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January 2025

Hello Denise

Happy New Year, Ward 7 residents, businesses, 21 Community Associations, and 5 Business Improvement Areas. Let me start with a BIG thank you for your feedback and support on city and community matters, which guide the understanding, evaluation and actions of the Ward 7 office. As promised, we continue to Listen and Learn before we Lead. Additionally, we continue to lead by Doing the Right Things, which we've heard and balanced from you and hold you accountable For Doing Things the Right Way and Delivering social, economic, and environmental value to all Calgarians for your tax dollars.

2024 was a very intense year for Calgarians and this office starting with:

Single Use Plastics Bylaw Repeal - Voted to Repeal
Home is Here: R-CG' Blanket Rezoing' - Voted Against
Green Line LRT Final Alignment and Cost - Struggled to Voted in Favour ($700K extra but only half the alignment vs. $2 Billion Cost to Cancel the Project)
Green Line Project Wind Down - Voted Against ($2 Billion Cost; no LRT)
Bearspaw South Water Feedermain Break
- June/July - On-Standby Every Day with the Emergency Operations Centre
- August/September - Cancelled Annual Vacation to remain Councillor on Duty
- Extensively involved with the Montgomery business community and residents during both repairs.
2025 Mid-Cycle Budget Adjustments
- We voted against a 3.6% budget increase because we spent an additional $28M by drawing down on surplus and financial reserves, which could've amounted to over a 6% tax rate increase.
- Voted Against a 1% tax burden shift to residential taxpayers from non-residential businesses and properties during a time of affordability and housing challenges.
Establishing 2 New Multi-Community Local Area Plans (Riley Communities and South Shaganappi Communities) through a more robust and transparent public engagement process only to have one ruined at the end of the year through arbitrary administrative amendments that counter 24 months of public engagement work.
Expanding 5A Network transportation improvements primarily for bike, transit and pedestrian safety.
Leadership of Calgary Police Services through appointment to the Calgary Police Commission
Fighting to bring equity to residential on-street parking through repeal of the Residential Parking Permit fee in areas where external forces are driving parking usage, thus squeezing out hold homers,

2025 promises to be a bolder year as we swing into the final Council year, with municipal elections coming in October. I promise to continue representing you by listening and learning, providing leadership through new municipal party constructs and meeting more people at the doors.

I'm committed to earning your confidence and trust as we navigate through October together.

Warm regards,
Councillor Terry Wong

THINGS TO DO IN WARD 7

The Open -East Village

Celebrate the Grand Opening of the permanent public washrooms and pickleball court in East Village. There will be live music and a food truck. January 10th from 2:00 - 6:00 pm at 850 - 6 Street S.E.

Discover Winter Fun in Calgary’s Parks!

Embrace the snowy season with thrilling tobogganing and sledding activities across Calgary's parks. Our city offers several safe and exciting hills for all ages to enjoy. Remember to follow safety tips, such as wearing a helmet and avoiding night sledding, to ensure a fun and secure experience. Check out the list of City-maintained hills and find the perfect spot for your winter adventure.

Journey Through the Stars

Ever dreamed of walking among the stars? East Village brings this dream to life with Journey Through the Stars, a magical experience featuring four stunning star-inspired light installations. Each installation is paired with a unique short story or poem by a talented local author. This isn't just a light show - it's an immersive experience perfect for reflection, photography, or simply enjoying a winter's night.

Location Highlights:

5th Street Square: "And When I Look Up Again" by Gabrielle Weasel Head
5th Street & 6th Avenue: "The Shooting Stars" by Weyman Chan
Celebration Square: "The Story is Stars" by Cheryl Foggo
Hygge Hut on Riverwalk: "Up Above the World" by Richard Harrison

Bundle up, charge your phone, and get ready to be starry-eyed!

Kung Fu Opera

Experience the mesmerizing fusion of martial arts and traditional Chinese opera at the Calgary Chinese Cultural Centre! Witness incredible displays of athleticism, artistry, and culture as performers showcase their skills in a dynamic and captivating performance. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the rich heritage of Kung Fu and opera combined.

West Hillhurst Girls Hockey Day

The West Hillhurst Community Association and the NorthWest Warriors Hockey Association proudly present Girls Hockey Day – an event dedicated to uniting female players, parents, coaches, and supporters for a day of development, growth, and celebration of the sport.

Winter Pop-Up Event

As Calgarians, we don't let winter weather keep us indoors! University District is embracing the season and helping the community warm up to winter. Join us at Central Commons Park on January 26, 2025, from 1:00 - 4:00 pm for a fun-filled afternoon. Bring your skates for a spin on the outdoor rink, enjoy live ice carving demonstrations, and warm up by the fire features with s'mores (while supplies last). There will be a few surprises too! Don't miss out on this exciting winter event.

CITY INITIATIVES AND EVENTS

Discover Calgary’s Outdoor Ice Rinks

Lace up your skates and enjoy winter fun at Calgary’s outdoor skating rinks. With numerous locations across the city, these rinks are free to use on a first-come-first-served basis. Whether you’re into figure skating, hockey, or just gliding on the ice, there’s a spot for you. Remember to check the rink status and follow safety guidelines to ensure a great experience. For more details, visit our page and find the perfect rink near you!

Explore Downtown Calgary This January!

Welcome to our guide for all the exciting events and activities happening in Downtown Calgary this January. Whether you’re into comedy shows, musical performances, sporting events, or simply enjoying the winter season, there’s something for everyone. Here are some highlights:

Discovery Days: Kick off the New Year with a mix of colors, scales, tails, and science at Bow Habitat Station and Sam Livingston Fish Hatchery on January 3.
SUM 41 Farewell Tour: Don’t miss the iconic punk rock legends at the Scotiabank Saddledome on January 16.
National Geographic Live: Join Andrés Ruzo for a stunning journey through the underworld at Arts Commons on January 26 and 27.
Chinook Blast: Experience Calgary’s winter festival celebration from January 31 to February 17, showcasing the best of the city’s art, music, theatre, sport, and recreation.

Stormpond Winter Safety

This winter season, be safe while enjoying the outdoors and stay off storm ponds. Any recreational activity including skating, sledding or even walking across a storm pond is not allowed under the Stormwater Bylaw because it’s simply not safe. With more than 300 storm ponds across the city, they might look like natural ponds, but they don’t function the same and the ice is less predictable. Unlike a normal pond, storm ponds are designed to collect runoff to protect communities from overland flooding and clean water before returning it to the river. The water in storm ponds contain road salt and other contaminants that eat away at the ice. Beneath the ice surface, water is constantly flowing, and levels are changing as water moves between inlet and outlet pipes. This weakens the ice and creates unstable air gaps and vary the ice thickness.

Jack Leslie Awards

The Jack Leslie Youth Environmental Grant offers up to $1,000 to support youth-led environmental projects in Calgary. Named in honor of former Mayor Jack Leslie, this grant celebrates his legacy and encourages young Calgarians to continue his work in environmental stewardship. Funded and administered by The City of Calgary, The Parks Foundation, and Youth Central, the grant is awarded annually to projects that directly benefit Calgary’s environment. Applications for the 2025 grant are now open until January 10, 2025.

Tax Instalment Payment Plan (TIPP) Update

Important Notice for TIPP Participants:

Due to recent Canada Post labour disruptions, The City of Calgary has announced that January payments for the Tax Instalment Payment Plan (TIPP) will remain unchanged. Recalculation letters, typically sent in December, were delayed but will be mailed out now that postal services have resumed. Adjusted payments are expected to begin in February.

Elections Calgary: Your Guide to the 2025 General Election

Stay informed and prepared for the upcoming 2025 General Election in Calgary. Our page provides comprehensive information for candidates, including:

Becoming a Candidate: Learn how to run for mayor, councilor, or school board trustee.
Important Dates: Nomination period runs from January 2 to September 22, 2025.
Campaign Finances: Understand the rules for contributions and expenses.
Candidate Resources: Access ward maps, profiles, and information sessions.

2025 Calgary Catholic School District By-election

The 2025 Calgary Catholic School District (CCSD) By-election is being held to fill two vacancies on the CCSD Board of Trustees. The positions available are for representatives of:

Wards 4 and 7 (CCSD Ward 3)
Wards 11 and 12 (CCSD Ward 6)

Key Dates:

Nominations Open: October 24, 2024
Nominations Close: January 3, 2025, at noon
Advance Vote: January 24 & 25, 2025
By-election Day: January 31, 2025

For more information on becoming a candidate, candidate finances, and third-party advertising, please visit the Elections Calgary website.

Constructions and Road Closures

4 Avenue at 1 Street SE

Start: Sunday, December 1, 2024 at 7:00 AM
End: Tuesday, July 1, 2025 at 11:00 PM
Traffic Impacts: 4 Ave S.E. two right lanes at 1 St S.E. closed from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily.
Reason for Closure: Ongoing Closure

6 Street between 5 Avenue and 6 Avenue SW

Start: Monday, January 6, 2025 at 7:00 AM
End: Friday, March 28, 2025 at 3:00 PM
Traffic Impacts: Two right lanes will be closed daily from 7 AM to 3 PM, along with a 24/7 single right lane closure, on 6 ST between 5 AV and 6 AV SW.
Reason for Closure: Utility work

9 Avenue between 10 Street and 9 Street SW

Start: Monday, January 6, 2025 at 7:00 AM
End: Monday, March 10, 2025 at 5:00 PM
Traffic Impacts: Two right lanes will be closed 24/7 on 9 AV between 10 ST and 9 ST SW. Expect delays.
Reason for Closure: Utility work
Area: SW
Last Modified: Tuesday, December 31, 2024 at 10:44 AM

Ward 7 is situated in Calgary, a city renowned for community connections at the confluence where the Bow River meets the Elbow River. In the spirit of reconciliation, we acknowledge that we live, work and play on the traditional territories of the Blackfoot Confederacy, made up of the Siksika, Piikani, Amskaapipiikani and Kainai First Nations; the Îethka Nakoda Wîcastabi First Nations, comprised of the Chiniki, Bearspaw, and Goodstoney First Nations; and the Tsuut’ina First Nation. The city of Calgary is also homeland to the historic Northwest Métis and to the Otipemisiwak Métis Government, Métis Nation Battle River Territory, Nose Hill Métis District 5, Elbow Métis District 6, and all people who make their homes in the Treaty 7 region of Southern Alberta.

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Ward 7, Office of the Councillor

Office of the Councillors P.O. Box 2100, Stn. M Calgary, Alberta, Canada T2P 2M5 Mail code: 8001

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