My friend Kyle was one of the 400 people at the Chamber of Commerce candidates forum on the 1st. Even better than that - he recorded the whole thing!
Kyle put in a little over time and was nice enough to pull out my opening speech, answers to quite a few public questions and my closing statement. Thanks Kyle!
Tuesday, October 9, 2007
Judging A Person By Their Plastic
My friend and fellow Grande Prairie blogger, GP Conservative, is taking a critical look at the election signs that have popped up everywhere. In fact, he's even rating them!
So far he's covered Lorne Radbourne, Dave Story and Yad Minhas in Part One and then Wayne Ayling, Dwight Logan, Dan Wong and Elroy Diemert in Part Two.
He hasn't made it to my sign yet but from his comments I have a feeling I'm not going to do too well. What do you think? How do all the election signs stack up to one another?
Who's on top the of ratings? You have to check out GPConservaive's site to find out.
So far he's covered Lorne Radbourne, Dave Story and Yad Minhas in Part One and then Wayne Ayling, Dwight Logan, Dan Wong and Elroy Diemert in Part Two.
He hasn't made it to my sign yet but from his comments I have a feeling I'm not going to do too well. What do you think? How do all the election signs stack up to one another?
Who's on top the of ratings? You have to check out GPConservaive's site to find out.
Friday, October 5, 2007
Out of Town on the 15th? Advance Polls Start Today!
If, for any reason, you think that you might not be able to make it in to vote on the October 15th election day - you don't have to give up your right to vote.
There are advance polls and they start today! From the City's Municipal Election Information page:
Advanced votes will be held in the Catholic Education Centre Boardroom Lobby between 11:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. on:
October 5 (Friday)
October 6 (Saturday)
October 12 (Friday)
October 13 (Saturday)
The address of the Catholic Education Centre is 10106 - 99 Avenue.
So, today is your first chance to vote. If you think you might have to work late, take the kids to practice, or get sick on the 15th you don't have to wait. Get out and vote today! ....or tomorrow.... or next Friday.... or Saturday.
There are advance polls and they start today! From the City's Municipal Election Information page:
Advanced votes will be held in the Catholic Education Centre Boardroom Lobby between 11:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. on:
October 5 (Friday)
October 6 (Saturday)
October 12 (Friday)
October 13 (Saturday)
The address of the Catholic Education Centre is 10106 - 99 Avenue.
So, today is your first chance to vote. If you think you might have to work late, take the kids to practice, or get sick on the 15th you don't have to wait. Get out and vote today! ....or tomorrow.... or next Friday.... or Saturday.
Wednesday, October 3, 2007
Recovery Program for The Storm of '07
July 17th of this year a storm and flash flood shocked the city. The storm made for an incredible spectacle and some strange sights on city streets:
"In one unique case, police were called to a motorboat being driven in the south end of the city near 89 Avenue just after midnight. The boater, who said he was a business owner concerned about the condition of his business, was loading his boat onto a trailer when police arrived. He was warned about operating a boat on the streets of Grande Prairie but not charged."
It also left many homes and businesses with uninsurable damages. Immediately afterwards the city and other local agencies went to work collecting the data that the Province would need to decide if this storm qualified as a "Once in 100 Years" event. It did and so the Province has launched the "2007 Grande Prairie and Area Disaster Recovery Program".
From the Municipal Affairs media release:
"The 2007 Grande Prairie and Area Disaster Recovery Program ($700,000) includes the City and County of Grande Prairie and includes all municipalities that reside within the county. Damage occurred following a severe hail and rainstorm on July 17, which resulted in overland flooding throughout the area ...
Disaster recovery programs cover damage for which insurance is not readily and reasonably available. For example, insurance policies traditionally cover damage from causes such as sewer backup and hail; however, insurance coverage is not available for flooding resulting from water entering through basement windows. The programs include funds for municipalities, homeowners and small businesses, with the majority of the funds going to municipalities for infrastructure damage, emergency costs, etc."
For answers to some important questions for those looking to make claims check out the full release here.
"In one unique case, police were called to a motorboat being driven in the south end of the city near 89 Avenue just after midnight. The boater, who said he was a business owner concerned about the condition of his business, was loading his boat onto a trailer when police arrived. He was warned about operating a boat on the streets of Grande Prairie but not charged."
It also left many homes and businesses with uninsurable damages. Immediately afterwards the city and other local agencies went to work collecting the data that the Province would need to decide if this storm qualified as a "Once in 100 Years" event. It did and so the Province has launched the "2007 Grande Prairie and Area Disaster Recovery Program".
From the Municipal Affairs media release:
"The 2007 Grande Prairie and Area Disaster Recovery Program ($700,000) includes the City and County of Grande Prairie and includes all municipalities that reside within the county. Damage occurred following a severe hail and rainstorm on July 17, which resulted in overland flooding throughout the area ...
Disaster recovery programs cover damage for which insurance is not readily and reasonably available. For example, insurance policies traditionally cover damage from causes such as sewer backup and hail; however, insurance coverage is not available for flooding resulting from water entering through basement windows. The programs include funds for municipalities, homeowners and small businesses, with the majority of the funds going to municipalities for infrastructure damage, emergency costs, etc."
For answers to some important questions for those looking to make claims check out the full release here.
Tuesday, October 2, 2007
More on Blue Box Recycling
At the candidates forum last night there were some questions on blue box recycling. I've posted on the issue before and I'm running a poll on the right hand side of the site. Aquatera has been looking at the considering the possibilities for recycling locally. In fact there is a lot of recycling info in the company's website.
The company's Solid Waste Master Plan has some detailed information on the different levels of service that the community could consider. These include a range of four options from maintaining/improving the current depot system all the way up to "Maximum Diversion". Each option will have a different cost above and beyond what we pay now but each will also offer the ability to divert more from the landfill.
From the Solid Waste Master Plan:
"Options for Single Family Collection
Four single-family residential collection options are presented for consideration, with varying levels of diversion potential, but also varying costs to provide the collection service. The four options are described below. For all the options, the Eco Centre and Landfill Drop-Off (for yard waste and recyclable materials) would be maintained.
1. Enhanced Depot Focus: Includes curbside garbage collection, seasonal curbside yard waste collection and depot-based recycling. In addition to Grande Prairie, this type of collection system exists in Lethbridge, Calgary, Medicine Hat, and Kamloops, BC. Under this option, the current system can be enhanced by expanding the number of recycling depots and using promotion, education and demand-side management tool such as reduced weekly bag limits to encourage waste diversion.
2. Curbside Focus: Includes curbside garbage, curbside recycling, and seasonal curbside yard waste collection. This type of system is in place in Red Deer, Hamilton (Ontario) and many municipalities in British Columbia including Vancouver and Burnaby.
3. Organics Focus: Includes curbside garbage, curbside collection of source-separated organics (SSO), seasonal curbside yard waste collection, depot-based recycling. We are not aware of any municipalities with a system currently in place that provides curbside organics collection with depot-based recycling.
4. Maximum Diversion: Includes curbside garbage, curbside recycling, curbside collection of source-separated organics (SSO), seasonal curbside yard waste collection. This type of system is in place in Halifax, San Francisco and several Ontario municipalities including Guelph, Markham, Etobicoke and Toronto.
Analysis of the existing program suggests that the current diversion rate for the single family sector may be as high as 33%. Further analysis of the four options indicates that there is the potential to increase single-family waste diversion by 13% to 23%, depending on which option is selected. The summary of diversion potential is presented in Table 1-6 below. [Current Diversion, Additional Diversion and Total Recycling Potential are all expressed in tonnes]
| Option | Current Diversion Rate | Additional Diversion | Total Recycling Potential | Family Recycling Rate | Net Additional Recycling |
| Current Program | 3,123 | - | 3,123 | 33% | - |
| Enhanced Depot | - | 1,254 | 4,377 | 49% | 13% |
| Curbside Option | - | 1,550 | 4,673 | 49% | 16% |
| Organics Option | - | 1,945 | 5,068 | 53% | 20% |
| Maximum Diversion | - | 2,241 | 5,364 | 56% | 23% |
So, that's some of the background work that the folks at Aquatera have been doing. Of course at this point the information doesn't include costs and that is an important part of the equation. When costs are available the thing the community, and members of city council will have to ask themselves is how much are we willing to pay to move from 33% to 56% diversion of waste from going to the landfill.
What do you think? Use the "Comments" link below to leave me some feedback.
World Record Walk Oct 3rd
Peace Country Health is inviting all of Grande Prairie to be part of an attempt to get in the Guinness Book of World Records.
I just received the email below explaing the "what" and "when" of the event. Its important to take a few minutes now and then to get active and a simple walk is an easy way to do it.
Thanks to PCH and their Health Promotion Coordinator Marcia Oliveira for organizing this!
The email:
" Have you ever wanted to be in the Guinness Book of World Records?
Here is your chance! On October 3 at 10:30am you are invited to participate in the Walkolution!
Our goal, together with people from all across Canada is to break the world record for the most people walking 1km simultaneously. If you are wearing a pedometer 1km is approximately 1,250 steps.
Register now, grab your co-workers and go for a walk on Oct 3th!!!!!
See the website for more information, <http://www.worldrecordwalk.ca/english/default.asp>
Walking is a great way to be active and can easily fit into your day, here are a few ideas:
· Instead of a coffee break, go for a walk
· Have a walking meeting
· Get out of the office to ponder an idea
Let's break the world record!!
Marcia Oliveira, MSc. Health Promotion
Health Promotion Facilitator
Peace Country Health"
I just received the email below explaing the "what" and "when" of the event. Its important to take a few minutes now and then to get active and a simple walk is an easy way to do it.
Thanks to PCH and their Health Promotion Coordinator Marcia Oliveira for organizing this!
The email:
" Have you ever wanted to be in the Guinness Book of World Records?
Here is your chance! On October 3 at 10:30am you are invited to participate in the Walkolution!
Our goal, together with people from all across Canada is to break the world record for the most people walking 1km simultaneously. If you are wearing a pedometer 1km is approximately 1,250 steps.
Register now, grab your co-workers and go for a walk on Oct 3th!!!!!
See the website for more information, <http://www.worldrecordwalk.ca/english/default.asp>
Walking is a great way to be active and can easily fit into your day, here are a few ideas:
· Instead of a coffee break, go for a walk
· Have a walking meeting
· Get out of the office to ponder an idea
Let's break the world record!!
Marcia Oliveira, MSc. Health Promotion
Health Promotion Facilitator
Peace Country Health"
Monday, October 1, 2007
Candidates Forum Tonight
Tonight is the Chamber of Commerce forum for Candidates for Mayor and Alderman in the city. There will be some changes to the forum for those who have experienced them in the past; In previous years the forum has been at the GP Inn - this year it will be at the GPRC Theater, In previous years the forum has been broadcast by Channel 7 - this year, I've heard that there will not be any television coverage of the event.
It's really a big disappointment that the forum won't be recorded. I know that a lot of people caught the re-broadcasts leading up to the election (it was shown at least a couple of times a week) and enjoyed the ability to hear and consider everything, even if they weren't able to be in attendance.
Other than those changes the major thing affecting the event is simply the number of people running for Alderman. Everyone needs to get a chance to do an opening presentation, answer questions and finally to close the night off. With 16 people in the race the openings and closings have had to be cut short. The downside to this is that it's very difficult to convey any real depth in a speech of answer to a question if you've got a tiny time limit to do it in. Hopefully the public will be following up with the candidates afterwards to ask questions one on one.
I'll be at the forum early and stay late to meet with people and answer as many questions as I can.
Here's the forum agenda and rules as emailed out to candidates by the Chamber:
Agenda
5:45 pm – All Candidates Report to Chair for Speaking Order & Format
6:00pm – Mayoral Forum
7:15 pm – Break
7:30 pm – Aldermanic Forum
9:50 pm – Closing Remarks
There will be tables for candidates to display information in the concourse area outside of the theater doors. Doors open at 5:00 pm for Candidates and 5:30 for the Public.
Rules & Regulations:
• The moderator for the forum will be Dr. Scott McAlpine of Grande Prairie Regional College.
• The facility will be opened at 5:00 pm for the candidates and their campaign workers in order to provide enough time to get organized for handing out or setting up pamphlets and literature.
• No signs may be posted in the room, nor attached to any walls, curtains, doors, etc.
• The doors for the public shall open at 5:30 pm.
• The candidates shall present themselves to the Moderator at the head table promptly at 5:45 pm to draw for the order of speaking.
• The forum will be called to order promptly at 6:00 pm, and the doors to the room will be closed. Anyone arriving late will only be seated between speakers so as to keep the disruptions to a minimum. We will adjourn at 10:00pm.
• The candidates will be seated alphabetically at the speakers’ table, starting on the right, facing the audience. In the moderator’s opening remarks, candidates will be introduced in alphabetical order.
• Candidates will have (3 minutes Mayoral) (2 minutes Aldermanic) to expand upon their political platform. The format of the presentation is at the discretion of the candidates. No candidates will be allowed more than their allotted time and the moderator will ask the candidate to be seated.
• During the question period, questions will be received from the floor in written or spoken form. The public will approach the microphone, identify themselves and address a question to one candidate. The ushers will read the written questions and address to one candidate. The moderator will use his discretion in balancing written and spoken questions. In an attempt to keep equal responses, each question directed at a candidate will be directed at another at the discretion of the moderator. In the case of general questions (not specifically directed), the moderator will use his discretion in addressing it toward one or more candidates. Not all candidates will necessarily have to opportunity to answer all questions.
• The moderator will rule out of order any question (s) deemed inappropriate, offensive and derogatory or that would seem to attack the integrity of any candidate.
• The moderator will rule out of order any person who unreasonably attempts to use the question period as a platform for expressing a point-of- view on any issue.
• Answers to questions will be limited to no more than two minutes in order to maximize the number of questions that can be fielded in the time allotted. The question period will be limited to 48 minutes (Mayoral) & 66 minutes (Aldermanic) . Depending on the number of questions evident, the moderator may further limit response to less than two minute at his discretion.
• Candidates will each have (2 minutes Mayoral) (1 minute Aldermanic) after the question period for a rebuttal or to summarize their platform.
• The moderator will have final jurisdiction in all matters.
Hope to see you there!
It's really a big disappointment that the forum won't be recorded. I know that a lot of people caught the re-broadcasts leading up to the election (it was shown at least a couple of times a week) and enjoyed the ability to hear and consider everything, even if they weren't able to be in attendance.
Other than those changes the major thing affecting the event is simply the number of people running for Alderman. Everyone needs to get a chance to do an opening presentation, answer questions and finally to close the night off. With 16 people in the race the openings and closings have had to be cut short. The downside to this is that it's very difficult to convey any real depth in a speech of answer to a question if you've got a tiny time limit to do it in. Hopefully the public will be following up with the candidates afterwards to ask questions one on one.
I'll be at the forum early and stay late to meet with people and answer as many questions as I can.
Here's the forum agenda and rules as emailed out to candidates by the Chamber:
Agenda
5:45 pm – All Candidates Report to Chair for Speaking Order & Format
6:00pm – Mayoral Forum
7:15 pm – Break
7:30 pm – Aldermanic Forum
9:50 pm – Closing Remarks
There will be tables for candidates to display information in the concourse area outside of the theater doors. Doors open at 5:00 pm for Candidates and 5:30 for the Public.
Rules & Regulations:
• The moderator for the forum will be Dr. Scott McAlpine of Grande Prairie Regional College.
• The facility will be opened at 5:00 pm for the candidates and their campaign workers in order to provide enough time to get organized for handing out or setting up pamphlets and literature.
• No signs may be posted in the room, nor attached to any walls, curtains, doors, etc.
• The doors for the public shall open at 5:30 pm.
• The candidates shall present themselves to the Moderator at the head table promptly at 5:45 pm to draw for the order of speaking.
• The forum will be called to order promptly at 6:00 pm, and the doors to the room will be closed. Anyone arriving late will only be seated between speakers so as to keep the disruptions to a minimum. We will adjourn at 10:00pm.
• The candidates will be seated alphabetically at the speakers’ table, starting on the right, facing the audience. In the moderator’s opening remarks, candidates will be introduced in alphabetical order.
• Candidates will have (3 minutes Mayoral) (2 minutes Aldermanic) to expand upon their political platform. The format of the presentation is at the discretion of the candidates. No candidates will be allowed more than their allotted time and the moderator will ask the candidate to be seated.
• During the question period, questions will be received from the floor in written or spoken form. The public will approach the microphone, identify themselves and address a question to one candidate. The ushers will read the written questions and address to one candidate. The moderator will use his discretion in balancing written and spoken questions. In an attempt to keep equal responses, each question directed at a candidate will be directed at another at the discretion of the moderator. In the case of general questions (not specifically directed), the moderator will use his discretion in addressing it toward one or more candidates. Not all candidates will necessarily have to opportunity to answer all questions.
• The moderator will rule out of order any question (s) deemed inappropriate, offensive and derogatory or that would seem to attack the integrity of any candidate.
• The moderator will rule out of order any person who unreasonably attempts to use the question period as a platform for expressing a point-of- view on any issue.
• Answers to questions will be limited to no more than two minutes in order to maximize the number of questions that can be fielded in the time allotted. The question period will be limited to 48 minutes (Mayoral) & 66 minutes (Aldermanic) . Depending on the number of questions evident, the moderator may further limit response to less than two minute at his discretion.
• Candidates will each have (2 minutes Mayoral) (1 minute Aldermanic) after the question period for a rebuttal or to summarize their platform.
• The moderator will have final jurisdiction in all matters.
Hope to see you there!
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