Public input invited to help shape long-term regional growth
Calgary is one of 10 municipalities representing the Calgary Metro Region Board, or CMRB. This year, the CMRB is creating a regional growth and servicing plan to support the long-term economic, environmental and social well-being of its member municipalities.
From July 24 to Sept. 4, the public has opportunity, through online input, to help shape the region’s future.
Large-scale changes to infrastructure or land-use can impact neighbouring municipalities—and these changes work better when planning for growth is coordinated in the region. When the needs of the whole region are addressed, we can better identify opportunities and efficiencies to reduce the costs of growth and realize sustained prosperity.
What matters most when it comes to planning for growth? How do we find the right balance when planning for the next million people? What does it mean to make the most of shared services in the Calgary Metro Region? How do we achieve environmentally-responsible land use planning? These are all topics on which citizen input is invited.
The CMRB is planning for the next million residents. The growth plan will reflect the changing needs of people, businesses and ecosystems that contribute to our region’s success. For example, the CMRB has recently provided the Province of Alberta a list of top regional transportation priorities—and 17th Avenue improvements between Calgary and Chestermere was ranked as the top priority.
“The quality of life of the Calgary Metropolitan Region draws tens of thousands of new residents here every year,” said Calgary Mayor Naheed Nenshi. “As we think about how the next million residents in the region will get to work, we must be extremely thoughtful so that quality of life is not lost. This engagement will allow the 1.4 million people that call this region home to tell us how they want that done.”
We all live, work and enjoy attractions and benefits across the entire region. Now, all residents are invited to have a say in how this region grows.
Residents of the region can share what’s important to them to help the CMRB create a plan that works for all communities. The public is invited to review the proposed growth scenarios and provide the CMRB with feedback at calgarymetroregion.ca
Established in 2018, the CMRB is a not-for-profit government corporation made up of elected officials from the region’s 10-member municipalities. The City of Calgary is represented by Mayor Nenshi at the Board and Councillors Gian-Carlo Carra and George Chahal at various committees. The public engagement that is underway July 24 to Sept. 4 is being coordinated by the CMRB on behalf of all member municipalities.
The regional growth and servicing plan will come into effect in 2021.