November 2024 newsletter
Hello, Ward 1!
As winter sets in, I want to extend a sincere thank you to everyone who attended the Ward 1 budget open house. Your voices were heard, and your feedback is driving my efforts to make real change. I’m fully committed to advocating for what matters most to you—affordability, critical infrastructure, and cutting unnecessary costs at City Hall.
With budget discussions around the corner, I’ll be making sure Ward 1’s priorities are front and centre. Your input has made it clear: we need smart decisions and real results.
Thank you for your continued support and advocacy.
Warmest regards,
Sonya Sharp
Council update
Mid-cycle adjustments and deliberations
On November 5, 2024, City Administration presented an update on the budget adjustment recommendations. The proposed changes include a 5.5% average property tax increase for homeowners as well as increasing fees for water and waste and recycling, with little in the proposal that Calgarians will see or feel as a real improvement to their daily lives. Councillor Sharp is strongly concerned that these recommendations still fall short of meeting the needs of Calgarians.
Councillor Sharp is committed to ensuring the City’s financial decisions reflect what residents need most—affordability and efficient use of tax dollars. She remains disappointed that more meaningful cost-saving measures were not introduced to reduce the tax burden on hardworking Calgarians. As a result, she plans to propose new amendments during budget deliberations to find creative, practical solutions to avoid tax increases and ensure that Calgarians are not forced to shoulder additional financial strain – as she did in the previous budget adjustments.
As part of the upcoming Council budget deliberations starting November 18, 2024, you have the opportunity to make your voice heard. Share your feedback and help Councillor Sharp encourage the rest of Council prioritize investments that matter most to you and your family.
You can submit written feedback or register to speak to Council in November. For more details, visit calgary.ca/PublicSubmission.
Mayor’s Food Drive & Councillor's Challenge
Councillor Sharp is excited to participate in the annual Councillors Challenge as part of the Mayor’s Food Drive for the Calgary Food Bank. This year, instead of managing physical donation boxes, Councillor Sharp will focus on raising funds through a dedicated donation webpage. Be sure to watch for the link on our social media to support this important cause and help our community tackle food insecurity!
Community updates
Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon installations for Royal Oak and Valley Ridge areas
To improve pedestrian safety, the Mobility Office has decided to install two new Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons (RRFB) in Ward 1. Our office has heard from many of you regarding unsafe intersections that need these safety additions. Unfortunately, due to the cost of these light, only 2 beacons have been allocated per Ward.
After reviewing traffic, pedestrian data, and advocacy from constituents, our office has advised that Royal Oak Way & Royal Oak Park NW and Valley Ridge Drive & Valley Creek Road NW be selected for the Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons.
Councillor Sharp and the Ward 1 team have worked closely with the Mobility Office, ensuring that these improvements address the priorities expressed by residents.
Your feedback played a key role in identifying these locations, and we’re pleased to see this project moving forward, with installation scheduled for 2025/2026.
We understand that many more crosswalks need these lights, and we will continue to advocate to the Mobility Department for more attention to pedestrian safety. You can help too! The City of Calgary determines which type of crosswalk treatment is appropriate for a specific location based on the Transportation Association of Canada’s (TAC) Pedestrian Crossing Control Guide. You can learn more, here: Request a new marked crosswalk or pedestrian light (calgary.ca). You can request a new marked crosswalk or pedestrian lights at the bottom of that webpage.
Additionally, you can submit a Traffic Service Request to help encourage responses to issues such as speeding, unsafe roadway actions, school zones, and pedestrian safety. TSR go directly to the Calgary Police Service with concerns on speeding, pedestrian safety, etc. and helps to determine where CPS will administer patrolling or enforcement locations. You can learn more and submit a TSR by visiting: Traffic service requests (calgary.ca).
Thank you for your continued engagement and for helping shape safer streets in our community!
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Removal of invasive fish species at Royal Oak Stormwater Pond
This winter, work is underway to remove invasive fish species from the Royal Oak stormwater pond, located north of Royal Birch Point N.W. Invasive species like Prussian carp and goldfish, likely introduced by the public, threaten our local environment by out-competing native species and spreading disease.
Since mid-October, crews have been draining the pond to expose it to freezing temperatures over the winter, which will help eliminate these harmful species. You may notice lower water levels, temporary odours, and some noise from generators, all of which will comply with the Community Standards Bylaw. Safety fencing is in place, and any dead fish seen as the pond freezes will be removed by crews.
This project is important to prevent these species from reaching the Bow River. Please remember to never release aquarium fish into storm ponds or natural water bodies.
For more information, notices have been delivered to nearby homes, and on-site signage is available to further explain the work.
Rocky Ridge Athletic Park Project update
Updated project timeline:
Fall 2024
- Initial construction and site preparation are underway. The work will continue throughout the fall, weather permitting.
January 2025
- Due to winter conditions, construction will pause in January and resume in spring.
Spring 2025
- Construction will pick up again as warmer weather returns, kicking off the season with a groundbreaking event—an exciting opportunity to celebrate the progress and future of this park.
Spring/Summer 2026
- Substantial completion of the project is expected by late spring or summer 2026, weather-dependent, when the community will be able to enjoy this new facility fully.
For more information and ongoing updates, please visit the City of Calgary’s official Rocky Ridge Athletic Complex webpage.
Bearspaw South Feeder Main Repairs: Phase 3 underway
Phase 3 of repairs to the Bearspaw South Feeder Main is ongoing, with work at three locations near Ward 1. These smaller repairs have not affected the city-wide water service, but there have been ongoing traffic and pathway impacts.
Locations
- Parkdale Blvd N.W. (between 26 St and 27 St): South side closed, with detours in place for both vehicles and pedestrians.
- Memorial Dr westbound off-ramp to Crowchild Trail: Lane closures and speed reductions are in effect.
- Brownsea Dr N.W. (near Bev Longstaff Pedestrian Bridge): Road closure with detours around the construction zone.
Crews are working hard seven days a week, from 6:30 a.m. to 10 p.m., with occasional night work. While this might cause some congestion and noise, these repairs are critical to keeping our water system running smoothly. Thanks for your patience as crews get this work done!
For more information, you can sign up for regular updates on construction planning, road closures and detours here. Project updates can also be found at Calgary.ca/watermainbreak.
Osprey Hill – Crestmont road closure for water main installation
To support essential infrastructure growth in Crestmont, Avi Land Corporation and Whissell Contracting Ltd., in coordination with the City of Calgary, are managing a series of closures on Crestmont Blvd for water main installation. We have heard from many residents regarding the potential for a full closure of Crestmont Boulevard, for two weeks. Due to the advocacy from residents, and our office, Avi Land Corporation and Whissell Contracting have agreed to do a staged approach to the work and will only do a west half closure. Thank you to all the residents who have reached out to express concern.
Here’s what you need to know:
Closure timeline & traffic management
- Initial closure: Started November 7, 2024
- Work was focused on the west half of 109th Street, allowing partial access to Crestmont Blvd. This was a revised plan from the initial announced full closure of Crestmont Blvd.
- A second closure is anticipated in spring 2025 to complete the east side of 109th Street. This will be a full closure of Crestmont Blvd. Whissell Contracting has shared with our office and residents that there is no alternative, and a full closure will need to happen. They are delaying this until Spring 2025, so that residents do not need to travel via Old Banff Coach Road in unsafe winter conditions.
- Avi Land Corporation will provide advance notice with any updates to the schedule. All information will be shared via the website Ospreyhill.ca.
Additional community considerations
- Emergency & Transit Access: Emergency services and Calgary Transit have coordinated routes, and Calgary Roads is informed to ensure access remains available. Our office will continue to coordinate this response throughout the springtime closure, as well.
- School Bus Routes: Adjustments are being made with the Calgary and Catholic school boards to minimize impact.
- Road Maintenance & Signage: Sand and salt will be applied to Old Banff Coach Road in the event of icy conditions, and temporary signage is in place to direct traffic. Avi Land Corporation is also working on GPS updates for accuracy. Our office will continue to coordinate this response throughout the springtime closure, as well.
Communication
- The Avi Land Corporation recently met with the Crestmont Community Association, Homeowners Association, and the Ward 1 Office, to discuss feedback and address community concerns.
- To stay updated, residents are encouraged to look out for further notices or check the Ospreyhill.ca website.
Thank you for your patience as these important upgrades continue to support Crestmont’s future needs.
Updates to City Services
Lithium-Ion Battery safety
Lithium-ion battery fires are a rising concern worldwide, with improper use and disposal posing serious risks. The Calgary Fire Department has identified battery safety as a priority for fire prevention. Here’s how you can help reduce risks:
- Use certified batteries — Only use batteries and chargers with ULC or CSA logos to ensure they meet safety standards.
- Charge safely — Avoid charging batteries overnight, overcharging, or placing charging devices near exits, which could block escape routes in case of fire.
- Store safely — Keep batteries at room temperature, away from heaters or anything flammable.
Dispose of old batteries at City Eco Centres (free of charge) or visit RecycleYourBatteries.ca for other locations. For more safety information, visit calgary.ca/chargesafe
The Calgary Plan
The Calgary Plan will set the course for how our city grows and evolves over the next 30 years, shaping land use, mobility, and infrastructure investment to build a more connected, sustainable, and vibrant Calgary. The strategic document will be central in guiding future land use and mobility choices, supporting our growing population, and ensuring investments in essential services align with community needs.
The Calgary Plan is on track to be recommended for approval on December 11, 2024, starting with the Infrastructure Planning Committee.
In addition to The Calgary Plan, two significant projects are in development:
- Street Manual: Set for completion in 2025, the Street Manual will provide updated guidelines to improve the design and function of Calgary’s streets, promoting safer, more accessible public spaces.
- Zoning Bylaw: Expected for Council review in 2026, the updated Zoning Bylaw will offer a modernized framework for land use regulation, supporting sustainable growth and creating a range of housing and business options across Calgary.
For more information, visit engage.calgary.ca/citybuilding.
Civic Arts Policy feedback
The City of Calgary and Calgary Arts Development are updating the Civic Arts Policy for the first time in 20 years, bringing it in line with modern values like Truth and Reconciliation, anti-racism, and equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging (EDIB).
This policy guides how public funding is invested in the arts community, ensuring it reflects the needs and priorities of Calgarians. Right now, there’s an opportunity to share your thoughts and help shape this important update.
Phase 1 of public engagement is underway and will close on November 17, 2024. Your feedback will help in developing the updated policy. Visit engage.calgary.ca/Civic-Arts-Policy to learn more and share your priorities and ideas.
Winter Maintenance improvements
This winter, several enhancements are being implemented to keep our city accessible and safe for all Calgarians.
School area maintenance
Snow removal is prioritized in school pickup areas during breaks to make these spaces safer for families. Crews are also clearing walkways leading to schools to ensure that students and staff have safe, accessible routes.
New pilot programs
A Priority 2 plow trial has been introduced to evaluate improvements for residential and secondary roads. To support local businesses, snow clearing is also expanding within Business Improvement Areas (BIAs).
Accessibility
For improved accessibility, response times for accessible routes are now within 36 to 72 hours. More contractors are being engaged to manage major snowfall events, with additional pathways cleared to improve pedestrian access.
Seasonal clearing efforts
Catch basins are being cleared to help prevent flooding during winter thaws. Educational resources will also be available to equip residents with essential winter safety information.
Seven-Day Plan overview
The winter maintenance strategy focuses on keeping Calgarians moving safely through the city during and immediately after snowfall. Key elements of the plan include:
- Immediate action: Lanes on high-traffic routes are plowed, sanded, and salted within 18 hours after the snowfall ends. Key routes such as Crowchild Trail, Glenmore Trail, and the Downtown Core are prioritized.
- Priority 1 Routes: Roads with traffic exceeding 20,000 vehicles per day will have lanes plowed and sanded within 36 hours after snowfall ends. Examples include Kensington Road and Acadia Drive, which also have designated Snow Route Parking Bans.
- Priority 2 Routes: Roads with traffic between 5,000 and 19,999 vehicles per day will be flat-bladed or graded based on conditions and forecasts. Work will be completed four days after Priority 1 routes, including bus pads. Snow is not removed from these streets.
- Priority 3 & 4 Routes: Residential connector routes are included in the snow plan, with a focus on sidewalks adjacent to City-owned property, pathways, bridges, stairs, and cycle track infrastructure throughout the seven-day plan.
Report snow and ice concerns
To keep our pathways and sidewalks accessible, please report any snow or ice issues promptly:
- For sidewalks on private property that aren’t cleared within the 24-hour time frame, use the Sidewalk Snow Report.
- For City property sidewalks, please report through the Pathway Snow Report.
- For other snow or ice-related concerns, visit the Snow and Ice Concerns page.
Categories: General, Newsletter