Seven actions you can take to help the environment

Spring is here and it is a great time to help protect our precious land, air and water. Together we can make a difference. Here are seven actions that can make a big difference.


1. Attend a community tree fair

This spring, we will be hosting tree fairs at community parks all around Calgary, with free resources and demonstrations showing you how to care for your trees and plant new trees. There will also be lots of fun activities for kids, entertainment and food options. Together we can recover our trees that were damaged in the September 2014 snowstorm and help our trees grow to what they once were. For locations and dates, visit the "Events" tab of calgary.ca/trees.


2. Reduce idling

When vehicles are left running while parked, they continue to produce emissions that contribute to air pollution and climate change. Turning off the engine is a great way to reduce emissions and save money. Ten seconds of idling uses more fuel than turning your engine off and restarting it. If you want to start an idle free zone at your school or workplace visit calgary.ca for idle free posters that can be downloaded and printed.


3. Plant some smarty plants

This summer enjoy a beautiful yard that is easy to maintain. Smarty plants are part of The City of Calgary’s YardSmart program and are plants that don’t require a lot of water and still thrive in Calgary’s unique climate. Since summer water usage can increase by 50 per cent, becoming water and YardSmart can reduce your summer watering bill and this means more savings for you. Visit calgary.ca/yardsmart to find a list of smarty plants and other YardSmart actions.


4. Use a rain barrel

A good rain shower can quickly fill a rain barrel and provide a free source of water for your yard. Your plants will love the rain water and will flourish. Green Calgary is hosting a number of rain barrel sales this spring and summer, to see the dates and locations of the sales go to greencalgary.org.


5. Reduce/Reuse/Recycle

Reducing the amount of material that gets sent to the landfill is important to everyone. Thanks to the efforts of all Calgarians, we’ve recycled more than 350,000,000 kilograms of material in the last five years. By reducing, reusing and recycling, we are doing more with less – and that is great for the environment. The City of Calgary has created a searchable online tool called What Goes Where and it has helped thousands of Calgarians find out how to give a second life to materials. Check it out at calgary.ca/whatgoeswhere the next time you are wondering where something goes.


6. Just compost it

At this time of year, nearly a third of our residential garbage is yard waste. Rather than putting your old leaves, branches, and plants in the garbage, give these materials a second life by turning them into compost. Bring your yard waste for composting to any City landfill for free until the end of May. Visit calgary.ca/springcleaning for more information on the program and landfill hours.


7. Eat local

Local food is miles better. The average meal travels 2500 kilometres to reach your plate – that’s a lot of fuel, energy and carbon emissions. Growing your own food or eating food that is produced locally is a great way to save energy and help protect the environment. The added bonus is that local food is fresher and taste great! If you're looking for more information on local food or are interested in joining a community garden, visit calgary.ca/localfood.

Please visit calgary.ca/spring to find out more information on spring in Calgary.

Saving money by recycling handrails

Construction taking place at the 1 Street SW underpass

Construction on the 1 Street SW pedestrian underpass is well underway with demolition work now complete on the west side walkway of the underpass.

Through a collaborative design process, improvements will be completed on both the underpass structure and the pedestrian environment extending from 9 to 10 Avenue SW, including: improved lighting, new sidewalks and guardrails, integrated art and way-finding elements, water mitigation and painting of retaining walls and structure beams.

Prior to the start of construction, City staff inspected the existing handrails of the pedestrian walkway and determined that they could be recycled and reused in other locations. Instead of the material being demolished, approximately 70 metres of steel handrail was salvaged from the west side walkway. The City believes there is an equivalent amount on the east side walkway that will be removed when the contractor moves over to that side later in the spring.

Salvaged handrails from the 1 Street SW underpass

The railing is currently being stored in The City’s bridge maintenance compound. One option being considered is to use the material to upgrade pedestrian railings at other Canadian Pacific Rail underpasses.

Reusing the salvaged handrails should result in an estimated cost savings of $50,000.

The 1 Street SW enhancement project is part of a broader underpass improvement program by The City to improve the pedestrian environment and underpass connections between the Beltline and downtown communities. The 1 Street SW underpass was prioritized for improvement because it has the highest pedestrian use of all Centre City underpasses, is an important gateway connection, and because of its significance as a heritage structure.

To learn more about this project, please visit Calgary.ca 

Visit whatgoeswhere.ca – your best source for disposal information

If you've bought a new TV or received a new kitchen appliance for Christmas, there’s no need to scratch your head wondering what you to do with your old gadgets. We have the answers that’ll make it a snap to do the right thing.


Visit whatgoeswhere.ca and type in your item to find all the best options for disposing of your old stuff. With responsible disposal information on more than 200 items, in many cases you’ll find alternatives other than dumping them in our landfills.


What Goes Where? will tell you which cart to use at home, or if the item is still useable it’ll link you to nearby charities where it can be donated. For other items that need to be disposed of safely or recycled elsewhere it’ll point you to locations across the city.


Help clear out the Christmas clutter and make your Christmas a little greener using the What Goes Where? tool this holiday season.

Curbside tree debris pick up in Calgary communities wraps up

After September’s snowstorm, The City of Calgary visited all 227 Calgary communities to help remove tree debris. This work has now been completed three weeks ahead of schedule, in part due to good weather.

“We are extremely proud to have completed this work in just four weeks,” says Nico Bernard, manager of The City’s Tactical Operations Centre. “We can now focus our attention on removing tree debris from parks and some major roads, as well as continuing to cut down branches that pose a public safety threat.”

The work entailed a systematic pass through all residential areas to pick up tree debris piled by citizens at the edge of their properties, as well as debris found along roadsides, alleys, and high-traffic pathways. More than 19 million kilograms (or 19,000 tonnes) of debris from 25,000 loads have been taken to City landfills for mulching.

If you still have tree debris, please take advantage of the following disposal options:

• City landfills: Fees are waived for all tree debris not mixed with garbage until Nov. 9.
• Leaf & Pumpkin drop-offs: 32 temporary collection sites open until Nov. 9 for tree debris, leaves and pumpkins.
• Small branches (no thicker than three inches) cut into three-foot lengths can be tied together and left inside black carts, or set next to carts for pick up if bins are full.
• Citizens are asked not to create dump sites in parks or other areas of Calgary. Illegal dumping is subject to a $250 fine.

While the systematic neighbourhood pick-up is over, there is still significant work to do to recover from the early snow and restore the urban forest.

“There are over 500,000 public trees in Calgary, and preliminary assessments indicate that about 50% have been damaged,” says Bernard. “Some trees will require corrective pruning, which Parks will begin right away and continue until the end of next year. Others will need to be replanted, which we will start in the spring and may take up to two years to complete.”

Pruning work is prioritized according to the impact on the tree. Public safety hazards are dealt with first and are removed immediately to prevent injury or damage to property.

Citizens are asked not to remove ribbons placed on trees, as they indicate a tree has received a preliminary assessment and requires pruning to build resiliency into the tree. Trees that likely won’t survive, but are not yet hazards, will have signs posted to indicate removal at a later date.

More information can be found on Calgary.ca.

6 tips for putting out your garbage and recycling

Did you know that The City of Calgary collects over 5,000 tonnes of garbage and recycling from residential homes each week? That’s the equivalent weight of 733 elephants – that’s a lot of stuff!

With over 305,000 homes to service every week, being quick, safe and efficient is an important part of the job. You play a part too. Here are six things you should know when putting out your blue and black carts:

1. Leave enough space around your carts
The collection trucks use mechanical arms to pick up blue and black carts. These arms need space to reach, grab and lift the carts safely. If you can walk between and around your carts that’s enough space.

2. Is your cart full?

Fill your cart before leaving out any extra garbage bags.

3. Flatter is better

Place your carts on even ground at street or lane level to keep them from rolling or tipping over.

4. Move it on over

Leave at least 30 cm (1 ft.) of space between your cart and any extra bags.

5. Cars and fences and poles, oh my!
Leave at least one metre (3 ft.) of space between your cart and any other obstacles such as cars fences, garages and power poles. The mechanical arms on the trucks need the room to safely pick up your carts.



6. Rise and shine
We start early. Put your carts out by 7 a.m. on your collection day or after 7 p.m. the day before your collection. Pull your carts back onto your property or against your fence after collection.


For more placement tips, watch our Report to Calgarians video clip below or visit calgary.ca/waste.

Save yourself a trip to the landfill — take part in your Community Cleanup

The City of Calgary, in partnership with local community associations, is giving you the chance to have your waste and recycling hauled away for free.

Throughout the spring and fall, community associations across the city will be running Community Cleanups. These scheduled events are your chance to quickly dispose of household items that may not fit in your black, brown or blue carts - like furniture or old fencing.

“And if you live in a multi-unit housing complex that doesn’t have cart service, we encourage you to bring your waste and recycling items to this event, especially if it is closer than the designated community recycling depots,” says Cheryl Herperger, Animal & Bylaw Services (ABS) Business Strategist.

Nearly 100 community associations took part

Last year, 97 community associations ran Community Cleanup events in partnership with The City.

“The Community Cleanups provide a fantastic opportunity to work with your neighbours and community associations to clean up your yards and homes, parks, off-leash areas and sport playfields,” says Herperger. “And if people can’t take part in their own Community Cleanup, they are more than welcome to go to another one.”

Trucks and supplies provided by The City

Through the Community Standards Fund, community associations register to run a Community Cleanup.

Waste & Recycling Services supplies three packer trucks (two for waste and one for organic materials) to each community for its cleanup and ABS provides funds for advertising and promotion, gloves, garbage bags, food and refreshments for volunteers.

If you’re able to help out or to find out more details on your local event, please contact your community association.

For more information on the program, visit calgary.ca/cleanup.

Green your spring cleaning by composting yard waste

This spring, Calgarians are encouraged to drop off their yard waste at City landfills for free so it can be composted instead of thrown away.

Between April 18 and June 1, all three City of Calgary landfills will waive fees for residential loads of leaves, branches, plants and other yard and garden material. The material will be composted at the sites, turning it back into a useful resource.

“Yard waste makes up over one third of residential garbage during this time of year,” says waste diversion specialist Lindsay Seidel-Wassenaar. “When it gets buried in the landfill, it can’t be turned into soil or compost due to the lack of oxygen. It takes decades to decompose while producing harmful greenhouse gases. Composting makes fallen leaves, branches and other yard waste useful again and turns it into a product that will help new plants to grow.”

Here are three tips for Calgarians to know about the spring yard waste program before they come to the landfill:

1. Make sure your load only contains yard waste like leaves, branches and plants (no sod – it can’t be composted). Charges will apply if the load contains other items.
2. Residents are encouraged to leave their material loose or put it in paper yard waste bags, which can be composted as well. If loads are loose, residents should make sure they are secure before transporting them.
3. Before leaving for the landfill, people are encouraged to visit calgary.ca/waste or contact 311 to confirm landfill hours, locations and other details.  The service is intended for residents only.

Find more info on the spring yard waste page on calgary.ca

Easter 2014 hours of operation for City of Calgary facilities

Image courtesy of
Jeroen van Oostrom/FreeDigitalPhotos.net

The City of Calgary is adjusting its hours of operation for services and facilities on Good Friday, April 18, 2014 and Easter Sunday, April 20, 2014.

Calgary Transit
Calgary Transit will provide a Sunday level of service on Good Friday, April 18, 2014 and Easter Sunday, April 20, 2014.

Barlow/Max Bell Station will be closed from April 18 to April 20 for four-car platform extension work. Shuttle service will be in place to connect customers to their destination.  Visit calgarytransit.com for details on the closure and shuttle service.

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

Recreation
Arenas
All arenas (with the exception of Village Square Leisure Centre) and athletic parks will be closed on Good Friday, April 18, and Easter Sunday, April 20, except for any advanced bookings.

Fitness and Aquatic Centres
All Aquatic and Fitness Centres will be closed on Good Friday, April 18.

The following Aquatic and Fitness Centres are open for Free Swim (1 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. and 3 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.) on Easter Sunday, April, 20.

Acadia Aquatic & Fitness CentreFoothills Aquatic Centre
Inglewood Aquatic Centre
Killarney Aquatic & Recreation Centre
Sir Winston Churchill Aquatic & Recreation Centre

Village Square Leisure Centre
Good Friday, April 18 – OPEN 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Easter Sunday, April 20 – OPEN 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Public Skate – 12:30 – 2 p.m.

Southland Leisure Centre
Good Friday, April 18- OPEN 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Easter Sunday, April 20 – CLOSED
No Public Skate or Shinny hockey available

Art Centres
The Wildflower Arts Centre will be closed from Friday, April 18 through Monday, April 21.
The North Mount Pleasant Arts Centre will be closed from Friday, April 18 through Sunday, April 20.

City of Calgary Parks
Inglewood Bird Sanctuary
Park hours: The sanctuary's trails are currently closed, and will remain closed throughout 2014, due to flood damage.

The Nature Centre is closed Mondays and statutory holidays including Good Friday and Easter Sunday.

Devonian Gardens
Devonian Gardens will be open 12 p.m. – 5 p.m. on Good Friday and closed on Easter Sunday.

Other Facilities

Fort Calgary
Fort Calgary is closed on Good Friday and reopens on Saturday, April 19, 2014. Please visit our Events Page for more info.

Calgary Zoo
Gates open 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. daily, (Zoo closes at 6 p.m.)
Due to construction, the southwest gate is closed until June 15, 2014.

Heritage Park
Cars of the Big & Small Screen – Special Exhibit closes end of day April 21, 2014
Gasoline Alley Museum – Open every day 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Residential Garbage & Recycling Collection
Residents with Friday service will still have their blue and black carts picked up on Good Friday, April 18.

Landfills
All City landfills are open regular hours (7:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.) on Good Friday, April 18, and Easter Sunday, April 20.

Community Recycling Depots
Collection at Community Recycling Depots is not affected on Good Friday or Easter Sunday.

Animal Services Centre
2201 Portland Street S.E.

Thursday, April 17: 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Friday, April 18: CLOSED/Statutory Holiday – Good Friday
Saturday, April 19: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Sunday, April 20: CLOSED/Statutory Holiday – Easter Sunday
Monday, April 21: 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.

City Administrative Offices
Administrative offices will be closed on Good Friday and Easter Sunday.

The City is working together to balance the needs of citizens

Snow Action continues throughout the city keeping city and contracted crews busy maintaining all roadways. As the warm weather continues to create challenges throughout the city, the Roads team is working closely with other City departments to accommodate citizen’s needs.

While we encourage Calgarians to contact us with information about City services, call volumes remain high with calls into the 311 Call Centre. To avoid extended waits or delays, citizens are reminded that Service Requests are able to be filed via the 311 Calgary App, or online at calgary.ca/311.

Citizen Safety
With the heavy snow fall we've received so far this winter, The Calgary Fire Department and Roads crews are working together to keep hydrants clear of snow. To help with this, residents are being encouraged to do the same, please read The Calgary City News Blog for more information.

Waste & Recycling
If your garbage and recycling is not collected as expected today (Wednesday, January 15), please leave your carts out. Waste & Recycling will do their best to reach everyone by tomorrow and will continue to monitor conditions providing an update if delays to the Thursday or Friday schedule are expected.

Chinook Conditions
Calgarians are reminded that slushy road conditions require the same attention as winter driving. Make sure you stock up on windshield wiper fluid, and remember to drive slowly in areas that are experiencing heavy melting. Water tends to pool and accumulate next to curbs and it is important to slow down when driving through these areas– particularly when pedestrians and cyclists are  present.

Curb and Gutter
Be a good neighbour and clear your curbs and gutters if you notice they’re starting to get backlogged this minimizes pooling and prevents ice from forming. Calgarians can also contact  311 to report manholes and catch-basins filling up, and Water Services will be happy to come and address the issue.

Back Alleys
Both contracted and City crews will continue focusing on residential roadways, addressing communities across Calgary that are considered high priority. At this time, The City does not plow alleyways.

School Zones
Crews assigned to residential snow and ice control, are also addressing snow piled along roads adjacent to schools. For snow and ice control concerns related to a school’s property and not City roadways, please contact the school board for that particular school (Calgary Board of Education, Calgary Catholic School District or private schools).

Snow Storage Sites
The City has three snow storage sites that are used for snow removal operations. Due to limited capacity an on-going repair work, in 2011 Council directed that The City’s snow storage sites are no longer accessible to the public/private contractors. These sites are managed by The City to ensure that snow removed from roadways is stored in a safe and environmentally-friendly way. Although there has been a significant amount of snow this winter, so far these sites have not yet reached capacity. The City will continue to investigate alternative sites, should there be a need to do so. Calgarians looking for alternative snow storage sites can contact private contractors.

Remembrance Day 2013 Events & Hours of Operation for City of Calgary Facilities

The City of Calgary is adjusting its hours of operation for services and facilities on Remembrance Day, Monday, November 11, 2013.

Calgary Transit

Calgary Transit will provide a Saturday level of service on Remembrance Day.

For more information and schedules, please visit calgarytransit.com.

Community Recycling Depots

Collection at Community Recycling Depots is not affected by the Remembrance Day holiday.

Residential blue, black and green cart collection

Residential collection schedules for blue, black and green carts are not affected by the Remembrance Day holiday.

Landfills

East Calgary Landfill (3801 - 68 Street S.E.)
Remembrance Day: OPEN 7:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Spyhill Landfill (11808 69 Street N.W.)
Remembrance Day: CLOSED

Shepard Landfill (12111 - 68 Street S.E.)
Remembrance Day: CLOSED

Animal Services Centre - 2201 Portland Street S.E.

Saturday, November 9: Open 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Sunday, November 10:  Open 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Monday, November 11:  Closed
Tuesday, November 12:  Open 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.

Recreation

For more information please visit calgary.ca/recreation.

Athletic Parks 

All Athletic Parks are closed, except for any advanced bookings.

Aquatics & Fitness Centres

The following Aquatic & Fitness Centres are open for Free Swim 1 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. and 3 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. on Remembrance Day, November 11.

Bob Bahan Aquatic & Fitness Centre
Canyon Meadows Aquatic & Fitness Centre
Glenmore Aquatic Centre
Renfrew Aquatic & Recreation Centre
Shouldice Aquatic Centre
Sir Winston Churchill Aquatic & Recreation Centre

Arenas

The following Arenas are offering Free Public Skate from 1 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. on Remembrance Day, November 11.

Ernie Starr Arena
Frank McCool Arena
Murray Copot Arena
Optimist Arena
Jimmie Condon Arena
Shouldice Arena
Henry Viney Arena
Stu Peppard Arena

For more information, please visit: www.calgary.ca/arenas.

Southland Leisure Centre

Southland Leisure Centre will be open 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. on Remembrance Day.

Village Square Leisure Centre

Village Square Leisure Centre will be open 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. on Remembrance Day.

Arts Centres

North Mount Pleasant Arts Centre is open on Saturday, November 9 and Sunday, November 10. Closed for Remembrance Day, Monday, November 11.

Wildflower Arts Centre is open on Saturday, November 9.  Closed for Sunday, November 10 and for Remembrance Day, Monday, November 11.

City of Calgary Parks

Bowness Park 

Bowness Park is closed for flood recovery and redevelopment.

Inglewood Bird Sanctuary

The Nature Centre is closed for Remembrance Day. The sanctuary (trails) are also closed until further notice due to flood damage.

Devonian Gardens

Open from noon to 5 p.m.

City Administrative Offices

All administrative offices will be closed on Monday, November 11 and will reopen on Tuesday, November 12.

Other Facilities

Fort Calgary
Open 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Heritage Park
Heritage Park is open  daily from October 15 – December 31.

Gasoline Alley Museum and Historical Village: open daily 9:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Haskayne Mercantile Block: Open 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Railway Café: Open 9:00 a.m.  – 5:30 p.m.
Park Lane Portrait Studio: Monday through Friday by appointment only (403-268-8561). Open Saturday and Sunday 10 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Selkirk Grille: Open  daily for lunch. Tuesday – Sunday for dinner. Reservations recommended.

Deane House

 The Dean House is closed for renovations until Fall 2014.

Calgary Zoo

Due to considerable damage caused by the June 2013 flood The Calgary Zoo is only partially open. Penguin Plunge, Canadian Wilds and Prehistoric Park will be available for viewing.

The zoo is open 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. daily. Gates close at 4 p.m.

TELUS Spark

Sunday – Friday 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Saturday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Regular Admission Applies.

Remembrance Day Events

The City of Calgary would like to remind Calgarians of the variety of venues that will be hosting  Remembrance Day services this year including:

Battalion Park
3001 Signal Hill Dr. S.W.
Service begins at 10:30 a.m.

Memorial Drive Cross Project 
Place a cross for each Southern Albertan killed in action in any war or peacekeeping activity between now and November 11. Service begins at 11:00 a.m. on Remembrance Day.
Location: On the north side of Memorial Dr. West of Centre Street

Remembrance Day Parade
Central Memorial Park - 1221 2 St SW
Ceremony begins at 10 a.m.

Queens’s Park Cemetery
3219  4 St. N.W.
Service begins at 11 a.m.

Jubilee Auditorium
14th Street and 16th Avenue N.W.
Doors open at 9:30 a.m.
Ceremony begins at 10:30 a.m.

Aerospace Museum
4629 McCall Way N.E.
Service begins at 10:30 a.m.

The Military Museums
44520 Crowchild Trail S.W.
Service begins at 10:45 a.m. The museum will be open regular business hours 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Admission is free.

Coffee and hot chocolate will also be available.

Calgary International Airport 
Main Terminal Departures Level
Services begins at 10:30 a.m.

Report to Calgarians: Recycle Smart

Learn how to maximize your recycling and help minimize waste in our landfills with these tips from The City.

Visit caglary.ca/waste for more info. 

City Matters: The City's Leaf & Pumpkin Compost Program

Give your Jack ‘o’ Lanterns and pumpkins back to nature with the City of Calgary’s Leaf & Pumpkin Composting program.

Until November 10th, bring your bagged leaves and pumpkins to any City of Calgary Leaf & Pumpkin drop-off location.  Rather than sending it to the landfill where it can’t biodegrade we’ll turn it into nutrient-rich compost.

To learn more about the value of compost or to find a drop-off location near you, visit calgary.ca/waste.

Report to Calgarians: The Annual Leaf & Pumpkin Composting Program

This autumn, help keep waste out of the landfill by participating in The City’s annual Leaf & Pumpkin Composting Program.

Bring leaves and pumpkins to any City of Calgary seasonal drop-off location until Sunday, November 10th.

For more information on the program, including drop-off locations, visit calgary.ca/waste.

Thanksgiving 2013 Holiday Hours of Operation for City of Calgary Facilities

The City of Calgary is adjusting its hours of operation for services and facilities on Thanksgiving Day, Monday, October, 14.

Calgary Transit

Calgary Transit will provide a Sunday level of service on Thanksgiving and the Call Centre will be closed.

Service Disruptions:

Calgary Transit will be performing maintenance over the long weekend Saturday October 12 - Monday, October 14. CTrain stations between Marlborough and City Hall will be closed. CTrain service between these stations will be replaced with shuttle bus service.

The B202 CTrain Shuttle Bus will be servicing: Marlborough, Franklin,Barlow/Max Bell, Calgary Zoo, Bridgeland and City Hall Stations.

The X202 Express CTrain Shuttle Bus will provide direct transit service between Marlborough and City Hall Stations.

For more information and schedules, please visit calgarytransit.com .

Community Recycling Depots

Collection at Community Recycling Depots is not affected by the Thanksgiving holiday.

Residential blue, black and green cart collection

Residential collection schedules for blue, black and green carts are not affected by the Thanksgiving holiday.

Landfills

East Calgary Landfill (3801 - 68 Street S.E.)
Thanksgiving Day: Open 7:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Spyhill Landfill (11808 69 Street N.W.)
Thanksgiving Day: Open 7:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Shepard Landfill (12111 - 68 Street S.E.)
Thanksgiving Day: Open 7:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Animal Services Centre - 2201 Portland Street S.E.
Saturday, October 12: Open 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Sunday, October 13:  Open 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Monday, October 14:  Closed
Tuesday, October 15:  Open 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.

Recreation
For more information please visit calgary.ca/recreation.

Athletic Parks 
All Athletic Parks are closed, except for any advanced bookings.

Aquatics and Fitness Centres

The following Aquatic and Fitness Centres are open for Free Swim 1 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. and 3 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day, October, 14.

Acadia Aquatic & Fitness Centre
Foothills Aquatic Centre
Inglewood Aquatic Centre
Killarney Aquatic & Recreation Centre
Thornhill Aquatic & Recreation Centre

Arenas

The following Arenas are offering Free Public Skate from 1 - 2:30 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day, October, 14.

Ernie Starr Arena
Frank McCool Arena
Murray Copot Arena
Optimist/George Blundun Arena
Rose Kohn/Jimmie Condon Arena
Shouldice Arena
Stew Hendry/Henry Viney Arena
Stu Peppard Arena 

For more information, please visit:  www.calgary.ca/arenas.

Southland Leisure Centre
Southland Leisure Centre will be open 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day.

Village Square Leisure Centre
Village Square Leisure Centre will be open 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day.
Public Skate:  12:30 – 2 p.m.
Shinny Hockey: 12 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.

Art Centres
The North Mount Pleasant and Wildflower Arts Centres will be closed from Saturday, October 12  - Monday October 14.

City of Calgary Parks

Bowness Park 
Bowness Park is closed for flood recovery and redevelopment.

Inglewood Bird Sanctuary
The Nature Centre is closed for Thanksgiving. The sanctuary (trails) are also closed until further notice due to flood damage; however, guided tours are available and can be booked online.

Devonian Gardens
Open from noon to 5 p.m.

City Administrative Offices

All administrative offices will be closed on Monday October 14 and will reopen on Tuesday, October 15.

Other Facilities

Fort Calgary
Open 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Heritage Park
Heritage Park is open weekdays only September 3 – October 14 and daily October 15 – December 31.

Gasoline Alley Museum and Historical Village: open daily 9:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Haskayne Mercantile Block: Open 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Railway Café: Open 9:00 a.m.  – 4 p.m.
Park Lane Portrait Studio: by appointment only:  403-268-8561
Selkirk Grille: Open 11:00 a.m. – 4 p.m. daily for lunch. Tuesday – Sunday from 5 p.m. – 9 p.m. for dinner. Reservations recommended.

Deane House
The Dean House is closed for renovations until Fall 2014.

Calgary Zoo
Due to considerable damage caused by the June 2013 flood The Calgary Zoo is only partially open. Penguin Plunge, Canadian Wilds and Prehistoric Park will be available for viewing.

The zoo is open 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. daily. Gates close at 4 p.m.

TELUS Spark
Monday, October 14:  Open 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Regular Admission Applies.

City Matters: Blue Cart Recycling Tips

Now in its fifth year, The City’s Blue Cart Recycling Program is helping to reach our goal of keeping 80 per cent of waste out of landfills by 2020.

To make the most of your recycling, it’s important to keep recyclables loose in your blue cart. The only exceptions are plastic bags, which should be bundled together in a single plastic bag and tied closed and shredded paper, which needs to be gathered in a clear plastic bag and tied closed.

For more helpful recycling tips, visit calgary.ca/waste.

City announces participating sites for Doors Open YYC 2013

The City of Calgary is excited to announce 12 sites that will be participating in Doors Open YYC, 2013.

This free, three-day public event gives citizens exclusive, behind the scenes access to parts of the city that are often never seen. This year Calgarians of all ages will have access to 12 City sites in addition to a number of other facilities located throughout the city.

Events run from September 27-29. Some tours require pre-registration due to limited space and availability. Calgarians are encouraged to visit www.calgary.ca/doorsopen for full details.

Full list of City sites:

1. Oliver Bowen Maintenance Facility
2. Glenmore Water Treatment Plant
3. Ralph Klein park
4. Shepard Landfill
5. Reader Rock Gardens
6. Colonel Walker House
7. Union Cemetery
8. Burnsland Cemetery
9. St. Mary’s Cemetery
10. Traffic Management Centre
11. Calgary Fire Training Academy
12. Calgary Municipal Complex

Labour Day 2013 Holiday Hours of Operation for City of Calgary Facilities

The City of Calgary is adjusting its hours of operation for services and facilities on Labour Day, Monday, September 2.

Calgary Transit

Calgary Transit will provide a Sunday level of service on Labour Day.

Chinook Station will be open for regular service on Tuesday, September 3. All bus routes that were displaced during the station renovation will return to the bus terminal and the Park and Ride area will be available for Reserved and Free parking.

Service Disruptions:

201 Line (Somerset/Bridlewood to Crowfoot)

Friday, August 30 7 p.m. until end of service

• CTrains running from Somerset/Bridlewood Station to 39 Avenue Station and from Sunnyside Station to Crowfoot Station. B201 shuttle service will be in place to connect you to the stations that are without CTrain service (every 10 minutes).  

Saturday, August 31 until Monday, September 2 at noon

• CTrains running from Somerset/Bridlewood Station to City Hall Station and from Sunnyside Station to Crowfoot Station. B201 shuttle service will be in place to connect you to the stations that are without CTrain service (every 10 minutes). 

202 Line (69 Street to Saddletowne)

Friday, August 30 at 7 p.m. until Monday, September 2 at noon

• CTrains running from Saddletowne Station to City Hall Station and from Downtown West/Kerby Station to 69 Street Station. B202 shuttle service will be in place to connect you to the stations that are without CTrain service (every 10 minutes). 

Bus Detours: Routes 1, 7 and 9

Friday, August 30 until Monday, September 2 at noon

• Westbound Routes 1 and 9 will detour from 1 Street S.E. to 6 Avenue S.W. to regular routing. 
• Eastbound Routes 1 and 9 will detour from 7 Avenue S.W. to south on 7 Street S.W., east on 9 Avenue SW to regular routing. 
• Route 7 will detour east on 8 Avenue S.W., south on 5 Street S.W., east on 9 Avenue, south on 1 Street S.E. to regular routing.  

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

Community Recycling Depots

Collection at Community Recycling Depots is not affected by the Labour Day holiday.

Residential blue, black and green cart collection

Residential collection schedules for blue, black and green carts are not affected by the Labour Day holiday.

Landfills 

Reminder: City of Calgary landfills are collecting flood materials free of charge until September 2. Regular fees will resume September 3.

East Calgary Landfill (3801 - 68 Street S.E.)
Labour Day: Open 7:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Spyhill Landfill (11808 69 Street N.W.)
Labour Day: Open 7:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Shepard Landfill (12111 - 68 Street S.E.)
Labour Day: Open 7:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Animal Services Centre - 2201 Portland Street S.E.
Saturday, August 31: Open 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Sunday, September 1:  Open 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Monday, September 2:  Closed
Tuesday, September 3:  Open 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.

Recreation
For more information please visit calgary.ca/recreation

Athletic Parks
All Athletic Parks are closed, except for any advanced bookings.

Aquatics and Fitness Centres
All Aquatics and Fitness Centres are closed on Labour Day.

Arenas
All Arenas are closed, except for any advanced bookings

Southland Leisure Centre
Southland Leisure Centre is closed on Labour Day.

Village Square Leisure Centre
Open Monday, September 2
Facility hours: 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. Regular admission applies.

Art Centres
The North Mount Pleasant and Wildflower Arts Centres will be closed from Saturday, August 31 - Monday September, 2.

City of Calgary Parks

Bowness Park
Due to the recent flood, Bowness Park is CLOSED until further notice. For more information on Parks and Pathways closures visit calgary.ca/parks.

Inglewood Bird Sanctuary
The Santuary is closed until further notice due to flood damage. The Nature Centre is open regular hours, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Daily guided tours through the flood damaged Sanctuary are available. Schedule a tour here.

Devonian Gardens
Open from noon to 5 p.m.

City Administrative Offices
All administrative offices will be closed on Monday, September 2 and will reopen on Tuesday, September 3.

Other Facilities

Fort Calgary
Open 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Heritage Park

Gasoline Alley Museum and Historical Village: open daily 9:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Haskayne Mercantile Block: Open 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Railway Café: Open 9:00 a.m.  – 5:30 p.m.
Park Lane Portrait Studio: Open 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Selkirk Grille: Open 11:00 a.m. – 4 p.m. daily for lunch. Tuesday – Sunday from 5 p.m. – 9 p.m. for dinner. Reservations recommended.

Deane House

 The Dean House is closed for renovations until Fall 2014.

Calgary Zoo

Due to considerable damage caused by the June 2013 flood The Calgary Zoo is only partially open. Penguin Plunge, Canadian Wilds and Prehistoric Park will be available for viewing.

The zoo is open 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. daily. Gates close at 4 p.m.

TELUS Spark
Monday, Sept. 2:  Open 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Regular Admission Applies.

City Matters: Recycle Smart, Recycle Safe

Helium tanks and propane canisters don’t belong in your blue or black cart, even if they’re empty.  If not handled properly, these and other household hazardous waste items can pose a danger to City workers, your family, pets, neighbourhood and the environment.

Calgarians can drop-off a variety of household hazardous waste items for safe disposal at any of The City’s nine drop-off locations. There is no extra charge and locations are open year round.  

To find out your nearest drop-off location and to learn more, visit calgary.ca/waste.

Heritage Day 2013 Holiday Hours of Operation for City of Calgary Facilities

The City of Calgary is adjusting its hours of operation for services and facilities on Heritage Day, Monday, August 5, 2013.

City Administrative Offices

All administrative offices will be closed on Monday, August 5 and will reopen on Tuesday, August 6.

Calgary Transit

Calgary Transit will provide a Sunday level of service on Heritage Day, August 5, 2013.

Between Saturday, August 3 and Monday, August 5, Calgary Transit will be conducting maintenance work at Marlborough Station. During this weekend, Marlborough Station will be closed and the 202 Blue CTrain line will service from Saddletowne to/from Rundle Station and from Franklin to/from 69th Street Station. A shuttle bus will connect you between Whitehorn and Franklin Station with stops at Rundle and Marlborough Stations.

Starting 8:00 pm Friday, 2013 August 2 to Monday, August 5 (end of service), Routes 23, 45, 49, 51 and 57 will be detoured due to southbound 36 Street NE closure (between 8 Avenue NE and 5 Avenue NE) to facilitate CTrain platform construction work.

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

Community Recycling Depots

Collection at Community Recycling Depots is not affected by the Heritage Day holiday.

Residential blue, black and green cart collection

Residential collection schedules for blue, black and green carts are not affected by the Heritage Day holiday.

Landfills 
Reminder: City of Calgary landfills are collecting flood materials free of charge until September 3.

East Calgary Landfill (3801 - 68 Street S.E.)
Heritage Day: Open 7:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Spyhill Landfill (11808 69 Street N.W.)
Heritage Day: Open 7:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Shepard Landfill (12111 - 68 Street S.E.)
Heritage Day: Open 7:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Animal Services Centre - 2201 Portland Street S.E.
Saturday, August 3: Open 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Sunday, August 4:  Open 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Monday, August 5:  Closed
Tuesday, August 6:  Open 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.

Recreation

For more information please visit calgary.ca/recreation

Athletic Parks 
All Athletic Parks are closed, except for any advanced bookings.

Aquatics and Fitness Centres
All Aquatics and Fitness Centres are closed on Heritage Day.

Southland Leisure Centre
Open Monday, August 5
Facility hours: 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. Regular admission applies.

Village Square Leisure Centre
Open Monday, August 5
Facility hours: 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. Regular admission applies.

Art Centres
The North Mount Pleasant and Wildflower Arts Centres will be closed on Heritage Day.

City of Calgary Parks

Bowness Park 
Due to the recent flood, Bowness Park is closed until further notice.For more information on Parks and pathway closures visit calgary.ca/parks.

Inglewood Bird Sanctuary
The Santuary is closed until further notice due to flood damage. The Nature Centre is open regular hours, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Devonian Gardens
Open from noon to 5 p.m.

Other Facilities

Fort Calgary
Open 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Heritage Park

Gasoline Alley Museum and Historical Village: open daily 9:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Haskayne Mercantile Block: Open 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Railway Café: Open 9:00 a.m.  – 5:30 p.m.
Park Lane Portrait Studio: Open 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Selkirk Grille: Open 11:00 a.m. – 4 p.m. daily for lunch. Tuesday – Sunday from 5 p.m. – 9 p.m. for dinner. Reservations recommended.

Deane House
 The Deane House will be closed on Heritage Day.

Calgary Zoo
After repairs needed after extensive damage caused by flooding  the Calgary Zoo partially re-opened on July 31. The zoo is open 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. daily. Gates close at 4 p.m.

TELUS Spark
Monday, August 5:  Open 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Regular Admission Applies.

Report to Calgarians – Blue Cart Recycling Tips

Ensure your Blue Cart recycling efforts don’t go to waste with these important tips from The City. If you want to learn more about keeping recycling inside the cart, please visit Calgary.ca/recycle.