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Student highland dancers celebrated by Red Deer Public Schools

Published

12 months ago

4 minute read

Local students compete at several Highland Dance competitions

Two Red Deer Public students went on the adventure of a lifetime across the pond this past summer as they competed in a number of Highland Dance competitions.

Tyler Martinez, 15, a Grade 10 student at Hunting Hills High School, and Kenzie Martinez, 13, a Grade 8 student at Eastview Middle School traveled to Scotland in August with their family. Both girls have been highland dancing for the last four years, and have done exceptionally well.

“They started dancing when they were three with jazz, tap and musical theater,” said Kelly Martinez, Tyler and Kenzie’s mom and a Teacher with Red Deer Public Schools. “The girls take lessons in Red Deer and they also do Zoom lessons with the current Highland Dance Canadian Adult Champion.”

Although both Tyler and Kenzie have enjoyed dance for many years, they have become particularly fond of highland dance.

“I like the competitiveness of highland dance and being an individual sport, how well you do is based on your efforts and how hard you’ve worked,” said Tyler.

For Kenzie, she said she enjoys the travel the most because competitions take place all over the world. “We get to compete in so many places and meet new people,” she said.

Kelly, who was a former highland dancer herself, said the travel is something she enjoyed when she was competing, adding the girls have competed in Halifax, Winnipeg, British Columbia and now Scotland. “When you are at a competition there are competitors from all over the world and it’s so neat to see the kids talking and exchanging stories,” she said.

As for their adventure in Scotland, the Martinez family left on Aug. 12 and competed at the Stirling Highland Games, the Commonwealth Championship and Cowal World Championship Qualifiers  held in Dunoon, Argyll. At  the competitions they danced a Highland Fling, Sword, Seann Triubhas, Reel, Jig,  Barracks Johnny and Laddie.

Tyler received a judge’s placing at both the Commonwealth Championship and the Cowal Gathering. This means she was given a  score by a judge as being top six in her class in the world. Both girls also took home prize money for their performances at the Stirling Highland Games.

Reflecting on their experience, it was a trip to remember. “The weather of course was so different, and the dancing outside was different than we’re used to,” said Tyler, adding a highlight for her was the Edinburgh Military Tattoo.

For Kenzie, a highlight was competing at the Cowal Gathering. “I like that we could travel to Scotland and we could be at a big competition like that,” she said.

Kelly competed in Scotland in 1992, so the experience of taking her daughters was extra special. “It was amazing because it was such a different experience as a parent than as a dancer,” she said. “I’m very proud of the girls because they are very driven, and they train four or five times a week. They really love it and it makes me happy to see my kids doing something that I loved growing up, too. We really enjoyed being immersed in the culture in Scotland, there’s bagpipers everywhere you go. It was a really great experience.”

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Red Deer

Red Deer Advocate will print just twice a week starting next month

Published on September 17, 2024

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Evolution coming to Red Deer Advocate print publication

The Red Deer Advocate is evolving. To better serve residents of Central Alberta, we’re transitioning to a new publishing schedule. Starting the first week of October, we’ll print the Advocate on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Our commitment to daily news coverage remains strong, and you can continue to stay updated online every day at www.reddeeradvocate.com.

“We’re making this change to focus our efforts on providing more in-depth local news, insightful analysis, and engaging stories,” said publisher Daria Zmiyiwsky. Our Tuesday, Thursday and Friday edition will be discontinued, effective October 2.

Moving to a bi-weekly paper is the biggest change in the Red Deer Advocate’s 117-year history. The decision is a strategic move to maximize the sustainability of the current newspaper and ensure it will continue well into the future.

For over a century, the Advocate has been a steadfast voice for Central Alberta, covering local, provincial, and national news. We’ve witnessed and documented history’s highs and lows, from world wars to economic shifts. We’ve held those in power accountable, championed transparency, and celebrated the incredible achievements of our community. As well, we have shared personal and collective tragedies and triumphs.

With the continued support from the people of our communities, the Advocate will continue to celebrate our rights and expose the wrongs, cheer for our teams, honour our citizens, and support our communities, local businesses,  organizations, and non-profits.

“While we’re saddened to end our daily print edition, our news team is excited to focus on providing even deeper coverage of Red Deer and the surrounding area,” said Managing Editor, Byron Hackett.

“We’ll continue to deliver comprehensive news daily online and twice weekly in print, ensuring we remain your trusted source of local information.”

Readers can expect the same great coverage of local news, sports, entertainment, leisure, obits, and classifieds, event announcements, and much more.

Zmiyiwsky is committed to the community and our loyal readers.

“It’s the people of Red Deer and Central Alberta that drive the Advocate,” she said. “We are simply a vessel to carry those stories to our dedicated readers and we will work diligently to grow and ensure the Advocate remains an integral voice in our community.”

Regards,

Byron Hackett
Managing Editor, Red Deer Advocate

Daria Zmiyiwsky
President – Black Press Media Prairies
Publisher – The Red Deer Advocate

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City of Red Deer

City Council looking for options to reduce hundreds of encampments

Published on September 14, 2024

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New actions for response to urban encampments being considered by City Council

New actions for The City’s response to urban encampments will be considered by Council on Monday, with a focus on interim and long-term solutions to homelessness. The proposed actions include everything from maintaining a balanced mitigation strategy to exploring interim housing solutions.

The report comes in response to Councillor Lee’s Notice of Motion re: Urban Encampment Responses that Council approved during the 2024 budget debate. The report reviews the past five years of data, analyzes service levels, and evaluates Corporate Administrative Policy 3141C – Urban Encampment Response. The key recommendations in the report focus on providing a balanced approach to mitigating the effects of encampments while working towards long-term solutions for homelessness. These recommendations include:

  • Consistent Mitigation: Maintain The City’s current approach to encampment responses, ensuring the most balanced mitigation strategy available at this time to protect public lands while supporting vulnerable individuals.
  • Advocacy for Shelter Strategy: Council will continue to advocate to the Government of Alberta for a comprehensive shelter strategy, including the development of a low-barrier 24/7 emergency shelter with a Recovery-Oriented System of Care.
  • Review of Transitional Housing: Request that the Housing and Homelessness Integrated Committee (HHIC) review the potential for new transitional housing infrastructure as an interim solution to support individuals transitioning out of homelessness.

“The City’s current policy is still achieving its target of having sites cleaned within 14 days. Despite a substantial increase in encampments, responses have continued to be increasingly efficient, largely due to enhanced relationships and experience levels,” said Jodi Kelloway, Acting Superintendent, Social Wellness and Integration Supports. “In recent months, we have seen a significant rise in the number of people experiencing homelessness, with shelters operating at or near capacity. Many individuals living in encampments have limited or no alternative options available. It is important that we continue to improve our response while building capacity within the housing continuum that considers current realities and the unique needs of community members who are unsheltered. The actions we propose in today’s report are about building and expanding on what we already do.”

Under the current policy, The City has a level of service that urban encampments, debris, and belongings are to be removed within 14 days of an initial report, 90 per cent of the time. While The City’s current response to urban encampments is effective, with 98 per cent of camps being cleaned up within 14 days, the number of encampments continues to rise. In 2023 alone, 881 encampments were dismantled, with a projected overall increase of 75 per cent by the end of 2024.

Costs related to encampment clean-up have reached approximately $2.87 million over the last five years, shared among several City departments, including Parks, Public Works, and Emergency Services. Despite increased efficiency, the growing number of encampments presents ongoing challenges and concerns.

The City’s Encampment Assertive Outreach team continues to engage individuals living in encampments, providing referrals to social and housing services. However, the report notes that many individuals face barriers to accessing shelter due to personal circumstances, such as the need for privacy, the ability to be with their partners, accommodation for pets or possessions, highlighting the ongoing need for tailored solutions.

Councillor Lee’s January 8, 2024, Notice of Motion called for administration to consider the following:

  • Reducing the time to dismantle encampments.
  • Preventing establishment of encampments.
  • Connecting rough sleepers with social supports and understanding overall community shelter capacity.
  • Develop recommendations for individuals setting up or using encampments to encourage them to seek alternative shelter.
  • How much money The City has spent on the cleanup of encampments over the past five years, and how much subsidy, if any, has been provided by other levels of government.
  • Including the continuum of housing that is currently available in Red Deer and what is needed.
  • That Administration report to council on the progress of the review of Corporate Administrative Policy 3141C – Urban Encampment Response”.

“The City of Red Deer is committed to supporting the health and safety of those sleeping rough, citizens who are enjoying parks, trails and public spaces, and staff responding to encampments,” said City Manager Tara Lodewyk. “Unfortunately, urban encampment work is a very short-term solution to a very complex health, housing, and public safety need in our community. The ability to reduce homelessness in Red Deer is significantly impacted by the lack of affordable and supportive housing supply. Until this is resolved, we will continue in this cycle of clean up.”

More detailed information is available in the City Council report located on the Council Meetings and Schedule page.

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