Calgary Minute: Issue 310

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

📅 This Week In Calgary: 📅

• On Tuesday, at 9:30 am, there will be a meeting of City Council. The City will look to amend its Business Licence Bylaw to allow cannabis sales at minors-prohibited events, aligning with Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis regulations. This change will allow licensed cannabis retailers to operate mobile units at approved events, while AGLC remains responsible for enforcement. Internal and external agencies, including Alberta Health Services, were consulted, and overall support was expressed. There are no anticipated financial impacts to the City, and processes for event approvals will remain unchanged. The amendment was originally proposed by Councillor Kourtney Penner, aiming to align City rules with provincial legislation and "level the playing field" between alcohol and cannabis.
  
  
• Councillors will bring forward a number of motions at Tuesday’s meeting. Councillor Jennifer Wyness will propose a motion to increase funding for Calgary’s Ward Community Event Fund (WCEF), which has remained at $140,000 citywide since 2003. With 208 community associations and many additional groups applying, the motion argues that current funding is insufficient to meet demand, as 2024 requests totalled $320,713. The proposal suggests transferring $520,875 from the under-utilized Council Innovation Fund to boost each ward’s 2025 WCEF allocation to $47,205. It also calls for a permanent increase to $50,000 per ward starting in the 2026-2029 budget cycle.
  
  
• Councillor Sonya Sharp will introduce a motion to strengthen customer service standards during essential water service disruptions in Calgary. The motion notes that while the City aims to restore water within 48 hours and provide temporary water access, communication and support for residents and businesses are currently inconsistent. It calls for a review of existing practices, a comparison with other municipalities, and recommendations for improvements, including better communication, accessible temporary water sources, and complimentary recreation passes for affected customers. If the motion passes, Administration will be directed to report back by July 29th, 2025, with proposed changes, timelines, costs, and a new measurement tool to track disruptions and customer feedback annually.
  
  
• Mayor Gondek will propose a motion to invest excess ENMAX dividend funds into upgrading Calgary’s community spaces and facilities. The motion highlights the need for repairs in aging amenities like splash pads and recreation centers, and directs $20 million to the Facilities Management Annual Investment Program, $2.85 million to support community-led placemaking initiatives through the Federation of Calgary Communities, and $23.15 million to the ENMAX Legacy Parks Fund. The goal is to strengthen neighbourhood spaces and programs, particularly in established communities that are seeing increased density, with updates reported through regular business and budget cycles. We have an idea: the City could return the money to Calgarians instead!
  
  
• City Staff will provide Council with an update on efforts to improve financial reporting and transparency following a D+ grade from the C.D. Howe Institute. Work began in December 2024 to simplify and clarify the City’s service plans and budgets, with a full update planned for the June 3rd, 2025 Strategic Meeting of Council. The City says it is in compliance with Canadian Public Sector Accounting Standards and is reviewing the C.D. Howe report to identify areas for improvement. Staff will also engage directly with the report’s authors to better understand the findings and explore solutions.
  
  
• Calgary released an update on its downtown revitalization efforts, highlighting progress in building a more stable tax base and reducing visible crime. Mayor Jyoti Gondek emphasized the transformation of the core into a vibrant, livable neighbourhood, noting the City's investments and the international attention it has received. Following the 2014 oil crash and the pandemic, Calgary attempted to shift away from relying solely on office space taxes. While office-to-residential conversions and increased police presence have been positive steps, the Calgary Downtown Association says challenges like homelessness, drug use, and graffiti remain, and the City admit the downtown hasn't come back.

🚨 This Week’s Action Item: 🚨

It’s Election Day! Voters from coast to coast are casting their ballots to decide who will form the next government. Make sure you take the opportunity to have your voice heard.

Need details on where to vote, what ID to bring, or who’s running in your riding? Visit the Elections Canada website for everything you need to know:

🪙 This Week’s Sponsor: 🪙

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