Please read this message from Jeromy Farkas:
| UPDATE 4/27/2024: Urgent Call to Action from Jeromy Farkas, Glenbow Ranch Park Foundation CEO |
| Dear friends of Glenbow Ranch, We have only eight more days to make our voices heard through the Government of Alberta’s online survey. If you have not done so already, it is absolutely critical that you click here to participate in the survey. Please forward this email now to your networks. Following our Call to Action, our office was “flooded” with calls of support. Not surprisingly, most people we heard from were completely unaware that the Government was even considering flooding the park. Thanks to the many of you who have donated to our advocacy campaign, we were able to commission an information card that will be delivered, starting tomorrow, to over ten thousand homes in and near Cochrane. We now need your help to deliver information to every home in Calgary. If you’re able to donate to help offset our costs for hall rentals and flyer printing, please click here. All donations are eligible for a charitable tax receipt. We received a quick response from Minister Rebecca Schulz, the government official ultimately responsible for the Bow River Reservoir Options work. We feel heard and valued through our interactions and are co-ordinating with her office on participation in events and tours we will be hosting in the coming weeks. We look forward to working collaboratively for a solution that serves Alberta’s water needs — while protecting Cochrane and our five Bow River parks. This is important: Calgary Mayor Gondek’s office was first to respond to our letter. When I asked her to attend a Glenbow Ranch Park Foundation event, she instantly said yes. Protecting our communities from flood/drought isn’t about politics. The incredible vision of the Harvie and Haskayne families has shown us that these parks are about service over self, and leaving things better than we find them. We’re not just building a “place” – we’re building for the people who come after us. NEXT STEPS This is an absolutely critical time to advocate in the public and to the government on the value of: 1) maintaining Glenbow Ranch and 2) advancing the Ghost reservoir alternative. As a friend of the Park, we have 4 immediate asks of you. 1. Please read and share the following articles through e-mail and social media. We need to get the word out about this solution, and potential alternatives: LIVEWIRE CALGARY: Underwater: Dam option would flood one-third of Calgary-area park, says CEO https://livewirecalgary.com/2024/04/26/underwater-dam-option-would-flood-one-third-of-calgary-area-park-says-ceo/ COCHRANE NOW: Farkas disappointed Glenbow East reservoir still being considered https://cochranenow.com/articles/farkas-disappointed-glenbow-east-reservoir-still-being-considered CALGARY HERALD: Fear over fate of Glenbow, Haskayne Parks as province seeks input on Bow River flood mitigation https://calgaryherald.com/news/local-news/fear-over-fate-of-glenbow-haskayne-parks-as-province-seeks-input-on-bow-river-flood-mitigation 2. Please write a letter to the Editor in the Calgary Herald and Calgary Sun. Cochrane Times – Letters to the Editor | Cochrane Times Calgary Sun – Send a Letter to the Editor | Calgary Sun Calgary Herald – How to submit a column or a letter to the Calgary Herald | Calgary Herald 3. Please tell as many people as possible about the Government of Alberta online survey. Click here to participate in the survey. 4. Please attend and promote our upcoming meeting: Glenbow Ranch Park Foundation – Cochrane Flood Mitigation Forum Saturday, May 4 2024 Frank Wills Memorial Hall 405 1st St East, Cochrane Doors open at 11:45am; program begins at noon.Thank-you, friends. Together, we can make our voices heard, keep the promise of Glenbow Ranch, and support the GOA in delivering a solution that works for everyone. With gratitude, Jeromy Farkas Chief Executive Officer Glenbow Ranch Park Foundation |