BRIDGELAND ACTIVE MODES IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT || REQUEST FOR INPUT

The communities of Bridgeland-Riverside have been experiencing population growth from a number of new multi-storey residential and commercial developments over the past ten years. Investing in improving infrastructure provides capacity to support growth and change in these communities. Through past public engagement in Bridgeland, including the 1 Avenue N.E. Streetscape Master Plan Project, we've heard some comments on issues and opportunities relating to mobility in the community.

In this project, we’re exploring improvements to walking and wheeling (bike, scooter, skateboard) connections around the Bridgeland LRT Station, along 9 Street N.E. and McDougall Road so that people have better access to destinations within the community and to the LRT station. These improvements could include:

• Improved east-west connectivity with a better experience for those walking and wheeling along McDougall Road from 6 Street N.E. to 12 Street N.E.

• Improved north-south connectivity for those walking and wheeling along 9th Street from the station to the residential developments and to the new business along 1 Avenue N.E.

• Improvements to provide better and safer access to the LRT station

PROVIDE YOUR INPUT

Based on the feedback received in the previous round of engagement, there was support to further improve the proposed active mode facilities on McDougall Road and explore options that reallocate the road right of way. The feedback also indicated that maintaining parking isn’t as important as improving accommodations for pedestrians and wheeling users and maintaining green space.

Engagement can be shared on the City of Calgary Website and is open for feedback until February 28, 2022.

FAQ: 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.

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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.

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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

ward09@calgary.ca

(403) 268 - 5330

File Manager

Calgary Planning

Melanie Horkan

(403) 268-1774

melanie.horkan@calgary.ca

Calgary Police

Community Resource Officer

Ryan Wood

(403) 266 - 1234

Calgary Dream Centre

(403) 243-5598

info@calgarydreamcentre.com

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!