November 2024 Newsletter

Hello Ward 6!

I would like to extend my gratitude to all residents who attended the Battalion Park Remembrance Day commemoration. Your presence demonstrated a sincere commitment to honoring those who served and sacrificed for our freedom. Together, we ensure their legacy endures.

Thank you to the King’s Own Regiment, MP Stephanie Kusie, MP Ron Liepert, and MLA Mike Ellis for your contributions to the ceremony. It is gratifying to work with you all to put together such a meaningful event.

In this edition of the November newsletter, you will read about the mid-cycle adjustment budget week, vehicle noise bylaw changes, the season of giving, and much more. 

COUNCIL UPDATES

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Mid- Cycle Adjustments: Budget week

As a city of 1.5 million and growing, our annual budget responsibility includes determining what level of service we can deliver. Your current service satisfaction levels are a significant guide in our decisions.  

During a full year of gathering resident input, including stakeholder presentations to Council and regular monthly budget meetings, we have prepared a budget which walks the fine line between needs and expectations, with the added responsibility of maintaining $100 billion of our City infrastructure.

Changes in the taxes for a typical single residential property with a median value of $700,000 will be an increase of $8.37/month property tax and approximately $5.09 monthly utilities increase.  This level compares favorably to the other large Canadian cities and recognizes our levels of inflation and population growth.

In collaboration with transit administration, I was also pleased to introduce a Motion Arising to the budget, which received unanimous Council support. This motion acknowledges the following:

While:

• Ridership has returned to pre-pandemic levels and is expected to grow in 2025, and
• While perception of safety on CTrain stations has improved and data shows a decrease in number of incidents occurring at CTrain stations, continued efforts should be made to improve the perception of safety onboard CTrain vehicles.

Therefore, to improve the perceptions of safety on LRT and grow ridership, Emergency Management and Community Safety will work with Calgary Transit on education and awareness campaigns in 2025 on the following topics:

• Confirm/update the commitment to safety from 2022. Updates can include budget, hiring, deployment of Transit Peace Officers based on the District Model, implementation of the Public Transit Safety Strategy, and information on what is coming next.
• A Transit Watch Campaign (such as awareness and education of the Transit text line 74100, and emergency help phones).
• Another fare evasion campaign “Fare is Fair”.
• Support for vulnerable populations through the Community Outreach Team.

Other key priorities in this budget include infrastructure maintenance, public safety, housing, keeping the Inglewood pool open, mental health initiatives, and low-income supports. Together we are continuing to build a terrific city to raise a family and make a living.

For additional information on the Council approved adjustments to the budget please visit: Keeping Calgary affordable while delivering the services that matter most

Preliminary findings from Bearspaw South Feeder Main pipe investigation to be shared with Calgarians November 26

City Administration will be providing a public update on the preliminary findings from the Pipe Investigation at the regular Council Meeting on November 26. The purpose of the Pipe Investigation, overseen by Associated Engineering and Pure Technologies, is to understand the factors that led to the deterioration of the feeder main and its failure on June 5, 2024.

The preliminary findings indicate that several different factors may have contributed to the feeder main failure, including:

• microcracking of the protective mortar outer layer of the pipe;
• high chloride levels in soil at various locations;
• wires which snapped due to corrosion and hydrogen embrittlement.

From these findings, the report indicated that there was not one specific factor that led to the failure of the feeder main in June. The preliminary review of the design and operations also confirmed the original design of the pipe was consistent with the proper guidelines of the time, and operations of the pipeline were well within the design parameters of the pipe.

Key Updates and Future Plans

The final Pipe Investigation report will be presented at the Infrastructure and Planning Committee on December 11. The City is currently reviewing options for long term rehabilitation of the feeder main and continues with contingency planning by developing an enhanced emergency response plan, equipping the feeder main with Acoustic Fibre Optic (AFO) monitoring and maintaining a critical parts inventory.

Construction work on the two additional segments of the Bearspaw South Feeder Main, one along Parkdale Blvd N.W. between 26 St and 27 St N.W. and the other at Memorial Dr. westbound off-ramp that connects to Crowchild Tr. northbound are nearing completion.

The feeder main is a vital piece of Calgary’s infrastructure and while the urgent repair work has addressed immediate concerns, The City remains focused on long-term rehabilitation and proactive planning to ensure a reliable water distribution system for everyone.

Vehicle Noise Bylaw Change

City councillors approved bylaw changes that include a new definition of “objectional noise” as any sound from a vehicle that “annoys or disturbs any reasonable person.”  Noise could include squealing tires, modified parts, an amplified stereo or a car alarm lasting for more than a minute.

The city will also conduct a public education campaign with sites where Calgarians can test their vehicles’ volume. The city is also in the process of creating a traffic safety team to crack down on excessive vehicle noise.

The bylaw amendments would prohibit vehicles from emitting “any sound” exceeding 92 dB while the engine is idle, and 96 dB while the vehicle is in motion.

DID YOU KNOW?

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Record number of potholes filled during productive repair season

City crews took advantage of the fall warm weather by filling potholes at a swift pace. Crews have filled 35,864 potholes as of mid-November and are expected to continue filling as long as the weather remains favourable.

Calgarians are encouraged to help us locate a pothole by reporting them to 11 by either calling or using the mobile app. Once reported, the potholes are added to our maintenance lists and filled based on factors such as road use and pothole severity.

Information on Calgary’s pothole program, including a running tally of filled potholes and an interactive pothole map is available at Calgary.ca/potholes.

Snow and ice removal adjacent to properties

The City of Calgary is committed to keeping our public spaces safe and accessible, but residents also play a vital role. The City maintains roughly 10 per cent of Calgary's 5,000 kilometers of sidewalks, leaving the majority for property owners/occupants to clear.

In recent years, amendments to Calgary's Streets Bylaw (20M88) have strengthened compliance measures, including an escalating fine structure for property owners who fail to clear their sidewalks within 24 hours of snowfall ending:

• If a sidewalk or pathway adjacent to private property is not cleared, a complaint can be filed through 311 to Calgary Community Standards.
• A peace officer will inspect, provide education and leave a 24-hour warning if the snow and ice aren’t cleared.
• If the issue persists, the officer will assign a contractor for removal, and the property owner will be fined and charged for the service.
• The fine for not clearing snow/ice is $250, with escalating fines for subsequent violations within 12 months.
  • First offence: $250
  • Second offence in a 12-month period: $500
  • Third subsequent offence(s) in a 12-month period: $750, automatic court summons

Key guideline: Snow can be shoveled from sidewalks onto the street but not from private property, like driveways, into public spaces. Snow must not block designated wheeling lanes, like downtown cycle tracks.

Become a Snow Angel

Clearing snow and ice from sidewalks can be challenging –even dangerous – for older adults and people with limited mobility. Snow Angels help keep those Calgarians safe. Consider becoming a Snow Angel today!

Try Unique Winter Activities in City Parks

Colder weather creates new opportunities for Calgarians to enjoy park spaces and remain active throughout the winter. The City offers a variety of winter park activities for Calgarians to try and enjoy, many that are free and require minimal equipment.

In addition to outdoor rinks and cross-country ski trails, Calgarians can also enjoy the following winter park activities in select locations:

• Ice trails
• Crokicurl
• Ice bikes

Ice trails

• Ice trails are a free and fun activity for Calgarians available from December to mid-March (weather dependent).
• There are two City ice trails:

• North Glenmore Park - A 730 metre ice skating trail connected to a skating rink
• Bowness Park – A 1.6 kilometre skating trail with rental ice bikes

• The following equipment is allowed on ice trails:

• Ice skates (figure skates and hockey skates)
• Helmets (encouraged)
• Skating aids

• Hockey sticks and nets, toboggans, sleds and are not allowed on the ice trails.
• Calgarians can check on the status (open or closed) of ice trails before they go by visiting calgary.ca/icetrails

Crokicurl

• Try out Canada’s newest winter pastime! Crokicurl is a fun new outdoor sport that combines two Canadian favourites–Crokinole and curling. Crokicurl is a large-scale version of the Crokinole board game combined with curling.
• The objective of the game is to score the most points by shooting a small curling rock into the centre button (20 points) and trying to position the rocks to stay within the highest scoring circle at the end of each round (red circle = 15 points, white circle = 10 points, blue circle = 5 points).
• The only equipment needed is the curling stones which are provided at the site during crokicurl rink opening hours.
  • Park visitors are asked to:
    • • Stay off the ice while others are throwing rocks.
      • Ensure you do not throw rocks too hard, so as to reduce risk to other players and prevent damage to the rocks.
  • Crokicurl is available at Bowness Park and North Glenmore Park. Before you go, find out when it is available by visiting https://www.calgary.ca/parks/activities/crokicurl.html

Ice Bikes

• Ice bikes offer a safe, stable alternative for all ages and skill levels to enjoy outdoor skating at Bowness Park. If you’re not a strong skater, you can still join in and have fun on the ice. Please refer to the Bowness Park Skate Shop to confirm rental availability at Calgary.ca/icebikes
• Ice bikes are a bicycle with the front wheel replaced with skates and the back wheel is surrounded by skates. With a wide base, you don't even have to balance. Just pedal and steer as if you're riding a normal bike. Ice bikes are single speed. To brake, pedal backwards.
• Helmets are mandatory for those under 18-years-old, and strongly recommended for all ice bike users.
• Skaters on the lagoon must yield to ice bike users and only one person can be on the ice bike at a time.
• Ice conditions change with the weather. The lagoon and ice trail may close without notice due to poor conditions or maintenance needs. Visit calgary.ca/rinks to confirm availability before you go.

SEASON OF GIVING

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Councillors' Food Bank Challenge

Starting November 27 – December 8, we need your help in participating in the Council Food Bank Challenge in support of the Calgary Food Bank. Once again this year, the Mayor, Councillors and residents from all 14 Wards will be competing to see who can donate the most.  Non-perishable donations in Ward 6 will be accepted at the following locations:

• Signal Hill Library 5994 Signal Hill Centre SW
  • Monday-Thursday 10 am - 9 pm Friday-Sunday 10 am - 5 pm
• SCA Community Association Centre 277 Strathcona SW,
  • Weekdays 9 am - 7 pm in foyer
• Westgate Community Association Centre- 4943 8 Ave SW
  • ​​​​​​​Mon-Thurs. 8:30 am - 11:30 am
• George Blunden & Optimist Arena-  5020 26 Avenue S.W.
  • 6am to 11:30pm

Holiday Wish List (no glass jars):

• Cereal
• Canned Meat
• Canned Veggies
• Canned Beans
• Baby Formula
• Pasta Sauce

If you are unable to make it to the in-person location, you can also donate monetary contributions here on our donation page. Help us feed fellow Calgarians who need our assistance this holiday season.

Show your love for local businesses and win!

Winter is here, and so is your chance to enter the Calgary Parking Winter Contest and win $150 worth of free parking. As part of The City of Calgary's Support Local 2024 campaign, this is Calgary Parking's way of saying thank you for supporting local. Whether you're a seasoned driver, just starting or will start driving in Calgary soon, everyone is welcome to join in the holiday fun. Learn more CalgaryParking.com/WinterContest.

Calgary Firefighters Toy Association

The Calgary Firefighters Toy Association works on a referral basis in consultation with various social services and both school boards to determine their recipients. Recipients 12 and under will be informed of the program and invited based on the referral. Help make a child’s Christmas special by donating an unwrapped toy at any Firehall in the City of Calgary, or our donation bin on behalf of the Calgary Firefighters Toy Association at Chinook Centre.

Cash donations with tax receipts are accepted here https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=XN4ZX9C6PSHDJ

For more information go to https://cfdtoyassoc.org/

Support Local

This holiday season consider supporting local businesses while doing your gift shopping. There are many reasons to support local, such as supporting the local economy, supporting your neighbourhood’s uniqueness, and you can find one-of-a-kind goods, just to name a few. To find out more information on #SupportLocalYYC visit https://www.calgary.ca/major-projects/buy-local.html

If you have a local Ward 6 business, send your information to clward6@calgary.ca so we can help promote it on our social channels and newsletter.

EVENTS

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WSCR Community Association www.wscr.ca

SANTA IS COMING!

WSCRCA is hosting a holiday event with Mr. and Mrs. Claus on Saturday December 7th 1-5pm at West Springs Church (816 78th Street SW). Register HERE.

Join us for coloring crafts and activities, visits by Santa's elves, outdoor horse-drawn sleigh rides, hot chocolate and cookies, outdoor Butterfield Acres petting zoo, and story-time with Santa's elves! There is also the opportunity for a professional digital photo shoot and visit with Santa* for an additional fee.

Registration is now open and closes November 29th; register soon as photographer slots are limited.  Cost is $15 per WSCRCA family and $50 for non-member families to attend this event.  Families wanting to visit with Santa and get a professional digital photo must pay an extra $10.  Cookie available to first 300 children attending the event.

All proceeds from the event will be donated to The Mustard Seed in support of West Springs Church's "Stuff a Sock" holiday campaign. If you wish to donate to this campaign directly, donation items such as bus tickets, hygiene items, five-dollar coffee gift cards, etc., can be dropped off in the marked basket in the foyer of the church.  They are also collecting warm socks that we will use to fill with the donated supplies.  Please visit  West Springs Church website for more details of requested items.

Special thanks to our sponsors:  West Springs Church, and  Lara Mitchell Real Estate. And a warm welcome to our event vendors and participants:  Inspired by A&A Photography,  Horse Drawn Rides for All Occasions,  SkyCastle Family Entertainment,  Butterfield Acres Petting Zoo, and Meet the Clauses.

Volunteers are needed to run this event.  Slots are in 1 or 2hr shifts to allow you to participate in the event with your family either before or after your shift.  Please help us run this event by signing up  online

*Parents please note that limited time slots will be available for purchase to visit with Santa to get one (1) digital family photo emailed to you by a professional photographer.  Please note the photographer will select the best photo and there is no option to view or purchase any extras.  Cell phone cameras or personal cameras are not allowed to be used within the photo room with the Clauses and the professional photographer.

For more information, please contact membership@wscr.ca.

Thank you for supporting your local community,

WSCR Community Association

www.wscr.ca

https://www.facebook.com/wscrca/

https://twitter.com/wscrca