August 2016 Newsletter

Hello Ward 14,

I hope you’re having a great summer. I know it’s easy to let the idea that summer is almost over creep in, but in reality our best weather is still ahead...

Ward 14 Communities BBQ

That is exactly why I hold my Ward 14 Communities BBQ in September. I learned my lesson after holding the very first version of the BBQ in June. It was fun, but also rainy. You can expect the likelihood of rain to be much less in late September.

The Ward 14 Communities BBQ is on September 24 to be exact. We will be in the Southcentre Mall parking lot from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., and even if the weather does not cooperate you will be able to find shelter.

Given the state of our economy, I have been nothing short of amazed by the generosity of local businesses this year. So far Great News Publishing, No Bull Bookkeeping, Qualico, United Communities, Jack Carter Chevrolet Cadillac Buick GMC, Genstar, Southcentre Mall, Progressive Waste Solutions, Calgary Co-op, Safeway, and Southgate Chevrolet Buick GMC have all stepped up with their support. Because of their help there will be plenty of free community association memberships for attendees, and also a burger and beverage for everyone.

There will be all sorts of exhibits ranging from the interesting to the informative and everything in between. You will be able to visit everyone from your MLA, to a local scout troop, to reps from the Calgary Zoo. Every City of Calgary department that you can think of will be there for you to visit, and there will be much more.

I invite you to join me on September 24! Visit calgary.ca/ward14bbq for more information.

Stay Connected

You can visit calgary.ca/ward14 to get updates on things like Counciltalk, my BBQ, and other City related things, or you could let me do the work for you. I send email updates about those things and others, but you need to give me permission first. You can do so by filling out the online form.

Flying your drone safely and legally

With the help of our friends at the Calgary Police Service, I would like to share with some small but helpful tidbits for staying safe and preventing crime over the next several columns. I will start with what seems like the most summer-related topic of them all—recreational drones.

I know that it may seem like an odd subject, but in the future it could be very important: even the City is investigating how drones can be used.

The Federal Government regulates the use of drones, but to launch from City property (like a park) you must get permission from the City (as with any property owner). 

Use common sense! Don’t operate your drone near large groups of people; near moving vehicles, or anywhere you could distract drivers; within restricted, or controlled airspace; or anywhere that may interfere with first responders. You may not fly your drone closer than 9 km to an airport; higher than 90 metres above the ground; or closer than 150 metres to people, animals, buildings, structures, or vehicles.

This is not an exhaustive guide for drone use, but is a window into it. Visit tc.gc.ca/safetyfirst for more information.

Thanks for reading, and please feel free to contact me anytime.

-Councillor Peter Demong​