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:
Stay cozy,
Councillor Courtney Walcott
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:
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 more: Victoria Park/Stampede Station Rebuild project prepares to switch to new station platform
Application deadline: October 24th.
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 more: Sunalta Community Hub
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 more: Pixel Park
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
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
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:
Winter preparation suggestions:
To learn more: Snow services and information
West Elbow LAP Engagement Opportunity (online):
Royal Sunalta Park Playground Opening Ceremonies
17th Ave Business Improvement Area (BIA) Events
Public transit safety strategy approved by city council
Source: CBC
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
Source: CBC
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
