Mayor’s Environment Expo High School Photo Contest Develops for 2011

High school students with a penchant for pictures should grab their camera gear and focus on capturing the 2011 Mayor’s Environment Expo Prize. Every year the City of Calgary celebrates the creativity of Calgary’s youthful shutterbugs while celebrating the beauty of Calgary’s natural world.

This year the Mayor’s Environment Expo takes place on June 7,8 & 9 and teachers and students are invited to get involved. With camera in hand and an eye for framing, composition and balance students can submit entries to the competition in this year’s four categories: Green Go-Power, Building Green, Nature in Action and R3 – Reduce, Reuse, Recycle.

“Whether it is capturing the beauty in their natural surroundings, or celebrating innovation and actions that help protect our environment, the photo contest is about encouraging high school students to continue to look at the world around them from an environmental perspective,” says Mayor’s Environment Expo project manager, Michael Gray.

Previous contest winners captured these pictures and prizes. This year Winning photos will be displayed during the Expo and recognized at a reception to be held May 24, 2011 from 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. at the Triangle Art Gallery (800 Macleod Trail SE).

• First prize: FlipTM camcorder, Crumpler camera strap and $150 Crumpler gift certificate
• Second prize: FlipTM camcorder, Crumpler camera strap and $75 Crumpler gift certificate
• Third prize: Digital picture frame and Crumpler camera strap

Some contest rules apply and can be found online, and include stipulations like taking the picture in Calgary and entrants must be in high school. The Mayor’s expo also involves the awarding of the Jack Leslie Environment Grant, Workshops and over 60 exhibitors.

For more information read the photo contest application form and follow the links on our website.

Related Blog Posts

• Upcoming environmental events inspired by former Mayor Jack Leslie
• State of the Environment Report: Calgary making progress on sustainability
• Upgrades at Southland Leisure Help Efficiency and Environment
• Waste & Recycling Services update on waste diversion
• Winners of the Mayor’s Environment Expo High School Photography Contest Announced
• 2010 Mayor's Environment Expo
• Students engage in Mayor's Environment Expo
• Photo slideshow of Mayors Environment Expo
• Beverly Pepper's Sentinels at Ralph Klein Park
• City celebrates BirthPlace Forest program's legacy
• Celebrating Earth Day with hope for the future
• Calgary’s Water Centre receives Gold LEED designation
• Winners announced for 2009 Calgary Awards
• Municipal Building Community Food Garden Volunteers Present the “Veggies” of Their Labour
• Calgary Ranked World’s No. 1 Eco-City

Fire's Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT)

Have you ever wondered how Firefighters test for fitness?

The Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT) was developed to test fire fighter candidates on their ability to perform simulated tasks consistent with the duties of a fire fighter. The CPAT consists of eight separate events performed in a continuous manor. You have 10 minutes and 20 seconds to complete the test.

City census begins Friday, April 1

From April 1-21, census takers will be visiting every dwelling in Calgary to carry out the annual census.

The information collected is very important for The City of Calgary for use in making informed and appropriate decisions on population-based City services, such as transportation, roads, transit, police services, utilities, recreation, etc. This information is also used by the public and separate school boards for enrollment predictions, decisions on future schools, and by the provincial government for determining grants, if they are available.

Census data being collected for 2011 is: number of residents, school support, home ownership, and the number and year of children born between the years 2005 and 2011. In addition to the base census questions, information will also be collected on age/gender groupings, a new question on mode of transportation and number employed. Some randomly selected households will be asked to participate in a “Place of Work” survey.

Census takers wear a numbered photo identification badge issued by The City of Calgary. All census information provided is confidential. Census results are reported on a community basis to ensure each dwelling is unidentifiable.

Census takers will leave a notice if residents are not at home when they visit. The notice will have a phone number in which to contact the census taker to provide the information. Residents can call the Election & Information Services Office at 403-476-4100 (Option 3) for more information or to provide their information over the phone.

The 2011 census results will be available approximately three months after the census. For more information on the census or statistical data collected during the 2010 census, visit calgary.ca/census

Calgary Pet of the Week - Cookie

Cookie is a 10-month-old female Pit Bull mix. Despite being so young, she is currently the longest resident at the Animal Services Centre. She is looking for a home with a fenced yard and an owner who is willing to take her to puppy classes and go for walks. Cookie is very friendly and eager to please. She absolutely loves to play and cuddle, and would make a great addition to any home.

For more information on pet adoption please visit calgary.ca/animalservices.

Related Calgary City News Blog Posts:

• Pet of the Week - Marley
• Pet of the Week - Chester
• Pet of the Week - Sport
• Pet of the Week - Duke
• Pet of the Week - Pixie
• Pet of the Week - Kris Kringle
• Pet of the Week - Boots
• Pet of the Week - Rosie
• Pet of the Week - Hank
• Calgary joins National Campaign to Address Cat Overpopulation
• Pet of the Week - Sophia
• Pet of the Week - Corky
• Pet of the Week - Peanut
• Pet of the Week - Fantasma
• Get into the Spirit of Giving with Animal & Bylaw Services Gift Certificates
• Calgary Cat Lovers Needed - Impound Lot at Capacity - Animal Adoption Program Information
• Feline Frenzy at Animal Services
• Pet of the Week - Scrappy
• Pet of the Week - Emmett

Protecting your property from spring melt

Calgarians are acclimatized to weird weather fluctuations and the resulting environmental impacts. Spring melt is one of the perennial, yet significant, results of our meteorological circumstances.

A wet winter, a cold spring and a sudden melt can create the perfect conditions for melting snow to damage properties. All it takes to turn the yearly, gentle snow melt into a wet basement and damaged keepsakes is a poorly positioned down spout, snow pack around your home’s foundation or a clogged stormwater grate.

According to Toby Bellis of Water Services, “When it comes to damage from spring melt, simple steps can prevent complex issues. Take five or 10 minutes, walk around your property looking for snow or runoff drainage points and be sure to move anything that looks as though it could create a problem.”

Each change of season brings a new consideration for homeowners, in spring it’s wet weather. There are a number of things you can do to prepare your home in advance.

• Make sure your downspouts are clear of snow and debris and extend at least 5 feet away from your home. Also, watch to make sure your downspouts and your neighbours’ downspouts aren’t pointed at each others’ foundations.
• Remove snow from around your foundation
• Ensure that your sump pump and backflow prevention devices are in place and functioning
• Call 3-1-1 if you see a plugged storm drain or significant water-pooling in your neighbourhood
• Call 9-1-1 if you are experiencing rapid flooding in your basement

Flooding can happen in any season and take the form of basement seepage, sewage or stormwater backup or overland flooding. The City has ways for you to be prepared and self educated on the topic. Find resources on flooding and sewer backups on The City’s website at, calgary.ca/flooding.

Related Blog Posts

• Flood prevention and preparedness
• City employee says Calgary Flood Guide saved grandma in Philippines during 2009 typhoon
• City of Calgary Preparations for Storm Front

Calgary Business Plan & Budget App Launched

***This App is now available for Android and Blackberry phones.

The City of Calgary is launching a new iPhone app to help citizens stay informed of, and provide input for the upcoming budget cycle.

The City’s 2012-2014 business plan and budget coordination process is being called Our City. Our Budget. Our Future. and is an opportunity for Calgarians to participate by providing input to help set priorities, review services and help direct the spending of public dollars.

“This mobile app will connect you directly to the social media, discussion boards, and other information about the budget process,” says Whitney Smithers, manager of the budget planning process.

People can download the Calgary Business Plan & Budget app for free from iTunes. Once downloaded

users can complete surveys, fill-in questionnaires, rate City services that are important to them and propose priorities for budget spending.

“This will allow participants to take part in this public engagement process any time, anywhere,” says Smithers.

The Calgary Business Plan & Budget app can be downloaded for free from iTunes. For more information, please visit calgary.ca/ourfuture.

A BlackBerry and Android version will be available soon.

Related Calgary City News Blog posts:

• Calgary Business Plan & Budget App Launched (updated)
• Budget Public Engagement: Phase 2 - Focus on City services
• Our City. Our Budget. Our Future. - Public Engagement Launched
• Public Engagement Process for Business Planning Announced
• City Council Approves 2011 Business Plan and Budget Adjustments
• 2011 Budget Adjustment Questions Addressed
• Transit Budget Questions Answered
• City Administration releases proposed adjustments to 2011 Business Plans and Budgets
• City of Calgary CFO and Calgary Fire Chief Discuss 2011 Budget
• City of Calgary receives distinguished budget award
• City Council approves 2010 - 2011 Business Plan and Budget Adjustments

Calgary, The Living West (1962)

Here is a video called, "Calgary, The Living West," a 1962 film from the Calgary Convention and Visitors Bureau.

It is a nostalgic trip featuring a number of tourist attractions and locales in and around Calgary, Banff National Park, and the Drumheller area.

Sit back, pour yourself a Caesar or Sarsparilla and enjoy.

The City of Calgary, Corporate Records, Archives, Accession #NR91-004.

Snow and Ice Survey Results Released

The City of Calgary has released the results of a survey to gauge citizen satisfaction about The City’s snow and ice control operations.

Speaking to 800 adult Calgarians, the telephone survey, conducted by Hargroup, covered citizen perceptions of road safety, road conditions, communications, efforts by City crews and results related to snow and ice control during and after a storm.

“We’re very excited about the results,” said Sean Somers, with the City of Calgary’s Transportation Department. “We’ve made some changes that we view as very positive in terms of the work we do. We’re excited that work is being recognized and Calgarians are seeing an improvement. Certainly there’s more to be done, but this shows we’re at least headed in the right direction.”

This season, Roads has made operational changes, and tried new approaches: echelon plowing, an interim policy that has crews into residential areas, and an interactive map that shows in “real time” where City crews are doing work, among other changes.

Key findings of the survey include:

• Many respondents observed improvements in Snow and Ice Control services overall.
• 80 per cent of respondents stated they were satisfied with driving or being in a vehicle on Calgary roads as a result of snow and ice control services this winter.
• 50 per cent of respondents stated that traveling on Calgary roads was better this season compared to previous years.

A copy of the results and report is available at www.calgary.ca/roads.

The City has been criticized in the past for conducting surveys relating to SNIC in th

e summer months. This survey was conducted in January and February 2011. It’s worth noting that a winter snow storm actually occurred during the survey period.

The survey was conducted by telephone (both landline and cell phones) in January and February 2011. It is worth noting that a winter snow storm occurred during the survey fielding period. HarGroup Management Consultants Inc. was engaged to conduct the survey and report the findings.

Related Calgary City News blog posts:

• Bylaw Boss talks about Clearing Pathways and Sidewalks of Snow
• Snow and Ice Plowed from Residential Streets
• Snow and Ice Control Activated
• Interim Snow and Ice Control Policy to take effect immediately

Closure of Barlow Trail N.E. - Airport Access after April 2

In early April the Calgary Airport Authority will permanently close Barlow Trail at 48 Avenue N.E. The airport authority requires the closure in order to construct a fourth runway and a new international concourse.

To keep Calgarians on the move, The City of Calgary is working to support this closure with several upgrades and enhancements to the surrounding road network and infrastructure.

Conrad Hild from Transportation Communications explains alternative ways to access the airport from different areas of the city.

For more information about the closure of Barlow Trail at 48 Avenue N.E. visit The City’s webpage or the Calgary Airport Authority website. For more information on City Transportation Infrastructure projects visit calgary.ca/ti.

Related Calgary City News Blog Posts:

• Details on the Airport Trail Underpass
• Mayor Nenshi discusses the Airport Trail Underpass
• The City's Transportation GM discusses the northeast area transportation network

City set to participate in #yycdata Camp

On March 26, The City of Calgary will be participating in the first ever #yycdata Camp.

The #yycdata Camp will be held at the University of Calgary and is presented by Civic Camp in partnership with Pixels and Pints. This no cost event is open to all Calgarians.

The goal of the Camp is to discuss opportunities where the use of public data can improve Calgary and is intended for anyone interested in open data - whether you're someone interested in the democratic transparency and accountability implications or just the cool apps that can be built to make your life better.

Additional information on the Camp and registration is available on Civic Camp's Eventbrite page.

Pet of the Week - Marley

Marley is a one and a half year old female shepherd/heeler/cattle dog mix. This intelligent, athletic and super cute pup is looking for an energetic person to call her pack. Someone who has experience with cattle dogs will really appreciate Marley's disposition. She looks more like a shepherd, but she has all the characteristics of a herding breed.


Marley is waiting to make a new friend and start a new chapter of her life. If she sounds like the four-legged companion you've been looking for check out Animal Services to connect with her.

Calgary Pet of the Week Marley.

For more information on pet adoption please visit calgary.ca/animalservices.

Related Calgary City News Blog Posts:

• Pet of the Week - Chester
• Pet of the Week - Sport
• Pet of the Week - Duke
• Pet of the Week - Pixie
• Pet of the Week - Kris Kringle
• Pet of the Week - Boots
• Pet of the Week - Rosie
• Pet of the Week - Hank
• Calgary joins National Campaign to Address Cat Overpopulation
• Pet of the Week - Sophia
• Pet of the Week - Corky
• Pet of the Week - Peanut
• Pet of the Week - Fantasma
• Get into the Spirit of Giving with Animal & Bylaw Services Gift Certificates
• Calgary Cat Lovers Needed - Impound Lot at Capacity - Animal Adoption Program Information
• Feline Frenzy at Animal Services
• Pet of the Week - Scrappy
• Pet of the Week - Emmett

Mayor Nenshi talks about the budget planning process, public engagement and the Budget Kit

Here is Mayor Nenshi speaking with the media about Our City. Our Budget. Our Future. and the the opportunity for citizens to get involved in The City's Business Planning and Budget Process.

For more information, please visit calgary.ca/ourfuture

Related Calgary City News Blog posts:

• Budget Public Engagement: Phase 2 - Focus on City services
• Our City. Our Budget. Our Future. - Public Engagement Launched
• Public Engagement Process for Business Planning Announced
• City Council Approves 2011 Business Plan and Budget Adjustments
• 2011 Budget Adjustment Questions Addressed
• Transit Budget Questions Answered
• City Administration releases proposed adjustments to 2011 Business Plans and Budgets
• City of Calgary CFO and Calgary Fire Chief Discuss 2011 Budget
• City of Calgary receives distinguished budget award
• City Council approves 2010 - 2011 Business Plan and Budget Adjustments

Seniors Services: Benefiting Trainees, Seniors and Staff

Here is a video with Rick Kanik, manager of Senior Services, City Links, discussing how the program benefits trainees by giving them training and work experience; seniors so they can live in comfort in their own abode; and staff, because they give back to the community.

If you'd like more information, please visit calgary.ca/citylinks

Home maintenance services

City Links helps low income seniors to live safely and securely in their own homes. The program provides these clients with basic yard care, snow removal, house cleaning, interior & exterior painting and minor repairs.

Employment preparation & training

City Links provides a safe and supportive work environment where men and women facing employment barriers can receive paid work experience, work skills training and vocational counselling.

Workers spend most of their time doing home maintenance for low-income seniors. The areas of work are housecleaning, yard maintenance, and residential painting. Training is provided and no previous experience is required.

Related Calgary City News Blog Posts:

• City Links Program Helping Calgary Senior Citizens Stay Independent

City launches new public notices and applications maps

The City has launched two new maps.

One highlights all active Land Use, Outline Plans and Road Closures (LOC) applications online.

On this map, citizens and the development industry are able to locate LOC information by community, ward or quadrant. The map can be found at calgary.ca/applicationmap.

In addition to this interactive map, a map that showcases all public notices regarding development permits, corresponding to the ads in the paper, is also available at calgary.ca/publicnotices.

The City of Calgary is working towards making all applicable permitting, approval and licensing services available online. These services will make it easier for customers to conduct business with The City.

Win tickets to The Cultural Music Medley and celebrate Inter-American arts and culture

You can call it a potpourri of professional performances, a melange of musical mastery, a concert of cultural choruses - what is it? It is a celebration of culture and art through a rainbow of musical genres. The Cultural Music Medley is a mash up evening of music and dance performances by local, regional and national performers in styles as different as country is from jazz and the symphony is from the blues.

On Sunday, March 27, the Jack Singer Concert Hall plays host to the musical celebration sponsored by The Inter American Development Bank and The City of Calgary. The Inter American Development Bank is holding its annual meeting in Calgary and as part of that gathering is supporting the mixed musical arts performance.

Headlining the Event is the Canadian alternative country band Blackie and the Rodeo Kings. Blackie will share the evening's stage with performances by local musicians Tim Williams, Steve Pineo, Rubim de Toledo, Heather Blush, Raulito Tabera, and Mount Royal University’s Calgary Youth Orchestra. 


“It's thrilling to be a part of the experience created when the talents of our performing and visual artists have opportunities like this to come together," said Beth Gignac, Manager, Arts and Culture at The City of Calgary. 


“Calgary and Canada are fortunate to have the ability and opportunity to take a leadership role in promoting varied cultural offerings and we trust the audience will have a great time celebrating with our community on this wonderful evening!”  

You can win a pair of tickets to the show by visiting our website and answering our skill testing question. Pre-show entertainment begins at 7 p.m. Tickets are $25 each and supply is limited so get yours early. For a full listing of performers and ticket information visit the Epcor Centre box office  at www.epcorcentre.org or call 403-294-9494.

Youth Employment Centre Hosts the Annual Summer Hiring Fair

More than 5000 youth from 15 to 24 years old are expected to attend this year's 13th annual Summer Hiring Fair in search of work.

Over 5000 full and part-time jobs will be available in a number of industries, including health care, education, retail, recreation, finance, and construction.

For more information please visit nextsteps.org

Date

• Tuesday, April 12th, 2011

Time

• 1:30–6:00 p.m.

Location

• Big Four, Hall B, Stampede Park 1801 Big Four Trail S.E.

Upcoming environmental events inspired by former Mayor Jack Leslie

Calgarians are known for their love of athletics and the outdoors. Our love of the outdoors has translated into over 3,000 city parks and green spaces, two of the largest nature reserves in urban centres across North America and more recently the development of 46 community gardens in 2009 with 56 communities looking to start gardens in 2010.

Undeniably, one of the major contributing voices to our municipal green thumb was former mayor, the late Jack Leslie. Jack was an integral leader in the movement to keep a proposed CPR rail line off the edge of the Bow River. As an alderman from 1962 – 1964, he gained some support and much derision for his stance against the proposed river edge rail line and freeway. His eventual win resulted in the city’s Bow River pathway system, the preservation of Prince’s Island Park and the backing to preserve parkland throughout Calgary.

The work Jack did as mayor and alderman has contributed to a thriving downtown core and a legacy of environmental awareness and stewardship. That legacy is carried on by The City through events like the Mayor’s Environment Expo. Every year the expo features a High School Photo Contest, the Jack Leslie Youth Environment Grant and up to 60 exhibitors during the weeklong event. The Mayor’s Environment Expo also spawns spinoff events like workshops and speakers, this year it’s Ryan’s Well Foundation.

Previous grant winner, Walter Pang, received the grant to, among other things, improve collaboration between school environment clubs in order to avoid duplicated efforts.  

"Without a doubt, the Jack Leslie Youth Environment Grant changed my life. For me, it gave me the confidence I needed to take on bigger environmental projects, such as initiating an environment club network in Calgary called Youth Earth Ambassadors (YEA), which currently involves six green organizations, five high schools and over 250 youth.”

The Mayor’s Environment Expo 2011 is starting its nominations for the Jack Leslie Youth Environment Grant, its High School Photo contest and registration for the expo workshops.   

2011 Workshop registration and schedule
Teachers can register for the workshops online, or call 3-1-1 to register by phone. View the 2011 Workshop Schedule.

Jack Leslie Youth Environment Grant: Funding of up to $1000 available for youth environmental projects
This grant recognizes the positive impact Jack Leslie, former Mayor of Calgary made to protecting the environment and encourages Calgary youth to continue his efforts.  Deadline for applications is April 4, 2011. Visit youthcentral.com for more details.

High School Photo Contest  

Focus on the environment and win great prizes!
High School students - grab your camera and capture your community, classroom or neighbourhood.  Deadline for submissions is April 22, 2011.  Click here for more details.

To get involved with the expo check out the links and register today.

Related Calgary City News Blogs

• City Hall Flags at Half-Mast to commemorate Jack Leslie, former Mayor of Calgary
• Photo slideshow of Mayors Environment Expo
• Winners of the Mayor’s Environment Expo High School Photography Contest Announced
• City wins Emerald Award for Mayor's Environmental Expo
• Students engage in Mayor's Environment Expo
• 2010 Mayor's Environment Expo

Calgary Pet of the Week - Chester

Chester is a male Beagle mix who is approximately seven years old. He is a very social dog with a calm demeanour who loves to cuddle and be petted. Chester is happy-go-lucky and gets along with other animals. He absolutely loves to go for walks, so he is looking for a home with an owner that likes to exercise. If you are interested in meeting Chester to see what a loyal and loving companion he is, come visit him at the Animal Services Centre or call 3-1-1 for more information.

Calgary Pet of the Week Chester.

For more information please visit calgary.ca/animalservices

Related Calgary City News Blog Posts:

• Pet of the Week - Sport
• Pet of the Week - Duke
• Pet of the Week - Pixie
• Pet of the Week - Kris Kringle
• Pet of the Week - Boots
• Pet of the Week - Rosie
• Pet of the Week - Hank
• Calgary joins National Campaign to Address Cat Overpopulation
• Pet of the Week - Sophia
• Pet of the Week - Corky
• Pet of the Week - Peanut
• Pet of the Week - Fantasma
• Get into the Spirit of Giving with Animal & Bylaw Services Gift Certificates
• Calgary Cat Lovers Needed - Impound Lot at Capacity - Animal Adoption Program Information
• Feline Frenzy at Animal Services
• Pet of the Week - Scrappy
• Pet of the Week - Emmett

Southland CTrain Station closing for six weeks beginning March 19

Southland CTrain Station will be closed for approximately six weeks beginning o March 19. to expand platforms to accommodate new four-car CTrains.

Calgary Transit would like to apologize for any inconvenience to Southland LRT users. Bus service will not be affected at Southland Station.

For more information, please visit calgarytransit.com.

The City of Calgary Receives Jim Gray Corporate Award

The City of Calgary's Centre City Implementation Team is the recipient of this year's Jim Gray Award for their safe practices and awareness.

The Safer Calgary's 2010 Jim Gray Corporate Award is given annually to a Calgary business for its innovative and/or exemplary leadership in promoting and implementing safety practices and awareness within its company and in the community. It's proof the work that is being done to create a safe and thriving Centre City environment is having an impact on Calgarians.

For more information, please visit centrecitytalk.com

Census Workers Needed for 2011 Census

The Government of Canada is looking for people to join the 2011 Census team.

Staff are required for a variety of supervisory and non-supervisory positions between March and mid-August 2011. These non-office jobs require work in neighbourhoods and communities in all urban, rural and remote areas of the country. Screening of applications will start in mid-February.

The rates of pay range from $14.72 to $18.04 an hour, plus authorized expenses.

About 5,000 crew leaders and assistants and around 30,000 census enumerators will be hired. Crew leaders train, lead and supervise a team of enumerators. Enumerators distribute census questionnaires, conduct personal interviews and do follow-up interviews by phone.

Applicants must be at least 18 years old, eligible to work in Canada, and able to commit at least 20 hours a week, including days, evenings, weekends and holidays as required. They will need a driver’s licence and access to a vehicle in some areas. Computer literacy and a home computer with an Internet connection are assets.

For more information and to apply online, go to www.census2011.gc.ca

Canada’s next census will be held in May 2011.

Early in May, yellow census packages will be delivered to every dwelling in Canada, providing residents the information they need to complete the census online or on paper. Completed questionnaires will provide valuable information that will be used by all levels of government to make decisions about your neighbourhood and community.

Census information is important for all communities and is vital for planning services such as schools, daycare, police services and fire protection.

Every person, young and old, must be included in the 2011 Census.

For more information about the 2011 Census, visit www.census2011.gc.ca.

National Household Survey

In addition to the 2011 Census, some residents will be asked to participate in the new National Household Survey (NHS). The information collected in the NHS will provide data to plan and support family services, housing, roads and public transportation, and skills training for employment.

Your information will help paint a detailed and comprehensive picture of Canadian society.

If you receive the NHS, support your community and complete the survey.

For more information about the NHS, visit www.nhs.statcan.gc.ca.

Calgary's Our City. Our Budget. Our Future. enters Phase 2

Whitney Smithers, Manager of Business Plans & Budget Coordination, discusses Phase 2 of Our City. Our Budget. Our Future.

For more information please visit Calgary.ca/ourfuture

Related Calgary City News Blog posts:

• Our City. Our Budget. Our Future. - Public Engagement Launched
• Public Engagement Process for Business Planning Announced
• City Council Approves 2011 Business Plan and Budget Adjustments
• 2011 Budget Adjustment Questions Addressed
• Transit Budget Questions Answered
• City Administration releases proposed adjustments to 2011 Business Plans and Budgets
• City of Calgary CFO and Calgary Fire Chief Discuss 2011 Budget
• City of Calgary receives distinguished budget award
• City Council approves 2010 - 2011 Business Plan and Budget Adjustments

City hosts 2011 Safety Expo

Ever notice how many safety mascots there are. Remember ASTAR (war amps) the robot that can put its arm back on, or McGruff the Crime Dog – he takes a bite out of crime. There are so many to recall, Smokey the Bear (fire safety), Louie the Lightning Bug (electricity safety) and there was even Vince and Larry the Crash Test Dummies (highway traffic safety).

All of these mascots are trying to do the same thing – save lives and prevent tragedy. And notice they’re all aimed at children between the ages of nine and 11. That’s because youth in this age bracket are excited about learning, eager participants and exceptional at sharing information with their families and friends.

Well, The City of Calgary and many of its partners like, The Calgary Police Service, The Calgary Fire Department and ENMAX, have known this and tried to encourage and empower these youth to take an active role in creating safety minded attitudes in their communities. These partners along with others have been endorsing safety through The City of Calgary Safety Expo, now headed into its eighth year.

“The Safety Expo is important to the City of Calgary, ENMAX and our partners because safety education is important.” Says Joanne Hahn, Manager Policy Development & Public Education with The City of Calgary Animal & Bylaw Services, “The Expo provides opportunities for Calgary’s youth to learn about safety and injury prevention and then to play an active role in creating safe environments for themselves and others.”

Safety Expo 2011 will provide over 3,100 students in grades four to seven with innovative, interactive and meaningful safety and injury prevention education.  Safety Expo plays a key role in promoting safety education and responsible citizenship for thousands of children and youth, all free of charge. 

Safety Expo 2011 will be held in the Municipal Atrium and EPCOR Centre on March 9 and 10. This year’s Safety Expo features 41 interactive and educational exhibits, 5 workshops, a variety of protective services’ vehicles, “Education Corner” presentations, and hands-on learning opportunities. Preregistered students from Calgary Catholic, public, private and charter schools are attending the event that sees ENMAX sponsor the expo and pay the bussing fees for the students.

Although The City of Calgary leads the expo, a multi-agency committee organizes the event with help from these partners: Animal & Bylaw Services, ENMAX Power Corporation, Calgary Fire Department, Calgary Police Service, Alberta Health Services-EMS, Girl Guides of Canada, Scouts Canada, Safer Calgary, Youthlink Calgary, Alberta Construction Safety Association, Child Safe Canada, Red Cross - Respect Ed., and Campus Calgary: City Hall School.  

Related Calgary City News Blog Posts

• 2010 Safety Expo
• Father Daughter team up for Safety
• Safer Calgary Award
• Online Safety Week
• Water Safety