December 2023 newsletter
Hello, December!
On behalf of myself and the Ward 1 Office team, we are wishing you a joyful holiday season! I hope you take this time to recharge and reconnect with loved ones as we step into another exciting year in 2024.
A heartfelt thank you to everyone who contributed to the festivities and events in Ward 1 this year; your presence added an extra touch of joy! I had a great time at the Bowness Senior's Christmas Cookie Competition, the Silver Springs Community Association Hello Winter, and the Bowness Holiday Dinner! I can't wait to see what the community will get up to in the New Year!
Please note that the Ward 1 Office will be closed from Friday, December 22, 2023, until Tuesday, January 2, 2024. We look forward to helping you with any issues or concerns when we reopen. If you have an urgent concern with City services over the holidays, you can contact 311 by telephone 24/7, or by submitting a service request online.
Warm Regards,
Sonya Sharp
News from City Council
2023-2026 Service Plans & Budgets adjustments
This past month, City Council concluded the 2023-2026 Service Plans and Budget adjustments. With 28 proposed improvements presented by City Administration, the budget was approved by 9 members of council, and 6 councillors - including Councillor Sharp - voting against.
Councillor Sharp fought eagerly for the concerns of Calgarians and is disappointed by this outcome. As a result of the approved budget, Residential Property taxes are set to increase by 7.8%, adding financial strain to residents. The exact amount you pay will depend on the assessed value of your property. Councillor Sharp proposed and supported over 10 amendments throughout the deliberations, each made to ease the burden on Calgarians dealing with affordability challenges.
These solutions ranged from addressing tax shifts to delaying lower-priority projects, focusing on preserving safety and affordability. All of them were voted on by Council and ultimately, defeated.
The deliberations unfolded over three days, starting with a dedicated session to hear from local businesses, community organizations, and ordinary Calgarians. The discussions revealed diverse views on budget priorities, including overall affordability, taxes, public safety, affordable housing, support for local businesses, transportation, and capital spending.
Councillor Sharp knows that this is a trying time for Calgarians, and she will continue to work hard to reduce the financial burden on Calgarians while still supporting the most important priorities for Calgary.
Councillor Sharp will continue working tirelessly to address their concerns in response to the approved budget. She extends gratitude to those who provided feedback, participated in discussions, and attended events, emphasizing the importance of ongoing community engagement.
Stay tuned for more updates from Councillor Sharp. Your continued input and engagement are crucial in shaping the city's future. For more information, visit the budget adjustments topic on this site.
Community updates
Council Compensation Review Committee recruitment
The City of Calgary is recruiting members of the public to serve on the Council Compensation Review Committee (CCRC). The CCRC is established every electoral cycle, as directed by Council, and will provide recommendations to Council on the compensation package received by Members of Council, as well as salaries, or salary ranges, received by Councillors' Assistants. All committee members are volunteers.
Who can apply?
Residents of Calgary, who are at least 18 years of age are eligible to apply. The City is committed to a respectful, inclusive, and equitable workplace that is representative of the community, and values individuals who bring diverse experience, skills and opinions. Learn more about the requirements and apply on calgary.ca/boards by Monday, Dec. 18, at 4 p.m.
Coordinated Community Extreme Weather Response update
The Coordinated Community Extreme Weather Response began full operations on Dec. 1, 2023. Since then, The Calgary Drop-In Centre opened 425-day time warming spaces at nine locations and an additional 50 spaces for the winter season offering enhanced support and assistance.
If you see someone who needs help, call the HELP Team at 403-998-7388. If someone is in serious distress or non-responsive, 911.
- Consider donating to emergency shelters and outreach organizations and groups. Calgarians are encouraged to check these organizations' social media to see what is needed and how to donate.
- For example, the Mustard Seed has a Winter Wish List campaign (theseed.ca/winter-lists)
For more details on the Coordinated Community Extreme Weather Response please visit https://www.calgaryhomeless.com/ccewr/.
Climate Equity & Energy Poverty engagement opportunity
The global challenge of ensuring affordable access to energy/electricity disproportionately affects vulnerable populations, including low-income households, marginalized communities, and developing areas. Individuals or households facing energy poverty encounter difficulties in covering their energy bills, often leading to dilemmas such as choosing between heating their homes and meeting basic needs like groceries. This situation adversely affects their health, well-being, and financial stability.
The Energy Equity Strategy outlines specific targets:
- By 2030, the aim is to alleviate home heating and power challenges for half of the current affected population.
- By 2050, the goal complete elimination of home heating and power issues.
- Concurrently, efforts are underway to substantially reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
The City is actively seeking individuals willing to share their personal struggles with heating, powering their homes, and managing associated bills. This input will contribute to shaping The City's plan to address energy equity and support those facing challenges in maintaining comfortable, safe, and healthy homes.
Opportunities for participation include joining a community advisory committee or engaging in one of four focus groups. The objective is to gather insights and solutions that will effectively aid in individuals in managing their home energy costs and enhancing comfort.
For more details, please visit https://engage.calgary.ca/energyequity.
Ward 1 social media
Keep up with Councillor Sonya Sharp!
Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn to stay informed about Ward 1 updates, community initiatives, and Councillor Sharp’s advocacy. Be part of the conversation, share your thoughts, and connect with your local representative. Join us on social media for a closer look at the positive changes happening in Ward 1.
Follow Councillor Sonya Sharp on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn today!
Categories: General, Newsletter