News & Events

Bingo Volunteers Required

The Oakridge Community Association (OCA) is looking for volunteers to work monthly bingos at the Bingo Barn.

Each bingo worked can earn a $50 Bingo Buck which can be used to register for various OCA activities.

For more information, please call 403-238-0007 or email oakcomm@telus.net.

OCA launches Best Burb in the Southwest campaign

Following on the heels of CBC Radio’s Best of the ‘Burbs contest in June 2022, which saw Oakridge selected as the best community in the southwest quadrant of Calgary, the Oakridge Community Association (OCA) launched a campaign last summer to capitalize on the recognition.

Last summer, the (OCA)  distributed “Best Burb in the Southwest” stickers to all neighbourhood businesses to proudly display in their windows and doorways.

Weaselhead/Glenmore Park Preservation Society applying to become a “Nocturnal Preserve”

The Weaselhead/Glenmore Park Preservation Society is applying to become a “Nocturnal Preserve.” This is a designation given by the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada (RASC) to areas where night-time light levels are low enough to support the nocturnal behaviours of local wildlife. This will protect the community’s enjoyment of the outdoors at night as well. The most recent nighttime light readings indicate that the park is on the threshold of the RASC’s night-time illumination level limit. We need the help of our “buffer zone” communities (Oakridge and Lakeview) to bring the “core zone” (the Weaselhead) below the illumination threshold and become Calgary’s first dark sky community.

Why is maintaining a dark sky so important? For the approximately 3.7 billion years life has existed on earth, composition of the atmosphere, global temperatures, and geological formations have changed dramatically, but earth’s daily cycle of light and darkness has remained constant. The introduction of artificial light at night (ALAN) is changing billions of years of adaptation, and we are just starting to understand how important these periods of darkness are to us and the species we share our illuminated spaces with.

In humans, even low levels of ALAN can disrupt our body’s ability to regulate the hormones and immune functions we need to stay healthy. This can lead to increased risk of developing cancer, autoimmune, and infectious diseases.1

As you might imagine, the impact of ALAN on wildlife can be harmful as well. Prey are not able to hide from predators as easily in illuminated spaces. Birds and insects that use the stars to navigate become disoriented and migration routes are altered. ALAN may also be a major contributor to the decline in moth populations, which are important nocturnal pollinators.2 The behaviours of our beloved robin are being disturbed, with birds singing earlier and louder resulting in changes to breeding behaviour and energy expenditure.3 Artificial light affects the behaviour of bats by delaying or preventing their evening emergence from roosts. Some bats will avoid hunting in illuminated areas (which attract insects) resulting in less food for bats, and more mosquitos for us!4 And it’s not just our urban wildlife that is affected by light pollution – city sky glow can be as bright as the full moon up to 100 km away.

How can you help? Go for a nighttime stroll and make some observations: How bright is the moon compared to your neighbourhood lighting? What wildlife do you see or hear? What feelings or memories does the night sky evoke for you? Consider the impact of your home’s lighting and what changes you could make. Some easy modifications include:

  • Only have lights on when needed: consider installing a motion sensor or timer
  • Direct light fixtures downwards instead of up or shield light to prevent it illuminating where not needed
  • Change outdoor lights to bulbs that emit a warmer spectrum of light instead of blue/white light
 

Look for more DIY solutions to light abatement on our website and Facebook page. We hope to see you at our upcoming “night sky” events where you can learn about the wildlife that’s up and about while we’re asleep. We hope will join us to create Calgary’s first dark sky community and the first urban nocturnal preserve in Canada.

References

  1. Roberts, Joan E. “Light and Dark and Human Health.” Environmental Impact of Light Pollution and Its Abatement, 2012, www.rasc.ca/lpa-special-issue.
  2. Macgregor, Calum J. “Pollination by Nocturnal Lepidoptera, and the Effects of Light Pollution: a Review.” Ecological Entomology, 2014.
  3. Miller, Mark W. “Apparent Effects of Light Pollution on Singing Behavior of American RobinsThe .” The Condor, 2006.
  4. “Threats to Bats – Lighting.” Bat Conservation Trust, www.bats.org.uk/about-bats/threats-to-bats/lighting.

 

Oakridge News provided by the Oakridge Monitor

The Oakridge Monitor is a blog updated regularly to report on news and events within the community of Oakridge. The Monitor can be found at www.oakridgemonitor.com or you can access it through the RSS feed below.

RSS Oakridge Monitor
  • New Oakridge Co-op store slated for completion in early 2025 March 22, 2023
     Demolition of the mall surrounding the Oakridge Co-op is scheduled to begin at the end of April, followed by the construction of the new food store, with a completion date slated for early 2025.This was the update provided by Calgary Co-op to the Oakridge Community Association board of directors on March 21st, as activity around […]
  • Purlieu Bistro named one of Calgary's best French restaurants March 14, 2023
    Avenue, Calgary’s city magazine, revealed its annual Best Restaurant list in its March issue, and local favourite Purlieu has once again secured a spot.There were five restaurants listed in the Best French category and Purlieu was one of them for 2023. Purlieu secured a similar spot on the list in last year’s issue.To read more […]
  • Final public skate of the year takes place March 23rd March 9, 2023
    The Oakridge Community Association will host the final public skate of the season at the arena in the Oakridge Community Centre on Thursday, March 23rd from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m.The next day the ice will be removed for the summer season.
  • OakFest, featuring the Dino Martinis, happens on May 6th March 6, 2023
    The social event of the season takes place on Saturday, May 6th, when Calgary's favorite local band, the Dino Martinis, take the stage at OakFest in the arena of the Oakridge Community Centre.Pre-purchase your tickets for $20, and save $10 at the door. The event runs from 7 p.m. to midnight and will feature on-site […]
  • Franca's Pizza to open "takeout" location in old Oakridge Pizza spot on April 15th March 2, 2023
    Longstanding business Oakridge Pizza has closed its doors and will be replaced by Franca’s Pizza in Oak Bay Plaza on April 15th.Franca’s has had a restaurant location on Edmonton Trail for nearly two decades. While that location serves a variety of Italian food specialties, it’s believed this “take out” location will be for pizza only.Right […]
  • Free Family Day Skate at the Oakridge Arena on Feb. 20th February 8, 2023
    The Oakridge Community Association will host a free Family Day Skate at the arena in the Oakridge Community Centre on Monday, Feb. 20th from 1 to 3 p.m.This event is free for all OCA members.
  • Glass Fusion Workshop planned for April 16 February 8, 2023
    Anna Bilek from Passion for Glass Gallery and Studio will show you how to create glass fusion art pieces. No experience is necessary and children as young as five can participate.Cost is $30 for members and $40 for non-members.The workshop takes place on the upper level of the Oakridge Community Centre on Sunday, April 16th […]
  • Spring Art Classes launch Feb. 21 at Oakridge Community Centre February 8, 2023
    Creative Beginnings, an eight-week class that will explore the basics of acrylic painting, takes place at the Oakridge Community Centre from Feb. 21st to April 11th.Cost is $105 for OCA members and $115 for non-members. Register at www.oakridgecommunity.ca.
  • OCA looking to hire new General Manager January 31, 2023
    The Oakridge Community Association (OCA) is looking for a new General Manager this spring, following the decision by long-time Complex Manager Sandy Fitzgibbon to step down in June. The job description for the position and qualifications required is laid out below. Deadline to apply is March 3rd.Organization: Oakridge Community Association Position Description: General Manager (G.M.)Reports […]
  • Italian Wine Tasting slated for March 31st January 26, 2023
    J. Webb Wine General Manager and Sommelier Rob Smith will pour sparkling, white, rose, and red wines from some of Italy's lesser known regions.The tasting takes place upstairs at the Oakridge Community Centre and runs from 7 to 9 p.m.Tickets are $60 for OCA members and $70 for non-members and can be purchased at www.oakridgecommunity.ca.