January Newsletter

Hello Ward 6,

Over the past months, City Council has been hard at work to build relationships with community and business leaders to understand the pulse of the community. To all who have taken time to contact my office, thank you. Community engagement is paramount to a successful and accountable City Hall.

The December 30th break of the Bearspaw Feeder Main represents a significant challenge both for City Council and the City of Calgary. As always, I am committed to upholding transparency and good governance along the way.

In the month ahead, I look forward to working with the City and my Council colleagues to implement the recommendations set out by the Independent Review Panel for the Bearspaw Feeder Main.

Additionally, I am eager to continue the conversation on ending blanket rezoning and prioritizing thoughtful development. It is imperative that the system that we are left with is better than what we had previously. Your voice and your community deserve to be heard.

As always, I am committed to fostering an open and honest dialogue between myself, my office, and your community. Thank you for reading!

John Pantazopoulos, CFA, ICD.D

Ward 6 Councillor

Council Updates

Water Main Break and the Replacement of the Bearspaw South Feeder Main

On the evening of December 30^th, 2025, a major water main break occurred east of the Sarcee Trail / 16 Ave N.W. interchange. This break caused significant flooding, requiring emergency response.

As of January 19^th, 2026, all water restrictions have been lifted. While the repair has been finished, there is additional pipe reinforcement work planned for the Spring and Fall 2026.

Stay informed by following the City of Calgary social media channels and tune in to local news outlets. For the most up-to-date information relating to water, visit Calgary.ca/watermainbreak – as well, download the Alberta Emergency Alert App. 

The City of Calgary has urgently accelerated the Bearspaw South Feeder Main replacement.

The City is implementing a revised plan that urgently expedites construction of a replacement for the Bearspaw South Feeder Main (BSFM) due to the critical condition of the current pipe and its importance in Calgary's drinking water system.

The project will add a parallel steel pipe of the same size as the existing BSFM. Over time, this new pipe will take over service from the current line. The replacement pipe is now anticipated to be completed in December 2026.

Blanket Rezoning Public Hearing - March 23

On December 15th, Calgary’s City Council voted to begin the process to repeal blanket rezoning. Council carried the repeal direction 13-2, with Ward 6 Councillor Pantazopoulos in support of the Motion to repeal. The result of this vote was to direct Administration to prepare an amending bylaw to restore the Land Use Bylaw districts and land use designations of affected parcels to their original state prior to the third reading of 21P2024 (Citywide Rezoning).

As part of this direction, the amending bylaw exempts parcels of land that:

1. Received a decision of approval on any one of a development permit, subdivision or building permit under the R-CG, R-G, or H-GO land use districts prior to the effective date of the amending bylaw, or
2. Are included in an application or permit submitted (any one of a development permit, subdivision application or building permit) prior to the first reading of the amending bylaw, or
3. Have received approval of a land use redesignation by Bylaw, through an applicant-initiated land use redesignation after August 6, 2024.

To expand, projects in this context will continue to be reviewed and decided under the rules in place when they entered the system. Council has also directed Administration to report back no later than Q1 2026 with updated infrastructure capacity assessments, and revised parking, specifically including private lots and public parking strategy.

A Public Hearing is set to occur on March 23. The purpose of the Public Hearing is to hear from affected residents who can speak for or against the proposed bylaw. Following the conclusion of the Public Hearing, Council will debate the repeal based on the feedback received during the Public Hearing. During this time, Councillors may propose amendments to the bylaw, and ask for legal or administrative clarifications. If the bylaw passes, it will be at that point that we understand more about timelines and transition rules.

To participate in a Public Hearing, visit this link.

You Should Know

Property Tax Assessment

Customer Review Period (Jan. 14 to March 23) is your opportunity to review and ensure the accuracy of your 2026 property tax assessment.

Your 2026 property assessment was mailed out on Jan. 14. The 2026 Customer Review Period (CRP) runs from Jan. 14 to March 23. CRP is your opportunity to review and ensure the accuracy of your 2026 property assessment and learn more about how your assessment was determined.

What to look for when reviewing your assessment:

1) Is your market value assessment a reasonable estimate as of July 1, 2025?

2) Are the property details we have on record correct?

3) Is your assessment fair when compared with others in your neighbourhood?

Each year, The City and the Province separately set a budget and decide how much money they need from property tax. Your share of property tax is based on your assessment class and the assessed value of your property. Your 2026 property tax bill will be mailed in May, but you can get an estimate of it now by visiting Calgary.ca/taxcalculator.

To help you review your property assessment, we offer general resources on Calgary.ca/assessment and property-specific tools through the secure logon feature of Calgary.ca/mytax. By logging onto myTax you can:

a) Check your property details and ensure they’re correct.

Incorrect property details can result in your assessment not accurately reflecting the value of your property.

b) Compare your property’s assessed value to similar properties in your area.

c) Review real estate market trends and learn how your property was assessed.

Questions? Visit Calgary.ca/assessment or call 311. Customer review period ends March 23.

Calgary Police Service - 9 p.m. Routine

We've received reports of suspicious activity, car prowling, and residential break and enters in several Southwest communities west of Sarcee Trail. Calgary Police note that many incidents involve unlocked vehicles or open garage doors.

A simple nightly "9 p.m. routine" can make a big difference:

• Ensure all exterior doors and windows are locked.
• Close and secure garage doors; lock the door between the garage and your home.
• Lock all vehicles, including those parked inside garages.
• Remove all valuables from vehicles, including garage door openers.
• Turn on exterior lights or ensure motion-activated lighting is working.
• Check that home security systems and CCTV cameras are operational.
• If away for an extended period, arrange for property maintenance (snow removal, bins, etc.)

Report concerns:

Non-Emergency: 403-266-1234

Emergency (active threat): 911

Please share and help keep our community safe.

Accessibility Awards

Who’s making life better for Calgarians with disabilities? The Advisory Committee on Accessibility wants you to nominate them for an award.

Now is the time to nominate an individual or group that’s helping people with disabilities live a good life in Calgary. Nominations run from February 9-23, 2026.

The Advisory Committee on Accessibility’s annual awards program started in 2006. The committee is a City Council committee consisting of citizens with disabilities and a keen interest in access issues. Working closely with the community and The City of Calgary, the committee makes recommendations to City Council on policy and systems issues, and barriers impacting people with disabilities in Calgary.

The last Accessibility Awards were presented to Lionel Migrino (Advocacy Award for an Individual), Lacrossing Barriers (Advocacy Award for an Organization), Skye Lul (Transportation & Mobility Award) and Pamela Butvin (Universal Design Award).

To submit a nomination or learn more about the awards (including award categories, criteria, winners and their work), visit Calgary.ca/accessibilityawards. 

Local Business Highlight - Fenyk Coffee Shop

We had a great team meeting at Fenyk Coffee at their WinSport Podium location in Medicine Hills.

Huge thanks to Pardeep for the warm welcome and for the care he puts into this tremendous local business. It’s clear how much pride he takes in supporting local suppliers and creating a welcoming space for the community.

Fenyk Coffee is a wonderful spot to connect, share ideas, and spend time in the community.

Keep an eye out for more small business highlights each month. Shopping at and supporting local businesses keeps our community strong. If you know of a local business deserving to be highlighted, email csward6@calgary.ca. 

Winter Safety Tips - Keeping Our Rivers Healthy

When snow melts, water runs off our streets, driveways, and yards and ultimately ends up in our rivers, creeks, and wetlands. This runoff is called stormwater. Stormwater picks up garbage, chemicals, pet waste, salt, gravel, dirt, and other debris, washing it into our storm drains and rivers.

The City of Calgary and Calgarians need to work together to manage our stormwater. In newer communities, The City uses storm ponds to help naturally treat stormwater by slowing the flow, allowing sediment and pollution to settle before entering our rivers. While these are found in newer communities, stormwater is not cleaned by a treatment plant, which is why keeping it pollution free is so important. Clean stormwater ensures our rivers, creeks, and wetlands, as well as local wildlife and fish, remain healthy for future generations.

Together, we can keep our rivers and creeks healthy by:

• Shovelling shortly after it snows to prevent ice and reduce salt, sand, or gravel use.
• Following the manufacturer’s instructions if using salt on your driveway or sidewalks so as to not use more than needed.
• Sweeping up excess salt, sand, and gravel from your driveway and sidewalks.
• Continuing to pick up pet waste and litter off the ground and dispose of them in the right disposal bin.

What ends up on our streets, ends up in our rivers. For more tips and information, visit Calgary.ca/stormwater.

Events

Chinook Blast

Chinook Blast is Calgary’s ultimate winter festival that showcases the very best of our city. For six years, this celebration has brought winter magic to life, and we’re just getting started!

From January 30 to February 16, Chinook Blast returns for its sixth year, promising the most spectacular experience yet. We’re turning up the heat at Eau Claire Plaza, transforming it into a dazzling winter wonderland filled with vibrant art installations, live music, and unforgettable adventures.

Built by Calgarians, for everyone, Chinook Blast is proudly local. It’s a family-friendly, inclusive festival that celebrates creativity and community while drawing visitors from across Calgary and around the world.

Join us as we make winter extraordinary. Learn more at chinookblast.ca.

Youth Hiring Fair

Mark your calendars! The Youth Hiring Fair is on March 26, at the Big Four Building in Stampede Park from 1:30 to 6 p.m. Now’s the time to get prepared. Set yourself up for success and be ready to meet 80 employers who are hiring.

Interested in attending? Youth ages 15-24 are encouraged to visit the Youth Employment Centre before the event. Drop-in to meet with an employment counsellor for free Youth Hiring Fair preparation. They can be found at the Alberta Trade Centre (315 – 10^th Avenue S.E.). They are open weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. No appointment needed. We can help you with:

a) Targeting your resume to available jobs.

b) Creating a pitch to introduce yourself.

c) Preparing for on-the-spot interviews and more.

Visit Calgary.ca/yechiring for ongoing announcements and advice on how to get prepared.

All Sport One City – Sport Calgary

Get ready to move, play, and discover something new because All Sport One is back!

This city-wide sport discovery event brings Calgarians together to try a new sport. Whether you’re looking to stay active, meet new people, or find your next favourite spot, this is your chance to experience it all.

Registration opens:

Monday, February 2, 2026 – 9:00 a.m.

Spots are limited – pre-registration is required.

Full events schedule will be released on Tuesday, January 27^th, 2026, on this website.

Attend and Win!

Everyone who attends All Sport One City and has their attendance confirmed will be automatically entered into a prize draw. No extra steps required – just show up and participate.

Prizes Include:

- A pair of Flames tickets

- Calgary Surge Basketball tickets

- 1 of 4 MNP Community and Event Centre prize packs

- And more!

Winners will be contacted after the event. Prize draw entry requires event attendance and confirmation. Don’t miss this fun, inclusive celebration of sport in Calgary. Register early, bring your friends or family, and you could walk away with a prize just for participating. 

YYC Hot Chocolate Festival

Every February, participating vendors compete for the coveted titles of YYC's Best Hot Chocolate, Best Spirited Hot Chocolate, Most Creative Hot Chocolate, Worth the Drive, and special Cup That Runneth Over Award.

Calgarians can sip a variety of hot cocoas and determine the blend that roasts them all!

How does it work?

Choose a hot chocolate from the list of contestants (many Ward 6 favourites included), head over during their business hours to try it, and then rate it to help them decide who will be crowned YYC's Best Hot Chocolate!

To Participate:

• Follow YYC Hot Chocolate Festival on Instagram and Facebook
• Share your experiences for a chance to be recognized as the Community Champion
• Tag YYC Hot Chocolate Festival and use the hashtag #yychotchocolatefest
• Download the app to stay connected on the go for Apple or Android
• To vote - go to the vendor's page for a link to vote for that vendor. 

SCA (Strathcona, Christie, Aspen) Community Association (277 Strathcona Drive SW, Calgary Alberta)

Glendale/Glendale Meadows Community Association (4500 25 Avenue SW, Calgary Alberta)

Tree Talk – Wednesday, February 18^th, starting at 7:00 p.m. at the Glendale Community Association

Steve Smith, Arborist, will talk about drought and trees and leave lots of time for a Q&A. If you have any questions you want answered about your trees, come on by.

Sign up https://glendale.getcommunal.com/parent_programs/2740

Or contact Monika: naturallyglendale@myglendale.ca

Westgate Community Association (4943 8 Ave SW, Calgary Alberta)

Winterfest

On Saturday, February 7, 2026, the Westgate Winterfest returns for another year of wintery fun!

Email info@westgatecommunity.ca if you're interested in volunteering at this year's event.