Letters
February 2, 2012
Is right-in right-out wrong if it saves lives?
Dear Editor,
I wNumerous articles, Facebook discussions, letters, meetings and petitions have taken place over the last few weeks regarding the modification of the Hwy. 11/781 (50th Street) intersection.
Over a two-day period last week I heard from over 40 individuals at three different focus group meetings aimed at documenting traffic and transportation concerns and jointly working toward solutions and suggestions for further consideration by the province.
On a personal level, it should be stated that Sylvan Lake is blessed with a thoughtful, involved and passionate citizenry that cares deeply about their community.
It is also worthwhile to note, that the effort extended by everyone involved was tremendous and many valuable suggestions were identified aimed at addressing traffic operational concerns along the entire Highway 11 corridor.
Some of these suggestions where consensus could be found involve further upgrades to the Hwy. 20/Hwy. 11 intersection; recognition that the new Innisfail Interchange provides a more convenient route to Sylvan Lake from the south along Highway 781 and recognition of the growth of the western side of the community and the growing importance of the 60th Street/Hwy. 11 intersection.
Almost all of the attendees expressed a desire to restore the convenience offered by the 50th Street/Hwy. 11 intersection by way of a traffic signal or a roundabout solution.
Highway 11 was initially developed in 1956 on a corridor approximately two miles south of Sylvan Lake to separate highway through traffic from mixing with local and pedestrian traffic.
When traffic volumes justified, additional lanes were added to the corridor in 2007 between Highway 20 and the QEII.
The province has so far invested about $100 million in the corridor around Sylvan Lake. When all the grade-separated interchanges are in place the total investment will be about $333 million.
Sylvan Lake is continuing to grow with a planning horizon of approximately 60,000 persons or about 65 per cent of Red Deer’s current population. Planning envisions that ultimately Sylvan Lake is to be anchored by two Highway 11 grade-separated interchanges (at 60th Street/RR-15 and Highway 20) separated by about two miles.
Ultimately, 50th Street is to connect to both interchanges by Memorial Trail. The two interchange solution would have Highway 781 south of Highway 11 realigned opposite the Highway 20 interchange.
Sylvan Lake’s forecast traffic volumes don’t justify a third interchange at 50th Street and in any case a third interchange would not be feasible because of the lack of separation to accommodate merging and weaving concerns between the various on and off ramps.
In short, this concept would require that the 50th Street access to Highway 11 will ultimately have to be phased out.
Planning recognized that the eventual closure of the 50th Street/Hwy. 11 intersection completely would shift about 5,000 vehicles per day (vpd) of highway through traffic over to the Highway 20 traffic signal controlled intersection and the 60th Street intersection.
Traffic signal lights installed at the Hwy. 20/Hwy. 11 intersection were viewed as an interim step prior to the HIghway 20 interchange being warranted.
Convergence of the traffic at HIghway 20 will help to further warrant the need for the future grade-separated interchange as the capacity of the traffic signal configuration becomes exhausted.
There was a general consensus that the planned Highway 11 freeway and all the grade-separated interchanges are scheduled way too far in the future and it makes little sense to limit access to 50th Street today. However, since 2000, traffic volumes on the 50th Street corridor have remained steadily in the range of 4,500 to 5,000 vehicles-per-day despite Sylvan Lake’s population growth while traffic on Highway 20 has nearly doubled.
Part of the reason for this is the advent of the traffic signal lights at Highway 20 which were installed in early 2000 and upgraded at the time of the twinning.
These signals presented a more convenient alternative for some motorists wishing to travel between Red Deer and Sylvan Lake.
Another reason for the growth of traffic at the Highway 20 intersection can be attributed to the amount of development that has occurred over the last decade in the vicinity of the Highway 20 corridor.
Over the same time that traffic has remained steady on 50th Street, higher speed Highway 11 traffic west of 50th Street has grown by 40 per cent from 5,000 to 7,000 vehicles per day. In short, traffic wishing to turn into or out of Sylvan Lake to/from 50th Street found that there were fewer gaps and increasingly less available time to complete a turn.
Most would agree that circulating through the intersection had become more difficult over time. Recognizing these concerns and the recent string of collisions and fatalities that occurred last year; “doing nothing” was no longer an option.
Converting the 50th Street/Hwy. 11 intersection to right-in-right-out (RI-RO) in concert with fast tracking the improvements to Memorial Trail represents a logical transition by shifting a component of Sylvan Lake traffic a single mile to the east.
The westbound right turn into Sylvan Lake (about 1,800 vpd) would remain and the extent of inconvenience by using the Hwy. 20 intersection would be limited to only a few minutes of additional travel time.
In the late 1990s a staging strategy was developed that would assure the smooth transition from the existing roadway arrangement to the future two-interchange solution.
Development of the 50th Street corridor took into account that 50th Street would ultimately be rerouted to Memorial Trail to assure that the growth in highway through-vehicle traffic would not deteriorate pedestrian accessibility within the core area which is vital to tourism. The 1990s staging strategy envisioned that the 50th Street access should remain open as long as possible reflecting the desire of the community until it was required to revert to a RI-RO configuration.
The RI-RO configuration still permits over 80 per cent of the northbound customer traffic to enter the town since the westbound right turn movement is preserved. As well, the majority of businesses along the 50th Street corridor are “destination-oriented” and for the most part not dependent upon highway through or “pass-by” traffic. As well, the northern limit of 50th Street is intended to be a pedestrian tourist oriented core of the town.
Buffering this core in the long term from highway through-traffic that wishes to cut-through the 50th Street corridor was thought to be consistent with long term municipal planning objectives.
Concern was expressed regarding some motorists that are making the right-turn out from 50th Street only to make a U-turn on Highway 11 to head back to the east. This is a dangerous manoeuvre that presents safety concerns which will be addressed by additional modifications within the very near future.
It is worthwhile to note that placing another set of traffic signals or a round-about does not entirely solve safety concerns. Literature indicates that installing traffic signals, although the most common response to high collision rates at rural unsignalized intersections, often fails to reduce the number of crashes; rear-end collisions increase as fast moving vehicle traffic encounters vehicles which have been slowed down by a red signal.
Most concurred that the current 80 kph speed limit along the Highway 11 corridor is not being adhered to despite high levels of vigilant enforcement.
If the objective is to address safety, the loss of further life, serious injuries, suffering and damage to property, the right-in right-out solution was found to trump the inconvenience of a few extra minutes of travel time and the 20 per cent of northbound and eastbound traffic which would divert to the Highway 20 intersection.
All this being said; the focus groups proved a valuable resource in identifying several areas where improvements are indeed necessary and toward initiating plans that address several traffic operation concerns associated with congestion and construction impacts that may occur during the busy tourist season.
A debt of gratitude is due to all who participated.
Arthur Gordon
CastleGlenn Consultants Inc.
(403) 252-9303
January 26, 2012
We need your support in efforts to expand medical care in Sylvan
Dear Editor,
I would like to compliment the organizing group and all volunteers who managed to fill the community centre for the urgent care facility meeting and updates last Wednesday.
However, after listening to the facts uncovered by the 18 person committee including Dr. Bahler, Mayor Samson and Teresa Rilling, I am concerned about the “apathy” of the group of people that the urgent care serves most in other centers.
Dr. Bahler indicated that in Alberta communities users were 60 per cent young people, and families with young children 18-45. WOW!
Where were you? Why didn’t you bother to attend a meeting that concerns those who will benefit from this facility most! Now and in the future. WHY?
Now, by your absence you simply do not want to have an urgent care facility for Sylvan Lake and the 7,000 people who live in close proximity to Sylvan — in Benalto, Eckville, Bentley, and the five summer villages surrounding the lake … or you too busy doing whatever else … it does not matter.
If you do not awaken to the need for urgent care for Sylvan and area, then maybe your apathy will bring your wishes true.
We as the 60 per cent of the population, 18-45 who use the facility it will serve, do not want or need an urgent care facility for our area.
STEP UP NOW. Be informed. Visit the town’s web site for updates and information, call your councilors, find out what it is all about! It concerns you most! Web site: www.sylvanlake.ca. email is tsl@sylvanlake.ca or call 403-887-2141.
We, the 500 plus people who attended, want and need an urgent care facility.
Do you want them to turn you and your sick children away at the door and tell you to go to Red Deer hospital because you don’t think we need such a facility?
Maybe it should be user pay. Do you think that might wake you up!
We have an election coming this spring. Tell the candidates that you meet at your door or in meetings you attend that you want their commitment to help us obtain this urgent care facility by the end of 2013 or early 2014.
All Alberta MLAs need to be aware of our situation.
Do your part — VOTE.
Radical thinking … but if it takes a village to make this happen … then we challenge you. We need you. NOW! Get up off your apathy and help make this urgent care facility a reality.
Rene Jaspar,
Sylvan Lake
January 12, 2012
Letter writing campaign has received over 1,200 responses
Dear Editor,
The lobby for lights at 781 and Highway 11 is being assisted by the chamber of commerce with a letter writing campaign. The people affected by this closure have responded far beyond the chamber’s expectations.
To this date (Jan. 5) they have received an astounding 1,200 letters and more are coming in daily. Another 1,900 signatures have been collected by petitions in Sylvan Lake. A response of this magnitude should send a very strong message to Luke Ouellette, Ray Danyluk (Minister of Transportation), and the town council of Sylvan Lake. No one is happy with your decision on the 781-11 intersection. The vast majority of all these respondents are saying we want traffic lights installed now!
I personally am still upset with the $4.5 million for our main street sell out. In 2010 and 2011, building permits in our town totalled in excess of $80 million and yet our main business area has a lousy $4.5 million price tag. It blows away what little piece of mind I have left.
Our town, in 2011, spent seven or eight million dollars on a new state of the art RCMP building. Would you believe it is now in the wrong place for the RCMP and other emergency response people to safely and expediently respond to emergency situations south of Sylvan on 781?
In two years people have invested a staggering $80 million in our town. However the Department of Transportation and the Progressive Conservatives will not invest $500,000 on a set of lights so that people can access our main street safely and conveniently.
On Dec. 6, Matt Toonders emailed Ray Danyluk, Minister of Transportation, about the closure of 781. A reply was received the same day from Mr. Russ Watts of the Red Deer office. Basically his response was the same as it was in 2002 when lights were first requested.
We must now slow down traffic to Rocky Mountain House with lights at 781. And furthermore lights can cause accidents on highways, etc., etc. I am not a rocket scientist but I do know there are traffic lights on every highway in Alberta in certain places even on Highway 1 and 2. Highway 11 has several lights. Highway 11A has three sets of lights in a half mile stretch over Highway 2 that were just installed in 2011.
How can 1,200 taxpaying Albertans be so wrong wanting lights at a dangerous intersection and one MLA and a few bureaucrats refuse our concerns. Do the MLAs we elect run our province or the bureaucrats.
An open forum is being held on January 24 at the Sylvan Lake Legion from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Our letters and concerns will be presented to “The Powers in Attendance”. We encourage all concerned citizens and business owners to attend and voice their opinion.
If we get a “no” for traffic lights after forty years of PC rule I think it is time to say “no” to Luke Ouellette and the PC Party.
Dale Mannix,
Sylvan Lake
Mail or drop off submissions to:
Letters to the Editor
Suite 103, 5020 50A Street
Sylvan Lake, AB T4S 1R2
Fax: 403-887-2081
To email a letter to the editor: editor@sylvanlakenews.com
December 29, 2011
Idiot proof signage needed
Dear Editor,
The job of proper signage at the Highway 20 and 11 intersection needs to be finished.
I was headed eastbound, trying to left turn onto HIghway 20 when the two vehicles ahead of me started to do their left turn, saw the red light as they were turning, panicked and stopped.
It is a total hazard to have three vehicles stopped in the middle of a busy intersection on a two lane highway. We need proper, idiot proof signage so that people know that the one set of lights applies to them. No more half-assed jobs, let’s do this right.
Becky Rogers,
Sylvan Lake
December 22, 2011
Essential that merchants
maintain vibrancy of downtown
Dear Editor,
Although I am saddened by our loss of Cobb’s AG Foods from Sylvan Lake’s main street, Cobb’s Clothing is still alive and well. We continue to welcome our friends, clients and customers.
Debbie has finished her “buying spree” and we will be filling the racks with fresh fashions and designs for the spring and summer seasons. Times change and all of us must too. The new look at Cobb’s Clothing will be different, as we increase our focus on women’s fashions.
The transitions over the last few years have been astounding. When I built the “new” store in 1990, our population was about 4,000. Today it is more than three times that! Growth was inevitable and the changes have been incredible. We have to modify the way we do business. I am confident that our main street will continue to evolve as it always has. As businesses come and go, new and exciting additions come on stream. The recent arrival of Mia Casa Furniture and Decor is a good example.
I consider it essential that all of the merchants on main street commit to and engage in the development of a creative strategy to maintain vibrancy in the downtown. I am talking to the Town of Sylvan Lake about keeping our downtown healthy and also working hard to define a new future for the grocery store space. Together, with the town, we can make Main Street “the” place to shop, relax and enjoy.
I wish you all a wonderful holiday season and look forward to seeing you in Cobb’s Clothing!
Allan Fisher, Debbie and all the staff
December 15, 2011
Make area safer with lights
Dear Mr. Danyluk, Mr. Ouellette,
I need to add my voice to the multitude who are protesting the Hwy 11/781 intersection mess.
For over 15 years now residents of Sylvan Lake and Red Deer County have been asking for lights or a roundabout at that intersection. The first study the province’s transportation “experts” did about 15 years ago proclaimed that the best solution was to make it a right turn only corner.
The town said that would not work for our needs. The county said that would not work for our needs. The residents said that would not work for our needs. So instead of going back to the planning board, the province just waited for everybody to give up and agree. I don’t agree, as most residents don’t.
The current intersection has not solved our traffic problem, just moved it and increased it. Now, instead of the busy intersection at 11/781 needing lights, we have created dangerous intersections at Highway 11 and 60 St., Highways 11 and 20, and Highway 20 and Memorial Dr. Not only that, but residents coming from the south or going south of Sylvan now have a real hassle to reach their destinations.
In all the time that we have been told we can’t have two traffic lights on Highway 11 within a short distance, there have been two sets on Highway 20 south of Highway 11, two sets put on Highway 11 west of Red Deer, and several sets at Rocky Mountain House. In all the time we have been told an overpass would be too expensive, there has been a major one built over Highway 2 by Innisfail (also in our constituency), only a mile from another one.
My request is that you revisit this issue and make the entire area safer by giving us adequate traffic lights or a large roundabout (similar to the one near Bragg Creek on Highways 22 and 8).
There are those that feel that now that the pavement has been ripped up to form a right hand turn, we should give up. I disagree. We still need either lights or a roundabout at that busy corner.
I should let you know that I continue to encourage residents (as I am by copying this letter to Sylvan Lake News) that there is no reason we should not continue to press our MLA and our transportation minister for a safe intersection, and to scrap the rerouting of Highway 20 they’ve also planned. Perhaps it is also time to remind everyone of the coming election!
Allison Ammeter,
Sylvan Lake
Create toboggan hill on lake
Dear Editor,
I was hoping you would print my letter asking if when the town clears the snow from the lake skate rink if they would pile it up to make a toboggan hill next to it? I don’t think it would be much trouble and would be a lot of fun!
Thank you,
Nick Hellrud,
11years old
What right do they have to close our highway?
Dear Editor,
To all people affected by the closure of 781 and Highway 11.
Recently one of our local businessmen had a short meeting with Luke Ouellette, our MLA.
Basically Mr. Ouellette told him we are wasting our time, and no doubt his time and the department of transportation’s time, by insisting on lights at 781 to make it safer for all users of Highway 11. Their mind is made up!!
Employees of the department of transportation, namely Brian Reid in 2002 and Russ Watts in 2011, have told us that Highway 11 was not constructed for the convenience of Sylvan Lake. It was constructed to move traffic west to Rocky Mountain House.
For the information of the above three people, Highway 781 was built about 100 years ago, long before there was a Highway 11. It was built to move traffic from south and west of town to move people to the main street of Sylvan Lake.
What in hell gives these three the right to close our highway without coming up with a safer, more workable system than what we are now faced with?
I would also inform the above threesome that the people I talk to are more concerned with what the department of transportation is doing in the next year or two. None of us are worried about what you are planning for 50 years down the road.
In all the controversy that has taken place over the closure of 781, Mr. Ouellette has not denied, nor confirmed, any of the allegations made about his handling of this situation. In my own mind he has ignored the people who elected him to represent them.
The Sylvan Lake Chamber of Commerce is starting an individual letter writing campaign to have lights installed. I would hope several hundred letters would finally get the attention of the Government of Alberta.
Please contact the chamber if you wish to be a part of this push for lights at 781.
I would be pleased to try and answer any questions about the campaign that you may have.
Dale Mannix,
Sylvan Lake
Bad decisions have huge repercussions on surrounding area
Dear Editor,
I want to first of all say how displeased I am with the town’s latest decision to cut off the surrounding community from the Town of Sylvan Lake by closing off the Highway 781 intersection.
When we decided to move close to Red Deer, we had visited Sylvan several times and decided that we wanted to live closer to Sylvan than Red Deer. We purchased an acreage and have made it our home for the last seven years.
Whenever possible we always choose to visit and shop in Sylvan Lake over Red Deer.
However with this latest change, we have started to avoid Sylvan Lake whenever possible, choosing to now shop in Red Deer. Unfortunately, because we have made Sylvan our base community over the last seven years it is not always possible. Now when we need to visit any downtown businesses it has added an extra 15–30 minutes to our trip. With two young children under two years of age, being in the vehicle any extra time is not fun and at times frustrating.
Not to mention, that I now feel that the intersection is now more unsafe to use because instead of only frustrated drivers, we now deal with reckless and desperate drivers.
I use Township Road 384 to cut over from Highway 20 to get to my doctor’s clinic and other downtown businesses. I am sure the land owners on that road really appreciate the increased traffic.
The businesses downtown have already started to show the signs of being choked off from the closure, Shell gas station closed down, a place I visited on a weekly basis until they closed.
Sylvan, over the last several years, has shown one after the other bad decisions with huge repercussions to not only the residents of Sylvan but its surrounding population, which I believe supports the community year-round and makes it possible for many businesses to survive the harsh winter, non-tourist months.
Decided to stop having fireworks on Canada Day, the decision only lasted a few years, as the businesses were suffering from probably the one biggest day economically that Sylvan Lake has.
Building the bathrooms on the beach and totally upheaving the beach district, which in theory, was a good decision, however the execution was catastrophic, as the bathrooms are extremely over budget, well over schedule and monstrosities that ruin the look of the beach to visitors.
The businesses on the beach have suffered more than expected as evidence that KFC has now closed.
Building the new RCMP building, which is as well over budget and schedule, cost yet again the taxpayers more money.
Now they are building a new town hall that resembles the White House — talk about flaunting egos around at the cost of the taxpayers and what do you want to bet that this already monstrous budget will be over budget and over schedule too?
This latest bad decision has caused me to reconsider where I will be sending my children to school in the future. I am now wondering what bad decision Sylvan will make next that could negatively affect my family in the future.
The town has shown that they both don’t care about its residents by recklessly spending taxpayers’ dollars and at the same time choking the very businesses that pay their bills and the surrounding community that supports them.
I have heard that the motivation is to make Sylvan Lake safer but at what economic cost? There will be no town to make safer if there is no economy. Who wants to support a town that so blatantly disregards the very people that pay their salary?
Vanessa Anthony,
Sylvan Lake
The intersection from hell
Dear Editor,
I have decided to leap into the melee and attempt to inject some sense into this ridiculous piece of so-called engineering (and that’s using the term loosely believe me).
Let me clarify by listing off what we are dealing with.
1. Our illustrious highway engineer and his boss have called #11 a freeway. Wikipedia defines freeway as a controlled access stretch of highway with no controls and limited access. I guess we have a number of 1-mile freeways on Highway 11. But last time I looked the whole highway had intersections and lights. I guess the oil patch got first pick on engineers.
2. If, in industry, an engineer designs something that kills someone due to design he and his boss are in deep Doo Doo from the government Occupational Health and Safety.
3. We have a design that has killed a number of people.
4. Our highways minister, Mr. Ouellette, states he has been through this intersection lots of times and if people just followed the rules there would not be a problem. Thank heaven he wasn’t minister of industry or there would be all kinds of safety people and a whole government department (O. H. and S.) out of business i.e. we don’t need a guard on that saw, people will just follow the rules and no one will get hurt. Try that one the next time someone gets hurt on the job. Tell them Luke told you it would be all right if people just followed the rules.
5. It is said “every politician has his price”. Ours is $4.5 million. You can view that as the politicians giving it or the ones receiving it.
6. Businesses take note. The next time you have a failure you don’t have to fix the problem. Just band aid the problem and put some money where you already said you were going to put some money. If you crow about it loud enough and say “look what we got” people may start to believe you.
7. Memorial Drive was supposed to be finished long ago and was in the future budget. They are trying to buy people off with already allotted projects.
8. If you get killed getting into town it will not matter how pretty the beach is however if you just get the crap scared out of you, you can use the two million dollar bathrooms.
9. If it takes a year to put in a set of traffic lights, you have a problem Mr. Ouellete with your department. A set of temporary lights is a day job. You do it constantly when building overpasses. The never-ending overpass on 11A and number 2 has lights moved weekly. Oh wait government ministers only go on construction sites for the first scoop pic and the ribbon cutting. I guess this intersection change would be classed as heavy lifting.
10. Mr. Ouellete you represent this town and the people in it. Our lives on the highway were your responsibility. You have failed.
11. Mr. Ouellete you were highways minister,
THE BOSS, you could have ordered this fixed properly and your minions would have fixed it.
12. IT IS NOW UP TO THE CITIZENS.
13. Elections are coming up, tell your politicians you will not vote for them unless this is fixed. Oh, and while we are wishing upon a star tell them to stabilize the lake. Freschette is right I will supply the hoe.
14. Let’s see if the new highways minister is the boss or is he just there to cut the ribbons or just be a consultant for his engineers (I just named my new gelding horse Consultant), figure it out. Email the highways minister or the new premier.
These are the facts, you can draw your own conclusions but with an election coming up this is the best chance to get this fixed. You are much more valuable in an election year when you may vote for him or her.
At the election forums do not let them off the hook. He who fixes it gets the vote. The only acceptable answer is, “I will fix this now”.
Rod English,
Sylvan Lake
Stay off private property
Dear Editor,
We live in the Lakeway Landing area.
It’s not a serious thing to complain about but it really frustrates me when the school kids cut across my front yard every morning to get to their bus stop. It’s only a few more steps down the path you are on to get to the sidewalks that the Town of Sylvan Lake has for us to use at will.
I simply don’t walk across anybody else’s yard, please don’t walk across ours. Thank you for your understanding.
Joanne White,
Sylvan Lake
December 8, 2011
Thanks for help
Dear Editor,
Well our town is white again! Driving is crazy as always as most Alberta drivers forget that we get snow and therefore forget how to drive in it!!
With our busy streets I know the town can only do so much, and has its streets that have to be cleared first! They were busy, busy this morning!
The trip to school on Wednesday (Nov. 30) was eventful I must say!
As my van decided it wasn’t going to continue through the Westview Dr. and Falcon Ridge Dr. intersection, I’d like to say a big thank you to the young man who offered to push! I was out of the way and another lady was following on my trail to the curb! She was a savoiur also and I’d like to say thanks and sorry I couldn’t help push your van!
I was not stopping in that mess. I do hope the gentleman helped her! During all this pushing and spinning I saw many men in trucks sail on by without a care! Only one stopped to help two mothers who were stuck!
THANK YOU you are a true gentleman and the hero of the day!! To the rest of you … would your mothers, wives, daughters be left like that also?
C. Smith,
Sylvan Lake
Stink of farms not as bad as stink of hateful attitudes
Dear Editor,
Re: Letter to the editor, Nov. 24, Are we having fun yet?
I believe Ronald George Boyd needs to pull his head out of his butt! Some of his complaints I feel are valid; however blaming them on God? Really?
How much of his own food does he grow and produce? Or does he think it all comes from the grocery store? All farms have become large over the last few years because there are so few farmers left. And no we CANNOT relocate to remote areas. Would he prefer his food come from third world countries where there are little to no production controls?
We try to keep organic fertilizing to three or four days a year. People with hateful attitudes stink all year! Keep your unsubstantiated fear mongering to yourself.
Steve Matejka,
Sylvan Lake
Intersection never dangerous,
now it’s treacherous
Dear Editor,
I live south on Highway 781, three-quarters of a mile off Highway 11. I have driven this road for 34 years, driven a school bus for eight of those years and worked another four years in Sylvan.
I never had a problem with the intersection. Now it’s dangerous because drivers are illegally crossing the road. They are also making many left turns into Sylvan. All you have to do is look at all the left turns in the snow to see what they’re doing.
Maybe the mayor and the department of highways man should spend a day out there and see what they have done. There was nothing wrong with the old intersection, just impatient and distracted drivers who made it dangerous. So please, for the safety of all people, just put a set of lights in and show everyone what they have to do.
Louise Sauter,
R. R. 1, Sylvan Lake
Increase in beds for seniors falls far short of need
Dear Editor,
Re: the 5.4 per cent solution
According to Alberta government population projections the number of Albertans over the age of 65 will increase by 92,000 from 2011 to 2015. During this same time period the government has proposed to increase the number of beds available to seniors, for all levels of care from assisted living to long term nursing home care, by a paltry 5,000. This works out to 5.4 per cent of the population increase.
There is already a back log of seniors warehoused in active treatment beds in Alberta. A marginal increase of 5,000 beds over the next five years falls dramatically short of the number needed. Premier Redford has also stated that a large number of these new beds will be provided by the private sector. The cost to a senior of a private sector bed is significantly higher than the cost of a public sector nursing home bed. Not only is the initial cost higher, seniors in private sector beds are generally charged extra fees for many things including basic care and medications.
According to another statement by Premier Redford, seniors will be subjected to a means test to determine their ability to access both accommodation and prescription drugs. She stated that coverage will only apply to low and middle-income seniors. The only way to determine who these low and middle income seniors are is through a means test. Only seniors will be means tested. All other Albertans will continue to have full and complete access to health care regardless of their income. This constitutes discrimination based on age.
Michael O’Hanlon,
board member,
Central Alberta Council on Aging
December 1, 2011
Rebuild current facilities at quarter
of the cost instead of increasing debt
Dear Editor,
I attended the evening of presentations concerning the new proposed sports arena complex and came home with new information … which is always a good thing. I disagree with going further into debt when it is not absolutely necessary. Though it is not a fun thing to do, we can wait for some of these big ticket items that are threatening to plunge Sylvan Lake into big debt.
I have an idea that I would like to present about the new sports arena. From the information I was given at the arena open house, the proposed building will keep the south arena as is because it is fairly new and still very functional. It proposed replacing the older, north arena because it is becoming obsolete. The new arena will also house the new curling rink because the old, existing one has come to the end of its life span and is becoming dangerous. So, this new proposed arena will house one existing hockey rink, one new hockey rink and one new 4 sheet curling rink. Curlers in Sylvan Lake all know that we should have six sheets to accomplish what we will need going forward 20 or more years. Furthermore, we were told by the arena planners that Sylvan Lake will outgrow this new building in about 30 years and a whole new bigger one will be needed with more hockey rinks, more curling ice, etc., on another much larger piece of land.
To this I must suggest, instead of spending $10 million to build this very nice new arena, why not just rebuild the curling rink now on the same land where our existing curling rink is standing? We could expand it to six sheets of regulation ice size and this facility would last Sylvan Lake for probably another 50 years as I look at the projected growth of our town. This could cost about $2 million.
Then, why not just rebuild and upgrade the north hockey rink so that it is good for another 30 years?
This would cost less than $500,000.
Instead of spending $10 million on a larger arena that would give us two hockey rinks and one small curling arena, we would spend one quarter of that and still end up with two hockey rinks and a much more usable curling rink. As I discussed this with one of our existing council members, he even had costs projected for this plan. We would not have to raise taxes, or increase our recreation levy or kick in $2 million of our own personal donations to make this work. Why is council not running with this idea? Am I missing something? It sure makes sense to me.
Ted Klassen,
Sylvan Lake
Intersection problems all boil down to driver impatience
Set of lights is only solution short of reconstructing both Sylvan entrances
Dear Editor,
I am a Sylvan Lake-area resident who lives south of Sylvan four miles on Highway 781. I’ve lived here for 14 years now and on a regular basis have used the 781/11 intersection to get into Sylvan. I have never encountered any problems here but that is because I was well aware of the dangers of the intersection itself.
Add the poor visibility to the impatience of over-eager drivers coming south-bound from Sylvan to the mix and you get a recipe for tragic accidents that are COMPLETELY avoidable, if there was something to help mediate the traffic … such as a set of traffic lights perhaps? Wow that sounds like a great idea!
Obviously it’s a huge inconvenience to everyone who lives south of Sylvan for the intersections to be changed in this matter. I don’t need to repeat what many people have expressed, but hopefully I can add my viewpoints to the debate.
First off, it’s back to the impatience of drivers! In my travels to Red Deer and into Sylvan, I have seen a staggering amount of people come out of Sylvan illegally through the changed intersection that’s causing so much uproar. The problem here is that drivers are making U-turns on Highway 11! U-turns on a busy highway with traffic coming from both directions? Seems like a no-brainer to me.
The worst part of it is that I have seen these impatient (and most likely annoyed) drivers almost create major accidents. I, myself, have had more than a few near misses from the would be u-turners. Add cell phone use and the other distractions of modern driving and this could turn out to be a real problem. It’s not just the u-turners either. There are people coming eastbound on Highway 11 that are making illegal turns into Sylvan using this intersection as well. I saw a handi-bus do this!
What is going to happen when we get the yearly late-winter fog conditions at this intersection? It’s not only illegal, it’s irresponsible for drivers to endanger not only themselves but every other driver around them by behaving this way.
I know there is a lot of frustration over this issue but being stubborn about it and increasing the chances of fatal accidents is never a good alternative.
Many people do not want lights placed at the 781/11 intersection for the poor excuse that it will disrupt the flow of traffic on Highway 11. I call this a poor excuse not only because it highlights the impatience of many drivers but also, like in any busy city, lights are always synchronized to create optimum traffic flow.
Lights should be placed at the Highway 11/781 intersection. They should have always been placed there, but instead they were put down at the 11/20 intersection, which has its own set of problems that are just as bad. People have never understood how to use that intersection properly either. It all boils down to impatience. What is the solution when you have impatient drivers causing accidents on busy streets? You put in a set of lights so they have to wait! It’s the only solution short of reconstructing both entries into Sylvan Lake entirely.
Andrew Swainson,
Sylvan Lake
Transportation speeded plans for closure
Dear Editor,
Re: closure of Highway 781 at 11
In a February 2003 edition of Sylvan Lake News, an article by John Moran reported a plan put forth by Alberta Transportation concerning Highways 11 and 781.
An excerpt of this article follows.
Brian Reid, central region infrastructure manager for Alberta Transportation, told council widening Highway 11 to four lanes is at least 10 years away and likely 15.
A final component of the Stantec plan calls for the town to extend Range Road 15 all the way from Lakeshore Drive directly south to Highway 11. Andrew Vandertol, vice-president of Stantec, recommended this be a high-priority, short-term goal.
Mayor Bryan Lambertson said the strategy will funnel traffic from the west end of Sylvan Lake down Range Road 15 and away from Lakeshore Drive, which should ease traffic congestion in the downtown.
This in turn will help downtown merchants, most of whom oppose traffic restrictions at the 781 intersection, fearing they will strangle the flow of traffic coming to their shops.
“We’re being told it (right-in, right-out) won’t come for another 15 years or beyond because twinning of the highway is what it all revolves around. So, in effect, for the next 15 years, we will have three entrances into the town: Highway 20, (Secondary) 781 and the new Range Road 15 that we want to build on the west side of town,” Lambertson said.
“They (merchants) have 15 years to change where they do business – if that’s a problem.”
The Town of Sylvan Lake has completed its part of this bargain. Range Road 15 was completed from Highway 11A to Highway 11 about two or three years ago.
Alberta Transportation has changed the Highway 781 intersection earlier, which was against their promise.
Dale Mannix,
Sylvan Lake
Suggestions towards perfect education system
Dear Editor,
A good education is one of the most important things that we can give our children. These are my thoughts on the subject. I hope you find this worthy of printing.
The letter by Danielle Klooster about the – educational consultation – brings back some thoughts about what once almost was and now is not.
Children are now taught that “everyone is a winner and that there are no losers.” They are taught that “if it feels good do it!” If a student passes a standardized test they are led to believe that they will be a success. Society fills their minds with commercialism, sex, and want – yet does not embrace what it takes to succeed.
Now, I’m not saying that this is the school system teaching this, but it is being taught none the less. A young man will buy a new video game and then go on to play it for 48 hours straight yet will not do a 30 minute homework assignment. The electronic media sucks the life out of us on a regular daily basis. How many hours do you spend on Facebook, Twitter or watching TV daily? When was the last time you asked yourself – “Self, is this activity making me any smarter, better looking or wealthier?” To answer the educational question society must prioritize what it wishes to accomplish and what it wants to dissuade. Might I humbly, make a few considered suggestions?
The western educational system, as we know it, was given birth in 1888. Until then non-standardized local schools taught students the basics of commerce and industry and to think for themselves. School teachers were directly paid by the parents of the students they taught. Thinking for themselves was seen to be a problem then and now by the establishment as it seemed to breed discontent. Maybe the people just needed to be given the reason for the dictums of government? The leaders at the time, John Dewey and Elwood Cubberly, set out to make schools into factories that manufactured a standardized product for industry and government. The standardized, centralized educational system was born and has festered ever since. I applaud the Alberta government for at least pretending to change. However, smart is as smart does! Without follow through there is no point in even trying to throw the ball. Any good pitcher will tell you that.
What makes a person a success? Is that not what we are trying to accomplish? Might I suggest the following items be adhered to in the quest for the perfect education system?
Let us try to teach:
1. Respectability / Integrity
2. Proactivity / Planning
3. Responsibility / Leadership
4. Social ability / Teamwork / Competition
5. Creativity / Ingenuity
6. Enjoyability / Humour
7. Vocational Necessities
a. Reading & Writing
b. Mathematics
c. History and Social Studies
8. Exceptional Competencies
a. Sciences
b. Arts
c. Technical Expertise
9. Actualizability
a. Create Goals
b. Accomplish Goals
10. Life Long Teachability / Readiness to learn
Certainly there are those that will disagree with some of my statements. That is their right and privilege in an almost free country. Make your case and use intelligent arguments to defend it.
We must agree, however, that as stated by Carl Rogers, “what the student does is more important than what the educator does!” Even the best lessons will go unlearned without the students’ active incorporation.
J.R. Baskerville,
Sylvan Lake
November 24, 2011
Grateful that intersection now much safer
Dear Editor,
I like the new intersection at Highways 11 and 781. I use that intersection at least twice a day, a minimum of five days a week.
I live south of Sylvan Lake off of Highway 781. The change has made the use of that intersection much safer for my travels in two ways.
The first is when I am northbound on 781 turning eastbound onto Highway 11. I no longer have vehicles coming southbound from Sylvan Lake turning into my south lane instead of the north eastbound lane like they were supposed to. Many times I had the daylights scared out of me as a vehicle came flying through the intersection and into the right-hand lane that I was in.
The second and most important improvement is when I am westbound on Highway 11 trying to turn south onto 781. Before, when I merged into my left turning lane and there were vehicles sitting in the eastbound lane trying to turn into Sylvan Lake, I couldn’t see if there were any oncoming vehicles especially if there was more than one vehicle stopped there waiting to turn north.
I would try and count the vehicles that were off in the distance and try and time my turn but I just couldn’t see. I completely see how the fatal accidents happened at that corner with the directions reversed …
Now with the traffic only able to go through that intersection when they are eastbound, I have full visibility and no anxiety turning south on my way home.
I know the change has inconvenienced some people by increasing their commute time but I wanted all to know that it has made some of our commutes much safer. I know I am grateful. It may not be the best change they could have done but this has most definitely made a difference in mine and my family’s safety.
Gail Johnston,
Sylvan Lake
Worry about getting home safely
Dear Editor,
I was born on the farm 1.5 miles south of Highway 11 on 781. For the 84 years I have lived on this farm, we have used 781 to get to main street Sylvan Lake.
With the closure of 781 all the people south of Highway 11 are now forced to drive four miles farther, make four left turns and four right turns to get to town and back home.
I personally drive to Sylvan every day. For the first time in my life I worry about getting home safely.
On a yearly basis additional fuel for these trips will amount to well over $400.
If this is what progress means to the Progressive Conservatives I could live without them!
Cliff Halvorson,
Sylvan Lake
Intersection of Memorial Trail, Highway 20
unbelievably dangerous
Dear Editor,
I hope not too many people have to die before the province and council see that Memorial Trail is not the solution to the mess on Highway 11.
Council is planning to spend $4.5 million on construction of Memorial Trail.
The intersection of Memorial Trail and Highway 20 is unbelievably dangerous. It is located just over the brow of the hill on northbound Highway 20. If people think the intersections of Highways 20 and 11 or Highways 781 and 11 are dangerous, they are nothing compared to the proposed intersection of Memorial Trail and Highway 20.
Lots of people are going to die here because the powers that be are unwilling to spend approximately $1 million on traffic lights at the intersection of Highways 781 and 11.
Leaving the carnage aside, why spend $4.5 million when a $1 million set of lights would solve the right-in, right-out mess?
Michael O’Hanlon,
Sylvan Lake
Another education consultation just frustrating
Dear Editor,
In 2009 I, like many Albertans, participated in the Inspiring Education consultation, a comprehensive review and visioning process that gathered considerable public input intended to be the catalyst for a major overhaul to the Education Act.
Participants were encouraged to think outside the box and speculate about what “bold and courageous” decisions might be needed to ensure success for 21st century learners. Nothing was to be considered “off the table”. I joined with enthusiasm. Many people put time and effort into engaging in this initiative.
Hotel ballrooms were rented, high-tech software and AV were put to use, Department of Education support staff and managers were available in abundance. There were hand outs and visioning stimulation tools, and a ton of great food. No low rent affair, this consultation. In fact, it culminated in a free convention! I had great hope for, and confidence in, the future of Alberta’s education system (which, by the way, I think is already pretty great).
I waited with anticipation for legislation to be tabled. When Bill 18 was given first reading, I wouldn’t remotely describe it as “bold and courageous”.
Now we have a new education minister. Thomas Lukaszuk replaced Dave Hancock and immediately decided we liked Inspiring Ed so much we should do it all over again with Our Children, Our Future: Getting it Right.
This is just frustrating. Inspiring Ed consultations didn’t “get it right”? If we were all so wrong then, why bother to ask us all over again? What will we have to say this time that will be so different? If the new act laid an egg, that’s not because input was lacking. Go back and study the input some more. But when will we stop going around Mt. Consultation and merge onto Highway Get-on-with-it?
Beyond the colossal waste of money – OUR money, by the way – Minister Hancock made public consultation a colossal waste of time by turning all of our spicy ideas into a bland bill. If you’re not interested in what Albertans have to say, and you aren’t going to do anything with it, then don’t ask. This wears us out and makes us disengage.
Why does the PC government either not ask us before it makes decisions, or ask us, then ignore our input, or keep us locked in perpetual consultation mode without ever moving on to action?
Good thing they didn’t call it Inspiring Confidence.
Danielle Klooster,
Penhold
Editor’s Note: Danielle Klooster is the Alberta Party candidate in Innisfail-Sylvan Lake constituency.
Shouldn’t marina be providing parking?
Dear Editor,
I just read the article about the proposed marina changes and something really troubles me.
It was stated: The plan also shows no parking area for trucks with trailers which are launching boats. “The town has indicated trucks and trailers are going to have to park somewhere else.”
Where will everyone park? Seriously, isn’t this kind of a major consideration? Currently on a busy weekend, when the parking lot is full (which it always is), you can end up parking a kilometre away. To anyone who has had to wait in line for 45 minutes to launch their boat, then drive a kilometre away and park the trailer, then walk back to the marina just to go onto the lake, and have to do it all again at the end of the day all with little kids, you know what a problem this could become.
Since the marina is the one profiting from all of the boaters it just seems fair that they would have to provide parking for some or all of their customers and not make it the town’s responsibility to provide parking on the streets. But I suppose a parking lot is not as profitable as $16.5 million condos.
Levi Wynnyk,
Sylvan Lake
Are we having fun yet?
Dear Editor,
It seems like God is having his fun with us in Sylvan Lake.
1. The outhouse fantasies on Lakeshore Drive.
2. The Mexican speed bumps.
3. Planning along Lakeshore Drive to put up more buildings to take away great views of our beautiful lake.
4. Rapid pace building, increase population, but no water and sewer connection to Red Deer as promised years ago.
5. Increased pollution of Sylvan Lake itself, with no regard for families, and catering to a few sailors from Marina Bay in not solving the problem of the high lake level and its ultimate shoreline destruction and lack of public beach.
6. Stupidity on traffic control - foul up on traffic signals at Highways 11 and 20.
7. No traffic signals at Highways 11 and 781 (50th Street).
8. Major stubborn fight with Alberta Transportation’s operation manager, Russell Watts of Red Deer, who won’t listen to reason.
9. Weak politicians that will not listen to the people, but beat their own drum.
10. People who mean well, but have let greed and corruption rule their lives.
11. Speeders who tailgate, are still on their cell phones, illegally make ‘U’ turns on all roads, don’t stop at stop signs and try to beat all laws.
As a veteran and retiree, it’s hard to remember sometimes why I served my country. Perhaps someone among the population should remember to serve the people, and operate smarter. Do not let greed, stupidity and smart attitude rule one’s life, but act responsibly, with dignity and promote a healthy happy life for themselves and all fellow Canadians.
I, for one, don’t blame any one person, but please slow down, think a little more about your fellow human beings and our future children and grandchildren. Try to use some common sense.
Fifteen years ago when our water well was dug at Sunbreaker Cove by a Sylvan Lake well driller, he stated that the situation with Sylvan Lake water was not good. The population has risen from 4,000 at that time to 12,000.
Local farmers are spreading large quantities of manure very close to our town — the smell at times is nauseating.
Do we want another Walkerton here in Sylvan Lake before we connect to Red Deer?
This should be our priority now, before any further expense of a new town hall or roadway improvement. Our health is very important.
Ronald George Boyd,
Sylvan Lake
November 17, 2011
Ouellette invited to tour dangerous intersections;
town requested to host meeting
Dear Editor,
I’d like to address this letter to our MLA, Luke Ouellette regarding the Highway 11 and 781 closure.
For the last two or three weeks I have waited to see how the right-in and right-out solution at Highway 11 and 781 would work. Frankly, it is a nightmare and more accidents are waiting to happen. Instead of one dangerous intersection we now have three or four.
1. Highway 20 - no left turn arrow at the lights.
2. 60th Street and Highway 11.
3. Left turn off Highway 20 onto Memorial Trail - a suicide corner.
4. Memorial Trail onto 50th Street.
Before this snap decision by you and the Department of Transportation was made some of these issues should have been dealt with.
Temporary solution: Put the intersection back the way it has been for years and install “temporary lights” until the issue above is dealt with.
Long term solution: Town council is getting a lot of heat and abuse for accepting your offer of $4.5 million to build a road that will do nothing to improve the problems on Highway 11. However, Mr. Ouellette, if you have $4.5 million for a road we do not need, could you not find $5 or $6 million to extend the eastbound lanes of Highway 11 west across 781 and 60th Street? This would benefit thousands upon thousands of motorists on Highway 11 every day.
I would ask town council to please host a town hall meeting and invite Mr. Ouellette, Mr. Ty Lund of Rocky Mountain House, Transportation Minister Ray Danyluk and officials of his department, all candidates of opposition parties and all of the motorists that use Highway 11 on a daily basis.
Last of all, I would invite Mr. Ouellette to join me on any weekday, from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., and we will drive through all of these intersections for an hour or so and see how dangerous they really are. My cell number is 403-350-5140. If you are interested, give me a call.
Dale Mannix,
Sylvan Lake
P.S. If anyone believes either of these solutions would help, please email Luke Ouellette at innisfail.sylvanlake@assembly.ab.ca and express your concerns. You may help save a life.
A look at 11-20 intersection from planner’s view
Dear Editor,
I have been eagerly and frustratingly watching the letters to the editor and articles in local newspapers regarding the closure of Highway 11 and 781 intersection waiting for some common sense to prevail from Alberta Transportation and our municipal leaders to improve public safety.
I completely support making this intersection safer but the right-in, right-out turn is not safe, nor should it be acceptable. I am a licensed professional city planner in Alberta and a member of the Canadian Institute of Planners and am completely baffled by the lack of planning of this intersection and utter disregard for public safety.
I would like to bring some additional and important observations as a resident of Red Deer County and as a professional city planner who lives on Range Road 13, just south of the 20 and 11 intersection and has to cross that intersection daily to go into Sylvan Lake.
Currently, it is not safe to cross Highway 11 going north into Sylvan Lake from Range Road 13 as residents now face two lanes (formerly one lane) of traffic turning left on to 11 heading towards Red Deer.
What is beyond belief is that a vehicle heading north from Range Road 13 attempting to turn left onto Highway 11 will face a head-on collision with the vehicle that is now turning left to go into Red Deer on the recently added turning lane. Both vehicles have a green light at the same time, share the same lane at the same time and are turning into each other at the same time. This will cause an accident.
Further to this, any vehicle coming from Sylvan Lake on Highway 20 that wishes to cross Highway 11 to go south to Range Road 13 will also face a head-on collision with someone who is now sharing the same lane, at the same time, on the same green light going in opposite directions and turning towards Rocky from Range Road 13. This intersection is completely confusing as drivers are criss-crossing in front of each other and pulling U-turns as they attempt to go back towards Rocky now that they can’t as 781 and 11 is closed to left turns; in addition to vehicles now sharing the same lane at the same time going in opposite directions. Sound confusing?
If this wasn’t bad enough now that 781 and 11 is closed to left turns and through traffic, residents living on Range Road 13 have seen a dramatic increase in heavy haul traffic and regular vehicle traffic going into Sylvan, often speeding, wrecking the road and creating so much dust that it is not safe for my kids to get on and off the school bus as I can’t even see across the gravel road due to the increase in dust.
I support traffic lights, a four-way stop, even a traffic circle at 781 and 11 which would make both intersections a whole lot safer.
I suggest that people get organized, lobby our provincial and municipal leaders and utilize new social media tools such as Facebook, Twitter and set up an on-line petition to send a message that this is not acceptable, nor will it be tolerated. Opposition to a right-in, right-out intersection at 781 and 11 was successfully lobbied against in the past with 2,000 petitions via the Sylvan Lake Chamber of Commerce. I am sure this can be done again with even greater support.
It only makes sense, which seems to be lacking here unfortunately.
Tim Keating, MBA, MCIP, RPP
Red Deer County resident
November 10, 2011
Shopping in Innisfail because of intersection
Dear Editor,
Re: Closure of Highway 781 at Highway 11 into Sylvan
As a child, the trip to Sylvan Lake always presented an exciting moment as the car peeked over the hilltop and we saw “the lake” spreading out at the end of the road. Today that thrill is gone for us and hundreds of other visitors.
Because of the above referenced highway closure, Innisfail has become closer and more convenient from Markerville, so that is where we will now be doing most of our business.
Having just returned from France and England where every village is vibrant with its small shops, bakeries, meat markets, green grocers, etc., it is very sad to see the life being snuffed out of this once very lovely town.
Regards from a once regular shopper and visitor.
TIrene Jobs,
Markerville
Putting lives at risk with callous stupidity
Dear Editor,
The reckless disregard by those making left turns at the redesigned 781 and 11 intersection is staggering.
This is crime committed by criminals. Their conscious decisions put lives at risk, their selfishness and callous stupidity trumping our personal safety.
The intersection needed decisive change, ample warning of changes was supplied, new traffic signs and laws governing them are clear and what’s emerged is a new, unforeseen and serious public safety threat. Worse, the number of violation tickets issued by RCMP to these criminals is high, indicating a troubling acceptance of such behaviour.
Discussion should continue as to how to make Highway 11 safer still. The province’s assurance of funding for Memorial Trail construction means a better way to move traffic within town as well as to and from the highways. Alberta Transportation plans to install lights at 60th Street and Highway 11, hopefully sooner than later. Future change will take time.
But there can be no elimination of safety problems at this intersection — and its nearby neighbours — unless and until everyone obeys traffic laws surrounding them.
Randy Fiedler,
Sylvan Lake
Curling rink or three sheet joke?
Dear Editor,
It is with a great deal of concern that I feel compelled to write regarding the rumoured, although not yet decided, proposal for a three sheet curling rink in the future for Sylvan Lake. Currently our club has five sheets of ice. Most of the time they are all in use during club play and always during the several successful bonspiels Sylvan Lake hosts every year.
If town council were to decide to go in this three sheet direction, on ill advice, it will be making a grave mistake. On the other hand, if council decides to promote a typical four or more sheet facility or upgrade the existing building, which may be more cost effective, they likely would be making a wiser decision.
First the rumour suggests that a three sheet rink would be adequate for Sylvan. This apparently was suggested in conjunction with a larger facility being built in Central Alberta that would draw curlers from all over the Parkland area. Oh! This idea comes as Red Deer is already in an expansion mode. I wonder where the suggestion comes from? I’ve curled in Red Deer over the years enjoying super curlers, a great facility and great hospitality. And yes, they do depend on out of town support, which they get a lot of from Sylvan Lake. The economic boost is tremendous for Red Deer.
The problem with a three sheet rink is only too obvious. A bonspiel usually desires 32 teams enter to make all of the draws equal. With this ideal the ’spiel takes four or five days. On a three sheet facility add another three or more days to complete the events. Very few folks can give up that amount of time which would lead to fewer entrants and less bonspiels. A loss for Sylvan Lake really.
Currently in Sylvan Lake there are several leagues using our outdated five sheet facility. The club is a buzz of activity once curling season beings. The facility is also busy during the summer months housing hockey school players, banquets, meetings and other social activities that find Sylvan Lake a desirable location. These bring shoppers, visitors and tourists into town. No wonder outside experts recommend a smaller venue for Sylvan. Just do the economic $$ math.
The Sylvan Lake Club is also promoting kids curling in co-operation with local schools. What a way to get our youth involved in a sport they can enjoy for the rest of their lives. No slashing or body checking. Less expense for families. Fewer injuries and concussions, which are usually limited to us older, wiser, more experienced players.
Sylvan Lake has also hosted large curling events. Consider the Investor’s Group Provincial Invitational. With a smaller, three sheet rink would we even be given a thought? Not likely.
If council, in their wisdom, decide to replace or upgrade our aging building they should build a proper facility. This would continue bringing in teams and players that will enhance Sylvan. Business, schools, families and the community will only benefit. This would relieve the concern for our curling family.
It might bring in the odd vote as well.
Larry Johnston,
Sylvan Lake Seniors member
MacVicar asked to explain vehement opposition
Dear Editor,
I would like to address the comments made recently by Councillor MacVicar regarding $7,000 being put into the budget for 2012.
Your assumption that the group of citizens wanting this park asked this $7,000 be factored into the budget is wrong. The group on Facebook is a group of people expressing their interest in having a spray park in Sylvan Lake.
Remember, these people are also your constituents and they are tired of their ideas being turned away as if they were simply a pesky mosquito that could be slapped out of the way.
Your incredulous remark about having the lake to play in makes you sound so far removed from the voters, it is almost laughable.
The voters have said they want this and from what I have seen, the lady that started the group, Ms. Schneider, and the group have not asked you for funds but rather are rallying to raise funds on their own.
The general consensus from that group is that they want to work with the town in seeking their advice. I also understand that they are getting a committee in place to work towards this project.
What even led you to think that the voters were expecting the town to put up the money? When towns like Blackfalds can put in a spray park and Eckville is raising money for their own, one needs to ask why you are so vehemently opposed to a project that is not requiring any funds from the town’s coffers.
Please explain this to me Mr. MacVicar. Please explain to our community why this project irks you so much.
Caroline Dupont,
Sylvan Lake
At wits end trying to navigate lights at Highway 20 and 11
Dear Editor,
The lights at the top of the hill (Highway 20 on Highway 11) are frustrating and DANGEROUS.
I saw a near miss the other day, one person facing east and the other guy facing west at red lights. Both wanting to turn left. When the lights turned green they both accelerated and almost hit each other. We are all seeing people taking chances trying to turn north or south at the lights and get across the highway.
Even more frustrating is when we are trying to go north into Sylvan we always have that one guy behind honking, trying to hurry us through. I think we all know we have to yield to oncoming traffic. I’m not willing to try to cross with some big truck rocketing at 120 km/h towards me, especially at a yellow light — you don’t know if he’s going to go through — at the same time some jack?#$ honking behind you.
I believe there are a lot of us at our wits end. We need more police presence and a light change up there before there is a big accident. Also some of us have heard enough honking! Everyone have patience please.
A majority of us work and we all know we must document near misses so something can change before someone gets hurt. I guess since we aren’t at work a few people must die or there has to be domestic violence at the lights for things to change. I know I’m not the only one who feels this way.
Dan Perkins,
Sylvan Lake
Meeting felt like Stalinistic environment
Dear Editor,
re: Municipal Development Plan meeting held at Fox Run School Nov. 1.
What a farce! Open forum?? Humbug!!
The letter sent out from the town hall to organizations, stated “we want to hear your ideas …”
The meeting was so controlled that I felt I was in a Stalinistic environment.
Over half of the citizens that were at the meeting were “curlers”. Not once were we allowed to express “our vision” of recreation for Sylvan Lake. When the subject of a new curling rink was voiced, we would be told that we were “out of order”.
We were only allowed to talk about parks not recreation. In my lifetime, parks and recreation was one department.
We took the time to attend the meeting as a response to a letter from Mayor Susan Samson dated Oct. 20 asking for thoughts and ideas from our organization (Sylvan Lake Curling Club).
I now understand why there is such a poor response to the call for “ideas and suggestions”.
Vernie Munroe,
Sylvan Lake
Heartwarming
Dear Editor,
I guess the heading on my letter upset some people who thought I was referring to ALL youth. Not so. I apologize to those people.
The young and not so young people I was writing about were people who were/are in danger from their current cool? Iifestyles.
Then … I encountered a heartwarming situation last Friday. I slipped on the ice and banged my head. A young lady taxi driver and her passenger, stopped to help me up, and take me home. But it didn’t stop there.
The taxi driver and her passenger (someone I had taught many years ago) mentioned the mishap to the young women at Community Partners who insisted on taking me to the doctor, then for x-rays, back to the doctor, and home again.
So, grateful thanks to these wonderful young people, and many others out there.
Helen McLean,
Sylvan Lake
November 3, 2011
Intersection at 11 and 781 more dangerous
Dear Luke Ouelette,
You are still our MLA and we still count on you to represent us in the best possible way. So I think you need to grab your replacement by the sleeve and come home for a day to watch the intersection at 11 and 781. The engineers have NOT solved the problem; if anything it is more dangerous now than ever before.
I sat near the intersection for less than 10 minutes last Sunday and observed two horrifying incidents. People turn right onto 11 and then make an illegal U turn to head into Red Deer! One of these vehicles was towing a trailer and horns were blowing and tires squealing when it pulled this ridiculous stunt! Some innocent driver is going to be killed because of these ridiculous stunts.
I know the RCMP can sit out there and stop the problem while they are there but the same incidents return when they are not there, so …
I am aware of the long term plans of traffic engineering but don’t you think that traffic lights would be a safer and more effective resolution for right now? Peoples’ lives are worth a lot more than money Luke, but if the province wants to play their “poor” card, I will be more than happy to make the first $500 donation to the cause.
Your constituents are speaking out Luke. Maybe it’s time you got on side with those who elected you.
Ted Parks,
Sylvan Lake
Choking the lake off shouldn’t be an option
Dear Editor,
It’s a sad day for Sylvan Lakers who take the HEALTH of the lake and downtown core seriously … 100 condos, more retail stores on our lakeshore! Give me a break.
We have downtown retail, new hotels sitting empty. The recession is over … people are not coming to Sylvan Lake because of poor management.
Choking the lake off shouldn’t be an option for the future health of the lake or our children. Think of the future not the moment.
Cheryl Maki,
Edgewater Inn, Sylvan Lake
Thoughts for youth on being cool
Dear Editor,
For many months now a number of things have been on my mind and I would like, out of gratitude, without any attitude or platitudes, to send a message to anybody who is interested in hearing it.
To the people I deal with on a day-to-day basis, I care for you very deeply. My love for you is real, not false or condescending. If you think otherwise, then the problem is yours.
Personally I reach out in gratitude, paying forward the multiple kindnesses of those in my life who have made a big difference in my personal growing.
For many of us, this year has been one of loss and hardship, in that we have lost many of our mentors and friends. Although it was time for them to go, we miss them.
To the young and not so young people, I just have a thought about being “COOL”. There is cool, uncool, and dead cool. Which would you rather be? Is it really all good? How about a cool fool?
Think about this thought next time you get on a path which could KILL you.
The Cool Fool
Do we have to be a FOOL to be cool?
Flouting existing safety rules
Till we kill ourselves … Or somebody else …
“O what a bummer”, the fool will cry!
I didn’t, I couldn’t, Why did I die?
I’m invincible don’t you see?
Why can’t you be cool like me?
Just a COOL FOOL.
So that’s it for now. Thank you for listening.
Helen McLean,
Sylvan Lake
Appalled three sheet curling rink would even be considered
Dear Editor,
After reading the results of a council meeting regarding the concept of a new skating rink, a hockey rink and curling rink, I was appalled at the thought a three sheet curling rink would even be considered.
It is obvious that the planners or designers have no concept of the sport of curling. In order to host a bonspiel, an even number of sheets are necessary ie. 4-6-8 sheets, otherwise the event would have to be over so many more days in order to complete the events.
We have several bonspiels throughout the year — men’s, ladies, seniors, juniors and mixed. Participants will not come to Sylvan if there are bonspiels that last more days than the normal. Bonspiels bring people to Sylvan Lake, anywhere from 10-20-30 teams with four people on each team.
We have in the past hosted provincial Scotties, seniors mixed provincials and mixed provincials and and have successfully bid to host junior provincials in 2012. We might not have been successful in the bid to host these events if we did not have a thriving curling club with many members who are willing to volunteer their time.
Facilities must be available to attract people to Sylvan. Two major hotel chains have been built in the past two years; the wonderful park and waterfront, new skateboard park, and walking paths make it appealing to people to come to Sylvan Lake.
Winters are long in Alberta, indoor activities to keep people active are needed. Curling is one such sport.
This year our daytime senior league meets twice a week and has two draws, one at 10 a.m. and one at 12:30 for a total of over 70 curlers involved. In the evenings we have Ladies, Mixed, Men’s, and Juniors. Also, we have a well attended school program for 400 plus children which is twice a week. So, the curling club is very well used and the day-to-day operating cost is paid by the curling club.
There was also mention of a survey sent; I have not met one person who particpated in such a survey.
Previous to my move to Sylvan Lake two years ago, I visited the curling club and was told that a new curling rink would be built at the present site with a combined lounge with the new pool. What happened to that plan?
I would hope that planning would be progressive for a minimum four sheet curling rink to accommodate the growing sport of curling.
Jim Kirkey,
president of Sylvan Lake Curling Club,
resident of Sylvan Lake
Opposed to fewer curling sheets in new facility
Dear Editor,
I am closely involved with activities at Sylvan Lake Curling Club. The club provides a winter activity and social center for dozens of seniors. As well, school children, juniors and adults all use the current facility to the extent that there is relatively little free ice time. To hear that the proposed curling facility will have only three sheets is disturbing and, in my mind, an untenable situation.
I, along with others, organize the senior mixed curling bonspiel in February. Last year we had 24 teams, many from outside of Sylvan Lake and this year we hope to have 32 teams. Each team is guaranteed four games in the bonspiel. If you do the math, you would see that trying to play 96+ (or 128+) daytime games over five days on a three sheet curling rink would be impossible. Ours is one of several bonspiels that take place at the club and each would have the same problem if the number of sheets of ice is reduced.
All of the outside teams who participate in these bonspiels spend money in Sylvan Lake for gas and food, as well as paying fees that support the curling club. With only a three sheet facility, we would not be able to hold our bonspiels nor would we be able to attract any provincial competitions (juniors, seniors) that could mean even more tourist dollars for Sylvan Lake.
For all of the reasons detailed above, I am strongly opposed to any proposal for a new curling facility that has fewer than the five sheets we have in the current facility.
Wayne Moss,
Sylvan Lake
October 27, 2011
Deeper thinking needed
Dear Editor,
The decision to close the intersection of Hwy. 11 and 781 to northbound and southbound Hwy. 781 traffic will have negative consequences.
Highways 11 and 20
intersection
Most northbound Hwy. 781 motorists needing to do business in Sylvan Lake will detour eastward to the Highways 11 and 20 intersection currently controlled by traffic lights. The problem is, that intersection is already gut-wrenchingly dangerous. Funneling more traffic to the intersection will increase the peril.
Eastbound, left-turning traffic enters the intersection on a green light and turns into the median only to face a red light. There is room for perhaps two passenger vehicles to wait safely in the median until either the north-south traffic lights turn green or there is a break in westbound Hwy. 11 traffic, allowing waiting vehicles to cross Hwy. 11 westbound lanes.
Therein lies the problem: northbound drivers trying to gauge gaps in traffic (from the low-lying median) to dart across westbound lanes. Gauging times and distances in two lanes of Hwy. 11 traffic as it breaks over the crest of the hill a short distance to the east, often calls for split second decisions and daring-do. Motorists who miscalculate become statistics.
Highways 11 and 781
intersection
The right in, right out band-aid will do nothing to minimize the dangers of westbound Hwy. 11 traffic turning left (i.e. southbound) onto Hwy. 781, which is arguably as hazardous as having eastbound Hwy. 11 traffic turning north onto 50th Street.
None of this even touches on the issue of how traffic in the southern reaches of 50th Street is supposed to proceed south or east. Go a mile west to 60th Street and backtrack? Or first head north on 50th Street, then eastward across town through already congested residential and/or commercial areas and hang a right on Hwy. 2O southbound? (The route would presumably be reversed for traffic heading toward the south 50th Street area.) Travel the future Memorial Drive, now a rough, pot-holed gravel road with the treacherous intersection at Hwy. 20?
If I were a business owner along south 50th Street, among other areas, I would be put off to say the least. Business will undoubtedly suffer. Then there is the matter of emergency services. The RCMP recently relocated to new facilities along south 50th Street giving them quick access to highways in all directions … only to have the access blocked by the soon-to-be-closed intersection. Does this mean that RCMP will revert to driving through town, sometimes at extreme speeds?
Closing the Highways 781 and 11 intersection because of traffic accidents is like telling Bentley-bound motorists that
there have been accidents on Highway 20, thus it is off limits and they have to detour east to Red Deer, north to Lacombe then west, in order to get to Bentley. The idea is illogical, does nothing to address root issues and creates equally serious (or worse) problems elsewhere.
Better solutions are to immediately install traffic lights at the Highways 11 and 781 intersection. Fast track Hwy. 11 upgrading to freeway status beyond 60th Street (including interchanges and supporting road realignments). Apply money earmarked for temporary signs and barriers toward permanent infrastructure.
Deeper thinking and faster action regarding Sylvan Lake’s growing pains are needed.
Everett Gratrix,
Sylvan Lake
October 20, 2011
Curfew may be necessary to curb thefts from yards
Dear Editor,
My name is Kyle Koller. I am an ex-policeman with the Calgary Police Service and am currently employed with the Government of Alberta in the capacity of law enforcement. I have a wife, three children ages 12, 3 and 1.
I am deeply disturbed by the criminal activity that has been going on in my neighbourhood over the past few years. We live on Hallgren Drive and my house has been targeted on three separate occasions.
Whether it is adults, teenagers or children, it seems that a curfew is something that needs to be explored in Sylvan Lake. It seems that hoodlums who have nothing better to do are getting braver as they attend residences in the late hours or early mornings and cause destruction or steal from citizens of the community.
The decorations stolen this time were Halloween for the front yard of my residence.
For years, I have always tried to provide my community, especially neighbours with an ever expanding and unique look at Halloween.
I have spent hundreds of dollars every year to grace my front yard for my family, friends, neighbours and people from surrounding communities. For them it is a chance to enjoy Halloween and see what is new this year at the Koller residence.
For Halloween, I create a graveyard, complete with fog makers, pumpkins and rats, the sounds of wolves or thunder, skeletons and grim reapers complete with a background of strobe lights and other unique decorations for Halloween. This is for everyone to enjoy!
But not this year …
On October 10 (Thanksgiving Day) I started working on creating this year’s Halloween display and had put up one of my nine foot grim reapers and my three year old son’s favourite (he loves horses), the horse drawn carriage with a skeleton as the driver.
The next day (Oct. 11) my young son asked me to turn on the horse drawn carriage so he could look out the front window and see it!
The children went to bed later that evening and around 10:15 p.m. my wife and I retired for the evening. I went outside and unplugged the items.
The following morning I left for work and received a call from my wife shortly thereafter. She informed me that thieves had attended our residence overnight and stole our family’s Halloween decorations from the front yard.
I have tried so hard each year to expand my vision, to thrill my neighbours, community and more importantly the children around the neighbourhood.
But thieves of Sylvan Lake community or area have taken away from my vision. The thieves haven’t just stolen from my yard, they have stolen from all of the good people of Sylvan Lake.
I cannot continue to display all of the stuff if I have to worry about it not being safe on my property at night.
I believe that the Town of Blackfalds had to enforce a curfew. We should feel safe in our residences day and night. We should be able to leave items outside at night without fear of them being stolen by persons wandering our streets.
Hopefully, if anyone out there knows where the Halloween items have gone, they’ll please return them.
To the thieves of Sylvan Lake, you were brave enough to unhook, untie and pull up all of the secured items in the middle of night already. Why not show how clever you are and simply return those items that belong to my family.
I hope you are proud of yourselves. You have stolen from my family, children and families in your community. Wow, I am so impressed!
Kyle Koller,
Sylvan Lake
Curling club will expand as town grows
Dear Editor,
I refer to the recent consideration submitted by a firm of consultants, on the future recreational needs for the population of Sylvan Lake. In particular, I refer there’s a suggestion that a three lane curling club would serve the population in the future.
I do recognize that this is only in the planning stage. Therefore, knowing of the diverse sporting interests on council, I am tempted to think “council would not support such a recommendation, if it ever came to that”. However, I would not be presumptuous enough to think this. Therefore, please understand that I consider it appropriate to draw your attention to what I consider to be a crazy, inappropriate suggestion, on the future of one of our national recreational activities.
As president of the Seniors Curling League I am so very, very proud to say that we have a membership in excess of 80 55+ year old curlers; some are in their 50s, many are in their 60s and 70s and some are in their 80s. This year we have several 60 and 70 year olds return to curling after several years absence; two have not curled since their high school days.
We curl each Monday and Thursday morning and afternoon between October and March. We enjoy the physical activity and the social friendship that only those who attend would understand.
In addition to the curling that we enjoy, many members are engaged several days each week coaching and supervising children from our local schools. Last year there were in excess of 250 children who received coaching from some of our seniors at Sylvan Lake Curling Club. This year we are hoping for even more.
The town needs curling to expand in the future and expand it will.
Sylvan Lake Curling Club supports a membership of all ages and as the town grows so the curling club must expand.
Take a look at the club programme on the website www.sylvanlakecurlingclub.ca/. If you are interested in starting to curl or returning to curling, please contact the curling club. If you are a 55+ and would like to find out more please contact me on 403-887-8816.
In the interests of health and active living for all ages, best regards,
John Walsh,
Sylvan Lake
October 13, 2011
What happens to police response with changes?
Dear Editor,
I have been following the discussion about the Hwy. 781 and Hwy. 11 intersection closely. I have listened to the news of tragedies that have occurred at that intersection with a heavy heart, and been witness to several close calls while waiting to turn there myself.
I opened this week’s paper to find that a possible solution to this problem intersection has been found. I am wondering though if this solution has been thoroughly thought out.
If the right-in, right-out intersection is put in place, where does that leave our RCMP officers, who have just completed construction on a new detachment on 50th Street, should they need to respond to a call on Hwy. 11 east of Hwy. 781? Will they be expected to travel through town before arriving at an intersection that will take them to the highway, seriously compromising response times and requiring officers to travel at increased rates of speed through heavily populated areas in order to respond to a call?
I don’t know if this is an adequate solution to the problem. Lights would perhaps be a better choice, whereby the police officers would continue to have full access to the highway at the intersection closest to the detachment
Sherri Nixon,
Sylvan Lake
Internet never really forgets
Dear Editor,
Who hasn’t left a funny prank comment on a friend’s Facebook wall, or had a friend upload a goofy photo of you at a less than flattering moment? It’s all in good fun, right? Maybe not.
What is posted online in jest could end up costing someone their next apartment, or even their job.
Today’s Internet user is a global publisher, spreading the latest gossip about their friends, relatives, and even customers, to unexpected audiences eager to learn more.
Most social media users have no appreciation of the legal rights of other online users. And if you post something damaging about someone else, or if it happens to you, it may be impossible to redeem your online reputation.
Yes, there is a growing industry of businesses who claim to be able to fix your online reputation, but our research has found that these services may be prohibitively expensive for many or ineffective, so great care must be taken in choosing one. See our report at http://www.consumerscouncil.com/ormreport.
We should all be much more careful about what we share about others online, and be aware of what others are posting about us. The Internet never really forgets.
Don Mercer, President,
Consumers Council of Canada
Toronto, ON
