Animal Services saves the day by reuniting lost cat with owner

On July 13, after spending a few days out of town, Tammy Brehaut returned back home to learn that her beloved cat, Pan, had gone missing.

Tammy called 311 and filed a missing pet report, put up posters in her neighbourhood, and with the help of friends and neighbours, looked for Pan in every corner, but her black cat was nowhere to be found.

She visited Animal Services to see if Pan had been found and impounded, but he wasn’t there. She also checked the Facebook page YYC Pet Recovery, but she had no luck.

“I had almost given up hope,” says Tammy. But she had faith that Pan would be found because he was licensed and had a permanent tattoo to identify him. She checked calgary.ca/animalservices every day to see if his sweet face popped up – the impounded cats feed is updated regularly.

It took nearly two months, but on September 11, Tammy received the phone call she had been waiting for. A fellow citizen had found her beloved cat and turned him in to Animal Services the night before, and thanks to the legible tattoo in his ear and licence, they were able to reunite Pan with Tammy.

“I was ecstatic he was found safe and sound!” recalls Tammy. “As soon as I got the call, I went to Animal Services to pick him up.”

The reunion was wonderful. “The Animal Services crew was great, very sympathetic, and extremely helpful. I would recommend going there if your pet went missing,” says Tammy.

As a responsible pet owner, Tammy wants to highlight the importance of licensing your pet and having a licence tag or permanent identification on them, such as a microchip or a tattoo. “If it wasn’t for his licence and tattoo, Pan wouldn’t be back.”

It’s also important to keep your information up to date so that if you move or change your contact information, Animal Services can reach you quickly and easily.

For more info on animal licensing, lost pets, and adoptable cats and dogs, visit calgary.ca/animalservices.

Community Cleanups: save yourself a trip to the landfill

As you begin your annual cleaning, look for a Community Cleanup event near you at www.calgary.ca/cleanup.

Each year from April to September, The City partners with local community associations and their volunteers to help you dispose of unwanted household items and property waste that may not fit in your black or blue carts. Community cleanups are open to all Calgarians, regardless of residence, community or event date. If you miss the event closest to you, don’t be discouraged, as you are welcome to all others.

To avoid the inconvenience of bringing an item that is not allowed at the Community Cleanup drop-off event, please refer to the list of accepted and restricted items.

Accepted Items

Accepted items include (but are not limited to) furniture (desks, chairs, sofas, old mattresses, etc.), toilets, and recalled or broken recreational products. Yard waste is also welcome at the organic truck, including: leaves, untreated wood, and tree branches preferably in a paper bag (excluding sod), but do watch out for more information on the launch of the Green Cart program rolling out this spring.

Restricted Items 

​Garbage trucks will not accept the following items:	​Some cleanups may accept additional items for recycling. Check your community association website for details. These include:
​No car batteries	​Baby car seats
​No glass (e.g. window panes, glass table top etc.)	​Cell phone and cell phone batteries
​No household appliances with freon (e.g. refrigerator, freezer) and no microwaves	​ Paper shredding
​No liquids (e.g. cooking oil)	Home appliances (free store item)
​No large metal items (e.g. lawnmower, barbecue, etc.)	​Home electronics
​No household hazardous waste including: Propane tanks Paint  Automobile, cleaning, healthcare and gardening chemicals. These materials can be brought directly to a household hazardous waste drop-off location.	​Large pieces of furniture
No railway ties	​Scrap metal (such as BBQs, lawnmowers, filing cabinets, etc.)
​ No sod or dirt

Please note that garbage trucks at the events will NOT accept the following restricted items: metal, home electronics, home appliances, tires, bicycles, car batteries, gas, liquids, metals, propane tanks or paint. However, some community associations do arrange for special services to dispose of these prohibited items. Please check with your community association for additional disposal opportunities and recycling services for items such as electronics, metals, bicycles, baby car seats and tires, as many offer these services at the scheduled events for a small fee.

Unsure of what materials you can recycle? Utilize the comprehensive tool, What Goes Where? for facts on recycling specific items.

 
Take part in your neighbourhood’s Community Cleanup
If you’re able to help out with a cleanup or if you would like to find out more about your local event, please contact your community association.

For more information on the Community Cleanup program and the 2017 schedule, please visit calgary.ca/cleanup.

Last year, 109 Community Cleanups were held across the city with 1.44 million kilograms of waste collected (1.19 million kg in garbage and 248,000 kg in organics). A record 116 Community Cleanups are scheduled this year, so grab some waste bags and get ready to help declutter your home, garage, yard and neighbourhood.

City services respond to the needs of vulnerable Calgarians during cold weather

As Calgary continues to experience a deep freeze, we are working with partner agencies in Alberta Health Services and across Calgary to make sure our more vulnerable citizens have options to stay safe.

Thankfully, the Government of Alberta has informed us that shelter beds are available in Calgary for those who would like to come in from the cold at night. As well, the Calgary Emergency Management Agency (CEMA) has an emergency plan in place if shelters become overwhelmed. They also work with shelter and other agency partners to help ensure the needs of the homeless are met during the cold months.

Our Community Standards Partner Agency Liaison (PAL) Team has been busy this week, along with the Calgary Police Service and the Downtown Outreach Addictions Program (DOAP) , visiting locations where homeless Calgarians have been known to sleep. These teams check up on people who may need help during the cold weather and to pass out items such as warm socks and other clothing items, and bagged lunches provided by The Safe Communities Opportunity and Resource Centre (SORCe).

This is a time of year when we all need to watch out for one another. If citizens see a person in distress or who is unresponsive, they should call 9-1-1 immediately. If you see a person who needs help, call 311. Here are a few tips for anyone trying to help out a homeless person, or person who is struggling in this frigid climate:

• The person you are helping may have special needs such as a mobility or emotional wellness issue, so be sure to take this into consideration before acting.
• Always keep the person informed of what you are doing and ask for their agreement before taking any action.
• If the person does not agree to the help you are offering, call 311 or 911, depending on the urgency of the situation, to ask for help and guidance. 

10 questions to think about before you get a pet

Updated December 23, 2015
Are you looking to give a pet a new home for Christmas this year? While we have a number of cats and dogs here at the Animal Services Centre we want you to think about a few things before adopting this Christmas:

Memphis is looking for someone willing to shower her with lots
of love and attention

1. What will my life look like in the future? The pet you adopt today could live up to 10 to 15 years or more. Planning how you will care for your pet in the future is important to think about before you make the lifelong commitment.
2. How much time do I have every day? Pets can demand a lot of time and even cats require you to have a routine and schedule. Walking, playing, grooming, feeding and training are just some of the things that will regularly have you sharing your time with your furry companion. 
3. Can I afford it? Animals can be very expensive. High quality food, grooming appointments, pet supplies, training classes and veterinary care expenses are just some of the costs you will encounter as a pet owner. 
4. Am I willing to put in the training time? Dogs and cats aren’t born knowing good manners – they need to learn. Investing time into training isn’t just about building skills though, it’s also about building a relationship with your new dog or cat during a special time together. 
5. Do I have kids or am I planning to have kids? If you have children or if kids are in your future you will need to plan around that when choosing what pet to adopt. Just like humans, not all pets love hanging out with kids.
6. What is your family hoping for? Are you looking for a furry friend to snuggle on the couch? An exercise buddy? An agility star? Having a clear idea of what you hope to get out of your relationship with your new pet will help you narrow down your choices when considering potential adoptees!
7. Does your family already have other pets? If you have pets in the home, how will you prepare them for the new arrival? Both The City and Calgary Humane Society require any dog-to-dog introductions before an adoption is final. 
8. Is my house pet friendly? Many dogs and cats never cause any property damage in a home, but just in case it is important that you pet-proof as much as possible and temporarily put away any items you fear may get damaged until you understand how your new pet behaves at home.
9. Have I done enough research? Different breeds and ages will vary in their personalities and energy levels, so plenty of research prior to committing to a new friend is essential. 
10. Am I ready to make a lifetime commitment? Adoption decisions should never be rushed. If you need extra time to think about your adoption decision it is okay to sleep on it. There will always be animals looking for a "forever home."

If now is the right time, learn more about adopting a cat or dog from The City or visit calgaryhumane.ca to learn more about adopting from the Calgary Humane Society.

City granted a temporary injunction

We take our responsibility to keep Calgarians safe very seriously. That’s why we applied for an injunction last week against private for-hire vehicles using the Uber app.

Today, we were granted a temporary injunction which prevents all Uber drivers from operating in Calgary temporarily. The injunction is in place until Dec. 17, 2015. At that time, we will seek to have the injunction made permanent until private for-hire vehicles operating with the Uber app meet safety, insurance and regulatory requirements.

The temporary injunction includes all people who operate in Calgary as an Uber driver. The injunction supports our position that Uber drivers are contravening the Livery Transport Bylaw.

We are working hard to define new rules to allow private for-hire vehicle services to operate in our city. Council agreed to review bylaw amendments that allow a hybrid Open/Controlled entry system, meaning Transportation Network Companies (TNCs) could operate if they meet a number of conditions, including having proper vehicle insurance and the driver having a driver's licence acceptable to the Province (for example, a class 4 licence) and passing a criminal background check. Bylaw amendments will come back to Council for review no later than Feb. 22, 2016.

We want consumers to have options and continue to work on ways to provide these options. In the meantime, we encourage Calgarians to be informed to make smart transportation choices.

The City of Calgary enforces the Livery Transport Bylaw to ensure public safety, service quality and consumer protection. To learn more about private for-hire vehicles. To learn more about Livery Transport Services.

Collaborating to create new transportation options

We strive to create an environment that fosters Calgary’s entrepreneurial spirit. We believe in creating opportunities for new ideas to thrive and for new companies to flourish. We also take our responsibility to keep Calgarians safe very seriously. 

When it comes to private for-hire vehicles like Uber, we appreciate the innovation they are striving to bring to the Calgary market, but also believe that bringing these ideas to market needs to be done in a safe and organized way.

The City is working very hard to define the rules for private for-hire transportation companies to operate in our city. Currently, drivers who are operating private for-hire vehicles in Calgary are operating illegally. These services are illegal because there are no safety or security guidelines in place for consumers. Also, unlicensed drivers do not have appropriate commercial insurance coverage as required by the Province of Alberta. 

City Council to review options to allow private for-hire companies on Nov. 16

We are collaborating with Uber to resolve some of these challenges and to allow private for-hire companies to operate legally in Calgary. While we aren’t there yet, we are making progress. On November 16, we will be presenting options to Council, which may allow for this new market in Calgary.

The City of Calgary enforces the Livery Transport Bylaw to ensure public safety, service quality and consumer protection. To learn more about private for-hire vehicles. To learn more about Livery Transport Services.

Submitted by Carissa Vescio, Animal & Bylaw Services

The City cautions Calgarians about Private for Hire Vehicles

The world is changing the way it does business and The City is ready to embrace and adapt to those changes. We welcome the use of new technologies and competition. We support choice and options that make lives easier.

Many citizens have tried private for hire vehicles services here and elsewhere, and want access to those options.



Risks
The City advises citizens that there are risks associated with participating in private for hire vehicle services such as Uber. These risks include the fact that these vehicles are not inspected by The City and the drivers are not licensed by The City. There is also a risk from an insurance prospective for drivers, passengers and any third party involved in an accident in or with one of the vehicles.

Safety and Insurance
The existing Livery Transport Bylaw ensures that taxi and limousine drivers undergo criminal checks, receive training, and are properly licensed and insured. In addition, vehicles are subject to thorough inspections rated on both mechanics and appearance, and meters are checked for accuracy. All of this is done to ensure the safety and protection of passengers, drivers and the general public.

Regulated taxi and limousine drivers are required to have commercial automobile insurance that ensures both passengers and drivers are safe and covered if an accident were to occur.

It is important that citizens and drivers of private for hire vehicles understand the implications currently involved in utilizing such services. Using or driving one of these vehicles could mean you don’t have access to insurance protection and accident benefits under Alberta law.

Consumer Options
On October 5, Council directed Administration to report back to the November 16 Strategic Planning Meeting of Council with options to regulate private for hire vehicles.

The City wants consumers to have options and we are working on ways to provide options. In the meantime, we encourage Calgarians to be informed to make smart transportation choices.

Read the news release in The City of Calgary Newsroom.

Free Dog Training: Building a strong relationship between pet and owner

Could your dog benefit from recall training? Could you use a few tips from a professional dog trainer? On Saturday, Oct. 17 join a certified professional dog trainer at the Falconridge off-leash area and learn tips and techniques that will help you and your dog show off their best behaviour when in public.

There will be four 45-minute sessions starting at 10 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 1 p.m., and 2:30 p.m. Certified professional dog trainers, courtesy of our partnership with the Calgary Humane Society, will demonstrate training methods that help improve the human/animal bond. Proper training helps owners by giving them the know-how to minimize their dog’s bad behaviour and encourage appropriate behaviour. Good animal behaviour requires commitment to building strong relationship between pet and owner.

Along with training, pet owners will also be able to chat with off-leash ambassador volunteers, Animal & Bylaw Services staff and will even be able to renew their animal licence.

This event is one of several offered through the year as part of our Off-leash Ambassador program, which is a community-based program providing a volunteer-led approach to promote and educate citizens about the Responsible Pet Ownership bylaw.

The City is committed to working with and supporting Calgarians and their pets and this event is an example of this commitment.

Visit our website for more information on the Off-leash Ambassador program and responsible pet ownership.

Mingle with the best working dogs in Alberta

Come down to Bowmont Off-Leash Park between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Sept. 19 and take part in a Working Dogs Day. This fun, family event gives you a chance to meet working dogs from around the province while learning more about responsible pet ownership

Bring your own dog down and treat them to free nail trimming and learn some tips and tricks from our on-site dog behaviour and pet first aid specialists and the City’s P.U.P.P.Y team. Attendees will also be treated to agility, flyball and discus demonstrations.

Demonstrations and dog selfies

Working Dogs Day will feature demonstrations from working dogs and their handlers from the Calgary Police Service, Calgary Fire Department, Animal & Bylaw Services, Calgary Search & Rescue Association, PADS Calgary (Pacific Assistance Dogs Society), PALS (Pet Access League Society), Canada Border Services Agency, CNIB (Canadian National Institute for the Blind), Water Inspection Sniffer Dogs and RCMP Police Dog Services. In between demonstrations, bring your camera down and have your photo taken with the different service dogs and their handlers.

Powered by volunteers

Working Dogs Day is part of our Off-Leash Ambassador program which was launched in 2013. The program features volunteers who promote the Responsible Pet Ownership bylaw and encourage positive pet interactions and safety in our off-leash parks. This is accomplished through education, demonstrations and discussions led by the ambassadors who act as community liaisons and positive role models in off-leash areas. 

More information at http://calgary.ca/animalservices. Or join our event on Facebook.

Second year of taxi satisfaction survey results released

The City of Calgary shared the results from a recent Satisfaction with Taxi Services survey today showing some areas of improvement over last year’s results. The City’s Livery Transport Services team will now comb through the results and work with industry to identify where more improvements can be made.

The survey, conducted in June 2015, found 87 per cent of Calgarians are satisfied with taxi service in the city.

“Recent media has shown some of the troubling aspects the taxi industry faces, but it’s encouraging to see that overall, Calgarians are enjoying a safe and satisfactory experience when taking a taxi in our city,” says Mario Henriques, chief livery inspector for The City of Calgary.

Satisfaction survey results

Calgarians shared they have four key factors that contribute to their overall satisfaction with taxi service. They are: the taxi driver; their experience during the ride; dispatchers; and value for money.

• 94 per cent of taxi users are satisfied with the level of service they receive from taxi drivers. (similar to last year’s 93 per cent satisfaction).
• 93 per cent of taxi users were satisfied with the vehicles – both the cleanliness of the vehicle and for the condition/maintenance of the vehicle. 
• 82 per cent of taxi users were satisfied with the amount of time it took the taxi to arrive – up eight per cent from 2014.
• 16 per cent of taxi users have obtained a taxi through an online booking system or app, although 40 per cent indicated they are likely to do so in the next year. Those who used an online system or app were 92 per cent satisfied. 
• 81 per cent of taxi users are satisfied with the service they receive in calling dispatch for immediate service and 90 per cent are satisfied with pre-booking taxis through dispatch. 
• 69 per cent of Calgarians are satisfied with the value for money they received during their taxi rides. 

Improvements from 2014

After the 2014 survey, The City implemented two new initiatives:

1. New taxi plate licences were added to increase the number of taxis on the road. The 133 new taxi plate licences also came with the requirement they be in use during peak periods to help with higher demand. 
2. The City also had bumper stickers added to every cab directing complaints and compliments to 311. 

“The City’s role in the taxi and limousine industry is to serve as regulator ensuring customer safety, service quality and consumer protection. This survey is helping us see where our industry is doing a good job, and helping us identify possible areas for improvement,” says Henriques.

“By lodging your complaint or compliment with 311 we are able to follow up on the complaints and also learn what is working through the compliments.”

Lodging a complaint through 311 still remains low, as 81 per cent of taxi users indicated they lodged their complaint directly with the taxi company. But there has been an increase from eight per cent to 16 per cent in the number of users reaching out through 311 to share their experience.

Next steps

These results are just part of an overall look at how the city’s taxi industry is doing. Engagement will continue by talking and working with taxi drivers and brokers in the coming weeks. The City’s Livery Transport Services will also be looking at the full results to see where more improvements can be made.

“It’s all about constantly improving for Calgarians,” says Henriques. “They’ve told us what they think of the Calgary taxi industry. It’s now up to us to hear what they are saying and look for ways to act on those suggestions where and when possible.”

For more information on taxis in Calgary visit calgary.ca/taxi.

Submitted by Jennifer de Vries, on behalf of Animal & Bylaw Services

Taxi bill of rights outlines shared responsibilities

Safe and convenient taxi service is part of our commitment to keeping Calgarians on the move. The Passenger and Driver Bill of Rights outlines the shared responsibilities of both driver and passenger to help ensure this commitment is met.

View an enlarged image of the sticker.

“The Passenger and Driver Bill of Rights promotes a common understanding between passengers and drivers, each of whom have obligations during the course of a trip,” says Mario Henriques, chief livery inspector.

"Clearly outlining both parties’ roles and responsibilities will hopefully reduce potential misunderstandings and improve the taxi experience for all.”

Coming soon to a taxi near you

By September 1, 2015, all 1,659 taxis currently operating in Calgary will display the bill of rights in their vehicles.

“Safety, convenience and respect all contribute to a positive taxi experience,” says Henriques. “We work hard to provide this assurance through regulation of the taxi industry on behalf of all Calgarians – drivers and passengers alike.”

Submit concerns online or through 311

We are always seeking feedback on the taxi experience so we can recognize areas of excellence and address areas of concern. Please submit your comments, compliments, questions or concerns online through the 311 app or by visiting www.calgary.ca/taxi.

Calgarians and visitors rely on the taxi service as a year-round mode of transportation and last year, more than 8 million taxi trips were taken. More about taxis and limousine services in Calgary.

Submitted by Jennifer de Vries on behalf of Animal &Bylaw Services

Free dog training available through Off-Leash Ambassador program

In partnership with the Calgary Humane Society (CHS), we are offering free events on recall training from certified professional dog trainers.

Whether in an on-leash or an off-leash area, your dog needs to be under your control at all times for everyone’s safety. Effective training encourages positive interactions and gives owners the techniques needed to maximize desirable dog behaviour.

Barbara Walmer, department head of behaviour at CHS, is coordinating recall training sessions at Sue Higgins Park on July 25 and Falconridge Park on October 27 to teach and demonstrate tips and techniques with Calgary dog owners and their dogs.

July 25: There will be four 45-minute sessions starting at 10:00 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 1:00 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. There are only 12 spots available per session (no drop-ins are accepted) so please apply online to attend before July 21. Or you can also call 311. A draw will be held on July 22.

These free events are offered as part of our Off-leash Ambassador program, which is a community-based program providing a volunteer-led approach to promote and educate people about responsible pet ownership and ensure safety in off-leash areas.

Good animal behaviour requires a commitment to building a strong relationship between pet and owner. We are committed to working with and supporting Calgarians on responsible pet ownership.

Visit us online to become an off-leash ambassador or view other events, or for more information on responsible pet ownership visit www.calgary.ca/animalservices.

Submitted by Carissa Vescio, Animal & Bylaw Services

The City's guide to Stampede parading

It's that time of year again... rodeos, midway, shows, exhibitions and everything country. Those of us who know it, know it well.

The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth kicks off tomorrow with the Stampede Parade and The City will be there to help you get around, view the parade, clean up and stay safe.

Getting around
Biking & Walking
Cycle your way down to the Stampede Parade using the city centre cycle track network or ride along part of Calgary's 800 kms of pathways and bikeways.

Take extra caution when passing through intersections. Most Stampede time pedestrian collisions occur on Friday and happen at traffic signals, when vehicles are making right hand turns. It’s important to watch out for one another so we can all enjoy a safe Stampede.

Calgary Transit
Effective the evening before parade day, 'round the clock transit service and discounted day passes will be available for Stampede week.

During the parade about 350,000 float-fanatics line the 4.5 km parade route, so many downtown transit routes will be on detour. Thousands make their way to the Stampede Grounds afterwards and can use bus, CTrain and walking options from the parade to the grounds.

Transit impacts on parade day will include detours for some regular and express bus services.

Driving
There will be a number of road closures to accommodate events all over the city during the Calgary Stampede (July 3-12). Spectators travelling to the Stampede Parade are encouraged to walk, bike or use transit to get into the downtown core.

Road and parking impacts on parade day will include several parking lot closures.

Viewing the parade
The City has reserved and will monitor eight accessible Stampede Parade viewing zones along the parade route for people with mobility challenges (canes, walkers, wheelchairs, scooters) and their friends/families.

Space is limited, so get there early! Look for barricades and signs. If space remains in the viewing areas after 8 a.m., they will be opened up to the public on a first-come, first-served basis.

The City in action
Street sweeper critters have been a Stampede tradition for nearly 15 years, bringing joy to parade goers and youth at the Children's Hospital that are unable to travel to the Stampede parade --  the most rewarding event of the year, according to street sweeper operators.

Representatives from Calgary Stampede, Public Safety Communications,
 Calgary Police Service, Calgary Fire Department, Alberta Health Services,
Animal & Bylaw Services, and Inspections and Permits

City staff collaborate across many departments to ensure the event flows smoothly and safely:

• Parking and traffic control will be coordinated by the Calgary Parking Authority (CPA), Roads, Calgary Police Service (CPS) and Animal & Bylaw Services (ABS).
• Calgary Emergency Management Agency will open the Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) and activate the Municipal Emergency Plan during the Stampede Parade to monitor and assist as required. 
• CPS have collocated their Tactical Operations Centre in the EOC. This will help to ensure the facilitation of a collaborative, coordinated and multi stakeholder response.
• Fire, ABS and CPS officers will be onsite and in communication for the duration of the Parade for immediate response.

Other Useful Info

• Calgary.ca/calgarystampede
• Calgary Police Stampede safety tips

Flood Readiness & River Safety: Understand. Prepare. Stay Informed. Stay Safe.

With May long weekend known as Calgary's unofficial start to recreational water season and the risk of river flooding greatest between May 15 - July 15, we'd like to update Calgarians on flood readiness and also remind everyone of river dangers.



Understand
The City monitors river forecasts, soil moisture, rainfall and snow melt rates in the mountains. Current data shows mountain snowpack is at the low end of a normal range. Our 90 day precipitation is drier than average, but not rare. We could expect more precipitation between May and July due to El Nino.

New flood inundation maps and river flow triggers are available to help Calgarians understand their personal and business flood risks.

Prepare
The City is better prepared to manage and minimize the impacts of a future flood. We’ve developed a comprehensive plan that incorporates the recommendations of our Expert Management Panel, trained more people, stock piled materials, repaired eroded river banks, built temporary barriers and created new inundation maps.

Calgarians also play an important role in flood readiness and safety. Stay prepared, alert and at the ready by having an emergency plan and 72 hour kit.

Stay Informed
The City has tools and resources available to help Calgarians know their flood risk. Visit calgary.ca/floodinfo for the latest information including flood advisories. You can also subscribe to our weekly newsletter and download the Alberta Rivers: Data and Advisories mobile app.

Stay Safe
The City’s Partners in Water Safety want to remind all Calgarians where there’s water, there’s risk. Before hopping on boat or river raft:

• SCOUT the river for potential hazards,
• ASSESS the level of danger and,
• DECIDE if it’s safe to proceed.

Calgarians pitch-in to clean up

Last weekend cleaning was top of mind for many Calgarians who participated in both local Community Clean-ups and the 48th annual Pathway and River Cleanup.

Councillor Ward Sutherland with staff and volunteers.

Each year, from April to September, we team up with local community associations to help you get rid of their unwanted household items and property waste for free.

Community Cleanup in action around town

The Montgomery Community Association hosted this year’s kick-off event during their Community Cleanup on May 2. With five truck loads of waste weighing over 18,000 kilograms and one truck load of organics weighing over 3,300 kilograms, the community really pitched in to help pitch out.

“It was a huge success. People were impressed with how quickly the line moved and some even came back two and three times,” says Marilyn Wannamaker, Montgomery Community Association president. “The Community Cleanup is a great initiative to get residents involved with their community association. It’s a great example of people working together to create a better community.”

With 112 Community Cleanup weekend events scheduled this year, a 15 per cent increase from last year, there is a clear demand from citizens for this type of service.

The City of Calgary supplies three packer trucks (two for waste and one for organic materials) to each registered community for each cleanup. Community associations register through 311 to run a Community Cleanup.

48th annual Pathway and River Cleanup

Calgary’s weather forecast predicted showers and possibly even snow. Thankfully, Mother Nature cooperated and brought nothing but sunshine for the 48th annual Pathway and River Cleanup on May 3.

More than 2,900 volunteers generously donated their time on Sunday morning to collect approximately 4,000 kilograms of garbage. A total of 132 volunteer groups, 31 City staff volunteer drivers and assistants, and 14 City bike volunteers participated in this year’s event helping to remove hundreds of bags of litter from our parks and green spaces.

A number of interesting items were uncovered during the event, including a pair of skis, 300 CDs, a table top and a baby gate. Check out our Storify from this year’s Pathway and River Cleanup, including some of the strange and unique objects found and the amazing volunteers who helped make this event possible.

To learn more about the event, or to find out how you can volunteer for next year’s Pathway and River Cleanup, visit calgary.ca/pathwayandrivercleanup.

Feeling inspired?

Here are some other ways you can get involved:

• Pick up The Litter Cleanup Kits (TLC Kits) from one of the nine locations across the city and organize your own community cleanup. 
• Attend a P.U.P.P.Y. event and help “pitch in and pick up” waste in one of our off-leash parks.

P.U.P.P.Y. program - Help make our parks #1 by picking up #2!

With over 100,000 dogs in Calgary, pet waste in our parks can quickly add up. We invite you to join experts in City parks across Calgary to learn more about the need to pick up after your pets.

Volunteers and City staff at a PUPPY event last year.

The P.U.P.P.Y. (Pick Up Pooch’s Poo Yourself) program will be on hand at several City parks this spring and summer, beginning April 25 at Sue Higgins Park.

Learn about a variety of pet-related topics and participate in interpretive programs led by City volunteers. Supplies will also be on hand for anyone wanting to help clean up the park. A complete list of locations and dates is available on The City’s P.U.P.P.Y. page.

Picking up your dog’s waste is not just about responsible pet ownership - it’s about keeping our parks and off-leash areas safe. Dog waste is not only an attractive snack for coyotes, it often contains parasites like E. Coli and other bacteria, which can cause serious illness in humans. Dog waste doesn’t wash away or disappear, so the risk of spreading its harmful effects can linger for years!

Thankfully, there is a simple solution. Always carry pet waste baggies with you when walking your dog, and pick up and dispose of your pet’s waste as soon as possible.

Check out The City’s website for more information on responsible pet ownership and where to find the nearest off-leash park for you and your pooch.

Submitted by Heather Hastie, Parks

Taking taxi safety seriously

We are committed to the safety of both taxi passengers and drivers in Calgary. Calgary’s taxi fleet is composed of 4,500 licensed drivers who recorded over eight million trips this past year.

To help ensure the safest cab ride possible, we implemented cameras and GPS tracking in 2013. In 2014, our Livery Transport Services held five hearings associated with sexually inappropriate behaviour, discussions or unwanted touching of a passenger. This constituted a 55 per cent drop in sexually related offence complaints since the mandatory installation of security cameras.

Calgary’s taxis regulated to ensure customer safety

Taxi regulations include driver criminal checks, driver training, vehicle inspections, commercial automobile insurance, keeping service records and meter accuracy checks.

Tips to ensure a safe taxi ride:

• When hailing a taxi, be sure the driver and vehicle are licensed. Look for a taxi plate on the rear bumper of the vehicle. 
• The driver’s badge should be posted in a visible location and is typically placed on the passenger side visor. If you are not able to see it, you can ask to see it.
• Whenever you get into a taxi, take note of the cab number and company. Knowing these numbers will help you track down lost items or if you want to share a compliment or concern about your ride.

Taxi compliments and concerns can be reported online using an easy form.

Submitted by Carissa Vescio, Animal & Bylaw Services

Need a cab? How about a limousine as an option?

We are looking for your help to make getting a cab in Calgary easier. 

Bylaw amendments are being looked at to allow limousines to offer on-demand service during peak period times and we want your input.

The Taxi and Limousine Advisory Committee is holding an information session to discuss the proposed bylaw amendments and gather your input to help improve service quality in the taxi and limousine industry.

Limousine Bylaw Amendment Information SessionWhen: Thursday, Feb.  5 , from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Where: Clarion Hotel (2120 16 Avenue N.E.)

Give your feedback in person or on line

The feedback garnered at the information session will be reviewed and considered when we share our recommendations to Council.

Can’t attend the information session? Make sure to have your say by checking out our online presentation and filling out our survey at the end.

If you have a compliment or concern related to taxis or limousines contact us online through 311.

Learn more about the taxi and limousine industry in Calgary.

Submitted by Carissa Vescio, Animal & Bylaw Services

Taxi safety tips for the holidays

Safe taxi taking habits are good to know. It’s important for you, the passenger, and the driver to respect the ride.

Tips to ensure a safe taxi ride:

• When hailing a taxi, be sure the driver and vehicle are licensed. Look for a taxi plate on the rear bumper of the vehicle. 
• The driver’s badge should be posted in a visible location and are typically placed on the passenger side visor. If you are not able to see it, you can ask to see it.
• Whenever you get into a taxi, take note of the cab number and company. Knowing these numbers will help you track down lost items or if you want to share a compliment or concern about your ride.

As of Friday, Dec. 12, The City has added 57 more cabs to city streets from the 126 taxi plate licences approved by Council on Sept. 22.

Administration and Council agreed more cabs on the road for the holiday season would mean better service.

The 126 taxi plate licences are mandated to be in service and available for dispatch calls on Friday and Saturday evenings, making it a little easier to find a cab during peak period times.

There are many different ways to get a cab:

• Try using an app to access a cab. Checker, Associated, and Calgary United Cabs all have an app that connects you with a ride. 
• If you call a cab company and get put on hold, don’t hang up and redial, stay on the line for faster service.

If you have a compliment or concern related to taxis or limousines contact us online through 311.

Submitted by Carissa Vescio, Animal & Bylaw Services

Snow Angels earn their wings

Chris Thomson-Hunter, Snow Angels program

coordinator, and Tom Daumler, Snow Angel

The City's Snow Angels program recognizes Calgarians that help neighbours shovel their walkways, allowing everyone to move safely around the community during the winter.

“Snow Angels are just regular citizens who want to help out older adults and people with mobility or health issues by keeping their sidewalks clear,” says Chris Thomson-Hunter, program coordinator. “Helping out, and recognizing those who have helped, is what this campaign is all about.”

The Streets Bylaw requires sidewalks adjacent to properties be cleared of snow and ice down to pavement within 24 hours after a snowfall stops. This work can be very challenging – even dangerous – for older adults and others with limited mobility.

“Taking a few extra minutes after a snowfall to help a neighbour isn’t too taxing for many of us,” says Thomson-Hunter, “but it means so much to those with physical limitations and others who need to access those walks. Snow Angels directly contribute to the well-being and safety of others and to strong, caring communities – communities people want to live in and be proud of.”



Last winter, Calgarians showed their caring spirit in record numbers in response to snow falls. Over the 2013/14 winter season, there was a 137 per cent increase in people calling The City to have their Snow Angel officially recognized (up 721 nominations from 526 nominations the previous year).

If someone has cleared your sidewalk, you can contact The City to have them officially recognized as a Snow Angel. You can nominate your Snow Angel online, by calling 311, or mailing your nomination to: Snow Angels - #184, P.O. Box 2100, St M, Calgary, AB T2P 2M5. All nominated Snow Angels are officially recognized by Mayor Nenshi and entered into a prize draw.

The Snow Angels campaign has recognized 7,650 Snow Angels since its inception in 2004.

For more information visit Calgary.ca/snowangels