March 2025 Newsletter

Hello Ward 6!

Happy spring! In this edition of the March newsletter you will read about the Calgary Police Service funding, a two-car CTrain weekend pilot, golf league adjustments, pathway & river cleanups and much more.

- Ward 6 team

COUNCIL UPDATES

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Calgary Police Service funding

City Council has taken steps to reallocate funds and reshape traffic safety enforcement. A unanimous council vote on February 25, 2025, has directed Administration to work with the Calgary Police Commission on moving revenue from photo radar fines away from the police budget—redirecting these funds to support broader traffic safety measures.

The UCP government has significantly reduced the use of photo radar (by 70% in 2025), cutting the number of sites from roughly 2,200 to about 650, and eliminating the use of photo radar on provincial highways starting April 1, 2025. Calgary police reported a $28‑million shortfall in their budget as a result of these changes. Councillor Sharp believes that funding police services should be based on need rather than revenue generated from fines.

To address the budget shortfall, Councillor Sharp, along with Councillors Chabot, Wyness, and Wong, brought forward a motion for Administration and the Calgary Police Commission to collaborate on identifying potential funding options. Council unanimously approved the motion to authorize $28

million of municipal reserve funds to offset the shortfall. They also asked Administration to support the Police Commission in advocating to the Government of Alberta to either reverse the prohibition of photo radar or provide data to support exemptions for additional photo radar locations.

This initiative is part of a broader effort to ensure that our communities’ safety and traffic management measures are both effective and fairly funded.

City’s Response to U.S. Tariff Impacts

The U.S. tariff situation continues to evolve and the City is prepared for supply chain challenges. supporting local businesses and providing resource links for Calgarians to learn how they can support the local economy. See ​calgary.ca/tariffs​ to learn more.

DID YOU KNOW?

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Two-Car CTrain Service on Weekend Pilot

Starting March 22, Calgary Transit will be piloting two-car CTrain service on weekends.

In addition to an optimized weekend service, other benefits include:

• Lower energy consumption: Fewer CTrain cars reduces energy usage over the weekend by 33 per cent.
• Reduced maintenance: Less wear and tear on vehicles and infrastructure reduces maintenance needs while extending the lifespan of the overall system.
• Security & Safety: Fewer CTrain cars streamlines patrols for Transit Peace Officers.

Additional “floater” trains will be deployed during times of high weekend demand such as concerts and Calgary Flames games, while significant city-wide events like the Calgary Stampede and the Rotary International Convention this summer will temporarily increase train lengths to three or four cars.

For more info go to: ​Two-Car CTrain Service on Weekends

Golf League changes

The City of Calgary Golf Operations team has been working to address the growing demand for tee times at municipal golf courses. As part of this effort, proposed changes to league play were introduced in December 2024, including a new application process to ensure equitable access for all Calgarians.

However, the City has listened to feedback from impacted groups and has decided to pause these changes for the 2025 season. Golf Operations will continue working with leagues to find solutions that support both organized play and open access to tee times. You can find more information at ​Calgary.ca/golf​.

Join the 2025 Pathway & River Cleanup May 2 – 4

The Pathway and River Cleanup is an annual event where thousands of volunteers come together to collect garbage from across Calgary’s parks, greenspaces, and nearly 300 kilometers of pathways and riverbanks. Volunteers play a vital role in keeping our city clean, and every year the event sees continued community support.

The 2025 cleanup will be held from May 2 – 4. Volunteers can register as groups, with a designated leader and cleanup area. Those who register individually will be assigned to a City of Calgary team at one of three designated parks. Volunteers will remove litter within their assigned areas, placing the garbage in bags for collection by City staff.

Registration to volunteer is now open and will close on March 31, 2025.

Since its start in 1967, this event has been a cornerstone of Calgary's community involvement, with many volunteers returning year after year. For more information on how to volunteer, click here: ​Volunteering for the Pathway and River Cleanup​.

For additional details, or if you notice uncollected garbage bags, please contact 311.

2025 Arts and Culture Microgrant

The 2025 Arts and Culture Microgrant is now accepting applications, with nearly $1 million in funding available. Non-profits, registered charities, Community Associations, and Business Improvement Areas can apply for funding to bring creative projects to life—whether it’s a cultural cooking class, an artisan market, a theatre production, or something entirely new.

There are two tiers of funding available:

• Tier 1: Up to $5,000 – Supports smaller initiatives by covering up to 100% of eligible expenses. Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis until funding is fully subscribed.
• Tier 2: Up to $30,000 – Covers up to 50% of expenses for larger initiatives, with two intake deadlines: March 5, 2025 (for projects running June–November) and September 3, 2025 (for projects running December–May).

In 2024, this grant funded 113 initiatives, engaged over 2,200 creative professionals, and supported 600 community groups. Apply now at:​Arts and Culture microgrant​.

New affordable weekday downtown parking rate

A new weekday MAX rate of $12 is available at select downtown lots when you pay between 6 a.m. and 9 a.m. The rate covers parking from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., making it easier and more affordable to get downtown.

This deal is available at the following lots:

• Lot 6 (Louise Bridge) – Zone #9006 | Save 33% | 311 8 St S.W.
• Lot 55 (East Village) – Zone #9055 | Save 20% | 724 4 St S.E.
• Lot 64 (Millennium Park South) – Zone #9064 | Save 14% | 825 11 St S.W.
• Lot 75 – Zone #9075 | Save 20% | 401 4 Ave S.E.
• Lot 83 – Zone #9083 | 940 8 Ave S.W.

To access this rate, use the MyParking App, Virtual Pay Machine, or call/text to park. Find more information at: ​$12 downtown parking deal​.

EVENTS

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WSCR CA Volleyball Drop-in Starts April 2025!

The WSCRCA is pleased to offer a new adult-only (18+) volleyball program on Sunday nights from 7-9pm at the Calgary French & International School 700 77 St SW (north gym).

Two courts will be available. Sign up online each week for a spot. Limited to the first 24 people who sign up per game night.

The program will accommodate players of all skill levels looking to get out and have some fun, fine tune your volleyball skills and meet your neighbours.  

The Spring program will run from April 20 to June 22 and the cost per game to register is $10 for members and $20 for non-members.

You do not need live within West Springs or Cougar Ridge to become a member. Not a member yet? Sign up at ​https://wscr.ca/volunteer-membership​.

If you would like to register without a membership, please email ​volleyball@wscr.ca​.

Spring Schedule:

April 20

May 4

May 11

May 25

June 1

June 8

June 15

June 22

Website link: ​https://wscr.ca/volleyball

Youth Hiring Fair – March 27

Mark your calendars! The Youth Employment Centre 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 and 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 opportunities for diverse skills and experiences.

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. 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!  

For more information and to register go to ​Internet Safety Course — West Springs Church