Joint City-School Board City Charter submission proposes increased flexibility in land use for communities

CALGARY – The City of Calgary, the Calgary Board of Education (CBE) and the Calgary Catholic School District (CCSD) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) proposing increased flexibility in how land designated as reserve can be used as part of the upcoming City Charter consultation. This agreement is an outcome of the continued partnership with the Government of Alberta through conversations related to City Charters.

The submission proposes that land needed for future school use come under the single category of Municipal and School Reserve (MSR), replacing the three current categories which restrict needed flexibility around the use of reserves generally. If approved and incorporated into a City Charter by the Province, these reserves would be available not only for school board purposes, public parks and recreation areas, and a buffer between different land uses; but also for compatible uses that support, complement or enhance the land for the community’s benefit.

“Partnering with the Calgary Board of Education and the Calgary Catholic School District to find local solutions for Calgary is a great example of how our City Charter work will help us build better neighbourhoods and make it even better for Calgarians to live here,” said Mayor Naheed Nenshi.

A formal Joint Use Agreement between The City and the school boards has been in place since 1985. This consensus-based and collaborative model is reflected in this joint submission. Together, The City of Calgary and the school boards are committed to having this new model reflected within the City Charter and continuing to provide open and transparent opportunity for all parties to influence the dedication and allocation of reserve lands and create vibrant communities.

“Schools are the hub of our communities and the Calgary Board of Education is proud to work collaboratively with our municipal and education partners to ensure vibrant land use in the best interest of our students and their families,” said Joy Bowen-Eyre, Board Chair.

“The MOU agreed to by The City of Calgary, CCSD and CBE illustrates what it can look like when the best happens. This agreement reflects a commitment by all three parties to work together to support the creation of the very best opportunities, not only for the students and families whom we all serve, but for Calgary’s communities as a whole. It is the collaboration seen within this agreement that will serve Calgary well for generations,” commented CCSD Board Chair Cheryl Low.

The City of Calgary continues work with the Alberta Government on a City Charter that will give our city more flexibility and the tools to respond to local matters, such as building excellent transportation networks, high quality infrastructure and attractive neighborhoods.

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