Calgary Minute: Eviction Reprieve, Inglewood Pool, and Tax Increase Approved

Calgary Minute - Your weekly one-minute summary of Calgary politics

This Week In Calgary:

• On Tuesday, at 9:30 am, there will be a City Council meeting. The agenda includes updates to the Elections Bylaw Procedures in preparation for the 2025 general election, as well as an update on the Bearspaw South Feeder Main Incident Review. Councillor Demong will introduce a Notice of Motion to address the issue of tow truck companies arriving at collision scenes before being called, using scanners to track emergency calls. The Motion proposes amendments to the Business License Bylaw and other regulations to establish a fine structure for tow companies that engage in this behaviour.
  
  
• The Community Development Committee will meet on Wednesday at 9:30 am. The agenda includes a discussion about amendments to the Community Standards and Traffic Bylaws to regulate the parking of RVs. The proposal would limit RV parking on residential streets to three consecutive days, with exceptions for winter parking. It would also establish rules for RV parking near driveways and intersections to ensure safety and visibility for pedestrians and drivers. The Council Compensation Review Committee will also meet on Wednesday, at 10:00 am, to discuss the Committee’s final report.
  
  
• Three Calgary organizations are receiving $15,000 each from the Calgary Real Estate Board Realtor Community Foundation to support housing and shelter initiatives. Radiance Family Society will use the funds to enhance its shelter for women and children fleeing domestic violence, including installing pet-friendly flooring to remove barriers for those with pets. The Calgary Drop-In Centre plans to upgrade the kitchen at Bridgeland Manor, creating a space for seniors transitioning out of homelessness. Onward Homes Society will address plumbing upgrades at Glasswaters House, a residence providing critical support for expectant mothers.

Last Week In Calgary:

• Council approved a 3.6% property tax increase for 2025 after several days of budget discussions, with condo owners facing a larger increase of 10.5%. The budget includes funding for police infrastructure, road paving, and public safety, though several proposed budget amendments were rejected. Additionally, utility fees for waste, recycling, and water services will rise. Stay tuned for our full analysis!
  
  
• Council reversed its October decision to close the Inglewood Aquatic Centre, voting 12-3 to keep it open temporarily. The pool, which has exceeded its lifespan by over 20 years, was previously slated to shut down on December 22nd due to significant repair costs and low usage. Council capped repair spending at $400,000, with immediate costs estimated between $100,000 and $150,000. Residents and advocacy groups rallied to save the pool, highlighting its importance for seniors, families, and low-income individuals. While the decision provides a short-term reprieve, the City still plans to eventually close the facility once the MNP Community and Sport Centre expansion is complete in 2026.
  
  
• A group of RV dwellers on Moraine Road in Calgary received a temporary reprieve from eviction, with the city offering a new curbside location in the Foothills Industrial Park. However, residents like Vic LaRock, who has lived in his RV for over a decade, expressed dissatisfaction with the relocation, feeling it divided their community and lacked necessary amenities. While the City had planned to evict the group due to road maintenance, the move was delayed due to winter conditions.

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