June 2024 Newsletter
Hi, Ward 1!
Happy, June!
This month, Calgary, especially in the areas of Bowness and Montgomery, experienced a major watermain break. While the boil water advisory for Bowness has now been lifted, ongoing water restrictions remain in place for Calgary. I am deeply grateful to everyone who came together to share information, supply water for Bowness, and offer support to each other. You can find more details on the watermain here.
Let's please remember to prioritize water conservation as we look forward to summer celebrations such as Neighbour Day and the Stampede!
As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact the Ward 1 Office.
Best regards,
Sonya Sharp
Council update
Critical watermain break timeline
June 5, 2024: City investigation confirms extensive watermain break in N.W communities of Bowness and Montgomery.
June 6, 2024: Confirmation that the watermain is a critical transmission line enabling water movement across the city. The break resulted in Boil Water Advisory for Bowness, Stage 4 Water Restrictions, and fire ban for Calgary. Water wagons were stationed in Bowness that provided clean drinking water for residents, with donations encouraged for those with mobility issues.
June 7, 2024: Crews reach damaged section of the pipe and clear water, dirt, and debris to assess the leak site.
June 9, 2024: Crews cut into the pipe to remove the damaged portion.
June 10, 2024: Boil Water Advisory lifted for Bowness, but water restrictions and fire ban for Calgary continue. Assessment of the damaged pipe also continue.
June 11, 2024: Robots deployed into pipe to inspect and assess other sections.
June 12, 2024: Crews weld repairs on the access hatches along the inspected section of the pipe. The new section of the pipe was completely disinfected in preparation for being lowered into place.
June 13, 2024: Work temporarily paused as two workers were injured in an accident related to the repair. A safety investigation and thorough post-incident is required to resume the repair work. In the meantime, the removed pipe was transported to another location for additional failure analysis.
The indoor and outdoor water restrictions, and fire ban, are expected to continue until next week. 16 Avenue remains closed at Home Road N.W until the new pipe is installed.
For more details on the watermain and water conservation tips, visit calgary.ca/16avewatermain.
Winter Maintenance Policy update
On May 28, 2024, Council unanimously approved the new Winter Maintenance Policy, bringing significant changes for Calgarians. One of the most significant changes is the faster clearing of all major routes. Under the new policy, Priority 2 infrastructure, which includes major Transit routes and higher-volume community roads, will be cleared within 24 hours after snowfall stops, compared to the previous 36-hour timeframe.
Additionally, the new policy introduces new enforcement options for existing rules. For instance, homeowners are now subject to fines for shoveling snow from their private property onto City roadways or bike lanes. Furthermore, the Council approved to increase the winter maintenance reserve fund from $15 million to $22 million, providing greater flexibility during heavy snowfall years. This new policy will be implemented in the upcoming season.
In addition to the Winter Maintenance Policy, Council also approved an amendment to allocate the remaining $8.9M of last year's snow clearing budget towards addressing pavement issues such as potholes in the coming months.
Secondary Suite Incentive Program
On May 28, 2024, Council also approved the Secondary Suite Incentive Program. The program will provide qualifying homeowners with up to $10,000 to build and register a secondary suite.
In September, Council approved the Home is Here: City of Calgary's Housing Strategy, which consisted of 98 separate actions — along with the recently approved blanket rezoning— aimed at defusing the affordable housing crisis.
As part of the new program, residents can receive up to $10,000 to cover safety-related expenses upon registering a secondary suite. Additional funds of up to $5,000 are available for those meeting specific accessibility standards, and up to $1,250 for energy efficiency improvements.
The program is expected to net up to 3,000 new suites in its first year, which the city says is a 50 per cent increase in registrations over 2023 numbers. Council set aside $4 million for the program in its 2024 budget, and it will receive additional funds through the federal government’s Housing Accelerator Fund. Visit calgary.ca/secondary-suite-incentive-program for more information.
Community updates
Crowchild Trail Paving
Road maintenance has begun on Crowchild Trail N.W. from Stoney Trail N.W. to 32 Ave N.W. This year's project includes asphalt roadway repair and replacement, alongside concrete repair and replacement of sidewalks, wheelchair ramps, curbs, barriers, and gutters, with an expected completion date in mid-September 2024, depending on weather conditions.
During this period, lane closures will be in effect with speeds restricted to 50km/hr, and both daytime and overnight lane closures will occur. Residents and businesses in the area may experience construction noise and vibrations, but efforts will be made to minimize disruption. Additionally, transit services along Crowchild Trail N.W. may be impacted by ramp closures, and pedestrians and cyclists should expect local detours with pedestrian ramps being removed and replaced.
Regular project updates, including anticipated start and end timelines, will be available on calgary.ca/paving-crowchild. You can stay informed about road disruptions using calgary.ca/trafficinfo for real-time updates, including paving activities. You can also stay in the know by tuning in to 107.9 FM for live traffic updates. For more information on transit impacts, please visit calgarytransit.com.
Neighbour Day in Ward 1
Calgary's celebration of community connection, Neighbour Day, is held every year on the third Saturday in June, and is dedicated to fostering welcoming and inclusive communities where neighbours connect and belong all year round. Below are Neighbour Day celebrations happening in Ward 1.
- Vardell Place Neighbour Day block party from 2 pm – 5 pm
For more Neighbour Day celebrations, visit calgary.ca/neighbourday.
Mobility Programs in Ward 1
This summer, Ward 1 will be seeing some ongoing infrastructure improvements, which include lighting enhancements at crosswalks, a speed hump pilot, calming curbs at multiple locations, pole replacement, pedestrian overhead flashers, and traffic signals.
You can view a full list of improvements at calgary.ca/mobilityprograms. If you have any concerns, please report them through 311.
R.B Bennett school redevelopment open house June 19
The City of Calgary's Real Estate Development Services team is holding a public open house on June 19 at the Irish Cultural Society from 6 pm – 8 pm. Councillor Sharp and the Ward 1 Office have extensively worked with the Real Estate Development Services team on the proposed redevelopment of the former R.B. Bennett school site in Bowness. The project team provided updates during the engagement process emphasizing Council's direction for the site and the importance of community engagement throughout the development process. Councillor Sharp looks forward to further collaboration with the community as this project progresses, and encourages all residents to attend and share their thoughts on the future development of the R.B. Bennett school site. You can learn more about the redevelopment and details for the open house at engage.calgary.ca/rbbennett.
South Shaganappi Communities Local Area Planning
Your input today will help shape the future of your community over the next 30 years. The City wants to hear from you as they continue to work to refine the draft South Shaganappi Communities Local Area Plan
Phase 3: REFINE of the South Shaganappi Communities Local Area Planning project is taking place until June 24, 2024.
In this phase, the City is looking to further discuss and refine how redevelopment and revitalization could happen in the South Shaganappi Communities of Banff Trail, Montgomery, Point McKay, Parkdale, St. Andrews Heights, University District, University Heights, University of Calgary, and Varsity.
Provide your input on topics including:
- Draft local area plan maps. These maps are not finalized. Your input is needed to help inform what types of development could potentially fit best where if proposed in the future.
- Community improvement ideas. Your input is needed to determine what community improvements and investments are needed—such as upgrades to mobility connections or enhancements to local parks.
You can share your thoughts by visiting calgary.ca/Shaganappi, checking your mailbox for an engagement booklet, picking one up at an Engage Station, joining an engagement session, or learning more at calgary.ca/Shaganappi.
Planning an event?
Are you planning an event, gathering or outing this summer in Ward 1? The City offers park space, picnic sites, meeting rooms, tennis courts, pathways and other unique venues and event facilities in our parks that are available to rent at reasonable prices. It is advised but not mandatory to have a permit to use park space for a gathering.
Other groups and individuals may require the following permits:
- Greenspace Permit - an issued greenspace permit will provide permission to use the public park and ensure public access and safety is managed. It does not provide permission to sell services within the park, nor does it provide exclusive use of the park space.
- Mobile Vendor Permit - a mobile vendor agreement is generally for a one year period and provides permission for a commercial entity to advertise/solicit business in a public park (ie. hot dog and ice cream vendors).
- Food Truck Parking Stall Application - licensed food truck vendors can apply to reserve a parking space in a park or athletic field parking lot.
For more information, visit calgary.ca/bookings/parks-greenspaces.
Updates to City Services
Happy National Indigenous History Month
National Indigenous History Month is a time to honour and celebrate the rich cultures, traditions and contributions of Indigenous peoples in Canada. June serves as a reminder of the ongoing journey towards Truth and Reconciliation, acknowledging past and present injustices and working towards healing and understanding between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples.
Take advantage of one (or all!) of this month’s many amazing opportunities to learn about the history, experiences and resilience of Indigenous communities, including their struggles and triumphs.
- Aboriginal Awareness Week Calgary – June 17 -22
- Opening Ceremony at Olympic Plaza, June 17, 11:30 a.m.
- Family Day Pow Wow, children’s corner and talent showcase, Enmax Park, June 22, 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
- The Confluence (formerly Fort Calgary), June 20, 1:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
- National Indigenous Peoples Day – June 21
Pothole condition update
Potholes develop on streets when moisture penetrates the asphalt surface and freezes, forming an ice pocket during periods of freeze-thaw. These freeze-thaw cycles accelerate degradation on our pavement condition and Calgary experiences more of these destructive cycles than any other major Canadian municipality.
- Year to date, Calgary has received approximately 5,830 pothole maintenance service requests. The total service requests for 2023 were 7,634.
- Year to date, Calgary has received approximately 5,830 pothole maintenance service requests. The total service requests for 2023 were 7,634.
- In 2023, crews completed a record number of pothole repairs, with 33,489 potholes filled.
- Crews have filled 8,826 potholes, which is approximately 2000 more repairs than at this point last year.
For more information visit calgary.ca/paving.
Styrofoam/Foam Packaging Recycling Pilot
Calgarians can bring their foam packaging, also known as Styrofoam, to any City of Calgary landfill location for recycling as part of a six-month pilot project free of charge. The foam packaging pilot is an opportunity to further expand Calgary's diversion programs to keep recyclable materials out of the garbage, ensuring these materials get recycled and turned into something new.
If Calgarians can’t take their foam packaging to the landfill, then it should go in the black cart as garbage. The pilot project is for residential customers only. Businesses who generate foam packaging as part of their operational waste can contact Styro-Go directly to inquire about recycling.
For more information on how to recycle foam packaging, visit calgary.ca/waste/what-goes-where/plastic-polystyrene-foam.
All Sport One Day event June 15
Another option to participate in Neighbour Day is the All Sport One Day, where children can try new sports for FREE at various locations.
Here are the 12 multisport hubs for June 15:
- Brookfield Residential YMCA at Seton
- Citadel Community Association
- The Genesis Centre & Saddletowne YMCA
- Glenmore Athletic Park
- Marlborough Park Community Association
- MNP Community & Sport Centre
- Trico Centre for Family Wellness
- Southland Leisure Centre
- Trico Centre for Family Wellness
- University of Calgary
- VIVO for Healthier Generations
- Westside Rec Centre
- Winsport
Online registration is highly encouraged at AllSportOneDay.ca to guarantee each child’s spot, but they will also accept drop-in participants! Each site will operate from 10 AM - 3 PM.
Updates in brief
- Property tax bills for 2024 were mailed out on May 24, 2024, with a payment deadline of June 28, 2024. Delays in processing ownership and mailing address changes may result in new owners not receiving their tax bills, but the tax is still due on June 28, 2024. If the tax bill is not received by the first week of June, owners should call 311 (403-268-2489 if outside of Calgary) to obtain an up-to-date statement of account.
- Wading pools and spray parks will not be opening this coming weekend (Father’s Day) as originally planned. Wading pools and spray parks will remain closed until the restrictions are lifted so that final preparations that involve water use can be completed. Status of wading pools and spray parks are available on Calgary.ca/sprayparks.
- Looking for free outdoor activities for children, youth, and families this summer? Check out the City’s Spring and Summer lineup for a variety of programs starting in July.
- The City of Calgary, in collaboration with the Tamarack Institute, has developed the Asset-Based Community Development (ABCD) toolkit, an evidence-based approach aimed at fostering community connection by identifying and utilizing local assets, providing free access to a program consisting of six modules containing videos, tools, and resources for public use. For more information, visit calgary.ca/abcd.
Categories: General, Newsletter