This just in from Zone President Michael Cava:

Another patrol season has come to a close, and it will definitely be one for the record books. In spite of Covid 19, the Edmonton Zone provided 2,648 patrol shifts this season; which translates as 49.3% of all shifts completed by Patrollers in Mountain Division. Great Job! Our Industry partners (Rabbit Hill, Snow Valley, Marmot Basin and Kinosoo Ridge) were very pleased with the professionalism and dedication during the season. 

In March, I was happy to confirm that your battle tested executive all decided to stay on for one more term.  Pam is leading us in all financial matters, ensuring we are sustainable post COVID and comply with provincial and federal regulations. Richard is our master of communication, ensuring you stay informed. John has us doing back flips to ensure we receive excellent training and development.  Matt keeps the zone in Nationals good books, and ensures you are all registered correctly. Mark is our magician as he managed to keep the ski resorts and the Patrollers happy. Rebekah leads our safety crew, with Covid being our number one concern. 

We have one more project to finalize the 2020-21 season, and that is Awards nominations. This is a chance to recognize your peers, whether it be the Patrollers that picked up the extra shift for you, the senior that provided encouragement and reassurance after a challenging shift, or an instructor that provided mentorship and demonstrated new techniques. I need you to send me an email to let me know who they were and what they did and its impact on you, your fellow patrollers, your ski area or the zone.  Get your friends to add their thoughts also. A description of available zone Awards can be found here. Please submit the nominations to me on/or before June 1st. 

2021-22 Season 

We invite all the Patrollers that took the opportunity to take a step back last season as a result of COVID or other reasons to rejoin us. There will be a more involved recertification program for this coming year, involving both a virtual and a hands–on learning opportunities. What shape or form that takes will be determined over the next couple of months by AHS and your Training and Development department. 

With NAIT in lock down and the Taste of Edmonton space being cut in half, we are looking for a space to resume our training in the fall. It needs to have a large common space, with numerous break off areas; so if you have any ideas let the executive know. 

Due to the success of last year’s event, we are planning on having the Awards/ General meeting picnic in late August this year. This gives everyone the opportunity to catch up with their friends in a safe outdoor environment. 

In person Bingos have been terminated until (minimum) the fall, but we still provide volunteers at the new online format of Bingo’s. This requires only one worker, and the shift is shortened to 4 hours. Pooling from the online events are generating $3,000-$4,000 for the zone per event and that is helping our bottom line. We get short notice for these, so if you are interested in working them let me know. 

Because of the lack of opportunities to work your additional 2 fund raising events this year, the window for you to work the 2 events has been extended. 

We are still signed up to do provide first aid for the remaining 5 Peak running events, and we are still in discussion with the World Triathlon Championships to provide same for their event in August. 

I will update you with any further upcoming events. 

Thank you for volunteering with the Edmonton Zone! 

Sincerely: 

Mike Cava, Zone President.