City of Calgary set to host New Year's Bash 2012

The City of Calgary, in partnership with Citytv, will host a free, family friendly New Year’s Eve celebration at Olympic Plaza on Saturday, December 31, 2011 from 9:30 p.m. until 12:15 a.m.

The Citytv New Year’s Eve Bash will be broadcast nationwide on Citytv and OMNI. Families can enjoy live performances, interaction with local Citytv personalities, a hockey-themed public art installation, and warming zones. The evening celebration will culminate with fireworks at midnight from the Municipal Plaza.

The event will feature live performances of Canadian country music artist George Canyon, R&B artist Raghav, multi-platinum selling artist Alyssa Reid, and award-winning Canadian band Down With Webster.

“Calgary is proud to host the western Canadian portion of this 27th annual national broadcast and looks forward to this partnership with Citytv that showcases Calgary to the rest of the country and creates an amazing experience for Calgarians,” says Beth Gignac, Manager, Arts & Culture.

Calgary Transit helps create Christmas magic

As it has done in past years, Calgary Transit once again teamed up with The Magic of Christmas on Christmas Eve delivering hope and joy to those less fortunate across the city.

On December 24, Santa Claus and his elves boarded 19 Calgary Transit buses that had been transformed into reindeer sleighs. These special buses were decked out in tinsel complete with special reindeer names, like Rudolph.

The Magic of Christmas delivered toys, clothing, gift cards and food to more than 350 families across Calgary. In addition, Santa made stops at Calgary’s hospitals, care centres and other organizations that assist those in need.

“This year was a challenging year, and we saw the demand for our services increase. On Monday our donations were quite low, but thanks to the generosity of Calgarians, by Christmas Eve the boxes were full to the top,” said Shannon McNaught, President of The Magic of Christmas.

“We help a lot of people in need, but mostly it’s about the spirit of Christmas and knowing that someone cares. Seeing the joy on people’s face when Santa walks through the door is truly magical.”

Of course it would be hard to deliver some of that magic without a sleigh.

“Calgary Transit always steps up in a big way for us with the donation of the buses and the volunteer drivers. This year we had over thirty five routes and a number of “hot shots” (that delivered some special gifts to homes) all driven by volunteer Calgary Transit drivers. We also had amazing transit volunteers who planned the routes and coordinated all the buses through the city to make sure every delivery is made and made safely. They are an amazing partner for us,” said McNaught.

“We are pleased to assist this worthy organization in getting Santa and his Elves to where they need to be every Christmas Eve,” added Calgary Transit spokesman Ron Collins. “For many of our staff, this is their Christmas.”

McNaught said the organization’s success is largely due to the number of sponsors and supporters who continue to be part of the magic year after year. “It is the generosity and support from Calgarians for organizations like The Magic of Christmas that truly make this city a great place to live. Thank you Calgary and see you next year.”

City adds 66 sites to heritage inventory in 2011

Heritage preservation has continued to grow, with The City of Calgary adding 66 new sites to its Inventory of Evaluated Historic Resources in 2011, bringing the total number of Evaluated Historic Resources to 680 across Calgary.

“With the support of the Calgary Heritage Strategy from Council, we’ve been able to increase our inventory by 20 per cent over the past two years,” said Clint Robertson, Heritage Planner with Land Use Planning & Policy.   

“This past year’s work has focussed on identifying sites that were built between 1945 and 1975.  We’ve been able to do work in many of the mid-Twentieth century communities that have played a significant role in Calgary’s development history, but don’t always get recognized for the unique buildings that contribute to their communities’ character.”

Increased attendance and support for events like the Heritage Roundtables and Heritage Matters over the past year demonstrate that more and more Calgarians are valuing the role that heritage preservation and celebration plays in building a great city, as well as having complete communities.

  

Some of the unique sites added to the Inventory of Evaluated Historic Resources in 2011, include:

• Mayland Heights Safeway (1963):  817 - 19 Street N.W.
• Trend House  (1953): 730  - 47 Avenue S.W.
• Olympic Saddledome (1983)
• Diamond Residence (Brinkhous Jewellers) (1912):  823 - 6 Avenue S.W.
• Davis Residence  (Hop n’Brew Pub) (1905):  213 - 12 Avenue S.W.
• Louise - Hillhurst Bridge (1921)
• 26 Boulevards / Medians  with historic  trees / plantings (1910s – 1940s)

Calgary’s Municipal Development Plan (MDP), the long term vision for how Calgary will grow over the next 60 years, supports historic preservation as part of good city building and community identity. Heritage aspects of communities help to build a sense of identity and pride in communities.

Preparing for high winds

***The wind warning for The City of Calgary has ended.


Environment Canada is telling Calgarians to expect 90 kilometre per hour winds today.

The Calgary Fire Department asks Calgarians to prepare for the inclement weather by walking around the exterior of their homes and businesses and securing or bringing inside loose items.

In November, untethered items and debris caused interruptions to travel and posed danger to Calgarians.

Tying-down barbecues to balconies and disconnecting natural gas attachments is a must, especially for people living in a high-level apartment or condo.

Please only call 9-1-1 in-case of emergency. If a tree is downed or shingles come loose, please do not activate the 9-1-1 system unless the problem poses a danger to people's life or property.

Calgarians can use the 3-1-1 system for non-emergency issues during a wind storm.

Thank you and remember, safety first!

Skate in Downtown’s Winter Wonderland - Prince’s Island Park

Calgarians can experience the tranquil beauty of Prince’s Island Park with an outdoor skate. Bring the family and glide on the lagoon and create cherished, holiday memories that will last forever. Prince’s Island Park’s  rink is open daily for skating between 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Other outdoor skating opportunities offered by the City of Calgary can be found at Olympic Plaza (228 Eighth Ave S.E.), Bowness Park (48 St N.W.), Prairie Winds Park (223 Castleridge Blvd N.E.) and Big Marlborough Park (6033 Madigan Dr N.E.). All outdoor skating is weather dependent. To get up-to-date schedules and details on outdoor skating, please call 3-1-1 or visit www.calgary.ca/parks.

The City of Calgary Recreation also offers public skating at a variety of indoor arenas. For times and locations of indoor public skating, please call 3-1-1 or visit www.calgary.ca/arenas.

To ensure the safety of skaters, hockey sticks, pucks, sleds and strollers are not allowed on the ice and helmets are recommended.

To see how the ice rink is made, please click here.

The Making of Prince’s Island Park Ice Rink

On a chilly morning in mid-November the excitement, camaraderie and sheer delight of the team installing the Aqua Dam at Prince’s Island Park was a gleeful one. The installation of the Aqua Dam was the first step in creating the sparkling, smooth, skating surface of the Bow River. Citizens had inquired about a rink at Prince’s Island Park for many years and the Park’s staff tried numerous different ways to build a rink for citizens to enjoy. One year, a natural spring popped up in the middle of the rink and ruined the skating surface - this just made the Parks’ team even more determined.

In 2010, ice rink success was found with a pilot rink that included the installation of an Aqua Dam. The Aqua Dam contains upstream water preventing it from causing breaks in the ice.

“Seeing positive response from citizens at the rink here last year really motivated our staff to make it happen again this year,” says Geraldine Henwood, Parks District Supervisor. “Parks operations staff on the island really wanted to make this happen, so over the past few weeks they’ve gone the extra mile to get the skating pond ready in terms of tackling some challenges and rearranging their schedules and other duties,” she said.
The Prince’s Island skating pond has truly become a labour of love for the Parks’ staff. This year, the staff as moved the location of the Aqua Dam to create an ice skating surface twice as large as last year. Parks staff can be found flooding the rink surface at 5 a.m. and checking ice thickness by drilling into it daily ensuring the safety of its skaters.

“It is rewarding to see families skating on the rink and having fun. We’re creating an accessible, winter wonderland in downtown Calgary for everyone to enjoy,” said Mike Gray, Foreman.

Outdoor skating is always weather dependant.  Prince’s Island Lagoon skating is anticipated to be open for Christmas. Check calgary.ca and search “outdoor skating” for up-to-date outdoor skating locations and times.

Submitted by Carissa Vescio.

Give Mother Nature a gift. Recycle your real Christmas tree.

Calgarians recycled 36,000 Christmas trees last year. That's a 20 per cent increase in the Christmas tree recycling program since the introduction of residential pick up just two years ago.

This year, you have the option to recycle your real Christmas tree using the pick-up or drop-off services explained below. When preparing your tree, remember the following:

• Remove all ornaments, tinsel and the tree stand. 
• Do not bag or wrap your tree (including recycling tree bags).

Pick-up
The City will once again pick up Christmas trees from households with City residential garbage collection. What to do: Place your tree on the ground near your black cart collection spot by 7 a.m. on Monday Jan. 9, 2012. It will be picked up within two weeks.

Drop-off
The City will also have eight temporary drop-off depots for trees. These depots will be open Dec. 26, 2011 to Jan. 22, 2012. View a map of drop-off locations.

Drop-off locations
Fire Hall #15 - 6328 35th Ave. N.W.
Prairie Winds Park - 223 Castleridge Blvd. N.E.
Bottomlands Park - St. George's Drive and Seventh Ave. N.E.
South Calgary Community Association - 3130 16th St. S.W.
Parks Compound - 10312 Sacremento Dr. S.W.
Spyhill Landfill - 69th Street and 112 Avenue N.W.
East Calgary Landfill - 17th Avenue and 68th Street S.E.
Shepard Landfill - 114th Avenue and 68th Street S.E.

For more information, see the landfill hours of operation, or the Christmas tree recycling program frequently asked questions page on calgary.ca.

Merry Christmas Calgary!

Here's to a safe and fun-filled holiday with loved ones. 

Give Mother Nature a gift this year - recycle your Christmas tree

Though we’re just days away from Christmas, don’t forget to add Mother Nature to your gift list. After the holidays, make her happy by recycling your real Christmas tree.

The City of Calgary reminds residents that the annual Christmas Tree Recycling program is just around the corner. In January, crews will pick up Christmas trees from homes that receive City residential black cart garbage collection.

Waste Diversion Specialist, Philippa Wagner says providing residential pick up after the holidays results in more trees getting recycled. “In the two years since we started collecting trees from households that receive black cart garbage collection, we have seen a 20 per cent increase in the number of trees recycled. Last year, 36,000 trees were kept out of the landfill.”

This year, residents must have their tree on the ground near their black cart collection spot by 7 a.m. on Monday, January 9th, making sure the tree is not blocking the street, lane or sidewalk. Leave the tree out and it will be picked up within two weeks. Trees put out after that time may be collected as garbage after the program ends.

Wagner reminds Calgarians that there is another option to recycle Christmas trees. “Calgarians without City residential garbage collection or those who can’t get their tree ready for pick up by January 9th can still recycle their tree. We will have a network of eight temporary depots in place, including the three landfills, where Calgarians can drop off their trees between December 26th and January 22nd.”

The Christmas Tree Recycling program is for real trees only. All ornaments, lights, tinsel and tree stands should be removed and trees should not be wrapped or bagged before being put out for collection or taken to a depot. Also, Calgarians are reminded that trees, real or artificial, should never be placed in blue carts.

Trees collected in the Christmas Tree Recycling program are mulched and used in City green spaces. By participating in the Christmas Tree Recycling program, residents will help keep garbage collection crews on schedule during peak volumes of seasonal waste, reduce greenhouse gas, decrease our dependency on the landfills and recycle a natural resource.

For more information on the program or to find a temporary seasonal drop-off depot near you, visit Calgary.ca/recycling or call 3-1-1.

Snow route parking ban adjustments information

Calgary’s first snow event resulting in a Snow Route parking ban was declared on December 4, 2011. Following that event, we reviewed citizen feedback, data collected by the Calgary Parking Authority related to parking ban compliance, and Roads’ operational needs to determine how the Snow Route program could be improved.

The review has resulted in minor adjustment to Snow Routes in the following areas:

• Bankview
• Elboya
• Hillhurst
• Renfrew
• Lake Bonavista

Parking restrictions on specific Snow Routes in these areas were reassessed based on a number of factors including limited parking alternatives, citizen feedback, input from the Calgary Parking Authority and discussions with area aldermen and community associations.

Detailed Snow Route adjustments
Elboya 
The following Snow Routes have been removed in Elboya:

• Stanley Road from 46 Avenue S.W. to 49 Avenue S.W.
• 46 Avenue S.W. from 4 Street S.W. to Stanley Road
• 4 Street S.W. from 46 Avenue S.W. to 45 Avenue S.W.

Hillhurst
The following Snow Routes have been removed in Hillhurst:

• Broadview Road from 19 Street N.W. to 17 Street N.W.
• 17 Street N.W. from Broadview Road to Kensington Road N.W.

Renfrew
The following Snow Routes have been removed in Renfrew:

• 9 Street N.E. from 8 Avenue N.E. to 7 Avenue N.E.
• Drury Avenue from 10 Street N.E. to 5 Avenue N.E.

Bankview
The following Snow Routes have been removed in Bankview:

• 18A Street S.W. from 17 Avenue S.W.  to 19 Avenue S.W.
• 18 Street S.W. from 17 Avenue S.W. to 19 Avenue S.W.
• 19 Avenue S.W. from 19 Street S.W. to 17A Street S.W.
• 19 Street S.W. from 19 Avenue S.W. to 21 Avenue S.W.
• 21 Avenue S.W. from 19 Street S.W. to 17A Street S.W. (west leg)
• 21 Avenue S.W. from 17A Street S.W.(east leg) to 16 Street S.W.
• 21 Avenue S.W. from 14A Street S.W. to 14 Street S.W.
• 14A Street S.W. from 17 Avenue S.W.  to 21 Avenue S.W.
• 16A Street S.W. from 17 Avenue S.W.  to 23 Avenue S.W.
• 17 Street S.W. from 19 Avenue S.W. to 23 Avenue S.W.
• 19 Avenue S.W. from 17 Street S.W. to 16A Street S.W.
• 17B Street S.W. from 21 Street S.W. to 23 Street S.W.
• 16 Street S.W. from 22 Avenue S.W. to 23 Avenue S.W.
• 16 Street S.W. from 23 Avenue S.W. to 25 Avenue S.W 
• 14A Street S.W. from 22 Avenue S.W. to 26 Avenue S.W.
• 24 Avenue S.W. from 16 Street S.W. to 15A Street S.W.
• 15A Street S.W. from 24 Street S.W. to 25 Street S.W.
• 25 Avenue S.W. from 17A Street S.W. to16B Street S.W.
• 15A Street S.W. from 25 Avenue S.W. to 26 Avenue S.W.

Lake Bonavista

• Lake Fraser Drive from the cul-de-sac on the north end of the road to the first on/off ramp to northbound Macleod Trail (by Lake Willow Rd) 

Visit Calgary.ca/snow for a complete listing of adjusted Snow Routes.

Related Blog Calgary City News Blog Posts:

• Calgary Snow and Ice Control Changes
• Calgary Snow Route parking bans – How they work

Naughty and nice recycling tips for the holiday season

Even if you’ve been a good recycler all year long, holiday decorations and gift wrap can leave some people wondering what goes in and what stays out of their blue cart.  To make sure your recycling doesn’t end up on Santa’s naughty list, The City offers this “naughty and nice” list of recyclable holiday materials.

Nice (acceptable in blue carts and community recycling depots)

• Gift wrap (paper only)
• Tissue paper
• Cardboard boxes including gift boxes , shoe boxes and shipping boxes
• Gift bags (remove the handles) 
• Holiday cards/envelopes
• Bubble wrap

Don’t forget to toss in all the regular recyclables including paper and cardboard, plastic jugs and food containers, metal food cans and foil, and glass jars.

Naughty (not acceptable in blue carts or community recycling depots)

• Foil or metallic coated wrapping paper - consider reusing
• Ribbon and bows - consider reusing
• Styrofoam™ - put this in your garbage, even if it has the recycling symbol #6
• Strings of old Christmas lights and bulbs
• Christmas tree ornaments and tinsel - consider reusing or put in your garbage
• Electronics - drop them off at an electronics recycling depot
• Molded plastic packaging that toys and electronics come in cannot be recycled. Separate any cardboard for recycling; plastic packaging without a number goes into the garbage.

Residents are reminded to crumple their wrapping paper into balls and put all of the recyclables loose into the blue cart or community recycling depot, not bagged in a garbage bag.  The only items that should be bagged are shredded paper and plastic bags.

“Calgarians do a great job recycling; in fact approximately 90 per cent of the materials that are put in blue carts and community depots are acceptable.  It’s important that we keep it up,” says Paula Magdich, Program Development Leader.  She adds that recycling increases 11 per cent over the holiday season.

Options for excess recycling
To make some extra room in the blue cart, consider flattening cardboard boxes, or saving some recyclables for the next week’s collection.  Calgarians can also bring their recycling to a community recycling depot in their area.

Recycle your real Christmas tree
The City will be collecting real Christmas trees for mulching.  It’s easy, convenient and saves space in the landfill.  Remove the tinsel, decorations, garland, lights and tree stands and place it on the ground near your black cart collection spot on January 9 and leave it for pick-up, which will take place within two weeks.  You can also drop off your Christmas tree at one of eight temporary drop-off depots.  These depots will be open from Dec. 26, 2011 to January 22, 2012.
Recycling programs continue to be successful

Nearly three years after the Blue Cart program was rolled out, The City recycles nearly 70,000 tonnes of materials every year from blue carts and community recycling depots.  This is an increase of 70 per cent since 2009.  By recycling the right materials, we prevent injuries to workers and reduce the number of shutdowns on the recycling sorting lines and ensure valuable resources don’t enter the landfills.

For more clever tips on holiday recycling options visit calgary.ca/recycling or call 3-1-1.

Festive feline seniors looking for forever homes

Now Mavis, now Martha, now Lorelle and Trixie!  

On Wanda, on Fidget, on Icicle and Blackie!  

To the top of the porch! to the top of the wall!

Now dash away! Dash away! Dash away all!

~ Santa Claus                

This week, Animal & Bylaw Services is featuring a set of festive felines who are all senior cats (at least seven years old).

There are benefits to adopting a cat with a few years under her belt. A senior cat's personality has already developed, so you'll know if he or she is a good fit for your family - and there's a very good chance she already knows basic household etiquette. In particular, senior cats are usually litter trained and content to just relax in good, human company, unlike younger cats, who may get into mischief because they're bored.

Visit calgary.ca/animalservices If you would like to adopt a senior cat, or any of the other adoptable cats and dogs, call 3-1-1 or visit the Animal Services Centre located at 2201 Portland Street S.E. during regular business hours.

More Calgary City News Blog Animals & Pets here

Volunteers needed for Hockey in Calgary January 1

If you'd like to kick-off 2012 with some hockey and volunteerism - this is your lucky day.

Recreation is looking for volunteers to support activities planned for Hockey in Calgary at Olympic Plaza and Municipal Plaza on January 1, 2012.

The event is scheduled from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The City of Calgary is looking for people to lend a helping hand from  10 a.m. until 3.p.m.

Positions include indoor and outdoor locations as Ball Hockey monitors, burn barrel monitors, information booth attendees, ice rink monitors at Olympic Plaza and roving support in the Atrium where the Hockey Hall of Fame and Hockey art will be on display.

Volunteers will be asked to attend a short orientation session on Dec 28th, 2011 at City Hall. Volunteers will receive a souvenir headband, mittens and  scarf along with food and beverages.

Those interested can email Samantha.yonev@Calgary.ca or Fran.Anderson-Dolan@Calgary.ca Please visit calgary.ca for more information.

Related Calgary City News Blog posts:

• 100 Years of Recreation Kicks Off with Hockey in Calgary

City of Calgary Hours of Operation for December 2011 and January 2012 Holidays

The City of Calgary is adjusting its hours of operation for the 2011/2012 holiday season.

City Administrative Offices
All administrative offices will close at 12 p.m. on Friday, December 23, 2011 and will be closed on Christmas Day, Sunday, December 25, 2011 Boxing Day, Monday, December 26, 2011 and New Year’s Day, Sunday, January 1, 2012.

Calgary Transit
Calgary Transit will provide a Saturday level of service on Christmas Eve, Saturday, December 24, 2011.

Calgary Transit is offering free reduced service on Christmas Day, Sunday, December 25, 2011. Visit calgarytransit.com for details.

On Boxing Day, Monday, December 26, 2011 Calgary Transit will operate on a Sunday level of service.

On New Year’s Eve, Saturday, December 31, 2011 Calgary Transit will provide a Saturday level of service which will be free after 6 p.m.

On New Year’s Day, Sunday, January 1, 2012, Calgary Transit will provide a Sunday level of service.

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

Waste & Recycling 
Residential Garbage Collection
Residential collection schedules are not affected by Christmas Day, Boxing Day or New Year’s Day.

Community Recycling Depots
Community recycling depots will not receive collection service on Christmas Day, Sunday, December 25, 2011 or New Year’s Day, Sunday, January 1, 2012.

Landfills
Friday, December 23, 2011: All landfills will be open 7:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Sunday, December 25, 2011: All landfills will be closed.
Monday, December 26, 2011: All landfills open 7:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Sunday, January 1, 2012: All landfills will be closed

Christmas Tree Recycling
The City will pick up Christmas trees from Calgary households that currently receive City residential garbage collection. Trees must be out by 7 a.m. on Monday, January 9, 2012. Place your tree where you would put your garbage. It will be picked up within two weeks.

The City will also operate eight temporary drop-off depots from December 26 to January 22, 2012:

• Fire Hall #15 – 6328 35th Ave. N.W.
• Prairie Winds Park – 223 Castleridge Blvd. N.E. 
• Bottomlands Park – St. Georges Drive and Seventh Ave. N.E.
• South Calgary Community Association – 3130 16th St. S.W.
• Parks Compound – 10312 Sacramento Dr. S.W.
• Spyhill Landfill – 69th St. and 112th Ave. N.W.
• East Calgary Landfill – 17th Ave. and 68th St. S.E.
• Shepard Landfill – 114th Ave. and 68th St. S.E.

All landfills will be closed on New Year’s Day, Sunday, January 2, 2012.

Animal Services Centre
2201 Portland Street S.E.
Friday, December 23, 2011: Open 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Saturday, December 24, 2011: Open 8 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Christmas Day, Sunday, December 25, 2011:  Closed
Boxing Day, Monday, December 26, 2011:  Closed
Tuesday, December 27 – Friday, December 30:  Open 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.
New Year’s Eve, Saturday, December 31, 2011: Open 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
New Year’s Day, Sunday, January 1, 2012:  Closed
Monday, January 2, 2012: Open 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.

Planning, Development & Assessment
Development & Building Approval Counter
3rd Floor, Municipal Building, 800 Macleod Trail SE
Friday, December 23, 2011: Open 8 a.m. - 12 p.m.
December 24 - 26, 2011: Closed
December 27 – 30, 2011: Counter open 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
December 31, 2011 – January 1, 2012: Closed
Monday, January 2, 2012: Counter open 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Development Site Servicing Counter
5th Floor, Municipal Building, 800 Macleod Trail SE
Friday, December 23, 2011: Open 8 a.m. - 12 p.m.
December 24 - 26, 2011: Closed
December 27 – 30, 2011: Counter open 8 a.m. - 12 p.m. and 1 - 4 p.m.
December 31, 2011 – January 1, 2012: Closed
Monday, January 2, 2012: Counter open 8 a.m. - 12 p.m. and 1 – 4 p.m.

Recreation
For more information please visit calgary.ca/recreation 

Arenas 
Saturday, December 24, 2011: All arenas will close at 12:00 p.m.
Sunday, December 25, 2011: All arenas are closed
Monday, December 26, 2011: Free public skating at the following arenas:

• Ernie Starr
• Frank McCool
• Henry Viney
• Jimmie Condon
• Murray Copot
• Optimist/George Blundun
• Shouldice
• Stu Peppard

December 27 to 30, 2011: Regular arena scheduling in effect, visit  calgary.ca/arenas  for times.

New Year’s Eve, Saturday, December 31, 2011: All arenas will close at 4:00 pm.
New Year’s Day, Sunday, January 1, 2012: All arenas are closed

Visit calgary.ca/arenas or call 3-1-1 for additional information on arena hours and locations.

Athletic Parks
All Athletic Parks are closed for the season and will re-open April, 2012.

Southland Leisure Centre
Saturday, December 24, 2011: Facility open from 11:00 a.m. – 2 p.m. Adult shinny Hockey from 12:00 – 1:30 p.m. Public skating: 12:30 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. Regular admission applies.
Sunday, December 25, 2011: Closed
Monday, December 26, 2011: Closed
Saturday, December 31, 2011: Facility open 7:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. Public skate from 12:00 – 1:30 p.m. – regular admission rates apply.
Sunday, January 1, 2012: Facility open 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. Adult shinny hockey runs from 12 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. and Parent and child shinny runs from 12:30 to 2:00 p.m.
Public skate from 2 – 3:30 p.m – Free public skate and shinny hockey in celebration of Recreation’s Centennial.

Village Square Leisure Centre
Saturday, December 24, 2011: Facility open from 8:00 a.m. – 12 p.m., Toonie swim special.
Sunday, December 25, 2011: Closed
Monday, December 26, 2011: Closed
Saturday, December 31, 2011: Facility open 8:00 a.m. – 4 p.m.  Public skating 2 – 3:30 p.m.
Sunday, January 1, 2012: Facility open 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. Shinny hockey 12 – 1:30 p.m. Public skate from 12:30 – 2:00 p.m. Free public skate and shinny hockey in celebration of Recreation’s Centennial.

Aquatics and Fitness Centres
All Aquatics & Fitness Centres will be closed on Christmas Day, Sunday, December 25, Boxing Day, Monday, December 26 and New Year’s Day, Sunday, January 1, 2012. Visit calgary.ca/pools for specific Aquatic & Fitness Centre hours of operation.

Art Centres
Wildflower Arts Centre 
Closed from Thursday, December 22, 2011 through Monday, January 2, 2012. The Centre will re-open on Tuesday, January 3, 2012 at 8:30 a.m.

North Mount Pleasant Arts Centre
Closed from Saturday, December 17, 2011 through Sunday, January 1, 2012. The Centre will re-open on Monday, January 2, 2011 at 9:00 a.m.

City of Calgary Parks
Inglewood Bird Sanctuary Nature Centre
Saturday, December 24, 2011: Open 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Christmas Day, Sunday, December 25, 2011: Closed
Boxing Day, Monday, December 26, 2011: Closed
December 27 – 31, 2011: Open 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
New Year’s Day, Sunday, January 1, 2012: Closed

Inglewood Bird Sanctuary Trails
Open from sunrise to sunset.

Natural Environment Parks 
Trails open from sunrise to sunset

Devonian Gardens
Closed for renovations

Other Facilities
Fort Calgary
December 24 - 26, 2011: Closed
December 27 – 30, 2011: Open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
December 31 – January 1, 2012: Closed

Heritage Park 
Historic Village now closed.
All other attractions open until 3 p.m. on December 24 and December 31, 2011 (with the exception of Selkirk Grille on December 31).
All attractions closed December 25 and 26, 2011 as well as January 1, 2012.

Deane House 
The Deane House will be closed from Saturday, December 24, 2011 through Friday, January 6, 2012.

Calgary Zoo 
Open 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. daily.
Closed Christmas Day, Sunday, December 25, 2011.

TELUS World of Science
Saturday, December 24: Open 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Sunday, December 25, 2011: Closed
Monday, December 26: Open 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
December 27 & 28: Open 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
December 29: Open 9:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.
December 30: Open 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
December 31: Open 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
January 1 – 7: Open 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

'Tis the Season: Late Night Ride Home Stands

'Tis the Season for celebrating, which means it may also be the season to walk, hop on a bus or take a taxi home. The City of Calgary would like to remind all holiday revelers of the Late Night Ride Home Stands located throughout our Centre City.

Late Night Ride Home Stands are designated areas where taxis can line-up and wait for customers. Twelve of them are installed in Calgary's Centre City. They operate every Thursday, Friday and Saturday night between the hours of 10 p.m. and 3 a.m. Conveniently located near restaurants, theatres and bars, the goal is to ensure Calgarians can come and go from our Centre City safely.

Related Calgary City News blog posts:

• A Holiday Reminder: Calgary’s Late Night Ride Home Stands

Engage Your Classroom - Showcase School Deadline is December 20!

Students at St. Bridged school - leaders in energy conservation.

With a positive attitude and a little mental elbow grease, the Saint Brigid school students are putting environmental stewardship at the forefront of their education.

This past year at the Mayor’s Environment Expo, students from grades four to nine adopted a project titled, How Can We Positively Impact Our Community?, focusing on energy conservation and alternative energy sources.

“We want our students to be critical thinkers, life-long learners and global citizens,” said their instructor Peggy Wong. “Students (especially in elementary) hear the news, or read the paper and sometimes get scared . . . I wanted them to see that their actions can make a difference. I want them to see that stewardship of our earth is up to all of us.”

Leading the ecological charge is 40, grade five and six students who are members of the student-driven, environment club, The Greenators.

Using energy conservation as their focal point, they have been encouraging fellow students to turn off lights in vacant classrooms as well as investigating phantom power, electrical appliance usage and low-energy light bulbs.

Other environmentally friendly campaigns include litter-less lunches, reducing paper usage, and spreading the message to younger students through skits, posters and announcements.

“The students are enthusiastic about the projects and enjoy speaking to others about their learning,” said Wong.

Saint Brigid was a 2011 Showcase School for Calgary’s Mayor’s Environment Expo – and The City of Calgary is inviting teachers to showcase their school at the 2012 Mayor’s Environment Expo in June.

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

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

Register your school today and celebrate environmental stewardship!  Deadline application is December 20, 2011. Go to calgary.ca/mee

Related Calgary City News blog posts

• Showcase Your School at The Mayor's Environment Expo
• 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

Calgary Awards: Your chance to nominate a deserving individual, organization or business

The City is encouraging Calgarians to recognize fellow citizens for their contributions in making Calgary a dynamic, progressive and compassionate city by nominating them for a Calgary Award. The awards are a City of Calgary initiative that has been recognizing exceptional citizens since 1994.

The deadline to nominate a colleague, community leader or neighbour is Friday, March 2, 2012.

Calgary Awards is one of the largest citizen recognition programs in our city. With 17 awards in five major categories, The City proudly celebrates the difference Calgarians make. The major five categories include the following.

The Community Achievement Awards recognize outstanding contributions and achievements in community life including arts, commerce, education and heritage. This category also includes the Grant MacEwan Lifetime Achievement, Citizen of the Year, and Community Advocate for both an individual and organization.

The Environmental Achievement Awards recognize efforts to protect and promote the city’s natural environment. Awards include Blue Skies, Corporate, Educational Institution, Individual Achievement and Not-for-Profit Organization.

The Signature Award recognizes activities gaining international acclaim and bringing significant recognition to Calgary.

Award for Accessibility is awarded for a building or facility that exceeds the minimum requirements of Section 3.8 “Barrier-Free Design” of the Alberta Code for accessibility by persons with disabilities.

The City of Calgary W.O. Mitchell Book Prize is named in honour of Calgary writer W. O. Mitchell, recognize literary achievements by Calgary authors. The deadline for the book prize is Dec. 31, 2011.

Additional information, nomination criteria and the online application form can be found at calgary.ca.

Related Calgary City News News blog posts:

• Winners announced for 2010 Calgary Awards
• Winners announced for 2009 Calgary Awards

Olympic Plaza set to host festivities all month long

Preparations at Olympic Plaza are under way in advance of a month's worth of family activities in December and January with public skating, New Year’s Eve celebrations and a special New Year’s Day hockey event.

Citytv New Year’s Eve Bash
The City of Calgary, in partnership with Citytv, will host a free, family friendly New Year’s Eve celebration at Olympic Plaza. The fun starts at 9:30 pm on Saturday, December 31, 2011 and ends at 12:15 a.m.

Citytv will nationally broadcast the event showcasing  live performances of Canadian country music artist George Canyon, R&B artist Raghav, multi-platinum selling artist Alyssa Reid, and award-winning Canadian band Down With Webster. The evening will culminate with fireworks at midnight from the Municipal Plaza.

“Calgary is proud to host the western Canadian portion of this 27th annual national broadcast and looks forward to this partnership with Citytv that showcases Calgary to the rest of the country and creates an amazing experience for Calgarians,” says Beth Gignac, Manager, Arts & Culture.

Hockey in Calgary
Hockey in Calgary is a free, family friendly New Year’s Day celebration being held on Sunday, January 1, 2012 at the Municipal Building and Olympic Plaza.

The day kicks off at 11:00 a.m. with entertainment and public skating, hockey demonstrations, Hockey Hall of Fame memorabilia, hockey-themed art, and a ball hockey mania event with Hockey Canada alumni. A public outdoor ceremony will take place on the Olympic Plaza entertainment stage at 12:00 p.m.

 “It’s the perfect start to a year-long celebration of Recreation’s centennial,” says Teresa Byrne, Project Manager, Recreation. “We’re planning a full year of events and activities that will highlight 12 monthly themes – starting with hockey and skating in January.”

Hockey in Calgary is being offered by The City in recognition of REC 100, and in partnership with Hockey Calgary and the 2012 IIHF World Junior Championship.

Public Ice Skating

Bring the family and skate under the stars at the Olympic Plaza outdoor ice rink, the only outdoor refrigerated ice surface in Calgary. The City of Calgary’s other outdoor ice rinks include Big Marlborough Park, Bowness Park Lagoon, Prairie Winds Park, and Prince’s Island Lagoon.

“Maintaining the outdoor ice rinks is a labour of love for the Parks’ staff. They are often out at 5:00 a.m. flooding rinks around the city to ensure smooth rink surfaces for the kids and community members who skate on them,” says Geraldine Henwood, Parks District Supervisor. “It’s nice to see families and friends skating on the rinks and having fun. That’s what gets us up and out of bed on a cold, early morning.”

Public skating in Olympic Plaza will be impacted to allow for the set-up and take-down of New Year’s events.  A complete listing of City ice skating rinks available over the holiday season is available on calgary.ca, With the exception of Olympic Plaza all outdoor rinks are weather dependant and are tentatively scheduled to open in late December.

New pedestrian bridge improves mobility for Calgarians on the city’s west side.

A new pedestrian bridge designed to improve safety and access for pedestrians and cyclists has opened over Bow Trail.

The 24 Street S.W. bridge replaces an old structure that was removed to facilitate West LRT construction. It is much wider than the old structure and offers more accessible pathway approaches with gradual inclines and curved ramps.

“The Contractor gave a real push to open this bridge for use through the winter and they did it,” said Darrell Norton, West LRT project director. “This fall has seen great progress on the project and sets us up for a productive 2012 construction season.”

The new pedestrian bridge spans all six lanes of Bow Trail and the LRT route, providing better access to bus stops on Bow Trail and connecting communities to the Bow River pathway system. Cyclists and pedestrians can access the bridge from the north side on 24 Street S.W. and on the south side from 25A Street S.W.

“The Calgary Transportation Plan identifies safe, barrier free access for pedestrians and cyclists to transit service and community amenities as key within its walking and cycling policy,” says Blanka Bracic, City of Calgary Transportation Engineer. “The new 24 Street pedestrian overpass provides cyclists and pedestrians a connection across Bow Trail near the new LRT Station, helping to make sustainable transportation the preferred choice for more people.”

The pedestrian bridge design meets Calgary’s regional pathway system standards. The approaching pathways were realigned to improve pedestrian and cyclist connections between communities.

The bridge’s off-set ellipsis design mirrors the West LRT station canopies, which are inspired by the Chinook arch and snow drifts, regular features of Calgary’s landscape.

Paving along the north pathway and permanent railing installation will be completed in spring 2012, as weather permits.

For more information, please visit westlrt.ca

Related Calgary City News News blog posts:

• West LRT Tunnel - How it's made
• West LRT shifts approach on major infrastructure projects
• West LRT's giant yellow launching truss to be disassembled
• Calgary West LRT Launching Truss Time-lapse
• Time lapse removal of the Bow Trail pedestrian bridge
• West LRT elevated guideway construction begins
• West LRT project moves forward
• West LRT to go underground

Bike Share - Innovative Urban Mobility

Montreal, Bixi bike share system

Calgarians have expressed a need for more transportation options and an increased focus on sustainability, health and the environment. A September 2010 independent telephone survey told us that Calgarians want to cycle:

• 19% of Calgarians said they already ride at least once a week, and 
• 59% said they would like to cycle more often.

As a result, City Council requested a comprehensive Cycling Strategy to branch off of the 2009 Calgary Transportation Plan. The development of the Cycling Strategy prompted a number of initiatives to be investigated, one of which seems to be a current hot topic with Calgarians: the bike share program.

Golden Community Bike Share, BC

"A bike share program would satisfy the goals of the Council approved cycling strategy by providing more cycling opportunities to more Calgarians, placing our city amongst the ranks of other forward-acting cities interested in sustainable transportation.", says Azim Jivraj, Manager of Transportation Solutions at The City of Calgary.

This past summer, during City Council’s review of the Calgary Cycling Strategy and Pathway Safety Review, Council requested that Administration prepare a business case analysis of a potential Bike Share program. The direction was to come back in December with a report on costs, potential sources of revenue, financial and non-financial benefits, and experiences of other municipalities with similar programs.

Alta Planning and Design, a recognized expert in the field of bike share program design, planning and implementation was selected to prepare a feasibility study and a report detailing a number of bike share business models and funding strategies based on existing systems from around the world.

How might this bike share model work?

Decobike, Miami Beach

Bike share systems consist of a fleet of bicycles provided at a network of stations located throughout a city. Bicycles are available on demand, providing fast and easy access for short trips, transit-linked trips, and tourist trips.

Stations are placed an average of 300 to 400 metres apart, providing access to a bike within a short walk of anywhere in the city's central core and a variety of places to return a bike. Stations are placed at key transit stops, visitor attractions, civic facilities, tourist accommodations, neighbourhood and commercial centres, and higher density housing and employment nodes.

How much will it cost?

Capital and launch cost: $2,400,000
Annual operating: $1,100,000
Revenues: User fee, sponsorship, and/or advertising, depending on the business model chosen

Cost estimates have been prepared based on experience in other cities, and include the purchase of  equipment, launch of the system, operation and maintenance of the system, marketing, and customer support.

What are the next steps? 

The proposed next steps towards implementing a bike share system in the Calgary Centre City include:

1. That the Committee receive the report for information
2. That Administration be directed to return to the Committee by June 2012 with a business model and funding strategy

Over 300 other cities worldwide are investing in bike sharing as a relatively inexpensive and quickly implemented urban transportation option.

Calgary Snow and Ice Control Changes

This winter has seen a significant and fundamental change to Calgary’s plowing operations through the Snow Route parking bans. The City is committed to reviewing the new processes and addressing concerns and feedback as the season progresses.

The first Snow Event that resulted in Snow Route parking bans occurred on December 4, 2011.  As promised, The City has listened to citizen feedback and concerns and combined that feedback with data collected from maintenance operations and the Calgary Parking Authority to determine areas where the Snow Route program could be improved.

You can expect to see the following actions taken:

Increased signage

• Additional signage will be added to areas with overnight Snow Route parking bans in BRZ areas. 
• Snow Route signage located in areas with “grid” road patterns will receive increased signage.  
• Snow Route signage in all other areas will be reviewed on a request basis from feedback received from citizens as well as internal reviews to determine if extra signage is required.

“Hot-spot” area reviews

• Seven Snow Route “hot-spots” were identified as areas that require initial review. These areas were identified based on a number of factors including limited parking alternatives, citizen feedback and discussions with the Calgary Parking Authority and area aldermen.
• Snow Route “hot-spots” will be reviewed in the communities of Charleswood, Hillhurst, Renfrew, Kensington, Bankview, Elboya and Avenida.
• Roads Administration will review these areas with the individual ward aldermen and with the impacted Community Associations.

The City will be communicating directly with those residents living on adjusted Snow Routes to inform them of any changes in their area.

Citizens can learn more about Snow Route parking bans by visiting www.calgary.ca/snow. There are a number of ways to stay informed about the status of parking bans in Calgary. Simply sign up for email alerts, download the new Road Conditions app, follow us on Twitter or “like” us on Facebook.

Related Blog Calgary City News Blog Posts:

• Calgary Snow Route parking bans – How they work

Four communities selected for food and yard waste pilot

Citizens living in Abbeydale, Brentwood, Cougar Ridge and Southwood have been selected to take part in the residential food and yard waste pilot starting March 2012.

Nearly 8,000 homes will participate in the pilot that will test weekly collection of food and yard waste including citizen experience with green carts. The City will also test collection of black garbage carts every other week to maintain efficiency of the waste and recycling collection system.

“By composting food and yard waste, instead of sending it to the landfill, we can reduce waste and greenhouse gases, decrease our dependence on landfills and produce compost, a valuable product,” said Dave Griffiths, Director of Waste & Recycling Services.

Food and yard waste makes up nearly 60 per cent of residential garbage going to landfill. This compost material does not break down in a landfill, producing carbon dioxide and methane, which are powerful greenhouse gases that contribute to climate change. Composting this material represents the biggest opportunity to achieve Council’s goal of diverting 80 per cent of waste from landfills by 2020 for the residential sector.

Waste & Recycling Services established several criteria and then consulted with the area aldermen in selecting the pilot communities:

• Ability to test front curb and back lane collection;
• Communities with different volumes of yard waste – i.e., established neighborhoods with higher volumes of yard material (mature trees and vegetation) and newer communities with smaller volumes;
• A mix of housing types – single family homes up to and including fourplexes;
• Varied collection days;
• Communities with no more than 2,000 homes each;
• Whole communities to participate for ease of communication and education.

Each home in the pilot communities currently receiving blue and black cart collection will receive a green cart, kitchen pail and compostable pail liners for food waste, and paper yard waste bags. They will also receive an information package explaining how to participate, what materials are accepted and a collection schedule.

• There will be no charge to pilot participants.
• The green carts are about 120 liters – half the size of the blue and black carts we are now using.
• In the pilot, residents will use the green carts for their compostable materials – including all fruits, vegetables, meat, fish, bones, food-soiled paper and dairy products – as well as yard waste. Residents will use the paper bags for any additional yard waste.
• The green carts will be collected every week just like the blue carts for recycling.
• Black cart garbage collection in the pilot communities will occur every other week since most of the material that decomposes and produces odours will be in the green carts.
• Only two carts will be collected on the same day. The third one will be collected on a separate day during the same week. Waste & Recycling Services will test different combinations – blue and black carts on the same day or blue and green together.
• Waste & Recycling Services will communicate with pilot community residents through a variety of ways including open houses, direct mail, instructional materials with the carts, community newsletters, educator visits, and calgary.ca/greencart

Feedback from participants will be collected throughout the pilot and Waste & Recycling Services will report back to Council by March 2013 with results of the pilot and recommendations for a city-wide program.

Related Calgary City News Blog posts

Calgary Snow Route parking bans – How they work

The City of Calgary’s plan to improve road conditions during snowy weather includes Snow Route parking bans.

“Clear roads keep Calgarians on the move and Snow Route parking bans makes curb-to-curb plowing about 30% more efficient,” says Transportation spokesperson, Julie Yepishina-Geller. “It’s also more effective at keeping the road surface passable all winter and safer for City crews.”

Parking bans – The process you should know 

Snow Route parking bans can occur when 5 cm of snow has accumulated on City streets and will continue for 72 hours or until The City lifts the ban. More information on the Snow Route parking bans is available on The City’s Snow Route parking bans Frequently Asked Questions page.

Calling a Snow Route parking ban will follow this process: 

1. Snow Event Advisory – The City wants to give Calgarians a warning that a parking ban may come into effect. If an accumulation of 5 cm or more of snow occurs on City streets, The City will issue a “Snow Event Advisory” through the media, calgary.ca/snow, the email distribution list and City social media channels – including the new Road Conditions App. This is meant to warn citizens that snow is expected and vehicles parked on Snow Routes have to be moved.

2. Snow Event declaration – Two hours after the warning, a “Snow Event Declaration” will be made. The City will declare a Snow Event and Snow Route parking bans will be in effect for 72 hours or until The City of Calgary declares they are lifted. The lift may happen sooner if the weather cooperates.

3. Snow Route parking bans lifted – The City will announce when the Snow Route parking bans are lifted through the media, calgary.ca/snow, the email distribution list, City social media platforms and the Road Conditions App.

It is important to note that there may be times when it snows heavily, but Snow Route parking bans are not warranted. Snow Event parking bans are intended to support snow clearing operations, and will only be declared when there is an accumulation of 5 cm or more of snow on the roads. Snow accumulation depends on a number of factors including wind speed and road temperatures.

So, how can Calgarians find out if a snow event is in effect or lifted? 

• Visit calgary.ca/snow
• Sign-up for automatic email alerts
• Call 3-1-1 and listening to the automated message 
• Watch your local news station or listen to the local traffic reports on the radio 
• Download The City’s Road Conditions App for your smart phone 
• And following The City on Twitter and liking The City on Facebook

Accepting Donations for Woodridge Fire Victims

Six families have lost their homes in a fire that took place late Saturday night at Woodridge Terrace S.W., but the city is coming together, as usual, to to help those tenants who are now in need.

Our friends at Neighbourlink have stepped up to manage all donations for the residents. This will include both monetary and physical items that are being donated. The plan is to collect all donations from now until December 22, and hopefully have them out before the holidays.

Monetary donations will be used to purchase needed items and the remainder will be distributed as grocery gift cards. If you'd like to help out the families in need, please send donations to the address below, or phone Neighbourlink Donations at 403-538-7395.

Donations drop-off location is 3751 21^st St NE

There were no injuries in the fire. But the six families that were living in the complex are now without homes.

Much thanks goes out to our friends at Red Cross, Community and Neighbourhood Services, Calgary Housing Company and Neighbourlink for their fantastic support thus far for affected residents.

Cut Red Tape and get back to business

We're calling out to all business owners, business representatives and entrepreneurs.

Do you wish business licencing, registration, taxing and other processes and interactions with The City of Calgary were more simple? We sure do! And we're opening up the floor to you for ideas.

Last week Mayor Naheed Nenshi and business organizations launched phase two of the Cut Red Tape initiative. Cut Red Tape began in February 2011, with the support of City Council, by asking all City of Calgary employees:

What is the one thing that can be done where you work to cut red tape and improve citizens’ experiences with the City of Calgary?

With more than 180 submissions received in just over two weeks, it was evident that fostering this corporate culture of continuous improvement and innovation would lead The City towards improving City services.

Phase two now aims to collaboratively find solutions with business representatives that will make it easier for citizens and businesses to interact with The City of Calgary.



Richard Truscott, Director of Provincial Affairs for Alberta, with the Canadian Federation of Independent Business—one of the Cut Red Tape partner organizations, said,

“If we can work together to find meaningful ways to get entrepreneurs back to running their businesses and doing what they love to do instead of grappling with municipal red tape, then we will have succeeded.” 

Business representatives can visit www.cutredtape.ca or call 3-1-1 to submit their suggestions to cut red tape until January 31, 2012.

Phase three will open the floor to all Calgarians for recommendations on how to cup red tape.

To submit a suggestion to cut red tape, or learn more about the program, visit www.cutredtape.ca.

Have your say in land use planning projects

Land Use Planning and Policy at The City of Calgary is seeking your feedback to help shape and inform future plans for three current planning projects.

West Springs Area Structure Plan Amendment 
The City is currently working on a Community Plan Amendment in the West Springs Community. This amendment process will only apply to an area of approximately 48 hectares (roughly 120 acres). The mentioned area is enclosed by 85 Street SW, Old Banff Coach Road, 77 Street SW and 8A Avenue SW.

• See more information and a link to the West Springs Area Structure Plan Amendment online survey
• Survey closes: December 14, 2011

50 Avenue SW Local Area Plan
Further to completed work in the 50 Avenue SE area, the Community Associations and The City of Calgary are in the process of producing a Local Area Plan (LAP) for the communities of Britannia, Elboya, and Windsor Park. The City of Calgary will be exploring creative options for future growth and change of the 50 Avenue SW Corridor and the three communities. Your input will be a key part of the planning process. So please get involved and make a difference.

• See more information and a link to the 50 Avenue SW Local Area Plan online survey 
• Survey closes: December 21, 2011

Kelvin Grove Land Use Review 
The City of Calgary has undertaken a land use review to address development potential and interface issues in the area bounded by Glenmore Trail, Elbow Drive, 68 Avenue SW and 14 Street SW. The review will investigate: Input from area residents and land owners; Transportation issues; Existing land uses and connectivity; and Redevelopment potentials.

• Visit calgary.ca for more information and a link to our online survey
• Survey closes: January 8, 2012

Check out ongoing information and updates on Land Use Planning and Policy projects at The City of Calgary.

Increasing CTrain safety awareness - be aware, stay alive

CTrain driver Mauro D'Orazio suffers each and every day since hitting and killing a pedestrian who stepped infront of his train last summer.

"I closed my eyes to tell you the truth, there was nothing I could do, I closed my eyes on impact," said D'Orazio on December 7, a day after a colleague hit and killed another person who stepped into a train.

“One guy got hit, but everybody suffered,” he said, explaining there's very little a driver can do when people disobey safety warnings. "I'm suffering."

The Calgary Police Service and Calgary Transit are urging Calgarians to pay attention to safety devices installed around CTrain crossings following a fatal collision early Monday and another serious collision last Tuesday night.

Some people are putting themselves and others at risk to “beat the train”, others simply aren't paying attention to safety devices. Recent incidents involving trains have highlighted the need for all pedestrians, as well as motorists, to adhere to crossing barrier arms, warning lights, and tones that are activated when a train is in motion.

The Calgary Police Service (CPS) and Transit are currently educating jaywalkers caught ignoring the safety devices between Marlborough and Whitehorn Stations. Operation Both Ways target jaywalkers at level crossings, departing the platform other than through the station, and for right-of-way offences such as crossing the tracks against the signals.

Peace officers asked those who were caught why they crossed against the lights and signals. Many said they looked both ways and saw the train on the opposite track and thought it was OK to cross. Others said they were simply following the crowd.

Enforcement and education occurs throughout the city on a daily basis. The City of Calgary cannot stress enough the need for everyone to be aware of their surroundings and pay attention to these safety devices.

Between Sept. 21 and Oct. 6, 2011, Calgary Transit issued 107 summonses, while CPS issued another 97.

The videos depict a distracted pedestrian being hit by a train last month at Shawnessy Station. This pedestrian survived.



Related Calgary City News Blog posts

• Transit and Fleet aim for safety and efficiency
• Calgarians feeling safe on Calgary Transit

Cats and dogs to rescue humans

The Animal Services Centre has amazing cats and dogs waiting to rescue the many humans out there who are in dire need of love and companionship.

For more information on the campaign call 3-1-1 or visit calgary.ca/animalservices

More Calgary City News Blog Animals & Pets here.

Snow Angels pave the way

A snowy day like today provides the perfect opportunity to recognize some of Calgary's Snow Angels that volunteer their time to help those in need throughout the city.

Snow Angels glowed with kindness, compassion and community spirit at the 2011/2012 Snow Angels Launch at the Kerby Centre for Seniors in late November.

Al, dignified Snow Angel and neighbour

Al (shown in the picture to the left) had cancer in 1991 and lost his oesophagus, lung and half his stomach. He was unable to shovel the snow at his home during that time and was appreciative when his neighbours jumped into action to help him. Al recovered by 1996, the year he purchased his first snow blower. Now, Al is a Snow Angel for 24 houses and has been removing snow for his neighbours for over 10 years. When asked why he is a Snow Angel, he cheerily replied, “Because I love it!”

Les shovels the snow for his 90-year-old neighbour, knowing that without his help she would be unable to live in her deeply-rooted home. When asked why he is a Snow Angel, he laughed heartily and said, “Because in another 10 years I will need someone to shovel my walk.”

The Snow Angels program was launched in 2004 by Community Neighbourhood Services, Senior Services Division, and began as a social experiment. It started with the belief that Calgarians are inherently good people and want to help. The progam encourages citizens to help out their neighbours who may not be able to shovel their own sidewalks. It also allows those that have been helped to recognize their Snow Angels.

Calgary was the first municipality to begin a program like this and is celebrating its ninth season. Since then, over 20 municipalities across Canada have developed their own Snow Angels program. “This program is a win-win for Calgary,” said Rick Kanik, The City’s Senior Services Manager. “Sidewalks are cleared and safe, older adults are not put at risk undertaking activities which may harm them, and those who help out are recognized for their efforts.”

Since the Snow Angels program began, The City has received 3,700 recognition requests and has distributed 5,100 Snow Angels pins. According to the 2011 Civic Census report there are 106,515 Calgarians over the age of 65, and this is growing. As the population of older adults continues to grow its even more important that icy sidewalks are looked after.

The Snow Angels program helps to promote community and helpfulness amongst neighbours and it meets the 2012 – 2014 business plan objective to maintain or enhance prevention and harm reduction programs that address the root causes of public safety issues.

Submitted by Carissa Vescio

100 Years of Recreation Kicks Off with Hockey in Calgary

The City of Calgary Recreation is celebrating its centennial in 2012.  January 1 will kick off the celebrations with an ode to one of our favourite winter pastimes – Hockey in Calgary.

Hockey  in Calgary is the start to a year-long celebration of Calgary’s commitment to providing sport, recreation, art and cultural opportunities for citizens. Recreation 100 (REC 100) offers a full year of events and activities that will highlight 12 monthly themes; starting with hockey and skating in January.

Calgarians, young and old, are invited to the Municipal Building and Olympic Plaza on New Year’s Day to celebrate a century of Calgary’s rich recreational landscape.  This free, family friendly event starts at 11 a.m. with entertainment and public skating.  Hockey in Calgary will feature hockey demonstrations, Hockey Hall of Fame memorabilia, hockey-themed art, and a ball hockey tournament with Hockey Canada alumni.

The City is proud to host the 2012 IIHF World Junior Hockey Championship - so lace up, join the excitement and make January your month to share the spirit of hockey and your passion for skating.

Visit calgary.ca/rec100 to learn more about Hockey in Calgary, our many events and celebrate the significant recreational achievements in Calgary. REC 100 is more than a legacy; it’s a century of achievement and a future of well-being.

This event is hosted in partnership with The City of Calgary, Hockey Calgary and the 2012 IIHF World Junior Championship.

Hockey stick public art installation - hockey sticks needed

In celebration of Hockey in Calgary and Recreation's 100th anniversary, local artist Matthew Bourree will construct a public art installation made entirely of donated, reclaimed or recycled hockey sticks. We need your old or broken hockey sticks. You can contribute to this work of art by dropping off sticks at any City arena, and watch Matthew work live:

• December 31st 2011, approximately 5 - 11 p.m. - at the municipal building atrium during New Year's Eve festivities.
• January 1st, 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. - at Olympic Plaza during Hockey in Calgary. The resulting artwork will remain on display in the municipal building atrium for the first week of January, and will then relocate to a Recreation facility in the city.

Gifting Responsibly with Animal & Bylaw Services’ Gift Certificates

This holiday season Calgarians are encouraged to give a City of Calgary Animal & Bylaw Services’ gift certificate instead of purchasing a cat or dog for people on their shopping list.

Every year after the holiday season, some of the cats and dogs that were gifted to friends and family are either abandoned on Calgary’s streets to fend for themselves or surrendered to shelters and rescue organizations in our city.

“Giving gift certificates rather than pets helps to avoid this tragic situation by giving potential pet owners time to choose the perfect cat or dog for them that matches their lifestyle and family situation,” said Bill Bruce, Director of Animal & Bylaw Services. “We believe that people have a responsibility to a pet for the lifetime of that pet so we encourage citizens to take their time and make educated and thoughtful decisions before adopting.”

By giving gift certificates, people aren’t purchasing a cat or dog that may be unsuitable for their family or friends.

Animal & Bylaw Services’ gift certificates are available year round, have no expiry date and are available in any denomination. The certificates can be used to cover all or part of the cost of adopting a pet from the Animal Services Centre or to pay for pet licensing fees.

The cost of adopting a cat or dog from Animal & Bylaw Services is $150 and $200 respectively. Licensing fees in 2012 will range from $15 to $58 depending on whether a cat or dog is spayed or neutered.

For more information on purchasing gift certificates, visit calgary.ca or contact 3-1-1.

Gift certificates can be purchased in person at the Animal Services Centre located at 2201 Portland Street S.E. between 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. Monday to Friday or 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.