May Newsletter

Have a question about something happening in your neighbourhood?

On Monday, June 15, join us for a Ward 6 Open House and speak directly with City departments and service teams about roads, transit, parks, planning, public safety, utilities, waste and recycling, tax and assessment, and much more.

Where?

SCA Community Association (277 Strathcona Dr. S.W.)

When?

Monday, June 15 | 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.

Register: ward6openhouse.eventbrite.ca

Or email csward6@calgary.ca

Free Fare Zone Review

Council debated the future of the Downtown Free Fare Zone. While Administration had recommended removing the zone, Council ultimately chose not to eliminate it immediately. Instead, the decision has been deferred to allow for further work and consideration as part of broader transit planning and budget discussions.

The Free Fare Zone has played an important role in downtown mobility for decades, and any change must be considered carefully. At the same time, safety on transit remains a serious concern. Calgarians need to feel confident using the system, and Transit peace officers must have the tools they need to respond to disorder and improve rider confidence.

Moving forward, Council’s focus will be on ensuring that any decision is balanced, evidence-based, and connected to real improvements in transit safety, affordability, and downtown accessibility.  

Strengthening Fire Services Oversight

I was proud to support Councillor Wyness’ Notice of Motion to begin establishing a dedicated Fire Protective Services Committee. Calgary is growing quickly, and our fire services need strong governance, long-term planning, and clear oversight to ensure response times, staffing, equipment, and infrastructure keep pace with the needs of our City.

Fire services are essential to public safety, and the Calgary Fire Department’s work extends well beyond emergency response. From fire prevention and technical rescue to disaster readiness and public education, their role continues to grow as Calgary becomes larger and more complex. A dedicated committee would give Council a stronger forum to review these needs, plan for the future, and ensure Calgary’s fire services remain reliable, well-supported, and ready to serve Calgarians.

Exploring a Downtown Police Station

I also co-sponsored a Notice of Motion brought forward by Mayor Farkas to explore options for a permanent Calgary Police Service district office downtown. A safer downtown is essential for residents, workers, businesses, visitors, and the overall health of our city centre.

This work will look at potential locations, costs, partnerships, and implementation options so Council can make an informed decision.

For more information on the May 26/27 Council meeting, and to read the minutes and agenda, visit this link. 

Wildwood School Visit

Earlier in the month, Councillor Pantazopoulos had the pleasure of visiting Wildwood School with City Auditor Liz Ormsby to speak with Grade 6 students about local government.

The students are learning about Canada’s orders of government, and we had a great discussion about what The City of Calgary does, how Councillors support their communities, and how the City Auditor helps make sure local government is accountable and transparent.

Thank you to the students and teachers at Wildwood School for the warm welcome and for asking such thoughtful questions. Our city is in good hands with young Calgarians like these!

Ward 6 Tour with Planning & Development

Councillor Pantazopoulos and the Ward 6 Office joined Calgary’s Planning and Development department for a tour of our Ward 6 communities. We took a closer look at how our communities are growing and changing.

These tours are an important way for our office to better understand the work happening on the ground and how planning decisions are shaping our neighbourhoods. In addition, these tours are an opportunity for City Administration to connect with local issues and concerns firsthand. The sites identified for this tour were based on the direct feedback from local residents. Please continue to engage with our office so we can share your top concerns with City Administration. 

As our communities continue to evolve, it’s critical that we stay informed, ask questions, and ensure growth is being done thoughtfully and responsibly.

Thanks to the Planning team for their time and insight. We’ll keep working to make sure development reflects the needs and expectations of the communities it serves. 

Fire Ops 101

Fire Ops 101 was an incredible opportunity to better understand the high-pressure work Calgary firefighters do every day.

From suiting up in duty gear and entering a live fire environment, to walking through motor vehicle collision and medical response scenarios, the experience offered a firsthand look at the skill, teamwork, and courage required on the front lines.

It was also a powerful reminder that the job does not end when the call is over. Firefighters are often there for people during the worst moments of their lives, and that repeated exposure carries a real mental and emotional weight.

Thank you to the Calgary Firefighters Association and the Calgary Fire Department for hosting this important orientation, and for your continued service to our city.

Calgary is safer because of the professionalism, courage, and dedication of our firefighters.

Brown Bagging 4 Calgary Kids

Last week, our office had the opportunity to connect with Brown Bagging for Calgary’s Kids and learn more about the important work they do to support children and families across our city.

Every day, BB4CK works with volunteers, schools, and community partners to help ensure children have access to nutritious lunches, delivered with dignity and care.

Thank you to the BB4CK team, volunteers, and supporters for the compassion and commitment they bring to this work. Calgary is stronger when children and families have the support they need to thrive.

Learn more at this link. 

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

Property tax bills were mailed out in May, with a payment due date of Tuesday, June 30. Property owners can also access online their current year’s tax bill, and four previous years, through the City of Calgary’s secure website, calgary.ca/mytax.

The City’s Tax Instalment Payment Plan (TIPP) is the most popular payment method. You pay the same amount as your annual property tax bill, but instead of one large lump sum payment in June, you pay smaller monthly instalments. TIPP 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. The easiest and fastest way to join is using TIPP Online. It’s easy, safe and secure. Through TIPP online, your customized agreement will be processed automatically. Once you submit, you will receive an email confirming your enrolment. To access TIPP Online, go to Calgary.ca/TIPP and click on the Join TIPP box.

Plan enrolment must be completed by the due date shown on your tax bill to avoid a late payment penalty.

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

Celebrate Neighbour Day!

Get ready to celebrate Neighbour Day on Saturday, June 20! Gather your neighbours, fire up the BBQ and bring your community together for some fun.

Neighbour Day is our city’s annual celebration of community spirit and connection. Held every year on the third Saturday in June, it’s a chance to connect, meet new faces and strengthen the sense of community where you live. Whether it’s a quick hello, sharing food or helping a neighbour out, those small connections can spark meaningful connections.

On June 20, in addition to Neighbour Day events, Sport Calgary’s All Sport One Day will give children a free opportunity to try a new sport at sites across Calgary. Show us how you’re celebrating! Share your Neighbour Day moments on social media using #YYCNeighbourDay.

Seniors’ Week celebrates 40 years of connection, contribution, and community

Seniors’ Week is celebrated across Alberta from June 1 to 7. In Calgary, the theme is “40 Years of Connection, Contribution, and Community,” marking the 40th anniversary of Seniors’ Week in Alberta. This week is an opportunity to express our gratitude for older adults and acknowledge the invaluable contributions they make to our communities. Older adults are dynamic and integral members of community life. They support their families and friends, contribute their time and expertise through volunteering and work, and play a crucial role in enriching our communities.

Seniors’ Week is for everyone. Senior-sector organizations, non-profits, and Calgarians from all walks of life come together to host fun, welcoming, cross-cultural, and multi-generational events across the city.

Get involved—drop into any Seniors’ Week event, meet older adults in your community and enjoy the celebrations. Event listings and updates will be posted at calgary.ca/seniorsweek.

Get Ready for Hail Season

Hailstorms can cause significant damage to homes and property. Calgary is in “hail alley”, a hotspot for hailstorms in Canada, which makes all Calgary communities at risk of being hit by hail. The City’s Climate Ready Home Program shares practical guidance to help you reduce damage risk before storm season and make more resilient repair or upgrade choices.

Start at calgary.ca/ClimateReadyHome to:

· Review your home insurance policies to make sure you’re covered for hail damage.

· Monitor local weather forecasts and Alberta Emergency Alerts for storm watches/warnings, and if possible, store vehicles and belongings in a covered area.

· Explore home upgrades and resilient materials (for example, Class 4 impact-resistant roofing and hail-resilient siding such as fibre cement) using Climate Ready Home resources as a guide.

These resources provide non-emergency guidance to help you take practical steps ahead of severe weather. Learn more at calgary.ca/ClimateReadyHome.

Celebrate Canada Day!

Come downtown on July 1 for The City of Calgary’s Canada Day celebrations, a full day of fun, connection and culture for all ages. Starting at 11 a.m., festivities take place throughout downtown, including The Confluence Historic Site & Parkland, Eau Claire Plaza, Prince’s Island Park, Sien Lok Park and the Municipal Building.

Each location offers unique activities and experiences that reflect the diversity of communities that call Canada home. Featured highlights include an Indigenous spotlight and powwow, the Cultural Carousel showcasing cultural accessories, the Main Stage show with live performances and a variety of food trucks.

Wrap up the day with a spectacular fireworks show above Stampede Park just after 11 p.m. Plan your visit with our interactive map and full event schedule at calgary.ca/CanadaDay.