Oh my goodness, how lucky we are to have spring here. Finally! By February, I was already getting fed up with the snow and ice. Finally, today we can see the return of robins, birds are desperately trying to find perfect items to make their nests, and our family is already in discussion as to what we will be growing in our garden this year.
Look out for new Ecological-Environmental posters starting this month! I am very much hoping to chair the Eco-Committee this year. I have been working on eliminating single-use plastic bags at the municipal level, working with city counsellors and business owners to make a difference. In our quest for Truth and Reconciliation, it is my hope that we provide educational opportunities to learn about the medicines and healing herbs that grow here on traditional ancestral Blackfoot territory. I would also like to see a seed/plant exchange soon as we are getting our gardens ready for the warmer season. Interested? Please let us know!
Our annual Banff Trail Community Cleanup will take place on September 2. Time to clean out and dispose of any unwanted items and clean out those alleys. This also provides the opportunity to get rid of furniture, dishes, collectables, clothes, and other items that you may wish to be rid of for free! More details to come in future issues, so please stay tuned!
Uh oh! Did your membership expire? Please note that a BTCA membership expires in March. These memberships do not automatically renew. Don’t forget to renew your 2023-2024 membership. Your Banff Trail Membership is absolutely free! Six years ago, the Banff Trail Community Association voted to set memberships to zero dollars in order to include everyone. For new memberships, please provide your name, contact information, and let us know if you live within the Banff Trail neighbourhood boundaries to [email protected]. Or, just let us know if you wish to renew as a member for an additional year. Thank you so much for your support! Welcome to all new members! Welcome back, those who are returning for an additional year.
With the rising costs of vegetables and cooking ingredients, the Banff Trail Community Association offers community gardens for rent, but spaces are limited. Why not grow your own medicines or flowers? Reserve your space soon! Contact Marie Fraser at [email protected] for more information.
Have any kids in your household? If you have a kid between 12 and 17 years of age who is looking to get involved while having fun, we have an opportunity for you! The Banff Trail Youth Council meets once a month and has already done remarkable things for our community. A Youth Group helps foster character, build leadership skills, and provides the opportunity to make new friends! Email [email protected]. Many thanks to these amazing young leaders for all they have accomplished and for all their community contributions!
Want to get your Banff Trail Howler before it comes in the mail? Check out https://mycalgary.com/magazines/banff_trail/.
If you have anything you’re interested in, don’t hesitate to get involved. Our meetings are on the second Wednesday of the month from 7:00 to 9:00 pm. Feel free to call 403-282-2234 or email [email protected]. You are more than welcome to join us! You can also join us or see what is going on every month via online video using this link: https://meet.google.com/gsd-cyzo-fhx. The Banff Trail Community Association (BTCA) consists of a wonderful group of neighbours who are dedicated to our community and its residents. Thank you for all your time and volunteering efforts.
In Solidarity,
Your editor for the Banff Trail Howler,
Ravenmoon Spicer
Acknowledging and Honouring Indigenous cultures: Calgary (and Banff Trail) is situated at Mohkinsstsis (in Blackfoot); Wîchîspa (in Stoney); or Guts’ists’i (in Tsuut’ina) in Treaty 7 Territory, Home of the Blackfoot Nations, Stoney-Nakoda Nations, Tsuut’ina Nation, and Home of the Métis Nation of Alberta, Region 3. We pay our respect to the First Nation and Métis.