Calgary Minute: Green Line, Pothole Work, and Budget Deliberations Begin

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

This Week In Calgary:

• There will be a meeting of City Council this morning at 9:30 am to discuss Mid-Cycle Adjustments to the 2023-2026 Service Plans and Budgets. Budget discussions will continue for the rest of the week, with meetings beginning at 9:30 am every day. On the table is a proposed 3.6% overall property tax increase for 2025, with single-family homes seeing a 3.9% hike and apartments facing a 10.5% rise. We think this is unacceptable. Council should be cutting taxes, not raising them, and they could absolutely afford to do so if they got wasteful spending under control. If you agree, please sign our petition calling on Council to get “Back To Basics”.
  
  
• Months after Calgary's rebranding to "Blue Sky City," there is still no visible signage reflecting the change, and the "Be Part of the Energy" signs are still in place. The new branding, launched with a logo inspired by beadwork, was designed to highlight Calgary as Canada’s sunniest city and a hub of diverse cultures and ideas. Despite a $1.7 million investment in the rebrand and consultation with over 129 organizations, many residents remain unaware of the new slogan or logo. The City has stated that signage design and approvals are still underway, with updates expected soon.
  
  
• Residents of Grace Gardens, a seniors' home in the Beltline, are protesting a proposed bike lane that they say will limit access for visitors, caregivers, and emergency services. The City says it is reviewing potential adjustments, such as adding a loading zone at the front entrance, and maintains the bike lane will not impede emergency vehicle access. Ward 8 Councillor Courtney Walcott says the City has engaged with residents over several years and is open to further feedback as construction approaches in spring 2025. Residents, however, feel their concerns have been inadequately addressed, describing the project as marginalizing their community.

Last Week In Calgary:

• Calgary road crews have filled over 35,000 potholes so far in 2024, surpassing last year’s total by more than 2,000. Mild fall weather has allowed teams to continue repairs, which typically average 20,000 annually. Crews are using an infrared asphalt heater to create smoother, longer-lasting repairs by reclaiming existing asphalt and bonding it with new material. The City is prioritizing pothole repairs based on safety and location, with high-priority roads addressed within five business days. Increased road maintenance spending was approved in October, as only 38% of Calgary’s roadways are currently rated in good condition.
  
  
• Alberta’s transportation minister has warned that the Green Line LRT project may halt until after the 2025 municipal election if Council rejects the forthcoming alignment proposal. This proposal, expected in early December, will recommend a route through downtown Calgary, emphasizing an above-ground alignment to reduce costs. The Minister said that, without Council approval, provincial funding for the project could be withdrawn. Although Calgary previously revived plans for the southeast portion of the Green Line, the province remains firm against costly tunneling options downtown. A working group involving provincial and City leaders continues to meet to address the project’s future.
  
  
• The Calgary Zoo announced the unexpected death of Eyare, a two-year-old western lowland gorilla, following an injury sustained while moving between behind-the-scenes spaces. Despite efforts by the zoo’s care and veterinary teams, Eyare succumbed to her injuries. The gorilla was born at the zoo in 2022. This marks the third recent animal death at the zoo, following the loss of an elderly bighorn sheep and a wild boar.

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