December 2018 Newsletter

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Hello Ward 14!

Merry Christmas and season’s greetings from my family to yours. In this column, I am hoping you will find some information that will arm you for 2019.

Streets Bylaw: Snow and Ice Removal

Calgary has approximately 5,700 km of sidewalks. The City clears snow for about 10% of those (that’s 570 km for the mathematically challenged). In June 2018, City Council approved amendments to the Streets Bylaw to incorporate a fine schedule and an escalating fine structure for property owners who do not clear their sidewalks within 24 hours of snowfall ending.

Here’s how the Streets Bylaw works:

• When a sidewalk or pathway adjacent to a privately-owned property is not cleared, a complaint can be issued through 311 to Community Standards.
• A Community Standards Officer will go and inspect the sidewalk. If the snow and ice has not been cleared, the officer will leave a warning at the property giving the owner 24 hours to comply. At this time the Officer will also decide if a fine is warranted. The fine can be issued with or without compliance on the notice.
• The officer then returns 24 hours later and if the owner has not complied, the officer will assign the snow and ice removal to a contractor and the property owner will be charged for the removal service.
• The fine for not removing snow/ice from a sidewalk/pathway is $250, with an escalating scale for subsequent convictions to the same property owner/ occupant over a 12-month period. This fine is in addition to removal charges which are a minimum of $150.
• Please note, a vehicle such as a bobcat is not permitted to be used on a sidewalk, except in conjunction with construction sites where permits have been obtained for street use.

To report an un-cleared sidewalk, please contact 311. Learn more about bylaws related to snow and ice on Calgary.ca.

Landfills operating on winter hours

Much like the change in green bin service, City of Calgary landfills have moved to winter operating schedules starting on November 1, 2018 and ending on March 31, 2019. The seasonal changes are meant to balance convenience for Calgarians with changing residential needs and the sustainable management of City facilities.

The winter landfill schedules are:

• Shepard landfill residential waste: Throw ‘n’ Go area and household hazardous waste drop-off, Tuesday - Saturday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. (continuation of extended summer schedule of 5 days/week).
• Shepard landfill industrial waste: Tuesday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. (last waste load at 4 p.m.). Permits and appointments may be required.
• East Calgary landfill residential and commercial waste: Monday - Saturday, 7:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. (reduced from 7 to 6 days/week; closed Sundays).
• Spyhill landfill residential and commercial waste: Monday - Saturday, 7:30 a.m. - 5 p.m., year round (no change).

For more information, visit calgary.ca/landfill

Keep an eye out for your Assessment Notice

I try to remind people at the turn of each year: a big part of your tax bill is how your property is assessed, and you only have one opportunity to contest that value annually. The notices will be mailed on January 3, and the Customer Review Period will run from January 3 to March 12. Visit calgary.ca/assessment to get more information.

Keep an eye out for Counciltalk

It’s time! My first Counciltalk session of the year is on January 12 at the Queensland Community Centre. My second Counciltalk session is on January 26 at the Eaglequest golf course in Douglasdale. Visit calgary.ca/counciltalk for Counciltalk dates, times, and locations.

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Feel free to contact me any time. The best way to do so is by visiting calgary.ca/contactward14.

- Councillor Peter Demong​