October 2023 Newsletter

I hope you've been soaking in the gorgeous fall season this year! We have a few exciting community updates, so keep reading! As we gear up for the colder months ahead, expect updates around safety and everything snow-related. Winter prep, here we come! 

This Month's Updates: 

  1. Truth and Reconciliation 
  2. Ward 8 Communities
  3. Your Housing Questions, Answered
  4. Seasonal Changes
  5. Upcoming Community Events
  6. Stories for You

Stay cozy,

Councillor Courtney Walcott


Truth and Reconciliation 


September 30th was the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation. In 2021, the Government of Canada passed legislation to make September 30th a federal holiday. It's an opportunity to recognize and commemorate the tragic history and ongoing legacy of Indian Residential Schools and to honour the survivors, their families, and communities.

Reconciliation is a continuous journey, so please take time and space to learn the truth. 

Learning Resouces: 


Ward 8 Communities 


9-Day Red Line LRT Closure  

Between Chinook and City Hall/Bow Valley College stations

Nov. 24 - Dec. 4

Red Line users traveling north can board replacement shuttles at the Chinook, 39th Avenue and Erlton/Stampede stations during the shutdown.

This closure is to accommodate the completion of the Victoria Park/Stampede Station rebuilding project.

To learn moreVictoria Park/Stampede Station Rebuild project prepares to switch to new station platform


West Elbow Local Area Planning (LAP) Working Group

Application deadline: October 24th

  • Help shape your community for you and future generations. 
  • Bring your lived-in community perspectives and viewpoints to the table. 

Sunalta Community Hub: Groundbreaking

After a decade of tireless work, the Sunalta Community Association broke ground on the Sunalta Community Hub Project. When fully built, the Hub will include a commercial community kitchen, coffee shop, expanded community gardens and a greenhouse, multi-sport hardscape, mini soccer pitch, and programming spaces. 

This project owes its success to the vision and dedication of countless volunteers and community members. Thank you for all that you do!

Sunalta’s Hub Project is the first of its kind to be undertaken by a Community Association in Calgary. This project is about much more than building a new community hall – it's about improving social inclusion, food security, providing opportunities for community economic development, and building an equitable community.

To learn moreSunalta Community Hub


Pixel Park is Open

Photo Credit Aaryn Toombs / LiveWire Calgary

Photo credit: Aaryn Toombs / LiveWire Calgary

Located next to Enoch Park at 12 Ave and Macleod Trail, Pixel Park is a fun and creative space with an off-leash dog park, pickleball courts, a basketball court, and a skatepark. 

Come and borrow a racquet or basketball from the C+E Player Hub. The park is open year-round daily from 9 AM to 9 PM, and the C+E Player Hub is open Friday – Sunday from 12 PM to 6 PM.

The park is also Downtown Calgary’s largest EV charging site—offering 24 stalls for eco-conscious park visitors. 

To learn morePixel Park


The Beltline Fridge is Open 


A new community fridge in Calgary’s Beltline neighbourhood at 221 12th Avenue S.W. is now open! 

The community fridge/pantry is a volunteer-led project that enables food to be shared within a community. Anyone can bring food or take food without limits or barriers.

To learn more: Beltline Fridge


Your Housing Questions, Answered 


Following our virtual discussion on housing last month, which delved into the City of Calgary's housing strategy, many community members raised additional questions. For a comprehensive breakdown of these inquiries, please check out my blog post with written responses.

To learn more: Your Housing Questions, Answered


Seasonal Changes


 Winter is coming 

No matter how you travel, the city is committed to keeping Calgarians moving. Whether you walk, wheel, drive or take transit, there is a dedicated team ready to tackle snow and ice.

Each year the city looks for improvements to the snow response, and this season they will continue to prioritize the removal of barriers of snow and ice along the priority routes.

Keep an eye out for a few changes:

  • Blue and amber lights will be installed on the back of snow-clearing units throughout the year.
  • Additional pathway kilometers will be cleared by city crews.

Winter preparation suggestions: 

  • When commuting, give yourself more time for travel. 
  • Dress appropriately and plan your routes.
  • If you’re driving, winterize your vehicle.
  • Stay safe while shoveling - ensure you are bundled up and take any necessary breaks.

To learn moreSnow services and information


Upcoming Community Events


West Elbow LAP Engagement Opportunity (online): 

Royal Sunalta Park Playground Opening Ceremonies

  • Join this celebration with the Scarboro Playground Committee!
  • Sunday, Oct 22, 3 PM, at Royal Sunalta Park Playground (302 Sharon Ave SW)

Spook the Loop 

  • A safe and spooktacular event for ghouls and goblins of all ages.
  • Saturday, Oct 28, all throughout the Marda Loop business district from 1:00 - 4:00 PM.

17th Ave Business Improvement Area (BIA) Events

 


Stories for You 


Public transit safety strategy approved by city council

Source: CBC


Source: Engage: City of Calgary

At least $1 trillion needed to achieve housing affordability, CMHC says

Source: Financial Post


Posthaste: Record-high mortgage stress test puts homes out of reach for more Canadians

Source: Calgary Herald


Amid inflation, a housing crisis and conflict with Trudeau, Alberta adopted rent control — 48 years ago

Source: CBC

Latest posts

This Month's Updates:
  1. Traffic Safety Team Enforcing Noise Bylaws

  2. Sunalta Main Streets Community Engagement Begins

  3. Free Activities & Programs this Summer
  4. Be YardSmart

  5. Killarney Summer Park Pilot
  6. Canada Day - July 1st

  7. Farm Stands Across Calgary

  8. Revitalize 8 Street SW Construction Begins
  9. Engagement Review: Have your say!
This Month's Updates:
  1. New Traffic Safety Team
  2. Spring Clean-up Street Cleaning

  3. Green Cart Compost Giveaway

  4. Rain Barrel Pre-Sale Sold Out!
  5. Final season of Marda Loop Main Streets construction

  6. 14 & 15 Avenue S Mobility Improvements
  7. Neighbour Day — June 21, 2025

This Month's Updates:
  1. Engagement: Revitalize 8 Street S.W.

  2. Sandy Beach Park Improvements

  3. Altadore-North Glenmore Area Construction

  4. Marda Loop Main Street Construction Sequencing
  5. Property Tax Calculator 

  6. Local Area Plan Updates

Connect with Courtney

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