May 2023 Newsletter

Hello Ward 6!

It has been an unseasonably hot and smoky May. I hope you are all safe and in good health. In the May edition of the newsletter, we would like to provide you with information about fire safety, the Ward 6 mobility program, residential parking permits and much more. ​​​​​​​

Multi-Family Fire Tragedy

On May 3^rd there was a tragedy in our Ward. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families affected by the Cougar Ridge multi home fire. Thank you to the Calgary Fire Department for your efforts battling the fire and keeping the families safe. Your professional and compassionate support was outstanding.

Thank you to Calgary Police Service’s Victim Assistance Support Team who mobilized their trailer to support this community. For those seeking assistance but who were unable to attend in pers on, VAST can be reached at 403-428-8398, or toll-free at 1-888-327-7828. VAST is a free service offered to all victims of crime or tragedy.

If you would like to help these three families, WSCR Community Association, in conjunction with West Springs Church, are collecting donations through e-transfer to assist these families in their time of need. Please send your e-transfer to treasurer@westsprings.church. Please note no tax receipt will be provided. This option will be available until May 31, 2023.

It is in times like these that we see what an incredibly compassionate and generous community we live in. Thank you to WSCR Community Association and West Springs Church for coordinating, and to those who donated gift cards and cash.

Here is a friendly reminder from the Calgary Fire Department on steps you can take to prevent tragedy from happening to your home:

Canada Day Fireworks Update

The Ward 6 office received an overwhelming number of emails from residents sharing their displeasure with the cancellation of the Canada Day fireworks. Councillor Pootmans was disappointed that Council was not advised nor involved in this matter as it was the decision of the Arts & Culture team, not Council themselves.

At the same time the 10 Councillors were preparing the re-instatement Notice of Motion, Councillor Pootmans (attending a conference in Toronto this week) was conveying Calgarians’ concerns regarding the cancellation of the fireworks to Administration.  The outcome of the collective action was that Administration listened and made the change back to including the fireworks. He is extremely pleased with the outcome that the fireworks have been reinstated for this Canada Day. 

For more information on all the great Canada Day activities happening in our City please visit calgary.ca website starting in June.  

Ward 6 Mobility Program 2023

The Mobility business unit is looking forward to the year ahead of them as they invest in safe and accessible infrastructure for Calgarians. The attached photo highlights all the work that will be completed in Ward 6 this season. Mobility understands that construction can be frustrating for residents so they are doing their best to provide a detailed look at the work that will be occurring in our Ward.

Thank you to Mobility for investing in our area and thank you to the community members who sent in their concerns that prompted some of these changes. The Ward 6 office is happy to work with Mobility and advocate on behalf of Ward 6. We look forward to seeing the infrastructure improvements.

Be Safe. Ride Smart.

Be Safe. Ride Smart. This time of year brings busy pathways full of people walking, cycling, scooting, and playing. Distractions are everywhere – from listening to music to play sports or just taking in the sights. Let’s keep each other safe. Be courteous and slow down when wheeling. Learn more at Calgary.ca/BeSafe

Discovery Ridge Bear Awareness Tips

Unintentionally attracting wildlife like bears into our neighbourhoods can pose a risk to both humans and animals. Here are some tips to manage your waste and prevent attracting animals to your black, blue and green carts:

1. Don’t put carts out overnight.
2. Set carts out no earlier than 5 a.m. and no later than 7 a.m. on collection day.
3. Store your carts inside a garage/secure enclosure.
4. Clean your carts periodically and consider freezing food waste prior to putting it in your green cart on collection day to help reduce odours.

Learn more at Calgary.ca/bearsmart.

Support our farmers ✅ Connect with neighbours ✅ Enjoy great food 

The City of Calgary has partnered with local and regional farmers and distributors to operate farm stands at over 25 community hubs and train stations around Calgary. This year we have added seven new locations, helping us provide fresh and healthy food to more Calgarians. Our first farm stand launched on May 2, and additional stands continue to open from early June until Thanksgiving. Market days and times vary by location.

In Ward 6 you can find a mobile market on the following days and communities:

• Tuesday: 3:00-6:00 pm Wildwood Community Association (4411 Spruce Dr SW)
• Wednesday: 10:00 am-1:00 pm West Springs/Cougar Ridge (744 73 St SW)
• Friday: 2:00-6:00 pm Coach Hill/Patterson Heights (Prominence Park on Patterson Blvd & Patina Dr)
• Friday starting June 3: 3:00 – 6:00 pm (Springbank Hill/Valleyview Community Church 7655 26 Ave SW)

Learn more about the program at calgary.ca/localfood.

All Sport One Day

Sport Calgary is proud to host All Sport One Day on June 17th and August 19th!  All Sport One Day has an amazing opportunity for Calgary children and youth to try a new sport and to discover a new passion. With hundreds of sessions featuring dozens of exciting activities to choose from, parents or guardians can enroll children (ages 6 and above) in FREE sport sessions for two summer days (June 17th and August 19th) of fun! Activities take place at facilities all across Calgary.

• Registration opens June 6th for the June 17th event.
• Registration opens on August 10th for the August 19^th.
• Registration is online at AllSportOneDay.ca or https://sportcalgary.ca/all-sport-one-day
• Follow us on all main social media platforms at @sportcalgary

Please find below the list of All Sport One Day event sites where the action will take place on June 17:

• Calgary Soccer Centre 
• Glenmore Athletic Park 
• MNP Sport & Community Centre 
• Optimist Athletic Park 
• Southland Leisure Centre 
• University of Calgary 
• Winsport
• Genesis & Saddletowne YMCA
• Marlborough  Park
• Seton YMCA
• Shane/Rocky Ridge YMCA
• Westside

Natural areas don’t like to be mowed

​​​​​​​Natural areas are a type of park space that are managed to maintain natural characteristics. They’re natural environment spaces where plants, insects, birds, and other wildlife (broadly known as biodiversity) can live, while balancing public access and enjoyment.

Compared to manicured parks, natural areas don’t require the same level or frequency of management.

While it may seem tempting to mow and trim natural area vegetation near your property line, it’s damaging to the natural area because it removes wildlife habitat and alters the local ecological system. Mowing diminishes the health and integrity of natural areas and reduces their ability to provide benefits like stormwater storage and filtration, carbon sequestration and pollinator habitat.

Mowing also interferes with all citizens’ ability to enjoy the natural aesthetic of these areas. To conserve this, maintenance methods like mowing and weed control are different for natural areas versus manicured parks. By avoiding mowing into natural areas, you can help protect native plants, animals and the ecological systems that allow them to thrive in our city.

Park space is available for all Calgarians to enjoy. For more information on natural areas and how they are maintained please visit https://www.calgary.ca/parks/natural-areas or contact 311.

Residential Parking Permit Program

There are important policy changes to the Residential Parking Permit (RPP) Program that were approved by Council in January 2021, following two years of engagement with Calgarians. The revised program aims to increase street use efficiency and fairness, support businesses, and be better positioned for long-term sustainability.

As part of these changes, permit eligibility is now based on building type, and a new fee structure for parking permits is being introduced later this year. On-street parking is public space managed by The City of Calgary for all Calgarians. Permits allow residents the option to park on-street and close to their residence in areas near major parking generators where parking demand is high, such as hospitals, schools, and LRT stations. Parking permit fees have been introduced to cover the cost of this service from those who use it.

If you live in a Residential Parking Zone (RPZ), you only need a parking permit if your block has RPP restrictions (‘except by permit’ signs) or if you want to overstay in time-restricted zones (ex. two-hour parking signs).

If RPP restrictions are no longer needed on your block, requests for modifying restrictions signs can be made by calling 311 or filling out a 311 online request.

To learn what parking permit your address is eligible for and to view the new fee structure, please visit calgary.ca/RPP. Information on when the new fee structure will be implemented will be shared when available.

Property tax is due June 30; pay or join TIPP by then to avoid late payment penalties

Your property tax must be paid by June 30 to avoid late payment penalties. The City’s Tax Instalment Payment Plan (TIPP) is the most popular payment method. You pay the same amount as your annual property tax levy, but instead of one large lump sum payment in June, you pay smaller monthly instalments.

This makes budgeting easier, and you reduce the risk of late payment penalties. Signing up for TIPP is easy and you don’t need to re-apply each year. There is no filing fee or initial payment required.

Plan enrolment must be completed by the due date shown on your bill to avoid a late payment penalty. Avoid waiting and request your TIPP agreement today.

To request your TIPP agreement, go to calgary.ca/TIPP or call 311. If calling from outside Calgary dial 403-268-2489 to request your agreement.

If you’re already on TIPP, you can visit calgary.ca/TIPP to learn how your monthly TIPP instalments are calculated and adjusted.

The City of Calgary launches its Anti-Racism Strategic Plan

The City of Calgary has recently launched its Anti-Racism Strategic Plan - Dismantling Systemic Racism, Transforming Lives: The City of Calgary Anti-Racism Strategic Plan 2023-2027. This strategic plan results from engagements with employees and community members over several months. The plan is designed to guide The City to ensure that all Calgarians, including Indigenous, Black, and diverse Racialized Peoples have equitable access to services and programs.

The Anti-Racism Strategic Plan has five focus areas to create a racially-just Calgary. The full documents can be downloaded on calgary.ca/anti-racism.

For more information please visit calgary.ca.

Community Events

The following are event in Ward 6 organized by Community Association:

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

Neighbour Day Stampede Breakfast Saturday, June 17 at 9:00 am - 11:30 am

Everyone is invited to our annual Stampede Breakfast – our most popular event of the year!

Pancakes and sausages for the first 1500 people.  Family friendly activities. Come enjoy the great fun, food, and music – rain or shine!

Volunteers are needed – can you help?  Please sign up at: Volunteer Info

Glamorgan Community Association: 4207 - 41 Ave SW https://www.myglamorgan.ca/