http://www.ward11calgary.ca/ Website News Feed for City of Calgary Ward 11 Alderman Brian Pincott en-ca Copyright 2010 http://www.ward11calgary.ca/favicon.ico 2010-03-09 12:00:00.0 http://www.rssboard.org/rss-specification 180 http://www.ward11calgary.ca/?category=news&path=march-23-glenmore-tr-and-37-st-sw-open-house An open house will be held on March 23, 2010 from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Bethany Chapel Gym, 3333 Richardson Way S.W., to present information on construction at Glenmore Trail and 37 Street S.W. The open house will allow Calgarians to view the planned detour bridge, learn about the construction schedule and talk with City of Calgary employees about the project. Please click on the pdf icon below for more information City of Calgary Transportation http://www.ward11calgary.ca/news/2010/g37-open-house-mar23.pdf http://www.ward11calgary.ca/?category=news&path=march-23-glenmore-tr-and-37-st-sw-open-house Tue, 09 Mar 2010 12:03:00 http://www.ward11calgary.ca/?category=news&path=oakmoor-dr-traffic-study 89 per cent of respondents to the Oakmoor Drive traffic survey were either supportive or neutral toward the proposed plan. A number of respondents felt there should be another set of speed cushions added to the plan between the playground zone and the set located east of 26th Street. As such, in response to the feedback, an additional set of speed cushions has been included in the plan between Oakmoor Crescent and Oakmoor Way. Currently, it is anticipated that construction will commence in 2010. Further information will be available on the www.calgary.ca website as work proceeds. Please also click on the pdf icon below for more details and a map of the planned locations. City of Calgary Traffic http://www.ward11calgary.ca/news/2010/oakmoor-dr-traffic-measures-2010.pdf http://www.ward11calgary.ca/?category=news&path=oakmoor-dr-traffic-study Wed, 24 Feb 2010 12:02:00 http://www.ward11calgary.ca/?category=news&path=windsor-park-community-association-presents....footprints Footprints is a three part environment series to help you save water, improve your garden and reduce waste. Cost: Free, but please register Registration and Information: Diana Zinter (403) 668-1239 or sunspace@shaw.ca Location: Windsor Park Community Association, 5304 6 St SW *NOTE - the March 24th Location will be in the Windsor Park Community - exact location is TBD* Please click on the pdf icon below for more information City of Calgary Environment http://www.ward11calgary.ca/calendar/2010/wp-eco-workshop-poster.pdf http://www.ward11calgary.ca/?category=news&path=windsor-park-community-association-presents....footprints Tue, 09 Feb 2010 12:02:00 http://www.ward11calgary.ca/?category=news&path=glenmore-tr-and-37-st-sw-proposed-transmission-project ENMAX Power is proposing to reconfigure the lines on top of one existing wooden transmission pole at the intersection of 37th Street and Glenmore Trail. The existing pole will also be replaced with a new wooden transmission pole of the same height. In addition, a new wooden pole with two guy wires will be placed on the south side of Glenmore Trail just east of the proposed interchange. For more information, please click on the pdf icon below or contact Enamx at transmissionprojects@enmax.com or (403) 514-1341. Enmax transportation http://www.ward11calgary.ca/news/2010/enmax-37G-jan.pdf http://www.ward11calgary.ca/?category=news&path=glenmore-tr-and-37-st-sw-proposed-transmission-project Tue, 19 Jan 2010 12:01:00 http://www.ward11calgary.ca/?category=news&path=financial-reserves-compliance-audit Setting aside funds in reserves is a key management tool to financially plan for current and future needs while promoting long-term financial stability. Cities use reserve funds to carry forward specifically designated funds to finance particular expenditures in a future fiscal year, to have sufficient funds available for major capital projects, to provide for contingency funds to offset future tax rate increases, or to have funds available to address major disaster and emergency response costs that may be incurred in the future. The prudent administration of reserves represents an important component of sound financial management and is essential in demonstrating effective stewardship of public funds. Click on the pdf icon below for the full report City Auditor, City of Calgary Finance and Supply http://www.ward11calgary.ca/news/2010/reserves-compliance-audit-2010.pdf http://www.ward11calgary.ca/?category=news&path=financial-reserves-compliance-audit Mon, 18 Jan 2010 12:01:00 http://www.ward11calgary.ca/?category=news&path=2008-report-on-reserves-and-long-term-liabilities The attached report presents detail on all reserves and long term liabilities including the approval and authorization, funding sources, any conditions and restrictions on use and a summary of activity in each of the last five years. In total, reserve balances at 2008 December 31 are $875 million (2007-$818 million). This consisted of $224 million in 24 separate operating reserves, $598 million in 25 separate capital reserves and $53 million in seven separate sustainment reserves. There is also $587 million in capital deposits in 11 categories and $248 million in employee benefit obligations in four categories. Click on the pdf icon below for the full report The majority of these reserves and liability balances are either fully committed or have substantial commitments against them. These commitments will reduce the balances over time. For example, virtually all capital reserves are required to finance existing approved projects. The creation, use and management of reserve funds in a formalized financial reserve policy is a consistent feature of most large cities in Canada and the U.S. Reserves are part of good management that allows for funds to be spent judiciously over time or to ensure service levels are maintained and not immediately impacted by a potential downturn in the economy. Reserves provide a measure of financial flexibility to react to budget shortfalls or the financial impact of significant unexpected issues in a timely manner. A properly balanced approach to the planning and use of reserves is considered good financial management and is a key component when The City of Calgary's credit rating is reviewed. For the majority of reserves, expenditures from and contributions to reserve funds are included in the Budget and Budget Adjustments approved by Council. As required by Report FB98-27, reserves are to be reviewed at least every three years for appropriateness, effectiveness, efficiency, and the correct level of funding. The last review was completed in 2007 and approved by Council in Report FCS2007-45 on 2007 December 10. The next review is scheduled to be performed in 2010. This report identifies, as previously approved by Council, two new reserves (the Calgary Heritage Authority Legacy Endowment Fund approved per LAS2006-34 and the Community Sustainability Fund approved per CPS2008-39 and C2008-76), and one new Capital Deposit for the Municipal Sustainability Initiative. The Lifecycle Assistance and Energy Reserve has been approved for closure per CPS2008-39. In addition, two reserves are requested to be closed: the Greater Forest Lawn Enhancement Reserve as its mandate is complete, and the Universal Low-Income Transit Pass reserve as a permanent funding solution was approved as part of the 2009-2011 Operating Budget. The 2008 Report on Reserves and Long Term Liabilities provides a five year history of balances, including those reserves closed within the last five years. Corporate Services Finance and Supply http://www.ward11calgary.ca/news/2010/reserves-report-2008.pdf http://www.ward11calgary.ca/?category=news&path=2008-report-on-reserves-and-long-term-liabilities Sun, 17 Jan 2010 12:01:00 http://www.ward11calgary.ca/?category=news&path=attainable-homes-calgary-corporation On 2009 November 30, City Council approved the inaugural Business Plan for Attainable Homes Calgary Corporation (AHCC). The new formed not-for-profit city-owned subsidiary has been mandated to create 1,000 housing units under the new Attainable Home Ownership Program (AHOP). The Corporation is guided by a Board of Directors who in turn report to City Council as the sole shareholder. The Board and the corporation are totally accountable to City Council. The Board is comprised of 5 members, including the Mayor, the Chair of Calgary Housing Company (CHC) and 3 independent individuals. For more information click on the WWW icon below Questions & Answers How is the program being funded? Council has approved $1 million from provincial affordable housing funding matched with $1M from The City as start up funds to establish AHCC and provide initial cash flow for daily operations. An additional $400 thousand has been approved for Administration to prepare the initial sites to be ready for development. The development funding will be repaid by AHCC. The corporation also has a $10 million loan from The City that is repayable in 10 years. What are the eligibility requirements for attainable home ownership? The eligibility criteria have not been formally established as yet - but that work is underway. The aim of the program is to provide housing options to working Calgarians who cannot afford to own a home at full market value and are currently living in market rental or subsidized housing accommodation. Today, the average annual family income required to qualify for an average single-family detached home is $96,555, and $85,731 for a condominium. Who is the target market for AHCC? They're everyday people. Truck drivers. Registered nurses. Primary school teachers. Bus operators. These are the citizens who make Calgary thrive, and the kind of people we must recruit and retain to ensure this great city's vibrancy and prosperity. In 2007/08, these workers and others like police officers, accountants and mechanics made average salaries that would not allow them to own a home on a single income. AHCC will help them by providing access to more attainable housing. How can you be sure the program will be feasible and sustainable? A detailed financial plan has been drafted to evaluate the viability of AHCC in delivering the attainable home ownership units. Models from other jurisdictions show that there is a variety of revenue sources that could be used to deliver units at an affordable price. The City has investigated best practices from other successful projects in other Alberta cities and towns such as Canmore and Wood-Buffalo. Many projects in North America and the United Kingdom have proven very successful. Those successes have been and will continue to be studied in the development of the program What oversight will The City have to monitor the new corporation? The AHCC Board will report, and is fully accountable, to City Council as its sole shareholder. For the initial stage, where will the sites come from? Several city-owned sites have been identified, which are suitable for the Attainable Home Ownership Program. It is intended that AHCC will leverage these sites with the private sector for maximum housing affordability. Site analyses are currently underway. How does this program align with the 10-year Plan to End Homelessness? There are currently 72,195 Calgary households in need of affordable housing. The City of Calgary's target of 1,000 units of attainable housing contributes to the goals of both the Alberta and Calgary 10-Year Plans to End Homelessness. Other than offering housing units - how will AHCC further assist new home owners? Education for home owners, in particular potential buyers of perpetual home ownership units, will be an important element to assist buyers in achieving success as a home owner. The implementation of an education and financial literacy program as part of the Attainable Home Ownership Program is a key eligibility requirement for new home owners. AHCC will also work with preferred lenders and the community to provide a robust pipeline of eligible buyers. City of Calgary Housing www.attainablehomescalgary.ca http://www.ward11calgary.ca/?category=news&path=attainable-homes-calgary-corporation Mon, 30 Nov 2009 12:11:00 http://www.ward11calgary.ca/?category=news&path=tax-talk-website The City's Budget Adjustment Process Last November, Calgary City Council adopted business plans and budgets for 2009 to 2011. During the past year, we have been operating in an economic recession. As The City starts its annual review of business plans and budgets, accommodating economic changes is critical. As always, The City's priorities are based on the needs and preferences of its citizens. The approved 2009-2011 business plans and budgets address citizens' top issues - safety, the environment, transportation, healthy communities and affordable housing - and these will not change. Keeping the fine balance between affordability and high service quality is the challenge. Calgarians don't want to compromise on services such as clean drinking water, well-maintained roadways, and parks and recreation opportunities. In 2008, Calgary had the lowest municipal residential property tax in Canada for a single detached house, according to a City of Edmonton survey. That's good value, but it isn't the whole story. Out of every tax dollar collected by all levels of government - federal, provincial and municipal - The City's portion is about 5 cents, a fraction of the federal or provincial share. The City recognizes that we are all caught in an economic slowdown and we all have to tighten our belts. In 2009, The City trimmed operating expenses by reducing the staff complement and support services. City departments have been directed to identify budget cuts of approximately $20 million for 2010. The City will be looking for ways to adjust the operating budget that preserves its long-term capability to provide needed services to citizens in a still-growing city. The City has established a new website to address citizen questions about how tax dollars are spent - please go to calgary.ca/taxtalk for more information (click on the globe icon below to follow the link). This site will also provide updates on The City's budget adjustment process and the changes that result. If you have further questions, please contact 3-1-1. City of Calgary Budget / Tax http://www.calgary.ca/portal/server.pt/gateway/PTARGS_0_0_104_0_0_35/http%3B/content.calgary.ca/CCA/City+Common/Online+Services/Talk+Talk.htm http://www.ward11calgary.ca/?category=news&path=tax-talk-website Fri, 06 Nov 2009 12:11:00 http://www.ward11calgary.ca/?category=news&path=37th-and-glenmore-interchange 37th & Glenmore interchange was approved by City Council on September 14th Click on the PDF for the full report. Detailed design will begin, with community consultation, with construction intended to begin in 2010. City of Calgary Roads http://www.ward11calgary.ca/news/2009/september/37th and Glenmore Sept 14.2009.pdf http://www.ward11calgary.ca/?category=news&path=37th-and-glenmore-interchange Tue, 15 Sep 2009 12:09:00 http://www.ward11calgary.ca/?category=news&path=ring-road-update---july-15 In the wake of the recent decision by the Tsuu T?ina Nation with regards to the negotiated deal between the Nation and the Province there has been a great deal of correspondence to my office voicing concerns and asking questions about the future of the South West Ring Road and transportation in the South West quadrant of the City. Some answers I have for you, for others it is too soon to know. Nonetheless, I have consolidated the most commonly asked questions I?ve received so far into a FAQ (frequently asked questions) document, please click the pdf icon below to see this document. As further information develops or becomes available my office will continue to post updates in this manner. Ward 11 transportation http://www.ward11calgary.ca/news/2009/july/ring-road-constituent-faq.pdf http://www.ward11calgary.ca/?category=news&path=ring-road-update---july-15 Wed, 15 Jul 2009 12:07:00 http://www.ward11calgary.ca/?category=news&path=second-chance-recovery-clinic As promised Tuesday night, please see the link below for a pdf summary of the meeting that took place at the Braeside Community Association Hall July 7, 2009. According to news reports it would appear that the clinic will be ceasing operations in Braeside, thus some of the information we had intended to post on the website about actions the community could take are moot now. Nonetheless, Alderman Pincott intends still to pursue the Notice of Motion to the July 27, 2009 meeting of Council that ultimately seeks to designate methadone clinics as a specific land-use, rather than be included in the current definition of 'medical clinic.' Once the Notice of Motion has been submitted to the City Clerk's Office we will post a copy of it on here on our website in the "Issues" section. Ward 11 social agencies http://www.ward11calgary.ca/news/2009/july/town-hall-summary.pdf http://www.ward11calgary.ca/?category=news&path=second-chance-recovery-clinic Thu, 09 Jul 2009 12:07:00 http://www.ward11calgary.ca/?category=news&path=building-infrastructure.-ensuring-accountability. Over the next five years, more than $6 billion in infrastructure construction will be taking place in Calgary, and citizens, funding partners and suppliers can keep track of this investment through a new website www.calgaryinfrastructure.ca launched today. This website gives Calgarians and other stakeholders a window into 125 priority projects now underway in the city, with more projects to be added over the next few months. "This is our accountability report," says Calgary Mayor Dave Bronconnier. "By viewing the website, you can find out where the money is coming from and, more importantly, where it is going. You can see improvements in every aspect of Calgary, from light rail transit lines and vehicles to water treatment, roads and bridges, parks, recreation facilities, and cultural projects." The major feature of the website is an interactive map that pinpoints 125 capital projects currently funded by The City?s approved 2009 ? 2013 capital budget. Each pinpoint displays the project?s details, construction schedule and status, sources of funding and project costs. As projects develop, photos and progress reports will also populate the website. "This is an important tool for The City of Calgary," says Brad Stevens, General Manager of Asset Management & Capital Works. "It?s a very detailed and transparent project tracker that allows anyone, from me as a manager to you as a taxpayer to get the answer to: are we on time and on budget?" The website also shows where the funding for each project and the entire capital plan comes from. The federal and provincial governments contribute a significant portion of The City of Calgary's capital funding, which is making it possible for The City to upgrade and build new, environmentally sustainable infrastructure that will serve Calgarians, Albertans and Canadians for many years to come. "We couldn?t do this alone. Six billion dollars is a massive investment in our community by all three levels of government and a very significant economic stimulus during a time when the construction industry isn?t doing as well as previously. This investment is expected to provide a boost for the local economy by creating more than 51,000 jobs over five years," says Mayor Bronconnier. The website was created by The City of Calgary Customer Service & Communications with Infrastructure Services and assisted by all city departments. It was built in-house at a cost of $25,000, funded from the 2009 Mayor's Office budget. The information on the web-site will be updated frequently to reflect progress on capital projects and note changes in the capital plan moving forward. The website currently indentifies 125 priority projects, with the remaining projects in the approved capital budget to be added over the next few months. By the end of the summer, some 500 projects will be mapped and detailed. City of Calgary City Infrastructure http://www.calgaryinfrastructure.ca/ http://www.ward11calgary.ca/?category=news&path=building-infrastructure.-ensuring-accountability. Mon, 01 Jun 2009 12:06:00 http://www.ward11calgary.ca/?category=news&path=calgary-transit-collaborates-with-google-to-give-users-more-options-in-trip-planning Calgary Transit, in collaboration with Google, is now providing another trip-planning option to customers with ?Transit in Google Maps?. This feature complements the existing trip-planning function already offered by Calgary Transit and used by millions of Calgarians. "Similar to the current trip planner on Calgary Transit?s website, users of Transit in Google Maps will be able to enter their origin and their destination to receive detailed trip plans," says Doug Morgan, Manager of Service Design for Calgary Transit. "We want to give users alternative options and make it as easy as possible for them to get information about our service." With the Transit in Google Maps trip planner, users will receive a trip plan detailing bus routes and schedules as well as transfers, walking directions and a map. This is also a great option for visitors to Calgary who are familiar with Transit in Google Maps and want to plan trips around the city. "We are pleased to be working with Calgary Transit to bring riders additional transit information for their area," said Google Transit Product Specialist Naomi Bilodeau. "Calgary Transit provides an essential public service, and we hope residents and visitors in the area will benefit from this new trip-planning option." To access the Transit in Google Maps trip planner, visit www.calgarytransit.com and click on "Google Transit" under "More Travel Options." The City of Calgary Transit http://www.calgarytransit.com/ http://www.ward11calgary.ca/?category=news&path=calgary-transit-collaborates-with-google-to-give-users-more-options-in-trip-planning Tue, 17 Feb 2009 12:02:00 http://www.ward11calgary.ca/?category=news&path=february-2009-mobility-monitor The February 2009 Mobility Monitor titled "How people entered the downtown during the morning peak hour - 1976 to 2008" has just been released. KEY FINDING: In 2008 transit continued to be the top mode of choice for people entering the downtown during the morning peak hour. KEY FINDING: Although transit mode split dropped slightly from 2007 to 2008, it remains near historic highs." KEY FINDING: The downward trend in private vehicle occupancy (a measure of car-pooling) has continued. For the full report please see the link below. City of Calgary Traffic http://www.ward11calgary.ca/news/2009/february/mobility-monitor-feb.pdf http://www.ward11calgary.ca/?category=news&path=february-2009-mobility-monitor Fri, 13 Feb 2009 12:02:00 http://www.ward11calgary.ca/?category=news&path=2009---2011-business-plans-and-budgets Today, The City of Calgary released the 2009-2011 proposed business plans and budgets. The multi-year business plans and budgets provide the framework and resources for departments to continue to provide quality public service to citizens and the community. The proposed business plans and budgets address needs to meet the demands of growth, which continues to be the number one challenge for The City of Calgary. Administration is recommending an operating budget totaling $7.9 billion for 2009-2011. The three year capital budget requiring Council approval is $4.0 billion. The proposed business plans and budgets require municipal property tax increases for 2009-2011 of 9.6, 6.8 and 6.9 per cent. Citizens interested in learning about the proposed plans and budgets are invited to a public open house on Saturday, Nov. 15, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Atrium, Municipal Building. City Council will meet to discuss the 2009-2011 proposed business plans and budgets beginning on Monday, Nov. 17 at 9:30 a.m. in Council Chambers. Public submissions will be heard after an opening presentation. For more information about the 2009 - 2011 business plans and budget, please see the attached briefing note. City of Calgary Budget 08 http://www.ward11calgary.ca/news/2008/november/2009-2011-business-plan-and-budget-release.pdf http://www.ward11calgary.ca/?category=news&path=2009---2011-business-plans-and-budgets Thu, 06 Nov 2008 12:11:00 http://www.ward11calgary.ca/?category=news&path=calgary-city-council---live-on-the-web Beginning Monday, October 6, 2008 City Council public meetings can be viewed on The City's website at calgary.ca. The video streaming will only be activated real-time for the duration of council meetings. Citizens can simply visit calgary.ca and click on 'Council Meeting Live Webcast'. All the tips and instructions for best viewing will also be there. This is an alternate viewing medium - citizens can still view live council proceedings on Shaw TV Channel 94 as before. This project is part of Council's continuing commitment to improving accessibility to government and accountability with the citizens of Calgary. City of Calgary City Council http://www.calgary.ca http://www.ward11calgary.ca/?category=news&path=calgary-city-council---live-on-the-web Mon, 06 Oct 2008 12:10:00