Proposed Closure of St. Angela's School
We are disappointed to hear of the proposed closure of St. Angela’s School. Please read my letter urging the Catholic School Board to reconsider their decision and seek alternative solutions.
Read MoreRemembering Joseph & Amy
The following tributes were written by Andie Wolfleg, a long time advocate for vulnerable Calgarians, and a familiar face at City Hall
Read MoreFAQ: Rapid Housing Initiative - Land Use Change for 4206 Mcleod Tr. SE
SUMMARY
The Calgary Dream Centre has already applied for funds from the Federal Government as part of the $41M Rapid Housing Initiative. The City is excited about this important investment in our City’s most vulnerable well-being while helping repurpose assets that the effects of the pandemic have negatively impacted.
More information about the Rapid Housing Initiative can be found HERE.
Calgarians will have the opportunity to provide input into the project at the public hearing at the Combined Meeting of Council on March 22, 2021.
STATUS & TIMELINE
On February 4th, 2021, The Proposal came to the Calgary Planning Commission; many letters from the public were included in the file presented to the Commission members. It was approved 9-0 and was forwarded to Council for the ultimate decision.
RELEVANT INFORMATION
The Land Use Change (LOC) was brought to Calgary Planning Commission on February 4th Planning Commission Agenda on the Friday prior. It was passed at Planning Committee Meeting 9-0 and referred to Council for a final decision.
The LOC will be discussed and voted upon at the March 22nd Combined Meeting of Council.
The Dream Centre has already held various zoom info sessions with all the community associations west of Macleod Trail. It is open to continuing to hear from concerned citizens.
The Calgary Dream Centre has drafted a good neighbour agreement and is continuing consultations with residents of Manchester, Manchester Industrial, Britania, Elboya and Elbow Park.
Plans for the area include enhanced investment for the public realm and pedestrian accessibility all along 42nd ave.
MYTHS vs. FACTS
MYTH: The Holiday Inn will be converted into a homeless shelter and/or addiction treatment facility.
FACT: The Proposal for the Holiday to provide 145 units of affordable housing spaces. It will serve a mixture of seniors, men, women, children and families. Several units will be used as accessible units as they are already accessible for persons with disabilities. All clients will undergo a screening process, and most will be working or receiving financial assistance. While it is true that the Dream Centre on Macleod Trail does provide addiction support services, they also operate several other buildings and programs throughout the City. They have considerable experience in operating affordable housing.
MYTH: Councillors are supportive of the project.
FACT: Council members are legally required to remain amenable to persuasion until after the closing of the public hearing. Council is generally supportive of the Rapid Housing Initiative's goals; it will provide opportunities to hotel chains that are struggling as a result of the decline in tourism. It will help find housing for struggling Calgarians, and it is an incredible opportunity for federal investment in our city. That does not mean that they can show support or not for any particular project. They are eager to receive public input to ensure that the concerns are addressed and all Calgarians feel benefits.
MYTH: There will be disruption to the neighbourhood in the form of an increase in crime or suspicious activity.
FACT: The Calgary Dream Centre has an upstanding reputation for good management of their clients, with over 50 different projects in Calgary. Residents of this site will undergo extensive applications, most will be working or receiving subsidized income. There will be a mixture of women, children, families, seniors and persons with disabilities. These populations are typically not associated with criminal or suspicious activity.
Macleod Trail is a highly visible thoroughfare and is frequented by several CPS patrol cars every hour of the day. CPS is aware of the project and has agreed to remain extra vigilant for the first few months of people taking up residence. The Police anticipate fewer calls to the site from when it was operated as a hotel. Calgary Transit Peace Officers have also been informed and will remain extra vigilant at nearby stations for the first few months of operation.
PARTICIPATE IN THE PUBLIC HEARING
To watch the live streamed Council meeting are streamed live and can be viewed at:
www.calgary.ca/citycouncil/citycouncil.html
The Agenda for the council meeting is available at Calgary.ca/agendaminutes
To speak at Council please email PublicSubmissions@Calgary.ca
Provide your name, address and the date and topic you wish to speak to.
They will email you back with a time to call in and instructions.
Written statements can be provided for the public record by emailing your Planning Department File Manager or councillorsofficewebmail@calgary.ca
CONTACT
Ward 9 Office
Councilor Gian-Carlo Carra
(403) 268 - 5330
File Manager
Calgary Planning
Melanie Horkan
(403) 268-1774
Calgary Police
Community Resource Officer
Ryan Wood
(403) 266 - 1234
Calgary Dream Centre
(403) 243-5598
Main Streets Exemption Area - International Ave
The Centre City Enterprise and Main Streets Exemption Areas apply to downtown Calgary and the International Avenue, Montgomery and Sunalta Main Street areas. In these areas, the following changes to a business or a building are exempt from a development permit:
A change of use when the proposed “use” is listed in the land use district. See below for a list of uses that still require a development permit.
An addition of less than 1,000 square meters, or modifying the exterior of an existing building. See below for a list of uses that still require a development permit. The building must also not be on the City of Calgary inventory of evaluated historic resources for this exemption to apply.
Assessing Recreational Needs in Inglewood / Beltline
The City has completed the Discover phase and invite you to review what they have learned about the social and recreational needs of these communities. The Beltline & Inglewood/Ramsay Social and Recreational Needs project is now moving into the Design Phase.
In the Design phase, the City will take the key learnings from the Discover phase and develop and test options for meeting local social and recreational needs and insights. Click to learn more.
Read MoreUpdates on the 9 Avenue S.E. Bridge replacement project
The scheduled opening date for the 9 Ave. S.E. bridge has been adjusted from November to mid-2021, based on a delay in procuring required steel components for the bridge from our original supplier. Read more.
Read MoreUpdates on the Ramsay Winter at the Recreational Facility (Rink & Shack)
International Avenue Public Art Update
Honoring our Veterans - Remembrance Day 2020
Original Photo Courtesy of Canadian Pacific. Colorized for emphasis.
More than 33,000 CP employees served in World War I and II, and Canadian Pacific continues to commemorate them with its annual Remembrance Day ceremony. This year’s ceremony takes place online on November 11, so all members of the public can attend this ceremony virtually. The online ceremony will still feature the CP locomotive whistle sounding at 11:01 a.m. and a moment of silence. The service begins at 10:45 a.m.
Read MoreTemporary Face Coverings Bylaw update and repeal criteria presented to City Council
Council passes School Safe Zones Bylaw Amendment restricting advocacy messaging on public property near schools
Council Approves Winter 2020-2021 supports for business
Massive proposed Midtown Station development has ‘intriguing’ LRT infill stop
Communauto launches new carsharing service in Calgary
Fairview Pump Track - Have you checked it out?
If you haven’t yet had a chance to visit the Fairview Pump Track, you should take the opportunity to do so before the weather turns!
Learn more about the project and the Fairview CA’s role in making it a reality for all of us to enjoy!
The Safer Backyard Hangout!
You want to see your pals for the last bit of summer we get in Calgary? Totally get it. However, a lot of transmission of COVID-19 has been happening within social settings. It is important to do things differently this year to make sure your friends and family go home healthy and safe from a backyard gathering!
Learn more about how you can do this safely!
Inglewood Social and Recreational Service Delivery - Submit an RFI now!
The City of Calgary wants to understand the social and recreational needs of communities surrounding the Beltline and Inglewood Recreation Facilities.
If you haven’t already, check out the Engagement Page to see what others are saying about the amenities that each of these spaces offer and how they’d like to improve on them! Add you thoughts, ask questions, and sign up for updates to stay informed on how the project evolves!
Read MoreJack Long Park - Construction Update
Applications for Anti-Racism Capacity-Building Fund OPEN!
The City of Calgary has launched a new funding opportunity to support collaborative, community-based initiatives that build the capacity of organizations to facilitate policy and systems change that undo systemic racism. In collaboration with the Calgary Foundation and the United Way of Calgary and area, up to $600,000 in funding is available for this call.
The deadline to apply is September 18, 2020.
There is a clear and evident need for increased efforts across society, and within our communities, to identify and address systemic racism. The City of Calgary acknowledges the existence of systemic racism and is taking concrete actions to identify and address factors that contribute to racism within the organization, and across the community. This funding is one way The City is working with community partners to identify and dismantle systemic racism in our community.
Does your organization work to combat systemic racism? Visit our webpage to find out if your initiative is eligible for this funding.
Read More