March 2025 Newsletter

Greetings Ward 14!

Just like property assessment notices, spring-related topics are usually a multi month thing. We will get warmer weather, the snow will melt, we will get more snow. Then it will happen all over again. So, after I have mentioned the Assessment Customer Review Period for the third and final time this year, I will move on to a milestone for EPR, then the first round of City-related topics to help you out as the weather warms and the roads clear. I will also mention the Youth Hiring Fair.

Assessment Customer Review Period Is Almost Over

Your opportunity to ask questions about your property assessment ends March 21. That means up until March 21 you can call 403-268-8888 to discuss and update your property information. If it is determined that changes will affect the assessment value, they will make the adjustments and send an updated notice. Regardless of the results of your phone call, you will still have the right to appeal your assessment, but you will need to do that before March 21 too.

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. By logging onto your property specific account on Assessment Search, you can:

• Check the property details used to figure out 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.

You can also visit calgary.ca/assessment for any other information you might need.

A Milestone For Extended Producer Responsibility

For nearly ten years I have taken up the fight for an Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) system in Alberta. In April, we will finally have the first EPR regulations in this Province and that is cause for celebration.

Under EPR, manufacturers are responsible for managing packaging waste when it’s no longer needed. This means producers are responsible for collecting, sorting, processing, partially funding and recycling the packaging waste they create.

This will standardize the list of recyclable materials across Alberta, making recycling easier. It will incentivize more recyclable packaging and less waste overall. Last, but not least, your blue cart fees will go from $9.34 to $2.17, a drop of more than $7 a month as the burden of recycling several types of materials is removed from the City of Calgary.

While I have put in a lot of time and effort to make this happen, and am proud to see it reach this milestone, the fight for EPR did not start with me, and it took many people pulling in the same direction. Thank you so much to the Waste and Recycling team at the City, the team at Alberta Municipalities, Provincial Ministers Schulz and Nixon, and all the incredible people across this beautiful province and nation who put in their blood, sweat and tears.

Visit calgary.ca/epr to learn more.

Help Us Clear Storm Drains

This topic is another rehash from last month, but it is still relevant. As chinooks become less likely to melt a lot of snow, the spring weather takes their place.

The City maintains more than 60,000 storm drains across Calgary. A sudden melt can make it difficult to attend to all of them within a short period of time. This is why we ask Calgarians for their help.

• Check the storm drain near your home to clear debris (e.g. leaves, sticks) or remove ice and snow.
• If there’s a buildup of snow or ice and it’s safe to do so, create a channel to help water flow towards the drain.

If water is pooling on your street and you suspect the storm drain is frozen, contact 311. We have specialized boiler equipment that pushes out steam to get the storm drain thawed and running again.

If you are sending a “Storm Drain/Catch Basin Concern” through the 311 web or mobile app, make sure to take a photo and attach it to your request. This goes a long way in helping us respond on a priority basis. If the storm drains in your area are covered with snow and difficult to find, visit calgary.ca/stormdrains and use our map to find the location.

Our crews will make requests in areas affecting public safety and where excess water may cause property damage a priority.

2025 Workshops For Right Tree, Right Location

The City is holding in-person information sessions on how to choose the Right Tree for the Right Location and learn how to plant and care for a new tree in your yard. The information sessions are approximately 1.5 hours long and feature a Q&A session with an Urban Forestry Technician who will offer advice and answer any tree-related questions or concerns. Space at each session is limited and the content at each session will be the same; please sign up for one session only.

Visit www.calgary.ca/parks/trees/education-workshops for more information.

Spring Ice Safety

As spring weather approaches, rising temperatures make ice on rivers, lakes and storm ponds even more dangerous. While these bodies of water may still appear frozen, the ice is thinning and becoming unpredictable. Falling through can happen in an instant, putting you at risk of hypothermia or drowning.

Here are some ways to stay safe:

• Avoid the ice. As ice weakens, it becomes unsafe for any activity. Stay off all ice-covered rivers, lakes, and storm ponds.
• Stay back from the edges. Melting ice along riverbanks and lakeshores is unstable and can collapse under your weight.
• Call 9-1-1 in an emergency. If someone, or a pet, falls through the ice, do not attempt a rescue yourself. Call for help immediately.

If you fall through the ice:

1. Stay calm, keep your head above water, and control your breathing.
2. Call for help while keeping your hands on the ice.
3. Try to pull yourself onto the ice on your stomach and roll to safety.
4. If you can’t get out in 10 minutes, stop struggling, anchor yourself, and keep calling for help.

If you see someone fall in:

1. Call 9-1-1 immediately and provide a landmark so emergency responders know exactly where to go.
2. Stay back and avoid the ice yourself.
3. If possible, throw a rope or branch to help them reach safety.

As warmer weather continues, ice conditions will only become more hazardous. Avoid unnecessary risks—stay off the ice and keep yourself and others safe this spring.

Find your next job at the Youth Hiring Fair – March 27

Mark your calendars! The Youth Employment Centre (YEC) is excited to announce the return of the Youth Hiring Fair on Thursday, March 27 at the Big Four Building from 1:30 to 6 p.m. If you're between the ages of 15-24, this event is your opportunity to meet with 80 employers ready to hire for part-time, full-time, permanent, or seasonal positions.

Whether you're starting your job search or advancing your career, the Youth Hiring Fair is the place to be. You’ll have the chance to connect directly with employers from various industries offering diverse opportunities for all skill levels.

Before the event, be sure to visit the Youth Employment Centre at 315 – 10th Ave. S.E. to receive free assistance with resume building and interview preparation. Our expert employment counsellors are available to help you build confidence and ensure you're ready to make a strong impression on potential employers.

Don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity to secure your next job. Visit calgary.ca/yechiring for more details!

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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.

Sincerely,

Councillor Peter Demong