Pet of The Week - Bob T

Bob T. is what they call me. The shelter volunteers describe me as an affectionate explorer. I tend to be vocal, but only in the best way. I love to communicate! I am super confident and love to spend a lot of my time playing. You should know that I tend to prefer beef treats to fish... Come and visit me at the Animal Services Centre! Ask for ID# 513558.

For more information on the campaign (remember to call 3-1-1 to file your licence request) and to see the cost of pet licensing, please visit calgary.ca/animalservices

More Calgary City News Blog Animals & Pets here.

NO Snow Route Parking Ban in Effect Tonight - LIFTED

UPDATE 2:25 p.m.

Snow Event advisory lifted – No Snow Route parking bans in effect The city-wide Snow Event advisory has been lifted, and Snow Route parking bans will not be declared at this time.

The City of Calgary will continue to carefully monitor the weather and road surface temperatures to determine if plowing operations will be required. Please note: Snow Route parking bans could still be instituted if Environment Canada forecasts more snow for the Calgary area. Should this occur, The City will send out a Snow Event advisory. A Snow Event will not be declared until there is an accumulation of five centimetres or more of snow on the roads.

A Snow Route parking ban is therefore not anticipated at this time. Snow Routes include major roadways, collector roads and most bus routes and are marked by blue signs containing a white snowflake icon. A map and full list of Snow Route locations is available on Calgary.ca/snow.

For more information, visit Calgary.ca/snow or call 3-1-1. Please do not reply to this email as this address is not monitored.

The City has issued a Snow Event advisory and Snow Route parking bans will be in effect starting at 8 p.m. tonight  - Wednesday, November 30. 

Calgarians parked on Snow Routes are asked to move their vehicles. Vehicles that remain parked on these roads are subject to enforcement. Snow Routes include major roadways, collector roads and most bus routes and are marked by blue signs with a white snowflake.

A map and full list of Snow Route locations is available on Calgary.ca/snow and calgary.ca/roadconditions to view the map.

City Council Approves 2012-2014 Business Plans and budgets

Today, City Council approved the 2012-2014 business plans and budgets. Council’s decisions address the operating and capital budgets, performance measures, and strategies departments will implement to deliver City services over the next three years.

"Council, through their deliberations, have approved a balanced budget for the 2012-2014 three-year cycle, and maintained investments in services that Calgarians value and that they have identified as priorities,” said Chief Financial Officer Eric Sawyer.

During deliberation, Council approved a number of key changes to the proposed business plans and budgets from 2012 to 2014 including, but not limited to, the following:

Calgary Police Service

• Reinstate $5.1 million in base budget reduction in 2012.
• An additional $18 million for 122 positions over three years to maintain the current level of service.

Community Services & Protective Services

• $1.7 million to Family and Community Support Services (FCSS) established to develop, support and fund preventive social services. Agencies and programs funded by FCSS aim to strengthen neighbourhoods and increase social inclusion in vulnerable populations like immigrants, Aboriginal people, families, children and youth, and seniors.
• Reinstate $1.85 million in base budget reductions to support park maintenance with one-time funding from the Fiscal Stability Reserve (no impact on tax rate).

Transportation

• $6 million to Calgary Transit to maintain service hours at current level.
• $1.8 million in support of the implementation of the Cycling Strategy which includes development of guidelines and further planning for the Cycling Strategy, education, and promotion.
• $20 increase to the price of senior annual transit pass to $55 in 2012, with decisions on 2013 and 2014 deferred.
• Establish a reserve fund with $3.5 million each in 2012 and 2013, from the Fiscal Stability Reserve, used exclusively for residential snow clearing during particularly long or high-snow winters in accordance with Council’s approved snow clearing policy. The fund is replenished by the Roads budget surplus in low snow winters.
• An additional $400,000 to be allocated to pathway snow removal.

Civic Partners

• $225,000 increase to the 2012 base funding of the Calgary Arts Development Authority (CADA), and a $220,000 one-time funding each year for cSPACE projects.
• Additional one-time funding of $400,000 each year for the EPCOR Centre for the Performing Arts or until a naming sponsor is identified.
• Additional $150,000 of one-time funding from the Fiscal Stability Reserve in 2012 and 2013 for the Calgary Sports Tourism Authority.
• Additional $141,000 of one-time funding from the Fiscal Stability Reserve in 2012 only for TELUS Spark, Calgary’s new science centre.

Within the approved budget, approximately $36 million will be drawn from the Fiscal Stability Reserve for one-time and contingency funding, leaving a balance close to $200 million by the end of 2014. Funding drawn from the Fiscal Stability Reserve has no impact on the property tax rate; however, it reduces the reserve fund available to address unplanned or one-time events. Investment income and any surplus from each year will be reinvested into the Reserve.

Examples of services that will be delivered within the approved 2012-2014 business plans and budgets include:

• Maintaining Calgary’s standards for fire safety and coverage with new emergency response stations opening in Douglas Glen and Seton.
• Maintaining current level of service for social and community programs and initiatives for low-income seniors, families and at-risk youths.
• Enhanced snow clearing on priority routes.
• Operation of the new West LRT line, optimization of transit service by matching frequency with demand and using community shuttles on less-travelled routes.
• Additional bike lanes and enhancements on cycling infrastructure based on implementation of the cycling strategy.

The approved three-year budget will result in property tax rate increases of 6.0% in 2012, 5.7% in 2013 and 6.1% in 2014 or monthly increases of approximately $6.60, $6.60, and $7.50, respectively for an average home in Calgary. Citizens may find additional fee and rate increases depending on the specific City services they use including utilities, transit and recreation.  Please note that the approved three-year business plans and budgets are unofficial until confirmation by City Clerks.

The final property tax rates for each of the three years will be approved in April of each year, once The City has received the provincial government’s property tax requisition.

The City will continue to monitor current economic events and their impact on municipal services. The multi-year business planning and budget process allows The City to react to unforeseen changes and respond to changing economic circumstances through the business plans and budgets adjustment process each year. The flexibility built in to the three-year approach allows Council to make necessary changes from a position of knowing what is critical and adjusting the business plans and budgets to retain a longer-term perspective.

Highlights of approved changes to the proposed plans and budgets are summarized online through www.calgary.ca/ourfuture. The final, approved 2012-2014 business plans and budgets document will be available January 2012.

Pet of the Week - Poncho

Hi, my name is Poncho and I am a cute little Chihuahua with one big request: I need a pretty special home. I need an adult-only home with people who understand a Chihuahua’s personality. The staff at the Animal Services Centre thinks it would be a good idea for me to take a class to boost my confidence, so I would need somebody that would be willing to commit to helping me bloom into the fearless dog I know I can be. I had a tough time running at large on the streets of Calgary and I want to settle down into my forever home. I have so much love to give – I just need someone to give me a chance!

For more information please call 3-1-1 or please visit calgary.ca/animalservices

More Calgary City News Blog Animals & Pets here.

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Windstorm damage information

The City of Calgary wishes to thank Calgarians for their assistance, patience and understanding during the windstorm on November 27, 2011. An Alberta Emergency Alert was issued at 2 p.m. during the storm and Calgarians responded appropriately, reducing the potential for harm. No major injuries were reported; in fact, only one firefighter sustained minor injuries from falling glass in the downtown core.

The clean-up is well under way. The City is asking all citizens to be aware of potential hazards such as debris or downed trees. Calgarians are asked to help their community by reporting any unsafe situations.  If citizens see things such as downed power lines or trees affecting public safety that have not yet been addressed, they should call 9-1-1. Non-life threatening situations – such as debris in parks that does not pose an immediate danger – can be addressed by calling 3-1-1.

Residents who sustained wind damage during the storm on November 27 are encouraged to document damage to their homes and property. Wind-related damage is covered by most homeowner insurance policies. It is recommended that homeowners document all damage in writing and with photographs. This kind of backup will greatly assist in expediting an insurance claim.

Homeowners who have tree-related damage should also document it. If a fallen tree has damaged private property, homeowner insurance should cover the damage. Call your insurance company as soon as possible for assistance.  If a tree on public property has fallen or is damaging public infrastructure (such as a playground or park), call 3-1-1.  If a tree on public property (like a park or boulevard) has damaged your property, call 3-1-1. Homeowners should note that The City cannot respond to calls regarding damage to private property unless it is caused by a tree on public property or is life-threatening (property damage is NOT considered life-threatening). For assistance in removing large downed trees on private property, homeowners should contact a tree specialist or arborist.

Debris from the storm can be taken to any of the three Calgary landfills: Spyhill (6600- 112 Avenue N.W.); East Calgary (3801 – 68 Street S.E.); and Shepard (12111 – 68 Street S.E.). Homeowners can deposit debris free of charge; inform the scale person at the landfill that it is debris from the November 27th storm. Smaller debris can be deposited in residential black carts. Please ensure that the discarded debris meets City of Calgary standards for disposal (search “preparing garbage for pick-up” on www.calgary.ca or call 3-1-1 for more information).

For more information on dealing with the aftermath of the storm, Calgarians can call 3-1-1.

96 Avenue NE and improvements to the Airport Trail / Deerfoot Trail interchange

The project to extend 96 Avenue NE and improvements to the Airport Trail / Deerfoot Trail interchange took a major step forward in 2011.

Following the completion of a 1.2 kilometre noise barrier in 2010, construction began in earnest on extending the 96 Avenue roadway from Harvest Hills to Deerfoot Trail, and on improvements to the interchange.

As the project moves toward completion next year, it’s important to recognize the amount of construction activity that occurred in 2011.

Conrad Hild with Transportation Communications explains the variety of achievements that took place this year.

All elements of the project are scheduled to be complete in the fall of 2012. For more details please visit calgary.ca

Peace Bridge being placed across the Bow River

The Peace Bridge has begun to cross the Bow River moving to its final alignment.

This milestone marks one of the final pieces of work.

Using hydraulics, Graham Construction is slowly pushing the Peace Bridge across the temporary bridge structure along a rail system. Once across the river, the 850 metric tonne bridge will be moved sideways and lowered into its permanent location. The permanent location for the bridge is east, or downriver, of the temporary bridge.

This undertaking is gradual and the public will be able to see the bridge slowly inch across the river and into place over the next several days.

Once the bridge is in place, work will continue on items such as the installing precast pedestrian deck and cast-in-place cyclist deck, handrails and the final lighting and security system as well as finalizing connections into the pathway system.

The 130 metre single span bridge extends from the north to south side of the Bow River just west of Prince’s Island Park. The absence of piers significantly reduces the environmental impact on the river. The bridge has a 6.2 metre-wide pathway, which is double the width of other pedestrian bridges in the area, and provides a clear separation between pedestrians and bicycle/wheel traffic for safety.

To learn more about the Peace Bridge or to stay tuned for updates please visit www.calgary.ca/ti or call 3-1-1.

Related Calgary City News blog posts:

• Peace Bridge Update - November 19, 2010
• City of Calgary Peace Bridge Update - June 24, 2011
• Calgary City News Blog: Peace Bridge Pieces Pass Through Oyen
• Peace Bridge and Bow River pathway and water safety
• Steel in Transit for Calgary's Santiago Calatrava Peace Bridge
• City unveils design for Peace Bridge
• Peace Bridge: Do we need another pedestrian bridge?
• Peace Bridge: Could The City build it for cheaper?
• Peace Bridge and Bow River pathway and water safety

Pet of The Week - Buddy

Hi, my name is Buddy and I am a neutered male, black Labrador Retriever mix. I am approximately 1 year old and I have been at the Animal Services Centre since November 4, 2011.

How did I end up here, you ask? Long story short, I got lost and a kind citizen turned me into a local vet clinic.  I was then transferred to the Animal Services Centre where they tried their best to find my last owner, but were unable to do so since I didn’t have a license or any other permanent identification.

I’m now looking for a new home. I would like an owner who is experienced with dogs, especially Retrievers.  I’d love to be in an adult only home with someone who is active and able to provide me with the structure that I need.  I’ve got the obedience basics down pat – sit, shake, down – but I’m keen to learn some new tricks! I’m a friendly, outgoing guy and I would love for you to come meet me.  Interested?  Call 3-1-1 to set up an appointment.

Do you want to prevent your cat or dog from ending up lost like Buddy? License your pet! Animal & Bylaw Services is offering free 6 month licences for all cats and dogs in Calgary who have not previously been licensed. In addition, if you accidentally let your pet’s licence lapse, you can renew expired licences without any late fees or back charges until November 30.  Call 3-1-1 or visit the Animal Services Centre (2201 Portland Street S.E.) to take advantage of these special promotions.

For more information please call 3-1-1 or please visit calgary.ca/animalservices

More Calgary City News Blog Animals & Pets here.

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Giving the Gift of Fitness and Fun

The holiday season is upon us and if you’re stuck for a gift idea for that someone special, The City of Calgary’s Recreation department has a unique gift idea – a Recreation gift card.

With a Recreation gift card, it’s easy to give the gift of recreation for someone you love to try out a new sport, new fitness activity or an art class. You can encourage friends or family to try something new and engage in healthy and creative activities in their community and with others.

What can you get with a gift card?
Recreation Gift Cards can be loaded in any amount over $5 and never expire.

• A recreation gift card worth 25$ can give:
• 9 holes of golf at Lakeview or McCall Lake Par 3 and a bucket of balls at the range 
• A family day admission to  a Leisure Centre
• Swimming items, like goggles from the Pro Shop at Southland Leisure Centre
• Soccer, Badminton & Basketball Drop-in admission passes for kids to get some kid-free time
• A couple drop-in Yoga classes at our Leisure Centre
• A recreation gift card worth $50 can give:
• A round of family golf for 4 at McCall Lake Par 3, hot dogs each and bucket of balls at the range
• A 10 time child or youth swim pass to a Leisure Centre.
• Learn to skate programs
• A recreation gift card worth $100 or more can give:
• 18 holes of golf at Shaganappi, Maple Ridge or McCall Lake, a powercart, bucket of balls at the range and a hot dog
• One month unlimited adult pass to a Leisure Centre
• Bouncing Beans on Trampolines gymnastics program for preschoolers
• A Zumba registered fitness program

What are the benefits of recreation?
Recreation replenishes the body, inspires the mind, and feeds the soul. Recreation is essential to our health and our quality of life. It helps people live longer and enhances overall health and well-being. Recreation contributes to our mental health and builds self-esteem and positive self-image. It helps build strong families and create healthy communities. Families that play together, stay together!

Where can the cards be purchased?
Recreation Gift Cards can be purchased in person at any of our Aquatics & Fitness Centres, Leisure Centres, Golf Courses and our Recreation Customer Service Centre.

For more information, please visit calgary.ca/recreation

Stuff a Bus Campaign Breaks Donations Record

We’ve broken the Stuff a Bus record!

The final tally is in from this year’s Calgary Transit Stuff a Bus event held November 5 at all Calgary Co-op stores, and our buses were bulging with a whopping $163,000 worth of food and cash donations for the Calgary Food Bank.

Calgary Transit partnered with Calgary Co-op and radio station XL 103 FM to assist Calgarians in need.

“Once again, Calgarians opened their hearts and really stepped up to help their friends and neighbors”, said Keoma Duce, a spokesperson with the Calgary Food Bank.

Calgary Transit buses were parked outside all 20 Calgary Co-op locations for the day on Nov. 5. The goal was to “stuff a bus” full of non-perishable food and accept cash donations for the Calgary Food Bank. Many volunteers were on hand helping out to make the event another resounding success.

“We are extremely pleased with the result,” said Calgary Transit Director Fred Wong. “It was the 19th annual Stuff a Bus event and the most successful to date!”

Calgary Philharmonic Musicians to Play on Calgary Transit

Calgary Transit and the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra (CPO) are hoping a new partnership will strike the right chord with customers.

On Tuesday, Nov. 22, the CPO will have a brass quintet playing inside Chinook CTrain Station from 3:30 p.m. - 6 p.m. for the listening enjoyment of Calgary Transit CTrain riders.

“We always enjoy bringing music out into the community and are really looking forward to this partnership with Calgary Transit. This is going to be fun!” said the CPO’s Director of Marketing & Sales, Marylou Bennetts.

“We are excited to have this opportunity to have some of the world’s greatest music and musicians available to our customers inside one of our CTrain Stations,” added Calgary Transit Director Fred Wong.

“This will be our first occasion to work with the CPO and we’re really pleased to have their musicians playing on the transit system.”

What: Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra plays on Calgary Transit

When: Tuesday, Nov. 22 3:30 p.m. – 6 p.m.

Where: Chinook CTrain Station.

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Free Fitness Classes at Leisure Centres

As the snow flies and the winds blow with the approach of winter, it’s time to move fitness regimes indoors.

To ease the transition from the sweet summery warmth to the bitter, biting, cold, City of Calgary Recreation is offering fitness classes for free at the Southland and Village Square Leisure Centres the week of November 28.

“So we are encouraging people to try something new,” says Gennie Liu, Fitness Program Specialist with Calgary Recreation.


“We have been introducing an assortment of classes that appeal to a variety of fitness levels and ages. Some people enjoy more of our strength and power classes such as TRX or Bootcamp while others prefer working on their core and overall fitness with a Get on the Ball or Yoga class.”

Offering free fitness classes is part of The City of Calgary Recreation’s commitment to helping Calgarians stay active this winter with fun and affordable options.

Visit calgary.ca/leisurecentres for open house schedules or pick up a schedule at the Southland or Village Square facility. All fitness levels are welcome. Classes vary by facility, first come, first serve, space may be limited.

Begins: 
Nov. 28, 2011

Ends:
Dec. 4, 2011                  

Locations:                        
Southland Leisure Centre – 2000 Southland Dr. S.W.
Village Square Leisure Centre – 2623 56 St. N.E.

Cost:
Free

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Nine young Calgarians recognized as “Husky Heroes”

Nine young Calgarians were recognized as “Husky Heroes” by Husky Energy and its partners, the Calgary Emergency Medical Services Foundation and Public Safety Communications.  Ranging in age from seven to 11 years old, each child was the link to 9-1-1 Emergency Communications Officers (Public Safety Communications) until emergency services arrived on the scene.  The Husky Heroes program recognizes children who have accessed 9-1-1 appropriately in an emergency or were of significant assistance to emergency services.

Some of the children recognized as a Husky Heroes this year include:

• A seven year old boy who needed to translate information between 9-1-1 and his mom when his six month old brother hurt his arm;
• A 10-year-old girl who used sign language to translate information for her deaf mother after she fell; 
• A 10-year-old girl who phoned the Calgary Police from a closet after her house had been broken into; and 
• A 10-year-old who called the Airdrie Fire Department when his house caught fire.

“The bravery demonstrated by these young people in staying calm and doing the right thing in such tense situations is commendable,” said Husky CEO Asim Ghosh. “The Calgary Emergency Medical Services Foundation and Public Safety Communications perform outstanding work in educating children about responding to emergency situations.”

“Public Safety Communications is Calgary's Lifeline to Emergency Services. When you call 9-1-1, trained and dedicated Emergency Communications Officers evaluate the situation and dispatch the appropriate help - EMS, Fire, and Police. Teaching children the importance of using 9-1-1 correctly is crucial, not only for their own safety but for the safety of others as well. We are proud to partner with Husky Energy and the EMS Foundation in the Husky Heroes program and recognize these young heroes," said Steve Dongworth, Commander, Public Safety Communications.

“The EMS Foundation is proud once again to recognize some very brave young people from our own community- our 2011 Husky Heroes. The Foundation assists with critical medical research, training, safety, and illness and injury prevention in our community. The Husky Heroes program, now in its fifth year, showcases the heroic acts these young individuals took during an emergency. We are proud to highlight their actions and hope their examples serve to demonstrate that when educated about the proper use of  9-1-1,  young people truly can make a positive difference in an emergency situation,” said Heather Klein-Swormink, Chair, EMS Foundation.

The program is supported by Husky Energy, the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Foundation and The City of Calgary Public Safety Communications.

The City moves trade permit application and payment options online

The City has launched a new online service that will allow trade contractors the ability to receive trade permits online. This is the first online payment system for services related to planning, building and development in Calgary.

This new online system will allow electrical, plumbing, gas, fireplace and HVAC trade contractors the ability to apply, pay and receive permits online at calgary.ca/vista.

 “Moving the ability to apply, pay and receive permits online is the first of many services that will be available to accept payment and we are very pleased with the direction we are heading,” says Kevin Griffiths, Chief Building Official. “Providing a service like this helps the process become easier for those applying for permits as well as reduces time and effort for our staff to process. That’s the main objective.”

Last year the process to have qualifications verified for new trade contractors called City Qualified Trades, was placed online. This one-time process gave new contractors the ability to apply and book appointments online to become qualified in order to pull permits. For more information, questions and self-help guides regarding trade permits, visit calgary.ca/tradepermits.

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

Proposed plans and budgets, Part 5: Corporate Services and Corporate Administration

Today’s blog post marks the last instalment of a week-long series on The City’s proposed 2012-2014 business plans and budgets. Corporate Services and Corporate Administration are two departments that provide citizen services and enable other City departments to deliver effective and efficient front-line services.

Monday: Community & Protective Services
Tuesday: Planning, Development & Assessment
Wednesday: Transportation
Thursday: Utilities & Environmental Protection
Friday: Corporate Services and Corporate Administration

Corporate Services connects citizens with The City through 3-1-1 contact centre, the calgary.ca website, community engagement, and more. Citizens and businesses also receive services related to commercial and industrial land development, land sales, affordable housing, access to City data, and utility line assignments through these services.

Primarily though, the Department supports other City business units in areas of human resource management, communications, office and property management, information and technology, engineering and energy technical services, vehicles and equipment, just to name a few.  

Some highlights from Corporate Services’ 2012-2014 proposed plans and budgets include

• Same or enhanced central print services through alternative service delivery, $750,000 annual savings.
• Review all supplier relationships with the objective of achieving better cost outcomes. 
• Review and complete business process improvements and refine benchmark measures to realize greater efficiencies.
• Freezing service rates while absorbing inflationary cost, thus increasing cost effectiveness
• Reducing energy (i.e. electricity and natural gas) and fuel (i.e. gasoline and diesel) consumption through energy audits, demand management analysis, and conservation techniques; thus reducing cost and greenhouse gas emissions.

Click here to see more details on Corporate Services’ proposed business plans and budgets.

Last, but not least, is Corporate Administration. This department supports Council, the City Manager, the City Solicitor, the Chief Financial Officer and the City Clerk in fulfilling their legislated and other duties to The Corporation, so that Council and Administration can provide excellence in municipal management and quality public service. Organization-wide changes to system-wide, structural or governance issues are championed by this department.

Some highlights from Corporate Administration’s 2012-2014 proposed plans and budgets include: 

• Consolidation of staff resources, supply chain software and such system process improvements as contract management and investment recovery will result in savings of $1.04 million over three years.
• One time budget requests for the Civic Election and Enumeration in 2013 and additional census question in 2014.
• Implement corporate efficiency and effectiveness strategies and improvements to performance measures and benchmarking with support from the Chief Financial Officer’s Department.

Click here to see more details on Corporate Administration’s proposed business plans and budgets.

This concludes the week-long posts on City departments and their proposed business plans and budgets. Council’s deliberations will begin next Monday. You can watch the deliberations online (click on the “Start Webcast” button).

Proposed plans and budgets, Part 4: Utilities & Environmental Protection

As part of the week-long series on The City’s 2012-2014 business plans and budgets, today’s post features the Utilities & Environmental Protection department (UEP).

Monday: Community & Protective Services
Tuesday: Planning, Development & Assessment
Wednesday: Transportation
Thursday: Utilities & Environmental Protection
Friday: Corporate Services and Corporate Administration

This department works with the community and Corporation to conserve, protect and enhance air, land and water for present and future generations. UEP protects public health by providing clean drinking water, safely treating wastewater, protecting air quality and collecting recycling and garbage for over one million Calgarians. It also works to ensure a safe workplace for all City employees.

Some highlights from UEP’s 2012-2014 proposed plans and budgets include:

• Operational efficiencies related to blue cart collection have resulted in cost savings resulting in a proposed 19 per cent reduction in blue cart recycling fees for 2012.
• The water utility is self-supported through utility rates and receives no funding from property taxes. Proposed rate increases are required to pay for significant investments in the water system.
• Full implementation of automated black cart garbage collection has resulted in reduced labour costs, cleaner communities and a safer work environment for employees.

Visit calgary.ca to see more details on UEP’s proposed business plans and budgets. Tomorrow’s blog post will highlight two departments that enable the rest of the organization to deliver effective and efficient services.

Pet of the Week - Ralph

This week’s Pet of the Week is Ralph. Ralph is a spunky two-year-old neutered male terrier mix. He’s well heeled on a leash and seems to love, love.

Ralph is ready to go to a forever home because he’s already well adapted to domestic life. Were really sure Ralph has lived with people before because of his good nature and confidence.

But why do we have him you ask? Well, unfortunately Ralph wasn’t tagged, licensed or chipped. We have no way to return him to his owners, so we need to focus on finding him new people to love.

Ralph's sad case highlights the importance of animal licensing. For around 84 cents a day you can rest assured that if your, spayed or neutered, pet gets lost and is then found by The City, it will be returned safely to you.

To help people get started with their pet licensing, Animal Services is currently offering six free months of new-pet licensing for all cats and dogs, over 3 months of age, that have not previously been licensed. For pet owners who's pet license has lapsed, Animal Services is offering licence renewal without late penalties or back charges. These promotions are going on until November 30.

To take advantage of this campaign you’ll have to call 3-1-1 and ask about the Animal Licensing Campaign. Or, visit the Animal Services Centre at 2201 Portland Street S.E. to register your pet during this special promotion. Because of the limitations of the event you cannot use the regular online registration system to get the advantages of this campaign.

For more information on the campaign (remember to call 3-1-1 to file your licence request) and to see the cost of pet licensing, please visit calgary.ca/animalservices

More Calgary City News Blog Animals & Pets here.

Proposed plans and budgets, Part 3: Transportation

Today’s post, part of the week-long series on The City’s proposed 2012-2014 business plans and budgets, features The City’s Transportation department.

Monday: Community & Protective Services
Tuesday: Planning, Development & Assessment
Wednesday: Transportation
Thursday: Utilities & Environmental Protection
Friday: Corporate Services and Corporate Administration

The Transportation department plans, designs, builds, operates and maintains a complete transportation network including pedestrian, bicycle, carpooling, transit and road facilities.

Whether you walk, drive, cycle or take transit, you can be assured the Transportation department is working hard for you - designing and building interchanges and expressways, paving and maintaining roadways and pathways, clearing streets of gravel in the spring and snow and ice in the winter, filling potholes and repairing pavement and sidewalks. More than 2,500 employees kept our fleet of buses and trains travelling over 58 million km in 2010 alone.

The most recent citizen satisfaction survey shows traffic, roads and transit continue to be the most important issues facing Calgary. But it’s increasingly difficult to address the diverse and broad desires of Calgarians in a growing city. Some highlights from Transportation’s 2012-2014 proposed plans and budgets include:

• Optimize transit service by matching frequency with demand, use community shuttles on less-traveled routes; $2 million net savings.
• Inflationary costs of $11 million related to fuel, wages, etc., and new capital operating costs of $9 million over three years; West LRT is the only new service.
• New budget money will be used to enhance snow clearing on priority routes.

Click here to see more details on Transportation’s proposed business plans and budgets. Check back tomorrow for highlights from the Utilities & Environmental Protection department.

Showcase Your School at The Mayor's Environment Expo

Teachers and students, we are inviting you to showcase your school at The Mayor's Environment Expo and celebrate your classrooms' environmental stewardship. Get involved in creating a new generation of Calgarians that appreciate the beauty of our complex eco-system.

“The students are so passionate about their planet. It has been very rewarding to feed that passion and watch them learn how they can make a meaningful difference,” said Liz McManus, 2011's showcase school teacher at Samuel W. Shaw School. “These guys have found their voice and made an enormous difference at our school and in their own lives.”

There are over 50 exhibitors that provide interactive, hands-on learning to students on eco-action that’s happening in Calgary year-round.  Teachers can also choose from over 80 workshops and theatre presentations that cover grade-specific curriculum-based topics on environmental stewardship.

“If the earth isn’t healthy, we won’t be healthy either,” said Grade 6 student Skylar Reeves. “If we all pay more attention to what goes into the recycling and we compost, then there would be less garbage going into the landfills.”

The 2012 Mayor’s Environment Expo takes place June 5-7 at the Municipal Building.

All Showcase Schools qualify for a $250 grant to help with their projects.  Free transportation to and from the Expo is provided by Calgary Transit.

Become part of the legacy that helps expands actions in support of a healthier and more sustainable community.

Application deadline is December 16, 2011.  

For more information or to fill out an application, visit us online at www.calgary.ca/mee. All Showcase Schools qualify for a $250 grant from Encana to help with their projects.

Related Calgary City News blog posts

• Engage Your Classroom - Showcase School Deadline is December 20!
• The 2011 Mayor’s Environment Expo
• Water is Life: How one seven-year-old made a difference
• Mayor’s Environment Expo High School Photography Contest winners announced
• 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

Proposed plans and budgets, Part 2: Planning, Development & Assessment (PDA)

As part of the week-long series on The City’s proposed 2012-2014 business plans and budgets, today’s post features The City’s Planning, Development & Assessment (PDA) department.

Monday: Community & Protective Services
Tuesday: Planning, Development & Assessment
Wednesday: Transportation
Thursday: Utilities & Environmental Protection
Friday: Corporate Services and Corporate Administration

PDA develops plans, policies and services that support land development, use and growth management. It also assesses all city properties and businesses. The department plays an important role in growing and maintaining a vibrant city, now and in the future.

Whether you’re moving into a new or re-developed community, the PDA department has been involved from the start with land use planning, community development plans, issuing building permits and business licences. The department is also responsible for the annual assessment of your property value using the market value standard.

Some highlights of PDA’s 2012-2014 proposed plans and budgets include: 

• More efficient allocation between different job types will result in a net decrease of six full-time equivalents in 2012 and a total of $471,000 in savings over the 2012-2014 period.
• Streamlining business processes, use of alternative service delivery and staff deployment models, consistent use of more effective project planning and management tools, and increasing use of technology such as online public engagement.
• Total budget reductions due to productivity savings over three years will be $1.2 million.

Visit calgary.ca to see more details on PDA’s proposed business plans and budgets. Tomorrow’s blog post will feature the Transportation department.

Register to speak at the Council budget meeting by November 17 at noon

Next week, Council will review, debate and approve The City’s proposed 2012-2014 business plans and budgets. On Monday, November 21 at 9:30 a.m., Council will begin its formal review by hearing submissions from the public. Citizens can submit their comments online before Nov. 20 at noon, through the Business Plans and Budgets 2012-2014 Feedback Form, or in person during Council’s deliberations.

If you would like to provide your input on the 2012-2014 business plans and budgets by making a presentation to Council, you can pre-book a time through the Budget Deliberation Speaking List form or by calling 3-1-1. This new system allows you to register to speak ahead of time instead of waiting to find out what order you will speak in on the day. You must register by November 17 at noon to pre-book a time.

It is your responsibility, after registering and being contacted with your time, to be ready to speak in the Council Chamber.  If you do not pre-book, you can still speak during budget deliberation but you will need to drop by Council Chambers on November 21 to physically put your name on the speaking list.

Public speakers will be heard after an opening presentation. Any persons wishing to address Council may do so for a maximum of five minutes and will need to bring 35 copies of any materials they would like to distribute. After your presentation, Council will have the opportunity to ask you questions.

The public can also watch the budget meetings live online at http://agendaminutes.calgary.ca/.

Shepard Landfill Site Tour

Take a tour of The City's Shepard Landfill Site with Michelle Dias, a Waste & Recycling educator. Michelle will explain the various areas within the landfill and how they tie into our 80 / 20 goal - how to reduce the amount of waste going to landfills to just 20 per cent, and recycling or recovering 80 per cent of waste materials by the year 2020.

For  more information, please visit calgary.ca/waste

Proposed plans and budgets, Part 1: Community & Protective Services

Here is the first instalment of a week-long blog series on the proposed plans and budgets. We will feature a different department each day and provide highlights from their proposed plans and budgets. You will also be able the follow links to more detailed descriptions and to see the documents online.

Monday: Community & Protective Services
Tuesday: Planning, Development & Assessment
Wednesday: Transportation
Thursday: Utilities & Environmental Protection
Friday: Corporate Services and Corporate Administration

Community Services & Protective Services (CS&PS)
We work to improve the quality of life for all Calgarians. We have a wide array of services delivered with a large network of partners. Our services include firefighting, emergency response and prevention programs to keep citizens safe. We provide parks and playfields, recreational programs and facilities, and arts and cultural opportunities that make our city attractive with enjoyable leisure time activities.

We look after our most vulnerable citizens by offering assistance for those most in need. Our city is clean and strong through programs such as graffiti removal and support to community groups. Lost pets are returned home through our licensing program.  These services and a whole host of other activities reflect the values of our citizens and help create the communities that Calgarians want to live in.

From programs and services supporting pet owners, to community recreation activities and social programs for seniors, youth, women in need and the homeless, to dispatching emergency responders, the Calgary Fire Department, to parks and recreation facilities and programs, Community & Neighbourhood Services is there for Calgarians.

Some highlights of CS&PS’ 2012-2014 proposed plans and budgets include:

• $10.7 million in productivity gains and efficiencies were identified including:
• $5.4 million from reorganizing and consolidating operational structure
• $800,000 from changes in fleet
• $900,000 in utility savings from facility upgrades
• $2.3 million in reduced administration costs (e.g. materials and supplies, training and business expenses)
• The remaining $1.3 million is being realized through miscellaneous productivity gains and contract agreements
• A budget increase of $8.3 million is required to fund and staff new emergency response stations in Douglas Glen and Seton.
• A budget increase of $1.2 million is required to hire nine full-time staff equivalents for the 9-1-1 call centre to further improve call answering times. 
• Modest user fee increases are being sought for recreational programs and pet licensing.

Visit calgary.ca for more details on CS&PS’ proposed business plans and budgets. Tomorrow’s blog post will provide highlights from The City’s Planning, Development & Assessment department.

Animal & Bylaw Services Launches November Licensing Campaign

The City of Calgary Animal & Bylaw Services is offering incentives during the Nov.14 -30 licensing campaign to encourage pet owners to license their cats and dogs.

“During the campaign, we are offering free six month licences for pets that have never been previously licensed,” said Bill Bruce, Director of The City of Calgary Animal & Bylaw Services. “We are also offering pet owners whose pets’ licences have lapsed, an opportunity to renew the licences now without any late fees or back charges. We will simply prorate the licences for seven to 18 months to get pets back into their correct renewal month.”

These two offers are only available until the end of November by calling 3-1-1 or coming into the Animal Services Centre at 2201 Portland Street S.E. during regular business hours between 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. Monday to Friday and 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.  Due to limitations with technology, these offers are not available through the web site or the third floor cashiers in the Municipal Building.

A pet licence provides peace of mind for pet owners because it helps Animal & Bylaw Services reunite lost cats and dogs with their owners.  Pet licences help keep cats and dogs out of city shelters and get them safely back home where they belong.  A licence is a pet’s ticket home!

Approximately 90 per cent of the dogs and over 50 per cent of the cats residing in Calgary are currently licensed resulting in Calgary having one of the highest return-to-owner rates and lowest pet euthanasia rates in North America.

Under the Responsible Pet Ownership Bylaw, all cats and dogs over three months of age residing in Calgary must be licensed. The yearly fee to license a spayed or neutered cat is $10 and $31 for a dog.  The cost to license an unaltered cat is $30 and $52 for a dog.

“During the licensing campaign, it is business as usual out on the street,” said Bruce.  “This means that if an officer sees an unlicensed cat or dog or if one comes into the shelter, the owner runs the risk of being fined $250 for having an unlicensed pet.  We encourage pet owners to take advantage of these incentives and protect their pets by purchasing a licence.

For more information, please visit calgary.ca/animalservices

More Calgary City News Blog Animals & Pets here.

Calgary's proposed 2012-2014 budget released today

Today, The City of Calgary released our proposed business plans and budgets for 2012 to 2014. Visit calgary.ca/ourfuture and or view these documents online.

The proposed business plans and budgets were developed based on Council’s Fiscal Plan for Calgary and Council’s decision on indicative annual tax rate increases. The proposed plans and budgets also take into consideration input from more than 23,000 participants in the three-month engagement process earlier this year, and other key trends and information.

Next Monday, we’ll kick-off a week-long series on the proposed plans and budgets. We’ll feature a different department each day and provide highlights from their proposed plans and budgets. You will also be able the follow the links to more detailed descriptions and to see the documents online.

The proposed business plans and budgets will be presented to Council for deliberation starting on November 21. Council will approve The City’s programs, services, performance measures and budget allocation for 2012-2014.

The City’s three-year budget reflects values, priorities and needs, and is a tool to deliver services important to everyone, now and in the future.

Related Calgary City News Blog posts:

• Our city our budget our future: Budget discussions are back
• 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

Our city our budget our future: Budget discussions are back

Over the past few months, Administration has worked hard on the proposed business plans and budgets for 2012 to 2014. The proposed business plans and budgets were developed based on Council’s Fiscal Plan for Calgary and Council’s decision on indicative annual tax rate increases, which provided Administration with a preliminary budget envelope to develop the proposed plans and budgets.

On November 9, Council and the public will be able to see Administration’s proposed business plans and budgets for 2012 to 2014. Council’s deliberation will start on November 21.

Interested in how Calgarians’ input is used in the proposed business plans and budgets? Wondering about how Administration is proposing to deliver City services over the next three years? Drop-in to a public information session from November 15-19, or view the plans and budgets online starting November 9.

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

Flags at Half-mast: Remembrance Day, Friday, November 11, 2011

To honour the memory of all Canadians who have served their country in the time of war, The City of Calgary will lower flags on all City buildings/facilities to half-mast on Remembrance Day from sunrise to sunset.

We would like to give hommage to all Canadians and their loved ones who have served and sacrificed so much.

Thank you.

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

Correction: Calgary Transit will be providing Saturday level service on Remembrance Day.

The City of Calgary is adjusting its hours of operation for services and facilities on Remembrance Day, Friday November 11, 2011.

City Administrative Offices

All administrative offices are closed on Remembrance Day, Friday November 11, 2011 and will reopen Monday November 14, 2011.

Calgary Transit

Calgary Transit will provide a Saturday level of service on Remembrance Day, Friday November 11, 2011. Regular service will resume on Saturday, November 12, 2011.

For further information and schedules, please visit www.calgarytransit.com, call Teleride at 403-974-4000, or Calgary Transit Customer Service at 403-262-1000.

Waste & Recycling

Residential collection schedules and pickup at community recycling depots are not affected by Remembrance Day.

Blue and Black cart collection day changes happening in November

Waste and Recycling Services will be implementing some changes to blue and black cart collection during the week of Nov. 14, 2011. Visit calgary.ca/waste to find out if your collection day is changing and why these changes are being made.

Landfills

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

Animal Services Centre

2201 Portland Street S.E.

Remembrance Day, Friday, November 11: Closed

Saturday, November 12: Open 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Sunday, November 13: Open 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Recreation

For more information please visit calgary.ca/recreation

Arenas

On Remembrance Day, Friday November 11, the arenas listed below will be open for free public skating from 1-2:30 p.m.:

-           Ernie Starr

-           Frank McCool

-           Murray Copot

-           Optimist/George Blundun

-           Jimmie Condon

-           Shouldice

-           Henry Viney

-           Stu Peppard

All other arenas will be closed but available for bookings by calling 402-268-3800 in advance.

Visit  www.calgary.ca/arenas  or call 3-1-1 for times and locations.

Athletic Parks

All Athletic Parks are closed on Remembrance Day, Friday, November 11 but available for bookings by calling 402-268-3800 in advance.

City Golf Courses

All golf courses are now closed for the season. 

Southland Leisure Centre

Remembrance Day, Friday, November 11: Facility open from 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Regular admission applies.

Adult shinny hockey: 12 - 1:30 p.m.
Public Skate: 2 – 3:30 p.m.

Village Square Leisure Centre

Remembrance Day, Friday, November 11: Facility open from 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Regular admission applies.

Adult shinny hockey: 12 - 1:30 p.m.
Public Skate: 12:30 - 2 p.m.

Aquatics and Fitness Centres

The following Aquatic & Fitness Centres will be open for free public swimming from 1-2:30 pm and 3-4:30 p.m.:

-           Bob Bahan

-           Canyon Meadows

-           Killarney

-           Renfrew

-           Thornhill

All other Aquatics & Fitness Centres will be closed on Remembrance Day, Friday, November 11.

Art Centres

Wildflower Arts Centre and North Mount Pleasant Arts Centre will be closed to the public on Remembrance Day, Friday, November 11 and will reopen on Monday, November 14, 2011.

City of Calgary Parks

Inglewood Bird Sanctuary 

Inglewood Bird Sanctuary Nature Centre will be closed to the public on Remembrance Day, Friday, November 11.

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
Open 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Heritage Park
Historic Village now closed. Gasoline Alley Museum and Haskayne Mercantile Block open year round.

Deane House
The Deane House will be closed on Remembrance Day, Friday, November 11, 2011.

Calgary Zoo

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

TELUS Spark – The New Science Centre

Open 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. at its new location at 220 St. George’s Drive NE.

A Century of Vision: “Town Planning Week” proclaimed in recognition of Calgary Planning Commission Centennial

Nearly one hundred years ago, on November 13, 1911, City Council established the first Calgary Planning Commission.

Today in Council Chambers, in recognition of the Calgary Planning Commission centennial, Mayor Nenshi proclaimed the week of November 7 to 14, 2011 as “Town Planning Week.”

During a presentation of a scroll containing 267 names of past and current members of the Commission, Mayor Nenshi said, “Council knew then, as we know today, that great cities don’t just happen. They’re planned.

“Over the years, the volunteer members of Calgary Planning Commission have dedicated countless hours of their time to Calgary’s form, function and identity as a great city.”

Accepting the scroll on behalf of the Commission, Chair David Watson said, “Our goal as a community is to plan for, implement and realize Calgary’s vision for a sustainable city and region. It’s all about building a better city and Calgary Planning Commission plays an integral role in helping make sure this happens.”

The centennial scroll will be on display at City Hall all week as part of a “Century of Vision” exhibit.

As a legacy to the next hundred years, The City is also currently working on a series of videos and corresponding teacher resources that are intended to start instilling in kids an appreciation for and understanding of the city planning process.

Commenting on the video legacy initiative, Watson said, “It is hoped that the video legacy initiative will help influence kids – the next generation of citizens – to feel that they have a role to play in realizing Calgary’s vision to be a sustainable city. Citizens play an important role in the way Calgary takes shape and individual choices will impact our ability to realize our vision for the next hundred years.”

The legacy videos and teacher resources will be officially launched during the Calgary City Teachers’ Convention, February 16 & 17, 2012. In the meantime a sneak peak is available on the Century of Vision webpage, calgary.ca/cpc100.

You can also submit your Historic Calgary photos, or look at others, on our Historic City of Calgary Flickr page, flickr.com/groups/historiccalgary.





Over the past century, Calgary has grown from 100 to 850 square kilometres, and during this period it is estimated that Calgary Planning Commission members have dealt with more than 16,000 agenda items. In 2011 dollars, the volunteer time committed by members is estimated to exceed $20 million. Notable past members of CPC include two former Premieres (William Aberhart, Ralph Klein), one Lieutenant Governor (Grant MacEwan) and numerous Mayors, Ministers, MLAs and Aldermen.

Today, members of the Calgary Planning Commission are appointed annually by City Council to make recommendations on planning matters, act as the approving authority on all subdivision matters and to make decisions on large or complex development applications.