Over 200 residents and stakeholders attended the Multi-Plex Expansion Project Open House on Sept 12, 2019!

Council has approved the draft renderings and have directed Administration and ACI Architects to move forward with a final design and construction tender package.

The designs will be presented to Council in the new year.

See More Information on the Multi-Plex expansion.
For all Town news visit blackfalds.com/news
Community Events
Open House hosted by Lacombe County and Town of Blackfalds
Community Centre
Oct 10 | 6:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Lacombe County and the Town of Blackfalds are hosting a joint Public Open House meeting to present the draft Blackfalds Intermunicipal Development Plan (IDP).

K9 Frisbee Toss & Fetch Western Prairie Regional Championship
All Star Park Soccer Fields
Oct 12,13 | 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

*Please note this is not a Town of Blackfalds event*
Whether you’re a competitor or spectator, join us for a family-friendly weekend to cheer on and support amazing canine athletes.
Business of the Year Awards
Community Centre
Oct 17 | 6:00 - 9:00 p.m.

Come and celebrate local business nominees of 2019 and award winners!
18+ event

Blackfalds Fall Market
Abbey Centre Field House
Oct 19 | 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Hosted by the Blackfalds Market. 
Bring the kids and shop the day away at the incredible 100+ vendors.

Intergenerational Howdy
Partner Luncheon
Community Centre
Oct 22 | 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
FREE
Adults 50+ & families with young children are invited for a chili lunch and fun activities.

Call FCSS @ 403.600.9066 to
RSVP before Oct 15
Youth Night Out
Community Centre
Oct 25 | 6:30 - 9:00 p.m.

Games, and activities for Grades 4 – 12.
Please bring completed waiver forms on the night of the event.

Monster Bash Family Event
Community Centre
Oct 26 | 2:00 - 4:00 p.m.
Come for a howling good time!
$10/person
Limited tickets available
online starting Oct. 1

Breakfast & Lunch with Santa
Abbey Centre Field House
Nov 30 | 9:00 a.m. | 12:00 p.m.
Bring the kids out to see Santa Claus!
$10/person
Limited tickets available
online starting Oct. 1

Don't miss another event! Bookmark blackfalds.com/events
Notice to Residents
Town Pursuing New Facility Purchase
In order to accommodate the current growth of Blackfalds and take a proactive approach to future growth, Administration is considering the purchase of a 10-acre commercial site and facility.

The facility will be used jointly by Community Services Department and Public Works Department.

Grease and Sewer Lines Do Not Mix
Grease is a major problem for the sewer system. It coats the sewer pipe walls and eventually will cause a clog and a potentially costly back-up. Instead please, pour unwanted grease into a container let it solidify and then throw into the trash. 

Other items that do not belong in the sewer are:
  • Plastic Objects (toys or eating utensils)
  • Glass, Metal ,wood or soil
  • Cigarettes
  • "Flushable" toilet brushes, wipes and pads
  • Wet mopping cloths
  • Cooking oil or other edible oils
  • Rags, diapers, paper towel, cotton balls, sanitary napkins and condoms.

RV Dump Closed for the Season
Please be aware that the RV Dump Site water has been shut off due to the below zero temperatures. The water will be turned back on May Long weekend, weather permitting.

The RV Dump can still be used for waste if needed.
Glass No Longer Accepted
Please be aware that our Collection Service Provider has informed us that glass is no longer an accepted recycling material. 

If you are wanting to recycle glass bottles, please go to Blackfalds Cosmos Bottle Depot located at 5405 South St. (East Side of Highway 2A).
 
The collection service has been contracted to a private business Can Pak Environmental, who may be contacted directly at 403.341.9300.

To see a list of acceptable materials and other information, please click here.
Did you know that bats are naturally shy of humans? Bats are not blind, and have an excellent navigation system. This, combined with their natural aversion to humans, means that it is unlikely that they will dive at people, get tangled in long hair or attack pets, contrary to popular belief

Read more to find out how you help preserve bat life.
Did you find broken playground equipment in a park or a pothole in the road? Report your public property non-emergency issues to the Town of Blackfalds from your smartphone or computer using Blackfalds Connect!

For more details and to download the app visit the Report an Issue web page .
Be the Difference in your Community
Volunteering at Town events is a dynamic way to get involved and contribute to the community, develop new skills and meet new friends.

October 26 | Youth Night Out

October 27 | Monster Bash

To get involved contact volunteer@blackfalds.com or call 403.885.6360.
Snow Angels Volunteers Needed
The Snow Angel Program is a volunteer program that supports Blackfalds residents who require assistance to clear their snowy driveway and/or walkway.

As a Snow Angel you are committed to the same resident throughout the season and may adopt more than one resident if desired.

For more information please check out the brochure.
Programs & Activities
Program and Activity Guide
Browse the Fall 2019 Program & Activity Guide to find arts and culture, clubs, family and community, fitness and wellness, and sports programs in Blackfalds. Then use our online registration tool to book your spot.

Limited hard copies of the guide are available at the Abbey Centre, Wadey Centre, Town Office, and FCSS.

See our featured programs of the month below.
Kidproof At Home Alone
Blackfalds Community Centre | Main Hall
Mon, Oct 7, Wed, Nov 13, Thu, Dec 12
6:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Free
Recommended for Grades 4 - 6

Create a Cook
Blackfalds Community Centre | Main Hall
Grades 5 - 8 | 4:00 - 6:00 p.m.
Oct 30 - Snack Prep
Nov 27 - No Bake Energy Bites
Registration Required. $8.00/session

Stand Up! Speak Out
Grades 6 - 9
Blackfalds Multi-Plex | Banquet Room
Weds | Nov 6 - Dec 11
5:00 - 6:00 p.m.
Empowering skills that will increase social & emotional learning, gain confidence, encourage leadership and empower girls to make a difference while developing healthy friendships.
Free

Free To Be
Grades 5 - 8
Blackfalds Multi-Plex | Banquet Room
Weds | Nov 6 - Dec 11
6:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Promote and increase a positive body image while cultivating individual strengths, develop healthy coping strategies and build resilience to social pressures while reducing negative stereotypes.
Free

Blackfalds Youth Crew
Multi-Plex Arena | 2nd Level
Grades 4 - 6 | Every Mon
3:45 - 5:45 p.m.
Grades 7 - 12 | Every Tue
5:00 - 7:00 p.m.

Get Amped for C'AMPED
Servus Program Room | Abbey Centre
PD Days | 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
These day camps are jam-packed with games, crafts, sports, and adventures that will keep kids active and stimulated throughout the day.
Red Cross Babysitters
Blackfalds Community Centre | Multi-Purpose Room
Saturday | Nov 16 | Ages 11-15
9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Participants learn how to provide care to younger children in a variety of age groups, and how to prevent and respond to emergencies. This course also offers youth the training to promote themselves as a prospective babysitter to parents.

No school? No problem!
Come and enjoy some fun and exercise as you hit the ice at the Multi-Plex Arena on Fridays (Wolf Creek School District PD Days).

Oct 11, 25, Nov 8, 22, Dec 6

1:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. | $2/person or $5/family

Time to Lace up Your Skates
The change of the season means the return of Jim Hurley Free Skate!

Sponsored by the Blackfalds Ag Society, this free event happens every Sunday starting Sept. 15 and allows families to lace up their skates and spend time on the ice!

Register today! You must have an online account.
Complete the  Online Account Setup Form  and  email  to Guest Services.
Abbey Centre Promotions
ADmazing 2020
We are giving away 7 free ADmazing Coupon Books for those who sign up for a
new Abbey membership!
First come first serve, while supplies last.

Frightful Fitness
Give the treat of a healthy Halloween.
Packets of (10) day admissions for child/youth/or teen for only $20!
On sale at the Abbey Centre starting Oct 1.

Contact Guest Services for more info.
Did You Know?
Blackfalds FCSS runs the Good Food Box program every month on the 2nd & 4th Tuesday.

Purchase a large, family sized box for $25 or a small sized box for $12.50 brimming with fresh fruit & vegetables!

Sign up & pre-pay by Friday at noon the week before.

Call 403.600.9066 for more info. Sponsorships are available!
Town Council Schedule
Regular Council meetings (RCC) are held on the second and fourth Tuesday every month in Council Chambers at the Civic Centre at 5018 Waghorn St.

Standing Committee meetings (SCC) are held the third Monday each month.
Meeting agendas and schedule can be viewed at blackfalds.com/councilmeetings .

The next scheduled dates and times are:
RCC: Tuesday, October 22 at 7:00 p.m.
SCC: Tuesday, October 15 at 7:00 p.m.

The public is welcome to attend.

See this month's Mayor's Minute feature
by Mayor Richard Poole