It is March 2020 and I am writing this newsletter during the COVID-19 uncertainties. The ELM team and our contractors are staying in touch by phone and emails only. The regular ELM schedule usually starts around mid April. The seasonal decorations are usually removed as soon as the planters thaw enough for easy removal of the items. This is a procedure that can be done by one person per planter, still maintaining physical distancing. The timing of this will definitely be done when it is safe to do so.
Once the planters are emptied of the seasonal decorations, our landscaper can start to prepare them for our planting season. This again will be done by one individual per planter, still maintaining physical distancing, so these procedures will take a little longer to complete.
The garden beds are usually being prepared during the month of May by 2 or more crew members. Our Landscaper will be working out a plan around any restrictions necessary to safely carry out these preparations. The ELM team will be part of the decision approval. This is also a procedure that can be done by one crew member per bed but it will be very time consuming. We would rather take longer to do the procedures than put anyone in harm’s way.
The physical planting of the planters and garden beds has historically been done the first week of June to avoid any damage to our young plants from snow and frost that often arrives in Calgary for the May long weekend. Any necessary precautions required to maintain the safety for the crews will be implemented. If necessary planting will be delayed if required.
Turf maintenance will not be affected, as each individual is on his own mower and far away from each other. The whipper snipping is also done on an individual basis and away from each other. Should an area be populated with people and it is not possible to maintain physical distancing, then those areas of maintenance will be left undone at that time.
We will adjust our plans as necessary to follow any government restrictions that are required at the time.
The annual ELM and Green Space Open House that was scheduled for April 18, 2020 had to be cancelled due to the indefinite closure of the Edgemont Community Centre. It is our hope that we can present it when the building is able to open and people can gather again. This event is the perfect time for the community to meet the ELM contractors and City ELM representatives along with the volunteer ELM team. There is group of wonderful volunteers who have been working alongside the ELM team who have been monitoring bylaw infractions such as graffiti and illegal signs who will also be present. With our 5 year ELM reaffirmation vote coming up later this year, it is an excellent time to come in and see what has been accomplished, what has been planned, budget information and get any questions you may have answered. There is also an area for you to write down constructive comments that the ELM team review every year for future planning. Please watch your newsletters for a possible reschedule date. We will also put any Open House updates on our web site, on social media and on bold signs. Remember you can always reach the ELM team by contacting [email protected]