The Ramsay Community Association has been busy planning ways in which we can provide low-cost, Covid-friendly, all-inclusive outdoor activities over the winter.

RCA’s recreational space located at 2102 Ramsay st SE currently offers:

• A large pleasure skating ice rink located on the field North of the rink & shack
• A bike skills park and covered recreational space in the undercover rink
• An additional firepit and extra benches near the shack to allow for more social distancing – First come, first serve, available for public use
• Various fun and socially distanced activities being put together by the Recreation Committee *Follow Ramsay Recreation on Instagram and Facebook or check the website for updates*
  • “Ralphie” Ramsay’s outdoor Elf on the Shelf
  • Cross Country Skiing
  • Ramsay Parade of Lights

We have also had to adjust some traditional offerings:

Due to Covid guidelines announced November 24, 2020:

• The skate shack will remain closed for the winter season
• With an outdoor social gathering limit of 10, RCA will not host any in-person events or programming this winter
• The undercover rink will not be flooded
  • Please know that this year’s decision not to flood the undercover rink was not taken lightly. Over the years, Calgary’s weather variability, and the deterioration of the asphalt surface, has made it very challenging to sustain ice, thereby driving up the cost of upkeep. This year, keeping the facility free from ice and the melt that occurs during chinooks, allows for a greater variety of outdoor activities while we evaluate future upgrades

Additional resources:

• Enhanced Public Health Measures – Updated November 24, 2020 https://www.alberta.ca/enhanced-public-health-measures.aspx#toc-2
• Adopt-a-Rink Rules (also posted up at the rink) https://www.calgary.ca/csps/parks/volunteer/adopt-a-rink-program.html

Sincerely,

Nicole Battistella

Ramsay Community Association

president@ramsaycalgary.ca

Be Safe  – Leave Space (video)

Note: You may cross a single solid yellow line to complete a pass, if it’s safe to do so. If you can’t pass safely with the minimum amount of space, slow down and wait for an appropriate opportunity to pass. When cycling, you will still be expected to ride as close to the curb as is safe to do so.

Get more info here…

Stampede – Historic Building Relocation to Enmax Park

Greetings Ramsayites,

Our neighbours at Calgary Stampede will be doing a bit of “fall renovation.”

FYI for those using the Ramsay Stairs over the coming weeks.

Stampede wanted to let Ramsay know that there will be some excavation followed by the pouring of a concrete slab occurring in the coming days/weeks in Enmax Park.  Location is just south of the Sweetgrass Lodge building (and north of the base of the Ramsay stair).

Following the curing of the slab, an historic building currently in Weadickville (Quirk Cabin) will be relocated to Enmax Park and fixed onto the slab.  This building location was approved as part of the original DP for Enmax Park, and is happening now because the building needs to be moved as part of the 17 Av extension project.

Stampede neighbours wanted Ramsay to be aware in case we heard any questions from members of your community.

Below, please find a bit about the Quirk Cabin and a photo.

Quirk Cabin, 1885

Quirk Cabin was built by early Alberta ranchers John and Kate Quirk. At the peak of their success, they owned 6,000 acres of land, and leased another 6,000. This cabin was likely used as temporary lodgings for cowboys working on their ranch. It was restored and donated to the Stampede by Morris A. Shortt in 1986.

As we near completion of the 9 Ave. S.E. Bridge replacement project, this email is to confirm that 7 St. S.E. will remain permanently closed to vehicle traffic from 9 Ave S.E. to MacDonald Ave. S.E. after construction is complete. The west Elbow River Pathway along 7 St. S.E. will be re-opened for pedestrians and cyclists once our work in the area is done.

The decision to keep 7 St. S.E. permanently closed to vehicle traffic was based on an area review conducted by The City, including consideration of the Beltline Area Redevelopment Plan (ARP) and CMLC’s Rivers District Master Plan, which support enhancing the safety experience for those who walk and wheel in the area.

Community and business access for all modes of travel will continue to be available as outlined in this map (below).

Information notice (below) that will be delivered to businesses and residents in the Inglewood & Ramsay communities this month to advise of this permanent closure. I will also be reaching out to the community associations and stakeholder groups in the area.

If you have any questions, or would like to arrange a virtual meeting to discuss further, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Sincerely,

Evan Fer, M.Eng., P.Eng., PMP

Acting Manager, Bridges and Structures

The City of Calgary – Transportation Infrastructure

Merchant of the Month: Tea Trader

by Teresa Smith, RCA Memberships

Tea Trader has been open in Inglewood for almost 30 years! They are currently offering pick-up at the door (1228A 9 Ave SE). Orders can be placed over the phone (403.264.0728) or online (www.teatrader.com). Tea Trader is open Tuesdays to Saturdays from 10am to 5pm and on Sundays from 12pm to 4pm.  They offer Ramsay and Inglewood Community Association Members 10% off all purchases.

How long have you been in the neighbourhood?

Ted and Colleen scouted out Calgary in early 1992 from Toronto, picking Inglewood right away during short visits. We moved to Calgary just before Stampede Week. We rented a house in Inglewood within a day and bought one six months later. Ramsay was the other neighbourhood we considered!

 What do you like about being a merchant here?

When we arrived, rents were low and a lot of shops shared space. We had antique shops, book shops, auctions and the National Hotel. Just like now, most businesses are independent and family owned and that gives us all a common interest to make the business district work. In the early years, Tea Trader received a lot of encouragement from more established businesses, notably Robinson’s Camera and Nostalgic Expressions, who we rented space from.

 What makes your business unique?

We were the first tea shop in Calgary. We were also one of the first online companies having a web page up in 1995. We still have quite a lot of those original customers in Canada and the US. The process of buying tea is just as important to us as the customer contact. Over the years, we have established relationships with suppliers who continue to find the tea we want. We spend the Spring and Summer tasting samples while learning about the growing conditions, availability and pricing of teas. Some teas come from large established gardens while others are from small farms with very limited production – all have their place. Later in the year, it gets cold in Calgary and that is when we sell it!

 What do you want customers to know about you and your business?

Tea is very important to all of us in the shop, we drink it every day. Every time we sell tea to a customer we know that the tea is as important to them as it is to us. There is no right way of preparing tea and we enjoy talking, and disagreeing, on the subject. We love our present location but at some point we will have to find somewhere with more space. Being located upstairs is also challenging for some of our customers and we will be looking for space that is accessible to all.

 Tea Trader stays in business because of its loyal staff, Kate, Joan and Julia – not forgetting the many early years of service given by Paulie, a resident of Ramsay.

NEW Skills Park for RamsayRink!

Hello Neighbours!

Great news to share…. This week the RCA approved a proposal to purchase some ramps for the creation of a small skills park (bike park) located in the Outdoor Ramsay Rink. The skills park is intended for community members of all ages, from a toddler balance bike to intermediate teen and adult riders on scooters or bikes. It is free of charge – but could also be rented exclusively for birthday parties with a rink rental! (Ideal given our new COVID world).

The photo shows a skills park created in another Calgary Community. Ours will be a bit smaller to start but as time (and interest) grows we will expand it. My son has loved going to this park. The confidence he has gained has been amazing and it inspired me to reach out to some local moms and put together a proposal. My deepest thanks to Julie Tschofen, Erin Joslin, Melody Rodger and the RCA for helping move this forward.

As with many things in the community this will be volunteer run. If you are interested in helping out contact me: Nicole Newton (nicolerowney@hotmail.com). First volunteer call will be to paint the ramps to ensure some longevity.

If all goes according to plan we should be able to get the ramps in for Fall enjoyment before the ice is put in. Stay tuned to the Ramsay Community Association website for additional updates on project progress, volunteer call, user responsibilities and rental opportunities.

Ride on Ramsay!

NOTICE to MEMBERSHIP:  2020 Ramsay Community Association – Annual General Meeting