Small business continuity plays a part in Calgary’s resiliency

Did you know The City of Calgary, in conjunction with the Calgary Chamber of Commerce, has developed a business continuity handbook to help guide small business through their planning? Small businesses (those with 50 employees or less) are encouraged to download the materials and help increase their resiliency, which helps increase the resiliency of Calgary as a whole.

Small businesses are an important part of our Calgary community. They employ twice as many people in Calgary than large businesses, and account for almost 40 per cent of Calgary’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

What is business continuity?

Business continuity is about understanding the risks your business could face, and developing strategies and plans to ensure continued operations during and after a disruption. In the past two years, almost 64 per cent of businesses have reported an interruption, which impacts business operations, employees and citizens.

Proper planning will allow you to analyze and understand which products and services are critical to your business operations and will introduce you to the risks and hazards to which your business may be vulnerable.

The handbook and additional worksheets, including templates, are available on calgary.ca/cema.

Emergency Business Contact database

Created by the Calgary Chamber of Commerce, the Emergency Business Contact Database helps facilitate the communication and collaboration between the Calgary Emergency Management Agency (CEMA) and the business community. During an emergency or disaster that could impact your business it is important to get timely information regarding business continuity and about the emergency or disaster as it is known.

Small businesses can register on the Emergency Business Contact database.

Business Continuity Week

Business Continuity Week runs from March 16 to 20, 2015, and is the perfect time for businesses to assess their own plans. Visit Calgary.ca/cema or calgarychamber.ca for more information.

Historic Eamon’s Building Future is Uncertain

Calgary’s City Council will soon be deciding the fate of the Eamon’s Service Station building, and if Calgarians want the building to remain as part of our citys Calgary’s landscape, they need to act soon.

Eamon's Service Station Building

A Calgary Herald article outlines some of the history and previous uses of the Eamon’s building, including the filming of a music video by Canadian rocker Corey Hart.

The City has protected the building for potential redevelopment and prepped the site at the Park and Ride lot at the Tuscany LRT Station. However, no one has come forward with a privately funded plan to make the move a reality.

A decision will have to be made soon on the future of the building. City Council has suggested we find a private partner/investor to redevelop the building. The City has many competing priorities, and funding the restoration of the Eamon’s Building with public funds is unlikely.

If Calgarians want this historic building to survive and be back on the site, someone needs to come forward now to invest.

For more information, or to contact The City about the Eamon’s Building, you can get more details here.

Efficient planning speeds up West Village development

Written by Joachim Mueller

The timing couldn't be better for West Village Towers, a large development that City Council approved last October. The project will add 584 much-needed residential units, up to two storeys of commercial uses, and likely an urban supermarket to the west end of Calgary’s Downtown. As an urban planner, I’m pleased to see how well this development aligns with our vision of a vibrant Centre City, and I’m excited about how efficiently we processed the applications for it – in half the time it would normally take!

West Village rendering - Photo by Wexford Developments

We were able to work faster because the West Village Towers project was processed as a concurrent application, meaning that City staff processed the rezoning and development permit at the same time. Typically, a developer has to go through the entire rezoning process before coming back to apply for a development permit. Allowing a developer to do these two things at the same time is a way we can work more efficiently and get better outcomes for all parties involved.

Concurrent applications were an idea that came out of Transforming Planning, and it is now being tested as we work to make that vision a reality. It reduces the time and expense required for developers trying to get a proposed development approved and it allows staff to evaluate it more holistically. This reduces the amount of red tape and allows needed housing to be built more quickly, without reducing the amount of input the public gets onto future development.

Typically, a rezoning can take up to six months to be approved, with the development permit taking another six months after that. We were able to complete both of these approvals with the West Village Towers in just over six months. But, taking less time is not the only thing concurrent applications accomplish. Holding these two processes together makes it easier to work collaboratively with developers and communities on a proposed development, because all aspects of it are being discussed at the same time.

Joachim Mueller, Senior Planner

Concurrent applications are just one way that we are working to improve Calgary’s planning system, but there is a lot of other work underway to make the changes that were recommended from the year-long Transforming Planning project. For information on what all is happening, please look on our website at www.calgary.ca/NewPlanningSystem.

Joachim Mueller is a Senior Planner with The City’s Planning, Development & Assessment department.

Is your business prepared?

The 2013 flood was a call to action for both the business sector and The City of Calgary. Although insurance and provincial recovery funds provided some relief to business owners as they recovered, the flood highlighted the need and value of disaster preparedness planning for Calgary businesses.

Last week, The City of Calgary’s Calgary Emergency Management Agency (CEMA), in partnership with the Calgary Chamber of Commerce and Calgary Economic Development, released a Business Continuity Handbook to explain the importance of emergency preparedness for the business community.

“The business sector is an important member of the Calgary community,” said Deputy Chief Tom Sampson. “Empowering them with the tools and knowledge they need to prepare, respond, and recover will positively contribute to the overall resiliency of our community.”

Along with the handbook, a template and Business Continuity Reference Guide will provide business owners with tools to develop business continuity strategies and plans. These materials can be customized by the business to meet their specific needs.

While the 2013 flood had a significant economic, physical, and social impact on Calgary, CEMA believes that this exciting new partnership with the business community is a significant step-forward in strengthening the resiliency of our community to future events.

For more information on being prepared and what you can do visit calgary.ca/CEMA.

Flood preparation in the urban core

Business owners, building owners, condo and apartment dwellers were all hit hard in last year's flood. Deputy Chief Tom Sampson explains what they can do to be prepared for potential flooding.



Everyone should have an emergency plan. Make sure you have contact information for key individuals and organizations like employees, suppliers, tenants and property managers. And make sure it’s available somewhere other than the premises that might flood.

Building owners might consider whether temporary barriers could be effective, keeping in mind that they will only address overland flooding and not seepage that may happen from underground water. Businesses should plan in advance what they will do if they’re displaced.

Condo owners and apartment renters, should, like everyone else, have a 72 hour emergency kit ready to go in case their buildings are evacuated. Condo owners should know what plans their condo board has in place. If a property management firm manages your building, find out what they are doing to prepare.

For more information, visit calgary.ca/floodinfo or subscribe to our email newsletter to get the latest flood related information delivered right to your inbox.

Report to Calgarians - 2014 Assessment Notices

2014 Property and Business Assessment Notices were mailed on Friday, January 3.

Once you have received and reviewed your notice, you can have any questions answered by contacting Assessment's Customer Service line: 403-268-2888.

You can also find more information by visiting Calgary.ca/AssessmentSearch.

Changes to municipal golf operations underway

The City of Calgary believes all citizens should have access to high-quality, affordable recreational opportunities – including golf. To ensure the health and sustainability of Calgary’s municipal Golf Course Operations, work is now underway on two fronts:

1. divesture of McCall Lake Golf Course
2. develop a revised golf course fee structure

“Despite many successes in delivering high quality municipal golf services to Calgarians, challenges remain in meeting the financial sustainability and capital infrastructure needs,” says Mayor Nenshi. “The business model Golf Course Operations has been working under the last 17 years is not sustainable and changes are needed to ensure competitively priced golf opportunities continue to be offered to all citizens.”

The McCall Lake Golf Course will close AFTER the conclusion of the 2014 golf season.

The business operations review identified McCall Lake Golf Course as an opportunity for divesture due to significant operating and capital costs.

“The divesture of McCall Lake Golf Course is bittersweet,” says Ward 5 Alderman Ray Jones. “While I’m sad to see the golf course close, I’m very excited about the potential repurposing of this site for industrial and recreational purposes.”

In November 2012, City Council approved Administration to move forward with a McCall Lake Concept Plan. The initial Concept Plan includes potential development of an industrial area and recreational campus with green space connections.

Potential land sales may provide some capital funding to help address municipal golf courses capital requirements.

Located within the NE quadrant of Calgary with direct access from 32nd Street, just east of Deerfoot Trail, the McCall Lake site area is approximately 263 acres.

“The McCall Lake repurposing vision is to create a place with a unique and compelling identity,” says Mayor Nenshi. “To create an inviting space that will provide opportunities for both work and play in the Northeast.”
Community and stakeholder engagement will be part of any future repurposing plans for the site.

Additionally, work is underway to develop a revised golf course fee structure. Stakeholders will be consulted over the summer on potential changes and recommendations presented to Council for their approval at the end of the year.

“While a revised fee structure will help to move Golf Course Operations to becoming more financially viable, the divesture of McCall Lake Golf Course is critical to addressing capital investments required to revitalize aging infrastructure and ensuring sustainability for the entire municipal golf system,” says Alderman Jones.

City Matters - 2013 Property and Business Assessments

On January 3, The City of Calgary mailed 2013 Property and Business Assessment Notices. If you are a Calgary property or business owner, you should have received your Notice by now. If you have questions about your assessment, now is the time to get them answered - the Assessment 2013 Review Period runs until 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. For more information visit calgary.ca/assessment.

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.

High demand for taxis anticipated due to snow storm and Halloween weekend

The City is asking taxi customers for their patience in the coming days due to high demand for taxis as a result of the recent snowfall and expected high demand this weekend as a result of Halloween events.

During this period, the taxi-travelling public is advised to be prepared for longer wait times and, if possible, to have contingency plans in place.

If a trip is no longer required, customers are generally asked to please try to cancel the order, but busy phone lines during high demand periods can make this impractical.

To help, customers are asked to refrain from calling multiple taxi companies for a single trip. This helps by preventing “no trips,” which is when a taxi arrives but the passenger has already left and was not able to cancel the order.

Report to Calgarians - Transforming Government

Want to know how your government is working to make Calgary better for all of us? The Transforming Government stamp is a way to let Calgarians know about some of the best new projects and programs happening in our city.  www.transforminggov.ca

Jump $tart your future

The Youth Employment Centre’s Jump$tart program is a free work preparation program for 15 and 16 year olds looking to develop their employment skills and gain experience. The program involves active learning workshops and guest speakers to improve employment readiness and build confidence for job search and the workplace.

 “Jump $tart is a fun, educating program that teaches youth many things about jobs and job searching techniques. Resume writing and interview practice are two of the most helpful things I’ve learned during the program,” says William Luo, summer 2012 Jump $tart participant.

Program benefits:

• Experience for resume
• Develop job search and resume writing skills
• Meet new people
• Opportunity to work with employment counsellor
• Introduction to career exploration
• Access to resources and services available at the Youth Employment Centre

This fall, Jump $tart will be offered at the Shawnessy Branch, Calgary Public Library (333 Shawville Blvd. S.E.). Participants must be in attendance every Friday from 3 – 5 p.m., September 28 – December 24, excluding November 9.

To apply for Jump $tart:

1. Complete an application form (available in Adobe PDF or Microsoft Word document; download here). 
2. Submit application to the information desk at the Shawnessy Branch, Calgary Public Library (333 Shawville Blvd. S.E.) 
3. Please apply early; limited spots available.

A Social Insurance Number (SIN) is required for participation. If you require a SIN card, please visit www.servicecanada.gc.ca.

For more information, call 403-268-2781 or e-mail jumpstart@nextsteps.ca.

Play a part in preserving Calgary’s history

The 1950s-era gas station building from the Eamon’s Bungalow Camp is being offered as a unique long-term leasing opportunity by The City of Calgary.

The City has issued a Request for Pre-Qualification (RFPQ) to gauge public interest in utilizing the building in the area of the new LRT extension north Park & Ride lot. The RFPQ is aimed at finding an entrepreneur interested in restoring and operating a business in the building. Please visit www.purchasingconnection.ca (search for AB-2012-04648) to view and respond to the RFPQ. The RFPQ closes Oct. 10, 2012.

The building will be located in the Rocky Ridge Park & Ride lot next to the new Tuscany CTrain station, which will open for Transit service in the fall of 2014.

“The building is being moved off-site so that work on the Tuscany Station and the Park & Rides can proceed,” says Anne Cataford, Manger of LRT Projects. “Although the intent is to return the building to the site in a new location, a final use for the building is yet to be determined. The RFPQ is intended to gauge the level of interest from businesses or individuals in restoring and using the Eamon’s building as a business in the Rocky Ridge Park & Ride.”

Responses to the RFPQ will be evaluated against a set of criteria and the proposals that meet those criteria will be invited to reply to a Request for Proposal.

Visit www.calgary.ca/nwlrt for more information about the N.W. LRT project and the Eamon’s building.

Doors Open YYC: Ten facilities, two days, one exceptional experience

Get to know your city in ways never before possible during Doors Open YYC on Sept. 29 and 30.

Through this exclusive, free opportunity you’ll get behind-the-scenes tours, events and insider information sessions at 10 City of Calgary facilities and 25 other locations of historic, architectural, cultural and social significance.

Media were given a sneak peek at what’s to come at a Sept. 5th news conference hosted by the Doors Open Calgary Association (DOCA), a registered non-profit organization that exists solely to plan and execute an annual Doors Open YYC event.

At the conference, the 35 sites were revealed and Mayor Naheed Nenshi demonstrated his support for the event by welcoming reporters into his office. That’s just one of many, normally off-limits places citizens will have access to during the two-day event.

The City’s participation and in-kind support provided to DOCA reflects its commitment to make Calgary an even better place to work, live and play, as expressed though the imagineCALGARY vision and Transforming Government projects. Visitors to City facilities will experience a range of insights into municipal operations, environmental leadership, nature conservation and public service offerings.

Doors Open events in other cities around the world have been very successful in building civic pride, creating enthusiasm for heritage and contemporary architecture, and promoting public spaces that build our collective sense of community. The concept for Doors Open originated in Glasgow, Scotland in 1990 and has since expanded to 44 countries, including Canada. Toronto has held highly-successful events since 2000.

“We are very excited to give Calgarians this opportunity, particularly  in such an impressive and integrated manner,” says Beth Gignac, Manager of The City’s Arts and Culture division and member of DOCA. “Calgary will now proudly take its place amongst the many cities and towns throughout the world as we share with each other our extraordinary places and spaces.”

For more detailed location information, please visit calgary.ca/doorsopen

1. Calgary Civic Complex
2. Calgary Fire Department Training Academy
3. Colonel Walker House (Inglewood Bird Sanctuary)
4. Oliver Bowen LRV Facility
5. Pine Creek Wastewater Treatment Centre
6. Reader Rock Garden
7. Southland Leisure Centre
8. Traffic Management Centre
9. Victoria Park Bus Facility
10. Water Centre

Estimate your Trade Permit fees before applying

Figuring out Trade Permit fees is now easier with the introduction of the Fee Estimator. With this Estimator, customers doing Trade Permit work (electrical, mechanical, plumbing & gas and HVAC) can take most of the guess work out before applying.

It can be accessed by visiting calgary.ca and searching “trade permit fee estimator”.

This tool was created in response to feedback we received from our customers. Although the fee estimator is only for trade permit applicants at the moment, a building permit fee calculator will be available when the ability to apply and pay for a building permit is available online in the future.

Check out the quick ‘how to’ video before using the fee estimator.

City reviews billboards and digital signs in Calgary

The city is reviewing  billboards and digital message signs in our community.

Signs on private property are regulated by Calgary’s land use bylaw, and the rules are reviewed on regular basis to ensure they’re current and fit the needs of both businesses’ and the community.

For safety and aesthetic reasons, Calgary has long had a policy that endeavours to minimize the impact of signs along routes near residential neighbourhoods, major entranceways to the city and roads that have significant traffic volumes.

At the same time, the rules strive to balance community concerns with businesses’ desire to advertise, supporting Calgary’s vision of promoting a prosperous economy as well as creating great communities.

Since 2010, business owners and community members have been given the opportunity to provide input into the digital and third party advertising sign review regulation review. The next opportunity is coming up on Wednesday, July 11, 2012, at the Planning and Urban Development committee meeting, in the Engineering Traditions Committee Room at Old City Hall starting at 9:30 a.m.

Members of the public are welcome to attend this meeting or view the proceedings via webcast. The meeting agenda, minutes and video can be found at the City of Calgary's Agenda and Minutes page.

Patios set to “pop up” throughout Calgary

A new, streamlined application process for "pop-up patios" means Calgarians will be seeing more unique street-level cafes throughout the city. With a proper permit, these temporary sidewalk cafes safely extend existing cafes onto city sidewalks or parking lots adjacent to a cafe.

"Businesses and their customers want more outdoor patios to enjoy the best of our weather while at a cafe," said Ward 7 Alderman Druh Farrell. "And temporary patios are an easy and cost effective way to increase vibrancy in our communities."

Previously, these types of outdoor cafes were not clearly defined and it was difficult to determine the appropriate permit and process required to set one up. The new system clearly describes the types of pop-up patios available and actions required to obtain a development permit or licence of occupation. The new system also includes support for the business owner as they move through the process.

"We knew it was possible to simplify the process and make this easier for our customers," said Mark Sasges, Chief Development Planner with Development & Building Approvals at The City of Calgary. "We're working hard to take this approach with many of our existing permit processes, and the positive response we're receiving from businesses lets us know we're on the right track."

Andy Fennell, owner of Gravity Espresso and Wine Bar in Inglewood, is preparing to open his pop-up patio next week.

"I was surprised that all we needed was a Licence of Occupation," said Fennell. "I thought this was going to be more complicated than that and wasn't even sure I would get approval in time for this year; now I hope to have my patio opened just in time for Stampede."

"Even small initiatives like this can make big differences for our local businesses, their customers, and our neighbourhoods," said Mayor Naheed Nenshi. "Much like what we did to help bring food trucks to Calgary, we brought together everyone who could help cut red tape and make this happen.”

Currently, there are five types of outdoor cafes including patios that can be on a sidewalk, curb lane, or public or private parking stalls.

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.

How to use eAppoinment

eAppointment allows you to book an appointment to meet with a Planning Services Technician to apply for a Development Permit, Building Permit, Business Licence or Certificate of Compliance.

Related Calgary City News Blog posts:

• Save time, avoid the line and book online - City pilots online appointment booking

'Tis the Season: Late Night Ride Home Stands

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

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

Related Calgary City News blog posts:

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