There's an app for City of Calgary News

It is now easier than ever to stay on top of what's happening in Calgary with the new City of Calgary News App.

The app will connect the user to news feeds, the Calgary City News Blog, Twitter, Facebook and our YouTube channel.

“This application puts our information directly in the hands of citizens, and will provide Calgarians with an entirely new communication channel to The City,” says Cindy Pickett, The City’s director of Customer Service and Communications.

Users will also be able to peruse job posting information and for commuting in Calgary, travelers can view traffic cameras to see current road conditions and traffic congestion in real-time.

The City wants your feedback regarding the app. Please provide your thoughts on the ‘Feedback’ tab, so we can continually improve this service to you, the citizens of Calgary.

The City of Calgary News App is available for Apple, Android and BlackBerry devices at calgary.ca/mobileapps

Follow @cityofcalgary

Pet of the Week - Juniper

Hello, my name is Juniper. The folks here at the Animal Services Centre say I am the chubbiest girl they’ve seen in a while, but I just think there is more of me to love. I am on a weight reduction diet, but alas my progress is very slow in that regard. I am approximately 10 years old but you would never know it, to look at me. I am calm, affectionate and cute as a button. Ask about A494429, if you would like more information.

For more information, please visit calgary.ca/animalservices

Related Calgary City News Blog Posts:

• Pet of the Week - Sylvia
• Pet of the Week - Eagle
• Pet of the Week - Kate
• Pet of the Week - Ike
• Pet of the Week - Will and Kate
• Pet of the Week - Blazer
• Pet of the Week - Cookie
• 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

Calgary's rivers currently unsafe

Calgary's rainy season can create hazardous conditions around streams, catch basins and on both rivers. The past several days of rain have created extremely unsafe conditions because of increased water levels, flow rates and debris in the water.

Calgary's skyline. Photo by Mtruch.

As of May 28, a perimeter ban has been issued for the Elbow and Bow Rivers and Calgarians are advised that the rivers are currently unsafe for any type of activity. This applies to all parts of the Elbow and Bow Rivers within city limits. The ban is necessary for public safety and means that any and all activities near or on the water are restricted until further notice and the bylaw will be strictly enforced. 

"Our goal is always to try to prevent a tragedy from happening by educating people before they get in the water," says Animal and Bylaw Services Director Bill Bruce. “We’re hoping people are getting the message that the rivers are dangerous right now, and if they are not getting that message, we will ramp up our resources.”

Additionally, there are several pathway and pathway underpass sections, in low-lying areas next to the Bow River, Elbow River and Nose Creek, that are closed due to the high water levels. Please obey all closures while the City of Calgary Parks continues to monitor conditions. These sections will re-open once the closed portions are cleaned up and there is no longer a public safety risk. 

Supporting The City in its efforts to keep people off or away from the water helps reduce risks to the public and  to first responders who would be exposed to risks performing rescue or recovery duties. If you find yourself, or anyone else, in a dangerous situation in or on the water, call 9-1-1 immediately.

Related blog posts

• Flood prevention and preparedness
• City employee says Calgary Flood Guide saved grandma in Philippines during 2009 typhoon
• Protecting your property from spring melt

Airport Trail underpass clear for takeoff

The City of Calgary and the Calgary Airport Authority (YYC) reached an agreement in principle for an underpass under the new airport runway.

After years of discussions, The City and the Authority agreed to extend Airport Trail from Barlow Trail to 36 Street under the new airport runway.

Image from Mayor Nenshi's website

The parties are working on a legal agreement that will allow The City onto land YYC leases from the federal government. The agreement should be completed by mid-June so construction can start immediately.

"We've been planning and doing the technical examination of what was required for the tunnel for a number of years," said Ryan Jestin, Director of Roads wih Calgary Transportation. "Our plan is that the construction of the tunnel will have six lanes, will be constructed to six lanes, but those lanes won't necessarily be all open because one of the things we are considering is Bus Rapid Transit or a primary transit network through the tunnel."

The underpass provides an east-west connector and future LRT right of way for commuters and travelers. It’s an integral part of the northeast road network and an important connection to move people, goods and services between the airport and the rest of the city. As well, the underpass is the most viable way to provide future LRT to the airport terminal from the northeast LRT line.

Visuals of the northeast area transportation network are available on The City of Calgary’s website.

Related blog posts

• Calgary City News Blog: Airport Trail Underpass project - UPDATE
• Calgary City News Blog: Details on the Airport Trail Underpass
• Mayor Nenshi discusses the Airport Trail Underpass
• Closure of Barlow Trail NE - Airport Access after April 2

20 Minute Makeover - The Where and How

The 20 Minute Makeover in Calgary's Centre City is fast-approaching so mark your calendars for June 8th at 12:20 p.m.

Over the next few weeks in the lead-up to the event, the Centre City Blog will post some useful information and stories to help get you inspired to chip in. Better yet, maybe you'll even tell a friend or two.

Please visit centrecitytalk.com for all your 20 Minute Makeover information.

Happy 30th Birthday Calgary CTrain!

How to navigate a roundabout by foot, bicycle and motorized vehicle

Here are some instructional videos on how to navigate a roundabout, by foot, bicycle and motorized vehicle.

Walking through a roundabout

***Please Note: A vehicle exiting the traffic circle needs to yield to a pedestrian in the crossing.

Pedestrians have the right-of-way at all intersections and crosswalks unless the intersection is controlled by a traffic signal, a traffic control device or if a police officer indicates otherwise.

How to drive through a roundabout

Making a right turn at a roundabout

Making a left turn at a roundabout

Making a U-turn cycling through a roundabout

Cycling straight through a roundabout

Cycling right at a roundabout

Cycling left at a roundabout

Mayor’s Environment Expo High School Photography Contest winners announced

A thought-provoking photo capturing the impact of today’s actions on future generations was the grande prize winner this year's 2011 Mayor’s Environment Expo High School Photography Contest.

Nihal Yildiz, a grade 12 student from Lord Beaverbrook High School submitted her photo in the R3 – Reduce, Reuse, Recycle category.

“I believe it's important to teach children the three R's,” she said. “That's why I submitted this photo. I also wanted to show that recycling is so easy, even a baby can do it.”

Taking second and third grand prizes were Cynthia Quan of John G. Diefenbaker High School, in the Green Go-power category and Lord Beaverbrook's Arden Shibley in the Nature in Action category.

First and second grand prize winners were awarded a Flip camera and other prizes. Third grand prize was awarded a digital picture frame and other prizes. The presentations were made by Deputy Mayor Shane Keating at the Triangle Gallery of Visual Arts on May 24, where all submissions were on display. The 12 finalists and four honorable mentions received an enlarged copy of their photograph on canvas and a certificate signed by the Mayor.

Fifty photos were submitted by Calgary students in the four categories of nature in action, green go-power, building green and R3- reduce, reuse, recycle. They were narrowed down to the finalists in each category by a panel of nine judges on April 28, following specific criteria. The panel of judges included City of Calgary employees and 2011 Mayor’s Environment Expo sponsors and partners. From the finalists, a panel of photography experts selected the grand prize winners.

“The quality of the submissions was incredible,” said Lorraine McElwain, contest judge and Talisman Energy representative on the Expo organizing committee. “Clearly a lot of thought and creativity went into the choice of subject matter and there was a really high calibre of photographic skill.”

As part of the Mayor’s Environment Expo, the photography contest encourages high school students to consider the environmental community that surrounds them and to take action to protect it. The resulting photographs give insight into how our future leaders look at our environment.

City of Calgary – Mayor’s Environment Expo, June 7 –9

The Mayor's Environment Expo educates youth in environmental stewardship and celebrates environmental action in our community through interactive exhibits, displays and workshops.

Entering its 22nd year, the Mayor’s Environment Expo to date has educated 45,000 youth and will add to this number during the 2011 three day event.

For more information please visit calgary.ca/mee

Nature in Action:

1st Place: Elizabeth Tait, Lord Beaverbrook

2nd Place: Arden Shibley, Lord Beaverbrook

3rd Place: Nicole Nash, Crescent Heights

Honourable Mention: Ryan Kenny, Crescent Heights

Green Go-power:

1st Place: Anna Murynka Bishop Carroll

2nd Place: Sahar Rafiqzai Crescent Heights

3rd Place: Cynthia Quan John G. Diefenbaker

Honourable Mention: Suzanne Alexander Bishop Carroll

R3 - Reduce, Reuse, Recycle:

1st Place: Nihal Yildiz Lord Beaverbrook

2nd Place: Makayla Pickard Lord Beaverbrook

3rd Place: Amani Boyer Crescent Heights

Honourable Mention: Michelle Ku Sir Winston Churchill

Building Green:

1st Place: Arden Shibley Lord Beaverbrook

2nd Place: Anna Murynka Bishop Carroll

3rd Place: Michelle Ku Sir Winston Churchill

Honourable Mention: Stephen Aston Lord Beaverbrook

***Photo: Nihal Yildiz, Grand Prize Winner.

Extending 96 Avenue N.E.

Spring means warm weather and the beginning of construction season. One of the major projects that has resumed work is the project to extend 96 Avenue N.E. and upgrade the Airport Trail / Deerfoot Trail interchange.

This project will see the construction of a six-lane extension of 96 Avenue N.E. from the Harvest Hills community to Deerfoot Trail, improvements to the Airport Trail / Deerfoot Trail to handle the movement of traffic in all directions, and the construction of a regional pathway system.

“2011 is an important year for this project because it includes the construction of bridges over the CP Railway tracks and Nose Creek and re-construction of the Airport Trail / Deerfoot Trail interchange ramps,” said Conrad Hild from The City’s Transportation department.

The interchange portion of this project is scheduled to be completed by end of 2011. All other elements will be done by 2012. Some areas of interest related to this work are the Calgary Transportation Plan (CTP) and the Municipal Development Plan (MDP). Check out our Transportation Planning page to find links to the CTP, MDP, as well as Plan It Calgary and Imagine Calgary.   

Related blog posts 

• 96 Ave N.E. Extension and Airport Trail and Deerfoot Trail upgrade information
• 96 Avenue N.E. Road Extension information
• City's Transportation boss talks about airport runway tunnel
• Mayor Nenshi discusses the Airport Trail Underpass

Airport Trail Underpass project - UPDATE

City Council approved a final proposal for The City’s negotiating team to offer the Calgary Airport Authority (YYC) to construct an underpass on YYC land under the new airport runway. 

This means construction of the underpass is still contingent on YYC accepting the proposal and the successful execution of a sublease agreement between The City and YYC to allow The City’s construction contractors onto the land.

The proposal includes a two-staged approach to building the Airport Trail underpass and YYC-requested interchanges. The City would build the Airport Trial underpass from Barlow Trail to 36 Street, but no further at this time.

While this proposal falls short of the hoped for connection from Barlow Trail to Stoney Trail, it will ensure a six-lane underpass is in place. The connection east to Stoney Trail will be completed when new sources of funds can be identified and secured.

The City’s proposal also stages construction of interchanges along Airport Trail at 19 Street and Barlow Trail – infrastructure YYC insists is a key condition to a deal. Without the immediate connection to Stoney Trail, traffic volumes would be reduced, negating the immediate need for YYC’s interchanges at 19 Street and Barlow Trail.

Under The City’s final proposal, those interchanges will not be built until Council decides to complete the road and funding can be identified and secured. Once Council approves construction and funding is in place, construction will be initiated in conjunction with the road works east of 36 Street connecting to Stoney Trail

Under this proposal, YYC will get the interchanges it wants at the same time The City gets the east-west corridor it wants.

As The City moves forward on these next steps more communications and updates will be made available. 

For more information on the project please visit:  www.calgary.ca/airportunderpass   

To see the full news release visit The City of Calgary Newsroom.

Calgary's Centre City announces the 20 Minute Makeover

Today, The City's Centre City team announced a new cleaning effort called the 20 Minute Makeover.

On June 8, at 12:20 p.m., Centre City residents, workers and visitors are being asked to get out for 20 minutes and lend a hand in tidying up downtown Calgary.

Get more details on Centre City Talk, Centre City's blog.

Pet of the Week - Sylvia

This week's Pet is Sylvia. Sylvia comes to us with a sad story about fault and redemption. This 1.5 year old kitty has stayed with Animal Services since January and is starting to believe that her previous family can't find her. However, she clings to hope that a new loving family will pick her up.

Do you know someone who will adopt her send them to calgary.ca/animalservices or show them the new City of Calgary Pets App available on iPhone, BlackBerry or Android.

Watch Animal Services' quick video to see just how easy it is to use the new app and to find out what features it has at the touch of your paw - er, finger.

For more information on pet adoption or other animal services, like the No Cost Spay and Neuter Program and school and education, programs please visit calgary.ca/animalservices

Related Calgary City News Blog Posts:

• Pet of the Week - Eagle
• Pet of the Week - Kate
• Pet of the Week - Ike
• Pet of the Week - Will and Kate
• Pet of the Week - Blazer
• Pet of the Week - Cookie
• 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

Calgary Fire Department deployed to Slave Lake

The Calgary Fire Department (CFD) has fully mobilized in Slave Lake, AB. and continues to work alongside 26 other protective services departments to provide fire suppression support for the town which has been devastated by wildfires.

More specifically, CFD is assisting with fire command and fire operations within the township iteself, which includes fire protection of the homes and

buildings. CFD is a resource for the command structure in place at Slave La

ke.

In addition to 114 fire suppression personnel, also providing support from Calgary are members from the Calgary Emergency Management Agency and Canada Taskforce 2 (CANTF2).

The Calgary Fire Department has also provided vehicles and apparatus including fire supression apparatus and a number of other vehicles to support their firefighting effo

rts. CANTF2, which is funded through the Federal Government and works under the direction of the Calgary

Emergency Mana

gement Agency has provided their Emergency Medical Assistance Task Force and Mobile Rescue Command Unit, in addition to other mobile units, heaters, tents, power generators, ration packs (food), lighting and water filtration unit.

City of Calgary Pets App to inform and entertain

City of Calgary Pets is the new Animal & Bylaw Services’ app that provides timely information regarding their programs and services.

Users will have access to photos and descriptive information regarding the impounded and adoptable cats and dogs sheltered at the Animal Services Centre at 2201 Portland Street S.E.

The app provides contact information for Calgary’s 24 hour emergency vet clinics, information on how to report aggressive animal incidents, and details about the I Heart my Pet Rewards Program, including a list of vendors

that offer discounts to owners of licensed cats and dogs.

This app is available in Android, Blackberry and iPhone versions. If you’d like to take a look at the app, please visit calgary.ca/mobileapps

Related Calgary City News Blog posts:

• Calgary Business Plan & Budget App Launched
• 2010 Calgary Civic Election iPhone App Unveiled
• City unveils iPhone apps for public art and recreation passes

The Bow is Below: All Calgarians play a part in protecting our rivers

The Bow and Elbow rivers are the source of drinking water for all Calgarians. Maintaining the water quality in these rivers is important to ensure that high-quality drinking water is available for future generations. It is equally important to the fish and wildlife that call these waterways home.

The Bow is Below: The river begins at your storm drain

Most of the water that washes into the storm drains on your street empties directly into our rivers. That means whatever you put on your lawn or driveway can wash into the river untreated.

The City of Calgary has launched the “Bow is Below” campaign, a citywide program that helps connect Calgarians to their water resources (our rivers) and provide simple ways we can all play a role in the long-term protection of our most valuable natural resource – water.

The Bow is Below - In the Community

Coming Spring 2011: Enjoy complimentary programming at some of your favourite Calgary destinations, brought to you by The City of Calgary and Evergreen Theatre. Meet Clark Trout, a mild mannered reporter for the Calgary Herring newspaper, and his alter-ego, Superfish. Laugh along as he tries to catch pollutants in his home. Fertilizers and pesticides, soap from car washing and doggy droppings must all be vanquished by our brave hero. This series of street theatre productions is fun for all ages.

Join the Water Services team for a live performance on May 29 at Lilac Festival, or visit calgary.ca/rethinkwater for a complete schedule of performance times and locations throughout the city.

The Bow is Below - Online

The City has produced a one minute video to help tell a complex story. Learn how water flows from your property, into our rivers and find out how you can play a role in protecting our water resources for generations to come.

While you are online, between May 18 and June 22, answer a short three question survey for your chance to win one of 10 prizes:

• A river rafting adventure for two
• An educational session learning to fly fish on the Bow River
• A family fun package touring some local attractions
• A Yard Smart package that includes a composter, rain barrel and diverter kit

Visit calgary.ca/rethinkwater or call 3-1-1 for more information

Related Calgary City News Blog posts:

• Rain barrel and composter sale
• Fix a Leak Week - Test a toilet, save water and money
• Do Nothing to Save Water
• State of the Environment Report: Calgary making progress on sustainability

Victoria Day 2011 Statutory Holiday Hours of Operation for City of Calgary Facilities

The City of Calgary is adjusting hours of operation for services and facilities on Victoria Day, Monday, May 23, 2011.

City Administrative Offices

All administrative offices will be closed on Victoria Day, Monday, May 23, 2011 and will reopen on Tuesday, May 24, 2011.

Calgary Transit

Calgary Transit will provide a Sunday level of service on Victoria Day, May 23, 2011. Regular service will resume on Tuesday, May 24, 2011.

7 Avenue and Northeast CTrain and Bus Service Update

Calgary Transit is conducting maintenance on 7 Avenue downtown and into the northeast Saturday, May 21 through Monday, May 23, 2011.

There will be no CTrain service past Sunnyside Station, Stampede Station and Barlow Station and all buses that travel on 7 Avenue will be detoured. Service will be replaced by shuttle bus Routes B201 and B202. 

Due to the Zoo Station closure, customers visiting the Zoo are advised to use Bridgeland-Memorial Station and walk along the regional pathway (approx. 700 meters) to the west Zoo entrance.

For more information on the revised schedules and routes visit www.calgarytransit.com

For information and schedules, please visit www.calgarytransit.com, call Teleride at 403-974-4000, or

Calgary Transit Customer Service at 403-262-1000.

Residential Garbage Collection

Residential collection schedules and pickup at community recycling depots are not affected by the Victoria Day holiday.

Landfills

All landfills will be open 7:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Animal Services Centre 

2201 Portland Street S.E.

Saturday, May 21:  10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Sunday, May 22:  10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Monday, May 23:  Closed
Tuesday, May 24:  10:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Recreation

For more information please visit calgary.ca/recreation

Arenas/Athletic Parks 

All arenas will be closed on  Victoria Day, Monday, May 23, 2011.

All Athletic Parks will be closed, but available for bookings. For facility bookings call 403-268-3800 in advance.

Southland Leisure Centre

Victoria Day, Monday, May 23, 2011: Facility open 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.

No shinny hockey or public skating. Regular admission applies.

Tuesday, May 24, 2011: Regular hours of operation – 5:30 a.m. – 10 p.m.

Village Square Leisure Centre

Victoria Day, Monday, May 23, 2011: Facility open 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.

No shinny hockey or public skating. Regular admission applies

Tuesday, May 24, 2011: Regular hours of operation – 6:00 a.m. – 10 p.m. 

Aquatics and Fitness Centres

The following pools will be open for a free public swim on Victoria Day, May 23, 2011 from 1 –2:30 p.m. and 3–4:30 p.m.:

- Bob Bahan

- Canyon Meadows

- Killarney

- Renfrew

Sir Winston Churchill

All other City of Calgary Aquatics and Fitness Centres will be closed on Victoria Day, Monday, May 23, 2011.

  

Art Centres

Wildflower Arts Centre and North Mount Pleasant Arts Centre are closed on Victoria Day, Monday, May 23, 2011.

City of Calgary Parks

Inglewood Bird Sanctuary 

Inglewood Bird Sanctuary Nature Centre will be closed to the public on Victoria Day, May 23, 2011.

The Inglewood Bird Sanctuary trails will be open from sunrise to sunset.

Natural Environment Parks

Trails open from sunrise to sunset

Devonian Gardens

Closed for renovations

Other Facilities

Fort Calgary
Victoria Day, Monday, May 23, 2011: Open 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Heritage Park
Gates open 9:30am,  Historic Village open 10:00 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Deane House
Closed Victoria Day, Monday, May 23, 2011

Calgary Zoo 

Open 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. daily

TELUS World of Science

Open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

TOD wants your opinion on Fish Creek / Lacombe Station Area

You might be thinking, “Who is TOD and why does he care what I think?” TOD is The City’s acronym for Transit Oriented Development. Transit Oriented Development is a walkable, mixed use form of development focused around a transit station. Concentrating higher density development near the station makes transit convenient and encourages ridership.

Calgary City Council has approved funding for the completion of a station area analysis and design concept for the Fish Creek / Lacombe area. This non-statutory document will provide planning, design, and transportation guidance for future redevelopment applications of the Fish Creek / Lacombe area.

Identified as a Major Activity Centre in the new Municipal Development Plan (MDP), the Fish Creek / Lacombe Station Area will become a mixed-use node with opportunities for shopping, employment, education, and residential opportunities, as well as acting as a Transit Centre for LRT and local bus routes.

“As this analysis proceeds it is very important that we have citizen input and hear their ideas and concerns regarding development in their communities,” said Senior Planner, Kevin Barton with Land Use Planning. “We need neighbourhood input to make sure we get it right, for those communities.”

Some of the main components of TOD are: getting the land use right for business and communities, promoting density within the 5 minute walk or the 400m to 600m radius, creating convenient pedestrian connections and managing parking.

The planning phase of this project includes community planning and design workshops and summary information sessions. Held June 21 and 22, at the Shawnessy Barn, the workshops require registration and run from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Day one the workshop will focus on presentations and site tours and Day two will focus on idea and scenario building and development of alternatives. Registration deadline is June 10, 2011.

If you are unable to attend the workshops, drop-in sessions will be held June 21, 22 and 23 at 5 - 6:30 p.m., 6 – 8 p.m. and from noon to 8 p.m. respectively. These sessions will recap the day’s events and provide discussions of the development.

For more information, and to register, please visit calgary.ca/todplanning.

Related Calgary City News blog posts:

• City requests input from citizens on land for sale
• The City of Calgary receives two awards for Municipal Sustainability Leadership
• Additional insight into the Plan It Calgary amendments

Peace Officers Graduate

City streets should be safer with 16 new Peace Officers policing the pavement.

On May 13, a graduation ceremony was held

for the Calgary Transit Public Safety and Enforcement Peace, bringing the total number to 77 patrolling the transit system.

Many of the officers from this recruit class have interesting backgrounds including:

• Two brothers, a few years apart in age, both pursuing careers in public safety.
• An officer who has toured Afghanistan with the Canadian Forces.
• An officer who served in Iraq/Kuwait after the first Gulf War.
• An officer who recently completed a Masters of Arts in Human Security and Peace Building with Royal Roads University.

This diverse group speaks several languages including Spanish, Farsi, Punjabi, Polish, Arabic, Hindi and Sign language.

The Peace Officers have now been assigned to plainclothes duties on buses and the LRT to observe first hand, conditions reported to Calgary Transit by its many loyal customers.

For more information about Transit safety, please visit calgarytransit.com

City Weed Regulations Align with Provincial Changes

Before the onset of weed season, The City wants to clarify for Calgarians the impacts that changes to the provincial weed legislation will have on private property owners.

“A new provincial Weed Control Act was passed in June 2010 and the City of Calgary is required to align with the changes,” said Bill Bruce, Director of Animal & Bylaw Services.  “The list of invasive plants has been expanded in the new Weed Control Regulation and the plants have all been categorized as either noxious weeds or prohibited noxious weeds. Dandelions are not included on either one of these lists.”

Photo by: UpstateNYer

To familiarize yourself with the plants listed in the Weed Control Regulation you can read the legislation here. The list of weeds is at the end of Part 4. Prohibited noxious weeds must be destroyed and plants on the noxious weed list must be controlled.

The biggest change for private property owners is regarding dandelions that are less than 15 centimetres in height. Since dandelions are not listed on the invasive plant lists within the Weed Control Regulation, bylaw officers no longer have the legislative authority to order a private property owner to take corrective action on dandelions. 

Under the Integrated Pest Management Plan (IPM) the City will continue to assess city owned land and treat when broad leaf weeds exceed threshold levels.  

Under the Community Standards Bylaw, property owners are still required to ensure that all grasses and uncontrolled plants, including dandelions, don’t exceed 15 centimetres in height. Bylaw officers will continue to issue warning notices and to take enforcement action to have property owners correct this situation.

Parks will continue to raise awareness about their Healthy Yards program which provides guidelines for beautiful and healthy yards by using an environmentally friendly approach to yard, lawn and garden care.  For more information on this program, visit calgary.ca/parks or follow this link for more information on Calgary weed legislation.   

City to complete work on Centre Street Bridge

In the coming weeks the final stages of slope and deck rehabilitation will be underway for the Centre Street Bridge.

Over time, the slope on the northwest embankment near the bridge showed signs of movement. Last year, work was undertaken to repair this slope instability. The final steps in this process include landscaping and a final layer of pavement and concrete work

“This is the final step to complete the very significant work that was undertaken last year in order to ensure this bridge continues to be a reliable and viable part of Calgary’s transportation infrastructure,” said Sean Somers, Communication Advisor with the City’s Transportation Department. “We’re working hard to make sure this project is completed in a safe and efficient manner, ensuring the least amount of disruption to the travelling public.”

Centre Street Bridge construction in August of 1915

Beginning Saturday, May 14, the placement of barriers will begin, and work on both the embankment and the bridge deck will be carried out over approximately three weeks, if Calgary weather permits.

In order to minimize the impact of construction to motorists, transit users, cyclists and pedestrians, only one lane will be closed to accommodate work for the majority of the project. Lane reversals will still be in effect for the morning and evening commute.

Information and warning signs will be installed prior to construction in areas of the city affected by this project. The City encourages motorists to adjust travel times or consider alternate routes if possible to avoid delays.

Ongoing road closures and lane restrictions can be found on this map or by visiting www.calgary.ca/trafficinfo for more information.

Related blog posts

• New banners installed on the seven gateways bridges to Calgary’s downtown
• Chinatown gets a makeover to celebrate centennial year

New video archive expands public access to Council meetings

Missed the latest Council meeting? Thanks to the Electronic Legislative Management Solution (ELMS), you can now catch up on the latest legislative debates and issues by watching Council proceedings on demand at agendaminutes.calgary.ca.

“The new video archive lets the public access the information they need at a time that is convenient for them,” says Gregory Pastirik, strategic legislative analyst with the City Clerk’s office. ”It also provides citizens with another way to get involved in the legislative process.”

Sample of an archived committee meeting video from ELMS

All Council and Standing Policy Committee (SPC) meetings will be recorded and archived in the system, and videos will generally be posted within three days after the meeting. Through ELMS, you can watch full proceedings or can navigate to a specific agenda item to watch the debate that occurred on a particular issue. Videos will be available for three years from the date of the meeting.

“The archive allows citizens to review legislative discussions, and helps all of us better understand specific Council and SPC decisions,” says Greg.

Providing on-demand video is part of The City’s ongoing effort to improve the accessibility and transparency of the legislative process for citizens. The new video archive is the second phase of the ELMS project, which launched in October 2010. The ELMS also hosts electronic copies of Council agendas and minutes.

Live webcasts of Council and SPC meetings are still available at calgary.ca, and meetings continue to be broadcast on Channel 89 on Shaw Digital TV. You can check out the latest video at agendaminutes.calgary.ca.

Related blog posts

• City improves access to Council information

From jump rope to a jump $tart

Do you know a 15 or 16 year old that's entering the workforce? It can be a challenge finding work with no experience and no contacts. The obstacles to finding employment can be a powerful motivator for procrastination, that's why The Youth Employment Centre is launching a program called Jump $tart.


“I am really excited to be working with these 15 and 16 year olds," said Nancy Gibbons, Youth Employment Counsellor from YEC. "I feel lucky to help them gain the skills necessary to enter the workforce.” 

Jump $tart is a free, 3 week unpaid employment prep and job shadow program for 15 and 16 year olds that involves participants in workshops, training, career exploration, work place tours and a job shadowing. 


Two separate sessions of fifteen spots take place this summer; the first is July 4-22, 2011 and the second is August 8-26, 2011. The program takes place at the Youth Employment Centre - second floor, 315 10 Avenue S.E. Interested youth are asked to complete an application form, which can be found here - applications are due May 31, 2011 at 4:00 p.m. 


An information night is being held for youth and parents on Wednesday, May 18, 2011 5:30-6:30pm, 2^nd floor, 315 10^th Avenue S.E.




Related blog posts

• 2011 Summer Hiring Fair a success
• Youth Employment Centre Hosts the Annual Summer Hiring Fair
• Youth Employment Centre’s Summer Hiring Fair to Help Youth to Find Ideal Job
• Calgary’s youth rock out this Friday