Just like that, another summer has come and gone. And just like that, the August break at City Hall is over. The September calendar is busy—very busy. This month I want to update you on the Olympic bid process and promote an event my office is collaborating on in October:
Olympic Bid
On September 10th, Council will be faced with an important decision. Do we continue moving forward with an Olympic bid or not? The biggest question mark for me at this time is the status of funding commitments from the provincial and federal governments. While they have committed in principle, we have yet to see their financial contributions. Without their contributions, the bid is dead in the water. By September 10th we need to see more clarity from the senior orders of government.
Should Council decide to continue this process – there will still be a plebiscite on November 13. The plebiscite question asks: Are you for or are you against Calgary hosting the 2026 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games? A plebiscite is the best way for Council to truly understand whether or not Calgarians want to see this bid continue. It is my hope that Calgarians use this opportunity to make their position clear. While plebiscites are not binding, Council should respect the outcome and make a decision accordingly with regards to the bid.
Ward 12 Traffic Safety Town Hall
Calgary Police Service (CPS) and City of Calgary Transportation have been working together to find ways to address residential traffic safety issues within our communities. As a result of a Notice of Motion I brought to Council in 2016, each Ward in the city will have a Residential Traffic Safety Town Hall. Residents are encouraged to come to these meetings and share their feedback with CPS and City Transportation folks. CPS will be able to identify some specific problem areas in your community that may need more enforcement and Transportation can identify if there are traffic flow or engineering issues that could be addressed.
When: Thursday, October 11 from 7:00pm-8:30pm
Where: First Alliance Church (Discovery Room), 12345 40 Street SE
As always, my office and I are here to help. If you have concerns or feedback, please do not hesitate to let us know.
