April 2023 Newsletter

Hi Ward 14! 

Spring is here, and nicer weather is in our future. Calgary is about to come alive.  

New Walden Fire Station and Library

I want to tell you about a project that you should keep an eye on. The need for infrastructure south of the 22X is something I have been keenly aware of. That was the reason for securing the temporary fire station in Walden, and it is the reason that I worked to secure funding for a permanent station in the same place. That project is now moving forward, and I am happy to report that it includes collaboration with the Calgary Public Library for a library facility too. 

There will be chances for the community to learn and have their say about this project soon, so I encourage you to pay attention. As the project moves through the design process, the City, the Calgary Fire Department, and the Calgary Public Library will provide opportunities for community groups and residents to ask questions and better understand the project and its benefits. My team and myself will do our best to guide you to any information you need and answer any question you have.

If this is something that interests you, I encourage you to bookmark and keep an eye on the Walden Fire Station and Library Engagement website.

Keeping storm drains clear this spring

Storm drains are a part of Calgary's stormwater system. There are about 60,000 storm drains in Calgary working to capture water and melting snow off sidewalks, streets and roads. If it's safe and possible to do, remove debris or snow blocking the drain. Create a channel, if need be, to help water flow.

In communities built after 1990, The City installs devices in the storm drain to control how fast water flows into the system.  During and after a rainfall event, these devices allow water to pool on the road (usually in a depression or low spot, called a Trap Low), until the stormwater system can accept the extra water. If the storm drain remains submerged for more than 90 minutes or you cannot safely clear ice and snow away, take a photo and submit it via the 311 App or a web request.  Attaching a photo goes a long way in helping our crews respond on a priority basis.

For more information on storm drains and to locate the closest one to you, visit calgary.ca/stormdrains.

Homeowner Water Guide – Spring checklist

Protecting Calgary’s precious water resources is a shared responsibility among The City, businesses and Calgarians. There are many actions you can take to ensure your home is using water efficiently and save yourself money in the process.

As a part of your regular home maintenance, take the Leaky Toilet Test to find the most common cause of household leaks:

• Remove the tank cover
• Put several drops of food colouring (or another coloured liquid, such as coffee or tea) into the tank
• Wait 15-20 minutes
• Look in the bowl. If the water changes colour, you’ve got a leak 

Most toilet leaks are silent and go unnoticed for long periods of time, so the sooner you find and repair leaks, the better.

For the exterior of your home, add these items to your spring checklist:

• Check your outdoor taps, irrigation system and water features (e.g., ponds or fountains) for leaks
• Consult the YardSmart plant list before planning this year’s garden
• Set up your rain barrel
• Clean and repair downspouts, directing stormwater away from your house, ideally towards your garden

Being water efficient means you’re helping protect Calgary’s water resources by:

• Keeping our rivers healthy by removing less water
• Saving money and energy on treating and delivering water
• Extending the use of our water treatment plants Making drought less impactful to our homes and businesses
• Increasing our resiliency to climate change 

To learn more about water efficiency, visit calgary.ca/waterguide. 

Green Calgary rain barrel sales

With changing weather patterns in Calgary, capturing rainwater can help you, and our community build resiliency during times of hot and dry weather. Rain barrels also help to keep water on your property, so less dirt and contaminants wash into the rivers. Made locally with recycled material, Green Calgary rain barrels can be used to water trees, shrubs, lawns, and flowers. Rain barrels are $78 for a limited time with pick-up and delivery options available.

Visit one of Green Calgary’s rain barrel sales events between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. to get yours:

• Saturday, April 29 – IKEA Calgary
• Saturday, May 13 – The Genesis Centre
• Saturday, June 3 – Calgary Horticultural Society
• Saturday, June 10 – Vivo for Healthier Generations

Check greencalgary.org for details on all sales event dates and locations. Join the thousands of Calgarians already using rain barrels. Pre-order yours at greencalgary.org, starting April 1, 2023.

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Feel free to contact me any time. The best way to contact me is by visiting calgary.ca/contactward14 or calling (403) 268-1653.

-Councillor Peter Demong