May 2024 newsletter

On April 25, 2024, the legislature introduced Bill 20, the Municipal Affairs Statutes Amendment. The bill proposes numerous changes to the Local Authorities Election Act and the Municipal Government Act to add greater transparency to and trust in local election processes. Firstly, the bill would enable the regulation-making authority to define local political parties for the 2025 elections in Calgary and Edmonton. However, the municipal political parties would not be allowed to have the same name or formal affiliations with provincial or federal parties, and candidates would still be allowed to run as independents. Moreover, the bill would require municipalities to prepare a permanent voter register based on the most current provincial register of electors and prohibit tabulators (electronic vote counters) in local elections. Under the proposed changes, municipalities would have the option to require a criminal record check as part of a candidate's nomination package. However, this would not be mandatory. The bill also grants the cabinet the authority to remove a municipal councillor if deemed in the public interest. Stakeholder engagement with municipalities is expected to take place in late spring and summer of 2024, and if passed, the legislation will come into force upon Royal Assent.

The City of Calgary's Annual Paving Program will run from May through October and focuses on rehabilitating pavement surfaces, particularly on the busiest routes in Calgary. The program's primary goal is to repair or replace asphalt roadways, although it may also include repairing and replacing localized concrete sidewalks, wheelchair ramps, curbs, and gutters. The projects may take from a few days to several months to complete, and Nighttime and weekend work may also be necessary on many major roadways to minimize disruptions. Below is a complete list of major paving projects for Ward 1 – project locations can also be found on the Roadway Activities Map. 

It's important for residents to prioritize safety and security measures for their homes and vehicles. The Ward 1 Office and Councillor Sharp work closely with the Calgary Police Service to stay aware of trends and communicate important updates to residents. In light of recent incidents, we would like to remind Ward 1 residents to practice the 9 PM Routine. This routine is designed to help citizens ensure that their vehicles, garages, and homes are always secured, especially before going to bed. By following the 9 PM Routine every night at 9 p.m., residents can: 

• Remove all valuables from vehicles, including garage door openers 
• Ensure that vehicles are locked, windows are closed, and parked in a garage if possible
• Close all garage doors and windows 
• Lock any person-doors in the garage, especially those leading into a house
• Check that all house doors in the front, back, side, and garage are locked
• Ensure that all windows are shut, even if it's hot
• Turn on an exterior light so that neighbors and passersby can see if someone suspicious is on your property 

It's recommended that you involve all family members in the 9 p.m. Routine, including your little ones, to ensure that you never forget to lock up. Additionally, it's easier to remember to complete the 9 p.m. Routine by combining it with another nightly routine, such as brushing your teeth. 

The City's Various Street Improvement Program team manages construction of safety and operational improvements to existing infrastructure for departments such as water, parks and mobility. The team aims to improve safety, service levels, quality, and accessibility of infrastructure and will begin 2024 projects in May, continuing until November, subject to weather condition. 

Regular project updates will be available online at Various Street Improvement.

A temporary closure of the pathway at Rocky Ledge Street has occurred to facilitate geotechnical operations within the area. This includes borehole drilling in the natural space, affecting the adjacent pathways. The closure came into effect on April 29 and is scheduled to conclude on May 24, 2024. For reference, you can find the closure marked on the City's Pathways, Bikeways, and Walkways map gallery. 

May is Asian Heritage month, a time to celebrate and honour the rich and diverse cultures, traditions, and contributions of Asian communities around the world, and in Calgary. It is a wonderful opportunity to recognize the achievements and resilience of Asian individuals, as well as to promote understanding and appreciation for their heritage. During this month, various events, activities, and initiatives are organized to showcase the beauty and significance of Asian culture. To help amplify Asian experiences and voices in Calgary, read CBC's article: Asian Heritage Month 2024 - Calgary. 

Due to the higher-than-average risk of drought conditions persisting across the province this year, The City of Calgary and the southern region of Alberta are currently facing drought conditions. In response, the Government of Alberta facilitated voluntary water sharing agreements, including one for the Bow River Basin, to help conserve water and reduce the risks posed by drought. Calgary is committed to taking action that collectively could achieve a 5-10 per cent reduction in overall water use.

To do your part, big or small, to conserve water and use it wisely in your homes, yards and at your businesses, follow these tips: 

Conserve water inside your home:

• Take shorter (5 min.) showers.
• Run only full loads in your dishwasher or washing machine. 
• Turn off the tap when brushing your teeth or shaving. 
• Check and fix leaky taps and toilets. 

Prepare your yard for dry conditions 

You can help your garden thrive during drought conditions by following a few tips:

• Add mulch around trees and shrubs to retain moisture and keep an even soil temperature.
• Install a rain barrel to capture any rain we get for watering yards and gardens.
• If you’re adding plants to your garden, choose water-wise, drought tolerant plants. 

Remember, new plants need lots of water to get established, especially during the heat of summer, and outdoor water restrictions may be in effect.

For more information and tips on water conservation, visit calgary.ca/drought.

• On June 2, 2024, the 33rd Lilac Festival will be held on 4th Street between 12th Avenue and Elbow Drive SW, as well as on 17th Avenue between 2nd Street and 5th Street SW. The festival will feature live entertainment, food trucks, local vendors, extended patios, and fun activities for people of all ages.
  • Be on the lookout for Calgary Recreation at Lilac Festival, as the project team will be present at this one-day celebration to gather feedback from Calgarians to help inform the planning of future Canada Day celebrations. 
• The City of Calgary will initiate two hydrogen vehicle pilot projects. One of the projects has received a recent funding boost from the provincial government. The pilot, in collaboration with the City of Edmonton and Strathcona County, is expected to kick off in early 2025.