Official Publication of the Signal Hill Community Association APRIL 2019

Easter Egg Hunt Saturday, April 20 SHCA Skating Rink The Cookies are Coming

Census 2019 In Our Community President’s Message

Signal Hill Community Association Greetings Signal Hill Neighbours www.shca.ca As thoughts finally turn to warmer times, I would like to pass along a number of information items that reflect continued Contacts activity and support for our goal of building President: Brian Lawrence...... [email protected] Vice President: Laurel Madro...... [email protected] community spirit ... Secretary: Janet Patterson...... [email protected] Treasurer: Carla Nelson...... [email protected] Community Events Fundraising: Gord Vogt...... [email protected] Winterfest: The sun helped make our first-ever Communications: Megan Gatzsch...... [email protected] Winterfest feel warmer than it actually was. We were Events: Megan Gatzsch...... [email protected] happy to see so many people from the community brave Membership: Linda Storm...... [email protected] Technical: Linda Storm...... [email protected] the cold to take advantage of some great skating, hot Business Liaison: Masoud Paydar...... [email protected] chocolate and marshmallow roasting. You can bet this Development: Jeff Laplante...... [email protected] will become an annual event. Property: Terry McGuire...... [email protected] Rink Coordinator: Craig Coulombe...... [email protected] Easter Egg Hunt: We’ve received word that the Easter Bunny is coming to Signal Hill. Bring your kids (10 and under) and meet us at the SHCA skating rink on Saturday, Elected Officials April 20 at 10 AM to help us hunt for any treats the Easter Councillor: MLA: MP: Bunny might have left behind. Jeff Davison Mike Ellis Ron Liepert 403-268-1646 403-216-5439 403-292-6666 Jane’s Walk: On either May 4th or 5th, the SHCA is eaward6@.ca [email protected] [email protected] planning on hosting a Jane’s Walk around Battalion Park to look at the Battalion Park Geoglyphs and their Suburban Journals Publishing significance. These walks encourage people to share Editor & Article Submissions:...... [email protected] stories about their neighbourhood, discover unseen Submission deadlines for this monthly publication are the 10th of the month, prior to aspects of their community and use walking as a way to the distribution month. connect with their neighbours. Stay tuned to shca.ca or Advertising Sales: Facebook for more details as they become available. Pam: 403-880-1819...... [email protected] The ad booking deadline is the 14th of the month prior to the distribution month. To stay up-to-date on all of the SHCA’s events, This publication is published 12 times a year by Suburban Journals Publishing and delivered to don’t forget to follow us on Facebook (@ residents by Canada Post. This publication is also available for pickup from local retail outlets. SignalHillCommunityAssociation), or subscribe to our Please note: the information and opinions in this newsletter are subject to change, e-newsletter on the website (www.shca.ca). and do not necessarily represent the opinions of the publisher or editor. Content contained in this publication may not be reproduced without the written consent of Suburban Journals Publishing. The information herein is believed accurate but not warranted so. Any advertisements, home businesses, babysitters and New Playground nannies, or other parties listed in The Signal Hill View should not be interpreted as I would like to congratulate a community group that has recommendations or endorsements by the editor or the publisher. been diligently fundraising for nearly two years for a new playground for Signal Hill Circle. This group recently achieved their funding target through a combination of fundraising and grants, and are planning to install the new equipment in early September. In particular, thanks go to Amber Denison, Alice Lynch, Lorri Cormier, Melody & Rick Czarnota, Ruth & Mark Watton and Cathy & Mark Verlaan for their dedication to this effort. If you would like to learn more about this project or volunteer to help with installation, please contact them at [email protected] .

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THE SIGNAL HILL VIEW APRIL 2019 3 In Our Community President’s Message continued Councillor Report

Neighbour Day Hello Ward 6! It’s not too early to start some planning for a local event to celebrate Neighbour Day coming up on Saturday, Census 2019 June 15. Neighbour Day is an opportunity to get together Complete your census online beginning April 1, 2019! with your neighbours to build and celebrate community Watch the mail for your access code and visit calgary. spirit. This is a city-wide celebration, with lots of ideas ca/census. The information you provide is used to and planning support tips available at www.calgary.ca/ plan important City services such as fire and police NeighbourDay. protection, transit, roads and utilities. School boards, businesses and researchers also use this important data Pedalheads for decisions that impact your community. If you are We are pleased to once again be working with the unable to complete your census online, contact 311 for Pedalheads group to enable them to hold their popular assistance or door-to-door census collection will begin kids bike camps at our community association facilities April 22, 2019. on Sienna Park Drive. We look forward to seeing lots of fun activity taking place in our community throughout Engagement Opportunity - Next20: Making life the summer. better for more people We’re checking in on our long-range land use and Volunteers transportation plans to see what’s working well and In closing, I would like to say one last very sincere contributing to the quality of life many Calgarians enjoy, “Thank You” to all those volunteers who worked through and what needs to be updated or changed to make this a a bitter winter to keep our ice rinks in great shape reality for more Calgarians over the next 20 years. in support of our community. Your involvement and commitment is most appreciated. In our first phase of engagement, you told us what’s important to you and what will make Calgary even And for anyone looking for opportunities to add their better. Over the next few months, we want your ideas support to a key fundraising event that provides valuable on what it will take to get to our vision of Calgary in funding for operation and maintenance of our facilities the next 20 years, and how we balance the needs and (including the rinks), our Casino event is coming up later desires of all Calgarians. this year (Sept 10 & 11). Volunteer sign-up sheets are available at https://volunteersignup.org/T4MAT . Visit calgary.ca/Next20 to learn more and have your say. Brian Lawrence Signal Hill Community Association Save the Dates – April Town Hall and Open House in May I will be hosting a Town Hall on April 23 from 7:00- 8:30 pm at Strathcona, Christie Aspen Community DID YOU KNOW?? Association (277 Strathcona Drive SW). I look forward to hearing your questions and concerns.

Easter takes place on a Sunday, after Save the date! On May 23rd, from 6:30-9:00 PM I will be the 40-day period called Lent. Lent hosting our Annual Ward 6 Open House at the Glendale/ is referred to as a time of fasting, but Glendale Meadows Community Association Hall (4500 participants focus more on giving up 25 Ave SW) Ward 6 Office Staff and I will be on hand to address any questions or concerns that you may have. one significant indulgence. Other attendees include representatives from Calgary Transportation, Parks, Neighbourhoods, and the Calgary Police Service. We look forward to seeing you! Jeff Davison, Councillor, Ward 6

4 The Signal Hill View SUBURBAN JOURNALS www.suburbanjournals.ca In Our Community

Girls in Guiding enjoy camping, hiking, sleepovers, The Cookies Are chemistry, engineering, campfires, community service, field trips, crafts, songs, and much more. Of course, Coming! they also practise communication skills and money management skills when they sell Girl Guide cookies to hey’re chocolate... friends, to neighbours, and to the public! Tand vanilla... and very tasty! Watch for Girl Guide To learn more about Girl Guides in our area, or to find cookies being sold in your out where you can pick up some delicious cookies, neighbourhood in March and contact [email protected] . April, and please buy some if Sarcee Hills District Girl Guides you can! By supporting Girl Guide cookie sales, you are supporting the amazing Girl Flood Readiness Guide programs we have River flooding can occur at any time, but Calgary is most right here in our Sarcee Hills at risk from May 15 to July 15. Flooding can happen District. quickly and with little warning because of the short, steep distance the rivers travel from the mountains to Girl Guide programs for our city. Sparks, Brownies, Guides, Pathfinders and Rangers are As a Calgarian, whether you live, work, commute or extremely popular in our recreate in the city center or along or Elbow community. With over 375 Rivers, river flooding risk requires some thought and girl members and 70 volunteer women leaders in our preparation. To better understand your flood risk, and District alone, word is spreading fast about our exciting learn about the things you can do to ensure you’re adventures! Girls 5 to 17 are enjoying fun activities and prepared, visit calgary.ca/floodinfo today. gaining memories that will last a lifetime. City of Calgary

THE SIGNAL HILL VIEW APRIL 2019 5 In Our City Events In and Around Calgary Make It! mock trials, Citizenship Court, booths and exhibits, April 5 – 7, . Make It is the funnest courthouse tours, and more! Admission is free. handmade market and it is returning to Calgary! The www.lawdayalberta.weebly.com vibe at the show is funky, hip and modern - very different from your traditional granny’s craft show! We’ve got Supertrain 2019 more than 175 vendors this year! April 13 – 14, Genesis Centre. Calgary Model Railway www.makeitshow.ca Society presents Canada's Biggest and Best annual Model Train Show. Over 70,000 sq ft of operating model railroad Aggie Days layouts, displays, hobby shops, model manufacturers, April 6 – 7, Nutrien Western Events Center & Agriculture railroad art, photos, clinics and live demos for beginners, Barns. Aggie Days makes learning fun with more than ride-on trains, Garden railroads, Lionel, Lego, Thomas, 50,000 square feet of interactive agriculture activities and Children's Play Area, and much more. www.supertrain. presentations including cow milking and sheep shearing. ca There are free wagon rides on Saturday, free breakfast for the first 1,000 people both days, and Olympic Calgary Cat Show athletes on hand to demonstrate the important link April 13 – 14, Village Square Leisure Centre. This event between agriculture and athletic performance. www. brings together both predigreed and companion Cats for ag.calgarystampede.com judging. The event is for Cat lovers to celebrate cat breeds and culture, while raising awareness for Important Cat Adults Only Night rescue organizations. There will also be many vendors April 11, TELUS Spark. Those flying aliens, larger-than- with products for both human and feline use. Bring your life superheroes and gravity-defying space vessels family and explore the amazing world of cats! www. from the movies may not be real, however, they didn’t calgarycatshow.com materialize out of thin air either. Explore the behind the scenes science that goes into the making of all of your Calgary International Auto & Truck Show favourite sci-fi movie effects. April 17 – 21, BMO Centre. See the latest in automobiles www.sparkscience.ca and trucks at the Calgary International Auto and Truck Show. Exhibitors include big names such as General Law Day Motors, BMW, Honda and more. April 13, . Law Day is an annual www.autoshowcalgary.com event held at the Calgary Courts Centre which aims to provide information on our legal system and access to Tickets, admission or registration may be required for justice to the public. Events throughout the day include events. Event details are believed correct as of press time but may change at any time.

6 The Signal Hill View SUBURBAN JOURNALS www.suburbanjournals.ca In Our City Celebrate With Your Neighbours on June 15: Neighbour Day 2019

Held annually on the third Saturday of June, Neighbour Day is an opportunity to get together with your neighbours and celebrate Calgary’s strong community spirit. This year Neighbour Day falls on Saturday, June 15.

The City is once again waiving its greenspace booking fees for approved Neighbour Day events taking place on Neighbour Day originated in 2014 to celebrate the June 15. As of January 1, 2019 The City has waived fees incredible outpouring of support and generosity for block party permits. Please note that the deadline to neighbours demonstrated after the 2013 floods. It has apply for these permits is May 24, 2019. evolved into an annual celebration of what makes Calgary such a great city – our strong and caring The City welcomes all Calgarians to celebrate and communities. Neighbour Day continues to grow each encourages as many people as possible to host local year. community events. has evolved to be an opportunity for communities across the city to come together in the form Visit calgary.ca/NeighbourDay for more information. of BBQs, block parties, cleanups and potlucks in order to City of Calgary meet their neighbours and celebrate where they live.

R E U Y X A P U T F N S Y U Z S S B S X O N P J D X A G W R C Q U O Y Q E L I R X O O F V Z C E J J O L M Z Word A Q I A K R Q R T J Z W P T I X Z P R L S I W Z N V D P E O H M L I C S Search C H I C K L H M I I J L A U J N H A H U M R C F I N D J D F L U I H O Z W D W Q R V J T Y D J F J Y K X C W D H T X P E J Y E Y W Q Z G B M O S APRIL FAMILY BASKET FIND J P E D H T T S R G N X D C M E L N BUNNY FLOWERS F Z R Y H U W S L G G N T E K S A B CARROT HUNT U K C A D L O F A Y N S U N Y Y T N CHICK JELLYBEAN Z U E D W I T G M E K I M B V S E R CHOCOLATE LAMB K Z D N L P F Q B A E G R A B B I T DAFFODILS RABBIT D P Q U A S W C Q L I M X P B V U K DUCK SEARCH O U B S K G D A F F O D I L S M U L DYE SPRING J R C Z C A R R O T N N L E E Z F N EASTER SUNDAY EGGS TULIPS N C I K R Y D Z J X H U N T Y I Z Q

THE SIGNAL HILL VIEW APRIL 2019 7 In Our City City Kicks Off Spring with Annual Community Cleanup Schedule

nce again, it’s time to comb through your garage and Opurge your garden shed of that never-used stuff. Community Cleanup events run from April through September to help keep our city clean and safe while also saving residents a trip to the landfill. Check calgary.ca/cleanup for the list of community These popular events are hosted by community associations hosting cleanup events and check your associations with support from Calgary Community association web site or Facebook page for full details on Standards and Waste & Recycling at The City. This year, the event in your community. The City is taking a slightly different approach. While every attempt was made to give communities their first Please don’t bring: choice of date, they may have been assigned their second • Car batteries or third choice based on proximity to an open landfill • Glass (e.g. window panes, glass table tops) as not all landfills are open every weekend. This will • Household appliances with Freon (e.g. refrigerators, help ensure trucks making drop-offs during events are freezers) travelling the shortest distance possible to save time and • Microwaves fuel. • Liquids (e.g. cooking oils) • Large metal items (e.g. lawnmowers, barbeques) • Rail way ties • Sod or dirt (other yard waste is OK) • Household hazardous waste (see here for drop-off A Sampling of Concerts locations) • Dermot Kennedy: April 2, The Palace Theatre • Electric Six: April 4, The Gateway (SAIT) Visit calgary.ca/whatgoeswhere for items that are • Alice in Chains: April 12, Grey Eagle Event recyclable. While there is no charge for putting items in Centre City Waste & Recycling trucks, some events may include • Alan Parsons Live Project: April 15, Grey Eagle fee-based recycling services as well. Citizens can attend Event Centre any event across Calgary. • An Evening with Fleetwood Mac: April 15, City of Calgary • Breaking Benjamin: April 17, Grey Eagle Event Centre • Morrissey: April 17, Grey Eagle Event Centre Census 2019 • Taking Back Sunday: April 24, MacEwan Hall • Matt Andersen & the Mellotones: April 26, omplete your census online beginning April 1, 2019! Southern Jubilee Auditorium CWatch the mail for your access code and visit calgary. ca/census. The information you provide is used to plan important City services such as fire and police protection, transit, roads and utilities. School boards, businesses and researchers also use this important data for decisions that impact your community. If you are unable to complete your census online, contact 311 for assistance or door-to-door census collection will begin April 22, 2019. City of Calgary

8 The Signal Hill View SUBURBAN JOURNALS www.suburbanjournals.ca Your Health Oral Health: It’s About It is Time to Open Up More Than the Mouth Conversations around id you know that a healthy mouth is also an Perimenopause Dimportant part of your overall health? ver 250,000 women in Calgary are Anyone who has experienced poor oral health can Oin the age range of 37 to 59 attest to the negative impact it has on overall quality years - over 36% of the female of life. Mouth pain, missing teeth or oral infections can population - when the onset influence the way a person speaks, eats and socializes, of perimenopause and affecting their physical, mental and social well-being. menopause are most likely to occur. Many On the other hand, health conditions can affect oral women experience health. For example, diabetes increases the risk of gum debilitating disease while gum disease can make diabetes harder to hormonal shifts manage. that can leave them feeling hopeless and Gum disease, along with tooth decay and oral cancer alone, and in many are common chronic oral diseases. They share common cases not knowing risk factors with other chronic diseases including, heart what is wrong with disease, respiratory illness, diabetes and other cancers. them.

The good news? Making healthy lifestyle choices helps What is prevent and manage oral diseases while impacting other perimenopause, and chronic diseases. Eat more fruits and vegetables, use less how does it differ to sugar, drink less alcohol, and choose to be tobacco free. menopause? For good oral hygiene brush with a fluoride toothpaste Menopause is one day in time and floss daily. Visit your dentist regularly. that marks the day a woman has not had a period for 12 months. For more information on oral health, visit www.ahs.ca/ Perimenopause, however, is a transitional period of time oralhealth. in a woman’s life leading up to menopause, that can last Alberta Health Services anywhere from a couple of months to over a decade.

In The Wisdom of Menopause Journal, Dr Christiane Northrup states, "during the perimenopausal transition a woman is going through a profound transition, in which old, outmoded beliefs and behaviors gradually fade away as she becomes the queen of herself." During the perimenopausal transition a great deal of hormonal fluctuations and changes are occurring. Some refer to perimenopause as a second puberty. Others relate it to severe PMS. What perimenopause is not, is a disease. It’s a way for the woman’s body to prepare her for the changes in the second half of her life.

Now more than ever, it is important for women to take charge of their mental and physical health. Speaking with a health professional, talking with other women, and education is key. Lee Horbachewski

THE SIGNAL HILL VIEW APRIL 2019 9 In Our City Don’t Leave Pets Out of Your Plans

pril is a great Amonth for dogs and cats alike. Warmer weather means longer walks for dogs and lazy days by the sunlit windows for cats. But that life of leisure and serenity can be turned upside- down in an emergency.

“Our pets are members of our family. When faced with an emergency or disaster, the last thing a pet owner wants to do is leave a pet behind,” says Chief Tom Sampson of the Calgary Emergency Management Agency. “That’s why we recommend having a plan for your pet as well as your family.”

Here are some steps you can take to ensure the safety of your furry friends during an emergency or disaster: • Make sure your pet is identifiable. If you become separated during an emergency, this will make it easier for you to find them. • Prepare a pet emergency kit with a sturdy crate or carrier, a leash, 72-hours’ worth of food and water and special medication if needed. • Make a list of pet friendly hotels or relatives you can stay with as emergency shelters don’t normally accept pets. • Visit Animal Services to get a door or window sticker that informs emergency services that there is a pet in the home.

Taking these steps now, will save a lot of time and stress during an emergency disaster.

To learn more visit calgary.ca/getready or come and join us at Disaster Alley on May 4 at McMahon Stadium. City of Calgary

10 The Signal Hill View SUBURBAN JOURNALS www.suburbanjournals.ca Your Health Walking for Fitness

armer days are ahead and make getting outside for Wa walk an easy and enjoyable way to add exercise to your day. Health Canada recommends healthy adults under the age of 65 get at least 2.5 hours a week of moderate physical activity. Simply adding a brisk walk to your daily routine can improve overall health.

Create a few habits to help make your daily walks fun and help you maintain a healthy level of activity. • Begin by setting a goal. You may want to start with a • Get to know your neighbourhood by taking a slightly brisk 30 minute walk each day and work your way up to different route each time you walk. You just might find 10,000 steps a day. some hidden gems near home. • Wear comfortable footwear that provides protection and • Find walks that include hills or stairs to increase your supports the foot. challenge and improve cardiovascular benefits. • Try tracking your steps with a phone app or a pedometer. • Join the #AHSFitFam and encourage family, friends and • Schedule a 15 or 30-minute walk before work in the colleagues to get active and engaged with you. morning, into your lunch hour or immediately after work. Using a few simple tips can help make a daily walk one of • Daily dog walks are also a great way to keep up both you the most pleasurable parts of your day. and your four-legged friend healthy. Alberta Health Services • Whenever possible, walk to appointments, meetings or to run errands. STIs Are a Risk to partners should be treated to prevent reinfection. AHS encourages everyone who is sexually active to Anyone Who is practice safer sex, and get tested if in a new relationship or symptomatic. All pregnant women should be tested Sexually Active in the first trimester and at delivery. Using condoms correctly and consistently can significantly reduce the here is an outbreak of gonorrhea and syphilis in risk of passing or getting STIs. TAlberta. In 2018, over 5,000 Albertans were diagnosed with gonorrhea, 2 ½ times more people than in 2014. Anyone with symptoms of or concerns about an STI can Nearly 1,500 Albertans were diagnosed with syphilis call Health Link (811) or visit their family doctor. Check in 2018, including infants. In addition, over 17,000 out www.sexgerms.com, AHS’s site for sexual health. On Albertans were diagnosed with chlamydia in 2018. the website you will find information and where to get tested. The majority of people have no symptoms when infected Alberta Health Services with a sexually transmitted infection (STI) but can infect their sexual partners regardless of symptoms. STIs such as syphilis can increase the risk of HIV acquisition Getting tested is the only way to know if you have an STI. Testing may involve a blood and urine test or a swab of the throat, vagina, or rectum. DID YOU

STIs are passed from one person to another through KNOW?? unprotected sexual contact. If left untreated, STIs The average human can have serious effects on your health (for example brain contains around infertility). Chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis can be 78% water. treated with antibiotics. Both the patient and all sexual

THE SIGNAL HILL VIEW APRIL 2019 11 Your Family I’m Voting for Kids 5 Tips for Keeping (Part 4)! Your Athlete or Dancer he provincial election is just around Healthy This Season Tthe corner, and our last feature highlights how childhood poverty t this time of is an issue that affects all of us. Ayear, competitive Use this information to start a sports, like dance, conversation with candidates are ramping up in and representatives you intensity. That means encounter to help figure athletes and dancers out where the best are more prone to checkbox for your vote is! injury, illness, and burnout. Did You Know? • Average median childcare Here are a few tips for keeping your dancer or athlete fees across all age groups healthy during this busy time of year: is $1,100/month in Calgary and $922/month in Edmonton. 1. Stay active. Even when the weather makes it tempting Quality, affordable child care to curl up inside! Staying active can help flush things programs benefit young children out of your athletes system. It can also help keep up and increase the employment earning muscular and mental strength in the face of injury. potential of families 2. Drinks LOTS of fluids. Especially considering how dry • Development suffers when poverty causes high parental Calgary has been lately! These busy kids need to stay stress due to unstable housing, unsafe communities, hydrated when they are working so hard in class and unemployment and chronic scarcity on the field/ice/etc.

• Children who grow up in poverty are at greater risk for 3. Rest when you need it. Sometimes taking a break to low literacy since there are few books in the home and rest and reset is exactly what dancers and athletes greater impediments to visiting a public library need to recover and carry on with their high intensity sports. Ask candidates and representatives what their parties’ plans are to end child poverty, and check out more facts 4. Fuel your body with healthy foods. Fruits and (and their sources) at www.2000days.ca/an-integrated- vegetables are your friend this time of year. Making approach-to-early-childhood-develpment/ these types of choices will keep your body better equipped to handle any illnesses that come your way. The Calgary NW ECD Coalitions consist of three coalitions Healthy foods can also help avoid lethargy which can who have joined forces with parents, community keep athletes from becoming injured. members, organizations and professionals, who are all working together to better the lives of young children 5. Wash your hands! Do this before and after class or and their families. We are always looking for interested practice to avoid spreading germs to your teammates. parties to join our coalitions. Taking a few simple precautions can help athletes and If you are passionate about children and their future, and dancers avoid injury and illness during a season when so would like more information about the Calgary NW ECD much is asked of them. Keeping these athletes healthy is Coalitions, or if you have any questions, please email us what will make them successful in whatever sport they at: [email protected]. are doing - whether it’s hockey, soccer, dance, or anything Calgary NW Early Childhood Coalitions in between.

Brianna Thorogood, Dance Administrator in SW Calgary

THE SIGNAL HILL VIEW APRIL 2019 13 Get Out and Explore Alberta 5 Things to Do in Dinosaur Park When it Rains

ur family spends a lot of time hiking at Dinosaur OProvincial Park. It’s a great way for the kids to burn off steam, and I get to exercise my cameras – it’s a win/win! But when the clouds come rolling in and the wet stuff starts to fall, most people pack up and leave this wonderful UNESCO site.

But you don’t have to vamoose just because the weather changed (huh... imagine that – the weather changing on a dime in Southern Alberta!). In fact, this might just be the perfect time for a trip to Dino. Here’s a few reasons why:

1. Fewer visitors – Like I mentioned in the intro, once the clouds start rolling in, many people take that as their cue to leave. These fair-weather tourists will hit the highway immediately, thus meaning fewer Parks Canada people on the trails and in the interpretive centre.

2. The interpretive centre – This place is quite two sees a new variety in bloom – including the extraordinary. When I first moved to Alberta, such cacti. Yes, the cactus plants of Dinosaur Provincial a facility did not exist at Dinosaur Provincial Park. Park produce some incredible flowers through the It’s definitely worth a visit, and is a great way to summer. Other plants that don’t flower can provide learn more about the area before hitting the trails. an equally incredible experience. The hills and AND they have full-size dinosaur skeletal models Cottonwood Flats trail have sagebrush in abundance, on display! With an auditorium and artifacts which produce a wonderful fragrance. Then there from the last century-plus of the settler and fossil are the giant cottonwood trees themselves – ancient hunter stories, you can easily spend hours in the sentinels that are hundreds of years old. interpretive centre while the rain falls. 5. Lunch time – Another refuge from a sudden 3. Better photo ops – It’s easy science – when the rain downpour is the Cretaceous Café located at the main falls, it makes things more colourful. The valley parking lot in the park. The café serves amazing comes to life, full of contrasting colours. The park food (the buffalo burger is my favourite), plus is also home to several unique animals such as bull features all the supplies you forgot to pack (bug and rattle snakes, scorpions, black widow spiders, dope is one I always miss!), and they have showers and larger animals like rabbits, and deer. available for campers.

4. Wildflower season - Now people point to the middle So the next time you see rain clouds forming above of June as the prime time for wildflowers, and often your head at Dinosaur Provincial Park, don’t hit the miss out on the flora of this area. I’ve seen crocuses highway. Just remember the old adage in these parts popping out of the snow in February in the park... – “if you don’t like the weather, wait five minutes or actually, it’s a bit of a contest between me and our walk five miles.” eight year-old to see who can photograph the first crocus of the year! The crocuses seen to be the By Ryan Kiedrowski, RyKie Images & Events harbinger of wildflower season, as after they’ve Reprinted with kind permission from Travel Alberta emerged, the rest tend to follow. Every week or

THE SIGNAL HILL VIEW APRIL 2019 15