First, thanks for the comments so far (keep them coming).

Just to quickly respond to a few of the points ... Cleaning up has been made priority by Council (in both the Roadmap to Prosperity and Wetaskiwin Tomorrow reports). And one major effort is underway right now in May (Spring Clean Up: http://www.wetaskiwintomorrow.ca/2011/05/spring-c....

Of course, this is an ongoing effort and any and all ideas are welcome.

With regard to the Welcome Signs, this too has been made a priority by City Council, with some initial funds being set aside to begin the project. The City is working on how to approach the planning but it will certainly involve consultation. Again, any and all ideas are always welcome and encouraged.

I will make sure to keep everyone up to date with these two projects.

Here's a comment from Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Wonk/26652628179)

(on the idea of a facility) "That's a great idea, however, Hobema and Millet need to be involved with the financing. The reserve has access to grants and Millet will have to come up with something cause they will be using it as well."

Barry,

Regarding operating costs, here is what the rec deparment has to say:

"The cost of the new facility will be identified closer as we move ahead with the planning and design process. The current cost of running the Aboussafy Centre breaks down to $5.40 per month, per citizen of Wetaskiwin. We are aware that the mechanical and chlorination systems that are being used at the Aboussafy Centre are not as efficient as current technology available today. Moving forward with design will give us a better indication of what the actual numbers will be. We have looked at other communities that have built new facilities and noted the cost was not that much greater once programming / revenue were factored into the equation."

Thanks for your comments/questions.

That's for your comments/question Kevin; here is what the City rec department has to say:

"A field house has been identified as a need, this multiplex project has been phased as the cost to do all ( [both] aquatics and a field house) has been deemed too expensive to do in one shot. We do have community groups interested in taking on a renovation project to suit those groups needs for the current Aboussafy Centre.

"Parking has played a big part in the location of the new facility, getting the most for our dollar and traffic flow/parking is included in these numbers. While we have looked at many different locations, the current proposed location is one that will give us the most parking for the least cost allowing us to put more dollars into the actual facility.

"The City has identified the soccer fields at Clear Vista school to be developed this spring and will be ready for play in the 2012 soccer season. The City has also communicated with user groups for the schedule of their sport to alleviate over use or even double booking of fields within the City.

"As this is a concept design, the architects were mainly concerned with the amount of square feet and the cost of those feet. Final design will be presented to the public and will have issues like this one [regarding the West wall] answered."

Thanks to both Kevin's -- Gibson for the question and Lucas for the answer.r

I'll look into it. They certainly shouldn't have been deleted.

Lucas Warren
Wetaskiwin Tomorrow
780-361-4416

Facebook ...

" ‎1a) A Google search for 'crime alberta wetaskiwin' brings only a few news results, none of these articles mentioning Wetaskiwin being the crime capital of Alberta, but like most cities, mention crimes. One article talks about a council meeting where statistics show lower crime rates all across the board. http://bit.ly/91yKuz
1b) We live in what most Caucasians call the 'bad' part of Wetaskiwin, and we have heavy police presence here, ESPECIALLY when there are issues in the area.
2) With a population of 12,000, you will surely find a few people upset with the status-quo, and odds are you'll find the quotes you'll need for a biased article.
3) Wetaskiwin is better suited for families than Edmonton is. Everything is within walking distance; Edmonton's public transportation service is a disaster. In Wetaskiwin, low-cost family activities abound - swimming is available for cheap for everyone, free activities at Parent Link, public parks can be found in virtually a 5 block radius from anywhere in the city.
4) It's easy to complain, harder to be a part of the solution.
5) I am Caucasian. A lot of Caucasians in the area complain about Natives being a major issue, but I have never, ever had a problem, not even in conversations. Most of the area where we live have Native residents, and they stop and talk with us while walking down the street, and are very polite, even the young children and teenagers.

I love Wetaskiwin.

6a) We can't blame other communities for Wetaskiwins' perceived lack in development and growth.
6b) Hobbema is a troubled area, there is no doubt; when you have to drive your vehicle about 15 minutes through rough dirt roads just to get your groceries every week, your vehicle will suffer. This is a fact of mechanics and physics. When your car breaks down, you're isolated, and have to rely on others to do things Wetaskiwin residents take for granted. The transportation issue alone is a big thorn in the side of plans including Hobbema residents' participation in Wetaskiwin social and economic improvements.
6c) If I were part of the Hobbema Native community, I would certainly have mixed feelings about an invitation to participate in improving a community which has so many reservations towards Hobbema residents in general. I would still participate to the full extent as I can, since the person I am now is an outreaching, 'bridging the gaps' kind of person. If I had grown up in Hobbema, I might have a different outlook on the relationship between Wetaskiwin and Hobbema, and life in general. I don't think this should stop us from forging forward and making things better.
7) I think Wetaswiwin's business and social growth is a Wetaskiwin issue. However, there is no denying that improving Wetaskiwin will improve the area around it, and the participation of surrounding communities will help make the improvements quicker.

Personally, I don't believe anyone, including myself, can make changes to Wetaskiwin which will please everyone, especially purported reporters of an online magazine.

After writing all of this, to answer Lucas' question, I find the article is untrue, unfair and unbalanced.

I have not been here long enough to pretend to have a solution that will improve Wetaskiwins' economy or the perceived level of crime as opposed to actual crime rates. My current perception is that Wetaskiwin already has a strong community outreach program, with park openings offering a free BBQ meal, Library of Wetaskiwin events where the Native community is celebrated, and other community founded events I was unaware of, or that are upcoming.

I am just happy to have found a city that fills our needs as a family. We feel fulfilled as a family and as members of the community."
http://www.facebook.com/#!/group.php?gid=13374197...

More from Facebook ...

"There are so many things where Wetaskiwin is an advantage to Edmonton. I can't talk for everyone, but after moving from Edmonton, we enjoy half-cost housing, half-cost car insurance. Seeing a doctor in a walk-in clinic takes minutes, not hours. We saw many advantages to living here in the city, and that is why we chose to live in Wetaskiwin rather than Ponoka."
http://www.facebook.com/#!/group.php?gid=13374197...

From our Facebook Group comments

"mmmm... reading some of this made my hair bristle.

I think Wetaskiwin should throw it's arms open to businesses that are interested in building here! GIVE THEM SOME INSENTIVE! ( I don't think I have to $ay what the in$entive$ $hould be, I think that i$ quite obviou$.)
Oh and what is this thing about being the crime capital of Alberta??? I would love to see how that was calculated!
And why do people insist on using negative lables: City in slow motion??? Who coined that phrase? Silly!
If youre not a part of the solution you're what??? yess the problem!!

Bye-bye pawnshops! and anyone else that doesn't like it here... there is no law that say's you have to stay.
And I totally agree with embracing Hobbema and what it can offer Wetaskiwin"
http://www.facebook.com/#!/group.php?gid=13374197...

The issue made the National Post last week; here's the link:
http://www.nationalpost.com/news/story.html?id=29...

"The annual Art Walk." (Submitted at City Hall)