It is with deep sadness that the Crescent Heights Community Association mourns the 215 children that were found on the grounds of the former Kamloops Indian Residential School. Imagining the loss of each of these children is devastating and we cannot find words sad or strong enough to adequately express condolences to the Tk’emlúps te Secwe̓pemc communities and to all the Indigenous peoples across Turtle Island who have lost loved ones as a result of Canada’s vicious Residential School regime and other ongoing forms of colonial violence.

Crescent Heights is a community comprised predominantly of settlers on Treaty 7 lands and we are committed to participating in the ongoing Truth and Reconciliation work. Although it is a small change compared with the reverberating loss of those 215 children, we are relieved that the name of Langevin School has been changed to Riverside School. Many children from Crescent Heights have or do attend that school and it is good that the school no longer bears the name of one of the creators of an “education” system that killed more than 3,200 indigenous children.

Please consider exploring some of the below opportunities to decolonize our minds and communities and to stand against systemic racism and violence.

• Donate to the Indian Residential School Society: https://www.irsss.ca/donate
• Donate to the Aboriginal Friendship Society of Calgary: https://www.afccalgary.org/
• Join us for a Land Acknowledgement Seminar with Red Thunderwoman (email sandra@crescentheightsyyc.ca) or listen to her podcast: https://www.nativecalgarian.com/
• Check out the resources and books at the Calgary Public Library or meet with an Elder https://calgarylibrary.ca/connect/indigenous-services/
• Take part in Aboriginal Awareness Week: https://www.aawc.ca/
• Learn how to engage and support children with reconciliation from the First Nations Child and Family Caring Society.
• Learn about the Calls to Action in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Report:  http://trc.ca/assets/pdf/Calls_to_Action_English2.pdf
• Sign the petition to rename Bishop Grandin School: https://www.change.org/p/calgary-catholic-school-district-trustrees-rename-bishop-grandin-high-school-in-calgary
• Ideas about how you can take personal acts of reconciliation: https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/manitoba/community/personal-acts-reconciliation-1.4687405

 
If you need support, contact the 24-hour National Indian Residential School Crisis Line at 1-866-925-4419

As of June 2, 2021

The Green Line team announced on June 2nd that there will be a pause in the planning and construction of the north leg from Eau Claire to 16^th Ave N.  This is what we have been told so far. 

• The Green Line Board has decided to construct the Green Line in two phases. 
• The first phase will run from Sheppard to Eau Claire, connecting the southeast to downtown and into the existing Red/Blue lines. 
• The second phase will run from Eau Claire to 16^th Ave N.
• They are planning to continue with the construction of Phase 1.
• Phase 2 work has been put on hold until Phase 1 costs become clearer.
• As a result, the Green Line Team has paused work on the planning and design of the LRT Bow Bridge and Centre Street Streetscape.
• Pending no cost over runs in Phase 1, they will proceed with construction from Eau Claire to 16^th N

 There are many questions still left unanswered and we will be following up with the Green Line team. 

CHCA Transportation Planning & Mobility 

If you have any questions or comments please contact us.

marie@crescentheightsyyc.ca

doug@crescentheightsyyc.ca

We have further pandemic guidance in respect of the Crescent Heights Community Clean-up on Sunday, June 20 (09:00 to 1:00 pm). As noted in last month’s View, the 2021 event will look and feel different from past years’ events due to Covid-19 and the continuing need to exercise care and distance. If you can volunteer for the clean-up we can certainly use your help.

 We have arranged with Navajo Metals and our friends at Technotrash to be able to take metals and electronics as we have in past years. The Women in Need Society will also be on hand to accept gently-used small household items; please visit their website https://www.winsyyc.ca/donate-goods to see the kinds of goods that are most needed.

 What’s New? 

• Masks and Gloves are required, as is two metres of social distancing at all times, to which we are all accustomed by now; 

• The FREE Store, or swap meet, or take and leave tables, will not be in operation under the current guidance. We can reinstate this popular aspect of the clean-up next year when Covid is behind us; 

• We will provide hand sanitizing products and encourage all visitors to use them or bring their own; 

• Some residents near the site walk up to bring their materials; if you are a walk-up, please join the vehicle queue and don’t jump your turn; an orderly and suitably distanced flow of visitors is essential to a safe event.

July 5 to Sept 6^th (9 weeks), 30 hrs. per week @ $25/hr.

The Crescent Heights Community Association (CHCA) is looking for a post-secondary student or graduate who is passionate about community development, connecting people, event coordination, and has excellent communications, leadership, and organizational skills.  This is part of the Canada Summer Jobs program – you must be 30 years old or younger and be legally entitled to work in Canada. International students are not eligible. 

Crescent Heights is a diverse community with 25% of residents identifying as immigrants to Canada. We have a strong Chinese Canadian community, and we will prioritize candidates who are fluent in English and one additional language with a preference for Mandarin and/or Cantonese. We encourage applications from candidates who identify as part of racialized, Indigenous, and/or 2SLGBTQ+ communities.

This is your chance to create your own community project, placemaking activity, or event! The Crescent Heights Community Association can support your project by paying for supplies, artist or service fees or honoraria, and your time. We can also help with promoting the event (website, e-news, social media), making connections to community members or organizations, and recruiting volunteers. This application is open to people who live or work in Crescent Heights or who have a Crescent Heights membership as well as non-profit organizations who would like to use this as an outreach opportunity.

CLICK TO APPLY!