January 2025 newsletter

At the recent Public Hearing on January 14, 2025, Councillors Sonya Sharp, Andre Chabot, Terry Wong and Dan McLean intended to bring forward a motion to freeze Council compensation at 2024 rates until 2030. The proposal highlighted their commitment to fiscal responsibility during a time of economic uncertainty. Unfortunately, Council didn’t even get to that discussion. Council voted down the motion to reconsider salaries altogether in a tied 7-7 vote.

Currently, Council salaries are adjusted annually based on Alberta’s Average Weekly Earnings (AWE), as reported by Statistics Canada. While this formula has been in place since 2006, Councillor Sharp believes the current economic climate calls for a more considerate approach.

The proposal aimed to:

• Freeze Councillors’ base salaries at $120,755 and the mayor’s salary at $213,737 until 2030.
• Allow reductions to salaries if the AWE formula results in a decrease.
• Remove the need for salary discussions during the next Council term, reinforcing public trust and transparency.

Councillor Sharp recognizes that affordability is a challenge faced by many Calgarians and believes Council must lead by example. Freezing compensation would have demonstrated fiscal prudence and accountability, while ensuring that pay adjustments are not determined during the next Council term. Her approach would have prioritized transparency and strengthened public trust. 

Councillor Sharp remains committed to making decisions that reflect the values of the community. Councillor Sharp always aims to show leadership in times of economic uncertainty and ensure that Council is focused on the priorities that matter most to Calgarians—affordability, accountability, and transparency.

Councillor Sharp recently introduced a motion addressing the growing impact of short-term rental properties, such as those listed on Airbnb and VRBO, in Calgary. The motion, which was approved by Council, directs City Administration to exploring treating short-term rentals like non-residential properties, where the owner does not live on-site.

Councillor Sharp believes that short-term rentals have created a tax and regulatory grey area. Unlike hotels or Bed and Breakfast establishments, which are subject to stricter rules and business taxes, short-term rental operators enjoy financial advantages. This disparity contributes to reduced housing availability and creates challenges for neighbourhoods.

City Administration will now begin consulting with stakeholders, studying best practices from other municipalities, and developing a framework for implementation. A detailed report is expected by mid-2025, which will help guide the next steps.

Councillor Sharp and the Ward 1 Office appreciate the feedback received from residents regarding the speed cushions installed along Royal Oak Drive N.W. The input from the community has been vital in assessing the effectiveness of these traffic calming measures.

After evaluating the challenges with durability, vandalism, and winter mantenance, the decision was made to remove the speed cushions. Councillor Sharp remains committed to working with residents and the Mobility Department to explore alternative solutions that prioritize road safety and meet the needs of the community.

Thank you for continuing to share your feedback—it plays a key role in shaping decisions and ensuring the best outcomes for our neighbourhoods. If you have further questions or suggestions, please reach out to the Ward 1 Office.

The City of Calgary mailed over 595,000 annual 2025 Property Assessment Notices on Friday, January 10. This year’s mailing was delayed from the original January 2 date due to the Canada Post strike.

This marks the start of the Customer Review Period, running from January 10 to March 21, 2025. During this time, property owners are encouraged to review their assessments to ensure accuracy, fairness, and equity.

To get started, visit calgary.ca/assessment (updated January 10) and use the secure online Assessment Search tool to:

• Review your property details and market trends report.
• Compare your property with similar properties in your area.
• Sign up for eNotice for convenient access to future notices.

Councillor Sharp encourages Ward 1 residents to take advantage of this review period to ensure their property assessments reflect fair and accurate valuations.

Do you know a neighbour, colleague, or organization that makes Ward 1 and Calgary an amazing place to live, work, and thrive? Now’s your chance to celebrate them!

For over 30 years, the Calgary Awards have highlighted exceptional individuals, groups, and businesses whose contributions make a difference in our city. This is your opportunity to showcase the incredible people and initiatives that build stronger communities.

Award categories include:

• The Community Achievement Awards:
• Arts
• Calgarian of the Year
• Community Advocate – Individual
• Community Advocate – Organization
• Education
• Grant MacEwan Lifetime Achievement
• Heritage
• Social Impact – Business
• Youth
• The Award for Accessibility
• The Environmental Achievement Award
• The International Achievement Award

Nominating is simple and straightforward! Visit calgary.ca/calgaryawards to learn more and submit your nomination by January 26, 2025.

With winter in full swing, residents in Ward 1, particularly in the communities of Royal Oak and Rocky Ridge, are reminded to stay off storm ponds. While these ponds might appear safe for activities like walking, skating, or playing, they pose serious safety risks.

Why storm ponds are unsafe:

• Unpredictable ice: Contaminants like road salt and bacteria weaken the ice, making it less stable than ice on natural ponds or rinks.
• Changing water levels: Storm ponds are part of Calgary's stormwater infrastructure. Water flows in and out through pipes, creating unstable air gaps beneath the ice.
• Hidden hazards: Snow can conceal thin ice or other dangers, making the surface unpredictable.
• To ensure safety, residents are encouraged to enjoy skating at City or community-designated outdoor rinks instead. For a list of safe skating locations, visit calgary.ca/rinks.

If you see activity on storm ponds in Royal Oak, Rocky Ridge, or elsewhere, please contact 311. Sharing this information helps focus public awareness efforts and reinforces the importance of storm pond safety.