March 2023 Newsletter

Hey, Ward 14!

Do not feel bad about your thoughts drifting to warmer weather—mine are too. We all know that there is probably a brief regression to coldness coming, as it always does, but we are headed in the right direction. The days are getting longer...

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 engage.calgary.ca/walden.

2023 Customer Review Period

Your last chance to contest your property’s assessed value is coming quickly. Here is what you need to do:

• Check the property details used to determine the assessed value of your property.
• Update your residential property details. It’s important you keep your information current, as incorrect property details may result in assessments that do not accurately reflect the value of your property.
• Compare your property’s assessed value to other similar properties in your area to ensure fairness.
• Review real estate market trends and learn how your property was assessed.

If you have questions about your 2023 property assessment you need to contact the property assessment department before March 13. Your property assessment is used to calculate your annual property tax bill, which is mailed in the spring.

To help you review your property assessment the City offers general resources on calgary.ca/assessment and property specific tools through the secure logon feature of Assessment Search at calgary.ca/assessmentsearch. You can visit calgary.ca/about-assessment-search to learn how to set up your account.

3D Digital Calgary

I really like maps, and the City’s digital map gallery has an interesting new one for you to peruse. The 3D Digital Calgary map shows 3D building wireframes for all exterior building structures in Calgary, ground elevation and capabilities such as shadow casting. This map is found at https://maps.calgary.ca/3ddigitalcalgary/. To view more City of Calgary maps, you can visit the Map Gallery at https://mapgallery.calgary.ca/.

Clean Energy Improvement Program – Application Intake Paused

A few weeks ago, I sent out an email about a tool that I thought you would find useful. The Clean Energy Improvement Program (CEIP) is meant to help with the up-front cost of a long list of eligible home improvements. CEIP offers financing up to 100% for energy efficient and renewable energy project costs up to a maximum of $50,000 per property. Repayment is collected through the property tax bill. The City is offering competitive interest rates, long repayment terms (up to 20 years) and the option to repay in full at any time, penalty-free. Eligible upgrades vary from furnace improvements to insulation to smart thermostats to solar panels.

Due to the high volume of CEIP applications, there will be a temporary pause in intake of new pre-qualifications to deliver reasonable processing times for applicants. They will reopen for new pre-qualifications once the first applications are processed. Applicants who applied and received a confirmation email will continue to be processed in the timelines specified in the confirmation email.

If you want to learn more, or wish to sign up for email updates you should visit calgary.ca/ceip.

Transit Safety

Safety on transit has been a big concern lately; it is imperative that we restore trust in Calgary Transit’s ability to get people around safely. There is a concerted effort by the City, and even the Provincial Government now, to get more bodies around transit to increase safety. For immediate safety concerns when riding transit, please:

• Text 74100
• Press a Help Phone (found in stations & on platforms)
• Call Transit Watch 403-262-1000 option 1

Please call 9-1-1 for emergencies. Standard Msg and Data Rates may apply.

--

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