With daylight savings adding an earlier hour of sun to our day, I hope you're all enjoying our beautiful city and Ward 8 communities! Please see below and stay involved with all the current engagement opportunities. Your opinions matter and need to be heard.
Stay connected,
Councillor Courtney Walcott
Get to know Calgary 311!
311 is The City of Calgary’s Citizen Services division. If you are looking for specific City of Calgary services or information, you can contact them 24/7. City offices are not open 24 hours a day, however, 311 Calgary is your 24-hour connection for City services and information.
Know who to call:
| 9-1-1 | Emergency | Call 9-1-1 in an emergency when there is an immediate threat to your health and/or safety. |
| 211 or text INFO to 211 | Distress Centre | Call or text 211 for non-emergency situations that involve mental health and addiction, connection to food and basic needs, or community and social resources. |
| 311 | Bylaw, city information | Call, download our app, or visit Calgary.ca/311 for City information (e.g., bylaw, garbage collection, etc.) |
| 403.998.7388 | HELP team (formerly DOAP) | Unhoused individuals in a vulnerable state and in need of transportation. |
| 403.262.1000 or text 74100 | Transit Watch | Text 74100 or use the help phone/button on C-Trains and platforms to report immediate safety and security issues. |
| 403.266.1234 | Police non-emergency | Call for non-emergency situations that require a police response |
Between Chinook and City Hall/Bow Valley College stations
Nov. 24 - Dec. 4
Red Line users can board replacement shuttles at the Chinook, 39th Avenue and Erlton/Stampede stations during the shutdown.
This closure accommodates the completion of the Victoria Park/Stampede Station rebuilding project.
To learn more: Victoria Park/Stampede, Station Rebuild project, prepares to switch to new station platform
When the BMO Centre Expansion plaza is finished in 2024, it will have a new public artwork entitled Spirit of Water, by internationally renowned artist and designer Gerry Judah. Spirit of Water will be a 70-foot tall, 12,000-pound steel artwork in the shape of a splash from a drop of water that symbolizes the integral part that water plays in all cultures and for all peoples.
Photo credit: Aryn Toombs / LiveWire Calgary
To learn more: Public art for BMO Centre Expansion Plaza
Council’s Strategic Direction provided a foundation to help Administration care for our community through the 2023-2026 Service Plans and Budgets. Every year, The City makes adjustments to our service plans and budgets, continuing to refine them to make life better every day for Calgarians.
We’re currently planning for the upcoming Adjustments, which happen in November 2023. This year, we’ve provided a focused view of investment opportunities that align closely with the growing needs of Calgarians.
Council wants to hear from you! Please provide written feedback to Council or register to speak with members of Council on Nov. 20.
Budget adjustments that may be of interest include:
To provide feedback: Public submission form
To learn more: Budget Adjustments: Investment options
Learn how the city keeps us safe as we experience more snowfalls this season.
The priority snow plan is The City's schedule for clearing snow from public spaces. The plan sets out which roads, sidewalks, bikeways, and pathways the city will clear, to what extent, and on which day within the seven-day plan.
To learn more: Day-by-day priorities
During snowfall, before the seven-day plan is activated, crews are preparing equipment and materials and working on major routes. The work on majors includes plowing snow in through lanes and applying anti-icing material to Calgary’s highest traffic routes.
Public engagement is open until Dec 3, 2023
As our city’s population approaches two million, The City of Calgary must prepare to support this growth. The City Building program will produce the Calgary Plan, Zoning Bylaw, and Street Manual. All three of these documents will work together seamlessly to create a clear, concise and central 30-year vision and 10-year action plan for Calgary’s future.
To learn more: Provide your input
Public engagement is open until Nov 15, 2023
The City of Calgary is investing in one of Calgary's oldest neighbourhoods to keep it safe, beautiful, and vibrant. With the recent completion of the new 9 Avenue S.E. bridge and updates to the CPKC Rail bridge and tracks, the city is looking to potentially improve and expand the pathway on the east side of the Elbow River between the Bow River and the McDonald Bridge, including underneath the 9 Avenue S.E. bridge.
Improving this pathway would improve accessibility and connectivity for all Calgarians between the communities of Inglewood and Ramsay, the future LRT station, the River Walk and other connecting pathways, and surrounding amenities.
To learn more: Provide your input
Public engagement is open until Dec 31, 2023
The City of Calgary and the University of Calgary are collaborating on a multi-year study of Calgary's short-term rental (STR) market through the Urban Alliance partnership. Their goals are to gain an in-depth understanding of Calgary’s STR market and the challenges and opportunities it presents, and public engagement is a key component of this research.
To learn more: Provide your input
Public engagement is open until Nov 21, 2023
The MNP Centre is expanding and will become the main Aquatic Recreation Facility for downtown and we want to ensure that the facility is accessible and welcoming for all. The City is committed to providing safe travel choices, especially to regional recreation facilities.
Help us understand any travel barriers that make it hard to walk, bike or choose transit to reach MNP.
To learn more: Provide your input
Public engagement for current phase is open until Nov 10, 2023
Parks and Open Spaces is creating the next 20-year plan on how we develop, redevelop and manage parks to better connect Calgarians with nature, wellness and each other.
Provide your feedback for Phase 2 through the Survey and ranking the guiding Parks, Points and Principles:
To learn more: Provide your input
Public engagement for Phase 2 will launch in November 2023
Working together, we'll create a local area plan to guide the evolution of the Chinook Communities over the next 30 years.
Subscribe to receive updates about upcoming opportunities to get involved and to learn what was heard through engagement in Phase 1: ENVISION (which took place in the spring of 2023).
To learn more: Provide your input
Public engagement for Phase 2 will launch in Winter 2024
Working together, we'll create a local area plan to guide the evolution of the West Elbow Communities over the next 30 years.
Subscribe to receive updates about upcoming opportunities to get involved and to learn what was heard through engagement in Phase 1: ENVISION (which took place in the Fall 2023).
To learn more: Provide your input
Citizen Minutes: An Inspiring Evening with Community Changemakers
Some Remembrance Day ceremonies happening in Calgary:
Killarney-Glengarry Community Association's Last Minute Market:
Source: CityNews
More than 40,000 Calgary households at risk of homelessness: report
Source: Calgary Herald
3 million more Canadians in housing need than CMHC estimates suggest: report
Source: Global News
Antisemitism, Islamophobia rising in Canada amid Israel-Hamas conflict
Source: Global News
New social enterprise breaks barriers for vulnerable Calgarians
Source: Calgary Herald
Southern Alberta water woes concern experts
Source: CityNews
Last links to Calgary's second Chinatown to be demolished
Source: CBC News
Alberta's COVID-19 and flu vaccine uptake could be better, expert says
Source: CBC News
As April unfolds, I hope this message finds each of you in good spirits and excellent health. It's a pleasure reconnecting with our vibrant community through another newsletter edition. Spring is in the air, and we’re all eager for warmer days!
I encourage you to pay close attention to council housing updates in the coming weeks. Your engagement and input are invaluable as we strive to address housing challenges and ensure every resident can access safe and affordable housing. Let's continue to work together to foster a city that thrives on collaboration, inclusivity, and innovation. Wishing you all a month filled with positivity, growth, and shared moments of joy!
With appreciation,
Councillor Courtney Walcott
I hope you're staying cozy as we wait for the cold to loosen its grip. Don't forget to set your clocks forward for daylight savings on Sunday, March 10th! Losing that hour of sleep can effect people differently, so please take extra care if you're travelling.
Today is March 8th, marking International Women's Day (IWD). The campaign theme for IWD 2024 is "Inspire Inclusion." We pave the way for a better world when we inspire others to understand and value women's inclusion. When women are inspired to be included, they experience a profound sense of belonging, relevance, and empowerment. Take a moment to reflect on what you can do to make every woman's experience one of feeling seen, heard, and valued in your life.
With appreciation,
Councillor Courtney Walcott
As February unfolds, we're greeted with the vibrant energy of Black History Month. This annual celebration is a time to honour Black individuals' rich and diverse contributions throughout history and within our community. It's more than just a month of recognition; it's an opportunity for learning, reflection, and celebration of the resilience, creativity, and achievements of Black Canadians. As we commemorate this significant occasion, remember that education is at the heart of the festivities. We can't truly celebrate without first understanding and appreciating the stories, struggles, and triumphs that have shaped our collective history. So, let's embrace this month as a chance to deepen our understanding, foster inclusivity, and honour the diverse voices that enrich our city.
With appreciation,
Councillor Courtney Walcott
