President Bill Fitzsimmons called the meeting to order (with a brief video of plastic yellow ducks floating down a stream, the significance of which would soon become apparent) precisely at noon, with 41 participants logged in.
Bob Pearson provided our inspirational moment, expressing how fortunate and blessed we are to live in Canada, and particularly in Alberta. Through Rotary, we have the opportunity to give back to those who are less fortunate.
Gord Cox announced the development of our new, and greatly improved, club website. The site is based on ClubRunner, an award winning software platform with a wide variety of capabilities and which is used, not only by Rotary, but globally by many organizations. The new site focuses on providing both a public image for our club and a much improved resource to our members. Gord showed a few of the features developed, accessible through links from the home page. Very impressive, Gord, and thanks to all of the communications committee members (Don Vokey, Bill Lawless, Rod McMahon and, of course, Gord). There will be breakout rooms at the next three meetings to further explore the website. Check it out in the meantime!
Les Morgan introduced Pat Fitzsimmons, who is developing a new fundraising initiative. Pat’s objective is to run a duck race – The Great Calgary Duck Race and Festival - an event which has been a very successful fundraiser for many others, possibly 100 clubs and generating $20K to $100K. Pat has done a tremendous amount of research, investigating potential “race courses” and talking to all the municipal and provincial departments whose approvals would be required. We would not be allowed to put ducks in the Bow River, and it’s questionable whether we could use the Elbow. We do have, however, the support of the city in utilizing the “lazy river” at Prairie Winds Park in Calgary NE. Covid restrictions might limit what we are able to do this year, but Pat, with a small team of helpers, is forging ahead. She will update the club as progress is made. The event has the possibility of developing and growing over the next two to three years. Thanks, Pat, for a great initiative.
A poll of the meeting attendees indicated that 97% are in favour of pursuing the event; 94% would volunteer on the day of the event; 41% would be willing to serve as captain for an aspect of putting on the event and 74% think it could be worthwhile partnering with another Rotary club.
Guest Speaker, Karen Wickerson
Terry Felton introduced our guest speaker, Karen Wilkerson. Karen is the Rat and Pest Specialist for the Alberta Government. Karen educated us on rats, the history of the control programme, the Alberta advantage (in the context of rat control) and the current control programme.
There are two main problem rat species in Canada – the roof rat and the Norway rat. The roof rat (the smaller of the two species) likes seaports and coastal areas and is not a significant issue for Alberta. The Norway rat is the one able to survive on the prairies. Its dietary choices contribute to the population decline of a number of small animals. The Norway rat typically has litters of six to nine, with a gestation period of 21 days. They can gnaw through a large variety of materials, contaminate and ruin stores of grains, carry a variety of diseases and leave huge amounts of droppings. They have sharp teeth, which continually grow – stimulating their desire to chew stuff up. They are strong swimmers and can hold their breath for several minutes. The sensitivity and mobility of their whiskers aids their “navigation”.
The first Norway rat found in Alberta was at the Alberta/Saskatchewan border in 1950. It immediately raised concern and a control programme was introduced in 1951. (Note: this was 30 years after they were first identified in Saskatchewan.) The existence of the Alberta Agricultural Pest Act, introduced in 1947, helped facilitate a rapid response to controlling the entry of rats into AB. That Act had already required everyone encountering a designated pest to destroy it. A rat control zone was established in a 29Km band west from the SK border and from Cold Lake to the Montana border. The Act was amended to require every municipality in that zone to establish a Pest Control Officer. The number of rats detected has declined from 600 in 1959 to zero in 2003. Now, perhaps three to five are found each year.
The programme was greatly reinforced through the launch of a large public education programme.
The Alberta advantage is realized through three factors: legislation, geography and public education. Our eastern border is their only overland migration route. Premises in the border zone are inspected twice annually. Rat bait is provided where necessary.
Anyone seeing a rat is encouraged to contact the appropriate authority via email: 310rats@gov.ab.ca Rat free status means that rats are not able to become permanently established. Most reports of rat sightings in Alberta turn about to be other species, including, for example, muskrats. In 2020, there were 20 confirmed rat sightings.
Pat Fitzsimmons, monitoring the chat room, presented members’ questions. In response, Karen stated that Saskatchewan has a programme to reduce the number of rats in the province. Rats are found in every country in the world, with the exception of one small South Pacific island. And yes, pet rats are a problem if they are released into the wild.
Gail Williams thanked Karen for her presentation and said that RCCW normally presents a Boltman in appreciation. With the pandemic, a suitable substitute is being developed.
Marlene Doherty reminded all members that the next meeting to develop our strategic plan will be held on Tuesday, March 23, at 6:00pm via Zoom. Please plan to participate. The plan will be presented to the club at our March 29 noon meeting.
The next in the series of Past Presidents Meetings will be held on Thursday, March 25, at 6:30pm. Join the session to hear stories of our club’s past as presented by three of our past leaders.
President Bill thanked Team 1 for hosting today’s meeting, which he adjourned at 1:00pm.
