July 2024 Newsletter

Hello Ward 6!

What a wonderful July it has been, with incredible hot weather and another successful Stampede with record breaking attendance. In this edition of the July newsletter you will read about the water main update, crime awareness, ENMAX updates, Team Canada FanFest event and much more. 

COUNCIL UPDATES

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Water Main Update

The City continues its recovery from the Bearspaw South Feeder Main break, moving to Stage 1 Outdoor Water Restrictions on Tuesday, July 23. This change allows for additional sprinkler use according to set days and times.

 Last week we increased the flow of water in the feeder main to increase the water supply and were able to move to Stage 2 on July 18. The pipe continues to perform well, and after completing some required maintenance at the Bearspaw and Glenmore Water Treatment Plants on Monday, we are now able to move to Stage 1.

 Effective immediately, the following activities are allowed:

 Using a sprinkler, soaker hose or in-ground sprinkling system (including testing) for a maximum of two hours per week on set days.

• Even-numbered addresses may water on Wednesday or Saturday.
• Odd-numbered addresses may water on Thursday or Sunday.
• Calgarians are asked to water in the morning or in the evening to avoid the hottest period of the day and minimize evaporation.  
• Watering gardens, plants and shrubs by a hose attached to a trigger spray nozzle/watering wand or drip irrigation with an automatic shut-off is allowed on any day/time.
• As always, people are encouraged to water each plant slowly and at its base, and check soil moisture both before and after watering to determine if water is needed.

 The following activities remain prohibited under Stage 1 water restrictions:

• Washing driveways and sidewalks.
• Washing windows or exterior building surfaces, unless it is done by a business licensed to perform this service.
• Filling fountains and decorative water features, except for bird baths, which are allowed.
• Washing your car or other vehicles with water in the driveway or street.

These restrictions continue to apply to all customers who use City water. This includes all Calgary residences, businesses and City operations.

Next steps

Tomorrow, we plan to turn on an additional pump at the Bearspaw Water Treatment Plant. As in the past, we will monitor the system for a few days, constantly watching pressure, listening for wire snaps and tracking water demand. This monitoring will help inform our decision about whether to lift restrictions further.

For more information on restrictions and frequently asked questions, visit calgary.ca/restrictions.

Daily live updates: calgary.ca/live

Event Centre Design Reveal- Scotia Place

I was fortunate to attend the exciting reveal of the design for the new event centre, Scotia Place, this past Monday.

The design is influenced by the ancestral and historical land of Indigenous Peoples and the culturally significant site that embodies our shared purpose – to gather. It brings together Indigenous cultural perspectives with Calgary’s and the region’s natural beauty, reflecting the four elements of nature – fire, ice, land and air.

 A striking feature of the building is the central structure with a textured flame motif that emulates a home fire, which is further amplified when it is highlighted at night. The home fire, a place of warmth and energy that brings people together to share stories of the past and create stories for the future, rises from the white, glacial-like forms that define the lower parts of the building.

Scotia Place, which is scheduled to open in fall 2027, celebrates the area’s importance as a place for all and will be a landmark attraction in Calgary’s emerging Culture + Entertainment District. More than a building, however, the 10-acre city block is designed for community and connection and includes a community rink, outdoor and indoor plazas, four restaurants, the Calgary Flames Team Store, and future development opportunity in the northeast corner. It will provide gathering places and amenities for the anticipated 8,000 people who will eventually live in this new downtown neighbourhood.

Construction begins this week. Additional information about Scotia Place including design renderings, a video, and frequently asked questions is available on Calgary.ca/ScotiaPlace.

Green Line Board Update

Since our appointment in January 2021, the Green Line Board has been focused on delivering results for Calgarians.

With a mandate from City Council to advance Phase 1 of the Green Line LRT Project, connecting the southeast to downtown and into the existing Red/Blue Lines, the Board has been deeply committed to managing costs and risks, while balancing community expectations and city-building opportunities. We have done this on behalf of our funding partners and all Calgarians. And we have done this by leveraging our collective technical, financial, planning and governance experience in megaprojects.

Green Line has never been more critical for Calgary, as the city faces substantial growth pressures with almost 122,000 new Calgarians expected to arrive in the city from 2023-2026. That’s a city bigger than Red Deer moving to Calgary in just a few years. As both critical transit infrastructure and a catalyst for much-needed housing and development, Green Line will build the spine to connect our growing city and Calgarians.

As a Board, we have been keeping Calgarians informed about our work over the past three-and-a-half years. Our Monthly Reports and regular meetings have shared the progress that we have been making with our $400M early works construction program, the selection of the new fleet of light rail vehicles, the acquisition and site preparation of more than $350M in land and the overall procurement process to bring on the contractors to design, price and build Phase 1.

The infrastructure sector in Canada has become more challenging and the cost to build Phase 1, approved in 2021 by the provincial and federal governments, exceeds the $4.9-billion capital budget. No major infrastructure projects have been immune to cost increases and the Board has been open about these pressures since May 2021.

To address rising costs and potential future escalations, while still achieving the benefits in the approved 2020 Business Case, the Green Line Board made recommendations earlier this week to the Executive Committee of Council on project design, delivery strategy and capital funding based on both the extensive work undertaken to reduce costs through value engineering and design optimization and the direct outcomes of contractor negotiations during the Development Phase. The recommendations are also based on collaboration with City of Calgary colleagues to ensure that Green Line can responsibly move forward within the current fiscal realities of the City, and without additional funding from the Province of Alberta and Government of Canada for this phase.

Research completed in January 2024 indicated that more than 90 per cent of Calgarians agreed Green Line supports future growth, improves mobility for underserved communities and will spur housing and economic development.  With record population growth, there is understanding that the need for LRT infrastructure is only growing, and it will never be less expensive to make this investment.

The Board thanks Council and our funding partners for your trust. We acknowledge the significant decisions that need to be made by Council next week and are firmly committed to working collaboratively to deliver the Green Line LRT for Calgarians.

For more Green Line information go to Green Line LRT | Home (calgary.ca)

To watch Council Live starting at 9:30 am on July 30, 2024 go to Council and Committee webcasts (calgary.ca)

DID YOU KNOW?

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Development Map (DMap) Platform Upgrade

On July 18, 2024, The City upgraded to a new and improved Development Map (DMap) platform. This upgraded DMap platform retains all the existing features and introduces additional functionalities including a better mobile experience. The upgraded mapping platform will continue providing property and application data relevant to planning and development projects. New features of the upgraded platform include:

• Redesigned Application Pages: Quick and easy access to plans and application details
  • Simplified commenting with increased upload capabilities, allowing photos to be attached to comments
• Enhanced Mapping:
  • Includes 3D views from the city’s LiDAR system
• Interactive Policy Overlays:
  • Easily toggle on Local Area Plans, Area Redevelopment Plans, and Area Structure Plans
  • Identify and access policies that are relevant to applications of interest

The transition to the new platform will not affect commenting periods for active applications; comments submitted in both the former and new DMap will be captured for review.

Public Hearing Submissions

In order to streamline the process for City Clerks, DMap users will now be redirected to the City Clerk web page for public hearing submissions. This adjustment will ensure compliance with the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FOIP) and eliminates the need to manually redact personal information on submissions.

Contractor Safety Tips from Calgary Police Services

Protect yourself from door-to-door contractor sale scams by following these tips:

• Don’t pay upfront, stay away from contractors who demand full payment before work begins
• Get it in writing, always sign a detailed contract which should include their name, address, phone number & license details
• Verify legitimacy, research contractors’ reputation & work quality on Better Business Bureau & avoid making on-the-spot decisions
• Beware of door-to-door offers, especially for unsolicited repairs. Legitimate contractors won’t pressure you into immediate decisions

Crime Awareness

With increasing concern regarding community safety in Ward 6, here are some insightful crime statistics you can refer to for your community. Crime awareness is the first step in decreasing crime activity.  If you would like to see the crime stats in your area you can view them here. 

Aspen Woods- https://mycalgary.com/.../aspen-woods-crime-activity-update/

Christie Park- https://mycalgary.com/communities/calgary/sw/christie_park/

Coach Hill - https://mycalgary.com/.../coach-hill-crime-activity-update/

Cougar Ridge- https://mycalgary.com/.../cougar-ridge-crime-activity.../

Discovery Ridge- https://mycalgary.com/.../discovery-ridge-crime-activity.../

Glamorgan – https://mycalgary.com/.../glamorgan-crime-activity-update/

Glenbrook - https://mycalgary.com/.../glenbrook-crime-activity-update/

Glendale - https://mycalgary.com/cri.../glendale-crime-activity-update/

Patterson- https://mycalgary.com/.../patterson-crime-activity-update/

Signal Hill - https://mycalgary.com/.../signal-hill-crime-activity-update/

Springbank Hill - https://mycalgary.com/.../springbank-hill-crime-activity.../

Spruce Cliff- https://mycalgary.com/.../spruce-cliff-crime-activity.../

Strathcona - https://mycalgary.com/.../strathcona-crime-activity-update/

West Springs - West Springs Crime Statistics Update - MyCalgary

Westgate- https://mycalgary.com/cri.../westgate-crime-activity-update/

Wildwood- https://mycalgary.com/cri.../wildwood-crime-activity-update/

ENMAX Power AMI Metering Update

What’s happening?

As the electricity provider for the city of Calgary, ENMAX Power is modernizing the way we read electrical meters through Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI). Commencing in late July and continuing into August 2024, ENMAX Power will be exchanging outdated electrical meters with new AMI meters in the following ward 6 communities:

• Glendale
• Spruce Cliff
• Westgate
• Wildwood

Benefits of AMI:
AMI technology is now the industry standard, helping ENMAX Power serve our customers with increased reliability and efficiency. The benefits of AMI include:

• No additional fees.
• Improved outage reporting and response times.
• Reduced need for property access to complete meter reading.
• Reduced risk of meter tampering or electricity theft.

How are residents being informed?
Within communities impacted by AMI deployment, residents can expect:

• Postcards delivered to their property outlining the AMI program along with direct contact information (see attached).

• Automated phone calls prior to meter replacements.
• Signage placed throughout the community during AMI work.
• Door-knocking prior to any meter replacement work.
• Door-hanger notifications following successful or unsuccessful meter replacements.

What can residents expect when ENMAX Power is performing AMI work in their community?

• A technician will knock on your door when they arrive. Residents don’t need to be home during the meter replacement, but access to the electrical meter will be required.

• A brief power outage will be required to safely complete the meter replacement.
• A notice will be left to confirm the meter has been successfully replaced.
• In the future, electrical usage will be read automatically, reducing the need for property access to complete meter reading.
• For residents that live in a condo or apartment, ENMAX Power will arrange meter replacements with property representatives.
• Residents who already have an AMI meter installed at their property will not require a meter replacement.

If you have questions regarding ENMAX Power’s AMI Program:

• Contact the ENMAX Power AMI Metering Team, Monday through Friday from 8AM until 4PM: AMI@enmax.com or 403-514-2807.

• Visit www.enmax.com/AMI to learn more about the AMI Program, including FAQ’s, benefits, and an available opt-out process.

Farm Stand Program

The City of Calgary is please to support to bring locally grown food into Calgary communities to support local business and promote accessible healthy eating. I am pleased to see so many farm stands in Ward 6. Click on the link to find one nearest you.

https://www.calgary.ca/pda/pd/office-of-sustainability/transit-pop-up-food-markets.html

Beat the heat with wading pools, spray parks and outdoor pools

Summer weather has finally arrived, and this July has been a hot one. If you are trying to beat the heat and have some outdoor fun, check out these City of Calgary wading pools, spray parks and outdoor pools.

https://www.calgary.ca/csps/parks/locations/wading-pools-spray-parks-and-outdoor-pools.html

EVENTS

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Free Community Outdoor Activities

Stay n’ Play | children ages 3 - 5 years + adult

Fun, safe, supervised programs that help children and adults make new friends

and stay active through a play-based learning environment. Participants engage

in games and activities that support healthy and active lifestyles. Children must be

accompanied by an adult. Free programs run Monday to Friday. Drop-in on a first

come, first serve basis.

Park n’ Play | children ages 6 - 12 years

Fun safe, supervised programs help children make new friends and learn. Games and

activities are designed to support them on their path to healthy and active lifestyles.

Programs run Monday to Friday. Free Drop-in on a first come, first serve basis.

Aug 6 - 9

Tues– Fri

Stay n’ Play - 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Park n’ Play - 10 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

SPRINGBANK HILL

Griffith Woods School -7652 26 Ave S.W.

Aug 19 – 23

Mon – Fri

Stay n’ Play - 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Park n’ Play - 10 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

GLENDALE

Glendale School- 2415 Kelwood Drive S.W.

Aug 6 – 9

Tues – Fri

Mobile Adventure Playground

10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

GLENBROOK

Graham Playground- 4725 Graham Dr SW

Team Canada FanFest Event

Calgary is thrilled to be one of three Canadian cities hosting Team Canada FanFest during the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Try your hand at some Olympic sports, enjoy live performances by Canadian artists, and cheer on our Team Canada athletes with special appearances by Olympians Catriona Le May Doan and Gilmore Junio. Celebrate the spirit of Canada together and make memories.

When:

Friday, July 26 – 12:00 pm to 8:00 pm

Saturday, July 27 – 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Sunday, July 28 – 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Where: Downtown Calgary – Stephen Avenue (8th Avenue) and Centre Street

Getting here: Getting downtown on Calgary Transit is easy and will keep you close to your event. You can plan your trip downtown using the Calgary Transit app or visiting their website. Walk, bike or roll! Consider taking one of Calgary’s many pathways to the event. If you plan to drive, we have many places to park close to the action, including Lot 60 – Convention Centre Parkade. Click here for Calgary Parking’s summer parking deals.

Find out more about the Team Canada FanFest event at Olympic.ca/fanfest

Community Associations

Are you aware that the community you live in has a Community Association which holds events and activities throughout the year? Here is how you can become involved in your Community Association:

• Become an active member of your Community Association.
• Attend a board meeting or annual general meeting (AGM). 
• Become informed about your community association’s priorities.
• Share your knowledge and the benefits of your community association with your neighbours. Encourage them to get involved – become a member. 
• Volunteer. Become a team or committee member, a board member, or sign up to help with a local project, program, or event.
• Have an idea to improve your neighbourhood? Contact your community association about an initiative or project that you’re interested in contributing to by leading, volunteering, or donating.

See below the association you belong to and join your Community Association today, whether it is to become a member or volunteer. Don’t miss out on some great events, activities or projects that bring community together.

• Coach Hill/Patterson Heights (CHPH)- www.chph.ca

• Discovery Ridge- www.discoveryridge.com

• Glamorgan- www.myglamorgan.com

• Glenbrook- https://glenbrook.community/

• Glendale- www.myglendale.ca

• Signal Hill- www.shca.ca

• Springbank Hill- www.springbankhill.org

• Spruce Cliff - https://sprucecliff.org/

• Strathcona/Christie/Aspen (SCA)- www.scacalgary.ca

• Westgate- www.westgatecommunity.ca

• Wildwood- www.mywildwood.ca

• West Springs/Cougar Ridge (WSCR)- www.wscr.ca