January 2014 Newsletter

​​Hello all! I hope you’ve had a great holiday season.

Ward 14 has made it very clear to me that traffic is a big concern, and this time of year can be dangerous when it comes to our streets. With winter road conditions, limited daylight, and perhaps some people getting behind the wheel with a bit too much ‘holiday cheer’ in their system, driving safely and obeying the rules of the road are more important than ever. Police help keep us safe, but they can’t be everywhere at once, and they are trying a new tactic that I thought I should mention. They have created an online Traffic Service Request Form for people to report persistent traffic violations. Since Ward 14 has made it clear to me that traffic is a big concern, I encourage you to use this tool whenever it applies. It can be found at www.calgarypolice.ca along with many other useful tools. “One off” violations should still go to the Police non-emergency line (403-266-1234), and of course, if you are experiencing an emergency you should call 911.

The 52 Million Dollar Question – Update

Revitalizing older communities, reducing the City’s debt, or dedicated to a Transit Capital fund; $52 million in tax room vacated by the Province has survived all of these, at long last, and will end up back in your pocket. At least the 2014 tax room will.

In late November Councillor Keating put forward a motion to return the 2014 amount, but keep the 2015-2024 amounts to fund City’s proposed North Central & Southeast Transitways. At every opportunity I have voted to return vacated tax room to taxpayers. Unfortunately, I am one of few on Council who have done so, and the motion passed. Let’s hope that the Southeast Transitway goes a long way to improving transit east of the Bow River, and maybe taking some cars off of Deerfoot Trail.

The return of your $52 million for 2014 will come in the form of a reduction to your 2014 residential property tax bill, which brings me to my next topic. You will soon be receiving your 2014 property and business assessment notices. Take some time to check for its accuracy and see how it compares to other similar properties. You have from January 3rd until March 4th to point out any discrepancies to the Assessment Department. You can contact them at (403) 268-2888 and find more info at www.calgary.ca/assessment.

Happy New Year Ward 14! Contact me anytime...​