Overview of discussions at the Wednesday September 17, 2025 VVCA board meeting:

– VVCA has applied for a City WinterCity micro-grant for a winter skating and hot chocolate event in January.
– Unfortunately no Parks representative was able to attend the meeting to discuss the trees in President Murray Park. Councillor Parker stated that ~70 trees were in decline or dead and therefore removed. Cause was likely drought and extreme heat. There is a plan to replant more diverse species, but questions remain about budget and timeline. VVCA may be interested in partnering with City (and possibly Patterson Gardens) to replant some of park. Question whether they will be grinding the (approx 8″ high) stumps?
– A tent was spotted in President Murray Park this week. Fire department is responsible for dealing with homeless encampments. Fire department has 48hr response time due to backlog of cases. Email seems to be a good option for reporting – send a photo with location.
– tree planting at 14th Street: money spent on refilling water tanks and tree wraps. Trees doing well. More wood chips needed and some will be provided from excess at the community garden. Tree Canada event later in September will be planting more trees east of our location.
– upcoming Open Houses on USask Properties development south of Merlis Belsher Place: Sept 22 and Oct. 1.
– City survey open on the 2026-29 Strategic Plan. Please review. Accessibility plan survey is also open until Sept. 22. Review of VVCA bylaws to come. VVCA has paid the school invoice for rink electricity use.
– all programs are running.
– basketball registration information to come soon from SMBA. After that, teams and schedules will be set up.
– two teams registered for indoor soccer. May have a practice-only format for U5 soccer, waiting for registration results to confirm.
– VVCA asked if association can groom cross-country ski trails independently. No, only City can do it.
– rink snowblower needs to be serviced. Need a work-bee to clear rink, fix some boards and ready it for winter. Need to renew contracts with advertisers and replace any damaged signs.
– winter newsletter deadline is December 1. May only need 2000 copies printed next time as there were extras left over from door to door deliveries.
– Albert Community Centre is being renovated. Schedule may be a little behind, which can be expected when doing work on an old building. ACC is accommodating long-tern tenants during the construction, which means few or little outside bookings.
– website moved to new server, complete with SSL.
– community garden had 124 plots, with about 80-90 families or groups participating. Fall clean up coming this Saturday.
– some concerns about new sidewalks that have curb cuts for driveways – tend to accumulate snow and ice in winter, making them awkward for walking. President prefers newer style (suburbs) sidewalks with rounded curbs. Discussion in future.
– Next meeting is Wednesday, October 15, 2025.