August 2024 Newsletter

Aug 5, 2024

Dear Briana,

   Now that the heat is manageable, I hope you've been enjoying the sunny days. ☀️

   It was great to see hundreds of residents out for the Coventry Hills Stampede Breakfast! The Ward 3 Team and I always love being in community. The spirit of Stampede season is unbeatable. 

   The Paris 2024 Summer Olympics have officially begun! There are an unlimited amount of ways a person can pursue growth and represent their community, but the Olympics will always hold a special place in my heart. We've already seen amazing Canadian feats, and I can't wait to see what the next week has in store. Go Canada Go! 🍁

Water Main Update

Last week we moved to Stage 1 Outdoor Water Restrictions. This means only a few uses are restricted: washing outdoor surfaces, washing cars in the driveway, filling decorative water features, and using sprinkler systems. Sprinkler systems now have a two hour limit and designated days based on address. Find the details for your home here. With many restrictions lifted, water use is right on track with the City's expectations. 

The pipe is still being closely monitored as we increase water flow, and while a few wire snaps have been detected, things are stable. The pipe diver device that scanned the hard to reach parts of the water main has been returned, and the data gathered will be analyzed over the coming weeks. 

The City is also in the process of creating a third party committee to review the water main break. Three public members have been selected to appoint the committee chair, and it's expected the review committee will commence work in the Fall. You can read more here. 

Green Line

   Last week, a major decision regarding advancing Phase 1 of the Green Line LRT came to Council. 

   The Green Line was approved for Phase 1 by the previous Council in 2015. Since then, the pricing estimates for the project have changed drastically due to a variety of market factors and record inflation. The original design of Phase 1 would run from Eau Claire to Shepard in the south. In order to limit cost overruns, the length of Phase 1 was shortened to the above image - from Eau Claire to Lynnwood/Millican. This is the most critical section of the line, as it will enable further extension to both the North and the South in the future. 

   With commitment from other orders of government and an additional 705 million dollar commitment from the City, we can get shovels in the ground. I am unwavering in my conviction that Green Line is a critical and necessary investment in our city. The project supports all of our housing, climate and economic goals, which are only becoming more important as we face record population growth in our city. 

When is the Green Line coming North? 

   This is the number one question I've received from residents. This vote was specifically for Phase 1 of the Line, and Phase 2 will begin the North leg. It is absolutely a priority to expand transit in the North, but this decision was only about the funding and scope of Phase 1. You can view my blog post with more details here. 

On Demand Transit Expansion 

    Ward 3's newest communities - Livingston and Carrington - do not yet have a complete transit system serving their area. The On Demand system provides smaller shuttles to under-serviced areas in the City. 

   Beginning August 18th, the On Demand service in being expanded in North Calgary, with the additional areas of service depicted above. Route 115 will be extended eastward to connect to North Pointe Terminal via 144 Ave N and 1 St SE. 

• A connection to/from North Pointe and surrounding commercial areas to Northwest Calgary and Tuscany Station.
• Increased service in 144 Ave N and 1 St SE corridor.
• Additional service between North Pointe and North Trail High School, reducing crowding on Routes 124 and 421. 

To book using the On Demand system, you can use the app or the call center. View the full details and download link here. 

Aurora Area Structure Plan - Open House

   The Aurora Area Structure Plan (ASP) includes all of the lands South of 96 Ave NE, North of Beddington Trail, East of Harvest Hills Blvd, and West of the rail line. The City is in the process of creating a new ASP for these lands. 

   The engagement process with the public started May 22 with an online feedback portal and an open house. There will be two more open houses in the fall:

• September 11 - 4-9PM - VIVO
• November 6 - Details TBD

   You can view the full background on the Aurora Lands, submit feedback, and view the engagement timeline and details here. 

Ward 3 Annual Mailer

   My annual ward-wide mailer will be hitting mailboxes in August - so keep an eye out! It includes updates on major Council work, capital projects, roads and mobility work in the ward, and features art from one of our local high schools. 

   It is my pleasure to represent you and keep you up to date on all things related to our City. This mailer is one way I am addressing my goal to be responsive, helpful, and transparent. 

• Northern Hills Community Association - Community on Tap (Ages 18+) - August 17th

• Hidden Valley Community Association - Sounds and Spirits (All ages) - August 17th 

• Join the City's Older Adult Advisory Table - September 11th Deadline

• DMAP: DMAP allows you to view active Land Use and Development Permit applications. 

• As always, here is a link to my voting record.