City accepting online payments for new home construction permits

Calgary’s high volume home builders will be spending less time at our counter, starting now.

Thanks to the latest online payment option offered by The City, they can apply for new home building permits and complete the process by paying for Single Construction Permits with a major credit card. Those paying online will also obtain an immediate partial permit, so they can begin construction right away without having to visit our service counter.

These improvements are part of The City’s Residential ePermit initiative, where we’re working to make it faster and easier to apply for residential permits, book inspections and pay for those services online.



“Accepting these permit payments online is an exciting first step for The City and its customers,” says Henry van Aken, Manager of Customer Advisory Services. “We’ve now completely eliminated the need for these home builders to travel to City Hall, find parking, and stand in line at our counter. More importantly, we’ve succeeded in making it faster and easier to do business with The City, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.”

The City started by adding its largest volume permit application to the web, the Single Construction Permit, and worked closely with members of the Canadian Home Builders’ Association – Calgary Region to help develop and test the online tool. Since April 2013, more than 4,000 new home construction permits and 10,000 paperless inspections have been booked online by home builders.

For more information about the Residential ePermit initiative and details about the new online payments, visit calgary.ca/epermit.

Have your say on Calgary's future

Action Plan 2015 – 2018 public engagement is happening until March 21! Board our Take Action bus or participate online to help shape Calgary’s future.

This weekend we will be at Market Mall, Beddington Towne Centre, Country Hills Library, Signal Hill, and Crowfoot Library. Visit the Action Plan website for details or to find an event near you.

www.calgary.ca/actionplan

2013 Assessment Notices are Mailed and the Assessment Customer Review Period Begins

Today, The City of Calgary mailed approximately 491,000 Property and Business 2013 Assessment Notices and commenced the 2013 Assessment Customer Review Period, which runs from January 3 to March 4, 2013.

The 2013 Property Assessment values are based on a July 1, 2012 market valuation date and December 31, 2012 physical condition date as legislated by the Province of Alberta through the Municipal Government Act (MGA). The 2013 Business Assessment values are based on the July 1, 2012 typical net annual rental value of business premises.

The assessed values, which provide the basis for determining property and business taxes, are prepared annually by The City of Calgary. “Preparing assessments on an annual basis helps ensure property and business assessments remain current with changing market conditions,” explains Harvey Fairfield, Calgary’s Acting City Assessor. “The market establishes the value of properties and businesses in Calgary; we simply measure that market value as of July 1 each year prior to the taxation year.”

The 2013 Customer Review Period provides customers with the opportunity to review and ensure the accuracy of their 2013 Assessment and learn more about Calgary’s assessment process. “The Customer Review Period is a top priority for the Assessment business unit,” says Fairfield. “During this time, Assessment staff and resources are fully dedicated to serving our customers and answering their questions.”

In conjunction with the 2013 Assessment Notice mailing, on January 3, the Assessment Search website at calgary.ca/assessmentsearch will be updated with 2013 assessment information.

Through the Assessment Search Secure Login service, property and business owners can conduct more in-depth assessment research by accessing more detailed information on their own property or business premises, summary information on other properties or premises for comparison purposes, helpful search tools and account management features.

“We continue to enhance the information and services we offer online so customers can efficiently and conveniently access tools and resources to help with their assessment review,” says Fairfield. Information about registering for and using the Assessment Search Secure Login service is included with the 2013 Notice mailing and online at calgary.ca/assessmentsearch.

If customers still have questions after reviewing their assessment, they can call the Assessment business unit at 403-268-2888 during the 2013 Customer Review Period to have their inquiries answered over the phone or, if necessary, to book an appointment with an assessor.

Playground replacements ensure safe places for children to play

Calgary kids can be seen in droves monkeying around on new and improved city playgrounds.

In 2012, 23 City playgrounds have been completely replaced and four playgrounds received a new fall surface at a cost of approximately $2.6 million.

“Ongoing maintenance and replacement of playgrounds that reach the end of their lifecycle is a safety priority for us and one we take very seriously,” says Todd Reichardt, Manager, City of Calgary Parks.

Maintaining safe and wholesome places for children to play and families to socialize supports The City of Calgary’s goal of complete communities.

The City maintains 1,048 playgrounds and each one is inspected seven times a year. Life expectancy of a playground is approximately 15 years. Replacements are prioritized through a rating system that evaluates:

• Condition of each piece of equipment
• Usage of equipment
• Opportunity of leveraging funds from partner organizations

Almost $1 million of the total $2.6 million playground investment was allocated from the community investment fund. Parks Foundation Calgary, community fundraising initiatives and private donations contributed $1.6 Million.

“Partner organizations are integral to keeping City playgrounds safe,” says Reichardt. "It is through the hard work, cooperation and commitment of many that made this year’s replacements possible.”



Myrna Dubé, CEO of Parks Foundation Calgary, said the non-profit organization is proud to support communities through their Building Playgrounds and Communities grant Program.

“This program allows us to work with communities throughout the entire process of redeveloping a playground,” she says.

Seventeen of the 23 playgrounds received funding from Parks Foundation Calgary's Building Playgrounds and Communities Grant Program in 2012.

“Working with valued partners like the City of Calgary, community associations and corporate groups, we create meaningful play spaces for children and families in the community," adds Dubé.

Created by City Council on July 25, 2011, the community investment fund will invest $252 million from 2012 to 2016 into tangible and useful community improvements on things like libraries, recreation centres, swimming pools, arenas, athletic fields, parks, playgrounds and emergency services.

Tree replanting essential to Calgary's urban forest

Planting trees helps build communities is a mantra Calgarians truly believe in and maintaining and sustaining the health of Calgary’s urban forest is a key environmental priority for The City.

That’s why City of Calgary Parks is in the process of planting 366 trees across the city as part of its Poplar Lifecycle and Species Diversity Project.

“Trees contribute to our city’s beautiful landscape, improve quality of life, and provide many environmental and social benefits,” says Jill-Anne Spence, Urban Forestry Lead with The City of Calgary Parks.

Made possible by the community investment fund, this $450,000 project included an assessment of The City’s aging poplar trees in need of replacement due to poor condition and health.

 “For every one tree removed, two are being planted. Where possible, shade trees such as oak, ash or elm are replacing poplars,” says Spence. “It’s important for the overall health of the city’s urban forest for trees to be of mixed age and species, to ensure the trees can be enjoyed by both us and future generations.”

Replacement planting occurs in the same location as removal or, if that is not possible, trees are planted in the nearest park. A mix of tree types is replacing the dying poplars as appropriate to the planting location.
Planning for the project began in May. Removal and planting started in September and is anticipated to be completed by the end of October.

Created by City Council on July 25, 2011, the community investment fund will invest $252 million from 2012 to 2016 into tangible and useful community improvements on things like libraries, recreation centres, swimming pools, arenas, athletic fields, parks, playgrounds and emergency services. For more information, please visit Calgary.ca/communityinvestmentfund.

2013 & 2014 Business Plans and Budget Adjustments Engagement Phase I Results Are In

This is from the 2013 & 2014 Business Plans and Budget Adjustments Engagement team. 

Thank You to everyone who participated in our 2013 & 2014 business plans and budget adjustments survey. It is only by understanding your priorities that The City can work to ensure the services we provide meet the needs of Calgarians.

As you are aware, to honour The City’s commitment to continue its conversation with Calgarians, calgary.ca/ourfuture was launched on June 12, 2012. The micro site contains information and links designed to share information regarding the approved 2012 – 2014 business plans and budgets, what The City is focusing its efforts towards, how tax and capital dollars are being spent, and to create a forum for you to talk directly with The City and with each other.

The priority for engagement at this time was to discover if Calgarians’ priorities had changed since Council deliberation in 2011, if outside events had changed or shifted (e.g. economic conditions) from your perspective, and if The City was doing  a good job in meeting the expectations laid out in the 2012 – 2014 business plans and budgets.

Over 2800 people visited the site when the survey was running, the majority from direct traffic to calgary.ca/ourfuture. We also have a mobile app for this site, through which 488 citizens visited. 232 respondents, both employees and citizens, completed the survey, many providing clear and specific comments.

Please visit calgary.ca/ourfuture to view the results and the next steps.

Thank you again for your participation!

Our City. Our Budget. Our Future. Adjustments 2013 & 2014

Six months ago, over 23,000 Calgarians shared their thoughts and ideas on The City of Calgary's 2012-2014 business plans and budgets, and now we'd like to check-in with you again.

To participate in Adjustments 2013 & 2014, from June 12–30, please

• look through the site, www.calgary.ca/ourfuture 
• comment in the boxes that are available on every page, 
• complete the short survey, and
• visit 2012-2014 business plans and budgets for more detailed information. 

We're hoping to learn if your priorities have changed in the last six months, what (if anything) has shifted, and how Calgarians want to continue the conversation with The City on business planning and budgeting Adjustments.

Adjustments are an important aspect of multi-year business planning and budgeting and are designed to manage business plans and budget changes in a comprehensive, transparent and integrated manner while maintaining the direction and priorities established in the approved plans and budgets.

Based on an analysis of recent economic and financial projections for 2013 and 2014, no significant changes in revenue, service costs, or service demands are emerging. The forecasts used to develop the approved 2012-2014 business plans and budgets are holding true, so Administration does not foresee substantive adjustments to react to changes. However, it is anticipated that a limited number of changes may be needed.

As part of Adjustments, The City also wants to ensure that citizens have the opportunity to ask questions and has created an interactive microsite, www.calgary.ca/ourfuture. This site outlines what the Adjustments process is and is full of relevant information and links to more detailed documents on calagry.ca

The information gathered during this engagement will be shared with Administration as they are creating their proposed Adjustments to the 2012 – 2014 business plans and budgets. The City will also share the results gathered during the engagement on this site in mid-July.

Once the proposed adjustments documents are complete The City will present Administration’s proposed adjustments on this site in November and will continue the conversation with you throughout this entire process.

Share with The City what you are thinking! It is only by understanding Calgarians’ priorities that The City can ensure the services it provides are the services citizens value and need.

Calgary, Edmonton and the province sign ‘big city charter’

The Government of Alberta, The City of Calgary and The City of Edmonton have signed a memorandum of understanding formalizing their commitment to develop a big city charter to help meet the challenges of growth.

“This charter will position our two largest cities for the future,” said Alison Redford, Premier of Alberta. “Our government needs to continue to build on our strong relationships that give municipalities the flexibility they need to meet local needs, not only four or five years from now, but 20 years from now.”

“We’re turning the page on a new chapter in provincial-municipal relationships in Alberta,” said Doug Griffiths, Minister of Municipal Affairs. “I’m excited about working with Calgary and Edmonton to find new and better ways to deliver streamlined services together to make our communities even better places to live. This process will also feed into our review of the Municipal Government Act as we strengthen our relationship with municipalities across Alberta.”

The memorandum of understanding sets the stage for the development of a legislative framework which will help each city better meet their infrastructure needs and the increasing demand for urban services. The partners will also explore the operating and legislative responsibilities of each party to ensure they align with the challenges and needs of each government.

"This is an exciting moment for Alberta's big cities, Edmonton and Calgary. Premier Redford and Minister Griffiths are opening the door for discussions about the unique challenges we face," said Edmonton Mayor Stephen Mandel. "Signing this memorandum of understanding is the first step in the process and I look forward to working closely with the Province, Minister Griffiths, and Mayor Nenshi to meet our objectives over the coming months."

“Today’s agreement is a significant step to recognize the unique needs of Calgary and Edmonton,” said Calgary Mayor Naheed Nenshi. “A city charter will give Calgary the tools we need to effectively provide the services that our citizens rely on every day. I look forward to working with the provincial government to make this promise a reality.”

The first stage of the project will determine the parameters of the charter with respect to issues, interests, options and solutions. This work will be completed by September. Between October 2012 and February 2013 the charter and any necessary legislation will be developed, then presented for consideration by the Legislature in the spring of 2013. Any legislation will be designed for inclusion within the Municipal Government Act once the review of that Act is complete.

Charters

Budget and Business Plan Adjustments 2013 & 2014: Can we talk?

On November 29, 2011 Council approved the 2012-2014 business plans and budgets. This was accomplished thanks to over 23,000 Calgarians who took the opportunity to learn more about The City’s plans, how we use our revenues and thoughtfully shared with us their ideas on what priorities we should consider from 2012 to 2014.

That was six months ago, and now we want to check-in. We want to know if those priorities have changed in the last six months, what (if anything) has shifted for you, and how you want to continue the conversation.

We want to hear from you, and we are sure you have some questions too. Here’s how you can participate:

• Please look through the site: www.calgary.ca/ourfuture
• You can comment wherever you'd like
• Please complete our short survey
• Visit 2012-2014 business plans and budgets for more detailed information 
• Share with us what you are thinking! 

It is only by understanding your priorities that we can ensure the services we provide meet your needs.

Onward/ By 2016, Calgary City Council establishes a participatory budgeting process.

Airport Trail – from Harvest Hills Link to Stoney Trail

On Monday, January 23 a financial report is going to City Council to provide a financial update on the costs of the improvements underway and planned for in and around Airport Trail North.

For two decades The City of Calgary has been planning for an east-west expressway along 96 Avenue North, also known as Airport Trail. The northeast is expected to be one of Calgary’s fastest growing areas over the next 60 years with 123,000 residents living in communities north of McKnight Boulevard between Deerfoot Trail and Stoney Trail. The extensive industrial and commercial projects in this area will also result in 70,000 new jobs being created.

The development of Airport Trail includes multiple projects either underway (see chart below) or proposed based on need, availability of funding and agreements with City partners. Timing for future construction will be determined by such factors as traffic volumes through the area and the Transportation Infrastructure Improvement Priorities (TIIP).

The City of Calgary is currently conducting an Airport Trail functional planning study which will confirm the future configurations of interchanges along Airport Trail and update the predicted costs for the remaining construction needed along Airport Trail.

Visit calgary.ca fore more information on the planning study.

Description	Budget*	Timeline
Extending 96 Avenue (Airport Trail) from Harvest Hills Link to Deerfoot Trail. More information	$42 Million	Project started in 2010 with an expected completion in 2012.
Construction/upgrading Airport Trail from Deerfoot Trail to 36 Street N.E. This project includes the construction of the Airport Trail tunnel. More information	$294.8 Million	Construction started in 2011 with an expected completion in May 2014
Construction Airport Trail from 60 Street N.E. to Stoney Trail. More information	$3.2 Million	This project is substantially complete with small items, such as landscaping scheduled for 2012

* All three projects currently underway are on budget.


Related Calgary City news Blog posts:

• Citizen feedback wanted for Airport Trail Tunnel
• 96 Avenue NE and improvements to the Airport Trail / Deerfoot Trail interchange
• Airport Trail underpass clear for takeoff

2012 Assessment Notices are Mailed and the Assessment Customer Review Period Begins

Stuart Dalgleish, director of Assessment, explains the 2012 Assessment.

Today, The City of Calgary mailed approximately 482,000 Property and Business 2012 Assessment Notices and commenced the Assessment 2012 Customer Review Period, which runs from January 03 to March 05, 2012.

The 2012 Property Assessment values are based on a July 01, 2011 market valuation date and December 31, 2011 physical condition date as legislated by the Province of Alberta through the Municipal Government Act (MGA). The 2012 Business Assessment values are based on the July 01, 2011 typical net annual rental value of business premises.

The assessed values, which are used as the basis for determining property and business taxes, are prepared annually by The City of Calgary. “Preparing assessments on an annual basis ensures property and business owners’ assessments maintain currency with changing market conditions and experience more stability in year to year property and business tax levels,” explains Stuart Dalgleish, Calgary’s City Assessor. “The market establishes the value of properties and businesses in Calgary; we simply measure that market value as of July 01 each year prior to the taxation year.”

The 2012 Customer Review Period provides customers with the opportunity to review and ensure the accuracy of their 2012 Assessment and learn more about Calgary’s assessment process.

In conjunction with the 2012 Assessment Notice mailing on January 03, 2012, The City of Calgary’s Assessment business unit is launching its redesigned Assessment Search website at calgary.ca/assessmentsearch, which will offer new and expanded online services to customers, within a Helpful, Convenient, Secure theme.

“One of the changes to calgary.ca/assessmentsearch will be the introduction of a new secure login service for property owners, similar to the service introduced for business owners earlier in 2011. This secure service represents the start of property owners being able to access private assessment information about their own properties online, and includes improved search features, as well as new account management services. To continue to respond to the existing public demand for online assessment information, a public access feature will provide any members of the public with map and tabular based information for property locations and property assessment values. In addition to bringing about improvements for 2012, this new platform enables the Assessment business unit to offer more information and assessment services online in the future, and supports our effectiveness and efficiency endeavours,” explains Dalgleish.

Enabling our new secure login service is The City’s new myID online account technology developed by the Information Technology business unit. myID is an online account service that allows citizens and businesses to securely access City services with a single login. Calgarians have asked for more City services to be available online and myID aims to provide, over time, a single point of access for citizens and businesses to connect with City of Calgary services. Assessment information is the first service to fully link to the myID online account service platform for citizens and businesses, with other City online services linking to myID accounts in the future.

If customers still have questions after reviewing their assessment, they can call the Assessment business unit at 403-268-2888 during the 2012 Customer Review Period to have their inquiries answered over the phone or, if necessary, to book an appointment with an assessor.

THE CITY OF CALGARY 2012 PROPERTY AND BUSINESS ASSESSMENT ROLLS KEY FINDINGS

2012 Property Assessment Roll:

• Based on the market value of property as of July 01, 2011.
• Total number of accounts on the 2012 Property Assessment Roll is 456,000.
• Total value of the 2012 Property Assessment Roll is 232 billion.
• As a result of the 2012 Assessment, the typical market value residential property assessment change is -3% between 2011 and 2012.
• This year, approximately 93% of residential properties’ revenue neutral taxes will be within ± 10% of last year’s taxes.
• 62% of residential properties will see a revenue neutral tax decrease due to the 2012 assessment.
• 38% of residential properties will see a revenue neutral tax increase due to the 2012 assessment.
• 2012 median single residential assessment (excluding condominiums) is 400,000 compared to 410,000 in 2011.
• 2012 median residential condominium assessment is 240,000 compared to 250,000 in 2011.
• As a result of the 2012 assessment, the typical market value non-residential property assessment change is 2% between 2011 and 2012.
• This year, approximately 60% of non-residential properties’ revenue neutral taxes will be within ±10% of last year’s taxes.
• 63% of non-residential properties will see a revenue neutral tax decrease.
• 37% of non-residential properties will see a revenue neutral tax increase.
• Changes to the real estate market after July 01, 2001 will be reflected in values prepared for the 2013 Property Assessment Roll.

2012 Business Assessment Roll:

• Based on the typical net annual rental value of business premises as of July 01, 2011.
• Total number of accounts on the 2012 Business Assessment Roll is 26,100.
• Total value of the 2012 Business Assessment Roll is 2.7 billion.
• As a result of the 2012 assessment, the typical net annual rental value business assessment change is -3% between 2011 and 2012.
• This year, approximately 49% of businesses’ revenue neutral taxes will be within ± 10% of last year’s taxes.
• 35% of businesses will see a revenue neutral tax decrease.
• 65% of businesses will see a revenue neutral tax increase
• Changes to the typical net annual rental market after July 01, 2011 will be reflected in values prepared for the 2013 Business Assessment Roll.

City Council Approves 2012-2014 Business Plans and budgets

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

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

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

Calgary Police Service

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

Community Services & Protective Services

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

Transportation

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

Civic Partners

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Proposed plans and budgets, Part 3: Transportation

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Calgary's proposed 2012-2014 budget released today

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

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

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

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

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

Related Calgary City News Blog posts:

• Our city our budget our future: Budget discussions are back
• Calgary Business Plan & Budget App Launched (updated)
• Budget Public Engagement: Phase 2 - Focus on City services
• Our City. Our Budget. Our Future. - Public Engagement Launched
• Public Engagement Process for Business Planning Announced
• City Council Approves 2011 Business Plan and Budget Adjustments
• 2011 Budget Adjustment Questions Addressed
• Transit Budget Questions Answered
• City Administration releases proposed adjustments to 2011 Business Plans and Budgets
• City of Calgary CFO and Calgary Fire Chief Discuss 2011 Budget
• City of Calgary receives distinguished budget award
• City Council approves 2010 - 2011 Business Plan and Budget Adjustments

Our city our budget our future: Budget discussions are back

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

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

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

Related Calgary City News Blog posts:

• Calgary Business Plan & Budget App Launched (updated)
• Budget Public Engagement: Phase 2 - Focus on City services
• Our City. Our Budget. Our Future. - Public Engagement Launched
• Public Engagement Process for Business Planning Announced
• City Council Approves 2011 Business Plan and Budget Adjustments
• 2011 Budget Adjustment Questions Addressed
• Transit Budget Questions Answered
• City Administration releases proposed adjustments to 2011 Business Plans and Budgets
• City of Calgary CFO and Calgary Fire Chief Discuss 2011 Budget
• City of Calgary receives distinguished budget award
• City Council approves 2010 - 2011 Business Plan and Budget Adjustments