Summer 2022 newsletter

In this issue: Pathway closure update, road construction projects, and engagement opportunities at The City

Valley Ridge pathway closure

Due to spring flooding, the multi-use pathway connecting Valley Ridge to Bowness Park under Stoney Trail is currently closed. Unfortunately, there is currently no timeline for the repair of this vital link. 

As this pathway is within the boundaries of the Stoney Trail construction project, repair is out of The City's control and is solely the responsibility of the Government of Alberta. Councillor Sharp has impressed the importance of this path for residents of Valley Ridge to her provincial counterparts. We encourage any residents with concerns about this closure to contact their MLA or the Project Coordinator with Alberta Transportation directly. 

We hope to see this issue resolved soon. 

Reminder: Community Cleanups

There's still a chance to save a trip to the landfill and dispose of household items at a Community Cleanup event this fall. The Silver Springs Community Cleanup will be held on September 18 from 9 am to 2 pm at the Silver Springs Community Association. More details on the Community Cleanup program are on Calgary.ca. 

Silver Springs Neighbourhood Streets pilot project update

The City has extended the Neighbourhood Streets pilot project along Silver Springs Blvd NW into 2023 to further evaluate its performance and to implement several additional changes. 

• The existing wheeling lane (bike lane) installed as part of the pilot is being extended between Silvergrove Dr and Nose Hill Dr using a new type of barrier
• Additional traffic calming improvements including new medians, curb extensions, and pedestrian ramps in several locations. 

Construction is expected to be complete by the end of 2022. The City will continue to evaluate the project through 2023, with final decisions being made at that time. Councillor Sharp appreciates all the feedback she has received on the project so far.

We will continue to offer further updates as work on and the evaluation of this project progress. 

John Laurie Blvd open houses

The City of Calgary is implementing a number of traffic control changes to improve safety along John Laurie Blvd NW, with construction expected to begin this month. 

The City is hosting two information sessions on this project that may be of interest to Ward 1 residents: 

• Monday, August 22, 7 pm to 8:30 pm at the Brentwood Community Association (1520B Northmount Dr NW)
• Tuesday, August 23, 7 pm to 8:30 pm at the Triwood Community Association (2244 Chicoutimi Dr NW)

Further details on this project are available on Calgary.ca.

East Village Safety Hub

A new space for multi-agency collaboration recently opened in the East Village to improve safety and community services for the east side of Downtown. 

Like the Stephen Avenue Safety Hub, this new space will provide a place for the Calgary Police Service, Alpha House's DOAP team, and other agencies to collaborate. It will offer these agencies a 24-hour physical presence in the East Village over the course of the three-year pilot project. 

The new location will not be open to the public for police reports, which can continue to be made at police district offices or by calling the police non-emergency line at 403-266-1234.

The safety of downtown affects the safety and vitality of our entire city. This is a great step to make Downtown more welcoming and connect vulnerable Calgarians with the supports they need.

Recruitment for City boards, commissions, and committees

The City's annual recruitment campaign for citizen positions on various boards, commissions and committees (BCCs) runs from now until September 12. 

BCCs provide City Council with perspective and recommendations on important civic issues. This is a rewarding opportunity to participate in the municipal decision making process.

Applications are welcome from any Calgarian at least 18 years of age. Members will be selected on October 25. More details are available at Calgary.ca/boards.  

The City is also recruiting members for the Housing and Affordability Task Force. The term for this task force will be from September 2022 through March 2023. Applications close August 30. Details at engage.calgary.ca/HATaskForce.

Updates in brief

• Calgary Transit continues to offer discounted youth and adult Transit passes for the month of September. Passes are $56, and available in all the places that passes are usually sold. 
• The City offers a number of opportunities for public engagement throughout the year on engage.calgary.ca. Current opportunities include the Vendors in Parks program and the Future of Stephen Avenue. Have your say!
• Following a recent security incident at the Calgary Municipal Building, City services counters for Planning & Development, City Cashiers and Tax, and Fair Entry have been temporarily relocated. Details on the temporary locations are available here.
• The City of Calgary is making upgrades to the +15 network to improve accessibility this summer and fall. There may be temporary closures between some buildings while this work is carried out.

Highlights from the spring and summer: 

• Council approved the new Citywide Growth Strategy. Councillor Sharp believes we need a mix of redevelopment and new community growth to satisfy the demands of the market and the housing affordability needs of Calgarians. The plan has approved the future development of several new neighbourhoods for Calgary that incorporate sustainability and a greater variety of housing options than in many older communities. 
• Councillor Sharp voted against the Calgary Climate Strategy. Councillor Sharp supports action on climate change. It's important in its own right, and to ensure Calgary remains competitive. But this strategy was short on details including costs and a plan for implementation.
  
  Councillor Sharp hopes that answers to many of the outstanding questions from the strategy are brought forward this fall. It will still be up to Council to consider individual climate projects on their merits as they come forward. 
• The City's Green Line board has approved two consortiums to proceed to the request for proposal and development stage of the project. It's good news to see this important milestone met. Councillor Sharp will be watching closely to ensure we see the transparency and responsibility that Calgarians expect from a project of this significance.