_________________________October 17, 2018

In this issue:

  • Conversation on Cannabis
  • Save the date for Cork Connection 2019!
  • Government of Alberta Announces Next Step of NEET Program
  • Online Survey on the City of Calgary Budget
  • Calgary 2026
  • October 20th Workshop on Ongoing Planning Policy Projects
  • and much more!
Conversation on Cannabis

Today marks the first day of cannabis legalization in Canada. Come on November 6 with your questions, concerns, and curiosity as there are lots to talk about now that cannabis is legal. Let’s come together to talk about how legalization impacts our neighbourhood. This will be a moderated conversation from three areas of focus: City Planning, Calgary Police, and the Cannabis Industry. To register click here! If you have any questions for the panel please send them to Tyson at bsc@calgarycommunities.com.

Government of Alberta Announces Next Step of NEET Program

On September 18, the Minister of Environment and Parks came to talk a second time with us about what her Ministry is doing to help non-profits in the area of energy efficiency. To check out what we learned click here.

Energizing Spaces Fund Recipients

Congratulations to our second and final round of recipients from 2018! We were able to fund the replacement of old, energy-sucking appliances for Bowness, Lakeview, and Ranchlands Community Association, as well as new LED ice rink lighting for Renfrew and facility lighting for Calgary Rosedale. This year, we awarded a total of $75,000 in upgrades to 13 organizations.

Building Community Participation Through Engagement– Thursday, October 18

Community Conversations: Supporting Growth and Change in Established Neighbourhoods (Part 2)– Saturday, October 20

Treasurer’s Workshop for the Inexperienced Accountant– Wednesday, October 24

Helping Families Stay Housed– Tuesday, October, 30

Conversation on Cannabis– Tuesday, November 6

Click here for more upcoming events

Save the Date for Cork Connection 2019!

Mark your calendars on Saturday, January 29 for our annual Cork Connection Wine Tasting & Silent Auction fundraiser! We will be heading to the Dalhousie Community Association from 7-10pm for a guided wine tasting of 6 delicious wines paired with cheeses and chocolates, followed by a silent auction featuring awesome items to bid on. Last year’s event sold out quickly, so don’t miss out – registration opens November 1!

Helping Families Stay Housed

Partnering with the Children’s Cottage Society, on October 30 we’ll explore opportunities and knowledge to support families vulnerable to homelessness. This workshop is for all members of the community to be a part of the solution. To register click here. Hope to see you there!

Online Survey on the City of Calgary Budget

The City of Calgary is currently finalizing its four-year budget. This budget has major implications for communities as it deals with planning & development, public realm improvements, parks and open spaces, and many other services that are key to your community. The City has created an online survey for you to provide input on what’s important for your communities. There will also be drop-in engagement sessions, which can be found at the link above.

Calgary 2026

Calgary 2026, a non-profit organization charged by three orders of government to deliver and promote a responsible bid for the 2026 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, released its Draft Hosting Plan Concept on September 11, 2018. Since that time, the organization has been inviting Calgarians to engage in a conversation around how we can shape the future of our city, together. Click here to get involved!

Here are a few highlights from our urban planning world this month. Be sure to check our blog for a complete listing of recent events and updates!

1. October 20 Workshop on Ongoing Planning Policy Projects

The Federation is hosting a second session to update communities on major changes in planning policy. You are welcome to join even if you didn’t attend the first workshop. Topics to be covered in this session include: Community Representation Framework, Baseline Engagement (engagement on how the City engages) and the Local Area Planning Strategy. Planners will help you understand the City’s policy direction, as well as the details of many ongoing projects. Register here.

2. Update on amendments to the Developed Areas Guidebook

Proposed amendments to the Developed Areas Guidebook will be presented to Council in a Public Hearing on December 10th. Click the link above for more information.

3. Cannabis and Planning

Cannabis becomes legal October 17th. Cannabis stores that have gone through the proper approvals process earlier this year will soon be open for business. Other retailers will continue to apply for approval and others are pending appeal. You can learn more about cannabis stores here and their locations here. At our cannabis workshop on Nov. 6th, mentioned above, the lead planner who has worked on cannabis will discuss legalization and its planning implications. If you have questions on cannabis and planning, please contact Ben at planning@calgarycommunities.com.

4. Land Use Bylaw Solar Energy Amendments – Opportunity for Comment

The City is currently looking to see if the rules in the Land Use Bylaw could be changed to make it easier to implement solar technology in Calgary. Earlier this year we reached out to communities, and several attended interviews with planners to provide comments. Other stakeholders were also interviewed. The City has made a summary of their proposed changes and would like communities to provide final comments before they move forward with their recommendations. Click the link above to participate.

5. Change to Public Notices

As of early 2019, public notices will no longer be posted in The Calgary Herald. Moving forward, public notices will include the physical notice board on site, mail circulation to adjacent neighbours, PD Map, public notices online and circulations to CA planning committees.

Halloween Safety

Click the link above for some tips to keep your little trick-or-treaters safe this Halloween.

  1. Trick or Treating Tips 
  2. Halloween Safety – City of Calgary Report
  3. Halloween Tips by Calgary Police Services

Make the best of the snowy weather!
October has been a snowy month, but snow means some awesome ActivateYYC winter activities! Gather some winter inspiration from West Hillhurst’s Winter Carnival that occurred in early February 2018. The activities included snowshoeing, ski racing, tobogganing, maple taffy making, and sleigh rides. Check out the full story here, to see how West Hillhurst used the ActivateYYC $750 grant.