President's Report

President's Report, June 2011

Details: Published on Wednesday, 13 July 2011 21:19; Written by Phil Jeffreys; Hits: 256

G’day, Villagers and other readers!

First off, it is post-Arts Festival Time, so this means that huge thanks are again due to all the too-numerous-to-mention Festival volunteers. There were over 160 of you, assembled and cajoled by Dena and Sheila, into doing whatever it took to make the 20^th Anniversary Festival the success it was.

Three of the four seasons visited us during Festival week, but we got away with it once again. People came out in good numbers to see the many events in the churches, under the big top, the restaurants, and the clubs. Thanks to the owners of these venues for their assistance and association with the CVAF. This year, the Festival Committee invested in some grander acts like Holofon or long-term art projects. I think they paid off, and I applaud their efforts.

In case you are wondering, Saturday’s street festival alone had from 20- to 30,000 people looking at what vendors had on offer, and to take in the music, art, activities and the atmosphere. One of Saskatchewan’s great Festivals!

The Festival remains a free event for those attending the many events because of your donations, volunteerism, and through the support received from our platinum, gold, and silver sponsors, the city and the provincial government. We aim to continue this tradition.

Finally, thanks to our veteran co-chairs, Linely Schafer and Marilyn Turnley, and the Planning Committee for their expertise in Making Things Happen for the 20^th Anniversary Festival. Jay Clement deserves a mention in dispatches for again engaging and running ‘The Crew’ behind the scenes who assisted, assembled and tore down just about every stage, lighting, sound system, tent, BBQ, and thing you saw that week. We thank you all for your long hours and efforts through the year.

Hats off to all of you, and we hope you can be a part of this great neighbourhood’s 2012 Festival!

Besides the Festival, your Community Association was instrumental in organising the recent federal Candidates’ Forum at the Cathedral Neighbourhood Centre (CNC) in April. It was standing room only, as the four candidates spoke about themselves and the Palliser Riding. Thanks to the audience for listening and asking questions. We hope to again offer a Forum at the next federal election, and possibly the upcoming provincial and city elections. Would you like your Association to do this? Let us know what you think, either at this website or on Facebook.

The annual neighbourhood dumpster clean-up took place in May, with another great bunch of volunteers and support from the City in providing paint and tools. Walls can be great when they look like Brandee’s or the characteristic murals of our area, but tags or comments don’t really belong on our property. Help us keep the neighbourhood looking good next year: it only takes an hour or so and the area is freshened for another year.

An open house was held at the CNC on June 1^st to discuss planned development on the western side of 13^th Ave at Edward St. The city is selling some land, as it is in other parts of Regina, so that the spaces are developed, and with public input. We are striving so that whatever is constructed will fit in with the area, be ecologically responsible, and possibly lead the way for future design and development in Regina. Input from all parties has so far has been encouraging.

Now, I know it isn’t the season, but we have also had input into City discussions about the use of outdoor ice rinks in Regina. Did you know that the Cathedral Area has one? It’s the Leslie Rink, along Victoria near the lawn bowling club. Keep it in mind next skating season.

There are some long-term projects in Cathedral, connected with Arts Festival. Connaught School are installing a Time Traveller Capsule. This project will be part of the upcoming Connaught School Centennial celebrations. The public art project is also moving along for a major art installation along 13^th Ave. We hope to have this ‘unveiled’ in our next issue of the ‘Voice’.

“Moving Planet: a day to move beyond fossil fuels”. This event is scheduled for September 24^th, a day in which you can help reduce your greenhouse footprint as you travel on that day. More details can be found at: http://www.moving-planet.org/#/map/50.4547222/-104.6066667/10

Lastly, we welcome a new Board member to CACA. He’s Brent Kramer, who stepped in with the departure of David Robert Loblaw who has resigned due to future commitments. Thank you for your work and time with us, David, and welcome to Brent!

And in case you’re one of the dozens who have been wondering, no, my name didn’t appear with the last column. I wish I could say it was a spot-the-typo competition, but I can’t. All involved have been soundly chastised and are taking cut n’ paste lessons.

Phil Jeffreys

Cathedral Area Community Association President

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