Regina 2016 - Healthy Communities: Harvesting the Benefits

Your Are Invited!

YOU’ARE INVITED! Who Are We?

Saskatchewan Parks and Recreation Association

Communities in Bloom

SPRA’s strong membership network represents over 400 communities and partners province wide. SPRA provides a provincial voice that allows its members to promote and facilitate parks, recreation and leisure opportunities throughout Saskatchewan. We are committed to representing not only our members but also the citizens of the province as a whole.

The program began in 1995 with 29 Canadian communities and has grown to improve the quality of life in hundreds of participating communities in the provincial, national and international editions.

Our Event

Our Theme

The Saskatchewan Parks and Recreation Association (SPRA) is a non-profit member-based organization whose purpose is to promote, develop and facilitate parks and recreation opportunities throughout the province. We are recognized as the provincial umbrella organization representing parks and recreation in Saskatchewan and manage the Recreation Section of the Saskatchewan Lotteries Trust Fund for Sport, Culture and Recreation.

Join us for the Saskatchewan Parks and Recreation Association's Annual Conference, hosted in conjunction with the Communities in Bloom National Symposium on Parks and Grounds and National & International Awards Ceremonies. SPRA and Communities in Bloom are very proud to be offering this joint event, themed Healthy Communities – Harvesting the Benefits this October.

What can you expect?

■ National caliber keynotes and presenters that showcase Saskatchewan while also discussing nation wide topics.

■ Opportunities to connect with colleagues and experts from across the country.

■ Timely learning in the areas of active living, partnerships, sustainable communities and strengthening the network.

■ Entertaining social events every evening.

Join us for a fun and informative experience. You will leave with a wealth of new resources and techniques to take back to your communities!

Communities in Bloom is a Canadian non-profit organization committed to fostering civic pride, environmental responsibility and beautification through community participation and the challenge of a national program, with focus on enhancing green spaces in communities.

National beautification programs have flourished in Europe – including Great Britain, France and Ireland – for decades, and were the inspiration for Communities in Bloom.

Our event Host Committee dedicated a significant amount of time to developing a theme that would be significant to all delegates. Healthy Communities was identified as a current trend that reaches all sectors of society. The provincial, national and international focus of Healthy Communities is a topic of importance to everyone from recreation and parks to health to government and more. Equally important to our host committee was the showcase of Saskatchewan. ‘Harvesting the Benefits’ was coined as it features the importance of Saskatchewan’s agricultural background and culture while also functioning as a metaphor for the importance of realizing the benefits of healthy communities.

Healthy Communities: Harvesting the Benefits captures the importance of parks and recreation services to the overall wellbeing of society. The theme is supported through four Event pillars: Active Living, Partnerships, Sustainable Communities and Strengthening the Network. Close linkage to the Framework for Recreation in Canada 2015: Pathways to Wellbeing is realized throughout the event theme.

Keynote Dr. Julie Kryzanowski Dr. Kryzanowski is a Deputy Medical Health Officer for the Saskatoon Health Region. She received her medical degree from Queen’s University, a Master of Science degree in Community Health Sciences from the University of Calgary and is a Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada - with certification in the specialty of Public Health and Preventive Medicine.

In the Saskatoon Health Region, Dr. Kryzanowski is the MHO responsible for the Health Promotion Department, the Provincial Tuberculosis Program and the Public Health Observatory. She has a strong interest in promoting health equity within public health and across the health region.

EVENT KEYNOTES Keynote Greg Johnson Greg Johnson, one of North America’s top professional storm-chasers and severe weather experts, is also an accomplished photographer, speaker, author, workshop leader and recently, a television personality with the CMT series, Tornado Hunters. After graduating from Acadia University and building a successful communications, marketing and advertising firm from the ground up, Greg decided it was time to devote himself full-time to pursuing his passion for capturing nature’s most beautiful and deadly displays of severe weather. Greg has put over 200,000 kms on his Tornado Truck, intercepting and documenting hundreds of storms since 2011.

Greg’s skills are now being retained by the outdoor festival industry as he assists organizers in assessing sudden and severe weather risks.

He also lends his knowledge to organizations who wish to educate their outdoor working crews on severe weather safety and protocol. Greg is the author of Blown Away, A Year through the Lens of The Tornado Hunter, and is a firm believer in the Bucket List philosophy. His mission is to inspire others to chase their passions, while sharing and teaching the lessons he has learned from pursuing his. Greg enjoys life at home in Regina, Saskatchewan spending time with his three children, and of course - cheering for his beloved Saskatchewan Roughriders.

Ceremony

SCHEDULE AT A GLANCE TIME

EVENT

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 26 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Pre-Event Session - Strengthening Children’s Mental Health

7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Pre-Event Social - Come Out and Have Some Fun!

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 27 8:30 a.m.

Registration Desk Opens

9:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

Pre-Event Sessions - Communities in Bloom Presents: Canadian Greenspaces

12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Lunch and Greetings

1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Opening Keynote: Dr. Julie Kryzanowski SPRA Round Table (SPRA Members Only) Concurrent Sessions

2:15 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Parkland and Trail Acquisition: Strategies for Success The Importance of Community Gateways Food Forest Gardens

3:30 p.m. - 3:45 p.m.

Refreshment Break Concurrent Sessions Community Coffee Shop – What Can You Learn?

Inclusive and Natural Play

3:45 p.m. - 5:15 p.m.

Maintaining and Motivating a Strong Team of Volunteers Canadian Landscape Standards Presented with Our Downtown: How Are the Trees?

Engaging Newcomers in Recreation, Sport & Leisure Risk and Recreational Lands

5:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.

Commercial Trade Show

6:00 p.m. - 11:30 p.m.

Parks and RecFest

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 28 8:00 a.m.

Registration Desk Opens

8:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.

Full Breakfast Concurrent Sessions Not ‘One Size Fits All’: Addressing Children’s Needs in Emergency Preparedness Planning Heritage Conservation in Your Community

9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.

Sustainable Fund Development: Community Foundations Staying Upbeat in Busy Times Assessing Risk in Recreation Facilities Effective Communication with Your Council: Selling Energy Management Projects

10:00 a.m. - 10:15 a.m.

Refreshment Break SPRA AGM (SPRA Members Only)

10:15 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

Involving Youth in Gardening

11:45 a.m. - 12:45 p.m.

Lunch

Technical Visits and Bagged Lunch

Concurrent Sessions 12:45 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Yardstick – Do Your Parks Measure Up? National Recreation Framework

2:00 p.m. - 2:15 p.m.

Refreshment Break Technical Visits

Concurrent Sessions 2:15 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Ecomuseums: A Sense of Place Engaging Youth in Saskatchewan: A Panel Discussion

3:30 p.m. - 4:45 p.m.

6:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

9:00 p.m. - 1:00 a.m.

Free Time Gala and Showcase - Cocktails SPRA Awards Gala

Communities in Bloom Showcase Dinner Entertainment

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 29 8:30 a.m.

Registration Desk Opens

8:30 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.

Continental Breakfast Concurrent Sessions Communities in Bloom Town Hall Meeting and International Presentations

9:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.

Disc Golf for Parks Healthy Food Environments in Recreation Settings Age Friendly Communities

10:30 a.m. - 11:15 a.m.

Brunch

11:15 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Closing Keynote: Greg Johnson and Door Prize

Stick around for even more fun!

3:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.

Communities in Bloom National and International Awards Ceremonies

5:30 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Cocktails

6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Communities in Bloom Awards Ceremonies Banquet and Entertainment

COMMUNITY EXHIBITS

Booth Setup: Wednesday evening and Thursday morning Booth Tear Down: Saturday afternoon Showcase your community during the event! This is an opportunity for all delegates to showcase their communities and learn from each other. Be sure to register for your booth early, as space is limited. See the enclosed Registration Form.

Note: Community Exhibit booths will include a table and two chairs. Electricity is not available. This area will be open to the general public for the duration of the event.

Your Are Invited!

SESSION DESCRIPTIONS WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 26 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Pre-Event Session Strengthening Children’s Mental Health

Facilitators: Heidi Carl - Boys and Girls Clubs of Saskatoon and HIGH FIVE® Master Trainer Cost: $32 per participant, plus GST (includes lunch) This one-day training is supportive to organizations offering recreation, sport or cultural programming for children ages 6 to 12, and who want to further support their staff in promoting positive mental health for children. At the completion of this training, participants will learn key concepts and factors that affect children’s mental health. This training will also provide tools and offer activities to use with staff to promote positive mental health and respond appropriately to children with challenges and/or mental health conditions.

Audience: Coaches, Counsellors, Recreation Program Supervisors and Managers, Teachers, Health Care Professionals

7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Pre-Event Social

If you are coming in a day early, be sure to join us at the Pre-Event Social for some great networking. Details on the event will be provided at the registration table upon arrival.

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 27

9:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

Pre-Event Sessions Communities in Bloom Presents: Canadian Greenspaces Communities in Bloom is proud to present a pre-event session focused on three core components of the Parks Sector: Green Infrastructure, New and Innovative Plant Material, and Floral Displays.

Three sessions will be delivered as follows:

Green Infrastructure: Rain Barrels to Wetlands

Presented by Scatliff+Miller+Murray Landscape Architects and Planners This session aims to provide an overview of what is meant by Green Infrastructure and how communities can benefit from rain gardens, bio swales, wetlands, green roofs and permeable landscapes. In the past 100 years, we have moved water from a site in a city through underground storm management practices and recently have asked questions on whether these practices are serving us well or need to be re-examined. The presentation will show examples of projects that have used green infrastructure and how one might measure success.

We will showcase the work of Scatliff+Miller+Murray as well as the work of others who are engaged in the work of sustainable landscapes. The presentation will cover large subdivision projects but also modest projects that smaller communities can consider.

New and Innovative Plant Material for Canadian Gardens and Parks

Presented by Brian Minter Brian began sharing his passion for plants with British Columbia’s gardeners when in 1972, he and his wife Faye purchased a family garden shop that had been part of Chilliwack’s community since 1957.

Together they evolved a small business into an innovative destination garden store on 30 acres, growing the newest and most fabulous trendy plants. Brian is an international speaker and a broadcaster on both CBC and BBC in Britain, as well as a garden writer and author.

In 2014, he was awarded the highest honours by the Garden Writers’ Association and the Perennial Plant Association in the US. Brian is passionate about the changing reality of plants and how they are playing a more important role for our planet and in people’s lives.

Brian will share his enthusiasm and knowledge of plants and provide information on new plant material and innovative plant selection for our gardens.

Floral Displays: A Wascana Centre Authority Approach

Presented by Wascana Centre Authority Wascana Centre Authority is one of North America’s largest Urban Parks. Comprised of 930 hectares in the heart of Regina, the park authority was established by an act of the Saskatchewan Legislature, The Wascana Centre Act, in 1962. Although the park authority has many different operation priorities, this presentation will focus on the Centre’s floral displays. One of the largest floral programs in Saskatchewan, Wascana Centre Authority greenhouses produces material for floral displays within the Authority’s land area while also raising material for the City of Regina. Outstanding landscaping can be found throughout Wascana Park, including the Queen Elizabeth II Gardens.

Situated north of the Saskatchewan Legislative Building, the gardens underwent a $1.3 Million upgrade in 2012 which included new lighting, fully accessible paved pathways to highlight the floral beds, new Tyndall Stone benches, interpretive signage, improved irrigation and renewed perimeter landscaping.

12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Lunch and Greetings

Come for lunch and the exciting kickoff of the 2016 Healthy Communities: Harvesting the Benefits event!

1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Keynote: Dr. Julie Kryzanowski

Natural Happiness: The Relationship Between Our Environment and Public Health Canadians spend more than 90% of their time indoors. Despite or because of this reality, for many, parks are essential for recreation, leisure and happiness. Directly and indirectly, our built and natural environments affect the health of individuals, communities and entire populations. Over the past century, as expanded public health measures largely resulted in the replacement of infectious diseases by chronic diseases, its environmental focus turned from epidemics and improved sanitation to human behaviour and the promotion of healthy lifestyles. Now, nearly thirty years after public health embraced a population health approach, its focus has broadened to include all social, economic and environmental factors that affect health and the development of strategies and policies to improve well-being, human development and quality of life. This presentation draws from perspectives and latest findings in mind-body medicine, positive psychology and population health promotion to show why parks and natural environments matter – perhaps now, more than ever.

2:15 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.

SPRA Round Table (SPRA Members Only)

Take advantage of the opportunity to discuss items of interest or concern with the SPRA Board of Directors and staff. Listen to the Candidate Speeches to help you decide your vote for the vacant SPRA Board of Directors positions.

2:15 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Concurrent Sessions Parkland and Trail Acquisition: Strategies for Success

Presented by Robert Orland of Orland Conservancy Municipalities are rapidly realizing the need to preserve and protect high value greenspace in urban environments. These greenspace features not only benefit the natural landscape but also the residents who hike, play and appreciate. This ‘Building Block for the Next Generation’ is being accomplished through the proactive acquisition of parkland and trail systems. Strategies for land acquisition, integrated projects between planning, parks and recreation departments, examples of regional land securement models and municipalities working together with local conservation groups will be discussed. The importance of creating land securement strategies and standardized policies to strategically spend tax dollars will also be reviewed. Leveraged funding models and lessons learned by Orland Conservation will be showcased from projects across Ontario.

The Importance of Community Gateways

Presented by Scatliff+Miller+Murray Landscape Architects and Planners We travel to ancient cities and find gateways everywhere. They were the entrances to fortified towns and over time became those special places of coming and going. All gateways have the same function: they mark the point where a path crosses a boundary and help maintain the boundary. Fast forward to 2016 and you will find Gateways and Wayfinding has its own board on Pinterest. And yet other websites and forums discuss how gateways contribute to the importance of public space and can act as placemakers. In this session, we will discuss community gateways, their role in a community and what makes them successful.

Food Forest Gardens

Presented by a Community Panel Food Forest Gardens are defined as low maintenance sustainable plant-based food production and agroforestry systems that incorporate fruit and nut trees, shrubs, herbs, vines, vegetables and more which are directly useful to humans. In this community presentation, explore how three communities have approached the Food Forest Garden concept as several unique community garden and urban orchard projects are discussed. Each community project has been implemented through vastly different methods, however each project has yielded great results for the local community.

3:30 p.m. - 3:45 p.m.

Refreshment Break 3:45 p.m. - 5:15 p.m.

Concurrent Sessions Community Coffee Shop – What Can You Learn?

Presented by a Community Panel The local coffee shop is one of the best places to learn about what’s going on in your town. Through this concept, this session will present a variety of community projects and the processes of making them successful in your community. Topics discussed will include trail systems, spray parks, skate parks, park development and more. What do you need to know before you undertake one of these projects in your community? Attend and be prepared to discuss your community’s situation and learn about projects completed in other communities.

Inclusive and Natural Play

Presented by Jennie Sumrell of PlayCore Presented by an Early Childhood Education professional and based on independent research with play scholars and educational institutes, this session will touch on topics such as inclusive play, bringing learning outdoors, engaging children with nature, promoting physical activity and the developmental benefits of play. How can we develop best practice programs to support play and recreation initiatives, provide continuing education through a variety of professional development events, and help communities advocate for play across the nation?

Maintaining and Motivating a Strong Team of Volunteers

Presented by Brenda Robinson of the Robcan Group Discuss why volunteers are more diverse in today’s world. How can we provide a positive, productive volunteer environment? Develop strategies to motivate and maintain your team. Review the 11 key components of motivating people, including: Contribution, Teamwork, Communication, Feedback, Creative Energy, Inclusion, Social Value, Leadership, Learning, Personal Growth and Fun!

SESSION DESCRIPTIONS Canadian Landscape Standards Presented with Our Downtown: How Are the Trees?

Presented by Landscape Saskatchewan and Community Partners This two part session discussion includes the topics: The new Canadian Landscape Standard (CLS) and best practices for Downtown and Urban Tree Survival. The CLS is a single, authoritative resource for landscape construction projects across Canada. For the first time, there is a national guideline to set the standard of landscape work in every province across the country. Designed for use by landscape architects, landscape designers, landscape contractors, grounds maintenance contractors and government parks departments at all levels, the CLS will be an indispensable tool to the success of any landscape project. Following discussion of the CLS, best practices for Urban Trees will be discussed. Particular focus will address trees that are planted in harsh downtown situations such as sidewalk cutouts and hardscape boulevards. Be sure to attend and learn practical information about your downtown trees.

Engaging Newcomers in Recreation, Sport & Leisure

Presented by Laura Strong, Regina Open Door Society Discussion will be focused on how to create newcomer-friendly programming and best practices for engaging newcomers in recreation, sport and leisure. Laura will also cover general topics such as; Canadian Immigration trends, statistics and definitions; challenges that newcomers face in relocating to Canada; how newcomers contribute to Canadian society and economy; difficulties in understanding Canadian culture; bridging cultural and language barriers. The session will include activities to ‘put oneself in their shoes’ and you will leave with sound ideas on how to better communicate with and engage newcomers into your programming and events.

Risk and Recreational Lands

Presented by Doug Wyseman of Municipal Risk Services Limited Here is your chance to attend a practical workshop to learn about the real liabilities and risks associated with your parks, trails and recreational lands and the steps you can take to improve service delivery

and operation of your department. Using examples from recent liability losses and injuries, workshop leader, Doug Wyseman, drives home the need for improved risk management efforts and provides easy to follow steps to succeed. Topics discussed will include trail use, BMX parks, waterfronts, playing fields and much more!

5:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.

Commercial Trade Show

Visit our exhibitor booths to discover the latest products and services in the recreation and parks field.

6:00 p.m. - 11:30 p.m.

Parks and RecFest

Grab your best Halloween costume and join us for an evening of games, drinks, prizes and more! Grab some teammates and join us in the Halloween Olympics or fly solo with some of our individual games.

Prizes will be given out for the best costume, drinks will be flowing and as always, there will be great company!

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 28 9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.

Concurrent Sessions Not ‘One Size Fits All’: Addressing Children’s Needs in Emergency Preparedness Planning

Presented by Colleen Malone of Save the Children Canada Emergency preparedness planning is often a ‘one size fits all’ exercise. As a result, plans may not address children’s unique needs.

Without addressing the needs of children, child-specific emergency supplies will not be sufficiently stocked, reunification plans will not be developed and proper safeguards will not be established for shelters and evacuation centres, among other challenges. Drawing on Save the Children’s global and North American experience, this presentation will highlight the importance of fully incorporating children’s needs into emergency preparedness processes.

Heritage Conservation in Your Community

Presented by Saskatchewan Heritage Foundation This session will discuss the importance of community heritage as it relates to economic and community development. Discussion will include natural, built and cultural heritage features within communities and focus on considerations for both high level and local situations.

Following a strategic discussion outlining the importance of heritage conservation, a case study will showcase Maple Creek, SK and the efforts within that community to preserve and showcase their heritage while building the community and local economy.

Sustainable Fund Development: Community Foundations

Presented by Char Slager of Calder, SK Funding a range of community projects from infrastructure to programs and services is a growing priority for Saskatchewan communities. The Community Foundation model is one viable option to enhance fundraising in your community or region - providing a long lasting legacy and endowment options for your residents. Char Slager, past president of the Family & Friends Community Foundation, will illustrate the success of their Foundation and point the way to the possibilities for your community. She will share how starting a local Foundation can contribute to the economic strength of your community and improve the quality of life for all who live there.

Staying Upbeat in Busy Times

Presented by Brenda Robinson of the Robcan Group “I’m so busy.” How can we turn this from a lament to a cheer? In today’s world, we are challenged to celebrate ‘being busy.’ What does this mean to our sense of balance? How can we re-frame our thinking about the fast pace we face everyday? Let’s take on the new world of work as a challenge – instead of a chore!

Assessing Risk in Recreation Facilities

Presented by Doug Wyseman of Municipal Risk Services Limited This program was developed to allow organizations to properly balance risks and rewards for a wide range of recreation facilities. This workshop will cover many areas of concern stemming from arenas, community centres, gymnasiums, aquatic centres … and more.

Effective Communication with Your Council: Selling Energy Management Projects

Presented by Ian Storey of I.B. Storey Professional Energy Solutions Understand how to communicate with decision makers! This session will outline the steps for participants to advance the best value energy management projects to receive budget authorization and proceed to implementation. Through effective communication with community leaders and councils, municipal as well as private recreational facilities can have the tools necessary for immediate and long-term opportunities to improve environmental and operational sustainability.

10:00 a.m. - 10:15 a.m.

Refreshment Break 10:15 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

SPRA AGM (SPRA Members Only)

Join SPRA President, Dawna Nielson and special guests as they reflect upon the past year and discuss the exciting opportunities awaiting the recreation and parks sector.

10:15 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

Involving Youth in Gardening

Presented by Mark Cullen of Home Hardware “This is the most exciting time in our history to be a Canadian gardener!” Mark Cullen explains why this is so and reveals what is driving dramatic changes in how we garden from coast to coast to coast.

Based on his new book, The New Canadian Garden, Mark will take us on an entertaining journey through time, explaining the impact of a growing interest in the environment and growing food on all of us: especially Communities in Bloom and how to involve our youth. This presentation promises to be high energy, engaging, entertaining and educational for all.

11:45 a.m. - 12:45 p.m.

Lunch

11:45 a.m. - 4:45 p.m.

Technical Visits

This session offers a variety of educational tours of locations around Regina and area. Grab your bagged lunch and enjoy an afternoon of actively learning at the following tour destinations:

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The Saskatchewan Legislative Building and Wascana Centre Authority Facilities

The RCMP Heritage Museum and the Emterra Recycling Centre

The RCMP Heritage Museum and Government House

The Lawson Aquatic Centre and Field House and Evraz Place A walking tour of Downtown Regina with Community Health in Mind (weather permitting)

SESSION DESCRIPTIONS 12:45 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Concurrent Sessions Yardstick – Do Your Parks Measure Up?

Presented by Chris Rutherford of Yardstick The Yardstick project is a tool used by many parks organizations around the world, including in Alberta, BC and Ontario. Chris will present on some of the Canadian outcomes from 2016 and will challenge you about how and why we do what we do – do your parks measure up? Chris Rutherford, the architect of the Yardstick Parks benchmarking project, is an experienced Parks Manager - having worked for several municipalities in the UK, including a London Borough and New Zealand. For 30 years in New Zealand, he headed a large City Parks and Recreation Department before following his passion for driving best practice through the Yardstick program.

National Recreation Framework

Presented by SPRA and Shelley Thoen-Chaykoski Recreation is the experience that results from freely chosen participation in physical, social, intellectual, creative and spiritual pursuits that enhance individual and community wellbeing. Never before have we been presented such an opportunity to embrace a renewed definition along with a common vision of recreation across our province of Saskatchewan and for that matter, all of Canada. Now is the time for standing together as a sector, to illustrate these Pathways to Wellbeing, to reaffirm and justify the importance of why we do what we do.

This session will provide opportunity to reflect on the value of the newly adopted Framework for Recreation in Canada 2015: Pathways to Wellbeing and talk about just what it means for you, your organization(s) and your community. Listening, interactive sharing, and taking a look at what your Pathways to Wellbeing may consist of, is what you may expect at this session.

2:00 p.m. - 2:15 p.m.

Refreshment Break

2:15 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Concurrent Sessions Ecomuseums: A Sense of Place

Presented by Glen Sutter, Research Scientist - Curator of Human Ecology, Royal Saskatchewan Museum Ecomuseums explore, interpret and preserve heritage in a dynamic way and promote sustainable development. Economic stimulation through tourism is often a goal of ecomuseums, but most importantly ecomuseums exist to sustain and promote cultural, natural, and social heritage. Currently there are more than 300 ecomuseums in the world. Saskatchewan is home to a vibrant ecomuseums movement, with many under development. Ecomuseums develop organically and from the ground up as local people recognize the importance of a place and the things that happen there. There are various models of place attachment, but all include personal identification with a place, dependence on a place, social bonding, and interaction with nature.

Communities form an ecomuseum to sustain what is important to them – the things that attach them to that place. Learn how this can work in your community.

Engaging Youth in Saskatchewan: A Panel Discussion

Presented by Saskatchewan Parks and Recreation Association Listen, ask and converse with Saskatchewan professionals that have turned challenges into opportunities. The panel will share their success stories in the areas of grants and funding, partnerships, and quality programs as they relate to youth engagement. A discussion period will then be held following the panel presentations. This time will see the panel presenters lead smaller group discussions on their area of expertise. Here, delegates will be encouraged to ask any pertinent questions and share their own challenges and successes. This open and constructive dialogue will leave delegates feeling invigorated and recharged in their important work of engaging youth in Saskatchewan.

6:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Gala and Showcase - Cocktails 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

SPRA Awards Gala

Dress in your best for this formal event and walk the red carpet to the SPRA Awards Gala. The Gala includes presentation of the SPRA Awards and the provincial Communities in Bloom Awards. The Gala will include cocktails at 6:30 p.m. followed by supper at 7:00 p.m. and the Award presentations at 8:00 p.m.

Communities in Bloom Showcase Banquet

This event will showcase the achievements of all National and International Finalists - each community will be featured and be presented with the mention awarded by the judges. Outstanding and Special Awards will be presented by the Communities in Bloom National Sponsors to communities for excellence in the evaluation criteria, community involvement, land reclamation, community gardening and pollinator friendly initiatives. The traditional flag exchange will take place between our international guests from Estes Park, Fairhope and Racine, USA; Letterkenny, Ireland; Loughborough and Norwich, England; Omagh, Northern Ireland, Pré-Saint-Didier, Italy and Sveti Martin Na Muri, Croatia. The evening is also the opportunity for the National Capital Commission, the Founding Partner and Sponsor of Communities in Bloom, to invite communities to celebrate Canada’s 150th anniversary, to visit Mosaic Canada 150/2017 and to attend the 2017 Communities in Bloom Symposium and Awards in our Nation’s Capital.

9:00 p.m. - 1:00 a.m.

Entertainment

Following the Gala and Showcase, come enjoy some local Saskatchewan talent as the Dueling Piano Show of Saskatoon joins us in Regina for a fun evening of live entertainment. This request style show will make you feel as if you are in Vegas and is sure to have you laughing and singing along! You won’t want to miss it!

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 29 8:30 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.

Continental Breakfast

9:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.

Concurrent Sessions Communities in Bloom Town Hall Meeting and International Presentations

The Town Hall Meeting provides an opportunity for all delegates to exchange information on their respective programs while sharing ideas, best practices and challenges. Registered delegates will be invited, in the weeks prior to the event, to submit subjects of interest to discuss along with questions and solutions to challenges facing their communities. Secondly, a presentation by the International Peace Garden located on the North Dakota/Manitoba border will introduce the International Information Exchange. Registered international delegates will have been invited to make a brief presentation on initiatives and activities in their communities in the United States, Ireland, England, Northern Ireland, Italy and Croatia.

Disc Golf for Parks

Presented by Calvin Daniels of the Parkland Association of Disc Golf Disc Golf is growing as a sport worldwide and it offers a recreation opportunity at a low installation cost for communities of just about any size. Disc Golf is scored similar to golf, but that’s where the similarities end. Specially designed discs and a basket mounted to a pole set in the ground replace the ball, clubs and hole. Disc Golf courses are generally low maintenance spaces that complement their natural surroundings. Part of the fun is using natural obstacles such as trees, bushes and shrubs to make playing the course more challenging.

Healthy Food Environments in Recreation Settings

Presented by the Public Health Nutritionist Working Group of Saskatchewan and The Heart and Stroke Foundation Recreation settings have the potential to influence the food and beverage choices of community members of all ages. They are an ideal location to promote healthy food environments as they already support physical activity and active lifestyles. Research shows that patrons want healthier options in recreation settings, but few facilities have committees and/or initiatives underway to help promote and provide healthier choices. This session will provide information and action items to support committees, facilities, organizations and municipalities to provide healthy foods and beverages in recreation settings and to explore ways to move forward together to improve this key food environment in Saskatchewan.

Age Friendly Communities

Presented by Age Friendly Saskatchewan and the Saskatchewan Seniors Mechanism Age Friendly is a global movement started by the World Health Organization. Age Friendly Communities support policies, services, settings and structures that enable people to age actively and be full and meaningful participants in their community. These Communities are set up to help seniors live safely, enjoy good health and stay involved.

For example, in an age-friendly community: sidewalks are well lit and in good repair, parks are accessible to those with limited mobility, and a variety of recreational opportunities are available for all ages.

10:30 a.m. - 11:15 a.m.

Brunch 11:15 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Keynote: Greg Johnson

What kind of person looks for warning, danger and violence, then dives head first into it? A lunatic? Maniac? Close! Meet Greg Johnson, the Tornado Hunter. After university, he built a marketing firm from the ground up, but decided to dedicate himself fulltime to Mother Nature. Ten years and almost a million kilometers later, Greg’s seen and shared the ferocious power of storms - including the storms that have devastated the US Midwest in recent years. So why does he put himself at risk? Greg has a bucket list philosophy: Our time on earth is limited, so build the best legacy you can while there is still time.

Through his words, images and breath-taking video, Greg will inspire you to chase your own passions and share the lessons he has learned while pursuing his.

3:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.

Communities in Bloom National and International Awards Ceremonies

The National and International Awards Ceremonies will honor the achievements of all National Finalists participating in the Population, Champion and Excellence categories along with the Finalists of the International Challenge. All communities will receive their bloom rating and will anxiously await, when the envelope is opened to announce “and the winner is”. Communities in Bloom is truly a program where ‘everyone wins’ as, within the context of climate change and environmental concerns, all communities involved in the program can be proud of their efforts that provide real and meaningful environmental solutions and benefit all of society.

5:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Communities in Bloom Awards Ceremonies Cocktails, Banquet and Entertainment

For the grand finale, Chester the Entertainer will amaze us with some close up magic and his wonderful stage show. After he leaves us in awe, we will enjoy a comedy show from the “Queen of England”! Be sure to stick around!

Your Are Invited!

EVENT DETAILS Event Venue

Registration

Delta Hotel – Saskatchewan Trade & Convention Centre

There are two options to register:

1919 Saskatchewan Drive Regina, SK S4P 4H2 Phone: (306) 525-5255 Website: www.deltahotels.com

Accommodations A block of rooms have been held at the following hotels: ■ Delta Regina ■ Wingate by Wyndham ■ Holiday Inn Express Hotel and Suites Downtown Visit www.spra.sk.ca/conference for hotel details.

All individuals are responsible for booking and paying for their own accommodations. When making reservations, state that you are attending the 2016 Healthy Communities.

The block of rooms will be released September 21, 2016.

Sponsor a Student SPRA encourages recreation professionals and delegates to sponsor a student to attend this event, as a component of the SPRA Conference. If you are interested in sponsoring a student, check the appropriate box on the Event Registration Form and include the $135 with your event fees. You will be contacted prior to the event and matched with a student.

1. Online by visiting www.spra.sk.ca/conference.

2. By completing the enclosed Registration Form and returning it to SPRA: 100-1445 Park Street Regina, SK S4N 4C5

Don’t forget to include your cheque, made payable to SPRA. 3. Early Bird Registration Deadline: September 30, 2016

Student Assistance Program Eligible students are entitled to receive financial assistance in the amount of 75% of the Student Event Registration fee.

Visit the SPRA website at www.spra.sk.ca/conference for eligibility criteria and to access the application form.

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