Calgary Minute: Issue 311

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

📅 This Week In Calgary: 📅

• On Tuesday, at 9:30 am, there will be a Public Hearing Meeting of City Council. Councillors will hear feedback on multiple land use amendments across various wards, including proposals in Killarney/Glengarry, Currie Barracks, Altadore, Beltline, Ogden, and others. These include redesignations to allow for backyard suites, commercial development, policy amendments, and a significant road closure in Beltline to create permanent park space. The latter proposal formalizes a pilot project near Connaught School where the park space has been operating since 2022, temporarily closing the portion of 10 Street SW adjacent to the school. This pilot was implemented to enhance public space and improve safety, particularly for school children commuting in the area. City Council will also make “housekeeping amendments” to Calgary's Land Use Bylaw, aiming to address recurring issues in the planning application process and improve the efficiency of approvals. Specific changes include six amendments to setback, parcel coverage, and mobility storage rules that often require additional permits or relaxations, as well as three textual amendments to clarify language in the bylaw. Notably, one amendment would allow childcare services to be established in existing residential buildings without needing a land use amendment or public hearing.
  
  
• Calgary's police chief, Mark Neufeld, resigned unexpectedly, with two years remaining on his contract. No specific reason was provided for his departure. Neufeld expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to serve Calgary for six years and thanked the Calgary Police Commission and City Council for their support. Katie McLellan will temporarily take over the role. The Calgary Police Commission praised Neufeld for his efforts in addressing police misconduct and navigating challenges during his tenure. Due to upcoming events, a search for a permanent chief will not begin immediately. Notably, the G7 is coming up in Kananaskis this June.
  
  
• Mayor Jyoti Gondek's proposal to use $20 million from the 2024 Enmax dividend to fund community projects led to a divisive debate among Councillors. The motion, which passed with an 8-5 vote, aimed to support several projects, including an $8.5-million upgrade to the Prairie Winds Park splash pad, along with improvements at fire stations, recreation arenas, and athletic parks. However, some Councillors accused Gondek of electioneering, questioning the timing of the proposal so close to the upcoming municipal election. Sonya Sharp, one of the dissenting Councillors, argued that the motion fell outside of the typical budgeting process and was placed conveniently before budget decisions. Despite this, Gondek defended the motion as part of the City’s regular financial practices, pointing out that similar decisions had been made in the past. In a separate vote, Council approved Councillor Chabot’s motion to replenish the Opportunity Calgary Investment Fund.
  
  
• The City of Calgary plans to renovate the north parking lot at Edworthy Park, currently a free parking area for cyclists commuting downtown. The proposed changes, including resurfacing the lot, installing EV chargers, and better lighting, are expected to include paid parking to help recoup development costs. This plan has raised concerns within the cycling community, who say it could discourage cyclists from using the lot. The lot serves as one of Calgary's "Park and Bike" sites, promoting sustainable commuting by combining biking with car parking. While the City maintains that the changes aim to enhance functionality for various park users, some cyclists argue that paid parking contradicts the City's goals of encouraging more sustainable transport. Construction is slated to begin by spring 2026, with paid parking only introduced after the development is complete.
  
  
• Calgary International Airport is working on a multimillion-dollar solution to address a persistent odour from its de-icing fluid retention pond, which has been a concern for nearby residents. The odour, most noticeable during the spring thaw, is caused by the decomposition of de-icing fluid, releasing a rotten egg smell. Ward 5 Councillor Raj Dhaliwal raised the issue, emphasizing the impact on residents' quality of life, especially since the problem was first reported three years ago. Although the airport is investing $8 million to improve the facility's capacity and reduce the odour, a permanent solution won't be in place until 2027. The smell, while unpleasant, is not considered a health risk, according to air quality studies.
  
  
• Calgary remained a Conservative stronghold in the federal election, with the party winning all but one riding in the city. Most races were called early, but Calgary Centre, Calgary McKnight, and Calgary Confederation saw tight contests. Incumbent Greg McLean narrowly retained Calgary Centre for the Conservatives, while Dalwinder Gill unseated Liberal George Chahal in Calgary McKnight. The only Liberal win came in Calgary Confederation, where Corey Hogan won narrowly.

🚨 This Week’s Action Item: 🚨

The federal election may have just wrapped up, but we can’t forget that the municipal election is fast approaching this October. 

At Common Sense Calgary, we’re committed to driving real change at City Hall, and we need your support to make it happen. If you care about priorities like increasing transparency, protecting the freedom of residents and businesses, and bringing common sense back to the city, now is the time to get involved. 

Volunteer with us today and help ensure a better future for Calgary:

🪙 This Week’s Sponsor: 🪙

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