October 2015 Newsletter

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Greetings Ward 14!

The leaves have fallen, kids will be out for Halloween soon, and the Ward 14 Communities BBQ was a success. It was a great time, but more on that next month.

If you missed the BBQ this year, that’s okay. I’ll do it again next year. Keep in mind though that I do send out reminders about the BBQ, and you can only get those reminders if you’ve subscribed at www.calgary.ca/ward14connect.

Free Leaf and Pumpkin Drop-off

With the leaves on the ground and the jack-o-lanterns destined for a bin in the back alley, it is the perfect time to remind you of an ongoing program at the City of Calgary: the Leaf and Pumpkin composting program. The program is currently underway, and until November 8 you will be able to drop off leaves and pumpkins for composting at one of 36 locations around the city for free. In Ward 14 they will be taking leaves and pumpkins at Park 96 and at the Lake Bonavista Recreation Centre. Please use compostable paper yard waste bags, and remember to be respectful of the drop-off areas. The groups who have generously given up space for this program provide community services: They are not a landfill. For more on this program—and a list of all drop-off locations—visit www.calgary.ca/leaf.

Apply by Oct. 9 to Volunteer on a Quasi-judicial Board

Almost a month before the leaf and pumpkin drop-off closes is another important deadline. If you read my August newsletter column you may remember a bit about Boards, Commissions, and Committees. The deadline to apply to be on those has come and gone, but there are three more that you can still try out for: the Assessment Review Board; the Subdivision and Development Appeal Board; and the Licence Community Standards Appeal Board. These Boards hear appeals and formal complaints, and they are looking for volunteers to share their expertise. To learn more about this opportunity you can visit www.calgary.ca/tribunals.

Did you know? The City of Calgary has a Property Tax Assistance Program.

I often talk about taxes in this column, but it is usually about the idea of lowering them somehow. Eventually—when the budgeting is done, and the rates are set—there comes a time when we have to pay them. That task is sometimes easier said than done. The City’s Property Tax Assistance Program is available to low-income homeowners who are experiencing financial hardship, and you can learn more and apply by contacting 311 or visiting www.calgary.ca/ptap.

We encourage people to contact the City even if they aren’t sure whether they qualify for this program.  If you are not eligible for the Property Tax Assistance Program, you may be able access other community resources, and once you meet the income eligibility for the Property Tax Assistance Program you are automatically approved for the other services, like recreation programs and transit passes. Learn more about those at www.calgary.ca/fairentry.

Thank you for taking the time to read this, and don’t ever hesitate to contact me with questions or concerns.

- Councillor Peter Demong​