January 2023 newsletter
In this issue: Assessment notices mailed, Ward 1 infrastructure updates, and addressing safety in Calgary
Hi Ward 1,
Happy New Year! I hope you had a restful holiday season. I'm looking forward to an exciting year ahead as I continue to work on your behalf at City Hall.
While we may have left 2022 behind, a number of projects and initiatives that started last year will continue into 2023. This newsletter has updates on a few such projects that are now nearing completion.
My top priorities for this year reflect the top priorities I've heard from Ward 1 constituents. I'll be working hard to address safety in our city, especially on Calgary Transit and our roads. I will continue looking for ways we can keep taxes as low as possible, and working to ensure we can demonstrate good value for money on every tax dollar The City spends.
I also want to hear your top priorities for 2023. As always, I encourage you to reach out to my office with any questions or feedback.
—Sonya Sharp
Councillor Sharp with staff from Discovery House: Leslie Hill, Executive Director; and Anita Hofer, Director of Strategy and Communications
Updates on City services
Assessment notices mailed
Property assessment notices were mailed on January 4. You can also access The City's Assessment Search tool to view your detailed property assessment online, and to see the value of other properties in Calgary.
Questions or concerns?
If you have any questions about the assessed value of your property, you can contact The City's Assessment unit directly at 403-268-2888 or by visiting calgary.ca/assessment. The City's Customer Review Period runs until March 13.
Ask the City Assessor
Questions about how taxes and assessment work in Calgary? Join City Assessor Eddie Lee for an online Q&A session on January 18 from 7-8 pm. Registration is via Eventbrite.
Go paperless contest
Until March 31, register to receive notice of your property assessment online rather than by mail, and you can be entered to win one of twelve Visa gift cards worth $250. Switch today!
Recently moved?
Delays at the provincial Land Titles Office mean some property owners may not receive paper assessment notices if a property's owner or your mailing adress have changed recently. if you still haven't received your notice, contact Assessment at 403-268-2888.
Calgary Awards nominations now open
Nominations for the 29th Annual Calgary Awards are open until February 1. The Calgary Awards celebrate outstanding individuals and organizations who make life better for Calgarians.
If you know a neighbour, colleague, community leader, organization or business who deserves recognition, nominate them at calgary.ca/calgaryawards.
Updates in brief
- The Planning Services Centre has re-opened at the Municipal Building as of January 9. Services had temporarily moved to the Whitehorn Multi-Services Centre as a result of damage from an incident last year. Visit the Planning Services Centre for help with permits, business licences, development and building applications, and more. Many services are also available online.
- The City of Calgary is reminding Calgarians to be careful around stormwater ponds. Changing water levels and potential contaminants mean these ponds are not safe for skating. Instead, check out one of The City's outdoor skating rinks.
- As part of The City's seven-day snow plan, crews focus on clearing major routes first, followed by pedestrian infrastructure, transit routes, and bridge decks. Following the priority areas, crews clear designated feeder/collector routes and work on residential streets. Calgary.ca has more information on The City's snow and ice control program. If you have concerns regarding snow and ice clearing, please contact 311.
Community updates
Infrastructure updates
Valley Ridge pathway reopening
The multi-use pathway connecting Valley Ridge and Bowness Park has now reopened. The current access is temporary, and the province expects to put a more permanent solution in place this spring.
We know that this pathway is an important link for Valley Ridge residents for both recreation and commuting. As it falls within the Stoney Trail project corridor, the provincial government is responsible for maintenance on this portion of the Bow River pathway.
Haskayne Legacy Park access coming soon
The City of Calgary has reached an agreement with Rocky View County and adjacent landowners to build a new access road for Haskayne Legacy Park.
Haskayne Legacy Park is one of Ward 1's best kept secrets, as access has only been possible on foot so far. The park consists of land donated to The City by Dick and Lois Haskayne.
The new access is expected to open in mid-2023. In addition, the new access will allow for a direct connection between Haskayne Legacy Park and the adjacent Glenbow Ranch Provincial Park.
Shouldice (Hextall) Bridge reopening
The Shouldice (Hextall) pedestrian bridge linking Bowness and Montgomery has now reopened. The former wooden bridge deck has been replaced with concrete incorporating aesthetic and historical features.
Some remaining work still needs to be completed this spring, but should not affect the use of the bridge.
Historic secondary street names in Bowness
In December, Council approved secondary names for a number of streets in Bowness thanks to an initiative led by the Bowness Historical Society. Street signs will be installed that recognize the historic names of these streets prior to the annexation of Bowness into Calgary in 1964.
The official names of the streets will not be changed, and the same names will continue to be used to addresses. This initiative is a great way to recognize the unique history of Bowness, similar to existing signs in Mission and Inglewood.
News from City Council
Provincial public safety task force
Councillor Sharp has been appointed by the Government of Alberta to a new cabinet task force aimed at addressing addiction, homelessness, and public safety in Calgary. The Calgary Public Safety and Community Response Task Force has a mandate to implement concrete initiatives to address public safety through collaboration between the provincial government, The City, and community partners.
The task force includes members from the Government of Alberta, First Nations, Alberta Health Services, and the Calgary Homeless Foundation. In addition to Councillor Sharp, other members of the task force from The City of Calgary include Councillor Andre Chabot, Ward 10; David Duckworth, City Manager; Chief Constable Mark Neufeld, Calgary Police Service; and Chief Steve Dongworth, Calgary Fire Department.
Safety has been one of Councillor Sharp's top priorities since taking office. This task force is an important additional avenue for addressing the concerns we're hearing from Ward 1 residents.
Photo: Government of Alberta
Temporary signs Notice of Motion
Councillor Sharp co-sponsored a Notice of Motion (PDF) in December with Councillor Kourtney Penner asking City Administration to investigate whether there are ways to reduce the number of temporary signs on public property, particularly during election campaigns.
Temporary signs are a source of frequent complaints to 311 and to councillors' offices. Councillor Sharp believes it's an important part of her role as an elected official to investigate the concerns regularly raised by constituents. This Notice of Motion will help us understand what options are available, but it doesn't presuppose something can or must be done until we find out what those options could be.
Administration is due to report back by the end of March. Councillor Sharp will not support any changes that cause more red-tape or that require significant resources.
Categories: General, Newsletter