City Construction Crews Celebrate Earth Day

City staff participated in Earth Day activities last week, organized by the general contractor at two major transportation infrastructure projects, Graham Infrastructure.

Cleaning up at the Glenmore Trail / Ogden Road project site

The collective green team spirit was shared across staff that participated from Graham, The City, major subcontractors (Wilco, Standard General, KLS, Lafarge, Harris Steel), project suppliers (Davidson Enman, United Rentals), and consultants (ISL, Stantec, CH2M).

Together, the team scoured both construction areas during the morning, picking up garbage and debris while learning about environmental safety and protection.

Clean-up at the Macleod Trail / 162 Avenue construction location

“This was a great opportunity for The City and Graham Infrastructure to partner in an environmental emphasis and help clean up the construction sites”, said Sig Undheim, Project Manager for The City at the Glenmore Trail / Ogden Road interchange project. “Construction crews manage garbage and debris on a regular basis, but the Earth Day clean-up was a specific dedicated team focus on the project sites and surrounding area.”

“We were very excited about being asked by Graham to take part in this Earth Day initiative,” added Kara Wolfe, City Project Manager for the Macleod Trail / 162 Avenue Interchange. “The environmental walk-about also gave us a chance to ensure that the construction sites and surrounding areas are as clean and safe as possible.”

“This is an initiative that Graham Infrastructure has taken to reflect the company’s focus on environmental protection,” said Bryce McKay of Graham Infrastructure. “We’re glad we had the chance to partner with City of Calgary staff to help clean up these active construction sites.”

Almost 100 employees from Graham, The City, project subcontractors and consultant groups participated in this special Earth Day focus.

Weekend yard work – removing tree debris from storms

With weekend highs of plus 20 degrees, many Calgarians will be out in their yards cleaning up after the past week's storms. Depending on how much tree debris you have around your house, here are some options to help you with your clean-up.

Place smaller debris in your black cart: Leaves, small branches and twigs can be placed in your black cart for regular pick-up.

Bundles branches and place next to your black cart: Cut larger branches into four foot lengths and tie into bundles with string or put them inside a garbage bag.

Bundled branches should be cut into four foot lengths.

It’s important that you make sure the bundles are manageable in size. You should be able to wrap your arms around the bundle.

After you’ve set the bundles next to your black cart for pick-up, help out your collector by making sure you’ve left enough space (approximately one foot) around the cart to ensure proper collection.

If the bundles aren’t picked up by the next collection day, please leave them out and they will be picked up in the following weeks.

Take larger tree debris to City landfills: Larger amounts of tree debris should be taken to any City landfill - Spyhill, Shepard and East Calgary. Landfills are accepting residential loads of tree debris from the past week’s storms at no charge until Sunday, August 16, 2015 (residential tree loads only). All of the tree debris brought to the landfill will be composted.

Hire a private hauler: If all else fails, you can hire a private hauler. Please note that you will be responsible for any costs incurred.

Wear proper footwear when cutting tree branches.

Stay safe: Whatever you're doing this weekend, we want you to be safe. Below are some tips to help you stay safe when cutting tree branches:

• Wear protective equipment such as:
• Goggles/safety glasses
• Gloves
• Earmuffs/ear plugs – especially if you are operating a chainsaw
• Proper footwear – flip flops just won’t work 
• Do a pre-work assessment to avoid uneven ground, broken branches and electrical wires
• If you’re using a ladder:
• Tie it off to the tree truck or a secure branch
• Use a fall protection harness
• Avoid soft, uneven ground to help prevent the ladder from slipping

For more information on how to recycle your tree branches, 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.

Recycling advice to keep you on Santa’s “Nice” list

We’re making a list, and checking it twice... on which materials are naughty and nice. Okay, okay that’s not how the song goes, but it’s a good reminder that while your blue cart can help you deal with a lot of the extra packaging you have around the house, not everything can be recycled.

To stay on the “Nice” list, here’s a quick guide to help with the holiday clean up.

Always Nice – put these items in your blue cart	Always Naughty – keep these items out of your blue cart
Wrapping paper (crumpled into balls) Bubble wrap (bundled inside a plastic bag) Boxes Christmas cards and envelopes Gift bags (handles removed) Tissue paper	Foam packaging Ribbons and bows Decorations and ornaments Christmas lights Plastic moulded packaging Bagged recyclables

Top three holiday recycling reminders

1. Recyclables need to be loose in your blue cart, not in bags.
If you use bags to collect all the wrapping paper and boxes, remember to empty the contents of the bags into the blue cart. Recyclables need to be loose so they can be sorted by the machines at the recycling facility.

2. Not sure if an item can be recycled? Check out whatgoeswhere.ca
What Goes Where? is an online search tool that provides donation, recycling and disposal options for your holiday items.

3. Is your blue cart full? Your options for extra recyclables:

• Break down boxes to make the best use of every square inch of space inside your cart.
• Consider hanging on to your extra recyclables for next week’s collection when you have more space in your cart.
• Bring them to a nearby community recycling depot. Keep in mind that our depots fill up quickly during the holiday season, so it’s best to take note of a couple locations in case one is full.

Final weekend for Leaf and Pumpkin drop-off locations

We’re heading into the final weekend for the annual Leaf & Pumpkin Composting Program and the last opportunity for Calgarians to make use of the convenient seasonal drop-off locations for their leaves, pumpkins and storm-damaged tree debris.

Tree debris mulching at Spyhill Landfill 

The seasonal drop-off locations across the city opened earlier than usual this year to accommodate tree debris from the snow storm in September. The last day those locations will accept leaves, pumpkins and tree debris is Sunday, November 9.

“We’re grateful to our depot hosts for helping Calgarians clean up after the storm by allowing us to open early and accept huge amounts of branches in addition to the leaves and pumpkins but now they need their space back for their community activities,” said Dave Griffiths, Director of Waste & Recycling Services.

City landfills will continue to waive fees for storm-damaged tree debris until the end of December 2014 as long as loads are not mixed with garbage and other materials. City landfills will be closed on Sundays starting November 16.

If you are unable to get to the drop-off locations or landfills, you can put small branches (no thicker than three inches and cut into three-foot lengths) inside black carts, or tie them together and set the bundle next to your cart for pick up if your bin is full. However, branches put out with the garbage will not be mulched.

Aerial view of tree debris at Shepard Landfill 

As of November 3, City landfills had received almost 23 million kg (23,000 tonnes) of tree debris from the storm cleanup. That’s more material in two months than the typical amount of yard waste received in a year for mulching and about 10 times the amount of leaves and pumpkins that are collected for composting every fall. All of the tree debris will be mulched and some will be used in City parks and trails. Waste & Recycling Services will develop a broader plan over the winter for other possible uses.

Visit calgary.ca/waste or contact 311 for landfill and drop-off locations.

Cultural Transformation - focusing on outcomes for citizens

After two years, 200 sessions and 6,000+ engagements with City staff, Council and citizens, the Cultural Transformation Project has wrapped up.

Due to your generosity, we have documented a great deal of information to support our understanding that we are at our best when we are:

• Focused on outcomes for citizens, and
• Working together – with team members, across silos and with citizens.

Both of these cultural strengths were embedded into City Manager Jeff Fielding’s recent presentation to Council, titled Together, We are Calgary.



“It has been an absolute privilege to learn from our colleagues about who we aspire to be and, to also be honest about what stops us from working together or focusing on outcomes," says Beth Gignac, project lead. "Now that we have that knowledge, it’s time for each of us to be take our individual responsibility seriously and implement what we know into our systems and day-to-day work."

Accountability for coaching the implementation of our culture throughout our organization will soon transfer to Human Resources and examples of collaborative initiatives taking place with our front line operations staff in Parks, Roads, Waste & Recycling, and Water are being celebrated and shared.

“There is still a lot of work to be done and everyone who has contributed their ideas to the project has provided the blueprint for the way we will work together moving forward,” Gignac adds. “If anyone is interested in learning more or joining one of the communities of practice we've helped put in place I hope they won’t hesitate to contact me directly."

The Cultural Transformation Project was the largest staff engagement in The City’s history. On behalf of our organization and each participant, the team was honoured to receive the Platinum Facilitation Impact Award from the International Association of Facilitators, as well as Organization of the Year from the International Association of Public Participation.

Infographic: 2014 September Snow Storm & Tree Debris Clean Up

High-resolution version here.

For more information visit calgary.ca

Tree debris collection and disposal options

There are many options available to Calgarians for tree debris collection and disposal:

1) It is recommended that citizens visit a City landfill as landfill operations are best equipped to deal with all sizes of tree debris. All three City Landfills will accept tree debris from 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Garbage and recyclables will only be accepted up to 5 p.m. Tipping fees continue to be waived for all tree debris that is not mixed with other garbage. Landfills are not experiencing line-ups at this time.

2) Citizens can access all 33 of The City’s leaf & pumpkin drop-off locations to dispose of tree debris. Please ensure that you dispose of manageably-sized tree branches to ensure your safety and the safety of those picking the loads up from the depots. Depots are accessible 24hrs a day however; a City staff member is on-hand at most depots during regular working hours (between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m.) to assist citizens with unloading their debris.

Example of stacked branches beside blue & black carts

3) Citizens can stack tree debris as close to the edge of their property without impeding roads, pathways or sidewalks. This includes:

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

Example of stacked branches on residential boulevard

Ideally, stacked tree branches are no more than 4ft in length. However, the City appreciates the efforts and cooperation of citizens and the collection and stacking of branches in any of the above mentioned scenarios is appreciated.

Please be patient as City crews will take some time to get around to all areas of the city. Ideally and if citizens are able, preference is for collected branches to be brought directly to the City landfills and secondly, to one of the 33 leaf and pumpkin drop-off locations.

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

Managing tree debris: parks, homes and collection

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



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

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

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

City Links

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

Heritage Day 2014 Hours of Operation

The City of Calgary is adjusting its hours of operation on Heritage Day; Monday, August 4, 2014.

In 1909 electric street car service began operation along 25 kms of track

Calgary Transit

All downtown CTrain stations as well as Bridgeland/ Memorial and Calgary Zoo stations will be closed throughout the long weekend from 12 a.m. Saturday, August 2 to 4 a.m. Tuesday, August 5. Shuttle buses will replace CTrain service.  Please refer to this map of the CTrain system showing the closure.

For more information on fares, schedules and a complete listing of holiday service adjustments, visit calgarytransit.com, call Teleride at 403-974-4000, or Calgary Transit Customer Service at 403-262-1000.

Recreation
Visit Calgary.ca/Recreation for facility and program information. Check out our 2014 Fall Recreation Program Guide available Wednesday, August 6, 2014. Registration begins August 11, 2014.

Aquatics and Fitness Centres
All aquatics and fitness centres will be closed on Monday, August 4, 2014.
*Beltine Aquatics & Fitness Centre remains closed for renovations.


Outdoor Pools
All eight outdoor pools will be open on Monday, August 4, 2014. Click here for information and hours of operation for the Silver Springs Outdoor Pool.

Leisure Centres

July 1915, Shaganappi Golf Course was opened.

Village Square Leisure Centre
Heritage Day Hours: 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Southland Leisure Centre 
Heritage Day Hours: 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Arenas
All arenas will be closed on Monday, August 4, 2014 except for any advanced bookings.

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

Athletic Parks 
All Athletic Parks are closed on Monday, August 4, 2014 except for any advanced bookings.

Parks
Inglewood Bird Sanctuary and Nature Centre
The Nature Centre is closed on Heritage Day.
The Sanctuary’s trails will remain closed throughout 2014 due to flood damage.

Devonian Gardens
Devonian Gardens follow the same hours as the CORE Shopping Centre.
Heritage Day:  Open 12 p.m. – 5 p.m.

Animal Services Centre
2201 Portland Street SE

Monday to Friday: open 10 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Saturday & Sunday: open 10 a.m. -  4 p.m.
Heritage Day: Closed

Click here for photos and information of pets currently available for adoption.

Residential Garbage & Recycling Collection
Residential garbage & recycling collection is not affected on Heritage Day.

Landfills
Spyhill, East Calgary and Shepard Landfills are open daily from 7:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.  through October 31.
Click here for landfill locations and driving directions.

Administrative Offices
Administrative offices including the Calgary Municipal Building will be closed on Monday, August 4, 2014.

Other Facilities

Calgary Zoo
Gates open 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. daily. Zoo Grounds close at 6 p.m.
The southwest gate entrance remains closed due to construction.

The Calgary Zoological Society was created in 1929

Heritage Park

The 50th Anniversary celebrations continue at Heritage Park.

To mark Heritage Day, music will be celebrated throughout the park with concerts, roving musicians, music themed activities and more. Scheduled to appear with your gate admission are Canadian artists Al Simmons, jocelyn & lisa, Maria Dunn and more. Enjoy a variety of live entertainment, music, activities and games throughout the day.

Be one of the first 500 guests through the gates before 10:30 a.m. and enjoy a complimentary pancake breakfast in Gunn’s Dairy Barn.

Fort Calgary

Heritage Day: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Free Admission

Free admission to the Interpretive Centre and Community Garden. Activities for the day include children's crafts and an indoor/outdoor Scavenger Hunt. Theatre presentations include a talk about Chief Crowfoot, Col. MacLeod, Captain Deane and Alderman John Ayer with Sara-Jane Gruetzner, President & CEO of Fort Calgary, and an afternoon talent show produced by the Aboriginal Friendship Centre and Alberta Health Services.

Victoria Day 2014 hours of operation for City of Calgary facilities

The City of Calgary is adjusting its hours of operation for services and facilities on Victoria Day, Monday, May 19, 2014.

City Administrative Offices
All administrative offices will be closed on Monday, May 19 and will reopen on Tuesday, May 20.

Calgary Transit
Calgary Transit will provide a Sunday level of service on Victoria Day, May 19, 2014.

Bridgeland/Memorial Station closed from 8 p.m., on Friday May 16 to May 19
Calgary Transit will be extending the platform at Bridgeland/Memorial Station during the May long weekend. The B202 shuttle bus will connect passengers between City Hall, Bridgeland/Memorial and Barlow/Max Bell Stations. Zoo Station is accessible by CTrain from Barlow/Max Bell station only. There is no shuttle bus stop for Zoo Station.

Route 502 Heritage Park Shuttle
Schedules
Download printable map.
Heritage Park is celebrating 50 years! Visit Heritage Park's website for more information.
Weekend and Holiday service operates from Saturday, May 17 until Monday, October 13, 2014. Weekday service operates starting Tuesday, May 20 until Friday, August 29, 2014.
All regular fares apply.
For information and schedules, please visit calgarytransit.com, call Teleride at 403-974-4000, or Calgary Transit Customer Service at 403-262-1000.

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

Landfills
All City of Calgary landfills – East Calgary (3801 - 68 Street SE), Spyhill (11808 69 Street NW) and Shepard (12111 - 68 Street SE) will be open 7:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. on Victoria Day.

Animal Services Centre
2201 Portland Street SE
Sat. May, 17 & Sun., May 18: Open 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Monday, May 19: Closed
Tuesday, May 20: Open 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.​

Recreation

Aquatics and Fitness Centres
Please note all Aquatics and Fitness Centres will be closed on Monday, May 19 .

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

Arenas
All Arenas are closed, except for any advanced bookings.

Village Square Leisure Centre
Open Monday, May 19
Hours: 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Southland Leisure Centre
Open Monday, May 19
Hours: 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Art Centres
North Mount Pleasant and Wildflower Art Centres will be closed Saturday, May 17 through Monday, May 19. For more information please visit calgary.ca/recreation

City of Calgary Parks

Bowness Park
Bowness Park is currently closed for flood recovery and redevelopment. Parks anticipates the partial re-opening of the park this summer.

Inglewood Bird Sanctuary
The sanctuary's trails are currently closed, and will remain closed throughout 2014, due to flood damage. However, the Nature Centre is open, including for school groups, Tuesdays to Fridays 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. and Saturdays from noon - 3:30 p.m. The Nature Centre will be closed on Victoria Day, Monday, May 19, 2014.

Devonian Gardens
Open from noon to 5 p.m.

Other Facilities

Heritage Park
Opening Weekend Summer 2014 (Historical Village)
Saturday May 17, Sunday May 18 and Monday May 19, 2014

Celebrate the long weekend by stepping back in time. The historical village's 50th summer season begins on Saturday, May 17, 2014. Enjoy a horse-drawn wagon ride, feast on a fresh cheese bun, experience the thrill of the antique midway or ride on our thundering steam train, as Heritage Park opens for another exciting summer!

Each day of this weekend the first 500 guests who arrive and pay regular gate admission between 9:30am and 10:00am will be treated to a complimentary pancake breakfast, served hot off the grill in the Gunn's Dairy Barn. On Victoria Day, guests can enjoy a relaxing afternoon tea in the Wainwright hotel.We'll also have a brand new playground to enjoy, so come on by and help us kick off our 50th year in Calgary.

Calgary Zoo
Open 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. daily. (Due to construction, the southwest gate will not reopen until June 15)
Concession and Retail open 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. daily, dependent on weather
Zoo Grounds close at 6 p.m.

TELUS Spark
Victoria Day Weekend (May 17 - 19): 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Fort Calgary
Mountie Day: May 19
Celebrate the anniversary of the formation of the RCMP with cake and family friendly activities from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. All activities are included with paid admission.

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.

Holiday Season 2013 Hours of Operation for City of Calgary Facilities

The City of Calgary is adjusting its hours of operation for services and facilities during the holiday season.

Calgary Transit

Holiday service is effective Tuesday, December 24 - Monday, January 6. Schedules have been adjusted to exclude all school trips.

Christmas Eve: Tuesday, December 24: regular weekday service.

Christmas Day: Wednesday, December 25: ride free all day.

Boxing Day: Thursday, December 26: Sunday level of service.

New Year's Eve: Tuesday, December 31: Ride free after 6 p.m. Regular weekday service with additional buses and CTrains leaving downtown at 12:30 a.m.

Last scheduled CTrain times from downtown:

• From City Hall to Somerset Bridlewood Station - 1:45 a.m.
• From City Hall to Saddletowne Station - 1:49 a.m.
• From 7 Street W Station to 69 Street Station - 1:06 a.m. 
• From 7 Street W Station to Crowfoot Station - 12:57 a.m.

New Year's Day: Wednesday, January 1, 2014: Sunday level of service.

Effective January 1, 2014 Calgary Transit Youth fares will increase from $1.75 to $2.00 and Adult monthly passes will increase from $94  to $96.

For more information on fares, schedules and a complete listing of holiday service adjustments, visit calgarytransit.com, call Teleride at 403-974-4000, or Calgary Transit Customer Service at 403-262-1000.

Residential Waste & Recycling Collection

Is Wednesday your regular garbage and recycling collection day?
If the answer is yes, there will be temporary changes to your collection schedule for the 2013 holidays.
Instead of Wednesday, please put your blue and black carts out on the following days:

• Monday, December 23, 2013
• Monday, December 30, 2013

Regular waste and recycling collection will resume on Wednesday, January 8, 2014.

There are no changes to Tuesday, Thursday or Friday collection over the holidays.

Community Recycling Depots
Collection at Community Recycling Depots is not affected during the Holiday season.
Landfills

Spyhill Landfill 
(11808 - 69 Street NW)

Nov. 1, 2013 to Mar. 31, 2014
Open: 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday to Saturday. Open on Boxing Day.

East Calgary Landfill 
(3801 - 68 Street SE)

Nov. 1, 2013 to Mar. 31, 2014
Open: 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday to Saturday. Open on Remembrance Day, Boxing Day and Family Day.
Shepard Landfill
(12111 - 68 Street SE)

Nov. 1, 2013 to Mar. 31, 2014
Open: 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday to Saturday. Open on Boxing Day.

Recreation

Arenas
All arenas are closed, Christmas Day, Wed., Dec. 25, 2013.

The following Arenas are offering Free Public Skate from 1-2:30 p.m. on Boxing Day (Thurs., Dec. 26):

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

Fitness and Aquatic Centres

All Fitness and Aquatic Centres are closed Wed., Dec. 25, Thurs., Dec. 26 and Wed., Jan. 1.

Village Square Leisure Centre
Tues., Dec. 24: 6 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Wed., Dec. 25: Closed
Thurs., Dec. 26: Closed
Tues., Dec. 23: 6 a.m. – 4 p.m.
New Year’s Eve Family Pool Party! 4:30-6:30 p.m.

Southland Leisure Centre
Tues., Dec. 24: 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Wed., Dec. 25: Closed
Thurs., Dec. 26: Closed
Tues., Dec. 31: 5:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Wed., Jan. 1: 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Arts Centres
North Mount Pleasant Arts Centre is now closed through January 1, 2014.
Wildflower Arts Centre is closed from December 21, 2013 through January 5, 2014.

Parks

Nature Centre – Inglewood Bird Sanctuary
October – April:
Tues. – Fri. 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Closed Sunday, Monday and statutory holidays

Devonian Gardens
Devonian Gardens follow the same hours as the CORE Shopping Centre

Christmas Eve: 9:30 a.m.  – 5 p.m.
Christmas Day: Closed
Boxing Day: 9:30 a.m. – 6 p.m.
New Year’s Eve: 9:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.
New Year’s Day: Closed

Animal Services Centre
2201 Portland Street S.E.

Tues., December 24:  8 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Wed., December 25:  CLOSED/Statutory Holiday – Christmas Day
Thurs., Dec. 26:  CLOSED/Statutory Holiday – Boxing Day
Wed., January 1, 2014:  CLOSED/Statutory Holiday – New Year’s Day

Administrative Offices
Administrative offices including the Municipal Building  will be open from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Tues., Dec. 24, 2013 (Christmas Eve), and closed on Wed., Dec. 25, 2013 (Christmas Day), Thurs., Dec. 26, 2013 (Boxing Day) and Wed., Jan. 1, 2014 (New Years Day).

Calgary Zoo/Zoo Lights

Closed Christmas Day

Zoo Lights: 6 – 9 p.m. nightly through January 4, 2014 (Excluding Christmas Day and December 31)
Gates close at 8:30 p.m.
North Gate entrance ONLY

Zoo Year’s Eve – December 31
A family friendly way to roar in the New Year. Little party animals, mom and dad will enjoy the Zoolights displays, fireworks show, Kids Zone and some wild entertainment. Fire pits and hot chocolate are available to keep everyone warm and toasty.

Once Upon a Christmas at Heritage Park

Weekends through December 22, 2013
9:30 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Take a step back into true holiday enchantment by going for a wagon ride, singing carols or visiting jolly old Saint Nick himself. Experience the magic of Christmas past as three of our historical family homes open their doors to share their Yuletide traditions.

Fort Calgary
Open daily: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Closed December 24, 25, 26, 31 and January 1.

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.

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.