September Edition
Critical feeder main repair continues
As we have been sharing over the past few weeks, this summer we completed additional testing on the Bearspaw South Feeder Main to learn more about its condition. Using a device called a PipeDiver, this further testing included areas of the pipe that we had not been able to inspect before. This testing revealed several new locations that need repair. Some of these are new hot spots that need urgent repair; others will be addressed in our medium-to long-term pipe rehabilitation plans. ?
To conduct these urgent repairs along 33 Avenue NW and 16 Avenue NW, we needed to shut down the Bearspaw South Feeder Main and stop the flow of water through it. This shutdown continues through the end of September. We are currently relying on the Glenmore Water Treatment Plant to supply most of the water to Calgary, Strathmore, Airdrie, Chestermere and the Tsuut’ina Nation. ?
To ensure water demand is balanced with the available supply, we needed a temporary return to Stage 4 Outdoor Water Restrictions, which does not allow any outdoor water use. We are also continuing to ask residents and businesses to limit their indoor water use. ?It remains critical that we balance demand with the available water supply to ensure we have water ready to meet essential needs such as water for firefighting.
Thank you to everyone - residents, businesses, regional partners and visitors to our city - for your patience and support as we complete these repairs.
Better Every Day: Downtown Revitalization shares stories of vibrancy in Calgary’s downtown core
Better Every Day is a quarterly publication highlighting a selection of stories about service value and topics of importance to Council and Calgarians.
The latest edition features four stories focusing on the people behind the projects and programs building vibrant communities in the core of our city. From a new esports arena and riverside improvements to addressing food insecurity, discover how we are supporting and investing in downtown Calgary.
In this issue:
Summer camp sparks interest in transit
Imagine a place where young individuals with disabilities are empowered to explore their independence and build confidence. The Get on Board Summer Camp, hosted by Calgary Transit Access Travel Trainers, offered youth ages 15-21 a unique and enriching two-day experience.
Campers toured the Transit Support Centre, getting a behind-the-scenes look at the city's transportation network. They met the people who keep the system running and learned about transit operations.
The journey continued as campers boarded a bus and headed to a CTrain station, where they discovered how to navigate routes, understand schedules, and met peace officers dedicated to ensuring everyone's safety. They also got a taste of what goes into driving a train at an interactive train simulator.
The Get on Board Summer Camp isn't just about getting around—it's about building confidence, making friends, and discovering new possibilities. Every camper left feeling more capable and ready to explore the world on their own terms.
Watch the full video below to see the incredible experiences our campers had in their journey toward independence.
Home program recipients announced with $1 million in grant funding
We have awarded $1 million in grant funding to 10 non-profit organizations to deliver innovative projects that increase housing stability and successful tenancies for affordable housing residents or people in housing need.
The ten organizations with funded projects from the Home Program are the Calgary John Howard Society, Closer to Home, Distress Centre, Highbanks Independent Living for Parenting Youth Society, Miskanawah Community Services Association, Momentum, Siksika Off-Reserve Affordable Housing Project Limited, The SHARP Foundation, Trellis Society and Wood’s Homes.
These projects have demonstrated high responsiveness to issues impacting Calgarians in housing need, approximately half of the awarded projects are focused on housing supports for Indigenous People, Black and Racialized and equity deserving populations. Funding from the Home Program continues to stimulate impactful positive change in the housing system. From this round of funding, it is estimated that over 1,400 Calgarians living in or supported by affordable housing and service providers will receive support
The Home Program was launched in 2017 and has since funded over 100 projects that improve housing outcomes for Calgarians. The Home Program is part of the Home is here, The City’s Housing Strategy.
Supporting Calgarians experiencing homelessness
It’s hard to imagine a -40°C cold snap right now, but that reality could be just around the corner as we head into fall and winter. It’s difficult to get through for most Calgarians but can be much worse for those experiencing homelessness.
Calgarians experiencing homelessness face multifaceted challenges, including economic inequality, mental health issues, systemic discrimination and insufficient access to social services and adequate affordable housing.
We know the reasons individuals choose not to attend shelters are complex. Our teams try to balance compassion, dignity and safety for those experiencing homelessness with the community's safety.
We have resources available for those who would like to help. Learn more about them here .
Welcoming 26 additional peace officers into service
As a result of the significant investments Council has made to improve transit and community safety, we continue to expand our peace officer numbers. This summer, 14 new transit peace officers and 12 new community safety peace officers graduated at a ceremony held at the Mewata Armoury. These graduates will bolster public safety and security across Calgary's transit systems and communities. They will be tasked with enforcing bylaws, assisting citizens and contributing to the overall well-being of the city's residents and visitors.
"I have been lucky to be a part of EMCS Class 2024-04 with Community Safety. I grew up in Calgary and have lived almost my entire life here; my close family all live within the city. My last employment was with Alberta Health Service as a protective services officer at the Peter Lougheed, and I can’t wait to expand my horizons to the entire city of Calgary. The huge scope of the training I’ve received as a new Community Safety recruit has been a great challenge and I love that I have the opportunity to pursue a variety of different adventures moving forward. said Graham Brightman, class leader for the graduating community peace officers.
The new graduates each have varied backgrounds and experiences and bring a unique perspective and skill set to their roles. From compassionate souls driven by a desire to make a positive contribution to their communities, to advocates for public safety with a keen sense of responsibility, the new peace officers stand ready to embark on their journey.
Eco Centres: A new chapter in waste management
Our newly enhanced Eco Centres are a place for Calgarians to handle items that don’t fit or belong in their bins. We spoke to project manager Elias Tomaras about how this enhancement to our Waste and Recycling Service benefits Calgarians. ?
Watch the video
Prairie Economic Gateway aims to deliver significant economic benefits
The Prairie Economic Gateway initiative is coming to Council on Sept. 10 for the first reading of Statutory Plan Amendments. The changes will guide how we use and move through the lands.
This exciting, first-of-its-kind collaboration between The City and Rocky View County, will transform how goods move throughout the region, Canada, and beyond through the creation of a major industrial hub.
It will provide the following economic benefits:
The Prairie Economic Gateway is more than just an industrial park. It's a vision for the future of Calgary and Rocky View County.
New wheelchair ramp incentives for accessible taxis
Accessible Taxi Incentive Program provides up to $25,000 for eligible licence plate holders
We have introduced a new wheelchair ramp installation incentive of up to $25,000 for eligible accessible taxi plate licence holders. The incentive is an exciting addition to our existing Accessible Taxi Incentive Program, which was established in 2019 to help accessible taxi plate holders and drivers with the costs of purchasing, adapting and operating wheelchair-accessible vehicles. On-demand taxi service is an important transportation option for people who require special assistance to accommodate a wheelchair or other mobility device.
“This is a great win for the customers who rely on wheelchair-accessible taxis to get to appointments and connect with their communities. Last year, more than 30,000 trips were taken by Calgarians requesting on-demand wheelchair-accessible taxis. Since these customers are paying the same metered rate as non-accessible users, we want to ensure they are getting the same level of service,” explains Deputy Chief Cory Porter of Public Vehicle Standards.
Calgary’s population hits historic high
Calgary was the fastest-growing major municipality in Canada in 2023. Calgary’s population was estimated at 1,422,800 as of April 1, 2023. This is a 5.6 per cent growth – approximately 75,000 more residents moved to Calgary since 2022 - approximately the population of the City of Medicine Hat. This estimate represents the most significant annual increase in population since the early 1980s.
Our Corporate Economics team provides several economic forecasts to Council and Administration to aid decision-making process for Calgarians. Learn more about the Spring 2024 Corporate and Region Population Outlook 2024-2029 and other reports .
Fall’s return to school means excited children will be on the streets, roadways, pathways and sidewalks walking and wheeling to class. Back to school season also brings more vehicle congestion, particularly during school pick-up and drop-off. We want to remind and encourage all Calgarians to be safe, slow down, and park smart.
Calgary Parking installs electric vehicle chargers at downtown Lot 7
Calgary Parking continues to support Council’s foundation of climate resilience and the essential transition to electric vehicles for a greener Calgary. Lot 7 (208 9 Ave S.W.), a surface lot conveniently located in the downtown core, now has four universal electric vehicle chargers available for parkers on a first-come, first-serve basis. This is Calgary Parking’s first outdoor lot with electric vehicle chargers, which were installed on Aug. 12.
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Busking program brings vibrancy to downtown
To delve deep into the city’s music scene, we chatted with Marcus Trummer, a blues singer/songwriter based in Calgary. Marcus is no stranger to the city’s music scene, having once been a busker on Stephen Avenue. He tells us about his firsthand experiences as a busker and how it contributes to the culture in downtown Calgary.
Watch the video
Calgary art conservator honoured for excellence in industry
The Calgary Public Art team is celebrating a recent national award given to one of its conservators and the growing recognition of the program’s international leadership in the public art conservation field.
The team’s newest member, Calgary Public Art Associate Conservator, Camille Lafrance, says being honoured with the Canadian Association for Conservation of Cultural Property’s Emerging Conservator Award at the organization’s recent annual conference felt like an enormous public recognition for her previous decade of steady, arduous and often solitary work becoming an art conservator.
“Without conserving traces of the past and art itself we don’t have any real cohesion for societies. Conserving art is a way of defining the meaning of a community; It helps us create a picture or a vision of what we are together and it helps bring us together. Conservation of art is a big part of our collective identity to me.”
Culture Days is an annual celebration of arts, culture, heritage, diversity and community spirit.
Discover the vibrant cultural landscape of our city from all September, with events happening across Calgary.
Experience local arts and culture throughout the month. There’s something for everyone, including music, festivals, theatre, cultural events, artist exhibits and more.
Celebrate all that arts and culture contributes to making Calgary a vibrant place to live, work and play.
Visit calgary.ca/CultureDays for a list of events and activities that you and your family can enjoy in September. Join the conversation and share your Culture Days experience with the hashtag #YYCculturedays. Let’s come together to discover, experience and celebrate all that makes Calgary culturally vibrant!
Upcoming events
Various dates in September
Sept. 3
Sept. 4
Sept. 5
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Sept. 8
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Sept. 14-15
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Sept. 19
Sept. 21-29
Sept. 21
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Sept. 27-29
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Sept. 30
Did you know? Building permit edition
Residential building permits continued to rise in Q2, signaling progress for Calgary’s housing supply. ?This includes permits for secondary suites, single/semi-detached, rowhouses and mixed-use buildings.?These increases demonstrate the progress that the development industry and The City are making towards increasing the housing supply in Calgary and achieving the objectives of?Home is Here - The City of Calgary's Housing Strategy .
3,613 residential building permit applications in Q2, a 35 per cent increase compared to 2023 Q2.
1,672 building permit applications for secondary suites in 2024 Q2, an increase of 57 per cent year-over-year. ?
1,558 apartment units completed in 19 apartment buildings, a 124 per cent increase over the same period in 2023.
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2 个月I do not belong to an activist group but studied elephant behavior. The Edmonton Valley Zoo is criminal to have an Asian elephant in an inappropriate climate environment exercise enclosure. All her ailments like foot disease are caused by the life she is living. It is criminal and abusive. This elephant is young at 49 and has an opportunity to live in harmony as an elephant, not a zombie. I have a video of her walking on concrete from yesterday and it's tragic. I do not blame you for lacking education on this topic of elephant welfare but no child or adult is learning anything about Asian elephants by keeping her in pain for profit. Please message me for more information. It is unethical.
I stand with Israel until the end of spacetime??
2 个月I'm doing my part ??
CEO at MAAS Business Development
2 个月Alarming about outdoor water consumption. Residents have to be careful to avoid any emergency situation in winter, around the corner.