Critical feeder main repair complete

As we shared last week, we are happy to say that repairs to the Bearspaw feeder main are now complete. As our crews worked hard to complete these urgent repairs as quickly and safely as possible, Calgarians also stepped up in a big way. Collectively, the amount of water saved was immense and this savings was a huge support to crews working so diligently to restore water service.       

Water service is now restored, and the sections of pipe that were in need of urgent repair have been fixed. There are still two additional repairs that we will complete in October and November which will be localized and we will not have the same level of restrictions or impacts to Calgarians. While we know that we’ll need a longer-term strategy for the feeder main, we have significantly reduced the risk of another catastrophic pipe failure in the near term, and we have enhanced monitoring now in place.

As we worked on repairs, a third-party consultant conducted a detailed forensics report. This includes comprehensive results from our PipeDiver inspection, as well as soil and structural analysis of the pipe. We expect the final report to be ready by the end of October and will share more details about the findings when they are available. 

Thank you again for your ongoing support and patience as we finished this project. We especially want to recognize the residents and businesses most impacted by the construction and the water restrictions. We encourage everyone to support businesses in the Bowness and Montgomery area.  

July 30 was a momentous day for Calgary as Council approved funding for the revised Phase 1 alignment of the Green Line LRT, the largest infrastructure investment in our city’s history.

However, on Sept. 3, The City received a letter from the Government of Alberta stating they are unable to support or provide funding for the revised Phase 1 alignment, from Lynnwood/Millican to Eau Claire, of the Green Line LRT Program.

As a result, on Sept. 17, Calgary City Council accepted Administration’s recommendation and voted to wind down Phase 1 of the Green Line Program to minimize the costs and risks to The City and Calgarians.

While the wind down is occurring, discussions are also taking place between elected officials and administration from both The City and the Government of Alberta. These discussions have been about the shared interest of a future LRT to the southeast and opportunities to potentially preserve existing contracts and work competed to date that could be incorporated into any potential future project agreed to by The City and other orders of government.

The Phase 1 project wind down will take place over the next few months and will focus on our people and four key principles: safety, cost and risk mitigation, value preservation and efficiency and effectiveness. The Green Line Board will oversee the wind down and ensure that all contractual obligations are fulfilled or transferred to The City by Dec. 31, 2024.

Learn more: Project Update - September 17, 2024 | Green Line LRT (calgary.ca)

An early look at next year’s recommended budget

Last week, we shared a preview of the proposed adjustments to the 2023-2026 Service Plans and Budgets. The preview provides an early look at the budget that will be presented in November. We have has been facing pressures affecting service delivery and Calgarians. Some of these pressures include aging infrastructure, rapid population growth and inflationary pressure. Despite finding efficiencies to maintain the 2025 property tax increase at 3.6 per cent for existing properties, further investments are required to deliver on Council priorities and maintain current service levels.

To help maintain projects and services including housing, public safety, transit and infrastructure, Administration is proposing a 0.9 per cent increase in municipal property tax revenue and an increase to user fees for Water and Waste & Recycling in 2025. This proposal would mean that a residential property assessed at the median of $700,000 in 2025 with metered water usage of19mᶾ would pay an additional $13.95 per month for total City services. That is an additional $8.86 in municipal property tax and $5.09 in Water and Waste & Recycling. See calgary.ca/Adjustments for more information.

You can voice your opinion and help Council identify which are the most important investments by providing written feedback to Council or registering to speak with members of Council in November at calgary.ca/PublicSubmission.

Livingston Terrace affordable housing apartment now open

Through funding commitments from the Government of Canada, the Alberta Government and The City of Calgary, Silvera for Seniors opened its newest affordable housing apartment for independent seniors in northeast Calgary on Sept. 18.  

Livingston Terrace Apartments, owned and operated by Silvera, will provide homes for 47 seniors. This pet-friendly, independent living building includes 35 non-market rental units where rent is geared to 30 per cent of resident income, and 12 below-market units with rents that are fixed at certain percentages below Calgary rental market benchmarks as established by Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) on an annual basis.  This rental structure, supported by government funding commitments, will provide housing for a range of low to moderate-middle income seniors, while ensuring the building is able to operate sustainably without the need for ongoing operating funding. 

• The 35 non-market units were supported through the Rapid Housing Initiative, a program delivered through the Government of Canada’s CMHC and The City of Calgary. 

• The 12 below-market units were funded by the Government of Alberta’s Affordable Housing Partnership Program (AHPP), along with a CMHC co-investment loan.  

Solving the housing crisis requires strong collaboration and coordination between all orders of government. This funding will help ensure everyone in Calgary has a place they call home. The City is committed to meet the growing need for affordable housing and will continue to address the housing crisis by implementing the 98 actions in the Housing Strategy. 

City sees early success with the Community Court pilot program

In partnership with Calgary Legal Guidance, we have launched Community Court, a pilot program that helps individuals with trauma, addiction, mental health challenges, and homelessness resolve bylaw infractions by connecting them with crucial support. The program began on June 26 and runs on the last Wednesday of each month.

The first session saw 17 participants, growing to 45 by the second. Feedback has been positive—one participant shared, “This was the first time someone has listened to me,” while a police officer noted a decrease in volatility among vulnerable individuals since the program began.

Prosecutor Benedict Leung says to remove barriers, they are exploring a safe storage site near the courthouse and community shuttle transportation from shelters on court days. “We also plan to introduce a community paramedic program offering health check-ups and a transit concession pass for participants.” 

Calgary Transit leadership agreed to the transit concession passes at the end of August and will be introducing them for the September community court. “We are busy determining the eligibility criteria and the obligations participants will have to agree to,” says Leung.

This initiative aligns with one of the recommendations of the Downtown Safety Leadership Table. An update on all 28 recommendations of the table will be available on our Community Safety webpage at the end of September.

Read more: Community courts (calgary.ca)

Tackling vehicle noise and enhancing community safety

Noisy vehicles in the city are an ongoing problem. In response, Council invested $1.3 million operating base budget and $350,000 capital budget during Service Plan and Budget Adjustments in November 2023 for the creation of the Traffic Safety team and noisy vehicles program.

The Emergency Management and Community Safety (EMCS) Traffic Safety Team have teamed up with Information Technology (IT) to use advanced technology to monitor and analyze noise levels at identified hotspots based on resident complaints across the city. The acoustic sensor data collected will help the team better understand where vehicle noise is a problem in Calgary and where to guide enforcement efforts.

For this project, small battery-operated sensors measure and regularly send data about noise levels to an application at The City through a long-range low power wireless area network managed by IT, or what's known as a LoRaWAN. The sensor detects and sends data when loud noises go above a certain decibel level for a period of time. The sensor does not record any audio and cannot understand a specific person or have a signature of their voice. This has been reviewed with the Freedom and Information Privacy Office at The City.

There are a total of 40 acoustic monitoring devices to be deployed, including initial devices that were set up on 17 Ave S.W. While we have gathered complaints of problems on 17th Avenue and other parts of town, this initiative will provide the real-time data needed to pinpoint the areas that need the most attention.  

The EMCS Traffic Safety Team, approved by Council as part of a comprehensive program to address vehicle noise and community traffic safety, will launch later this year. After the collection of baseline noise data, the team’s focus will turn to vehicle noise enforcement in spring 2025.  

Visit our webpage to learn more about how we are using emerging technologies to make life better for Calgarians.

City’s Downtown Strategy celebrates September milestones

September marked two major milestones for our Downtown Development Incentive Programs. The first project under the Demolition Incentive Program will provide $176,000 for the removal of three derelict buildings on the SE corner of 4 Avenue and 6 Street S.W., clearing the way for a 33-storey mixed tower. The project will provide much-needed rental housing, reduce vacant office space, enhance community safety and vibrancy, and bring over $100 million in private investment to Downtown Calgary.

We also re-opened our highly successful Downtown Development Incentive Program with a strategic focus on converting vacant office spaces into housing for Calgarians. Supported by $52.5 million from the Housing Accelerator Fund, this program is a key component of both the City’s Greater Downtown Plan and Housing Strategy. Learn more here.

Watch this video to learn more about The Cornerstone, the first completed conversion project from the program. This development transformed a vacant office building into a residential and commercial hub offering 112 residential suites, including affordable and accessible units, as well as commercial amenities and services for the community.

Watch the video here: The Cornerstone (youtube.com)

Downtown summer festival season a success

This year, Calgary’s Summer Festival Season was one to remember and downtown was where people came to experience the ultimate celebration of community, creativity, and culture. With more than 150 festivals and events happening downtown from June – September, the heart of our city was bursting with fun and entertainment for everyone.

One memorable event worth noting was the ‘So Long Summer Series’ at Lot 6. Led by Downtown Strategy, and supported by numerous departments across The City, Lot 6 transformed into River Hall, a temporary gathering space for Calgarians to enjoy a blend of all-ages entertainment, dining and relaxation in a welcoming, inclusive and pet-friendly atmosphere.

Not only do these festivals and events provide an opportunity for fun and connection, they also create a positive economic impact for Calgary. Summer months typically drive more than 40 per cent of the annual visitation and economic impact from the tourism sector, and these festivals and events generate additional economic return while demonstrating how Calgary delivers meaningful experiences.

With winter right around the corner, we look forward to showcasing how downtown is a vibrant destination 365 days a year. To learn more about the exciting events and activations happening downtown, visit calgary.ca/exploredowntown.  

Latest podcast delves into Calgary’s secret economic powerhouse: The Prairie Economic Gateway initiative

Imagine an industrial hub so powerful it could redefine Calgary’s economic landscape. Now, picture it quietly taking shape just beyond the city’s edge, poised to create thousands of jobs and generate billions in revenue for the private and public sectors.

As our city continues to grow, so do the opportunities. Enter the Prairie Economic Gateway – a new industrial hub set to become a vital artery for economic growth. With over $1.6 billion in projected economic output and more than 6,750 jobs anticipated, this initiative could well be Calgary's secret powerhouse.

In our latest episode of the Calgary Conversations podcast, we explore the Prairie Economic Gateway with Oyin Shyllon, Program Manager at The City of Calgary. Oyin shares insights into the significance of this project, Calgary’s unique position in North America's trade network, and how this initiative is pioneering a new level of collaboration between The City and Rocky View County.

Watch here: Episode 4: Calgary's secret economic powerhouse: The Prairie Economic Gateway initiative (youtube.com)

First two Business Improvement Areas (BIAs) in Calgary celebrate 40-year anniversary

This year marks 40 years since the establishment of the 17th Avenue Retail & Entertainment District BIA and Marda Loop BIA, the first two BIAs in Calgary. Since 1984, the two BIAs have supported the development of local businesses, public spaces and neighbourhoods in their areas. Their work has shaped the fabric of these iconic Calgary communities and afforded each a reputation as a destination for Calgarians to do business, access services, explore, shop, eat, drink and gather with family and friends.

In 1983, the Government of Alberta passed legislation which allowed municipalities to establish Business Revitalization Zones, now referred to as Business Improvement Areas. The next year, the 17th Avenue Association, an association of local business owners, signed a petition requesting The City create the 17th Avenue BIA (now referred to as the 17th Avenue Retail & Entertainment District BIA), and on Sept. 18, it became Calgary’s first. Not long after, on Dec. 18, the South Calgary BIA (now called Marda Loop) became Calgary’s second BIA, and over the years, 13 more BIAs have been established.

Read more: First two Business Improvement Areas in Calgary celebrate 40-year anniversary

Digital art expands horizons: Blending tradition with technology in Mohkinstsis

A powerful new art exhibit currently on display at The Confluence takes viewers into a jubilant celebration of contemporary local Indigenous artists embedded deeply in traditional teachings, protocols, and art forms.

Digital Voices, part of our Indigenous Public Art Program, features eight Indigenous artists chosen for their excellence in digital art, or art produced through a myriad of technological means including digital manipulation of photography and work created completely in digital formats.

Chosen through the work of a curatorial panel led by Indigenous Public Art Curator and lead, Jessica McMann, the artists showcased represent a broad spectrum of the quality and vibrancy that can be achieved in the digital art form.

The Digital Voices exhibition is open to the public from Oct. 3, 2024 to Jan. 2, 2025 at The Confluence. Visitors may also attend a reception with the artists the evening of Oct. 10.

“Digital technology continues to open up whole new perspectives for artistic experimentation. The new world of digital art is radically evolving the way artists can use their voice. It is readily available and often a way into art that requires less space and supplies. The possibilities really are endless. Here we see artists emerging to established reflecting their relationship to Mohkinstsis with these tools – and experimenting with precision and vibrancy.”

-Jessica McMann

Learn more: Digital_art_expands_horizons.01.pdf (mcusercontent.com)

Chinook Blast 2025: Calling all creators and cultural curators!

Chinook Blast is Calgary’s winter festival celebration. As we gear up for another exciting event in 2025, we’re on the lookout for creative talent and dynamic partners to help bring the festival to life!

Installation/Visual Artists Sculptors, visual artists and creators of immersive experiences are invited to showcase how their art can transform the festival grounds into a mesmerizing winter wonderland. Funding opportunities are available, ranging from $5,000 to $40,000 for chosen installations. Additionally, in collaboration with The City of Calgary’s Winter City Design Competition, up to $45,000 will be awarded for two installations designed to endure three months of winter weather from January to March without requiring security.

For further details and to submit ideas, please visit the website here.

Market partners

We’re seeking three dynamic partners to host and execute a weekend market (Friday to Sunday) during Chinook Blast. These markets should offer unique experiences, where attendees can explore and celebrate different cultures, discover local artisans and participate in meaningful community engagement.

For more information and to submit your proposal, visit the website here.

Meet Willow, the Calgary Fire Department’s canine investigator!

Willow is a 7-year-old black lab trained to sniff out fire accelerants. During investigations, she alerts her handler and fellow fire investigator Jodie by sitting if she smells an accelerant like gasoline. Willow has helped us on over 80 investigations where the cause of a fire is unknown or if foul play is suspected. Willow comes to every shift with Jodie, and at the end of the day, she goes home to Jodie’s family. She completes multiple training exercises every day locating accelerants and is very happy doing her part to help keep Calgarians safe.

Learn more

• Instagram reel
• Facebook
• CBC Calgary story

Upcoming events

Various dates in October

Oct. 1-8

• Active Aging Week - Swing dance try-it
• Active Aging Week - Coffee, tea and social
• Active Aging Week - Balance and strength
• Active Aging Week - Living healthy
• Active Aging Week - Strong & steady
• Active Aging Week - Outdoor walk
• Active Aging Week - 50+ fitness
• Active Aging Week - Total body workout
• Active Aging Week - Older adult weight room orientation
• Active Aging Week - Ballet try-it
• Active Aging Week - Yoga: Beginner
• Active Aging Week - Dance yourself fit
• Active Aging Week - Zumba

Oct. 2-6

• Spruce Meadows Oktoberfest

Oct. 6-31

• Screamfest

Oct. 6

• Calgary Police Half Marathon

Oct. 8

• Council meeting - Public hearing

Oct. 9

• Intergovernmental Affairs Committee

Oct. 10

• Nominations Committee

Oct. 12

• Fall gluten-free market

Oct. 16-21

• Wordfest’s Imaginarium

Oct. 16

• Infrastructure and Planning Committee

Oct. 17

• Audit Committee
• Calgary Planning Commission

Oct. 18-19

• Rocky Mountain Wine & Food Festival

Oct. 20

• YYC Travel Show

Oct. 22

• Council meeting - organizational

Oct. 24

• Calgary Planning Commission

Oct. 29

• Council meeting - Regular

Oct. 30

• Community Development Committee

Affordability spotlight: Did you know?

We are experiencing an increasing demand for our low-income support programs, resulting in a funding gap to continue supporting Calgarians in need. To support Calgarians in need in the first half of 2024:

We made a one-time investment in Q2 of about $2.5 million to the United Way of Calgary and Area’s Basic Needs Fund to support the affordability needs of Calgarians.

We supported more Calgarians living with low-income to access recreation at a lower cost, with nearly 50 per cent more spent on providing subsidized access to recreation programs and services.

We helped non-profit organizations and Calgarians in need with property tax cancellation, reduction or refunds through various programs. Discretionary tax relief programs resulted in approximately $2.36 million in tax cancellation in the first half of 2024.

The Home Upgrades Program, supporting affordability for low-income Calgarians, is fully subscribed, with 51 homes upgraded for energy efficiency and 54 more homes scheduled or in progress.