March 2025 newsletter
Hello, Ward 1!
As we step into March, the longer days and (hopefully) warmer weather bring a renewed sense of energy to our city. With spring just around the corner, we’re looking ahead to key projects, community updates, and important discussions at City Hall.
The Ward 1 Office and I are always here to listen and work alongside you to address the issues that matter most to Calgarians. Your input is essential in guiding the work we do, and I truly appreciate hearing from you.
News from City Council
Citywide rezoning update
With development increasing across Calgary, many Ward 1 residents have raised concerns about how blanket rezoning is affecting their communities. Last year, Council approved a blanket rezoning policy that removed the requirement for individual rezoning applications to go before Council, limiting opportunities for direct public input.
Previously, when a homeowner applied to redevelop a single-family property into a multi-unit building, the proposal was reviewed by Council, and residents could speak directly to decision-makers. While most applications were still approved, community feedback often led to important changes that helped ensure developments fit the character and infrastructure capacity of the area.
Now, input is limited to the development permit stage, where public feedback carries less weight. In 2024, only about 6% of comments submitted at this stage were positive, and applications enabled through citywide rezoning received twice as much feedback as similar projects—highlighting ongoing concerns.
Ward 1, particularly Bowness, has seen a significant number of new development permit applications under this policy. Many residents have reached out about the strain on roads, transit, schools, and water infrastructure as density increases.
Councillor Sharp voted against blanket rezoning because she believes in smart growth that includes meaningful public engagement. She will continue advocating for policies that ensure development aligns with community needs and that Calgary’s growth is managed responsibly. Visit Calgary.ca/ward1/blanketrezoning for more information on Councillor Sharp’s thoughts and actions.
Calgary Police Service funding
City Council has taken steps to reallocate funds and reshape traffic safety enforcement. A unanimous council vote on February 25, 2025, has directed Administration to work with the Calgary Police Commission on moving revenue from photo radar fines away from the police budget—redirecting these funds to support broader traffic safety measures.
The Government of Alberta has significantly reduced the use of photo radar by 70% in 2025, cutting the number of sites from roughly 2,200 to about 650, and eliminating the use of photo radar on provincial highways starting April 1, 2025. Calgary police reported a $28 million shortfall in their budget as a result of these changes. Councillor Sharp believes that funding police services should be based on need rather than revenue generated from fines.
To address the budget shortfall, Councillor Sharp, along with Councillors Chabot, Wyness, and Wong, brought forward a motion for Administration and the Calgary Police Commission to collaborate on identifying potential funding options. They also asked Administration to support the Police Commission in advocating to the Government of Alberta to either reverse the prohibition of photo radar or provide data to support exemptions for additional photo radar locations.
This initiative is part of a broader effort to ensure that our community’s safety and traffic management measures are both effective and fairly funded.
Community updates
TransCanada Sanitary Trunk project
A new 8.5 kilometer sanitary trunk will be built to address growing sewage capacity needs on Calgary’s west side. The trunk will serve the area along the TransCanada Highway and extend to the Town of Cochrane, where increasing populations and additional wastewater discharges have pushed the existing Valley Ridge sanitary sewage trunk to its limits.
Construction is set to begin in spring 2025, with the line expected to be in service by December 2026. The route will start on the city’s west side, passing through the existing Bowness interchange at Highway 16 and Sarcee Trail. To minimize disruption, approximately five kilometres of the project will use microtunnelling—a minimally intrusive underground method—while 3.5 kilometres will be completed using open-trench construction.
This project will help protect Calgary’s water supply, increase sewage capacity, and reduce odours in Valley Ridge. However, residents along the route, including approximately 116 houses and three buildings, may experience temporary noise, vibration, dust, and road detours. Notable impacts include intermittent closures of the 16th Avenue eastbound ramp for about four months and temporary disruptions to pathways near Sentinel Storage.
For updates on construction progress and potential impacts, please visit TransCanada Sanitary Trunk website regularly. Councillor Sharp and the Ward 1 office will continue to monitor this project closely to ensure residents stay informed.
Royal Oak Stormwater Pond: invasive fish removal
This spring, the City will begin sediment removal at the Royal Oak storm pond, located east of Royal Terrace NW, south of Royal Oak Drive NW, and north of Stoney Trail NW. The project, set to begin the week of March 10, 2025, aims to restore the pond’s capacity to handle stormwater, which has been affected by accumulated sediment. Work will involve draining the pond, excavating sediment, and restoring impacted areas. Temporary fencing will be installed, and the pathway along the north side of the pond will be closed during the project. Residents may notice lower water levels and some odour, but these are normal and will dissipate quickly.
City Service updates
Golf League changes
The City of Calgary Golf Operations team has been working to address the growing demand for tee times at municipal golf courses. As part of this effort, proposed changes to league play were introduced in December 2024, including a new application process to ensure equitable access for all Calgarians.
However, the City has listened to feedback from impacted groups and has decided to pause these changes for the 2025 season. Golf Operations will continue working with leagues to find solutions that support both organized play and open access to tee times. You can find more information at Calgary.ca/golf.
Join the 2025 Pathway & River Cleanup May 2 – 4
The Pathway and River Cleanup is an annual event where thousands of volunteers come together to collect garbage across Calgary’s parks, greenspaces, and nearly 300 kilometres of pathways and riverbanks. Volunteers play a vital role in keeping our city clean, and every year, the event sees continued community support.
The 2025 cleanup will be held from May 2 – 4. Volunteers can register as groups, with a designated leader and cleanup area. Those who register individually will be assigned to a City of Calgary team at one of three designated parks. Volunteers will remove litter within their assigned areas, placing the garbage in bags for collection by City staff.
Registration to volunteer is now open and will close on March 31, 2025.
Since its start in 1967, this event has been a cornerstone of Calgary's community involvement, with many volunteers returning year after year. For more information on how to volunteer, click here: Volunteering for the Pathway and River Cleanup.
For additional details or if you notice uncollected garbage bags, please contact 311.
2025 Arts and Culture Microgrant
he 2025 Arts and Culture Microgrant is now accepting applications, with nearly $1 million in available funding. Non-profits, registered charities, Community Associations, and Business Improvement Areas can apply for funding to bring creative projects to life—whether it’s a cultural cooking class, an artisan market, a theatre production, or something entirely new.
There are two tiers of funding available:
- Tier 1: Up to $5,000 – Supports smaller initiatives by covering up to 100% of eligible expenses. Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis until funding is fully subscribed.
- Tier 2: Up to $30,000 – Covers up to 50% of expenses for larger initiatives, with two intake deadlines: March 5, 2025 (for projects running June–November) and September 3, 2025 (for projects running December–May).
In 2024, this grant funded 113 initiatives, engaged over 2,200 creative professionals, and supported 600 community groups. Apply now at: Arts and Culture microgrant.
New affordable weekday downtown parking rate
A new weekday MAX rate of $12 is available at select downtown lots when you pay between 6 a.m. and 9 a.m. The rate covers parking from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., making it easier and more affordable to get downtown.
This deal is available at the following lots:
- Lot 6 (Louise Bridge) – Zone #9006 | Save 33% | 311 8 St S.W.
- Lot 55 (East Village) – Zone #9055 | Save 20% | 724 4 St S.E.
- Lot 64 (Millennium Park South) – Zone #9064 | Save 14% | 825 11 St S.W.
- Lot 75 – Zone #9075 | Save 20% | 401 4 Ave S.E.
- Lot 83 – Zone #9083 | 940 8 Ave S.W.
To access this rate, use the MyParking App, Virtual Pay Machine, or call/text to park. Find more information at: $12 downtown parking deal.
Categories: General, Newsletter