Calgary City News Blog
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- Honoring Mother Earth, The City celebrates Aboriginal Awareness Week 18 June 2013
On June 17, Mayor Nenshi proclaimed June 16 – 22 Aboriginal Awareness Week in Calgary. The week kicked off with a celebration at Olympic Plaza on Monday, featuring Aboriginal speakers and performers, including Chief Roy Whitney, Elder Victoria Crowchild, and Elder Dave Courchene and “throat-boxer” Nelson Tagoona.
The theme for the event was “Honouring Mother Earth” and speakers talked of the importance of nurturing our connection to nature and to each other as ultimately we are all interconnected. Understanding that interconnection will lead to increased understanding of the responsibilities we have to care for each other and the world in which we live.
Events take place all week through the city. Please visit www.aawc.ca for more information including a full listing of events. - Canada Dayyc planning in full swing 17 June 2013
This year’s Canada Day celebrations are a true community event, and The City of Calgary wants all Calgarians to take part. Whether it’s enjoying the music and interactive activities at Prince’s Island Park, tasting flavours from around the world at CALGARY EATS!, experiencing the energy and ambience on the RiverWalk, taking in Calgary’s food trucks while listening to local DJs, or capping off the day by watching the spectacular fireworks show from Centre Street Bridge, there is something for everyone.
Prince’s Island Park will feature music, food and a variety of activities including the Living Flag. Calgarians in red and white t-shirts will recreate the Canadian Flag and pose for a bird’s eye view picture before singing O Canada and kicking off the day’s festivities.
There will be no shortage of entertainment with various stage performances from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. With everything from children’s theatre, acoustic performances, dance routines and up and coming local artists, Canada Dayyc will have an amazing soundtrack.
The sounds of the drum will resonate through the air with a new addition to Canada Dayyc. An exhibition powwow at Olympic Plaza will provide the opportunity to experience aboriginal culture and education through storytelling, crafts for all ages and traditional aboriginal cuisine.
CALGARY EATS! Will transform RiverWalk into the dining room of Calgary for Canada Day. Spend time gathering your favourite fruits, cheeses and baked goods from local vendors to create a nice picnic basket to enjoy by the banks of the river, let the kids get their hands dirty by learning how to plant a garden, or discover ethnic food from Calgary’s great restaurants as you soak in the energy around you.
For all things food trucks Festival Market will be the place to be! The Food Truck RoundUp will have the best eats in the city, along with music provided by local DJs.
New this year, the Riverfront Stage on Riverfront Avenue is the place to sit back and watch the Calgary sky light up with fireworks launched from Centre Street Bridge.
To volunteer for Canada Dayyc visit calgary.ca/canadaday.
Stay tuned for more information on all of the amazing ways that you can enjoy our national holiday. - A "TIPP" about property tax 13 June 2013
The property tax payment deadline is Friday, June 28, but there’s still time to assess your personal tax payment needs.
Do you prefer to save up throughout the year and pay your taxes in one lump sum? Or would you rather budget on a monthly basis? The Tax Installment Payment Plan (TIPP) is a valuable program that helps make budgeting a little bit easier.
TIPP enables homeowners to pay property taxes monthly instead of making a single payment in June. Plus, it helps avoid the risk of paying a 7% penalty if you have not paid your property taxes by the June 28 deadline.
It’s simple to join TIPP and you can join at any time. If you’re interested in signing up for the payment plan you can do so by following the steps below:- Visit Calgary.ca/TIPP to request an application
- Click the ‘Request an application to join’ link
- Click the ‘Tax Installment Payment Plan application request’ button
- Enter your home address, then add other key pieces of information by following the prompts
- Add additional comments if required, or click ‘next step’ to review and submit your request
An application specific to your property will be emailed to you within 7 business days. Follow the instructions in the email, choose your preferred method to submit and you are set!
For more information about TIPP, and other payment options visit Calgary.ca/propertytax.
Find out what other city services are easily available online at Calgary.ca/311. - Calgary Parks' OISEAU App - helping youth explore our parks 12 June 2013
The City of Calgary Parks has launched a fun and educational new app! The Order of Inter-species Explorers, Adventurers & Ubernaturalists, (better known as OISEAU) app allows kids to join a fictitious, secret nature intelligence agency. The app encourages youth to explore local parks through fun, interactive, place-based nature challenges.
To find out which seven parks can currently be explored with the OISEAU app, or to learn more, visit AgentsOfNature.com. - Pet of the Week: Colby – a “cool cat” 12 June 2013
Don't be fooled by Colby's luxurious, ginger mane, he's not the Lion King. However, this long-haired tabby would love for you to serve and admire him as his royal stature deserves. Stop by the Animal Services Centre today to meet this handsome man. We're certain he'd make the purr-fect addition to your household animal kingdom. - Inside Music helps bring youth talent to centre stage 10 June 2013
Inside Music is a free eight-week program for young musicians who want to learn what it takes to get their music out of the garage and onto the stage. Anyone aged 12 – 17, whether in a band or a solo musician, can come out and learn the ins and outs of what it takes to make it in Calgary’s music industry.
“Inside Music is designed for young musicians, who want to get plugged into the broader music scene in Calgary, to come out and learn,” says program coordinator Aaron Taylor. “As well as improving live performance skills, they’ll learn about the business side of music – promotion, recording studios and networking.”
The program, put on by The City’s Community & Neighbourhood Services, is open to all types of musical artists. It runs Tuesday nights from 6 – 8 p.m., July 9 – August 27.
Applications are due by June 21, 2013 and can be found at Calgary.ca/insidemusic. - Three open houses planned for North-Central LRT study 10 June 2013
The City of Calgary is working to improve transportation choices that will connect Calgarians and their communities in the north central area. As part of this commitment, and to meet Council’s direction from 2012, The City is beginning a study to determine where the future north-central leg of the LRT (NC LRT) should go and the best transit service for the community. Specifically, the study will determine:
Three North Central LRT route options under review. - A route for NC LRT (Centre Street N., Edmonton Trail, or Nose Creek)
- Station locations and amenities (e.g. bus terminals, park and ride lots, and opportunities for transit-oriented development)
- LRT vehicle type and right-of-way concepts (elevated, in-street, separated right-of-way, etc.)
- Possible bus and rapid transit network connections (including the future southeast LRT)
- Pedestrian and cyclist needs (to, along and across the LRT route)
- Ridership and traffic projections
- Projected high level costs and land implications
Have your say and learn more about the NC LRT study. Join us at one of three Open Houses:
Tuesday June 11, 2013
6-9 p.m.
Ascension of Our Lord School
509 Harvest Hills Dr NE
Wednesday June 12, 2013
6-9 p.m.
Winston Heights Community Hall
520 27 Avenue NE
Thursday June 13, 2013
6-9 p.m.
Thorncliffe Community Hall
5600 Centre Street North
More information on the study can be found on www.calgarytransit.com/projects. - This weekend be prepared for Downtown road closures 6 June 2013
The long awaited summer months are finally here, and with that our city’s downtown core becomes a hot spot for parades, festivals and of course construction work. All of these activities also mean certain roads may experience closures, lane restrictions and reduced speed limits. This weekend, please be aware of these events and major construction projects that will affect the downtown core. For a look at all of Calgary’s road closures and lane restrictions due to construction and special events, please visit www.calgary.ca/trafficinfo.
Special Events- The Carifest Parade will run from Eau Claire, south on 3 Street S.W. to 8 Avenue S.W., and west along 8 Avenue S.W. to Shaw Millenium Park. The parade will run from 11:5 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. June 8. No lane or road closures will occur with this event, but traffic delays in the area can be expected.
- Northbound Macleod Trail between 18 Avenue S.E. and 9 Avenue S.E. will have various lane closures starting from 7 p.m. on Friday, June 7 until 7 a.m. on Sunday, June 9, for paving.
- Southbound 1 Street S.E. between 9 Avenue S.E. and 18 Avenue S.E. will have various lane closures from 5 p.m. on Sunday, June 9 until 5 a.m. on Monday, June 10, for paving.
- 7 Street S.W. between 1 Avenue S.W. and 4 Avenue S.W. will be closed, including the intersection at 7 Street S.W. and 3 Avenue S.W. There will be one lane open on 4 Avenue S.W. These road closures will take place Saturday, June 8 from 3 a.m. to 8 p.m. for paving.
- 7 Street S.W. between 4 Avenue S.W. and 6 Avenue S.W. will be closed, including the intersections of 7 Street and 5 Avenue S.W. and 7 Street and 6 Avenue S.W. These closures will take place from 3 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Sunday, June 9 for paving.
- 12 Avenue S.W. west of 14 Street S.W. will be reduced to one lane from 7 a.m. on Saturday, June 8 to 6 p.m. on Sunday, June 9, for utilities.
- Eastbound Bow Trail/ 9 Avenue S.W. between Crowchild Trail and 3 Street S.E. will have various, multiple lanes closed and the speed limit reduced to 50 km/h from 5 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily on Saturday, June 8 and Sunday, June 9 for paving. Calgary Police Service will be on site to assist with traffic control as paving crews progress through intersections. Alternate routes such as 10 Avenue S.W. are recommended as major delays are expected.
- The ramps from northbound and southbound 14 Street S.W. to eastbound 9 Avenue S.W. will be closed from 7 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Saturday, June 8 for paving. Southbound traffic on 14 Street S.W. will be directed to use 12 Avenue S.W. and northbound traffic on 14 Street S.W. will be directed to use 10 Avenue S.W. as an alternate route to the 9 Avenue S.W. exit. Calgary Police Service will be on site to assist with traffic control as required.
- Poppy Plaza officially opens June 8 6 June 2013
A special park to commemorate Canada’s war effort officially opens to the public Saturday, June 8. A community celebration to mark the opening of Poppy Plaza will be held from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., with a formal program beginning at 11:30 a.m.
“Poppy Plaza provides a beautiful place to honour our veterans and those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice in service of our country,” said Alderman Druh Farrell.
Poppy Plaza is one component of the $31.5 million redevelopment plan along Memorial Drive known as The Landscape of Memory. Phase one of the project included The Calgary Soldiers Memorial unveiled on April 9, 2011 and phase two is Poppy Plaza.
The City conducted extensive public engagement to develop a vision for the Memorial Drive corridor. The resulting vision was constructed from exploring with stakeholders new and traditional ideas of memorialisation within the context of the urban setting.
“The Memorial Drive Landscape of Memory is shaped by a deep respect for our history,” said Farrell. “It is enriched by unifying our beautiful river, historical trees, and meaningful places to observe individual and collective memory.”
Located on the corner of 10th Street N.W. and Memorial Drive, Poppy Plaza is one of those meaningful places. With the creative participation of military and veterans as well as community stakeholders, the plaza was developed by focusing on themes of remembrance, legacy and history.
Narratives located in the plaza help to tell the story of the history of Memorial Drive. These narratives cut into the weathering steel wall panels tell the story of war and respond to the collective memory of the city.
The research for the quotes included searches for information in the Museum of the Regiments and discussions with military representatives. The quotes are intended to connect us all with the impact of war by exploring the theme of sacrifice by all facets of society as conflicts are experienced worldwide.
“The project has been favourably received both locally and nationally through a number of awards and we are delighted to host the opening June 8th,” said City of Calgary Parks Director, Anne Charlton.
Donations of non-perishable food items for the Calgary Veterans Food Bank will be thankfully accepted at the opening event. Please note that on-site parking is not available. - Pet of the Week: Tink 6 June 2013
Hi! My name is Tink and I am a 5-year old spayed female tortie Domestic Shorthair. I’m a very vocal girl who will chat away for ages. I love to be able to explore my surroundings and will check out anything new in the room. When I’m not busy exploring, I love to be scratched all over, but my absolute favourites are head and chin rubs. I’m not very interested in treats, but I do enjoy being brushed. Although I love to hang out with human friends, I’d prefer to be the only cat at my new forever home.
If you’d like to meet me or any of the other amazing adoptable cats and dogs, drop by the Animal Services Centre (2201 Portland Street S.E.) during regular business hours or visit calgary.ca/animalservices for more information.
Tink (A387926) - City Matters: Cemetery Tours with The City 5 June 2013
The City’s cemetery tours are up and running for spring, summer and fall. Take advantage of this unique opportunity to learn about Calgary’s history, its most famous residents and infamous stories. Free guided walking tours of Union, Burnsland, St.Mary’s Pioneer and Queen’s Park cemeteries take place on various dates from June to October.
Experience the Calgary of yesteryear through the stories of Mounties, cowboys, politicians and other notables such as a local couple who survived the epic Titanic sinking, The Yorkshire Giant and more!
For more details on tour dates and times, visit Calgary.ca. - Report to Calgarians - Responsible Dog Ownership 5 June 2013
If you’re one of the thousands of Calgarians who loves taking your dog to the city’s parks and off-leash areas, here's some tips from The City to ensure we keep our parks enjoyable for everyone.
For more information on responsible dog ownership, visit Calgary.ca/parks. - City of Calgary three time winner at 2013 ACI Awards of Excellence 5 June 2013
The City of Calgary won three awards at the Alberta Chapter of the American Concrete Institute 2013 Awards of Excellence banquet in Kananaskis on May 31.
Construction at the Airport Trail Tunnel won an award from the American Concrete Institute.
The 52 Street S.E. upgrade project won in the Bridges category for work done on grade separation and road widening between 94 Avenue and 106 Avenue S.E.
52 St. S.E. bridge structure
The Airport Trail tunnel was the winner in the Civil category and The City’s Emergency Operations Centre took top honours in the Buildings section.
“Winning the top awards in three categories from such a recognized organization that maintains high standards in professional and technical construction work says a lot about the quality of work The City of Calgary does,” said Gordon Stewart, Director of Transportation Infrastructure which managed two of the three projects.
The City's Emergency Operations Centre
“Much of the credit needs to go to the teams of workers on the various projects, and their leaders, for their outstanding work and commitment.”
Organized in 1904, the American Concrete Institute (ACI) is a non-profit technical and educational society and is one of the world's leading authorities on concrete technology. ACI has 98 chapters and nearly 20,000 members in over 120 countries. The Alberta Chapter is a volunteer organization advancing concrete knowledge in the province. - 24th Annual Mayor's Environment Expo opens today 4 June 2013
Today marks the first day of the 24th Annual Mayor’s Environment Expo.
The 24th annual Mayor's Environment Expo kicked off June 4, 2013
A warm welcome from the Mayor and groups of students strutting their eco-stuff opened the Expo. Mayor Naheed Nenshi spent time with the youth leaders getting lessons on environmental actions including water conservation, waste reduction and green commuting presented by four of the ten schools participating in the Expo’s year-long Showcase School program.
“When I look at the environmental leadership of Calgarians of all ages, I am truly inspired,” says Mayor Nenshi. “These students are taking action in their schools, homes and communities. They are using their own hearts, hands and minds to make their communities better every day.”
The Expo is Calgary’s premier event in celebration of National Environment Week. All Calgarians are encouraged to rethink their everyday actions in support of a healthier community. It may even be one of their 3 Things for Calgary.
Over its twenty-four year history, the Expo has educated 50,000 participants through interactive exhibits, displays and workshops – a number that will continue to grow this year. It ensures we have well-educated stewards that practice and promote environmental sustainability beyond the classroom.
“We are using the resources we have on the Earth ten more times than we should be,” says grade eight student, Omnia Yousifi. “I’m really excited to chat with other students at the Expo and change how they look at the world.”
Join us at the 2013 Mayor’s Environment Expo, June 4 - 6 at the Municipal Building and be inspired by today’s youth leaders.
Read about the actions the showcase schools are taking to protect land, air and water. - Public Event: Intersection of art and architecture in city building 3 June 2013
On June 4, the public is invited to attend a presentation on the iconic Bow building and Wonderland, the public artwork that has attracted world-wide attention, followed by a panel discussion that will explore the connection between public art, architecture and the building of great cities. The City of Calgary and the University of Calgary are co-hosting the event.
Photo courtesy Nicole Leismeister, Winner in the DJ (Mix it up!) category of the 2013 Mayor's Expo Photo Contest.
“Architecture and public art should create a discussion about the character of place. In Calgary we’re embarking on an exciting transition as the city evolves,” says panel participant Rollin Stanley, General Manager of The City’s Planning, Development and Assessment department.
The City supported Encana in commissioning public art for The Bow through its bonus density program. All incentive options are aligned with one or more Council priorities. They include installing public art, creating a new green space, providing bicycle storage or contributing to the Affordable Housing Fund.
Plensa’s work at the Bow makes a much-appreciated and significant contribution to Calgary’s ongoing evolution as a distinct and vibrant city, one that is gaining international recognition for its quality of public art and architecture.
“Public art is about communicating and celebrating different perspectives,” says Sarah Iley, Manager of Culture at The City of Calgary, who will facilitate Tuesday night’s discussion. “But The City is just one organization and we can’t do it alone. In fact, collaboration, partnerships – whether internal or external or a combination of both – is a common denominator in every aspect of public art development.”
Wonderland artist Jaume Plensa and architect James Barnes of Foster + Partners, the firm that designed The Bow, will be joined by University and City experts for the discussion. The evening promises to be thought-provoking and informative. Please visit calgary.ca for ticket and registration details.
The University will be represented by President Dr. Elizabeth Cannon and Dr. Nancy Polock-Ellwand, Dean of the Faculty of Environmental Design. - New income criteria for attainable homes, helping Calgary families 3 June 2013
Mayor Naheed Nenshi recently presented keys to one of the newest attainable homeowners in Calgary, Jessica Thompson and her son Nathan in Skyview Ranch.
Jessica’s unit is one of 56 two-bedroom apartment condos being sold by Attainable Homes Calgary Corporation, a non-profit and wholly-owned subsidiary of The City of Calgary.
As of June 1 Attainable Homes has implemented new income criteria in an effort to help more families enter the property ladder in Calgary. The new criteria is:- Maximum household income of $90,000 per annum for single and dual parent families with dependent children living in the home
- Maximum household income of $80,000 per annum for singles and couples with no dependent children living in the home.
“We hope our new income criteria will allow us to support more families who are seeking the stability of homeownership.”
Visit www.attainyourhome.com and complete the online Ownership Toolkit to register your interest in the apartments at SkyView Ranch. - Wilma's Water Warriors empowering peers for the Mayor's Environment Expo 31 May 2013
The Grade 8 students at Wilma Hansen School are embracing everyday opportunities to help conserve and preserve our water resources! They are engaging their peers, educating and empowering them to rethink everyday actions in support of healthier community.
Grade 8 students at Wilma Hansen are taking on water conservation for their School Showcase Project.
For their Showcase School project for the Mayor’s Environment Expo, they are promoting the use of reusable water bottles, turning off their taps in support of World Water Day, educating their partner schools about water conservation, and at the same time, fundraising for a variety of global causes through CAWST and Free the Children.
“We are too selfish with our water,” says 13-year-old, Gabby Keiran “I don’t believe half of Calgarians understand the full problem or the amount of water they are consuming. We only have one earth so we need to generous and kind to it.”
Join us at the 2013 Mayor’s Environment Expo, June 4-6 at the Municipal Building and be inspired by today’s youth leaders.
Read about what other showcase schools are doing to protect land, air and water.The Mayor’s Environment Expo thanks Encana and Calgary Transit for their partnership in the Showcase School program. Encana is sponsoring a $250 grant exclusive to the Showcase Schools. Calgary Transit is providing Showcase Schools with free transportation to and from the Expo. - Pet of the Week: Cornelius & Buddy 30 May 2013 Hi! My name is Cornelius and I am an 8-year old neutered male Beagle mix. I’m a chatty guy – some say I can howl like a Husky – so my friends at the Animal Services Centre nominated me to tell you about all the awesome cats and dogs looking for homes this summer.
Take, for example, my friend Buddy. He is a 7 year old neutered male Black Labrador Retriever mix who is easy going and loves the outdoors. He’d be the perfect companion for summer camping trips.Both Buddy and I qualify for Animal & Bylaw Services’ Seniors for Seniors program, meaning anyone over the age of 60 can adopt us at a 60% discount. What a deal! If you’d like to meet us or any of the wonderful adoptable cats and dogs, drop by the Animal Services Centre (2201 Portland Street S.E.) during regular business hours or visit calgary.ca/animalservices for more information.
- City Matters: New ways to connect with 311 Calgary 29 May 2013
Citizens now have three ways to contact 311 – via the recently-launched 311 Calgary mobile app, online or by calling.
The app makes it fast and easy to submit a service request. Attach photos, use your smartphone’s GPS function and provide us with detailed information to allow City of Calgary employees to assess, prioritize and respond efficiently. This detailed information will save The City time in our response process. Also, include your contact information. The City will not share these details publicly and we will only contact you if we require more information or to inform you that we've responded to your request.
Be a ‘citizen superhero’ and download the app at calgary.ca/311. - Show me the water for the Mayor's Environment Expo 29 May 2013
“Drinking clean water makes you smarter,” says ten-year-old Sarina Virani from River Valley School. And she is correct. Drinking water has tremendous benefits on our brain including better concentration and mental alertness.
Grades 4 and 5 students at River Valley School keeping the Bow River clean for the Mayor's Environment Expo.
The health of the watershed is top of mind for River Valley School which is located next to the Bow River.
For their Showcase School project for the Mayor’s Environment Expo, Grades 4 and 5 students organized an awareness campaign about protecting this precious resource. In the communities of Bowness and Montgomery, they delivered brochures they designed themselves, informing residents how simple actions like using a rain barrel or sweeping dirt from a driveway instead of hosing it into the gutter can make a world of difference.
In school, the students created a videotaped newscast (complete with an anchor and reporters) to educate their peers on ways to conserve water during their assembly. They also interviewed approximately 230 students to discover the favorite way to conserve water - turning off the tap when you are brushing your teeth.
“Non-point source pollution is the biggest problem in Calgary,” says Sarina. “People don’t know how dumping soap buckets from washing their car down the drain impacts our rivers and the animals.”
“We need to educate people of what they are doing and why they should stop it.”
Join us at the 2013 Mayor’s Environment Expo, June 4-6 at the Municipal Building and be inspired by today’s youth leaders.
Read about what other showcase schools are doing to protect land, air and water.The Mayor’s Environment Expo thanks Encana and Calgary Transit for their partnership in the Showcase School program. Encana is sponsoring a $250 grant exclusive to the Showcase Schools. Calgary Transit is providing Showcase Schools with free transportation to and from the Expo.
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