WARD 1 REPORT Councillor Ward Sutherland

COMMUNITY AND MUNICIPAL NEWS September 2020

WARD 1 HIGHLIGHTS

Union wage negotiations ...... 2 Bowmont/ Park updates ... 6 Transit fall changes ...... 4 New car ride sharing service ...... 11 Responsible Pet Ownership ...... 5 ParkPlus Pay machine removals ...... 12 WARD 1 REPORT

Telling it like it is.

Message from Councillor Ward Sutherland.

September is a busy time for many Council is asking these unions to families. Summer vacations are over and participate in our financial cutbacks. In Calgarians are dealing with the back-to- November 2019, my NOM called for work and school rushes, all amid contracting out one-quarter of the black changing COVID-19 restrictions. This is cart waste collection service to the also a busy time for Council, as it private sector. In February 2020, my addresses the 2021 City Budget Review. NOM proposed contracting out the management of City-owned golf course Notice of Motion (NOM) - Union operations. You may have noticed radio Wage Contract Negotiations for and television ads from unions targeting 2021-2022 my NOMs and asking residents to call their councillor. Basically, what they are

saying is that they, the unions, do not COVID-19 has created significant support my NOMs. additional expenses for the city. Council

is cutting back to address these financial issues. In July 2020, my Notice of Council’s Actions Motion (NOM) - Union Wage Contract Negotiations 2021-2022 - was The Ernst & Young Financial Group supported by Council. My NOM report goes public this month and addresses the three major union Council must commit to whether or not contracts due on January 01st, to implement the recommendations. Our 2021. The unions must participate in current property tax budget for 2021 is a our financial challenges and this motion zero percent indicative tax rate (see deals with that. Council directed union wage chart on page 3). Administration to address our fiscal challenges and wage negotiations and Council has demonstrated leadership by they are responsible to follow our volunteering to accept 0% wage direction. Administration will report adjustments and has seen compounded back to Council this month with a wage adjustments since 2014 fall negotiating strategy. Ernst & Young roughly 5% below compounded Financial Group was contracted to inflation (-.33% average 5 years). Now is review the City’s budget and to explore the time for unions to follow suit.

permanent budget savings. Continue to page 3

2 Union Wage Chart - 2016 -2020

I know that in our city and province there is a cloud of uncertainty regarding the future of our local and international economy, and our local businesses are feeling this insecurity. I cannot stress enough, if you have the financial ability to eat out, please support your local restaurants and shops. They need the additional help to get through the upcoming winter.

Warm regards

Ward Sutherland

3 WARD 1 REPORT Calgary Transit Fall 2020 Service Changes

Calgary Transit’s fall service changes began on August 31, 2020.

As schools and businesses reopen, Calgary Transit is excited to have These changes will help the City of customers returning. This upcoming Calgary to be more cost effective in service change will restore much of the delivering service while reducing the service that was reduced in May due to number of customers having to wait for the impacts of COVID-19. In addition, another bus due to limited capacity. The school routes that are normally mandatory mask bylaw will help removed during the summer months customers feel safer on transit and our will be re-introduced. These service heightened sanitization and cleaning changes will help with the projected processes will remain in place. increase in ridership and keep customers well connected throughout For the 2020/2021 school year, service the city. for most schools will remain the same as previous years. For more information, Highlights of the service changes visit www.calgarytransit.com. include:

• Increased frequency • Extended service times • Returning to four-car service as demand increases • As of August 17, Calgary Transit has removed the limited capacity on our vehicles to a full seated load. 4 Calgarians input wanted for Responsible Pet Ownership Bylaw

Calgarians’ input wanted to prioritize safety through positive pet interactions in bylaw review

The City of Calgary is continuing the Feedback provided by Calgarians will be review of the Responsible Pet used to inform potential Responsible Pet Ownership Bylaw by seeking input from Ownership Bylaw amendments for Calgarians on potential bylaw changes Council’s consideration and proposed and other considerations they may have administrative changes. in a second phase of engagement. Areas of focus in this phase were chosen For more information or to participate in because of feedback from Calgarians the information sessions and survey, and City employees, including visit Calgary.ca/petbylaw. community peace officers, in the initial phase of engagement. Background information

"Safety and positive interactions In the initial phase of engagement for between pets and the public are the Responsible Pet Ownership Bylaw important to The City of Calgary," says Review, public feedback was collected Jennifer Lawlor, a Business Strategist in-person and online between February with Calgary Community Standards. "We 26 and May 27, 2020. Engagement have completed research and are participants included industry analyzing the data to look for stakeholders, City of Calgary staff, pet opportunities to improve safety. We are owners and more, who provided a wide seeking further input from Calgarians range of input into topics including: and examining best practices in other urban wildlife, feral, stray and roaming municipalities to create cats, urban agriculture, vicious dogs, recommendations that best support licensing, administration and on prioritized safety and encourage responsible pet ownership. positive relationships between people and pets." Research findings and input provided by the public, City staff and targeted Calgarians can participate in an online stakeholders in phase one of survey until September 17, 2020. Public engagement can be found at www. information sessions will also be calgary.ca/petbylaw. facilitated online on September 8 and

12. 5 WARD 1 REPORT

Construction project updates at Bowmont and Dale Hodges Park

For a close-up of the pathway detour map, visit: www.Calgary.ca Construction Updates * move the pathway away from the edge of the river bank, Calgary Parks has an update on two * replace a culvert to improve drainage construction projects at and help reduce winter pathway icing, and Dale Hodges Park. Both projects are * improve pathway and area safety for located near each other along the users. regional pathway beside the river. Due to construction, some trees and Bowmont Park Pathway plants will be removed. After the work is Realignment finished, the area will be replanted with native plants to support biodiversity, Since 2014, the river bank has erosion mitigation and citizen substantially eroded. There is now only enjoyment of the area. a small distance between the edge of the pathway and the sharp drop off to This project will result in a pathway the river. This work is needed to: closure for 2-3 weeks.

6 Bowmont East (Dale Hodges Park) users. The paved pathway will be closed Bank Rehabilitation for access at the locations indicated on the maps. This project will stabilize the river bank by planting balsam poplar and willow Trails are available to provide a shorter shrubs as well as controlling for alternate route, but they may be steep/ invasive plants. The work is needed to uneven and not easily used by persons move the pathway away from the river with limited mobility or wheeled users bank, due to extensive erosion and (e.g. strollers). ongoing impacts from the 2013 flood, protect critical storm pond This closure means you cannot go infrastructure in the area, support through the park from one end to the biodiversity and future flood mitigation other on the paved pathway. through bio-engineering (using natural systems and processes to design Most trails will not be impacted, and will solutions to projects and problems) and, remain accessible - unless otherwise most importantly create a safer indicated/signed. experience for pathway users. Commuters, wheeled users and those This work is needed to: with limited mobility are advised to plan different routes in the park for the * protect critical infrastructure, construction period (approx. 2-3 weeks). * support bank stability, * mitigate erosion, * increase the biodiversity of native vegetation and habitat quality, as well as improve pathway and area safety for users.

When * Bowmont Park Pathway Realignment: late August through September 2020 * Bowmont East Bank Rehabilitation: September 2020 and April-May 2021

Who’s Impacted The closure will impact paved pathway Image courtesy of Wilco Contractors Southwest. 7 Protecting our water infrastructure protect this asset while also stabilizing assets the adjacent banks of the canal from continued erosion caused by river The City of Calgary continues to treat, flooding. Vegetation will also be planted test and deliver high-quality water to within the matting on the banks to Calgarians during the COVID-19 further enhance stability of the area. pandemic. While we prioritize the delivery of essential services, our Construction impacts capital construction programs are moving forward where possible. These Work began on August 31 and it will projects are critical to supporting take approximately one month to current and future development. complete. Water services will not be interrupted. The City's most important priority remains the health, safety and well- Volker Stevin crews will be on-site being of staff and contractors. They will working Monday to Saturday from 7 a.m. continue to put in place new measures to 7 p.m. Work hours may be extended and protocols to ensure public health is or occur on Sundays to keep scheduled protected. deadlines, if necessary.

Project background - A small section of pathway will be closed during construction. Please use This summer, work has taken place on a nearby pathways as alternatives and section of the Bowness Park canal to follow any detour signage onsite for enhance protection of a water your safety. feedermain, which runs beneath the - Expect an increase in noise and dust canal and delivers fresh, safe, high- due to construction activities and quality water to Calgarians. To maintain equipment. Please note: All construction adequate protection of the feedermain is weather dependent. Timelines may as it crosses under the canal, crews will change due to weather, ground be placing a flexible, interlocking conditions and/or other unexpected concrete matting over the infrastructure circumstances. to prevent further erosion of the canal bottom during future flood events. For more information, please contact When complete, the matting will 311. provide a reliable, long-term solution to 8 A Chinook Blast is coming! Get ready for the Calgary's Midwinter Roundup

A festival will take place over a six-week period from mid-January to the end of February, in what is typically a slower season for Calgary’s tourism industry. Venues across Calgary will be transformed for the festival, with hubs located at a number of different locations. There will be both paid and free events for locals and visitors to experience. This event will highlight Calgary’s status as a winter city that doesn’t let a little cold weather get in the way of a good time.

The pandemic and its associated impact have made 2020 a difficult year for everyone, and the launch of Chinook Blast gives something for Calgarians to look forward to. Planning is underway for the inaugural Chinook Blast to take place in January 2021.

Adjustments and protocols will be made as required to ensure the safety of the attendees, performers, partners, and the public. More details will be released as planning progresses. For more information, stay tuned at www.visitcalgary.ca.

9 WARD 1 REPORT

Ward 1 and City of Calgary updates

Pop-Up markets at select C-Train Waste and Recycling Survey stations Waste & Recycling Services will be Improving access to healthy food conducting online stakeholder options is an important part of Calgary engagement to explore customer Eats!, our Food Action Plan. Since behaviour as part of the variable cart 2017 the City of Calgary has been set-out pilot plan. The online city-wide operating Pop-up Food Markets at survey will run from August 20 to select C-train stations. This has given September 30 and can be accessed at commuters an improved commuting engage.calgary.ca/carts. experience and the opportunity to support local farmers by purchasing The survey will explore current set-out healthy, locally grown food. habits, what incentives may influence a change in habits and how residents may This year, the City is expanding the respond to a variable program. program to include new pop-up food markets at community hubs around - City residents have the option of Calgary. This will help us provide participating online or by calling 311 if more Calgarians with improved access they do not have access to a computer. to healthy food options. YYC - Various online media channels will Growers, Fresh Routes and Broxburn assist in informing residents of the Farm will be operating farmers survey. markets from Tuesday to Saturday at - Engage is including information about the locations listed below until this in the weekly Engage & Research Thanksgiving, on October 12. For the updates to Council. locations and times, visit Pop-Up Food Markets. 10

New carsharing service in Calgary

Communauto has launched a new carsharing service: Communauto FLEX. An initial fleet of 150 cars was deployed in an area covering 26 square kilometres from 50 Avenue SW to 21 Avenue NW, and from 37 Street SW to 17 Street SE.

The service has no monthly fee and its usage costs $0.45/minute, $15/hour or $50 for one day and $35 the following days. For day trips, 100 kms are Photo credit: Al Del Degan included in the trip price, and additional kms are billed at $0.20/km. Other plans Crestmont’s Recycle Day are offered allowing people to use cars for $2.95/hour, plus $0.29/km, with fuel and insurance included. Message from Al Del Degan, Crestmont

Community Association's Past President & Director at Large. New bus shelters in Ward 1

Huge thanks to the community In 2020, the Ward 1 office met with volunteers for their help, which was Transportation to discuss bus shelters essential to the success of Crestmont’s for Calgary Transit stops in Ward 1. With first Recycle Day. the dramatic reduction of advertising revenues due to COVID-19, Calgary Chris drove 3 full pickup trucks of point Transit will be installing new growth and chemicals to the firehall. shelters that were planned for 2020 in 2021. Myron brought his trailer to gather bottles to help cover the cost to use the Impacted bus shelters to be installed in Spy Hill landfill. He also used his trailer 2021: to take 12 vehicle tires and 4 bicycle tires to the landfill. - Tuscany - Stop #3823, NB on Tuscany WY and Tuscany Dr NW Darcie and Nelle called vendors and - Valley Ridge - Stop #3823 WB on organized the event. Valley Ridge DR and Valley Meadow GD NW To see the photos from the Crestmont’s - Royal Oak - Stop #8894 EB on Royal Recycle Day, click here. Oak DR and Royal Terrace NW - Varsity - Stop #5415 WB on 40 AV NW

11 Removal of pay machines by Calgary Parking Authority

Calgary Parking Authority (CPA) has How many machines is the CPA removed 73 of its ParkPlus pay removing? machines across Calgary, which is 12 per cent of the on-street inventory. CPA In total, we’re removing 73 machines made this change to protect the health which is just 12 per cent of our on- and safety of customers and staff by street pay machine fleet across encouraging the use of contactless Calgary. In addition to the metrics payment options whenever possible. As measured, we also mapped each well, the selected machines were community to ensure that each zone removed because they didn’t meet still has machines accessible for minimum usage requirements. This will customers. increase operational efficiencies across the organization, allowing CPA to focus on forward-looking parking services How can I pay for my parking now? and to continue acting as good stewards of public resources. There are several flexible and contactless payment methods available Frequently Asked Questions in the palm of your hand! * The MyParking app is available for Why is the CPA removing pay free in the Apple and Google Play machines? Stores, allowing you to easily start and stop parking sessions and only pay for We’re making this change for several the time you parked. reasons; most importantly, to protect * Call to Park allows ParkPlus account the health and safety of our customers holders to start and stop a session by and staff by encouraging the use of calling (403) 537-7275 and following contactless payment options whenever the voice prompts. possible. We selected these machines for removal because for 14 months prior to the COVID-19 pandemic they didn’t meet minimum usage requirements. Removing these machines increases our operational efficiencies across the organization, allowing us to focus on forward-looking parking services and to continue acting as good stewards of public resources. 12 *Text to Park allows ParkPlus account area. As only 12 per cent of our on- holders to manage their parking sessions street machines are being removed, we by texting “start” or “end” and the anticipate any customer confusion will ParkPlus zone number to 77587 (PPLUS). be minimal. Virtual payment options * Our Virtual Pay Machine (VPM) allows are always available, too. anyone to securely pay for parking without a ParkPlus account. What will the CPA do with the cost And don’t forget, the remaining 88 per savings from this change? cent of our machines remain conveniently accessible throughout the Beyond decreased costs, including community for customers who prefer maintenance and repair costs, data, physical pay machines. and more, our intention with this change is to remove unnecessary This is inconvenient for me; I don’t want inventory and encourage contactless to download an app or I only want to pay payment options wherever possible. cash. Any cost efficiencies we do see will ultimately result in a larger annual Our remaining pay machines (approx. return to The City of Calgary; the 460 on-street) are still operational and revenue we make (beyond our base accessible throughout Calgary for operational costs) goes towards customers who prefer to pay in cash. The funding projects like recreation CPA also offers Call to Park and Text to centres, pathways and libraries. Park options; both allow ParkPlus account holders to start and end parking Is the CPA going to remove all pay sessions from their mobile devices, machines from Calgary streets? either via calling or texting. Lastly, our Virtual Pay Machine allows customers to No, not at this time. Our intention is to manage their parking sessions without a always follow our data and industry ParkPlus account. best practices to meet the needs of our community as best as we possibly can. How can I access a pay machine moving Our research shows that these select forward? machines are being used infrequently and are unnecessary in the community. As we considered the data, we assessed We will continue to reassess (as whole neighbourhoods to ensure that always) to ensure we’re offering expert physical machines remain available and parking services to Calgarians. thoughtfully placed throughout each 13 WARD 1 REPORT

Supporting Local Businesses in Ward 1

Now more than ever, local Bami Kitchen businesses in your community 2110 - 12 Royal Vista Way NW need support. (587) 356-2264

According to Dr. Hinshaw, it is safe to Boston Pizza order takeout or delivery. She has stated , 3625 Shaganappi Trail NW that customers won't get sick from food (403) 818-5500 delivery as long as they follow the rules. To be completely safe, take precautions such as taking the food out of the takeout containers and putting it into your own dishes. Dispose of the packages and bags and wash your hands thoroughly before eating.

Below is a compilation of restaurants and businesses in Ward 1. If I missed any The Bownesian Grocer restaurant, please contact 7948 Bowness Rd NW [email protected] and the business will be added to this article. Did you known The Bownesian Grocer offers home delivery? The Bownesian Grocer has a full assortment of Angels Drive In conventional groceries as well as an 8603 47 Ave NW extensive offering of organic, gluten free, natural, local and specialty items. Menu: Burgers, milkshakes, onion rings, Call (403) 288-2988 to arrange for your sandwiches and more. groceries. For takeout, call (403) 288-1009 14

Cafe Matin 5720 Silver Springs Blvd NW (403) 247-6647

Essence of Saigon

#128 3604 52 Avenue NW

This Vietnamese restaurant is not located in Ward 1 but a Tuscany Bowness Health Food resident feels this family-owned 6435 Bowness Rd NW restaurant's food is so phenomenal, it deserves a shout-out. The Bowness Health Food store is open business and is offering free delivery Euphoria Cafe for orders over $50 in NW Calgary, and 8 Varsity Estates Cir NW free delivery for orders over $100 for (403) 313-0503. other areas in the city. Call (403) 286-2224 to place your order by phone. Leopold's Tavern 6512 Bowness Rd NW Bowness Vietnamese Restaurant (403) 475-5367 6433 Bowness Rd NW, Calgary (403) 247-8848

Bow Cycle 6501 Bowness Rd NW

Repair shop remains open. For service booking and inquiries call Mad Rose Pub (403) 288-5422 ext 603. For assistance 15 Royal Vista Place Northwest in buying equipment, call the sales Open for dine in. For takeout or, department at (403) 288-5422 ext 604. delivery, call (403) 719-0770.

Cadence Cafe Matador Pizza 6407 Bowness Rd NW 101-4625 Varsity Drive NW (403) 247-9955 (403) 286-3133

15 WARD 1 REPORT

Supporting Local Businesses in Ward 1

Mulligans Lounge Pho Van 11618 Valley Ridge Park NW #106, 10 Royal Vista Way NW (403) 221-9682 ext 1. (403) 241-5511

Mitillini's Pizza and Steak House 2-5720 Silver Springs Blvd NW Menu: Pizza, pasta, and steaks. Call for pick-up or DoorDash for delivery.

O Phoenix Vietnamese Kitchen + Lounge 140, 8060 Silver Springs Blvd NW Raj Palace Royal Oak (403) 288-9292 3117, 8650, 112th Ave (403) 984-4422

Red Swan Pizza 6411 Bowness Rd NW (587) 350-6666

Roku Japanese 7127, 8650 – 112 Ave NW (403) 718-9077 Paros Real Greek 8650 112 AVE NW Salt and Pepper (403) 547-7040 6515 Bowness Rd NW (403) 247-4402. Peking Garden 4625 Varsity Dr NW Seasons of Bowness Park Call (403) 286-0488 to place take out (403) 286-1146 orders and receive 20% off. Delivery is 8900 48 Ave NW available through Skip the Dishes. Silver Point Pub Pho Hoan Pasteur Fusion Noodle (403) 286-1146 House 8- 5720 Silver Springs Blvd NW #8108 8650 112 Ave NW Delivery via Skip the Dishes. (587) 353-2188

16 Subway The Stem Group 8060 Silver Springs Blvd NW Apple computer, iPhone & iPad repair (403) 286-6142 6415 Bowness Rd NW (403) 619-9121 1300 Tuscany Blvd NW Unit 1070 (403) 239-7620 Taste of Saigon 406 - 8888 Country Hills Blvd NW Tao of Peace Martial Arts and Life (403) 247-4959 Skills 6331 Bowness Rd NW Valley Ridge Pharmacy (403) 288-0000 300 - 11245 Valley Ridge Dr NW (403) 532-4500

Wing’s Chinese Food 5720 Silver Springs Blvd NW (403) 286-4104

Zaika Indian 120 500 Royal Oak Drive NW The Last Straw (587) 317-8860 11300 Tuscany Blvd NW (403) 547-7784 Third Party Delivery Services

Delivery services such as Skip the

Dishes and Door Dash provide a

necessary service for customers, but

financially, it takes a toil on small

business owners. Deliver services take

up to 25 per cent for the service they

offer, meaning restaurants make

significantly less profit. When

convenient or possible, consider The Place Steakhouse calling the restaurant and picking up 6308 Bowness Rd NW your order. (403) 288-7608 17 WARD 1 REPORT

Q&A: Ward 1 Office

Please note that The City of Calgary protocol requests that before a councillor becomes involved in a service request, the citizen must first go through 311, as 311 effectively records requests and serves as a permanent record for the City.

Dear Ward 1, provided rather than the address. If enough complaints accumulate, Airbnb There is an Airbnb on my street that is a has the authority to remove any Short problem because of the noise from Term Rental site listed on their platform. parties. What can I do about it? - Any criminal activity or nuisance issues related to loud parties should be Bowness Resident reported to the Calgary Police Services on the non-emergency number at Dear Bowness Resident, 403-266-1234. If there is an emergency, please call 9-1-1. Airbnb has recently announced they no - Nuisance issues such as unsightly longer allow parties at their rentals. Our property (i.e. Overflowing waste bins, advice would be to organize your accumulation of cigarette butts, etc.) neighbours, and to act together. Do not should be reported to 311 for a General wait – at the first sign of bylaw Bylaw Officer to attend. infractions, call either the CPS non- - Signage on the property indicating it is emergency number (266-1234), or a Short Term Rental, should be reported Calgary Community Standards (CCS) at to 311 as a sign on private property 311. Get all your neighbours to call, not concern. just one of you. Call every time there is - Parking concerns should be reported an infraction. to the Calgary Parking Authority at 403-537-7000. Below are more tips: - Public health concerns need to be reported to Health Services - Airbnb has a reporting tool for Calgary office for Environment Public individuals having trouble with Health at 403-943-2295. properties listed for Short Term Rental - An unsafe condition of the building (i. on their platform. This is a great new e. Missing deck railing) should be advancement we have recently been reported to 311 as a building or fire made aware of, and are encouraging code issue. neighbours to report any issues on https://www.airbnb.ca/neighbours. The following article is from September Ideally, Airbnb can better address 2019, outlining some changes the City complaints if the listing number is has made to regulate short term rentals. 18 Chief of Staff - Ralph Smith

Ralph is responsible for the investigation and resolution of resident complaints, and for community issues and concerns. If you have contacted 311 about a situation and are still not satisfied with the resolution, contact Ralph at [email protected] with the Service Request number and a brief summary of what transpired. Alternately, you may call him at 403-268-2430.

Administration to return to Council people who can stay in a room intended committee with more details in for sleeping and help ensure rooms meet egress standards to ensure life safety December. and limit overcrowding.

"These regulations are all aimed at On September 30, City council approved ensuring safety for guests and create new bylaw regulations for short term transparency between guests, operators rental operators and amendments for and the community," says Cody Weiss, Lodging House regulations. Business Strategist with The City of

Calgary. "Our goal is to create a clear The report to Council recommended understanding of what the bylaw amendments to the Business Licence outlines given that regulation is new. So, Bylaw to include a two-tiered licence we are developing a policy document category for short term rental operators; that will clarify for operators their and amendments to the Lodging House requirements to comply with the new definition and regulations. regulation. As part of their business

friendly approach to the regulations, a The bylaw will require all short term Tier 1 licence can be approved in as little rental operators in Calgary to apply for a as 24 hours. The City is also developing licence. Those who rent one to four an operator's guide and a guest guide rooms will apply for the Tier 1 licence at that can be downloadable from The a cost of $100. Operators renting five or City's web site. more rooms will apply for the Tier 2 licence at a cost of $191 plus the cost of Anyone who has a complaint about a a fire safety inspection at $104. As well, short term rental or lodging house are Lodging House operators will be encouraged to call 311. Operators who accountable for record keeping as a want the latest information are condition of their licence. encouraged to visit Calgary.ca/

shorttermrentals where they can also The regulations are in line with the sign up for licensing email updates. Alberta Safety Codes Act Fire Code Regulations, and the requirements for record keeping are similar to other business licensing categories. The regulations also limit the number of 19 Ward's team

Phone: (403) 268-2430 (From left to right) Christine Email: [email protected] Louie - Communications/ Website: Calgary.ca/ward1 Research Analyst; Ralph Smith - Chief of Staff; Councillor Ward Sutherland; Facebook and Tomi Neilson - Twitter Executive Assistant.

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