by Lisa Chong
The Hillhurst Sunnyside Planning Committee (HSPC) is recruiting volunteers to bolster our diverse team. Our next e-meeting will be on Wednesday, June 9, 2021, from 7:00 to 9:00 pm. All meetings are open to the public. Please help us welcome Elicia, Lorna, and Ben as our new executive team as we navigate change, redevelopment, and as we cultivate positive relationships together. Please email [email protected] for more information.
Our website tends to be the best place for up-to-date information due to the lag time between article submission and publication. Join for free on our website/ Mighty Networks app at hsca-community-planning.mn.co.
Local Area Planning
The City of Calgary’s Guide for Local Area Planning is a new “best practices” document to guide the creation of new Local Area Plans in Calgary. Read more at calgary.ca/guidebook. The Hillhurst Sunnyside Area Redevelopment Plan (ARP) will be going through changes to align with current City of Calgary policy. Our communities of Sunnyside, Hillhurst, West Hillhurst, and Briar Hill-Hounsfield Heights will be going through the process of developing a Local Area Plan for the entire area. Read more at engage.calgary.ca/Riley.
Community-Led Initiatives
From individual outdoor art projects to larger scale/ multi-year projects like Bow to Bluff, HSCA is your friendly conduit to the City of Calgary and other stakeholders. HSCA is currently in the process of creating resources for community-led initiatives. Please be sure to connect with [email protected] if you have an inquiry on how HSCA can help steward your idea or connect you with like-minded people for your neighbourhood project.
Neighbour Day 2021
Hillhurst and Sunnyside are welcoming, engaged neighbourhoods with a strong volunteer and community spirit. Calgary’s annual Neighbour Day event started right here after the community rallied and set up a Crisis Café to coordinate services and provide critical support for residents impacted by the 2013 flood. In 2014, Mayor Nenshi proclaimed the third Saturday of June as Neighbour Day.
To quote our 2013 Annual Report, “the Calgary Flood redefined volunteerism and what it means to be a community hero”. While we are not able to gather for in-person events this June 19 for Neighbour Day, we look forward to hearing some of your ideas for socially distanced celebrations of community. Remember to tag us online at #HSCAyyc!
Photo from 2013 via HSCA Flood Task Force | 4A Street thanks flood volunteers
Riley Park Loop
City Parks will be completing the paved pathway within Riley Park this summer. A full ~1 km loop will circle the park and will be a welcome, accessible addition for wheelchair users, stroller-pushers, joggers, and anyone else who needs more secure footing. This was a resident-initiated project that was supported by HSCA/ City Parks and funded through the Province’s Municipal Sustainability Initiative. While construction dates have not been confirmed, pleased be advised that the playground will not be accessible from the 12th Street NW side during construction.
Sunnyside Pump Station #1
As the Pump Station near the Curling Club is nearing completion, we are happy to announce that the new drinking water fountain/ bottle filling station is now in operation! In addition to providing critical stormwater infrastructure for Sunnyside and through engagement with the community and partners, PS#1 will include a few outdoor benches, pathway widening and realignment, a prepped based for the future addition of a fitness park, two public washrooms (which will be opened in due course), and two panels for community art. The HSCA Sunnyside Brightening Committee is now exploring funding options to commission the murals.
Hillhurst Sunnyside Streetscape and Public Realm Engagement
You may have noticed a few changes to the plaza space on Kensington Road NW last month. The City removed the old benches, introduced new furniture and planters, and installed a parklette. As COVID cases drop and restrictions ease, they will plan some activities for the space. The aim of these improvements is to accommodate a wider variety of users and uses in the plaza, so it can better serve as an active hub of the community.
Over the summer and fall, the City will gather information about how the space is being used to help guide a redesign of the space, scheduled for 2022. Provide your feedback on the furniture and the activities in the plaza at the City’s project website, engage.calgary.ca/kensingtonarea/kensingtonTOD.
