Calgary Minute: Mayoral Interview, Airport Fire, and Happy New Year

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

This Week In Calgary:

• There are no Council or Committee meetings this week, as Council is on break. Meetings at City Hall will resume on January 8th.
  
  
• Tuesday is New Year’s Eve! There will be family-friendly activities, starting at 8:00 pm, at Prince’s Island Park and Lot 59. Festivities include a skating and dance party, food trucks, fire pits, and unique activities like inflatable curling. The event culminates in a midnight fireworks display synchronized to Canadian music, viewable in person or via livestream. Road closures will be in effect on Memorial Drive, and Calgary Transit will provide free late-night service to help everyone get home safely.
  
  
• As we ring in the New Year, we’re reflecting on the work we’ve accomplished and the challenges ahead. To kick off 2025 strong, we’ve set a goal to raise $20,000 by midnight on December 31st. This crucial fundraiser will ensure we can continue our mission in the coming year. If you’ve valued our efforts and want to see us achieve even more, please consider making a donation today. Every contribution, big or small, makes a difference, and we’re incredibly thankful for your support. Click here to donate and help us start the year on the right foot. Thank you and Happy New Year!

Last Week In Calgary:

• Mayor Jyoti Gondek gave her year-end interview. She faced significant challenges in 2024, including a citizen recall attempt, low polling numbers, a contentious single-use items bylaw, and a major water main rupture that led to summer-long water restrictions, but said that she learned lessons and that she is committed to accountability and improved communication with residents. Gondek acknowledged missteps, such as poor messaging around policies like the single-use items bylaw, and pledged to rebuild trust. She also confirmed her intent to run for re-election.
  
  
• Calgary Skyview MP George Chahal has called for Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to step down and urged the Liberal Party to prepare for a leadership race. In letters to the Liberal caucus and party president, Chahal emphasized the urgency of new leadership to address growing challenges and party dissatisfaction. His public appeal follows a series of party setbacks, including by-election losses and Chrystia Freeland's resignation. Chahal says that a change is necessary for the party's future success.
  
  
• A lithium-ion battery pack caused a fire at Calgary International Airport, prompting an evacuation. The Calgary Fire Department reported that the fire burned out on its own, causing minor damage to the lounge flooring, with no injuries. Maintenance staff ventilated the area to clear the smoke. Fire officials used the incident to highlight safety precautions, advising the use of certified batteries and chargers and avoiding extreme conditions or overnight charging. Lithium-ion battery fires are on the rise, with the CFD warning that uncertified batteries can overheat and pose serious risks. These batteries are commonly used in devices like e-bikes, phones, and power tools.

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