March 2024 newsletter
Hi, Ward 1!
Welcome, March!
As spring starts to bloom and the days get longer, I hope you're taking the time to enjoy the warmer weather and the beauty of the season. In this month's edition of our newsletter, I am excited to share with you updates on a range of topics, including the outcomes of the Notice of Motion Plebiscite on Rezoning, Mid-Cycle Adjustments, community initiatives, and important updates regarding spring changes. As always, the Ward 1 team is committed to serving you and addressing your concerns, so please do not hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or feedback.
Ward 1 Townhall
Thank you to those who attended the Ward 1 Townhall to discuss the proposed rezoning changes for the City. It was wonderful connecting with my constituents and hearing what you think of the proposed changes. Your input and feedback will guide my decisions in the coming weeks at Public Hearing, on April 22, 2024. If you would like the opportunity to participate at the Public Hearing, you can register to speak or submit a form at calgary.ca/publichearing.
She Governs & Women’s History Month
March is a celebration of the contributions of women to events in history and contemporary society. To highlight the work women have done in politics, the City holds an annual program, She Governs, that offers participants the opportunity to familiarize themselves with Calgary’s municipal government. I had the privilege of sharing my unique perspectives and experiences while working in politics, and it was an absolute pleasure to listen to the aspirations and goals of the young women who are passionate about making a difference in politics.
News from City Council
Notice of Motion for Plebiscite on Rezoning
Councillor Sharp, along with five other council members - Sean Chu, Andre Chabot, Peter Demong, Dan McLean, and Terry Wong, co-sponsored a Notice of Motion for the Executive Council Meeting on March 12. The purpose of the motion was to cancel the Public Hearing scheduled for April 22 and instead put the rezoning issue to a plebiscite during the next election in October 2025. Unfortunately, this item failed with 6 Councillors voting for and 8 Councillors voting against. The Public Hearing for this item is still scheduled for April 22, 2024, providing an opportunity for Council to hear from constituents regarding the proposed rezoning changes. Your presence and thoughts are encouraged! For more details, visit calgary.ca/publichearing.
Mid-Cycle Adjustments for the 2023-2026 Service Plans and Budget
On February 27, Council gave direction to Administration on the 2025 and 2026 budget adjustment process, known as Mid-Cycle Adjustments for the 2023-2026 Service Plans and Budget. There were two recommendations. The first recommendation asked Administration to maintain property tax increases at the approved levels outlined in the four-year budget passed in 2022 by Council.
Councillor Sharp opposed these increases in 2022 and remains against them, especially as they would compound the 7.8% increase already approved by the Council for this year. These additional tax hikes would further strain households and businesses struggling with affordability challenges. The second recommendation suggested identifying reasonable operating budget cuts to either lessen the property tax needed or allow for potential investments in key areas. Councillor Sharp supported this, as she has continued to emphasize the importance of finding efficiencies and responsible ways to reduce the City's expenditures since taking office in 2021. However, she would have preferred that Council take this step before implementing the 7.8% tax increase for 2024. Calgarians will continue to feel the effects of this increase in future years--the best time to start looking for savings is before approving additional spending.
Updates on City services
Rezoning for Housing "What We Heard Report" deadline
If you attended any of the Rezoning for Housing engagement sessions between January and March, please share your feedback at calgary.ca/rezoningforhousing. Your submissions will be carefully reviewed by the project team. Additionally, a What We Heard Report summarizing your input will be submitted to Council for their consideration at the Public Hearing of Council on April 22, 2024. Online feedback submissions will be accepted until March 17, 2024.
Transit spring service changes
Throughout the year, The City assesses bus routes and schedules to identify areas for service improvement. Various factors, such as customer and driver feedback, ridership levels, and shifting traffic patterns, are considered to ensure the needs of Calgarians are met. Important changes for this spring include Route 123 – Sage Hill/North Pointe relocating west from Stop H at Northpointe Terminal to Stop I. Additionally, Route 300 – BRT Airport/City Centre will add a final trip on weekdays, departing the airport at 1:20 a.m. The Spring Service Changes will be implemented on Monday, March 18. For further details, please visit calgarytransit.com
Ward Boundary Commission
On June 6, 2023, Calgary City Council directed Administration to recruit a Ward Boundary Commission. The Commission reviews the effectiveness of Calgary’s 14‑ward system and is conducting online questionnaires and public engagement sessions to hear the publics feedback. The engagement questionnaires will be available on the online portal at calgary.ca/heard. In addition to the online questionnaires, the Ward Boundary Commission is also holding pop-up events around the City to collect in-person feedback. These dates are:
- March 21, 2024: Genesis Centre (7555 Falconridge Blvd NE, Calgary AB T3J 0C9) 4 – 7 p.m.
- April 4, 2024: Cardel Rec South (100-333 Shawville Blvd SE, Calgary AB T2Y 4H3) 4 – 7 p.m.
- April 14, 2024: Spring Market at Deerfoot Inn & Casino (1000-11500 35 St SE, Calgary AB T2Z 3W4) 11 – 4 p.m.
- April 27: Central Library – (616 Macleod Trl SE, Calgary AB T2G 2M2) 11 – 2:00 p.m.
Youth Hiring Fair
The City of Calgary Youth Employment Centre (YEC) is organizing its 25th Annual Youth Hiring Fair. This event will feature 80 employers and draw over 5,000 job seekers searching for part-time, full-time, permanent, and seasonal positions. Since 1999, more than 1,900 employers have participated in The Youth Employment Centre’s hiring fairs, benefiting over 92,000 young individuals. This in-person hiring event for Calgary youth aged 15-24 provides a platform for youth to interact with employers, showcase their skills, explore local businesses, submit applications, and even secure on-the-spot interviews.
Where: The Big Four Building, 1801 Big Four Trail SE, Stampede Park
When: Thursday, March 28, 2024, from 1:30 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
For more information, visit calgary.ca/youthiringfair.
Community updates
Happy Community Association Month!
March is recognized as the Community Association Awareness Month! We want to express our appreciation to all the Community Associations in Ward 1 for their dedication to bringing residents together and promoting community involvement. We are extremely fortunate in Ward 1 to have such committed volunteers and such vibrant community associations. Thanks for all your hard work! The Calgary Communities Federation holds a yearly campaign to highlight the importance of community associations by showcasing their various programs, projects, and positive impacts that improve neighbourhood life in Calgary. To participate, visit calgarycommunities.com.
Thank your Driver Week
Thank your Driver Week starts March 18, where we have a unique opportunity to come together as a community and show our appreciation for the nearly 2,500 hardworking Calgary Transit operators that move millions of Calgarians around this great city each year. We encourage you to show your gratitude for Calgary Transit operators by sharing your positive stories, you can submit your feedback here at forms.office.com/r/Dpj0uqT87n
South Bearspaw Feedermain
Upgrades to the South Bearspaw Feedermain, an important part of Calgary's drinking water distribution infrastructure, are underway and will be completed soon. Please be advised that the water main will being its upgrades beginning March 15, 2024, and is expected to resume service on March 22, 2024. Should you have any inquiries or concerns, please don't hesitate to contact 311 by calling or submitting an inquiry online or via the app. Any updates regarding the outage will be available on calgary.ca/wateroutages.
Updates in brief
Slow down, move over event
On March 7, tow truck drivers, first responders, road maintenance crews, and the John Petropoulos Memorial Fund hosted their seventh annual roadside event to raise awareness about the importance of slowing down and moving over for vehicles with flashing lights on Calgary roadways. It's important to note that if you see an emergency vehicle, tow truck, or road service vehicle, including a snowplow, stopped with flashing lights on, you must slow down to 60 km/h or the posted speed limit, whichever is lower, in the adjacent lane. Furthermore, fines for exceeding the speed limit while passing such vehicles are doubled and can cost anywhere from $136 to $991, depending on how fast you're going.
Drought conditions
Southern Alberta remains in a drought, with a higher-than-average risk of drought conditions persisting this year. However, The City and Government of Alberta are continuing to monitor the water situation. If we don’t receive the precipitation we need, Calgarians should be prepared for the likelihood of outdoor water restrictions to help conserve water. These restrictions could be in place earlier this season, for a longer duration and could be more strict than last year. Learn more at calgary.ca/droughtresilience.
Calgary Unplugged event
Join Calgary Unplugged at Central Library on March 23, 2024, 7-9:30 p.m. for music, entertainment, and environmental actions. If you are unable to attend, you can participate in Earth Hour by turning off your lights at 8:30 p.m. You can also share on social media with #EarthHourYYC. If you have any questions, email events@arusha.org.
The Go Paperless contest ends March 31
Switch to paperless assessment notices (eNotices) for a chance to win one of four $250 Visa gift cards. The contest is open to new and existing eNotice subscribers in Alberta until March 31, 2024. More information is available at calgary.ca/gopaperless.
Categories: General, Newsletter