January 2024 Newsletter

Happy New Year Ward 6!

As we start the new year, I am invigorated by all the priorities that the City is focusing on - affordable housing, public safety and transit. I am committed to investing in our City to drive it forward and make it a better place to live. Personally, I am wishing everyone a year filled with happiness and health.

In this edition of the newsletter you will read about Council pay increase, rezoning for housing info session, winter road maintenance and much more.

COUNCIL UPDATES

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Council Pay Increase

Council voted to accept pay increases. The compensation procedure was suggested by an independent citizens committee, and based on the Statistics Canada annual average percentage Alberta weekly wage increase/decrease. Council can do as they wish with their increase.  I will be donating my 2024 increase to charity and not accepting a tax receipt. In recognition of the exemplary work that Radiance does for domestic violence victims, I will be donating my 2024 pay increase to Radiance Family Society (without a tax receipt). I’m providing a brief recap of what Radiance does, below -

COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT: Radiance (formerly Sonshine Community Services)

Bringing hope and healing to those affected by domestic violence for over 40 years.

What we do

Our wide variety of trauma-informed programs and services specialize in developing healthy families and helping those impacted by family violence in Calgary and the surrounding area.

Safe Housing

Our residential shelter offers 24 apartment style units for women with and without children leaving family violence. Our 18-month program assists them in leaving abusive homes, including a six-month follow-up for a safe transition to the community.

Children’s Centre

Our Children's Centre is the first of its kind in Canada and leads with trauma-informed practices, addressing the unique needs of children who’ve experienced family violence, and preventing the cycle of violence through early intervention.

Community Counselling

We provide counselling and outreach services to foster healthy family relationships, and mental and emotional well-being.

Family Day Homes

We operate 65 family day homes in Calgary, offering safe, subsidized care for children in a warm and nurturing environment.

“I wanted a better life for myself. I liked the program at Radiance because it enabled me to learn life skills and stay out of domestic violence”

– Radiance Client

100% of clients saw positive change.

To donate, volunteer, fundraise or sponsor, email philanthropy@radiancesociety.ca

(403) 243-2002

www.radiancesociety.ca

DID YOU KNOW?

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Rezoning for Housing Info Session

Feb 10, 2024 | 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM

Status: Confirmed | Audience: Public

Location: Grace Lutheran Church

Session details: Public in-person information session to learn more about the proposed rezoning changes.

Project summary: With the approval of Home is Here: The City of Calgary’s Housing Strategy, Council directed us to take actions to address the housing crisis. Administration will propose that parcels that are currently zoned for low-density residential be redesignated to either R-CG or R-G, depending on their location and current zoning.

Use this interactive map to see how your property will be affected Rezoning for housing (calgary.ca)

ERU Contact: quinn.eastlick@calgary.ca

Visit Engage Page

311 Introduces Call Back Option

The City has officially launched a new feature for the 311 call centre, January 4, 2024. If the expected wait is longer than one minute, the system will advise on the estimated wait time before providing the option for a call back.

The call back feature will be active on the 10-digit 403.268.CITY (2489) and 311 lines between the hours of 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., seven days a week. These hours of operation experience the highest volume of call demand, resulting in longer wait times. 

2024 Assessment Roll

The 2024 property assessment values are based on a July 1, 2023 market valuation date and the property’s physical condition on Dec. 31, 2023. The total value of the 2024 Assessment Roll is $387 billion, an increase of $35 billion from last year. Overall, the typical residential property market value change is a 10 per cent increase over the previous year, while the typical non-residential market value change is 3 per cent. The 2024 median single residential assessment is $610,000, compared to $555,000 in 2023. The 2024 median residential condominium assessment is $295,000 compared to $255,000 in 2023.

When property assessments arrive, most residents will notice that their property’s value has increased from last year due to vigorous sales and market demand. Calgary’s housing market remains strong with robust sales indicating continued strength and real estate market confidence throughout the city.

For more info go to Calgary.ca/assessment or call 403-268-2888

2024 Customer Review Period

The Customer Review Period is an important time for property owners to check, compare, and review their assessment for accuracy, fairness, and equity. To do so, property owners are encouraged to take the time to visit calgary.ca/assessment to access our secure online Assessment Search tool to review their residential property details and property market trends report; compare their property with other similar properties; sign-up for eNotice and enter the Go Paperless Contest calgary.ca/gopaperless.

For more information, please contact:

powercustomerrelations@enmax.com

403-514-3990

Visit enmax.com/AMI or enmax.com/projects

Winter Road Maintenance

On snowy days in Calgary our City crews are working hard on the priority snow plan to keep Calgarians safe. Watch the winter maintenance program operational approaches that Mobility takes in order to clear our roads for a better understanding of their plan.

Snow & Ice Introduction Video (youtube.com)

Single-Use Items Bylaw In Effect

Calgary’s Single-use Items Bylaw started January 16, 2024, to reduce single-use items made from all types of materials, not just plastics. It is focused on preventing waste and promoting reusables through a combination of bylaw requirements and voluntary programs to encourage waste reduction.

Below is a summary of the bylaw requirement for businesses.

Shopping bags – paper and reusable shopping bags

Shopping bags are any bag used for transporting items sold or otherwise provided by a business including bags provided for in-store, take-out, drive-thru, delivery and online ordering.

Businesses can only provide shopping bags if:

• A customer asks for a shopping bag or takes it from a self-serve area,
• Staff asks the customer if they require a shopping bag,
• A customer answers a prompt on an ordering platform requesting a shopping bag.

Businesses are required to charge a minimum fee for bags.

• Businesses must charge at least 15 cents for new paper shopping bags (must contain at least 40% recycled content) and $1 for new reusable shopping bags. Fees increase in 2025.
• Fees will be kept by the business.

Foodware accessories – including utensils, straws, stir sticks, pre-packaged condiments, napkins, etc.

Businesses can only provide foodware accessories if:

• A customer asks for foodware accessories or takes from a self-serve area,
• Staff asks the customer if they require foodware accessories,
• A customer answers a prompt on an ordering platform requesting foodware accessories.

Voluntary measures

Food service ware

• Encouraging businesses to adopt reusable takeout containers program and use locally recyclable or compostable takeout containers.

Reusable cups

• Encouraging businesses to utilize reusable cups for dine-in, accept customer provided cups, adopt reusable cup share programs and use locally recyclable or compostable single-use cups.

How can Calgarians help?

Calgarians can do their part by creating new habits. They can choose reusables where feasible by bringing their own reusable bag to avoid the fees. And wherever possible, “skip the stuff” – by going bagless and only asking for or taking foodware accessories as needed.

Cutting back on disposable waste will not only help local businesses save money on single-use items and packaging but also help reduce the amount of waste produced on a weekly and yearly basis.

For more information visit calgary.ca/singleuse

EVENTS

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SCA Community Association: 277 Strathcona Dr SW www.scacalgary.ca

Family Day Skate – February 19, noon – 3 pm

Bring your family and friends and join us for this fun annual tradition!

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Westgate Community Association: 4943 8^th Ave SW, www.westgatecommunity.ca

Winterfest In conjunction with Luna New Year

Saturday, February 10 starting at 4.00pm 

• Wagon rides
• Crafts
• Smores
• Fireworks (~ 7:00pm) 

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Experience the magic of Chinook Blast

Calgary’s ultimate winter festival returns Feb. 2-19, 2024. This year’s event will warm up our city with a celebration of community, culture, and civic pride, where the best of Calgary’s art, music, theatre, sport and recreation will be on display.

Follow Chinook Blast on social media or at chinookblast.ca for the latest updates.

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Submit a nomination for the 30^th Annual Calgary Awards by Jan. 31

The Calgary Awards celebrate outstanding individuals and organizations whose exceptional achievements and contributions make life better for Calgarians.

Award categories include:

• The Community Achievement Awards:
  • Grant MacEwan Lifetime Achievement
  • Calgarian of the Year
  • Arts
  • Community Advocate - Individual
  • Community Advocate - Organization
  • Education
  • Heritage
  • Social Impact - Business
  • Youth
• The Award for Accessibility
• The Environmental Achievement Award
• The International Achievement Award

Look to your neighbors, colleagues, community leaders, local groups and companies who qualify for a Calgary Award. The nomination process is easy – follow the steps outlined at calgary.ca/calgaryawards and submit a nomination by Jan. 31.