Wabamun  Community  in  Bloom  Club  

 2015  Community  Profile  Book  

 Contributors  

Tidiness  –Linda  Christoffer  Environmental  Action  –Angela  Specht  Heritage  Conservation  –Angela  Specht  

Urban  Forestry  –Angela  Specht  Landscape  –Joanne  Hay  

Revised  2015  by  Angela  Specht  Logo  Design  by  Angela  Specht  

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2015 Wabamun Community in Bloom Club

Community Profile Book ~ Tidiness !"#$%&''()#$*+$,(-(./0$"(1$2#3#04'5$($6*../0&45$74(08(281$95'(:$$;FOR THE PURPOSE OF REGULATING, CONTROLLING AND ABATING NUISANCES, NOISE, DANGEROUS AND UNSIGHTLY PREMISES AND LIVEABILITY ISSUES.” This bylaw (copy attached) addresses the issues of tidiness, order and cleanliness with the Village of Wabamun. The objectives of addressing and refining previous bylaws included developing an enforceable process. This allows the Village of Wabamun residents an avenue to address concerns within the Village and an understanding of what is permitted in this area. There is also a revised Community Standards Bylaw that will like take effect in early autumn. To our knowledge there have been few graffiti issues within the Village. Although we experience the “normal” amount of lettering, we have two programs in place to address it. One is the Annual Spring Clean-up undertaken by the Wabamun Public School. This has been ongoing for several years often the Wabamun and District Seniors’ have partnered with the Wabamun Public School. We also have a dedicated group of folks who volunteer to pick litter on their daily walks and outings. The Wabamun Walkers are comprised of several residents have joined together to have someone to walk with. A by-product of this walking group is their diligence in carrying with them garbage bags and picking up any garbage that they find along their way. Permission was asked for and obtained to use the Village dumpsters for any garbage bags they fill on their travels. We are very proud of their efforts. As well, several other residents and the Community in Bloom water angels pick up litter during their respective outings into the community. The Water Angels pick up litter when they stop to water planters and baskets. We have several parks/playgrounds throughout the Village that are maintained by Village Public Works Staff. Paved walking and bicycling trails are located throughout the Village an are used year-round by a large number of residents. They are all equipped with garbage receptacles and “doggy bags” to encourage residents to keep our Village clean.

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There are over sixty sidewalk planters located throughout the Village and a number of benches and litter containers. In this past year, several village residents have also volunteered to clean up some of the playground areas in the village (picking litter, weeding & raking sand). The Municipality has also initiated a planning program for revitalize our park and playground spaces. The Village of Wabamun started a “sailboat” theme in the signs for the Village about seven years ago as a “branding” process. This theme has been followed by the Public Library and the Wabamun Seniors’.

About seven years ago the Librarian from the Wabamun Public Library decided it was time to clean up the front yard at the Library. This resulted in a number of residents and local Charitable Organizations getting onboard to build four flower gardens, put in some benches, do some sidewalks, put up a sign, get a lot of rocks and generally clean up the

place! I don’t have a before picture, but today it looks like this. And the WCIB has “adopted” the gardens at the Library and participate in a “Weedless Wednesday” program

to help keep the flower beds looking good.

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Many residents in the Village of Wabamun take a lot of pride in the appearance and maintenance of their properties and we believe the Community Standards Bylaw helps to encourage others to comply. We do know that everyone involved in the Wabamun Communities in Bloom Club (WCIB) has had comments and compliments from Villagers and visitors about the appearance and beautification that has taken place in our Village since we got on board with Alberta Communities in Bloom. Our program is well respected by residents and brings visitors into the village to see the planters and hanging baskets as well as residential gardens.

And almost every business and organization in the Village purchased baskets or barrels or made a financial contribution to support our efforts! The Village of Wabamun has supported us with yearly grants to purchase plants for public spaces, provide us access to water and public works support as needed.

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The Village of Wabamun has a population of about 660 residents. The WCIB club has about 12 regular club volunteers from residents and many volunteers who are willing to come together for specific Community in Bloom projects who have been working to prepare for the Village for the Judges Visit. They planted thirty-seven hanging baskets, sixty half-barrels, planters at the Fire Hall, Village Office, Lion Bowling Lanes and Service Credit Union – and a boat by the dragonfly!

The Ultimate Recycling Project. This boat was abandoned at the lake and converted into a Flower Planter.

Businesses, the Village of Wabamun and Organizations within the Village and surrounding communities have been wonderfully generous with financial and in-kind contributions that have allowed us to participate in your program. We have volunteers who water all the plants every day (between 2 and 5 hours a day commitment) using the “Flower Truck” (purchased by the Club through a Village of Wabamun Community Grant and volunteer contributions). Others volunteer to weed, whipper-snip, or do other one-time projects for the Wabamun Community in Bloom Club.

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The Village of Wabamun has also donated our daily water needs through a high-pressure water hook up at the old Water Treatment Plant. Most businesses in the Village maintain their buildings and grounds in a clean, neat manner. The Village recently did an upgrade to street, parking and crosswalk painting that really spruced up the look of things throughout the Village. A paving project for the Wabamun Waterfront Park will occur in the autumn of 2015. Public works were also responsible for the hanging and ongoing maintenance of the stylized plant hangers on two main streets in the downtown area of the village. Wabamun Community in Bloom Club also holds Gardens in Bloom Contest and a Best Blooming Business, Public Space and Non-profit Contest. Winners are announced through our Club Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/wabamun.cib?ref=hl

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2015 Wabamun Community in Bloom Club

Community Profile Book ~ Environmental Action The Village of Wabamun has been increasingly building its environmental and sustainability policies and planning. In 2008 the village struck a Municipal Sustainability Plan Committee. The committee developed public input surveys, held public consultations, distributed and assessed surveys, developed Municipal Sustainability Plan, and will act as oversight committee for implementation of Plan. The Village Wabamun Municipal Sustainability Plan, adopted in principle June 11, 2009 and parts of the plan have started to be implemented. Organic Cart

The village also has an effective Waste Management program, that “Council deems it in the interest of the municipality to ensure the timely and appropriate collection, removal and disposal of Garbage, refuse, ashes, Recycle Materials and Organics” (Waste Services By-Law 04-2008). Along with weekly residential garbage removal, citizens have access to a bi-weekly blue bag program (for recycled material) and seasonal access to a composting/organic materials program. Once a year, the village has a take it leave it swap where residents can place items on the curb, others can pick them up and items no one wants are picked up by wasted disposal. In addition to waste management, Wabamun does have conservation measures. During times of drought, even house

number and odd house number watering goes into effect. Wabamun also received a grant to install new water meters. These devices can help the Village and home owners to conserve water as the new meters are drip sensitive, and signal unusual consumption or high consumption (often caused by drips and leaks).

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The Village has also supported the Community in Bloom and beautification process through actively recycling materials that were abandoned. The flower boat at the village entrance was donated for use by the village.

(Recycled Boat) A significant rehabilitation occurring in the Village is a private sector development. In 2010 the TransAlta Utilities Generating Station at Wabamun was decommissioned and the site is being remediated. In addition to this decommissioning this site, TransAlta Utilities,

“On April 19, 2010, TransAlta announced two donations that will support the community’s vitality and the lives of those living in it. One was to the Village of Wabamun and the other to the Alberta Fish and Game Association Wildlife Trust Fund. These gifts commemorate our history in the community, and signify our appreciation for the relationships that have developed over time with so many important organizations. Fifty acres of land and $50,000 were donated to the Village of Wabamun. The land will be primarily used for recreational purposes along the lakefront, including the expansion of a multi-use trail system and the money will be invested in the popular Waterfront Park. These donations will help people enjoy what the community has to offer, be active outdoors and connect with the environment. The Alberta Fish and Game Association’s Wildlife Trust Fund received 19 acres of critical shoreline habitat on Wabamun Lake. The property has one of the largest colonies of western grebes in Alberta. A significant number of other waterfowl also use the site including eared and horned grebes, more than 14 species of dabbling and diving ducks, and Canadian geese. The Wildlife Trust Fund - the oldest habitat land trust in the province - will ensure the environmental and habitat values of the land are maintained for future generations.” (TransAlta)

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(Wabamun Generating Station (Science Photo) (Wabamun Generating station being decommissioned)

The Wabamun Watershed Management Council is a significant organization that aims to manage the Wabamun Watershed effectively and is comprised of public, private, and citizen representation: The  Wabamun  Watershed  Management  Council  serves  to  provide  consensus  based  recommendations  to  its  partners  on  watershed  management  within  the  Lake  Wabamun  Watershed.  It  also  provides  an  independent  vehicle  by  which  partners  can  identify  mutually  desired  environmental  outcomes,  and  coordinate  initiatives  to  achieve  shared  outcomes.    The  concept  for  the  group  was  originally  proposed  by  Dr.  David  Schindler  in  a  report  titled,  Lake  Wabamun:  A  Review  of  Scientific  Studies  and  Environmental  Impacts.  In  preparing  this  report,  he  realized  that  many  groups  around  the  lake  held  an  interest  in  protecting  the  health  of  the  watershed,  but  that  a  coordinated  effort  would  be  needed  in  order  to  achieve  success.  The  WWMC  formed  in  the  fall  of  2006  (under  the  name  of  the  Lake  Wabamun  Citizens’  Panel)  with  its  Vision  and  Mission  being:  Vision:  The  Lake  Wabamun  Watershed  is  a  healthy  ecosystem  with  a  community  that  shares  its  collective  responsibility  to  be  the  best  stewards  of  that  environment.      Mission:  To  guide  the  development,  management  and  stewardship  of  Lake  Wabamun  through  collaborative  watershed  planning,  research,  and  public  education.  

The Wabamun Watershed Management Council in conjunction with the Wabamun and district Seniors hosted a public education workshop on invasive plant species, their impact on lake areas, and how to get rid of them.

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(purple loosestrife) (scentless camomile) (common tansy) The local community has been very active in taking ownership for the local environment and advocating on its behalf. The Wabamun Watershed Management Council, Alberta Fish and Game Association Wildlife Trust Fund, and local citizens and service organizations (like the Public Library and its garden illustrate concern for the local environment. In addition the willingness of residents and local area people illustrate local citizens concern and action on behalf of the environment. In 2005, a CN Rail train derailed north of Wabamun spilling bunker C fuel oil into the lake and causing massive environmental damage. The citizens mobilized and formed the Lake Wabamun Residents Committee, a committee of local people (from Wabamun and areas and jurisdictions surrounding the lake) to force provincial and federal governments as well as CN to include local people in the remediation process and to make environmental sustainability, wildlife and habitat rehabilitation, water quality, and health actions priorities with regards to the spill and remediation of the spill. The capacity to mobilize citizens and work toward environmental remediation illustrates the environmental concern, action and willingness to mobilize of the local people. Finally, much of the environmental work done in the community comes from locals who invest time, money, and love into this community. The willingness of local people to become involved in our Community in Blooms program illustrates this care and love of place and community. For example, the Village of Wabamun made a substantial cash donation, as well as donations of the boat (for flower bed), access to water for watering plants, and public service labour (e.g. for installing and maintaining hanging basket brackets and baskets). The local business community has invested time, money and in kind donations (e.g. a local peat moss plant donated 30 bags of peat moss, a local green house donated plants and greenhouse space, local business enthusiastically purchased barrels and hanging baskets of plants, donated money, and have held fundraisers benefiting our club). Other local service organizations have been sincerely and enthusiastically involved as well (e.g. the Seniors have donated cash, purchased planters, and donated meeting space, the museum has supported us with locations for our planters, the Lions club has purchased planters from us). Local individuals have also actively donated money, products and labour into beautification of the community. Wabamun is a community that actively gets involved for the betterment of the environment and the community.

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2015 Wabamun Community in Bloom Club

Community Profile Book ~ Heritage Conservation The Village of Wabamun celebrated its 100th Anniversary in July of 2012. The name Wabamun is Cree and means “looking glass” since the clear water of the lake creates beautiful reflections. The original Wabamun townsite was located on the Northwest corner of Moonlight Bay. In the winter of 1911 and 1912 (with the arrival of the Grand Trunk Railroad), the community was moved to its present location. The Village’s economy at that time was largely based in tourism and commercial fishing. The Grand Trunk Railroad promoted Wabamun as a summer resort destination for people from Edmonton. The railroad and the proximity of the lake allowed for the development of commercial fishing with fish being shipped by train to places as far away as New York.

(Wabamun, Glenbow) Coal also became an important local economic driver. It was used for local heating and was also shipped via rail to Edmonton for use in Edmonton’s electrical generating station. In the mid-1950s, the development of coal mining and electrical generation began in earnest. Between 1954 and 1968, a four-unit electrical generating station was built in Wabamun and large open pit mines developed to feed the station. Two other power plants also contributed to the local economy. They were built on the south shores of the lake and tapped into the large coal reserves on that side.

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(TransAlta Generating Station and Wabamun Sailing Club -2007, The Wabamun plant was decommissioned in 2011) Tourism continues to be a significant economic asset to Wabamun, and indeed since the decommissioning of TransAlta’s Wabamun Generating Station in 2010, the Village is actively pursuing the enhancement of its tourism infrastructure. The lake is a premier recreational lake that supports many summer and winter recreational activities (fishing, waterskiing, bird and wildlife watching, skiing, skating, and so forth). The village is bordered in the Northwest corner by Wabamun Provincial Park, a park that provides camping and waterbased recreational opportunities for many domestic as well as foreign tourists. Park visitors also can access Wabamun via walking and cycling paths. Natural History is also a predominant feature of the village, lake and surrounding area. The village with its many mature neighbourhoods, gardens, and forested areas provide an abundant home for birds and wildlife. This abundance of natural history makes Wabamun a prime home and destination for wildlife enthusiasts.

(Red Necked Grebe with Perch) (Ruby Throated Hummingbirds) The Village of Wabamun has no formal polices or programs related to heritage or heritage conservation, however there are a wide range of individuals and organizations who are actively invested in promoting heritage and cultural activities.

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Wabamun and District Museum

The Wabamun and District Museum located in the Old Wabamun United Church, has “been established to preserve, for public benefit, the natural, historical, industrial and cultural heritage of the Village of Wabamun and communities surrounding Wabamun Lake, from the early 1800s to the present.” (Wabamun and District Museum “Mission Statement”). Since its inception, the museum has collected, researched, recorded, preserved, interpreted and exhibited collections that are historically significant to Wabamun. The museum has been essential in documenting the oral history of local people. Interviews with seniors about their lives and the about the community are recorded and preserved. As well, the museum in conjunction with the Wabamun and District Seniors have been instrumental in receiving grants for the 100th Anniversary of Wabamun. This money was used to identify, research and plaque sites of historical significance in the village in the Wabamun Historical Walk program.

(Wabamun Historical Walk signage)

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Wabamun and District Seniors Centre The Wabamun and District Seniors have also been key members of the community and are indeed a cultural hub for not only seniors but the broader community. The Seniors have promoted heritage events both by sharing their stories and providing funding and opportunities for heritage and cultural events in the community. The Seniors have supported the Wabamun Historical Walk program, they provide a venue for groups and organizations to meet, and by actively promoting heritage related activities.

The Wabamun Public Library is also instrumental in promoting local history and cultural events. Similarly to the Seniors’, the library is a central hub of activity in the community. As part of the 100th Anniversary, the Library and several members of the historical society have created a history book about Wabamun. The Library is also a cultural hub supporting library related activities (children’s programming, book clubs, public access to internet, access to electronic and print materials, and cultural events). The library hosts the annual Alberta Arts Day (a public program that celebrates and promotes the arts and Alberta Artists). This events allows local artists to display their work. The library has also developed a beautiful garden space with plants and seating for locals to enjoy. The Wabamun Community in Bloom Club helps weed and maintain the library gardens. The Village of Wabamun annual Dragonfly Festival is an annual celebration of summer. The Dragonfly Festival is named after the many dragonflies that are prevalent in the village throughout the summer and early autumn months. The large dragonfly statue that

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one sees as one enters the community also illustrates the dragonfly’s special place in the hearts of local residents. The weekend is celebrated with a pancake breakfast, a parade, a musical jamboree, activities for both adults and children, and a spectacular fireworks display at the Waterfront Park. Wabamun and Area Family and Social Services (FCSS) also sponsors the annual Harvest Celebration in the autumn. The family friendly event is held in honour of volunteers in the community and serves as a fun night of visiting for folks in the community. Volunteers are invited to the event and their accomplishments in serving the community are recognized.

Village of Wabamun Dragonfly Festival Fireworks The private sector in Wabamun supports heritage conservation. Two businesses, Social Brew and Four Seasons Bottle Depot are operated out of two of the oldest buildings in the community. Social Brew Café is a former church and the open space of the seating area retains much of the charm of the old church. The Four Seasons Bottle Depot operates out of a building that has seen various business uses. It was once a pool hall and then served for many decades as a grocery store. The business community also supports heritage and cultural activities through financial and in kind donations, as well as through donations of time. For example, TransAlta Utilities has offered significant financial donations to local history via its donations to the Wabamun and District Museum, as well as to natural history through its donation of land to local conservation groups. The Western Grebe’s nesting habitat was donated as part of the Wabamun Generating Station’s decommissioning, “Alberta Fish and Game

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Association’s Wildlife Trust Fund received 19 acres of critical shoreline habitat on Wabamun Lake. The property has one of the largest colonies of western grebes in Alberta. A significant number of other waterfowl also use the site including eared and horned grebes, more than 14 species of dabbling and diving ducks, and Canadian geese. The Wildlife Trust Fund - the oldest habitat land trust in the province - will ensure the environmental and habitat values of the land are maintained for future generations” (TransAlta). There are ample examples of generosity of small business and private individuals supporting Wabamun’s heritage and cultural activities. Donations of artifacts, photographs and other documentary history to the local museum has been prolific; and donations of monies, in kind donations have also helped various volunteer organizations support community heritage and cultural activities.

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2015 Wabamun Community in Bloom Club

Community Profile Book ~ Urban Forestry

The road coming into the Village of Wabamun is lined on both sides with walls of green – natural, mature trees. Throughout the Village, trees are seen everywhere. It wasn’t until working on this project that such an awareness of the trees around us was recognized. The Village has a fairly basic policy relating to trees. Unless necessary, existing trees are not removed for construction of new structures. And when planting new trees in residential areas, residents need to be mindful of the type of tree they choose (will it impact the underground infrastructure with roots), and where they place it relative to their property line so as not to be invasive on neighbours either with roots or branches in years to come. When trees need to be maintained in the Village due to overgrowth into power lines, etc. qualified arborists are brought in to handle the pruning, or if necessary, removal of the trees.

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Our Welcome to Wabamun Sign is surrounded by trees -

Our walking trails provide a back to nature experience along with all the nature – birds, animals and insects, wild flowers and, of course, trees…..

The trees provide the background for two baseball diamonds, a soccer field and a small playground. So just minutes away from the busy residential area is a secluded area where residents and visitors alike can play, walk, run, bike – or enjoy any outdoor activity year round.

Alongside the trails across from the baseball diamonds are five or six camping sites with BBQ’s available for picnics or overnight tenting or small trailers. This is right in the Village of Wabamun!

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Walking back into the residential area along the trails, you will see a forest of mature trees in the background underscored with a row of new trees, just starting out in Westview Estates subdivision. Everywhere in the village, be it in the old, developed areas or the new growth areas, urban forestry is alive and well.

In addition, one business in our community, the Wabum Marina (2012), took the initiative of planting 300 Lombardy Poplar trees on their business site. These are beautiful, fast growing, hardy trees that will add a lot to the property and the Village. In 2014, the Wabamun Home Hardware in conjunction with Trees Canada planted mature trees along the 51st Avenue Boulevard to beautify the boulevard and to screen the company’s lumber yard.

Everywhere you look in our Village you will see trees………

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(Wabamun Home Hardware, Tree Program)

Landscape

Parks and Green Spaces

Angel Park - located S of the Village Office

Coal Diamond Sports Park - NW corner of Village

Hidden Park - 56 Ave and 52A St.

Our parks are maintained throughout the Summer months by local students hired by the

Village. Also, we have a group of early morning walkers that pick up litter on their route. In

fact the morning after the big Dragonfly Festival and Centennial celebration one of our

public works staff met up with one of the early morning walkers with her arms full of empty

bottles and another arm full of litter. Many thanks were shared!

Municipal Accomplishments

From bird watching on our shoreline to hiking along the scenic trails that link our Village with

the neighbouring Provincial Park, Wabamun is a nature lover's paradise. Our Village has over

62 acres of open space presently designated as school grounds or for public recreational use.

A copy of our Parks & Trans map is provided in the appendixes.

For more information on specific areas, ~;;"'~~';;;~"~";;;;.~~,:;;;J dick on Residents, and then open

Community Amenities and Services.

Waterfront Park -located at the end of 50th St

During the Winter the Waterfront Park is used for

access to the lake for Ice Fishing and Snow

mobilers, as well as skaters. The Village Public

Works Staff dear off a skating oval for the area folks to have an old fashion skate on the lake!

Horseshoe Park - 55 Ave and SOA St.

.. Wabamun Water Spray Park.. located at Wabamun Waterfront Park, the children's water

spray park is open during the Summer months noon to 4pm on weekends and 2-4pm on

weekdays and closes after labour Day weekend in September.

Wabamun lake Provincial Park. The Provincial Park has 276 sites each outfitted with 30-amp

power. The facility includes a beach, picnic shelters, an R.V. dumping station and a large day

use area featuring two fantastic playgrounds for kids of all ages to enjoy. The Park is only

'-" minutes away from the Village, accessible from the nature trails or by car. Park number (780)

892-2702 or visit ~,~;;;:;~:=,!::;,~=~,e;;;C,:::,'

Wabamun Waterfront Park. The Wabamun lake Front Park was developed in conjunction

with the federal pier and includes a day use area, cookhouse, change rooms, washrooms and a

30-foot boat launch. 3 lanes for boat launching. Recently introduced a fee for boat launching

for Non- Village residents.

Future development plans include, more asphalt trails, benches and tree planting.

Adventurous types can make the short trek along the nature trails from the lake front Park

into the neighbouring Provincial Park.

School Ball Diamonds &. Sports Fields. A number of ball diamonds and sports fields are

available on the school grounds that were developed in conjunction with the Village.

Neighbourhood Parks. There are six neighbourhood parks located throughout the Village for

day use enjoyment, including the lions Park complete with gazebo and water fountain.

-" Coal Diamond Sports Park. The new Coal Diamond Sports Park is a state-of-the-art ball

diamond and multipurpose sports park. The park boasts a regulation hardball diamond, two

slow pitch/fastball diamondsj a soccer field and a network of paved walking trails connecting

all of the fields. A campground area is also available for those wishing to rent the facility for a

tournament.

Nature Trails. There is an extensive system of paved nature trails around the Village that are

great for walking, biking, and cross-country skiing. Trail system - From 55 St and 53 Ave thru

the Urban reserve to the Sports Park and back to 56 Ave, across to 50 St and North to the Trail

entrance to the Provincial Park. Map attached in the appendixes.

Lake Wabamun. The lake offers a variety of recreational activities including: sailing,

swimming, water skiing, fishing, scuba diving, snorkeling, wind surfing, canoeing, ice fishing

and more. If you enjoy kayaking, Wabamun is the place to be. Join the Outdoor Club and

challenge the course developed on the outlet channel or enjoy a quiet paddle on the lake.

lake Wabamun has a long history of commercial fishing dating back to the early 1900's. To this

day the lake is internationally renowned for white fish. But a number of other varieties of fish

also make their home in the lake. Currently the lake is catch and release as the lake has been

restocked with walleye and perch (fingerling size) and will remain catch and release until the

restocked fish reach a larger size.

Wabamun Watershed Management Council

The Wabamun Watershed Management Council {WWMq represents a cross-section of

concerned stakeholders in the lake Wabamun watershed who are committed to maintaining

and improving the health of the lake and its watershed. The council was formed in the fall of

2006 upon the recommendation Or. David Schindler made in his 2004 report, Lake Wabamun:

A Review ofscientific and Environmentallmpatcs. In preparing the report Dr. Schindler

realized that although there are numerous groups around the lake expressing interest in

protecting the lake's health, these interests needed to come together in a coordinated effort

to achieve success. For more information on the WWMC, please visist their website at

Yacht and Sailing Clubs. For years, sailing enthusiasts from across Alberta have made lake

Wabamun their home on the water. As the lake's popularity has grown over the years so has

the number of yacht and sailing dubs that surround it.

To learn more about the Wabamun Sailing Club or other dubs, can (780) 445-4594

Wabamun Jubilee Hall. The Jubilee Hall is the heart of our Village. This 300 seat hall, complete

with stage, kitchen and bar area, plays host to community functions year round - from dances

to dinners, to the weekly Thursday night Bingo hosted by the Wabamun and District lions

Club.

Wabamun Public Library. Services include - books, magazines, periodicals, DVD's, VHS, and

audio books available for borrowing; photocopier service, computer printing, laminating and

fax service. There are also 6 public computers on high speed internet access, and WiFi service

for those with their own computers. The library is affiliated with the Yellowhead Regional

Library System, so "if we don't have it, we can get it. If The Wabamun Public library is located in

the basement of Jubilee Hall.

Wabamun Seniors Centre. If you're a senior, join the dub and enjoy the many activities

offered at the Centre or take part in excursions to other places.

Wabamun & District Museum. The Wabamun & District Museum is closed for the Winter and

our Summer hours: Thursday, Friday, Saturday 1:00 - 3:30 p.m.

Wabamun Arena. like all good Canadians, the people of Wabamun area love their hockey.

Our fully upgraded arena is a hotbed of action in the cold winter months, hosting local area

teams of all ages as they face off against adversaries from nearby communities. Our dedicated

minor hockey group works hard to ensure everyone gets a chance to have fun playing the

sport they love.

Bird Watching. The neighbouring lake and Provincial Park make Wabamun an ideal showcase

for various species of rare and common birds - from bald eagles and ospreys to hooded

mergansers and even American white pelicans. Enjoy unlimited opportunities for bird

watching along the shoreline and nature trails.

Winter Activities. When we're not in the hockey rink cheering our teams on to victory; we're

outdoors enjoying the winter wonderland that is Wabamun. The lake offers excellent cross­

country skiing, snowmobiling and ice fishing opportunities in a picturesque setting.

The nature traUs that wind through the Vmage and into the pathways of the Provincial Park in

summer transform into ideal cross-country skiing trails in the winter. Whether you are a

novice or expert, there are tracks for you.

Adjacent Recreation Areas. In addition to beautiful Wabamun Provincial Park, there are a

number of yacht and sailing clubs around the lake for boating enthusiasts.

Golf Courses. The golf fanatic in your family will be pleased to know there are many above par

golf facilities within driving distance (by car, not one wood) from Wabamun:

Worlds largest Dragonfly

Greeting everyone as they enter the Village of Wabamun from the Vellowhead Highway is the

IISpirit of Wabamun", the world's largest dragonfly. Erected in 20091 the dragonfly was chosen

because of the abundance of dragonfly hatchlings in the nearby fake. The 30' wide insect was

made from recycled materials including old aircraft wings, a light standard and propane tanks.

The dragonfly is also a symbol for change, and new beginnings. With the old power plant

being shut down and demolished the Village is going through a major change both in our

skyline and in our tax base. The power plant while in operation provided a large portion 0

the commercial tax base to the village.

Future Development

The Village has recently purchased 65 acres of land to the West of the Village. This include

the old canal to the old power plant site. Plans are for high end residential housing on the

side of Point Alison and retail commercial mix for the land immediately South of the CN Ra

line. North of the CCN Rail and East of the old power plant site is the old Transaita Housin,

Site which is currently undergoing an assessment on best use of this land.

The last subdivision developed in the Village is Westview Estates.