Any Dates

[Stuart]

I personally spent over $800 in Fort Macleod last season, I'd hate to have to add them to the list of towns not to do business with in the future.

[zero10]

I personally spent over $800 in Fort Macleod last season, I'd hate to have to add them to the list of towns not to do business with in the future.

I personally paid $116 to the police of Fort MacLeod on a previous trip 

Seriously though, I do always buy lunch and fill up while I'm there as well.  Some events there are 50+ cars there, plus tow vehicles plus some spectators, it adds up!

[Canuck]

as a club we should contact the town office and be on the agenda at the March 14 meeting and if everyone of us show to support autocross at the airport , 50-80 people telling then how much money we spend on hotels and food , may help

I'm there Tom - anyone else want to join in?  If not we have to try to find something local...I can't afford to drive up to Red Deer from Lethbridge.

[NickST]

I personally spent over $800 in Fort Macleod last season, I'd hate to have to add them to the list of towns not to do business with in the future.

I spent at least 1200$ last summer in the town on hotels, gas, supplies and restaurants over 6 events. Not only that, the locals I've run into there all were really great and supportive of our events, it always feels like the town is very welcoming.

It would be a real shame if they turned us down this year, I like the small town feel and it is a good venue overall for us



I don't suppose the tarmac planned at Badlands is going to be ready for this  year?

[nnywg]

I don't suppose the tarmac planned at Badlands is going to be ready for this  year?

No meaningful construction update from them in nearly a year.     Sounds like it's moving forward though.

Rockyview Motorsports Park hasn't officially thrown in the towel either.

Sure would be nice to get the old Target distribution center in Balzac.  Lost in lawyer land for now it seems.  I'm sure we'd cover the property taxes so you'd think there was some incentive in that alone.  That facility will sit there empty for years in this economy.

[zero10]

...
Sure would be nice to get the old Target distribution center in Balzac.  Lost in lawyer land for now it seems.  I'm sure we'd cover the property taxes so you'd think there was some incentive in that alone.  That facility will sit there empty for years in this economy.

That was true for quite a while (as evidenced by a dozen or so unreturned phone calls and many lost emails) but it seems to have changed recently.

Out of desperation I drove by there about 2 weeks ago and stopped in to talk to the on-site security guards.  They said there was some office staff there on week days and that might be the best way to reach them.  There is an entrance gate on the east side of the building (drive around the south side of the building to get to it) and he said that was the best way to reach them.  It was also mentioned that the building has been sold to Sobeys and would become their distribution center shortly. 

On top of that, I've talked to another club who has been trying to get a hold of them and has not yet been successful, although I believe they have not yet tried physically knocking on the door.

It sounds like Sobeys is in a hurry to start using the facility but likely changes in the supply chain on this scale will take some time.  Maybe we could get 2-3 events in there during April/May if they would let us?  The lot looks to be about 500m long with only a handful of lights scattered through the middle with very few other obstacles.  The concrete/asphalt mix would present some interesting traction challenges but that is hardly a deal breaker.

[nnywg]

Good job!  At least we know what the situation is and possibly have an avenue to pursue. 

I was also looking at the Calgary West Soccer Center - but it would be a different sort of deal where we'd have to kick in some substantial cash to pave in return for a long-term use contract.  Lot might be too small, but I'm going to have a lot more time on my hands come April to look around on the map for other ideas.

[JB.STI]

Fort Macleod is the definition of small town Southern Alberta but keep in it in mind that these people are politicians like all others. It is their job to act on behalf of the peoples wants and needs. If they are not informed of those wants and needs they can not act in their favor. Emails, letter writing, and phone calls are the order of business here guys.

If someone could draft and post a Letter of Support Template each of us could sign and send it to these people.

Fort Macleod, AB T0L 0Z0
403-553-4425




Councillor Michael Dyck  michael.dyck@fortmacleod.com
I was raised on a farm in the Pincher Creek area, enjoying the outdoor life and hard work it presented.  I went to NAIT for Environmental Sciences where I went on to work in the environmental field for 5 years before moving to Fort Macleod to change careers in 2001.  In 2010 I started a plumbing business in Fort Macleod and have enjoyed trying to serve the citizens of Fort Macleod.

My hobbies includes skiing, baseball, volleyball and water skiing, with family and friends.  Any free time I can manage is spent with my two daughters and my extended family.

This is my first term of council and I am happy to be able to give back to a community which has embraced and given me so much.  I am excited about moving forward with the town of Fort Macleod during my time on council.

Councillor Dyck's Committee and Board Appointments include:

Empress Theatre Board
Municipal Planning Commission
Affordable Housing Committee
Santa Claus Parade Committee

Councillor Brent Feyter  brent.feyter@fortmacleod.com
I was raised in Fort Macleod and involved in a variety of local youth sports and activities. Since graduating in 1997, I worked at a few local businesses and mostly worked with our family business, Structural Truss Systems, designing engineered wood products and helping grow the company. My wife Janey is a stay at home mom with our 5 children, Micah, Sherayah, Levi, Emalee and Maelle.

In my spare time I enjoy reading, being challenged by those who have attained goals and challenges seemingly impossible and spending time with our family.
In living, learning and being challenged by others, I have grown to appreciate the significant role a community has on the development of the family and the success of business. To me, community is a place where people are excited about living and working, a place where we trust each other, celebrate the successes of our fellow citizens and pull together when things get tough. For that reason I ran for a seat on town council and look forward to seeing our community be a great place for families to live, a place for businesses to thrive and working together to accomplish realistic and timely goals.

Councillor Feyter's Committee and Board Appointments include:
Economic Development Commission
Fort Macleod Historical Association (Alternate)
Municipal Planning Commission
Foothills Alcohol Action Society

Councillor Gord Wolstenholme  wooly@telusplanet.net
I was born in Calgary in 1949 and Spent my school years in Nanton.
I taught in Fort Macleod for 35 years and  have lived in Fort Macleod for41 years. Penny is my lovely wife and best friend. I have 3 children George(Jenn), Bill(Sybil) and Brandy(Cole) and  I have 8 grandchildren. I have been a Councillor for 10 years.

Councillor Wolstenholme's Committee and Board Appointments include:
Willow Creek Foundation
Affordable Housing Committee
MD Subdivision Appeal Board
Oldman River Regional Services Commission
Regional Waste Management Board
Municipal Planning Commission (Alternate)

Councillor Keith Trowbridge keith.trowbridge@formacleod.com
I was born and raised on a farm and ranch south of Fort Macleod and educated in the Macleod school system. At the age of 38 I moved to Fort Macleod. I have three grown sons and two grandsons.

I started working at UFA in 1993 and have been there ever since.  I started driving school bus as a spare driver at the age of 18,  I have now been a full time driver for forty years.  I am a single man with some free time on my hands, so I thought I should try and give back to my town by running for town council.  Managing the UFA has been a learning experience for me, it is very different than a farm and ranch and some times a real challenge. I thought that dealing with the public on a daily basis, and hearing about their concerns, would help me make better decisions for the town. I enjoy being on council, and hope I can do my share in guiding our town through our term. 

Councillor Trowbridge's Committee and Board Appointment include:
Fort Macleod and District Community Hall Society
Fort Macleod Historical Association
Playground Committee
Agricultural Society

Councillor (Deputy Mayor)  Trish Hoskin  trish.hoskin@fortmacleod.com
I am a teacher, professional artist and writer.  My family and I moved from Cold Lake to Fort Macleod in 2005 to be closer to the mountains and family in Southern Alberta.  I was Born and raised in Calgary, I spent a lot of time in my younger years visiting family in Southern Alberta.  I am passionate about community development and bring enthusiasm to my role on council. 

Councillor Hoskin's Committee and Board Appointments include:
Family and Community Support Services Board
RCMP Centennial Library Board
Alberta Southwest Regional Alliance
Chinook Arch Regional Library Board
Early Childhood Coalition
Inter-agency Board
Oldman River Regional Services Commission (Alternate)
Southern Alberta Energy from Waste Association
Oldman Watershed Council (Member)

Mayor Rene Gendre  rene.gendre@fortmacleod.com
CMA, Certified Management Accountants of Alberta
B. Comm., Major: Accounting, Minor: Finance (U of A)
B. Sc., Major: Physics and Math, Minor: Economics (U of A)
DeVry Institute of Technology, Electronics Diploma
SAIT, Journeyman Industrial Electrician, Interprovincial Red Seal

Councillor Mike Collar  mike.collar@fortmacleod.com
I am happily married to Tanya for 14 years. I have 4 kids ranging in age from 5-17. My youngest two kids think I am the strongest, fastest man on the planet.My oldest two kids know better. I have lived in Fort Macleod all my life and my roots here are deep.

I have owned a construction company based in Fort Macleod for the past 11 years. I enjoy camping, kayaking, gardening and bow hunting in my free time.

It is my hope that by the end of my term on council Fort Macleod will have seen steady residential and business growth and the businesses and citizens are busy and happy.  Our residents and business people should be the ambassadors for our town.  I want Fort Macleod to have a clear vision of where it is going and that the steps needed to get there are well defined.  I want cooperation and communication between the residents, businesses, Council and Administration so we can work towards our vision together.

 “There is no limit to the amount of good you can do if you don’t care who gets the credit”   (Ronald Reagan)

Councillor Collar's Committee and Board Appointments include:

Economic Development Commission
Environment Committee
Chinook Arch Library Board (Alternate)
Regional Waste Management Board (Alternate)

[Mkelder]

I just got my SASC membership card in the mail and got really excited for the start of the season, almost ready to put my motor back in the car and fit new tires. It will be terrible to loose that great venue!

[Terry Johns]

I am gutted. This is another major blow against motor sport in our province.

[Terry Johns]

My 2 cents worth

As things presently sit the RDSCC club has 3 lots and the rest of the Province's Clubs have nothing. Although this is great news for the RDSCC it not so good news for the rest of us and in my opinion very concerning as these lots are now potentially going to be under much more strain, meaning that WE MUST actively engage in PR.

My suggestion is that we set up a province wide leadership team possibly under the umbrella of the WCMA who can bring some pro-active leadership to the issues of not just finding lots, BUT KEEPING THEM. One only has to look back over the past past 20 years and it's fair to say that most lots in the province have been lost to either noise or safety issues. Maybe I'm wrong 

Leadership sees the problem before it happens, managers try to fix the problem once it's already happened. With 3 lots left in the Province all under the control of the RDSCC, WE MUST NOT be backwards in moving forwards to ensure the long term security of these venues.

This now isn't an RDSCC problem its a Provincial problem. If we lose the lots in Red Deer we are all done. THIS CANNOT BE ALLOWED TO HAPPEN. NOW IS THE TIME FOR ACTION.

[zero10]

I don't think it is quite fair to say that RDSCC has 3 lots and the rest of the clubs have nothing - the CSCC presently has almost equal use of the lot at Westerner Park.

Aside from that minor detail I agree with your sentiment - we are perpetually at risk of losing any venue and with only one left the consequences of that are dire - this means we need to take action.  In the same thought however, I want to emphasize the need for caution.  The RDSCC has managed to secure access to 3 venues during times when every other club is losing theirs.  I imagine that it would be all too easy for them to look at the situation and see our clubs as the problem and refuse to share.

If we want to press them to share their venues I would imagine it will involve some give and take. 

I am under the impression that the community surrounding the church parking lot is less than thrilled with the noise and commotion taking place there (even though some of what they might be upset about is not even related to autoslalom).  Something needs to be done to ensure the surrounding residents see these activities in a favourable manner.  They need to be able to identify the activities our clubs are holding there and differentiate them from other sorts of activity.  We need to take measures to ensure that they recognize our clubs as legitimate entities holding safe and educational events that act in the best interests of people from their communities.  They need an avenue to voice their concerns and to feel like they are being respected.

As for Penhold airport, I'm under the impression they are getting less willing to rent the facility as the years go by but I have no idea why that is.  If any push is to be made there we need to understand the concerns and make sure to address them properly.

While we're talking about venues, I would also like to open up some method of discussing and strategizing about potential Calgary venues but I'm not sure where to start.  I don't quite feel like it is suitable for open-to-the-whole-world type discussion given some of the details, but it also requires the engagement of many people between our two clubs.  While it could easily look like this is mostly the CSCC's problem and not necessarily for this forum we are all in this together.  I have been investigating some potential venues and have quite a lot to share but also require a fair bit of help.

[NickST]

Calgary venue would sure be nice


I found a great lot on Googlemaps recently... giant lot, far away from everything, and looks like it doesn't get much use

Go to googlemaps and type in "Eleven Points Logsitics", then flip it to Earth and the lot is just to the SW of the pin


Was doing some research... this is why such a massive lot isn't used

Eleven Points Logistics (EPL)
Most Canadians have probably never heard of this company but EPL provided Target Canada with essential supporting services for Target’s distribution network that replenishes inventory to the stores. Eleven Points is a third party logistics (3PL) company that was created by its U.S parent company Genco for the sole purpose of operating Target’s three distribution centres across Canada. This means that EPL is responsible for managing the distribution operations and the labour force within the following distribution centres:

a. Cornwall, Ont: Target constructed a brand new state of the art 1.35 million-sq.-ft. regional distribution centre to support 41 stores in Eastern Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, P.E.I., and Newfoundland.
b. Milton, Ont.: Target constructed a similar 1.32 million square foot regional distribution center to support 45 stores in Ontario west of about Kingston.
c. Balzac, Alta.: Target constructed a new 1.30 million square foot regional distribution center to 46 service stores from Vancouver to Winnipeg.
With the downfall of Target Canada, the Eleven Points Logistics business is essentially out of business since Target was their main customer, if not their only raison d’etre. Our figures indicate 1, 250 Canadians will lose their jobs once Target’s supporting distribution centres are expected to close around in April.

[Terry Johns]

The leadership of the RDSCC have done a great job in securing the 3 lots. But as Iv'e said keeping these lots will require pro-active leadership. As I understand it no PR work has been done by the RDSCC in and around the Crossroads Church site although the chairman has told me that they do have a PR guy at all events if an issue arises, I personally think a more pro active approach is required if we are to keep the local community sweet.

Dealing with problems when they arise isn't leadership. The stakes are now getting very high, if we want to keep these lots WE MUST ACT. I suggest we get a consortium of pro active leaders from all three clubs and get a date in the day planner to meet and discuss how we move forward.

In the end we only need 1 person in and around the Crossroads lot who has any type of clout with the churches leadership and we could potentially lose the lot. In the end the church aren't charging for the use of this lot so if they start getting heat from the locals who they are wanting to reach out to they will shut it down and we will be history.

[zero10]

Calgary venue would sure be nice


I found a great lot on Googlemaps recently... giant lot, far away from everything, and looks like it doesn't get much use

Go to googlemaps and type in "Eleven Points Logsitics", then flip it to Earth and the lot is just to the SW of the pin


Was doing some research... this is why such a massive lot isn't used

I was also working on trying to secure this facility - for a while it was lost in lawyer land, nobody would answer my phone calls or respond to my emails, visiting the site just led to confused security guards and no useful information. 

At some point in the last month or two Sobeys seems to have acquired the building, at least now there is a name to it.  The security guard told me to come back on a weekday (as I stopped by on a Sunday just to show the facility to my wife) because there would be people in the office that I could speak to about renting the place, but that Sobeys owns it now and he thinks they want to start using it as quickly as possible.

I think this facility deserves another look but it's likely a very short time before it's in operation so we should do what we can before it's gone.