Kids build confidence and community through Summer Adventures

When Uchechi Akuanyionwu arrived in Calgary four months ago from the United Kingdom, her six-year-old daughter Chinelo was shy and uneasy around people outside her family. Fast forward through the summer and today the young girl’s social skills have improved so much, mom no longer worries how she’ll do starting school next week.

Uchechi credits The City’s Summer Adventures program, a seven-week summer day camp for six- to 12-year olds, for the changes she sees in her daughter.

And Uchechi’s not alone in singing the praises of the program. Other moms– Shaundy Smith, Rita Dong and Sukhwant Parmar – also expressed appreciation for the program and how their respective child blossomed by participating.



“Most of the time they play, but they learn a lot of things like skills...so they know how to handle (different) situations,” Sukhwant said. “It’s really good, we love it, we want to do it and we want to thank The City for starting this program.”

Group photo of Beltline Summer Adventure kids

Available for the first time this summer, Summer Adventures ran in select neighbourhoods and focused on different topics and skills based on the need of the community. One of the goals of the program was to build the kids’ awareness of community and diversity, their sense of belonging and their social abilities, all through fun, engaging activities in a safe environment.

Summer Adventures is one of several free community programs The City offers for children and youth each summer. While this year’s summer programs are ending, there are still opportunities for kids to get active and be social through other programs such as Calgary AfterSchool or those listed in the Fall Recreation Guide. Visit calgary.ca/summer or calgary.ca/communitysummerprograms to learn more.

Chief David Crowchild and Aboriginal Youth Awards

Today the Calgary Aboriginal Urban Affairs Committee (CAUAC) and The City of Calgary presented the The Chief David Crowchild Memorial Award and Aboriginal Youth Achievement Awards. These prestigious awards honour those who build bridges of understanding between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal cultures.

Award-winners building bridges between cultures

2015  Winner of Chief David Crowchild Memorial Award: Daniela Navia (University of Calgary) and Levi First Charger (Urban Society for Aboriginal Youth (USAY)) led the collaboration on “Uncovering Colonial Legacies: Voices of Indigenous Youth in Child Welfare (dis)Placements”. This collaborative project tells the story, through various mediums, of Indigenous youth who were placed in government care. 

2015 Aboriginal Youth Achievement Award: Macyn Morning Bull, 16, is a Grade 11 student at Henry Wisewood High School. She is involved in sport (hockey and basketball), as well as being an Ambassador for Junior Achievement. As the 2014-2015 Miss Piikani, she also is involved in cultural and community events such as awards, symposiums and powwows.

More information on CAUAC and Aboriginal-specific initiatives.

Submitted by Stacey Scott, Community and Neighbourhood Services

Helping people before the crisis hits

In 2014, Family & Community Support Services (FCSS) helped fund 78 agencies in delivering 126 programs providing preventive social services.  The impact of this funding was shared today with member of City Council, provincial MLAs, City officials and members from the agencies who deliver the programs that make the real difference for Calgarians.

Agency reps, MLA's, City/Provincial officials celebrated today.

Calgary Counseling Centre says FCSS funding is a lifeline

 The Calgary Counseling Centre is one of the 78 FCSS-funded agencies. Their FCSS funds go towards programs that help people struggling with domestic violence.

“FCSS being so responsive to the community has really allowed our agency and it’s funding to grow and change over the last 25 years,” says Calgary Counseling Centre CEO Bobbie Babins-Wagner . “This funding has really been a lifeline to people in Calgary who struggle with domestic or family violence and abuse.”

The wider impact

This is just one of many ways FCSS funding is helping where it’s needed. To learn more about the impact this funding has made in our community please see the FCSS 2014 annual report.

Some highlights include:

• FCSS funded programs served just under 111,000 Calgarians in 2014. 
• Over 41,000 volunteers are involved in FCSS programs. The hours they contribute are estimated at $25.4 million. 
• Programs cover the gamut, from counselling youth who are at risk, to keeping seniors in their homes longer, to preventing family violence, to teaching financial and parenting skills.

FCSS is a joint municipal-provincial funding program targeted at preventive social services. Programs and services funded through FCSS provide vital threads in the fabric of healthy communities as our growing province faces increasing social pressures. For every $1 invested in preventive services, up to $13 are diverted from spending on other, more costly services such as policing, justice, mental health and health care services.

For more information on FCSS visit calgary.ca/fcss.

Submitted by Stacey Scott, Community and Neighbourhood Services

Celebrate Calgary seniors during Seniors’ Week

They’ve helped to build our city, our businesses and our communities. They sit on boards and committees, they’re highly involved in community and charity work, and they mentor and care for neighbours, friends and family.

June 1 to 7 is Seniors’ Week, a time to recognize the older adults in your life and the many ways they make a difference every day. To help celebrate Calgary seniors, various events  are being held across the city all week long. Some events are specifically for seniors, others are for the whole family to enjoy along with their elder friends or family members.

The most up-to-date list of events is online, but printed versions are available for pick up at all Calgary community associations and several seniors’ centres. And you can always contact 311 for information. Or find your own special way to celebrate the older adults in your life.

Either way, share your celebration stories and photos with us on our Seniors' Week Facebook Event page or on Twitter, using the hashtag #yycseniors.


Seniors’ Week is an annual designation by the Province of Alberta, supported by The City of Calgary through a proclamation by Mayor Naheed Nenshi.

For more information on Seniors’ Week and the services we offer seniors visit calgary.ca/seniors.

Neighbour Day celebration of community spirit back again this June

Mayor Naheed Nenshi has invited Calgarians to celebrate Neighbour Day – taking place this year on June 20. Join our Facebook event for regular updates.


Make this the day you host a block party, a picnic at your local park or even introduce yourself to a neighbour and lend a helping hand.

We want to make this as easy as possible by waiving the fees for block party permits, and park venue booking, and providing planning and promotional tools to get you started.

Please note the deadline for block party permits and green space applications is May 29, 2015.

For ideas for events, promotional tools and information about permits and other logistical considerations visit Calgary.ca/neighbourday.

Submitted by Stacey Scott, Community and Neighbourhood Services

A foot-in-the-door for hundreds of Calgary youth

In the first half hour, over 600 kids entered this year’s Youth Hiring Fair and another 2,000 were waiting to enter. Today’s hiring fair gives youth ages 15 to 24 a chance at one of the over 5,000 opportunities available through participating employers. 

Jessica was first through the doors this morning.

A chance to get needed skills

This event provides opportunities for youth to find a job and get the experience they need to build confidence and skills in the job market. 

We’ve all been there – just starting out without any experience. Getting the right opportunity to get you off on the right foot can make all the difference.

Among the first people through the doors today was Jessica Mcgaughey, 22 years old, who was excited for the chance to meet so many employers in one location. The Youth Hiring Fair provides that foot-in-the-door, making job hunting more comfortable.

Employers benefit too

Employers were equally happy to see so many qualified young people with the potential to fill needed roles within their organizations. McDonald’s has been a supporting employer for several years now and keeps coming back because of the opportunity to meet so many potential hires.

Laura from McDonald's.

“Last year alone we hired for 200 positions from 600 applications,” said Laura Schaufele. “This really helps us staff up for summer when over 50 per cent of our staff are youth.”

The Youth Employment Centre provides a variety of free year-round career planning and employment services to people between the ages of 15 and 24 such as hiring fairs, one-on-one career counselling, resume support and job search assistance.

For more information on today’s Youth Hiring Fair, opportunities to participate next year, or ongoing employment services for youth, visit www.nextsteps.org.

Submitted by Stacey Scott, Community and Neighbourhood Services

Recognize your Snow Angel by April 17

Calgary Snow Angels may have had less snow to shovel from their neighbours’ walkways this winter compared to last, but those who benefit from their generosity nonetheless herald the work they do.

Councillor Andre Chabot (Ward 10) with Al "Richie" Richardson.

“Snow Angels are doing much more than helping neighbours comply with snow removal bylaws,” says Chris Thomson-Hunter, coordinator of The City’s annual Snow Angels campaign. “They’re strengthening our communities, connecting with neighbours and showing what it means to be a community.”

Many Calgarians are unable to shovel their drive and/or walkways, whether for the short-term due to illness, injury or an extended absence from home, or for the long-term due to age or mobility issues.

Waiting for a transplant 

In 2012, Sylvia’s husband was diagnosed with a rare lung disease. In 2013 he had a double lung transplant, but tragically passed away shortly after the surgery.  Throughout the process, Sylvia spent countless hours in Edmonton waiting with her husband for the transplant.  During the winter months, a Snow Angel kept their sidewalks clear so Sylvia could be by her husband’s side.

Now on her own, Sylvia is equally grateful for her pair of Snow Angels who are always ready to spring into action whenever the snow starts falling.

 “Younger neighbours and people with snow blowers look out for the older folks and pay close attention to what’s going on in the circle,” Sylvia said.

Waking up to a shovelled walkway

Thanks to Snow Angels, Sylvia and many others who struggle to keep their walks clear needn’t worry. Their walks will be shovelled, often before they rise in the morning.

The City’s Snow Angels campaign encourages residents to help neighbours keep their walks clear of snow and ice. It also gives those who have a Snow Angel a means to express their appreciation through having them officially recognized by The City of Calgary.

The deadline for nominating Snow Angels for recognition this year is April 17. Submission information is available online or by calling 311.

Stories from across the city

We’re fortunate in Calgary to hear many stories that make us feel good about our neighbourhoods; including those about Snow Angels and the people like Sylvia that they take care of.  You can read more stories below or visit the Snow Angels page.

Dalhousie Snow Angel
Lake Bonavista Snow Angel
Marlborough Snow Angel
McKenzie Lake Snow Angel
Oakridge Snow Angel
Wildwood Snow Angel

Submitted by Donna Bertrand, for Community & Neighbourhood Services

City partnership successful at reducing youth crime, gang involvement

Today, The City released results from an independent study that confirm the Youth at Risk Development (YARD) program is reducing criminal activity and gang involvement among Calgary youth.

Launched in 2008, at-risk youth aged 10 to 17 are paired with social workers and police officers who provide mentorship and support.

“Knowing that our combined effort is making a difference in the lives of young Calgarians affirms that we are on the right path,” said Katie Black, Acting Director, Community & Neighbourhood Services.

The study sites a 41 per cent decrease in criminal charges among participants compared to youth not involved in the program.

“Investment in early intervention pays off tenfold, not only because the kids choose a path out of crime, but they also become productive adults. YARD works,” said Calgary Police Service Deputy Chief Trevor Daroux.

Visit Calgary.ca/YouthJustice to download a referral form for the program or view a full summary of the study results.

Snow Angels program recognizes the angels among us

The Snow Angels program recognizes Calgarians who volunteer their time and energy to help neighbours with mobility challenges or busy schedules to clear the snow from their walkways.

Not only are Snow Angels helping their neighbours shovel snow; they're also helping to prevent passers by from slipping and falling in winter conditions.



Earn your wings by clearing snow and ice from your neighbours sidewalk. We also encourage Calgarians to nominate their Snow Angel to ensure they are recognized for their great contribution to our city.

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

International Day of Persons with Disabilities

A compassionate and caring community values all backgrounds and abilities. In recognition and celebration of today’s 22nd annual International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD), special guest speaker Chris Koch shared with The City his inspiring story of how he has overcome his physical challenges with courage, grace, and acceptance for himself.

Mayor Naheed Nenshi and Chris Koch

Koch became an internet sensation after a short documentary film called ‘Steep Your Soul’ featured him on Oprah Winfrey. A rancher and farmer in the Nanton area, he was born without arms or legs. But that hasn’t stopped him from doing anything.

From wakesurfing to downhill skiing to dune buggying and traveling, Koch’s If I can… approach to life is to be admired by all. After the Calgary flood of 2013, he raised funds for The Calgary Zoo by climbing the 802 steps of the Calgary Tower in less than half an hour.

“Chris’ presentation affirms the importance of the work we do at The City to find solutions to issues people with disabilities face daily,” says Leanne Squair, Issue Strategist with Community & Neighbourhood Services. “An inclusive society for all means our buildings, programs and services can be accessed by everyone; and that is our goal.”

Accessibility Highlights

The City of Calgary’s Advisory Committee on Accessibility (ACA) and two sub-committees, Access Design and Accessible Transportation, provide advice on important issues that impact the needs of people with disabilities, including building design, transportation and services.

A few of the programs and services offered by The City to help make services accessible to all include:

• TTY – Text for 311 services
• Text 911 services for deaf, deafened, hard of hearing or speech impaired persons
• Accessible transit and curbs
• Audible indications at traffic signals to help visually impaired pedestrians cross at signalized intersections
• Waste and recycling braille carts
• Home maintenance services
• Snow Angels
• Adaptive fitness and community recreation programs including adaptive equipment (wheelchair accessible pottery wheel, adapted golf cart, accessible weight room equipment, pool lifts, etc.)

A difference that can be felt: Braille plaques help residents with vision loss with their garbage and recycling

Kelly Nadeau is one of the first Calgarians to receive plaques on his carts

Taking out the garbage and recycling every week is a routine task for most Calgarians. But for residents with vision loss, it’s not quite so straightforward. Telling the difference between a blue cart for recycling and a black cart for garbage can be difficult. That’s why The City of Calgary’s Waste & Recycling Services is now offering Braille plaques to help Calgarians differentiate between their carts.

“We first learned about the issue from the citizens who were affected by this,” says Waste & Recycling Services program coordinator Philippa Wagner. “We worked in partnership with Community & Neighbourhood Services to figure out the best solution. A City accessibility committee was also involved in providing feedback for the design and placement and that’s how we came up with the idea for Braille plaques.”

With many vision problems to accommodate for, the new plaques are designed to meet all those needs. They contain a large raised letter – a G for garbage and R for recycling – in high contrast to help those with limited vision. There are also raised dots included for those who read Braille. The plaques are installed on the lids of carts to help users know which cart is which.

Kelly Nadeau is the chair of the accessibility committee and one of the first residents to receive the plaques. Nadeau has a medical condition known as cone rod dystrophy that causes separation in the cones, rods, and retinas of his eyes. He is legally blind and has been living with vision loss for most of his life.

Using touch, citizens can use the lettering to tell their carts apart

“People don’t think about the small details that affect their lives. For me and my vision loss, I have to adapt,” says Nadeau. He uses his sharp memory to his advantage – before receiving the plaques he relied on keeping his carts in the exact same order and remembering the shapes of the lids and carts. With the addition of the plaques it makes it that much easier for him to tell his carts apart.

“It may seem like a small change, but it’s all about giving people options to maintain their independence. It’s great that The City of Calgary is working towards accessibility.”

Resident Kelly Nadeau speaks with City employee Philippa Wagner

Accommodation and accessibility play a big role in breaking down barriers to help people gain independence and lead the lives they want. Nadeau is a strong advocate for independent living and universal design. “We live in a society that is continually aging and will need to be accommodated for. It’s not about special needs, it’s about equal access. It’s about making it easier for everybody,” he says. Through his work on the accessibility committee, Nadeau is also helping on projects like the extension of four-car C-Train platforms and the planning for The City’s new recreation centres.

“If we can offer another tool to help people do their tasks, then it’s important for us to do,” says Wagner. “The Braille plaques are just one way The City is working to provide equal access to our programs and services.”

The plaques will be installed at no charge for anyone who needs them – contact 311 to make a request.

Help us celebrate National Child Day

Please join us in celebrating National Child Day and this year’s theme of: it’s our right to play. Every year Canada and nations around the world take time to acknowledge and support children and their right to be active participants in their own lives.

On Nov. 20 we are hosting the following activities for children and families:

• Free play areas at local leisure and recreation centres
• An art’s exhibition at Wildflower Arts Centre
• Fun and games at Devonian Gardens

On Nov. 22  we are hosting Calgary Play Day with the following activities for children and families:

• Free swimming and skating for children 12 and under during designated public hours at city-operated recreation facilities
• More fun and games at Devonian Gardens
• A carnival at Connaught School (1121 12th Ave. S.W.)

Play is an important of a child’s day. It helps kids develop attributes such as creativity, imagination, self confidence, physical, social, cognitive and emotional skills.

To learn more about National Child Day visit www.nationalchildday.ca And don't forget to share your activities with us on Twitter: @NatlChildDay and use the hashtag: #NCDAlberta.

Submitted by Tracy Luther, Recreation

Rocky Ridge recreation facility takes next step forward

Northwest residents have a new reason to celebrate – construction on the Rocky Ridge recreation facility is about start. 

Community and council members at the ceremony on Oct. 15.

On Wednesday, Oct. 15, The City and its project partners gathered with community members to commemorate the exciting milestone. Over the past few months, crews have been preparing the site for building construction. This included stripping and grading of the land and preparing for an enhanced wetland.  

Now that the groundwork phase has wrapped up, local residents can expect to see the facility structure take shape soon.

New rec centre operated by YMCA

When complete, the approximately 285,000 square foot facility will include amenities such as two ice rinks, sport and leisure pools, a gymnasium and fitness centre, an art-making studio and gallery space, childcare and child-minding and a open-concept library. The City-built, City-owned facility will be operated by YMCA Calgary through a partnership model.

Calgarians determine amenities at each facility

The new Rocky Ridge facility is one of four new recreation facilities in development by The City of Calgary to meet our growing city’s need for convenient access to recreation opportunities. It supports the important role recreation plays in building complete communities. 

Each facility is being designed to meet the specific needs of the community, with the vision and proposed amenities determined through extensive engagement with Calgarians, community leaders and numerous sport and cultural advisory groups.

Learn more about the four facilities.

Submitted by Karen Merrick, Community and Neighbourhood Services 

City Hall School celebrates 15th anniversary

Today, The City of Calgary City Hall School celebrated 15 years of teaching young Calgarians how they, as young citizens, can be directly involved in strengthening their communities and shaping their city.

The City Hall School program allows teachers to move their classrooms to the Municipal Building for a week-long, custom designed learning experience. This unique experience gives students the opportunity to meet with elected officials and work alongside City of Calgary employees.

“Students get an inside look at how The City works and how they can be involved in local government,” said Jody Danchuk, City Hall School Coordinator. “We are so proud to know that we’ve invested 15 years into giving young Calgarians a better understanding of the importance of civic engagement and being involved in their communities.”

To celebrate this milestone, Mayor Naheed Nenshi joined the staff, partners and friends of the program in a special cake cutting ceremony.

“I have the privilege of meeting, each week, with the students at City Hall School,” said Mayor Nenshi. “I’m always struck by the pride students feel for their community and how they are able to articulate their hopes for the future.”

Over the past 15 years, just over 10,000 students, from grades three to 12, have participated in the program.

“City Hall School helped me understand the role of government,” said Morgan McClaren, who attended the school nine years ago. “It made me understand the importance of voting. Being engaged in government is a right we should exercise.”

City Hall School is a partnership between The City of Calgary’s Community & Neighbourhood Services and Campus Calgary/Open Minds. For more information please visit calgary.ca/cns.

Power restored to downtown Calgary

ENMAX successfully restored power to the west-end of the downtown core at 5 a.m. on Thursday, October 16. While the power is back on, ENMAX crews still have some work to do to rebuild the system and there will continue to be some lane closures in the area of 8 Street and 5 Avenue SW.

Entry to buildings will be delayed while heating, ventilation, water and other electrical systems come back on-line and are checked. To find out the status of your specific building, please contact your property manager.



Impacted Residents
Information about returning home is available at the Mewata Armoury, 801 11 Street SW (open from 9 a.m. – 9 p.m. today), and on Calgary.ca. Volunteers with The Canadian Red Cross will be in the area to provide assistance as Calgarians return to their homes.

Citizens who require any additional social assistance support should contact 2-1-1.



Safety check
Once you have been given the okay to return to your residence from your property manager, please perform an immediate safety sweep. If you have natural gas appliances, heat, or fireplaces and you smell gas, leave immediately and call 9-1-1.

Check the stove and oven in particular to be sure they are off. Look for other things that may be plugged in such as irons. Carefully plug in any devices that you have unplugged, recognizing that some systems may take some time to come up and some devices may need reprogramming.

For information on troubleshooting your telephone, cable TV or Internet service contact Shaw.

Re-entry checklists for Residents, Building Owners and Managers and Commercial Businesses are available on Calgary.ca.

Water 
Tap water may be brownish in colour or contain some sediment. If this is the case, run the tap until it runs cool and clear. If the issue persists, contact your building operator.

Spoiled food
When in doubt, throw it out. If you did not clean out your fridge and freezer prior to evacuating, you should do so as a priority. Large waste bins are available at Mewata Armoury for food disposal. Spoiled food items that are securely bagged can be discarded in your regularly provided facility bin. If that bin is full or no longer accessible, residents may place their securely bagged spoiled food items on the street curb. The City of Calgary’s Waste and Recycling Services will provide special curb-side pick up service from 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. today only.

Thank you
To the citizens of Calgary and those directly impacted by this outage, The City of Calgary and our partner organizations are grateful for your patience and understanding. The volunteers of Calgary continue to impress and inspire. Thank you for rallying behind your community and supporting each other.

City is prepared to accommodate displaced Calgarians

The City of Calgary is prepared to respond to any emergency situation and the Calgary Emergency Management Agency (CEMA) assists in coordinating our response to large incidents where many internal and external service providers are engaged.

While our top priority during any response is public safety, we're also focused on ensuring that citizens who have been displaced from their homes during an event have safe, alternative accommodations.

Following the utility fire which affected parts of the downtown core, The Calgary Hotel Association, working with hoteliers, helped CEMA coordinate alternative accommodation for those with no other option. To date, approximately 250 rooms have been made available to those who were displaced.

As this temporary lodging is limited and affected by a variety of factors, CEMA, along with various partner agencies including The Canadian Red Cross and The Calgary Stampede, have established a group lodging facility at the Big 4 Building at Stampede Park.

Impacted residents who require more information regarding the support services available are asked to visit an Information Centre at Mewata Armoury (801 11 St. S.W.). This centre is open daily from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

ENMAX crews continue to work around the clock and remain on schedule, with a full restoration of power to the affected area expected on Thursday.

Please visit Calgary.ca for the latest information on the downtown power outages.

Ongoing power outages in the downtown core

UPDATE: 2:00 A.M. - Oct. 13, 2014

The City of Calgary continues to work with ENMAX to assist citizens impacted by the underground utility fire that caused a power outage in the downtown core.

Due to the power outage, there may be loss of pressure to high floor units which may result in low pressure, or no water supply.

Please note, that even if your water pressure is low, your water is safe to be used.

For residents or businesses that are in need of water, “water wagons” have been deployed to the following locations:

·         1121 6 Avenue SW

·         1088 6 Avenue SW

·         912 6 Avenue SW

·         731 6 Avenue SW

·         618 5 Avenue SW

Map of "water wagon" locations in downtown Calgary.

These water wagons will be monitored and refilled as required for the duration of the power outage.

UPDATE: 8:00 P.M. - Oct. 12, 2014

Map of impacted area including road closures and Information Centre location.

The City of Calgary continues to work with ENMAX and other partner agencies to assist citizens impacted by an underground utility fire that caused a power outage in the downtown core. Please visit Calgary.ca for additional updates regarding this incident and support services available to impacted Calgarians.

Power:

• There are currently power outages between 5 Street SW and 11 Street SW and 4 Avenue SW and 7 Avenue SW. As a result, approximately 1,900 metered customers in 112 residential and commercial buildings are without power. The system will be shut down until power can be safely restored. If you currently have power, you are not at risk of losing service.
• At this time, ENMAX has indicated that power will likely be restored sometime between Wednesday evening and Saturday.

Info for residents impacted by power outages

• If you are without power and are planning on leaving your residence please do so during daylight hours.
• Please be sure to unplug all appliances to avoid a power surge when power is restored.
• If you are leaving your home clean out your fridge and freezer before leaving.
• Please remember the power outage has impacted ventilation systems. Do not run your car in underground parkades.
• Do not under any circumstances use alternative heating or cooking devices. This includes candles, propane lights, camping lights and stoves or barbeques. For alternative lighting, use battery-powered lights or flashlights.
• Never use a portable generator indoors.
• Shaw has provided an open Wi-Fi network throughout Calgary for those who are using devices to stay connected. Look for the "Shaw Guest" network on your Wi-Fi enabled device. No password is required.
• Impacted residents can also head to any Telus retail store to charge their devices.

Road Closures:

Most of the impacted area has been reopened to  traffic the only remaining road closures include:

• 5 Avenue S.W. between 7 Street S.W. and 9 Street S.W. 
• 8 Street S.W. between 4 Avenue S.W. and 6 Avenue S.W.

Transit:

• Calgary Transit service is now running normally. Check CalgaryTransit.com for the most up-to-date route information.

Water:

• Water quality remains high and Calgarians in the affected area can continue to use water if it is available.
• Due to the power outage, there may be loss of pressure to high floor units which may result in no water supply.  
• Residents may see in buildings that have lost pressure or are experiencing low pressure include no water from taps and toilets will not flush.  This is a normal occurrence when pressure is lost or low, and residents are asked to be patient as crews work to restore power and water pressure to the building. Residents are asked to advise their building manager should this occur.  The City is working with Building Owners and Managers Association to monitor and communicate with affected residents. Please note, even if your water pressure is low, your water is safe to be used.
• The City is preparing to provide emergency potable water wagons for affected residents and businesses as required.

Waste:

• Waste bins will be available at Mewata Armoury for food disposal. If you are without power and looking to get rid of items in your fridge, you can dispose of them at the Information Centre.

Where to stay & Information Centre:

• An Information Centre is set up at Mewata Armoury at 801 11 St. SW for residents to go and get information regarding the incident and support services. The Centre will be open for 24 hours.
• Please bring identification and a piece of mail or some document to show your home address is in the impacted area. Bring the name of your insurance provider and policy information if available, as well as the name of your building manager or organization if possible.
• Impacted residents will be able to convene, get information and charge electronic devices. There will be food trucks, hand washing stations, and an assessment can be done on any accommodation challenges. 
• The centre will also have Animal Services available to take your pets to The City’s Animal Shelter for temporary accommodation. Domestic animals such as cats, dogs, rabbits and birds in cages can all be accommodated. For exotic pets (must be in cages) such as snakes, spiders, etc., arrangements can be made by calling Calgary North Veterinary Hospital at 403-277-0135.
• If your power is out and you have friends or family that you can stay with, please reach out to secure accommodations for yourself while power is being restored. You can also contact your insurance company to see if accommodations are covered under your individual policy.
• Please note NO food donations are required at this time.

 

Emergency Operations Centre closure and update on tree debris clean-up

Below is raw video from the Emergency Operation Centre (EOC). Mayor Naheed Nenshi and Acting Director of Calgary Emergency Management Agency, Tom Sampson announce the closure of the EOC. Director of Parks, Anne Charlton then discusses how The City will lead tree debris clean-up moving forward.

Managing tree debris: parks, homes and collection

Calgarians continue to Pick Up, Pitch In and Pull Together since the tree cleanup began last week. We’re seeing amazing community spirit as Calgarians help out their neighbours to clear away the debris from the storm while City crews respond to over 3,000 tree emergencies.



Avoid parks and pathways
We realize the weather is nice and people want to get outdoors. However, our staff have not had time to complete safety assessments of many areas. As a result, we are asking Calgarians to please avoid using parks and pathways with mature trees.

Please respect signage in parks informing Calgarians of closures, look for hazards around trees, and stay away from trees that could pose a threat to your safety.

For more information, check our list of open parks and pathways and connect with facility bookings for status on event bookings in parks.

City Links

To assist Calgary’s vulnerable population, we expanded the City Links program, which helps low income seniors with home maintenance. The program now also offers assistance with cleaning up tree debris. Since Friday we have received 392 calls for assistance, 100 of which have been received just today.

If you have a senior family member, a friend, or a neighbour with a disability, who requires additional support in the clean up process, please access this program.

Where to put tree debris
There are many options available to Calgarians for tree collection and disposal. It is recommended that citizens visit a City landfill as landfill operations are best equipped to deal with all sizes of tree debris. Citizens can also access all 33 of The City’s leaf & pumpkin drop-off locations to dispose of tree debris. As well, citizens can stack tree debris as close to the edge of their property without impeding roads, pathways or sidewalks.

• Stack branches neatly where you normally place your black and blue carts (front roadways or in back alleys/laneways). Please note that tree debris will not be picked up at the same time as your residential garbage/recycling pick up as pick up of tree debris needs to remain ‘clean’ and will require specialized equipment.
• Stack branches neatly and placing on your front yard or driveway, near the sidewalk but not impeding access is acceptable.
• Stack branches neatly on a residential boulevard or median - not impeding access to adjacent roadways or sidewalks is acceptable. Please be mindful of risks associated with adjacent traffic activity if using this option. 
• Stack branches neatly in back lanes or alleyways - not impeding access to roads or walkways is acceptable.

Ideally, stacked tree branches are no more than 4ft in length. However, the City appreciates the efforts and cooperation of citizens and the collection and stacking of branches in any of the above mentioned scenarios is appreciated. Please be patient as City crews will take some time to get around to all areas of the city. Ideally and if citizens are able, preference is for collected branches to be brought directly to the City landfills and secondly, to one of the 33 leaf & pumpkin drop-off locations.

Please do NOT bring garbage or plastic bags to the leaf and pumpkin drop-off locations. Paper bags can be composted or mulched along with the tree material.

Regular collection of blue, black and green carts will resume tomorrow. We couldn’t reach all streets and lanes last week as some were blocked by downed branches. Tree debris will not be collected as part of residential collection. Please do not put branches or other tree debris in your blue or black carts.

There is a lot of work left to be done and many City parks still pose potential hazards for the public. The incredible job of cleaning up will continue for City crews, partner agencies, and many Calgarians for some time.

Thanks to everyone for pitching in to clean up our city.