November 2022 newsletter

Hi Ward 1! 

November is one of the busiest months at City Council as we consider The City's budget for the next four years. You can learn more about what's proposed below, plus how to share your feedback.

From December 1-11, I'm asking everyone to participate in the Mayor's Food Drive in support of the Calgary Food Bank. This year, councillors and residents from all 14 Wards will be competing to see who can donate the most. Donations in Ward 1 will be accepted at CF Market Mall, in the corridor next to Safeway, starting December 1. I'll have more details to share later this month. Let's go Ward 1! 

—Sonya Sharp

• This month, Council passed a motion from Councillor Walcott to investigate new enforcement options for road noise. Noise violations have been an ongoing concern for many Ward 1 residents, so we look forward to seeing Administration's completed report. 
• Council has approved a new name for James Short Park in Chinatown: 和園 Harmony Park. The name change was undertaken as part of the Tomorrow's Chinatown initiative which included a new area redevelopment plan and cultural plan. 

This busy intersection in Royal Oak continues to be a high priority. The 112 Avenue crosswalk has been relocated to be in the direct line of sight of drivers turning right onto Country Hills Boulevard. This month saw further changes, including accessibility improvements to the crosswalk. Councillor Sharp and The City's Mobility team continue to assess the changes to ensure they accommodate pedestrian safety and efficient traffic flow. Long-term solutions are still in the works, and Councillor Sharp is expecting an update later this year. 

ENMAX replaced portions of two underground transmission lines in the community of Varsity with temporary overhead lines in 2009 and 2014. ENMAX now intends to apply to the Alberta Utilities Commission to make the overhead lines permanent. 

ENMAX has communicated directly with affected Varsity residents by mail. If you have additional questions or concerns regarding this project, you can contact ENMAX directly at stakeholderrelations@enmax.com or 403-514-1471. More information on this project is available at enmax.com/varsitynorthwest.

Last month, Councillor Sharp hosted her quarterly meeting with the presidents of the nine amazing community associations in Ward 1. These meetings are a great opportunity for the elected community leaders to share their priorities with Councillor Sharp and to connect with one another. Topics range from road and traffic safety issues, to community event participation, and to planning and development concerns. Connect with your community association for more updates from these great meetings. 

On Thursday November 10th, Councillor Sharp attended the sunrise Remembrance Day ceremony at the Field of Crosses on Memorial Drive in remembrance of the Women of War. Councillor Sharp was honoured to pay respects to the soldiers marked with white crosses, the Women of War, and the many others who served our country.

On November 11th, Councillor Sharp and her team had the privilege of attending the Remembrance Day ceremony at the Bowness Legion. Councillor Sharp made remarks and had the opportunity to lay a wreath on behalf of The City of Calgary. We hope Ward 1 residents had a reflective day remembering those who fought and died for our country.

• Stay up to date on what The City's Planning & Development department is working on by subscribing to the Planning & Development Services Dispatch newsletter. It includes helpful updates on planning matters affecting your community. View past issues and subscribe here. 
• Proposed development in your neighbourhood? Visit calgary.ca/dmap to view development applications and to submit your feedback. Public comments are accepted for three weeks after an application is submitted.
• Learn more about the regulations governing land use in Calgary by visiting calgary.ca/landusebylaw. More questions? Contact Planning & Development Services by phone 403-268-5311 or live chat calgary.ca/livechat. 
• Permit applications have moved to a temporary location due to repairs at the Municipal Building. Applications can be made online or in person at the Whitehorn Multi-Services Centre (3705 35 Street N.E.), Monday through Friday 8 a.m. - 4:15p.m.

• Following vandalism earlier this year, a new, more resilient design has been approved for the Peace Bridge in collaboration with the original architect. Construction is scheduled for Spring 2023. Learn more. 
• Do you pay property tax through the TIPP program? Twice-yearly recalculations take place in January and July that could change the amount you pay monthly. Watch for more details coming in December to avoid service charges or an NSF fee.