July 2022 Newsletter

Howdy Ward 14!

If you ask me, those big Alberta skies are looking bright right now. The Stampede looks like it will be back in full force, and we have roped in another big-time parade marshal. This is going to be a great summer for Calgary, and a great Stampede. It will be a fun party.

Coyotes in Calgary

Coyotes are small, dog-like animals that look like a cross between a fox and a German Shepherd. This is likely not news to most of us in Ward 14, They can be found all over our city, but are particularly common here because of our proximity to Fish Creek Park. They adapt well to both park environments and urban areas.

Running into coyotes in Ward 14 is possible. It is important to be aware of this fact, but nothing to be overly concerned about. Here are some tips for dealing with coyotes.

If there is a conflict, or if a coyote seems aggressive or approaches you.

• Do NOT run or turn away.
• Scare the coyote by shouting and waving your arms overhead.
• Bang sticks or clang pots together at the animal.
• Maintain eye contact and back away slowly.

Coyotes and pets - keeping all animals safe.

• Keeping pets away from coyotes keeps pet safe.
• In on-leash parks, always leash your dogs.
• In off-leash areas, if coyotes are present or in the area, keep your dogs leashed.  Shorter leashes keep dogs safer.
• Keep your cats indoors- it keeps cats safe from coyotes and songbirds safe from cats.
• Pick up dog poop - it attracts coyotes.

Coyotes on your property - discourage them.

• Close/block areas under porches, decks, or steps.
• Clean up compost, garbage, and other food sources.
• Pick up fallen fruit and seed around bird feeders.
• Don't store food outside.
• At night, keep pets secured in your yard, or inside your home.
• Don’t leave pets unattended in your yard.

For more information, please visit calgary.ca/coyotes.

Junior golfers play free for a week and Sundays with adult or senior green fee

With the purchase of an adult or senior green fee, up to three juniors (ages 4 to 17 years) can play for FREE. As well, every Sunday after 3 p.m. from July 10 to Sept. 4, up to three juniors can again play for free at McCall Par 3 and Lakeview with the purchase of an adult or senior green fee.

Please book your tee time four days in advance. You can book online or by phoning the clubhouse. For more details go to calgary.ca/golf. This offer is not valid with other offers or discounts.

Watering wisely and healthier yards go hand-in-hand

Calgary’s dry climate is at risk of droughts, which can put pressure on our rivers and impact our water supply. During the summer, Calgary communities may experience an increase in water usage due to outdoor watering activities.

Following these six simple steps will help you prepare for the weather and build resiliency to drought in our city:

• Water in the early morning – before 7 a.m. or later in the evening.
• Watch the weather forecast and skip watering after a rain or when rain is forecast.
• Keep your lawn at least three inches high. Taller grass shades the soil, requiring less water and staying healthier.
• Add bark, wood chips or mulch to reduce evaporation from your soil.
• Water plants with a soaker hose, drip irrigation or by hand to direct water to a plant’s roots and help avoid losing water to evaporation.
• Capture and use the free rainwater that lands on your property! Install a rain barrel and use it to water your trees, shrubs, and flowers.

Please visit calgary.ca/waterguide for information on how to create a water efficient yard including Watering 101 for plants, shrubs and trees, lawn care and irrigation systems.

Storm pond safety: Stay back and stay out.

Storm ponds may look natural and like a great place for summer fun, but they are man-made stormwater treatment facilities and can be dangerous. Storm ponds protect our rivers by helping remove sediment, fertilizer, animal feces, pesticides, and other pollutants. They also protect our communities from flooding. Runoff from rain or melting snow, also called stormwater, washes through the community, collecting dirt, gravel, and pollutants along the way. After washing into storm drains, stormwater travels through underground pipes to storm ponds. By capturing and holding stormwater, storm ponds slow the flow down, allowing sediment and contaminants to settle at the bottom of the pond. The improved water is then slowly released to our rivers, creeks and streams.

Storm ponds are not safe for recreational purposes. They can be very deep, and because of the potential for rapidly changing water levels (from inlet and outlet pipes), poor water quality and soft, muddy bottoms, a storm pond should never be used for recreational purposes.

Keep your family and pets safe. Stay out of the water. Water contact of any kind, including swimming, wading and boating, is dangerous and strictly prohibited. Keep your pets on leashes and away from the water for their health and safety.

Find out more at calgary.ca/stormpondsafety.

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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