February 2020 Newsletter

​Hi Ward 14! Are you settled into the New Year yet? I’m sure you have big things in store for 2020, and I want you to know if you have any questions or comments for me, I am happy to hear them. Visit calgary.ca/contactward14 to get in touch.

Here are a few things you might find helpful in 2020.

February Counciltalk

If you are more into speaking to me face-to-face than over the phone, or by email Counciltalk is probably for you. The February edition of Counciltalk will be on Saturday, February 22 from noon until 2 p.m. at the Southview United Church (20200 Walden Blvd S.E.). All are welcome to join. For more information, or to find another Counciltalk opportunity visit calgary.ca/counciltalk.

Calgary Awards nominations are now open

For 26 years, The Calgary Awards have celebrated exceptional achievements and contributions made by Calgarians. This is your opportunity to nominate deserving individuals, businesses and organizations that make a difference. Look to your neighbours, colleagues, community leaders, local groups and companies who could qualify as award recipients. Deadline is Monday, February 24. For more information on each award category, eligibility criteria, how to nominate someone, and previous award recipients, visit calgary.ca/calgaryawards

Winter is fun, but make sure you stay safe!

Winter is a big part of life in Calgary. It can be a beautiful time of year to enjoy, but there are also some precautions that you need to take to be safe. Every year 25-30 Canadians die in ice-related incidents, and countless others fall through ice, often having a close brush with death!

Here are some helpful tips to help you stay safe:

• ​​Always stay a safe distance back from riverbanks and lakeshores to avoid accidentally falling through the ice.
• Don't walk on ice-covered bodies of water, including storm ponds. It's difficult to assess the thickness of the ice and whether it can hold the weight of a person or animal.
• If a person or an animal falls through the ice into water, call 9-1-1. Don’t try to rescue them yourself. Encourage them to kick, pull themselves up onto the ice and roll, rather than walk, towards the shore.
• When skating outdoors, only skate on open ice surfaces specifically designated for skating like City of Calgary or community rinks.

If you fall through the ice:

• ​Stay calm, try to keep your head out of the water and control your breathing.
• Try to pull yourself up onto the ice and onto your stomach then, roll towards the shore, where the ice may be thicker.
• If you can't get out of the water in less than 10 minutes, stop kicking and trying to pull yourself out, and anchor yourself to the ice shelf. Continue to call for help.

 If you witness a person falling through the ice stay back, do not go onto the ice. Call 9-1-1.

For more ice safety information, visit: https://www.calgary.ca/CSPS/Fire/Pages/Safety-tips/Ice-safety.aspx

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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