September was a very busy and exciting month for the Highlands Facility Renewal Committee (HFRC). We were thrilled to learn we were successful in our two CLIP grant applications submitted earlier this spring to the City of Edmonton. The combined $425,000 award is an important contribution to the foundation of Highlands Community League’s project funding model where grants are matched and build upon each other like pillars toward achieving fundraising goals.
In late September we hosted an on-boarding session for HCL board and HFRC members. The afternoon-long event was facilitated by the City of Edmonton and provided basic governance information to HCL’s new board, as well as bringing all members up to speed on the project history, City processes and next steps.
On Sept 27, the City hosted a public engagement session at Highlands School to showcase several projects currently underway in the community — in particular Neighbourhood Renewal, Highlands School modernization, and the Highlands CL community centre and site revitalization project. The event was very well-attended and HFRC collected additional feedback on the proposed concept plans.
HFRC will continue to work closely with the City and EPSB to explore ways our projects can complement each other while also planning to minimize community disruption once projects are underway.
Another public session is planned for late November. On Oct 1, HFRC submitted a proposal to the Province of Alberta’s Community Facility Enhancement Program (CFEP) for $1M. We will receive notification if we were successful with that grant award sometime in spring 2019.
What’s Next…
The concept designs are not finalized as a few assessments still need to be done, including a parking study and more investigation into the existing utility corridor. The design may change in response to the findings of these studies. Once these assessments are complete in fall/winter 2018, decisions will need to be made and an additional community open house will be held to present a design update. In the meantime, we will continue to research and apply for grants while we implement a fundraising campaign. Do you want to help ensure our new community centre opens its doors in time to celebrate HCL’s centennial in 2021? Then please get involved — make a donation to HCL’s new building fund and join us by contributing your skills, creativity and enthusiasm for Highlands and the project! Send an email to: hfrc@highlandscommunity.ca
