October 2024 Newsletter

Hello, Ward 1!

October is here, bringing with it a season of change and opportunity for our community. As we prepare for the upcoming budget discussions, I want to emphasize my commitment to focusing on what truly matters for Ward 1: affordability and essential services.
 
This month, I would like to encourage you to attend my upcoming open house, where you can share your thoughts and questions directly with me. Our city’s strength lies in its people, and I want to make sure every voice is heard. You can find more details below. 

Thank you for staying engaged, and I look forward to hearing from you!

Best regards, 
Sonya Sharp

In the upcoming budget deliberations, Councillor Sharp will continue to advocate for a focus on affordability, smart spending, and prioritizing essential city services based on continuous conversations with you. She firmly believes in getting back to basics, delivering core services well and affordably for Calgarians.

Councillor Sharp has a strong commitment to delivering value for our communities while ensuring the future service needs of Calgarians are met.

To further engage with residents on these important issues, Councillor Sharp will be hosting an open house on Oct. 23, 2024, from 4:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. at the Varsity Community Association. This is an opportunity for Ward 1 residents to ask questions, share their concerns, and provide feedback ahead of the budget deliberations. Councillor Sharp values transparency and believes in hearing directly from the community to ensure that the priorities reflected in the upcoming budget align with the needs of Calgarians.

Registration is required due to fire code occupancy maximums. Please register the full name and email of each individual attendee.

The Ward 1 Office has heard from residents with questions and concerns about recent construction activity in the Rocky Ridge YMCA area. We’re happy to share that this is due to the exciting development of the new Rocky Ridge Athletic Park, which officially broke ground in September 2024.

This new park will include two multi-use artificial turf fields, along with essential amenities such as parking, washrooms, and field lighting.

These additions will provide much-needed space for sports and recreation, addressing the growing demand for year-round activities in Ward 1. Access to the park will be managed through The City’s booking system, ensuring fair access for all.

The anticipated project completion is spring/summer 2026. Stay tuned for more updates as this exciting project progresses! For more information, visit Rocky Ridge Athletic Complex (calgary.ca). 

This summer, Councillor Sharp had the pleasure of sitting down with Ward 1 resident Christina Pilarski, the inspiring woman behind Two Babies and a Business. On her podcast, Councillor Sharp shared her journey from business ownership to public service, and what led her to being your Ward 1 City Councillor. They also discussed the realities of balancing work and life, debunking the myth of perfection, and the importance of asking for help along the way. 

You can catch the full episode on YouTube, Apple podcasts and Spotify podcasts - be sure to give it a listen!

This year marks the 40th anniversary of Calgary’s Business Improvement Areas (BIAs), which play a key role in supporting Calgary's local businesses. During BIA Week, held from October 8–14, Councillor Sharp highlighted the contributions of the Mainstreet Bowness BIA and its current Director, Jacqui Esler, who continues to build on the BIA’s efforts to strengthen the business community in Bowness.

Councillor Sharp, having grown up in an entrepreneurial family and owned a small business herself, has a personal connection to supporting small businesses. Reflecting on the work of the Mainstreet Bowness BIA, she noted how it has brought the community together through events and beautification projects that keep Bowness vibrant!

Fire Prevention Week 2024, which ran from October 6 to 12, focused on the importance of having working smoke alarms in every home. On October 8, Kyrie Rajic, age 9, was named Junior Fire Chief in a ceremony held at the Tuscany Fire Station—right here in Ward 1.

Although Fire Prevention Week has ended, Councillor Sharp encourages residents to remain vigilant about fire safety throughout the year. The Calgary Fire Department reports that a functioning smoke alarm reduces the risk of death in a house fire by more than half. Unfortunately, many fire-related fatalities occur in homes without working alarms.

In case of a fire, you’ll have less than two minutes to escape. To stay protected, remember to:

• Install smoke alarms in every bedroom, outside each sleeping area, and on every level of your home, including the basement.
• Test your smoke alarms monthly and replace the batteries at least once a year.
• Replace smoke alarms every 10 years or if they fail to work when tested.

Staying proactive with these simple steps can make all the difference in keeping your family safe year-round.

The South Shaganappi Communities Local Area Plan is ready! This Plan will guide the growth and development of our area for the next 30 years, providing direction on future projects and investments. It covers the communities of Banff Trail, Montgomery, Parkdale, Point McKay, St. Andrews Heights, University Heights, University District, Varsity, and The University of Calgary.

You are encouraged to review the final draft and share your feedback, either online or at one of the upcoming in-person information sessions.

In-person information session

Wednesday, October 30, 2024
6:00-8:00 p.m.
Alt Hotel Calgary University District (482 McLaurin Street NW).

Registration is not required.

Virtual information sessions

• Tuesday, October 22 from 7:30-9:00 p.m.
• Tuesday, November 5 from 5:30-7:00 p.m.

Registration is required for online information sessions.

Visit engage.calgary.ca/shaganappi/realize to register. 

The Plan is expected to go to the Infrastructure and Planning Committee (IPC) in January 2025. You’re welcome to take part in the public hearing, submit your written comments, or watch the proceedings online. Find more information at Public Hearing on Planning Matters (calgary.ca).

The Province of Alberta has announced that the Relocated Ghost Dam option will advance to Phase 3 of the Bow River Reservoir Options project. This decision, made on September 25, 2024, follows a review of multiple potential reservoir sites. The Relocated Ghost Dam option was chosen due to its smaller project footprint, fewer environmental and property impacts, and comparable water storage capabilities compared to the previously considered Glenbow East Reservoir option. 

This marks a significant step forward for Calgary and the surrounding region. The additional water storage will improve drought resilience, reduce flood risk, and increase operational flexibility within the Bow River Basin, supporting long-term environmental sustainability. Phase 3 of the project, led by the Ministry of Transportation and Economic Corridors, will focus on engineering and design, regulatory approvals, land acquisition, and ongoing community engagement. For more information and updates about the project, visit alberta.ca/bow-river-reservoir-options.