We invite all Calgarians to join us at The Confluence on the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, September 30, from 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. to commemorate Orange Shirt Day. 

“Orange Shirt Day is a time to come together in remembrance, reflection and learning,” says Lorelei Higgins, Team Lead with The City’s Indigenous Relations Office. “By listening to stories, honouring survivors and those who never returned home, and strengthening our understanding of this history, we each have a role to play in advancing truth, reconciliation and lasting relationships.”  

This event is free and open to the public. 

We encourage everyone to wear orange as a visible commitment to remembering the children impacted by residential schools and supporting the ongoing journey of reconciliation. 

If you cannot attend in person, we invite you to learn more or watch the event live online at calgary.ca/orangeshirtday. 

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"The completion of the Sunnyside Flood Barrier is a major achievement for Calgary and a significant step forward in our efforts to build a more flood-resilient city,” said Mayor Jeromy Farkas. "This project strengthens our ability to withstand future flood events while creating lasting community spaces that Sunnyside residents and visitors can enjoy for generations to come."

The flood barrier provides the communities of Sunnyside and Hillhurst with protection from a one-in-100-year flood event, meaning a flood with a one per cent chance of occurring in any given year. The project represents a total investment of $73 million over a decade, from initial planning through to completion, delivering a significant step forward in reducing flood risk and strengthening Calgary’s long-term resilience.

Spanning 2.4 kilometres, the barrier combines permanent flood walls, sheet pile walls, demountable flood walls and deployable flood protection systems to reduce flood risk while maintaining community access, strengthening connections to the Bow River and preserving the character of the surrounding area.

Michael Thompson, Chief Operating Officer – Water Utility notes the importance of investing in Calgary’s flood resilience. “Building a flood barrier Calgarians can rely on means preparing in advance for extreme events and reducing their impacts when they occur. The Sunnyside Flood Barrier is an important example of how long-term planning and investment help protect people, homes and businesses from river flooding."

Community input played a significant role in shaping the project and the public spaces surrounding the barrier. Through planning and design, Sunnyside and Hillhurst residents and The City of Calgary Council emphasized the importance of preserving connections to the Bow River, enhancing public spaces and honouring the community’s history.

As a result, the project includes nine new seating areas, two food truck pads, improved pathways and public spaces along the river for people walking, wheeling and cycling, along with approximately 200 new trees, including 68 Memorial poplar clone trees, and additional landscaping enhancements. Four key public spaces were also enhanced throughout the project, which include the Calgary Soldiers’ Memorial, Peace Bridge North Shore, 7 Street N.W. lookout and Prince’s Island Pedestrian Bridge & Bow River access.

“What began as a vision on paper has now become a lasting investment in Calgary’s future,” said Martin Pritchard, Manager of Linear Infrastructure Delivery. “Guided by community input and brought to life through the collective expertise of multiple project teams, the Sunnyside Flood Barrier delivers critical flood protection while enhancing public spaces and celebrating the unique history and character of the community.”

Since the 2013 flood, over $1.3 billion has been invested in flood mitigation and resilience projects throughout Calgary. Mitigation work that is already complete or is underway has reduced Calgary’s flood risk by approximately 70 per cent and our flood damages by $118 million every year. Through a coordinated approach that combines upstream, community-level and property-level flood protection measures, The City continues to strengthen resilience across Calgary's river valleys. Investments in Calgary’s flood protection directly support the future of Calgary’s communities, businesses, and infrastructure.

The Sunnyside Flood Barrier is now operational and protecting the community, while final landscaping and public realm enhancements continue. Landscaping and pathway work are expected to be completed by the end of October 2026. For the latest information, visit www.calgary.ca/sunnysidebarrier.

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“We are pleased to have more than 90 per cent of the project materials required to complete the project on-site in Calgary, including 93% for the steel pipe,” said Darren Finney, Manager, Major Projects. “Crews continue to make strong progress across both stages, and we remain on track for the new feeder main to be in service by the end of the year.”

Stage A construction update

Stage A construction began in January and used microtunnelling to complete approximately 3.7 kilometres of tunneling beneath existing infrastructure. Installation of both the concrete carrier pipe and the new steel feeder main between the Shaganappi Pump Station and 73 Street N.W. is now complete. Stage A construction remains underway in the area, with crews continuing valve chamber installation, pipe welding and work on supporting infrastructure.

Stage B construction update

Stage B open-cut construction along 34 Avenue N.W. in Bowness began in June and remains on schedule. More than 1.6 km of steel feeder main pipe has been installed, representing approximately 61 per cent of the Stage B alignment. Pipe installation is complete on seven of the 13 blocks with another three currently underway.

Stage B construction continues in sections, with four crews working simultaneously. Roadways, sidewalks and property access are being restored as construction advances. Landscaping restoration will continue into Spring 2027.

Looking ahead

The Bearspaw South Feeder Main will need to be shut down to connect the new feeder main to the existing water system. Pipe tie-in connections at various locations along the new feeder main pipe will include open-cut construction similar to ongoing Stage B construction. Stage 4 outdoor water restrictions and indoor water conservation will be required during this time.

Feeder main commissioning is estimated to begin in December. Once the pipe is connected, the water restrictions will be lifted, but we still need to fill, disinfect and complete water quality testing before the new feeder main is in service.

These estimated date ranges are subject to change based on construction timelines and project logistics.

Parkdale Boulevard Repairs

Additional repairs will be completed this fall on the feeder main between the Shaganappi Pump Station and the Memorial Pump Station along Parkdale Boulevard and Memorial Drive N.W.

Recent condition assessments identified locations on the 1500 mm section of the Bearspaw South Feeder main along Parkdale Boulevard that require proactive repairs. While the 1500 mm and the 1950 mm pipe, which is the pipe currently being replaced, are both part of the same feeder main, they are separate sections with different condition profiles. Assessments of the 1500 mm between the Shaganappi Pump Station and the Memorial Pump Station, show it remains in good overall condition and does not require replacement. Instead, targeted repairs at specific locations will help maintain the pipe's long-term reliability.

The repairs will involve 24/7 construction, excavating locations, removing sections of pipe and replacing them with new steel segments.

Community support

We continue to work directly with residents, businesses and property owners affected by construction. Anyone with questions or concerns can contact the project team.

Community members are encouraged to attend upcoming information sessions and can register online at calgary.ca/bearspawfeedermain. They can also visit the project's Community Resource Centre at the Bowness Community Association. Office hours are Monday and Wednesday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday and Thursday: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

The Bearspaw South Feeder Main Construction Liaisons are available at the Community Resource Centre on Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

For project information and construction updates, visit calgary.ca/bearspawfeedermain

The removals were completed to proactively manage safety risks for dead and dying trees. Rather than going directly to compost, suitable branches, logs and other woody material from the removals have been provided to the zoo, where they are being put to use to support the animals in their care.

The material is being used for habitat enrichment and browse (food) for a variety of animals including moose, giraffes, camels, gorillas, monkeys and hippos, providing new opportunities for the animals to snack, explore, forage, climb and play.

“The urban forest plays an important role in Calgary's quality of life. This partnership shows how we can continue generating value even after a tree's lifecycle has ended,” said Wayne Driscoll, Urban Forestry Superintendent, Calgary Parks and Open Spaces. “By connecting City operations with community partners like The Wilder Institute's Calgary Zoo, we are advancing sustainability, reducing waste, and creating meaningful benefits for both people and animals.”

Hundreds of members from the zoo’s community of volunteers played an integral role in the removals by helping strip branches of leaves, bag woody material, leaves and seeds, cut and sort smaller branch materials into containers for transport and move bagged materials to trucks for transport. There was a lot of work to be done, and the volunteers were there with enthusiasm and big smiles. The City and zoo extend their thanks to everyone who helped make the effort a success.

The removals translated into:

• 304, 6–7-kilogram bags of browse
• 10, 16–22-kilogram silage barrels of woody material
• 1.5 truckloads of bagged branches
• Numerous large logs to be used as “furniture” in animal habitats

“We’re always excited to receive wood like this because it gives us new opportunities to enrich the lives of the animals in our care,” said Katharine Varzé, Horticulture Manager with the Wilder Institute’s Calgary Zoo. “Whether it’s fresh browse for animals to eat or larger logs that become part of their habitats, there are lots of ways we can put this material to use. It’s pretty special to see trees from Calgary’s urban forest find a second life here at the zoo."

The City regularly completes tree risk assessments, pruning and removals of trees that are dead, declining or pose a public safety risk as part of its ongoing care to support the long-term health of Calgary’s urban forest. As part of this work, Urban Forestry is looking for new ways to make good use of the removed wood material where possible.

The collaboration with The Wilder Institute’s Calgary Zoo is just one example of how partnerships can help put removed material to good use while supporting animal care and wellbeing. Calgary Parks is also currently working with the zoo to provide removed invasive caragana plants as a snack for the resident giraffes.

The Wilder Institute’s Calgary Zoo and Calgary Parks social media channels will feature more photos and stories of the animals benefiting from the wood provided in the coming weeks. We invite Calgarians to follow along to see how the trees continue to make a positive impact:

Facebook: facebook.com/thecalgaryzoo, facebook.com/cityofcalgaryparks 
Instagram: instagram.com/thecalgaryzoo, instagram.com/calgaryparks  

*Photos courtesy of The Wilder Institute’s Calgary Zoo

Council approved amendments to the Fire Operations and Fees Bylaw that will come into effect on September 22, 2026. The bylaw changes will increase fines for selling fireworks from $750 to $3,000 and increase fines for discharging fireworks without a permit from $500 to $1,000. The City of Calgary’s review found that Calgary’s current penalties are lower than those in comparable municipalities and are not acting as an effective deterrent.

The updated bylaw will also introduce a new offence of a $1,000 fine for carrying or setting up fireworks for use in a public place. This will allow enforcement officers to intervene when people are preparing to set up fireworks in parks, streets or other public spaces before they are discharged, helping prevent unsafe activity. The amendments come in response to ongoing concerns about unauthorized fireworks activity in Calgary. Between 2023 and 2025, The City received 183 fireworks-related service requests through 311.

“These changes are about protecting public safety while supporting safe and responsible celebrations,” shares Glenn Baxter, Fire Marshal, Calgary Fire Department. “These bylaw amendments give enforcement partners stronger tools to address unauthorized fireworks activity and reduce risks to residents, property and public spaces.” Ryan Pleckaitis, Chief, Community Standards, added “by increasing penalties and introducing a new offence for the open display of fireworks in public places, we are reinforcing a simple message: public safety comes first.”

The City is also recommending a community-led, City-supported approach to celebrations that use fireworks. Through collaborative efforts, The City is committed to helping organizations access grants, permits, logistical support and event-planning assistance while providing safe opportunities for Calgarians to come together and celebrate cultural traditions.

Over the past few months, The City has developed a coordinated operational plan involving Emergency Management & Community Safety (EMCS), the Calgary Fire Department (CFD) and the Calgary Police Service (CPS) to improve planning, education and enforcement during peak periods such as Diwali, Stampede and New Years Eve. Implementation of these plans will begin in Q4 2026.

By strengthening enforcement and improving education to support safe celebrations, Calgary is building a future where cultural traditions can thrive while keeping communities safe, welcoming and vibrant for all.

For more information visit: www.calgary.ca/fireworks

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The internal review examined dispatch actions and decision-making, as well as adherence to operational policies.

“The outcome of this review is difficult,” says Iain Bushell, Director of Emergency Management and Community Safety with The City of Calgary, “as it identified instances where established procedures were not followed, resulting in a delay in how certain information was acted on. That delay did not meet the standard of service we expect.”

The review found gaps in adherence to procedures, rather than gaps in the procedures themselves. As a result, appropriate disciplinary action has been taken. Due to confidentiality obligations related to personnel matters, no further details regarding individual employment actions will be provided.

In addition to the immediate corrective actions taken, a number of measures have been implemented to strengthen accountability and reinforce the consistent application of procedures and protocols, including enhanced training and operational oversight.

“We are committed to strengthening our processes and ensuring our employees have the support, training and tools they need to serve Calgarians effectively,” says Bushell. “Calgary 911 employees are deeply committed to public safety, and when an event has a tragic outcome such as this, they feel the weight of that responsibility.

“Our thoughts remain with Parker’s family, loved ones and all those affected by this tragic loss. We will ensure the lessons from this tragedy lead to meaningful improvements in how we serve the community.”

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BACKGROUNDER

9-1-1 INTERNAL REVIEW: KEY FINDINGS

Dispatch actions and decision-making

• Two calls were made from the day home to 9-1-1 on July 16, 2026.
• A Priority 1 police event was not created during the first call, received at 10:53 a.m., as the caller confirmed they did not wish to file a missing person report at that time and would call back if Parker was not found shortly.  The internal review, however, found that sufficient information was provided to identify the situation as an “endangered missing child” and a Priority 1 police event should have been actioned according to policy.
• The supervisor reviewed the call that was entered as an advised event but did not reopen, escalate or reassess the event after reviewing it. The internal review found that the supervisor should have more fully considered the totality of available information, specifically the child's age and the inability of day home staff to locate the child.
• At 11:24 a.m. the original caller phoned 9-1-1 back to officially report Parker missing and a Priority 1 Missing Person event was created at 11:41 a.m. The internal review found that the delay in entering the event represented a potential opportunity to dispatch police earlier.

Adherence to operational policies and procedures

• The review found that sufficient information was shared to recognize the occurrence as an endangered missing child event and that the established procedures related to missing persons, event prioritization, dispatch requirements and event management were not followed.
• The review highlighted gaps in applying existing policies rather than gaps in the policies themselves. It further determined that departures from established procedures contributed to delayed police notification and response.

Identified opportunities for improvement and actions taken in response

1. Strengthen oversight and quality assurance

Actions taken in response

• All advised events (calls entered as not requiring police assistance) are now reviewed every 15-30 minutes by two supervisors, rather than one, providing an additional layer of oversight to support consistent decision-making and application of operational procedures. (completed)
• A program of spot checks and periodic call reviews is being implemented by coaching mentors and the coaching pool to reinforce operational standards and support continuous learning. (in progress)
• Additional workplace supports have been implemented by positioning employees closer to senior staff to facilitate real-time guidance, mentorship and operational oversight. (completed)

1. Reinforce policy compliance

Actions taken in response

• All employees completed a mandatory review of missing persons policies, including reinforcement of key procedures and expectations. (completed)
• Focused team briefings were conducted to reinforce policy adherence, accuracy, timeliness, critical thinking and decision-making, including the operational impacts of dispatch decisions. (completed)
• A broader review of policies and standard operating procedures is underway to strengthen clarity, reduce ambiguity and support consistent operational decision-making. (in progress)

1. Enhance training and professional development

Actions taken in response

• New recruit training is being extended by one week, bringing the program to a total of 11 weeks. (in progress)
• Additional training focused on critical thinking, emotional intelligence, and problem solving is being developed for delivery to future new-hire classes and all existing employees. (in progress)
• Enhanced training for supervisors, including strengthened guidance on event review and escalation responsibilities, is being developed and implemented. (in progress)

When completed, the highrise tower in the historic Bridgeland/Riverside neighbourhood will include 203 homes with 1-, 2-, and 3-bedrooms. Bridgeland Place will operate under Calgary Housing’s mixed-income model. This means families of all sizes and a wide range of incomes will live in the completely renovated tower at 736 McDougall Court N.E.

“Bridgeland Place has been home to countless Calgarians in its 52 years of operations, and we’re proud to get the work underway to extend the life of the structure for decades more,” Bo Jiang, Calgary Housing interim President and CEO said. “I’m excited to see the new life this work will bring to the building and the neighbourhood.”

Originally constructed in 1971, Bridgeland Place was decommissioned in 2023 due to significant concerns over aging systems like heating and water. One year later, Calgary Housing was brought on by The City of Calgary to lead redevelopment of the 17-storey building, with a nine-month interior demolition and abatement being the first step. Design and permitting processes followed, which included rearranging floorplans to include more family-friendly homes and refurbishment of amenities.

“Redevelopment of Bridgeland Place is a fiscally responsible way to improve the existing housing stock we have as a city, while also minimizing impacts on the surrounding community. I’m glad to have Calgary Housing at the helm of this redevelopment,” Calgary Mayor Jeromy Farkas said.

Redevelopment of Bridgeland Place will involve rehabilitating the exterior envelope – including replacing windows and siding – to make it more energy efficient. Crews will then focus on a thorough retrofit of the interior, which has been taken down to the cast concrete structure. Exterior work includes landscaping and family-friendly, safety-oriented environmental design.

“Alberta’s government is proud to invest in the renewal of Bridgeland Place, helping ensure more than 500 Calgarians have a safe and affordable place to call home. Strategic investments like this are a smart use of existing infrastructure, stretching taxpayer dollars further and delivering more homes for Albertans,” said Minister of Assisted Living and Social Services Nathan Neudorf.

The retrofit focuses on improving efficiency, reducing emissions and utility costs, improving indoor air quality, and extending the lifespan of the building at a cost less than that of a similar new build.

After an anticipated completion in 2028, more than 500 Calgarians will call Bridgeland Place home once again.

"Calgary Housing's Bridgeland Place retrofit is one of many projects we're proud to support in Calgary. Maintaining existing housing stock is crucial to extend the life of affordable and community housing. We'll continue our work alongside our partners at all levels of government to continue to make homes like these a reality for Calgarians," said Corey Hogan, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Energy and Natural Resources and Member of Parliament for Calgary Confederation, on behalf of the Honourable Gregor Robertson, Minister of Housing and Infrastructure and Minister responsible for Pacific Economic Development Canada.

“Bridgeland is a wonderful place for Calgarians to call home, and the new residents at the renovated Bridgeland Place will find it to be a walkable and vibrant neighbourhood that supports a rich community life,” said Ward 9 Councillor Harrison Clark. “I look forward to welcoming you all!”

Under Calgary Housing’s mixed-income model, rents at the renovated Bridgeland Place will fit the incomes of the households, and the rents range from deeply affordable to near-market in a mix that meets the operating funding needs of the entire building. That mix means government funding is not required for ongoing operations, only for the construction.

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Today, we’re unveiling the design for the Thunder Slide’s replacement, giving Calgarians a first look at one of the facility's most anticipated new features.

The new slide will replace the Thunder Slide, which served Calgarians from 1994 to 2026, when it had reached the end of its service life. As part of the Village Square Leisure Centre repairs and upgrades project, the replacement slide has been designed to deliver a new generation of thrills while building on the experience Calgarians know and love.

Unlike the current open-air corkscrew design, the new slide will be fully enclosed, helping protect it from Calgary's weather and supporting more reliable operation throughout the year. The ride will feature a dynamic path, taking riders through a series of changing twists and turns before reaching the runout below. The design also incorporates translucent sections that create changing colours and light effects throughout the experience.

A vibrant gradient colour scheme featuring reds, pinks, purples, oranges and yellows will make the slide a striking new addition to the Village Square Leisure Centre pool area.

“We've heard from countless Calgarians about what the Thunder Slide has meant to them over the years," said Mayor Jeromy Farkas. “The incredible turnout for the slide's final weekend showed just how much people care about places like this and that recreation facilities create memories that last a lifetime. Replacing the Thunder Slide means future generations will have the chance to create memories of their own and enjoy this beloved recreation experience for decades to come."

The replacement slide forms part of The City’s broader work to renew aging recreation infrastructure and respond to increasing demand for recreation opportunities across Calgary. Through GamePLAN, The City’s public recreation strategy, Calgary is taking a long-term approach to investing in existing community facilities where it makes sense and planning new recreation spaces for a growing city.

Work is underway on repairs and upgrades at Village Square Leisure Centre, with the facility and new slide expected to reopen near the end of 2027. Updates can be found at calgary.ca/VillageSquareRepairs

Quick facts

- The Thunder Slide opened in 1994 and has served generations of Calgarians.
- The existing slide and support structure were more than 30 years old and reached the point where replacement was a more practical long-term solution than continued repairs.
- The new slide will be fully enclosed to improve reliability and help protect it from Calgary's weather.
- Village Square Leisure Centre is expected to reopen by the end of 2027.

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Construction is underway on Phase 2 of the project, which includes a new 15,000-square-foot public library, a multi-modal street, and parking facilities, will help address a service gap in northwest Calgary and provide spaces for learning, programs and community gathering. Phase 2 also includes an outdoor community commons where people can meet, relax and play.

Today's celebration recognizes significant progress made since construction began on the new library and marks an important milestone in the transformation of the seven-acre site into a vibrant community destination for northwest Calgary. Construction is expected to continue through 2028.

"Symons Valley Library  is an investment in the people and communities of northwest Calgary. This project will bring together important amenities, including a new library, public gathering spaces, and future community services such as a Calgary Transit Terminal, helping create a vibrant destination where residents can connect, learn and thrive,” says Mayor Jeromy Farkas.

When complete, Symons Valley Library will welcome residents to a new community space designed to support the needs of one of Calgary's fastest-growing areas. Future planned phases for this site include the development of adjoining land parcels dedicated for non-market housing and mixed-use development, as well as a Calgary Transit terminal. By co-locating public amenities within a walkable, community-focused environment, the project will create opportunities for connection, recreation and learning close to home.

"After years of advocacy, I’m proud to see this project moving forward and becoming a reality for our growing community. This new purpose-built library will provide a modern, welcoming space designed to meet local needs," says Jennifer Wyness, Councillor for Ward 2.

"A growing city needs more libraries, and the welcoming, accessible, community spaces they provide. Calgary Public Library is a vital part of our city’s core civic infrastructure, and the Symons Valley Library creates more connection, learning, and discovery, for our community,” says Sarah Meilleur, CEO, Calgary Public Library. “This new Library will expand our collections, increase access to early learning opportunities, and bring people together around new ideas and perspectives. Together, we are supporting the community of today, and building the future of our great city.”

Phase 2 of the project includes:

·       A new 15,000-square-foot public library

·       Community commons green space

·       Underground and surface parking to support the site

·       A street designed to improve access throughout the site, whether you walk, drive, bike or wheel.

·       Supporting infrastructure to service future phases of development and community amenities

About Symons Valley Library

Symons Valley Library is a new public library and community  space currently under development at 251 Sage Hill Boulevard N.W. Located within the larger Symons Valley Centre project, the library will serve as a welcoming hub for learning, connection and community life. Future planned phases for this site include the development of adjoining land parcels dedicated for non-market housing and mixed-use development, as well a Calgary Transit terminal. The development will primarily serve residents of Sage Hill, Kincora, Sherwood, Nolan Hill and Evanston.

Established in 1996, the W.O. Mitchell Book Prize is coordinated through a partnership between The City of Calgary and the Writers’ Guild of Alberta, which administers the award as part of the Alberta Literary Competitions. Since its creation, 30 Calgary writers have received this prestigious award. The winning author receives a $5,000 cash prize, presented at the Calgary Awards in June 2027.

Submissions are being accepted until Dec. 1, 2026. Full award criteria and the entry form can be found at calgary.ca/calgaryawards.

Eligibility details:

• Eligible books must have been published anywhere in the world between Jan. 1 and Dec. 1, 2026.
• The author must have lived (permanent address) in Calgary for a minimum of two years, as of Dec. 31, 2026.
• Eligible categories include fiction, poetry, non-fiction, children’s literature, or drama.
• Self-published books with an ISBN are eligible.

Entries are judged by an independent jury recruited by the Writers’ Guild of Alberta. Shortlisted authors will have the opportunity to participate in a public reading event.

The 2026 recipient of the W.O. Mitchell Book Prize was Calgary writer Marcello Di Cintio for his book Precarious: The Lives of Migrant Workers.

Previous recipients include:

• Julie Sedivy (Linguaphile: A Life of Language Love, 2025)
• Clem Martini (Cantata and The Extinction Therapist, 2024)
• Suzette Mayr (The Sleeping Car Porter, 2023)
• Jaspreet Singh (My Mother, My Translator, 2022)

A complete list of previous winners can be found at calgary.ca/calgaryawards.

For more information, visit calgary.ca/calgaryawards or writersguild.ca.

This electrical work will temporarily reduce the amount of water that can be supplied to Calgary and regional water customers.  

Based on current weather forecasts and projected water demand during this period, outdoor water restrictions are not anticipated at this time. Forecasted cooler temperatures and lower seasonal water use are expected to help keep overall water demand below the available system capacity while the work is underway.  

Residents and businesses are encouraged to continue using water wisely, particularly outdoors, while the work is underway by continuing to follow Calgary’s regular Lawn and Landscaping Watering Schedule.  

While restrictions are not anticipated, weather conditions will continue to be monitored, and plans may be adjusted if circumstances change. If conditions change significantly, The City will provide an update. 

This work is separate from the planned connection of the new Bearspaw South Feeder Main to the existing water system in mid- to late-October, which will require temporary Stage 4 water restrictions and indoor water conservation for an approximately four-week period. 

About the North Calgary Water Servicing Project 

The North Calgary Water Servicing Project includes the construction of a 22-kilometre feeder main, complemented by 10 support facilities, including pump stations and underground storage reservoirs. This project will support Calgary's growing population and strengthen system resilience by adding redundancy to our existing water distribution system. 

The City of Calgary is pleased to announce that the Curbside Treasure Hunt is set to return September 12 and 13, 2026. On those days, residents are invited to set out gently used, reusable items they no longer need on their curb for neighbours to take and enjoy. Think of it as a giant, free garage sale for the whole city!

Members of the public are also welcome to explore their neighbourhoods to find unique and unwanted items that would otherwise end up in landfills.

“Over the past few years, this has become one of our most beloved events, and by taking part, residents can make a big impact in helping reduce waste,” says Natalia Gonzalez, Waste Diversion Specialist. “We invite all members of the public to take part, whether decluttering their home or searching for that next great find.”

New this year

To help make it easier for prospective treasure hunters to see what’s out there, declutterers can now add items they plan to set out for the event to a new online map simply by filling out this form.

How to participate

1. Gather: identify items in your home that you no longer need but could be valuable to someone else.

2. Post: add your items to our online map by filling out this form.

3. Label: mark these items with a “Free” label.

4. Place: set the items out at the curb on September 12 and 13.

5. Discover: residents and treasure hunters can explore different neighborhoods, picking up items they find interesting or useful.

6. Clean up: remove left over items from the curbside by 5 p.m. on September 13. Visit calgary.ca/whatgoeswhere to find out where to recycle, donate or dispose of any remaining items.

For safety reasons, please don’t put out items that could be hazardous or not safe to reuse, such as:

• Mattresses
• Toilets
• Unsafe or recalled items
• Baby gear or safety equipment that may not meet current standards

For more information on permitted items and other event details, visit calgary.ca/treasurehunt.

The Free Fare Zone is an important part of downtown mobility, connecting customers, visitors and workers between Downtown West/Kerby and City Hall/Bow Valley College stations. Currently, customers can travel within the zone without paying a transit fare.

This initiative will help Calgary Transit assess market interest in a naming rights partnership that could generate non-fare revenue while providing a sponsor with a prominent presence along the 7 Avenue transit corridor. The sponsorship would not affect the availability of fare-free service within the Free Fare Zone.

"Calgary Transit is exploring whether there is interest in a naming rights partnership that creates value for both Calgary Transit and a future sponsor," says Sharon Fleming, Director of Calgary Transit. "This process will help us better understand what opportunities may exist while continuing to support the important role the Free Fare Zone plays in downtown mobility."

The initiative follows direction from Council to explore sponsorship opportunities for the Free Fare Zone as part of broader efforts to identify potential non-fare revenue sources. 

"I heard from residents and businesses that the downtown Free Fare Zone is a service that Calgarians want to see maintained. I advocated for continuing the search for a corporate sponsor to secure its long-term viability, offering local businesses a direct way to invest in Calgary's growth, tourism and event economy," said Ward 1 Councillor Kim Tyers.

Interested organizations can learn more about the opportunity beginning Sept. 3 through mid-October 2026. The results will help determine whether a naming rights sponsorship is viable and the value it could provide for both Calgary Transit and Calgarians. 

Learn more about the opportunity here.

Since its inception in 1885, Calgary has lost 84 firefighters in the line of duty, nine during active firefighting, 71 due to illnesses related to firefighting, and four who served in World War I.

Together, these firefighters gave a combined 2,331 years of service to Calgary, reflecting generations of firefighters who dedicated their lives to protecting Calgary and its residents.

To honour our city’s fallen firefighters, Mayor Jeromy Farkas, members of City Council, the Calgary Fire Fighters Association (Local 255) and others joined the Calgary Fire Department and families of the fallen in remembering the Calgary firefighters who have given their lives in service to their community.

Each year, the names of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice are read aloud during the public ceremony. As each name is read, the Memorial Bell is sounded in their honour, followed by the Firefighters’ Invocation and Bell Ceremony.

Sadly, the Calgary Fire Department Honour Guard added the names of Captain Lorn Howes, Lieutenant Ronald A. Randen, and Deputy Chief Alton G. Mathers to the Walls of Memory/Lantern of Light monument in the plaza.

All three firefighters died due to cancers acquired through occupational exposure.

“Today, we remember not only how our fallen firefighters died, but how they lived, served and cared for this community,” said Calgary Fire Department Chief Steve Dongworth. “We gather with heavy hearts, along with profound gratitude.”

Of the 84 firefighter deaths in Calgary, nine are considered “traumatic.” Four others died while fighting in World War I. The remaining 71 deaths are considered “presumptive” — the result of illnesses such as cancer that can manifest years later. 

Having not seen a traumatic workplace fatality since 1992, the Calgary Fire Department is committed to continued improvements and protections against firefighter illness and injury. In addition to annual cancer screening for all firefighters, Calgary Fire has made many changes to improving supports for mental health, wellness and safety, and continues to modify its practices and improve its equipment and duty gear.

“Our fire service continues to adapt to new risks, such as highly toxic lithium-ion battery fires,” says Chief Dongworth. “Even residential house fires that we routinely attend produce significantly more toxic smoke and heat than in the past. Newer synthetic and petrochemical-based materials release lethal volatile organic compounds, benzene, styrene, hydrogen cyanide, and dioxins.”

In response, Calgary Fire is currently investigating emerging technologies that could, for example, result in significant improvements in decontamination of firefighter duty gear, using enhanced carbon dioxide cleaning that would also increase the lifespan of front-line clothing and equipment.

“The greatest way we honour those we have lost is by carrying their lessons forward and making this profession safer for the firefighters who serve today,” said Chief Dongworth. “We learn. We improve. We adapt. And we do everything we can to help future firefighters live longer, healthier lives.”

As always, the memorial concluded with the laying of wreaths and a closing opportunity for reflection.

For more information on the Calgary Fire Department and our fallen firefighters, please visit our website.

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Things to do

Tee up at City golf courses

Get into the swing of things at City driving ranges or tee it up at one of our seven municipal golf courses at five locations throughout the city. Visit calgary.ca/golf to learn more and book a tee time.

Paid swimming
We are offering paid swimming on Sept. 7 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Southland Leisure Centre (2000 Southland Dr. S.W.).

Paid skating
We are offering paid family skating on Sept. 7 from 1 to 2:15 p.m. and 2:30 to 3:45 p.m. at Southland Leisure Centre (2000 Southland Dr. S.W.).

There will also be paid Stick & Pucks on Sept. 7 from 1:45 to 3 p.m. at Southland Leisure Centre (2000 Southland Dr. S.W.).

View our arena rules for public skates. Equipment rentals are not available.

Getting around

Calgary Transit 
Over the Labour Day weekend we adjust our service hours. On Monday, Sept. 7, we will be operating buses, CTrains and On Demand on a Sunday level of service.

Fall service changes also came into effect starting Aug. 31. View the full list of changes, including the new and modified routes in the North Central area and Saddletowne, at calgarytransit.com/Fall2026.

CTrain closures on the Labour Day weekend:  

The Blue Line will be closed between City Hall/Bow Valley College and Marlborough stations starting Saturday, Sept. 5 until start of service Tuesday, Sept. 8. Shuttle buses will replace CTrain service between impacted stations, with a separate express shuttle providing direct service between City Hall/Bow Valley College and Marlborough stations.

View the full details, including shuttle route maps and information about detoured downtown shuttle stops during the parade, at calgarytransit.com/CTrain-service.

Parade Day:
Parts of downtown will be closed due to the Calgary Pride Parade on Sunday, Sept. 6, and some bus routes will be affected. Detour route information will be made available at calgarytransit.com/service-updates.

Labour Day Classic: 
We advise customers taking transit to the Labour Day Classic at McMahon Stadium on Monday to plan ahead and give themselves some extra time. Check the trip planner to find the best routes to get to the game ahead of the opening ceremony.

More information on travelling by transit this long weekend can be found on the Calgary Transit website.

Calgary Parking 
Enjoy free parking in on-street ParkPlus zones on Monday, Sept. 7. Weekend rates apply at all Calgary Parking parkades and surface lots. Please note that regular rates will be in effect at partner lots such as TELUS Spark, the Calgary Stampede, Calgary Zoo and Heritage Park.

The Calgary Parking Contact Centre and Impound Lot will be closed on Monday, Sept. 7. For more information, please visit calgaryparking.com.

Road closures 
Below is a list of some of the major road closures and construction around Calgary over the long weekend:

Calgary Pride Parade Road closures: on Sept. 6, the following closures and traffic restrictions will be in place for the Calgary Pride Parade:

• Starting at 6 a.m.: 9 Avenue S.W. between 11 and 5 Street S.W. will be closed for the parade staging area.
• Starting at 10 a.m.: 9 Avenue between 5 Street S.W. and 8 Street S.E., will be closed for the parade route, with additional closures on intersecting roads.
• Closures will remain in place until the event is safely cleared. Roads will reopen in coordination with the Calgary Police Service.
• Learn more on the event website.

Southwest

• 8 Street S.W. between 6 Avenue and 7 Avenue S.W.: ongoing construction for ENMAX Vault Rebuild - two-way traffic on westside of 8 Street.
• 8 Avenue S.W. between 3 Street and 4 Street S.W.: full road closure Sept. 5 to 7.
• 8 Street Project: ongoing southbound road closure at 8 Street S.W. between 8 Avenue and 10 Avenue S.W.

Northwest

• Sunnyside Flood Barrier: ongoing construction impacts along Memorial Drive. Expect major delays.
• 2 Avenue N.W. between 9 Street and 9A Street N.W.: full road closure Sept. 4 to 5.
• 10 Street N.W. between 2 Avenue and 3 Avenue N.W.: southbound road closure Sept. 4 to 8.
• Memorial Drive N.W. between 16 Street and 10 Street N.W.: eastbound road closure and two-way traffic on westbound lanes Sept. 5.

Southeast

• Anderson Road Roadway Improvements Project: Anderson Road S.E. between Macleod Trail and Bow Bottom Trail - continued construction (various lane closures).
• Ogden Road S.E. between 17 Street and 42 avenue S.E.: southbound road closure Sept. 4 to 7.
• Centre Street S between 12 Avenue and 13 Avenue S.E.: full road closure Sept. 5.
• Deerfoot Trail Improvement Project: ongoing full road closure on Highfield Crescent S.E. at 15 Street S.E.
• 6 Street Underpass: lane closures on 9 Avenue S.E. between 5 Street and 8 Street S.E.

Northeast

•  56 Street N.E. and 28 Avenue N.E.: full road closure of intersection for milling and paving Sept. 5.

Plan ahead. Download the Waze app for real-time driver info and use The City’s other traveller information tools. Visit calgary.ca/trafficinfo for a full list of traffic events, incidents, closures and detours.

Be Safe. Stay Alert. On holidays and every day, we ask drivers, cyclists and pedestrians to prioritize safety and avoid distractions. Distraction is a serious issue that puts all of us at risk. Distraction includes electronic devices, but it also includes getting lost in our thoughts or having too much on our minds that we don’t pay attention before it’s too late.

Visit calgary.ca/besafe  and calgary.ca/traffictips to learn more about what you can do keep yourself and others safe on roads and pathways.

​Around the house  

Landfill and Eco Centre hours
Landfill and Eco Centre hours and locations in Calgary are available on calgary.ca/landfill. 

Facility hours and closures
The following will be closed on Monday, Sept. 7:

•  Arenas (except for those mentioned in the ‘Things to do’ section above)
• Indoor pools and fitness and leisure centres
• Maxwell Soccer Centre
• North Mount Pleasant and Wildflower Arts Centres (also closed on Sept. 5 and 6)
• Animal Services Centre 

Programs

• Registered programs and swimming lessons will not run from Sept. 5 – 7. Check your schedule at liveandplay.calgary.ca.
• Drop-in programs will not be offered on Sept. 7 but may be available on Sept. 5 and 6. More info at calgary.ca/dropin.

Excessive noise is defined as any noise that is emitted or produced that is beyond the regular operation of the motor vehicle. Under the Traffic Bylaw, excessive noise refers to a motor vehicle that is capable of emitting any sound exceeding 92 dB(A) while the engine is at idle or emitting any sound exceeding 96 dB(A) while the engine is at any speed greater than idle.

Throughout the operation, conducted in partnership with the Calgary Police Service (CPS), peace officers issued 240 tickets including 41 noise-related violations, and provided 40 warnings to drivers. The initiative targeted ongoing concerns from residents, businesses and City Council about excessive vehicle noise and safety along the corridor.

“Operation Silent Night demonstrated the value of combining officer presence, education, and enforcement to address issues that matter to Calgarians,” said Brad Johnson, Inspector and head of the Traffic Safety Team. “The results show that when drivers understand the rules and see a visible enforcement presence, we can make a meaningful difference in reducing excessive vehicle noise and improving the quality of life for residents and businesses.”

The enforcement initiative focused on overall driver behaviour down along 17 Ave. Some of the violations that officers came across were noisy exhaust systems, excessive engine revving, squealing tires and other unnecessary vehicle noise along with speeding, illegal U-turns, and no registration / or insurance.

"Driver behaviour can disrupt communities and impact livability," said Johnson. "Drivers are responsible for their behaviour and the noise generated by their vehicles at all times."

Team shifts focus to playground zone safety

With the completion of Operation Silent Night, the Traffic Safety Team has resumed playground zone enforcement as students return to classrooms across Calgary. Officers will be rotating through communities across the city, beginning in northwest Calgary, with a focus on speeding and improving safety around schools and playgrounds.

Playground zones are in effect daily from 7:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., year-round. Drivers must obey the posted speed limit and remain alert for children, pedestrians and other vulnerable road users.

Speeding fines in playground zones are based on how far a driver exceeds the posted speed limit. Drivers travelling 15 km/h over the limit can face a fine of $249, while those travelling 30 km/h over the limit can face fines of $543, not including victim surcharges and demerit points.

“Back-to-school season is one of the busiest times of year around schools and playgrounds,” said Johnson. “Slowing down in playground zones is one of the simplest and most effective ways drivers can help keep children safe. A few extra seconds behind the wheel can prevent a serious collision and make our communities safer for everyone.”

The City reminds motorists to reduce their speed, eliminate distractions and watch for children who may enter roadways unexpectedly.

About the Traffic Safety Team

The Traffic Safety Team was established by City Council in November 2023 with $1.69 million in funding to address growing concerns about road safety and vehicle noise. The team includes eight peace officers, two sergeants and one inspector, and works closely with CPS and other partners to support coordinated, city-wide traffic safety enforcement.

Residents wishing to submit a complaint about traffic issues can do so by visiting the Calgary Police Service Traffic Reporting page and selecting the Traffic Service Request (TSR) form.

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The appointment marks an important step in implementing recommendations from the Bearspaw Independent Review Panel, which identified the need for independent oversight and the Chair position as a critical leadership role.

Stanley’s appointment follows a competitive recruitment and selection process created specifically for selecting the WUOB Chair.

Stanley is a retired utility executive with more than 25 years of experience at EPCOR Utilities Inc., including 11 years as Senior Vice President of EPCOR Water Canada, where he was responsible for providing water and wastewater services to more than 85 communities, including over 1.5 million people in the Edmonton region.

He also served on the boards of the Canadian Water Network and Global Water Futures Observatories.

Most recently, Stanley sat on the Bearspaw Feeder Main Independent Review Panel and Advisory Group, where he gained direct insight into Calgary's water utility and the challenges facing the system.

"Stephen has an impressive background in utility operations, governance and risk management gained over a long career in the sector," said Councillor Rob Ward, Chair of the WUOB Chair Selection Committee. "The Selection Committee was looking for a candidate with proven leadership, deep utility expertise and the ability to help establish this board from the ground up. Stephen's experience makes him exceptionally well-suited for that role."

As Chair, his immediate priorities will be recruiting additional board members and developing the WUOB’s initial work plan. The full WUOB is expected to be in place by the end of 2026.

“Reliable water service depends on informed, risk-based decision making and a focus on long-term system performance," said Stanley. "I look forward to helping establish the Board and working with future members, Council and Administration to help shape the future of Calgary's water utility.”

Background

The establishment of the Water Utility Oversight Board (WUOB) was directed by Council in response to recommendations from the Independent Review Panel, following the Bearspaw Feeder Main failures.

The WUOB will provide Council with independent oversight, expertise and advice on utility performance, finances, long-term planning, risk management and compliance with regulations and policies.

The WUOB will consist of one Chair and four members and will serve as an independent committee of Council. The WUOB's role is advisory and will not make operational decisions.

Appointments to the WUOB are made by Council through the Nominations Committee. For the inaugural Chair position, Council approved a dedicated recruitment and selection process that included support from an independent search firm and a Council-appointed Selection Committee.

Stephen Stanley, Ph.D, P.Eng

Stephen Stanley is a retired executive with over 25 years of experience at EPCOR Utilities Inc. This included roles such as Senior Vice President Commercial Service where he was responsible for EPCOR’s business development activities as well as EPCOR’s operations of water, natural gas and electricity utilities in Ontario.  He also spent 11 years as the Senior Vice President of EPCOR Water Canada, responsible for providing water and wastewater treatment services to more than 85 communities, including over 1.5 million people in the Edmonton region. 

Stephen was a member of the Independent Review Panel for the City of Calgary Water Utility, member of the Board for the Canadian Water Network and Chair of the Board for Global Water Futures Observatories. 

Stephen holds a B.Sc. in Civil Engineering, a M.Sc. in Water Resources Engineering, and a Ph.D. in Environmental Engineering, all from the University of Alberta. He is also a graduate of the Executive Program at Queen's University.  Prior to joining EPCOR, Stephen was a Professor in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at the University of Alberta.

In a new episode of Calgary Conversations, Mayor Jeromy Farkas joins host Jose Rodriguez for a timely conversation about how Council’s Priorities will shape the city’s next four years, and what it takes to move from aspirations to measurable action.

From trust, transparency and accountability to affordability, public safety and essential infrastructure, the conversation explores how Council’s Strategic Priorities will help guide decisions, investments and trade-offs as The City develops its 2027–2030 business plans and budgets.

“Trust isn’t something government gets to declare; it’s something we earn,” said Mayor Jeromy Farkas. “Calgarians want to know their concerns are being heard, their tax dollars are being spent wisely and decisions are being made responsibly. These priorities help us stay focused on what matters most and, ultimately, Calgarians should be able to see and feel the results.”

Council established six priorities to provide focus and direction for the next four years:

• Reliable & Sustainable Infrastructure
• Safe City
• Functional Transportation Network
• Community Livability & Well-being
• Balanced Growth & Evolving Neighbourhoods
• Trusted & Collaborative Government

Using Trusted & Collaborative Government as a lens, the episode explores how all six priorities connect to the services and issues Calgarians experience every day.

Mayor Farkas reflects on lessons from the Bearspaw South Feeder Main break and how the experience reinforced the importance of reliable infrastructure, planning for the future and communicating openly with Calgarians.

The conversation also looks ahead to the 2027–2030 budget and how Council will balance affordability with the investments needed to support a growing city.

“Budgets are ultimately about choices. We can’t do everything at once,” said Mayor Farkas. “Council’s priorities give us a framework for those decisions and help us focus investments where they can have the greatest impact for Calgarians.”

The episode also explores how Calgarians will know whether progress is being made. Council’s Strategic Priorities will help guide The City’s business plans, budgets and decision-making over the next four years, with progress measured through reporting, public dashboards and performance measures.

For Mayor Farkas, accountability means being clear about what success looks like, showing progress and being open about where more work is needed.

“The measure of success isn’t the plan itself; it’s what gets delivered,” said Farkas. “People shouldn’t have to take our word for it. They should be able to see and feel the results.”

As Calgary grows, public input will continue to help inform the choices ahead and how The City balances service expectations, infrastructure needs, affordability and long-term growth.

Join the conversation. Watch or listen to Episode 23: Building trust through action: how Council’s Priorities will shape Calgary’s next chapter at Calgary.ca/CalgaryConversations, YouTube or Spotify.

Learn more about Council’s Priorities on calgary.ca.

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“Calgary’s parks are some of the spaces that makes our city so special,” said Mayor Farkas. “This international recognition is something all Calgarians can be proud of. For Reader Rock Garden and Confederation Park to earn the Green Flag Award for a second year in a row speaks to the incredible work of our City staff, volunteers and community partners who care for these spaces every day. As the first parks in Canada to receive this recognition, they’re also showing the world the standard Calgary sets for our amazing parks and open spaces.”

Following a rigorous evaluation process, the two Calgary parks successfully retained their Green Flag status, reinforcing Calgary's reputation for providing exceptional public spaces. “It’s fantastic to see the parks team in Calgary being recognised with two Green Flag Awards for another consecutive year. Achieving and retaining the international certification shows they are committed to providing top quality parks and green spaces for their communities,” said Carl McClean, International Development Manager for the Green Flag Award. “Congratulations to everyone involved.”

Receiving this award highlights The City's ongoing commitment to creating welcoming, high-quality parks for residents and visitors alike. "Our staff, partners and volunteers are passionate about these park spaces and it shows,” said Jeffrey Martin, Zone Superintendent, Parks & Open Spaces. "This recognition demonstrates our commitment to ensuring Calgary's parks continue to be vibrant, accessible and enjoyable places for people to gather, explore and connect."

About the Green Flag Award

Originating in 1996, the Green Flag Award has recognized over 2,000 parks and green spaces in over 15 countries around the world, rewarding well managed parks and green spaces and setting the benchmark standard for the management of recreational outdoor spaces across the United Kingdom and around the world. Parks are judged across a broad spectrum of criteria with a purpose:

• To ensure that everybody has access to quality green and other open spaces, irrespective of where they live.
• To ensure that these spaces are appropriately managed and meet the needs of the communities that they serve.
• To establish standards of good management.
• To promote and share good practice amongst the green space sector.
• To recognise and reward the hard work of managers, staff and volunteers.

About our winning parks

Reader Rock Garden Historic Park is one of the city's most unique cultural landscapes hosting thousands of different plant species and located in Calgary’s established community of Erlton. First created in 1913, its restoration has earned it an official designation as both a provincial and national historic resource.

Confederation Park was created in 1967 to mark the centennial of Canadian Confederation. This crescent shaped park of more than 160 hectares was once known as "the North Hill Coulee" and includes a wetland section and home to a host of aquatic wildlife and plant species. 

From festivals to film screenings, art exhibitions to dance performances and live music to workshops, there are new opportunities every week to connect, learn and experience Calgary through arts and culture.

"One of the things that makes Calgary Culture Days so special is the element of serendipity," said Olivia Rocskar, Arts & Cultural Development Coordinator with The City of Calgary. "You might come across an event and leave with a new perspective, a new connection or a deeper appreciation for a community, culture or art form. Those moments of curiosity and connection stay with people long after the event is over."

Calgary Culture Days also highlights the important role arts and culture play in Calgary's growth and quality of life.

"Arts and culture are no longer a nice-to-have. They're a need to have," said Mayor Jeromy Farkas. "They connect us to our history, help tell the stories of Indigenous Peoples and the many communities that have shaped Calgary, and reflect who we are today. They are also essential social, civic and economic infrastructure. Arts and culture create connection, foster belonging and help make Calgary the best place to make a life."

Helping share the spirit of the celebration are this year's Calgary Culture Days Cultural Ambassadors. Representing different corners of Calgary's arts and culture sector, ambassadors lend their voices to the celebration while highlighting the value of arts and culture in building a vibrant city. This year’s ambassadors include Mayor Jeromy Farkas; Evelyne Kemajou, Executive Director of Portail de l'Immigrant Association and organizer of Franco Festival Calgary; Marc Stevens, President and CEO of the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra; and Kristy North Peigan, member of the Piikani First Nation and artist and designer.

“People may move to Calgary for a job, but they stay because of the curiosity, creativity, connections and community they discover through arts and culture,” said Marc Stevens. “That can take many forms, from a busker on the street or the wonderful murals across the city, to seeing your favourite artist in concert, going to the theatre or taking a dance lesson. There are countless ways to engage with the arts, and that's what helps turn a city into a place people want to call home."

For the second year, The City of Calgary is supporting community-led programming through the Calgary Culture Days Microgrant, aimed at activating Calgary’s greater downtown with local arts and cultural programming during September. This year, funding was awarded to 20 recipients to help bring new and expanded arts and culture experiences to life throughout September.

Calgary Culture Days takes place Sept. 1-30. Explore events happening across Calgary at calgary.ca/CultureDays. #YYCCultureDays

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The first route in the series, Route 503 Symons Valley Express, begins service today, connecting Sage Hill and surrounding communities with downtown through a direct, limited-stop service. Calgary Transit is also renaming Route 300 Airport/City Centre to Route 500 Airport Express, creating the foundation for a new family of express routes that will expand over time.

"Calgary is growing, and the way people travel is changing," says Sharon Fleming, Director of Calgary Transit. "The new 500-series gives customers the fast, direct service they value while better connecting them to the rest of our transit network. It is a smarter, more flexible approach that helps us serve more people, more efficiently."

The 500-series is part of Calgary Transit’s ongoing work to build a more connected, reliable network in line with RouteAhead, Calgary Transit’s 30-year strategic plan. Unlike traditional express routes, which primarily operated during peak periods and in one direction, the new 500-series model provides two-way service throughout the day, allowing customers to travel to a wider range of destinations when it works for them.

The new express network has been designed to:

• Provide fast, direct travel with limited stops
• Offer more consistent service throughout the day
• Better connect customers to transit hubs and local routes
• Support travel to a wider variety of destinations across Calgary
• Make more effective use of available transit resources

The launch of Route 503 also supports broader improvements made through Calgary Transit’s North Central Transit Service Review. The route creates a direct connection between Sage Hill and downtown while complementing existing services such as MAX Green and local community routes. It also helps maximize previous investments in transit infrastructure along key corridors including Centre Street North.

The 500-series is part of Calgary Transit’s strategy to ensure investments made by Council deliver the greatest benefit for customers. "This is about making the best use of every transit dollar," says Fleming. "The 500-series allows us to deliver the speed and convenience customers want while supporting a network that is more reliable, connected and sustainable for the future."

The performance of Route 503 will help inform future 500-series routes planned for other areas of Calgary as the city continues to grow and travel patterns evolve.

For route information, schedules and trip planning tools, visit calgarytransit.com.

"The completion of Stage A microtunneling is a significant step forward for the project," said Darren Finney, Manager, Major Projects. "This complex work involved tunneling beneath major infrastructure, minimizing impacts on the community. With the concrete carrier pipe now in place, we will continue installing the new steel feeder main, preparing for the critical system connection work planned for the Fall."

Stage A construction update

Construction on Stage A of the new Bearspaw South Feeder Main began in January using microtunnelling. This method allows the new feeder main to be installed beneath existing infrastructure with minimal surface disruption. First, a concrete carrier pipe is installed underground and then the new steel feeder main is placed inside it.

Stage A construction has now completed approximately 3.7 kilometres of microtunnelling and the full installation of the concrete carrier pipe between the Shaganappi Pump Station and 73 Street N.W. Installation of the new steel feeder main remains on schedule, with more than two kilometres of pipe now installed inside the carrier pipe.

Stage B construction update

Stage B open-cut construction along 34 Avenue N.W. in Bowness began in June and remains on schedule. More than 1 km of the new steel feeder main has now been installed, with 40% of Stage B feeder main installation now complete. Construction is currently active on three blocks, and four blocks where feeder main installation has been completed have reopened to traffic. Two additional blocks are expected to reopen next week.

Construction is being completed in sections, and roadways, sidewalks and property access are being restored as work advances.

Looking ahead

In mid-October the Bearspaw South Feeder Main will need to be shut down to connect the new feeder main to the existing water system. Work on improving Calgary's drinking water system will begin in September with three phases.

1. Work at the Shaganappi pump station to connect it to the new feeder main is estimated to begin in September. In addition, unrelated work for the new North Calgary Water Servicing feeder main will mean the Bearspaw Water Treatment Plant will need to be temporarily shut down in mid-September. There may be a need for temporary outdoor water restrictions, but it will depend on the weather and water demand at that time. Teams are continuing to assess conditions and will make a final decision on restrictions closer to the start of work.
2. Pipe tie-in connections are estimated to begin in mid-October at various locations along the new feeder main pipe and include open-cut construction similar to ongoing Stage B construction. Stage 4 outdoor water restrictions and indoor water conservation will be required during this time.
3. Feeder main commissioning is estimated to begin in mid-November. This will include disinfecting the pipe, filling it with water and taking the existing feeder main out of service. No restrictions are anticipated during this time.

These estimated date ranges are subject to change based on construction timelines and project logistics.

Parkdale Boulevard Repairs

While the feeder main is shut down, The City will complete six additional repairs on the feeder main between the Shaganappi Pump Station and the Memorial Pump Station along Parkdale Boulevard and Memorial Drive N.W.

Recent condition assessments identified six locations on the 1500 mm section of the Bearspaw South Feeder main that require proactive repairs. While the 1500 mm and the 1950 mm pipe, which is currently being replaced, are both part of the same feeder main, they are separate sections with different condition profiles. Assessments of the 1500 mm section show it remains in good overall condition and does not require replacement. Instead, targeted repairs at specific locations will help maintain the pipe's long-term reliability. Completing this work while the feeder main is already out of service for planned connection work is the most efficient approach and helps reduce future risk and disruption.

The repairs will involve 24/7 construction, excavating six locations, removing sections of pipe and replacing them with new steel segments.

Community support

We continue to work directly with residents, businesses and property owners affected by construction and encourage anyone with questions or concerns to reach out.

Community members can visit the project's Community Resource Centre at the Bowness Community Association. Office hours are Monday and Wednesday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday and Thursday: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

The Bearspaw South Feeder Main Construction Liaisons are available at the Community Resource Centre on Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

For project information and construction updates, visit calgary.ca/bearspawfeedermain

The tributes that have been created in the days and weeks since Parker's passing reflect the care, compassion and sense of community that many have felt in response to this tragedy.

"We understand the desire to remember Parker and the importance these tributes hold for many people," said Doug Morgan, Chief Operating Officer – City Services. "We recognize that everyone grieves differently and that these memorials were created with heartfelt intentions."

The City manages memorials in accordance with its internal processes and any applicable bylaws.  Temporary memorial items such as flowers, cards and stuffed animals left in parks are typically maintained for a short period before being respectfully removed and, where appropriate, offered to the family. Because these items are exposed to weather and environmental conditions, they can deteriorate over time and create maintenance and safety concerns. Other tributes, if defined as graffiti under The City’s bylaws, are removed in accordance with established processes.

Although Administration understands the intent behind the Parker tributes, they have been removed in accordance with established operating practices. Their removal does not diminish the significance of his memory or the community’s desire to honour him. As stewards of public spaces across Calgary, The City has a responsibility to approach these situations consistently and fairly, while ensuring that everyone affected by this tragedy is treated with compassion, dignity and respect.

Prior to the removal, those most directly affected were notified and expressed no concerns.

While temporary memorials can provide an important outlet for community grief in the immediate aftermath of a loss, permanent memorials offer an enduring way to honour and remember someone over time.

For community members interested in exploring a lasting tribute to Parker, Administration can provide guidance on the appropriate processes and requirements for permanent memorials.

"While the methods used to honour Parker may vary, the compassion and care behind them are clear," said Morgan. "We will continue to approach this situation with respect for those grieving while applying our responsibilities fairly and consistently."

The grief associated with Parker's death continues to be felt across our community. We recognize that reminders of this tragedy may affect people in different ways and encourage anyone who is experiencing emotional distress to seek support. The Calgary Distress Centre provides confidential 24-hour support by phone or text at 403-266-HELP (403-266-4357).

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Passengers can view real-time route detail, route number, requested stops, upcoming stops, and estimated arrival times, as well as service announcements.

“Customers want accurate, consistent and timely information to help them make decisions during their trip,” said Dennis Uvbiama, Manager, Service Vehicles, Calgary Transit. “They also want to know about service changes or disruptions that may affect their journey. These new screens deliver useful information to customers where and when they need it.”  

As part of a pilot project, Calgary Transit has installed new 21- or 29-inch screens on 100 service vehicles. Starting in October 2026, we plan to roll out passenger screens broadly across our 1,000-plus fixed route bus and shuttle fleet, with installation expected to be completed by early 2027.

This enhancement is possible because we’ve modernized the CAD/AVL/APIS (Computer-Aided Dispatch/Automatic Vehicle Location/Advanced Passenger Information) system we use to share real-time vehicle tracking and manage our bus fleet operations. The system integrates dispatching, safety, emergency response, and communication with our Transit Control Centre, helping improve service reliability and trim passenger waiting times.

The upgraded system has also improved bus tracking accuracy in all our customer tools, including Transit, our trip planning app, trip planner on calgarytransit.com, and our older phone-based Teleride and Teletext services.

New CAD/AVL/APIS system features for operators include simplified employee login, turn-by-turn navigation, detailed information about incidents and up-to-date construction detours, and live videos in case of emergencies.

The upgrades include new pedestrian crossings, curb extensions, speed cushions and other traffic-calming measures designed to slow vehicles, improve visibility and reduce risk in areas where students are walking, wheeling and crossing the street.

“These improvements are about creating safer, more comfortable routes for students and their families,” said Traffic Engineer Surendra Mishra. “Whether children are walking to school, riding a bike or arriving with their parents, every improvement helps reduce risk and increases awareness for everyone using the road.”

The work includes proven safety improvement measures such as curb extensions and Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons (RRFB) at schools across Calgary. Curb extensions shorten crossing distances and make pedestrians more visible to approaching drivers. Studies have shown that curb extensions help to reduce collisions by 30-45 per cent. RRFBs improve drivers' yielding compliance to pedestrians resulting in 30-40 per cent collision reduction. When these treatments are combined, safety at an intersection improves dramatically, resulting in 70-80 per cent collision reduction.

In addition to pedestrian-focused improvements, traffic-calming measures have been added near dozens of schools. New speed cushions and speed humps were installed at 17 schools in 2026 to help slow traffic in playground zones and residential areas, encouraging safer driving behaviour where children are most likely to be present. Results have indicated that speed cushions result in an average of 7 km/h speed reduction on a 50 km/h roadway.

This work supports Vision Zero and reflects The City’s continued partnership with the Calgary Police Service to make streets safer and save lives. Together, education, enforcement and street improvements help reduce vehicle speeds, increase driver awareness and create a more predictable environment for everyone.

“With more traffic on the roads this time of year, there is an increase in risk especially to young pedestrians, cyclists, and other vulnerable road users,” said Calgary Police Service Insp. Robbie Patterson. “Drivers need to be especially vigilant around schools and playground zones. Not only does that mean slowing down, but it also means paying attention to the task at hand and avoiding all distractions including phones or anything else that could take your eyes of the road.”

Parking behaviour is also a key part of playground zone safety. Through the School Patrol Program, Parking Safety and Compliance officers support safer drop-off and pick-up times by educating drivers, encouraging voluntary compliance and addressing unsafe parking behaviours that can reduce visibility or create risk for children and other road users.

“Playground zones are busiest when families are under pressure and that is when safe parking choices matter most,” said Todd Sullivan, Coordinator, Parking Safety and Compliance, Mobility, The City of Calgary. “Through our School Patrol program, our officers are there to educate drivers, answer questions and reinforce the behaviours that keep children visible, including keeping crosswalks, corners, bus zones and no-stopping areas clear. Education comes first, but when unsafe parking puts people at risk, enforcement is one of the ways we help protect students and keep school zones safer for everyone.”

As the school year begins, drivers are reminded to slow down, stay alert and watch for children near schools, playgrounds and residential streets. Parents and caregivers can also help by reviewing safe travel routes with their children and allowing extra time for trips during the busy first weeks of school.

"Back to school means our streets are busier, with more children walking, wheeling and crossing roads every day,” said Jacquelyn Oriold, Safety Education Programs Manager. “The City has made significant investments to improve safety around schools, but infrastructure is only part of the solution. The simple choices we make behind the wheel, such as slowing down, staying focused, parking safely and keeping crossings clear, make a real difference. Kids deserve to get to and from school safely, and their lives are in your hands.”

Through interactive lessons in Social Studies, English and Health, students will engage in discussions and activities that connect classroom learning to real community issues. The program helps students better understand the role Community Peace Officers play in supporting safe communities while encouraging students to consider how they can contribute positively to the city around them.

Teachers participating in the program receive a ready-to-use manual developed by certified educators and Community Peace Officers. The manual includes lesson plans, classroom activities and supporting resources to help teachers deliver the program and prepare students for a culminating classroom visit and mock interview experience with Community Peace Officers. “Beyond the Badge gives students a unique opportunity to connect what they are learning in the classroom to the communities they live in every day,” said Lucy Roy, Community Liaison Officer with Community Standards. “By exploring citizenship, civic responsibility and community safety in an engaging way, students gain a deeper understanding of how they can make a positive contribution to their communities.”

The program was designed to help students build practical skills, collaborate with their peers and develop an understanding of local government and community services. By participating in the program, students learn about citizenship, rights and responsibilities, teamwork and career pathways in public service.

“We want students to see that community safety is a shared responsibility and that everyone has a role to play in creating strong, vibrant neighbourhoods,” said Rajdeep Gill, Community Liaison Officer with Community Standards. “Beyond the Badge provides hands-on learning experiences that encourage students to think critically, work together and explore future career possibilities.”

Beyond the Badge is offered free of charge to Grade 9 classrooms and supports outcomes related to citizenship, life learning choices and collaborative learning. The program helps students understand local bylaws, explore community partnerships and develop skills that support future educational and career transitions.

Teachers can access program resources and learn more about participation through the Beyond the Badge webpage. Teachers will have access to the teacher manual online, allowing them to review lesson plans and program materials before booking the culminating officer visit.

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Storm ponds are part of The City of Calgary’s stormwater infrastructure and are in many communities across the city. They are marked by caution signs following the perimeter of the pond, reminding people that going into or onto storm ponds is strictly prohibited.

Safety enhancements will include replacing old caution signage with new signage, installing new interpretive signage to increase awareness of risks, and increasing thorny and dense vegetation to create a barrier to the storm pond. Permanent partial fencing and temporary seasonal fencing will also aid in creating a physical barrier to public access. Storm ponds have been assessed to determine what safety measures will be applied at each pond.

Ongoing field assessments will continue to identify additional storm ponds that require safety enhancements. Current storm pond safety work can be viewed on the storm pond map available on calgary.ca/stormponds.

Storm pond safety is a priority for The City of Calgary with a focus on educating the public and creating awareness that recreational activities on storm ponds year-round are prohibited in accordance with the City Stormwater Bylaw.

It is important to remember that where there’s water, there’s risk; the importance of safety around storm ponds or any bodies of water cannot be understated. Stormwater ponds are working stormwater facilities, not recreational areas. Stay safe, stay off storm ponds.

For more information on safety around storm ponds, visit calgary.ca/stormpondsafety.

What to do if you see someone in trouble in the water

• Call for help and call 911.
• Throw them something to hang onto that floats.
• Reach out to them with something they can grip and pull them back to the edge, if you can do so safely.
• If you cannot reach them, keep them in your sights and memorize the location and a description of their clothing.
• Make sure that they receive medical attention for injuries, even if there are no apparent wounds.
• DO NOT enter the water unless you are trained in water rescue. 

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“This is an achievement owned by Calgarians who stepped up, utilizing incentives that resulted in thousands of new housing options in our city,” says Josh Howes, Suites Manager, Development, Business and Building Services. “Giving renters confidence that their home has been reviewed and approved by The City is an important outcome, as all Calgarians deserve to feel safe in their home.”

The incentive program, which provided qualified homeowners up to $10,000 to cover a portion of construction costs, significantly contributed to the expansion of safe housing in Calgary, doubling the number of suites on the Secondary Suite Registry from 13,000 in 2024 to 26,000 today.

“We started with just 431 registered suites in 2015. Today, new registered secondary suites represent a quarter of all new units added in Calgary over the past three years. That growth shows homeowners are choosing to meet safety standards, complete inspections and provide renters with a suite that is legal and safe,” says Cliff De Jong, Manager of Programs and Services, Development, Business and Building Services.

The Secondary Suite Incentive Program is part of Home is Here, The City of Calgary’s Housing Strategy.

“At less than $10,000 per door, this program has been the most efficient and cost-effective way to create thousands of new homes across Calgary,” says Reid Hendry, Chief Housing Officer. “By helping homeowners add safe, legal secondary suites, we’ve vastly increased the supply of market-affordable rental homes in established communities where people already have access to services and amenities."

Corey Hogan, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Energy and Natural Resources and Member of Parliament for Calgary Confederation, says: “Canadians need more housing options and secondary suites are a way communities can add homes more quickly while making better use of existing neighbourhood infrastructure. Through the Housing Accelerator Fund, the federal government is supporting initiatives that help increase housing supply. The results of Calgary’s Secondary Suite Incentive Program demonstrate the role these local solutions can play in addressing housing needs.” 

While the Secondary Suite Incentive Program applications are wrapping up, homeowners under review are still in line to receive funding. The waitlist remains open until applications are reviewed, and all funding is disbursed.

The Amnesty Program remains open until December 2026. Owners of suites constructed prior to March 2018 must ensure their existing suites meet the minimum life safety requirements.

Renters searching for a safe, legal suite can look for The City’s official Registered Secondary Suite sticker in the window and visit the Secondary Suite Registry.

Background:

• 50 per cent of suites added to the Secondary Suite Registry in Calgary were incentivized through this program.
• Approximately 7,000 secondary suites will have benefited directly from the incentive program (once all contracts are fulfilled and money handed out in mid-to-late 2027).
• The Secondary Suite Registry will grow to 30,000 suites by 2027.

The project acceleration MOU establishes a framework for the three organizations to jointly assess the commercial, technical, and financial feasibility of the public off-site infrastructure required to enable future development. Today’s MOU builds upon an early-stage project development MOU signed by the same three parties in early 2025, which set out to explore the CIB’s potential participation in the Gateway project. The new agreement moves the work into a more detailed due diligence phase focused on the infrastructure, financing and delivery considerations needed before construction decisions can be made.

For residents of the Calgary region, the agreement represents another step toward building the infrastructure needed to support future jobs, attract private investment and reinforce the region’s role as a connected, competitive, resilient economic hub. By helping address transportation and servicing constraints around a proposed rail-anchored inland port east of Calgary in Rocky View County, Gateway is intended to support new industrial growth while strengthening the regional supply chains that businesses and households rely on every day.

Prairie Economic Gateway is envisioned as a rail-anchored inland port and multimodal logistics hub located east of Calgary in Rocky View County, Alberta, within Canada’s Prairie Core Trade Corridor on the CPKC mainline. Led by The City of Calgary and Rocky View County in partnership with private-sector rail and development partners, Gateway is intended to expand trade-enabling infrastructure capacity, address first-mile and last-mile constraints, increase economic benefit through trade, improve the reliability and resilience of supply chains and support increased trade diversification.

Quotes

“This agreement with the Canada Infrastructure Bank is an important step toward finalizing the infrastructure investments needed to unlock new trade, logistics and industrial development, create jobs and strengthen Calgary’s competitiveness. By working with our regional partners and the Canada Infrastructure Bank, we are building the foundation for sustainable long-term growth that benefits residents, businesses and the broader regional economy.” – Mayor Jeromy Farkas, City of Calgary

“Prairie Economic Gateway is a generational opportunity to attract investment, create jobs and strengthen Rocky View County’s position as a trade and transportation hub. This MOU reflects our strong partnership with The City of Calgary and our shared commitment to responsible planning and investment. The Canada Infrastructure Bank’s expertise will help us assess the infrastructure needs and financing options required to bring this vision to life.” – Reeve Sunny Samra, Rocky View County

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About Prairie Economic Gateway

Prairie Economic Gateway is a regionally approved, shovel-ready collaboration between The City of Calgary and Rocky View County to enable rail-served industrial development and economic diversification in the Calgary region.

Gateway is envisioned as the centre of a future inland port supported by private sector investment. By extending trade infrastructure capacity beyond Canada’s congested seaports and into the Prairies, the project is intended to strengthen national supply chains, open new opportunities for industrial development, and support long-term economic growth in Alberta and across Canada.

About the Canada Infrastructure Bank

The Canada Infrastructure Bank (CIB) is an impact investor developing the next generation of infrastructure Canadians need.  The goal of CIB’s investments is to use public capital to accelerate projects which are in the public interest, attract private investment and deliver measurable economic and social outcomes for Canadians.

Media Contacts

Rocky View County
Janine Workman
jworkman@rockyview.ca
403-371-8606 

Canada Infrastructure Bank
media@cib-bic.ca

The application includes an update to the franchise fee rate to meet Council’s 2027 franchise fee revenue target, and (at the request of ATCO Gas) extends the use of the existing franchise fee methodology that uses a fixed reference price for an additional year.

The franchise agreement grants ATCO Gas the right to provide natural gas distribution service in Calgary. The agreement authorizes ATCO Gas to collect a franchise fee from customers in Calgary and remit the fees to The City in lieu of property tax. Franchise fees make up a small percentage of utility bills. They are an important factor in supporting The City’s operating budget and they help fund the services Calgarians rely on, keeping property taxes low.

In May 2026, Council directed Administration to collect $98.2 million in revenue from the natural gas franchise fee in 2027, up from a target of $71.6 million in 2026. To obtain the revenue target, the current fixed monthly gas cost price used in the franchise fee calculation will be increased.

Currently, franchise fees are calculated using a percentage of a fixed monthly gas cost price of $3.15 per gigajoule (GJ) of gas consumed. The amendment will change the fixed rate to $5.67/GJ effective January 1, 2027. For the average residential consumer, the monthly franchise fee is estimated to be approximately $10.90 per month in 2027, an increase of about $2.45 per month.

The next step for ATCO Gas, on behalf of The City, is to apply to the AUC for approval of this new franchise fee agreement, including the franchise fee rate, by September 21, 2026.

For more information on franchise fees and to provide feedback on the changes we’re making, visit calgary.ca/FranchiseFeeUpdate.

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In partnership with the Calgary Police Service (CPS), the enforcement and education blitz will run throughout August during the afternoons and evenings.

This initiative addresses ongoing concerns from residents, City Council and local businesses, and helps improve safety and livability along the corridor. Drivers operating excessively loud or modified vehicles can expect increased monitoring, education and fines. The team will also continue regular traffic safety enforcement and address pedestrian safety concerns as needed across the area.

Why reducing vehicle noise matters

Vehicle noise disrupts daily life and affects physical and mental well-being, particularly in busy areas.

Inspector Brad Johnson, head of the Traffic Safety Team, says noisy vehicle complaints continue to be among the top concerns of Calgarians each summer. “Reducing unnecessary vehicle noise creates quieter, safer streets and a more enjoyable environment for everyone who lives, works and visits these areas.”

Examples of common noisy vehicle violations include:

• Noisy exhausts and mufflers
• Excessive engine revving
• Squealing tires
• Roaring or explosive sounds
• Loud stereos
• Amplification equipment
• Recurring or prolonged vehicle alarms
   

Additionally, modifying vehicles to increase noise, such as installing aftermarket mufflers or altering exhaust systems, is a violation of the Traffic Safety Act and subject to penalties.

“Peace officers assess objectionable vehicle noise using a range of factors, including measurements and information such as location, time of day, volume and duration,” says Inspector Johnson. “Drivers are responsible for all noise generated by their vehicles, and violations may result in fines, including $270 for exceeding legal limits and $300 for failing to comply with a noise test.”

Ward 8 Coun. Nathaniel Schmidt agrees that excessive vehicle noise has a real impact on Calgarians' quality of life.  “Residents should be able to sit on a patio or sleep with the window open without a vehicle roaring past and drowning everything out,” he says. “This campaign strengthens enforcement and raises awareness, and I want to be clear: it is an important step forward. While there is more work to do, we need every tool available to address this issue, and I will continue supporting efforts to strengthen our ability to tackle excessive vehicle noise in Calgary.”

Ernie Tsu, owner of Trolley 5 Brewpub, says noisy vehicle enforcement on 17^th is also welcomed by local businesses.

“17th Avenue is one of Calgary's most vibrant destination districts. Initiatives that help reduce excessive vehicle noise, support local businesses and create a more enjoyable experience for residents and visitors. We're pleased to see action being taken to address concerns raised by the community.”

About the Traffic Safety Team

The Traffic Safety Team was established by City Council in November 2023 with $1.69 million in funding to address growing concerns about road safety and vehicle noise. The team includes eight peace officers, two sergeants and one inspector, and works closely with CPS and other partners to support coordinated, city-wide traffic safety enforcement.

The team began operations in March 2025, focusing on speeding and safety in playground zones. The current shift to noisy vehicle enforcement reflects seasonal trends, as playground zone monitoring decreases in summer while noise complaints increase, particularly in high-complaint areas such as 17 Avenue S.W.

How to report

Residents can report noisy vehicles by calling the Calgary Police Service’s non-emergency line at 403-266-1234 or 311 (phone, app or online). Urgent safety issues should be reported to Calgary Police via 9-1-1. Reports help The City and police identify problem areas and prioritize enforcement efforts.

For more information, visit calgary.ca/trafficsafetyteam.

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Wildfire, along with other outdoor fire types, have on average seen increased activity in Calgary since 2020, similar to other municipalities in western Canada. While Calgary is not adjacent to large boreal forests, its natural areas inevitably see fires and with increased densification and population growth in our City, more residents than ever are living near urban wildland areas, grasslands and other natural areas.

“Seasonal risk of wildfire, grass fires and other outdoor fires is a growing reality across Canada, especially where residential neighbourhoods join up with wildlands,” says Fire Chief Steve Dongworth.

“While The City of Calgary provides some of Canada’s most effective fire response, planning and emergency preparedness, we also rely on residents and communities to reduce our shared fire risk, both at home and in City parks and natural areas. Hotter, dryer summers mean that we all play a role in keeping our homes and communities safe.”

In response to this shared risk, the Calgary Fire Department (CFD) has developed Calgary’s first dedicated wildfire resilience and prevention campaign, which runs August 3 to September 6 and is supported through funding from the Forest Resource Improvement Association of Alberta (FRIAA) FireSmart Program. Wildfire awareness campaigns are now common in rural and forested areas of Canada, often through provincial and federal FireSmart programs, and are increasingly common in municipalities across Canada.

Like any municipality, Calgary has unique topography and natural areas with a number of “wildland-urban interfaces” where residential development is adjacent to natural vegetation. These areas are detailed in maps at calgary.ca/wildfire where Calgarians can determine their proximity to our City’s major natural and wildland areas, including a community-specific map.

Wildland-urban interface areas exist across Calgary, and they can be found in both established and growing communities. Living in these areas increases exposure to wildfire risk, especially during hot, dry, and windy conditions that are currently being observed across southern Alberta and British Columbia. On July 30, CFD issued a fire advisory for Calgary, asking Calgarians to use extra caution when using open flames or any solid-fueled appliance such as fire pits, barbeques and campfires. 

“If nature is next door, wildfire is a risk. Learn about outdoor fire risk specific to where you live – and then take any number of our recommended big and small actions that will make a difference to reduce wildfire, grass and bush fire risk in and around your home and community,” says Chief Dongworth.

Reflecting on his own experience touring the aftermath of the deadly Los Angeles fires in 2025, Chief Dongworth says a little goes a long way in terms of adapting to warming summers and emergency preparedness.

“Becoming more resilient in the face of increasing wildfire risk is a multi-year process,” he says. “We don’t expect everyone to replace their roofing and siding however there is a lot that Calgarians can do today, whether  you rent or own your home – or while visiting our City’s parks and natural areas.”

Calgary Fire has specialized equipment to combat wildland fires, and trains regularly to be ready for major incidents. CFD and other City business units also collaborate with wildland-adjacent communities like Discovery Ridge to identify risks and opportunities related to potential wildfire activity. The City is also developing a wildfire threat assessment program to better understand wildfire conditions in natural areas across Calgary.

“Discovery Ridge is a community where we need to balance the beauty of the natural landscape with the risk of wildfires,” says Dana Fleury, Vice President, Discovery Ridge Community Association.

“We encourage our community members here and in other areas of Calgary to learn more about how we can all mitigate the risk of wildfire in our city while preserving our environment.”

Calgarians are asked to:

1. Create a safe perimeter around your home and property. Take steps to remove combustibles. Limit the amount of flammable vegetation in any potential ignition zone close to your residence.

2. Manage fuels and flammable materials. Store propane tanks, firewood and yard waste away from your home. Do not store propane tanks inside.

3. Upgrade when renovating. Choose ignition resistant building materials and construction techniques.

4. Practice outdoor fire safety everywhere. Improper disposal of smoking materials remains one of Calgary’s leading causes of outdoor fires. Extreme caution should be used in the city’s natural areas and green spaces during fire bans and periods of high temperatures.  

5. Prepare and know what to do. Learn how to become more resilient during periods of wildfire smoke and maintain an emergency kit with wildfire-specific items such as N95 masks. Always call 9-1-1 in an emergency.

Please visit calgary.ca/wildfire for more information.

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Calgary Fire Department – wildland fire fast facts

• Wildfire in Calgary, along with other outdoor fire types, have on average seen increased activity in Calgary since 2020, similar to other municipalities in western Canada.

• Calgary Fire has responded to an average of 23 wildland fires (wildfire, grass and brush fires) per month annually since 2016. Peak activity usually occurs in May, which on average sees an average of 42 wildland fires.

• Seasonal conditions continue to be variable despite long-term trends. From January to June 2026, for example, wildland fires in Calgary declined by 17 per cent, primarily due to fewer brush, or brush and grass mixture fires, compared to the same period in 2025. This was strongly influenced by persistent cold temperatures and heavy snow accumulation during January to April 2026, which reduced several ignition risk factors, including construction activity, outdoor smoking near entrances and balconies, and the use of outdoor heating or open-flame devices.

• While spring 2026 wildland fires decreased in frequency compared to Calgary’s historical average due to wet conditions, it is expected that outdoor fire activity will continue to trend upwards this summer and increase, on average, in the coming years.

• As of July 2026, Calgary Fire had responded to more wildland fire incidents in the first half of 2026 than recorded for entire individual years between 2017 to 2020.

  

Through the See You on Stephen Avenue initiative, The City of Calgary and community partners are introducing a series of investments, partnerships and promotions designed to attract visitors, support local businesses and encourage people to spend time on Stephen Avenue.

"Stephen Avenue is a cornerstone of downtown Calgary and a key part of our city's identity. For generations, it has been one of Calgary's most important gathering places, where people come to shop, dine, connect and celebrate," says Mayor Jeromy Farkas. "We're inviting people to come downtown, explore what's new and support the businesses that make this street unique. Every visit and every purchase made on Stephen Avenue helps strengthen our local economy and support the Calgarians behind it."

The initiative complements the completion of the first block of the Stephen Avenue Revitalization Project between 1 Street S.E. and Centre Street, an important milestone in ongoing efforts to create a more welcoming, accessible and vibrant downtown destination.

As part of the initiative, Explore Downtown YYC is offering complimentary evening and weekend parking at the nearby Harmony Parkade through June 2027, making it easier for residents and visitors to enjoy everything Stephen Avenue has to offer.

Additional initiatives include:

·       Enhanced lighting, cleaning and maintenance

·       Increased collaboration among safety and community partners

·       A gift card contest supported by the Calgary Downtown Association

·       Featured patio menus and promotions

·       Ongoing partnerships focused on attracting visitors and supporting local businesses

Creating a welcoming environment is an important part of ensuring Stephen Avenue remains a vibrant destination for residents and visitors. As part of the initiative, the Stephen Avenue Safety Hub provides a space for the Calgary Police Service, Community Standards, Transit Public Safety and community partners to collaborate, write reports and share information in a central location on Stephen Avenue, where there has traditionally been a high volume of calls for service.

"A vibrant downtown depends on people feeling comfortable spending time on Stephen Avenue," says Calgary Police Service Chief Katie McLellan. "The Safety Hub helps us work alongside our partners to support businesses, connect vulnerable individuals with services and contribute to a positive experience for everyone who visits the area."

More than 50 businesses and public spaces along Stephen Avenue will benefit from these initiatives. Together, these investments support the long-term success of local businesses and help strengthen Stephen Avenue as a destination for residents and visitors alike.

About Stephen Avenue

Stephen Avenue is one of Calgary's most recognizable historic streets and a cornerstone of downtown life. Home to restaurants, retailers, patios, events, arts and culture, the avenue welcomes residents and visitors year-round. For more than a century, Stephen Avenue has played an important role in Calgary's story, and continued investment will help ensure it remains a vibrant place to gather, celebrate and do business in the years ahead.

For more information about Stephen Avenue events, promotions, participating businesses and contests, visit ExploreDowntownYYC.com.

• Advisory Committee on Accessibility
• Access Design Subcommittee
• Anti-Racism Action Committee
• Assessment Review Board
• Audit Committee
• Beltline Community Investment Fund Committee
• Calgary Aboriginal Urban Advisory Committee
• Calgary Airport Authority
• Calgary Planning Commission
• Calgary Police Commission
• Calgary Salutes Coordinating Committee
• Calgary Salutes’ Community Engagement Subcommittee
• Calgary Salutes’ Friends of HMCS Calgary Subcommittee
• Calgary Salutes’ Heritage and History Subcommittee
• Calgary Transit Access Eligibility Appeal Board
• Climate Advisory Committee
• Combative Sports Commission
• Community Peace Officer Oversight Committee
• Community Safety and Wellbeing Advisory Committee
• Council Advisory Committee on Housing
• Licence and Community Standards Appeal Board
• Platform Calgary
• Saddledome Foundation
• Subdivision and Development Appeal Board
• Urban Design Review Panel

Applications can be submitted from 8 a.m. on July 31 to 4 p.m. on Sept. 1, 2026.

BCCs play an important role in shaping how The City serves Calgarians: they provide advice, guidance and recommendations to Council and, in some cases, provide oversight or decide appeals concerning City matters. Serving as a Public Member on a BCC is a meaningful way to support and strengthen our community and help inform decisions that impact Calgarians.

Who can apply

Applicants must be at least 18 years old and either a resident of Calgary or an Indigenous person residing within the Treaty 7 region. Applicants must also meet the eligibility requirements for each BCC.

To apply, applicants can complete an application form at calgary.ca/boards. Applications are reviewed based on the skills and qualifications of applicants.

Public members may receive stipends and reimbursement of reasonable expenses when participating in official meetings.

Treaty 7 Indigenous applicants encouraged to apply

Indigenous persons who reside outside Calgary but within the Treaty 7 region are eligible and encouraged to apply, including members of the Blackfoot Confederacy (Siksika, Piikani, Kainai), Îethka Nakoda Wîcastabi First Nations (Chiniki, Bearspaw, Goodstoney), Tsuut’ina First Nation and Métis citizens, as well as those from the Otipemisiwak Métis Government in Districts 1–6.

More information about eligibility requirements, mandates and a complete list of Boards, Commissions and Committees is available at calgary.ca/boards.

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Due to the recent high temperatures and dry conditions, there is an increased risk of grass and wildfires. The City of Calgary is issuing a fire advisory, effective immediately.

While no restrictions are currently in place, Calgarians and visitors are asked to use extra caution when using open flames or any solid-fuelled appliance such as fire pits, barbeques and campfires. Keep a water source near every fire and fully extinguish fires after use.

“We ask that everyone be vigilant when disposing of smoking materials, ensure that all open fires are supervised and keep fire pits a minimum of three metres from property lines and combustible materials”, said Fire Marshal Glenn Baxter. “We will continue to monitor conditions and will update the fire danger rating as needed.”

For more information, please visit calgary.ca/firebans and Alberta Fire Bans for current restrictions across the province.

Residents can also find out more about fire pit safety, proper disposal of smoking materials and propane storage and usage.

The event begins on Saturday, August 1, at Shaganappi Point Golf Course, with tee times starting at 12 p.m., and continues on Sunday, August 2, at Maple Ridge Golf Course, with tee times beginning at 8 a.m.

While participants will have the opportunity to test their skills in a competitive setting, this tournament is about much more than scores and prizes. The weekend is designed to bring people together, foster new connections and create lasting memories while enjoying the beautiful landscapes and challenging layouts of Calgary’s golf courses.

Players will be encouraged to challenge themselves, meet fellow golf enthusiasts and experience the unique sense of camaraderie that has long made golf a community-building sport.

“Golf has a unique way of bringing people together,” said John Faber, City of Calgary Golf Lead. “Whether you're competing for a personal best or simply enjoying a round with new playing partners, the real value of this event is the community it creates. It’s an opportunity to play in a tournament, share experiences and enjoy time on two outstanding golf courses in the heart of Calgary.”

This two-day tournament highlights the role golf plays in connecting people through friendly competition and shared experiences. Participants can expect a welcoming atmosphere where golfers of all experience levels can enjoy the game, learn from one another and celebrate the sport together.

“This weekend is about creating memorable experiences both on and off the course,” said Todd Moon, Golf Business Development Coordinator. “Competition is part of the fun, but the lasting takeaway is the friendships, conversations and sense of connection that develop throughout the event. We’re excited to welcome golfers to Shaganappi and Maple Ridge for a weekend that showcases everything we love about the game.”

With scenic views, rewarding challenges and a strong sense of community, the event promises a memorable experience for all participants.

Event Details

• Saturday, August 1 – Shaganappi Point Golf Course, 1200 26 St. S.W.
  Tee times begin at 12 p.m.
• Sunday, August 2 – Maple Ridge Golf Course 1240 Mapleglade Dr. S.E.
  Tee times begin at 8 a.m.

The organizations and projects receiving a total of $1,068,412 in funding in 2026 are:

Calgary Catholic Immigration Society
Key to Home: Newcomer Housing Stability Education

Green Calgary
Home Grown: Roots Against Isolation

Mustard Seed
Grandma’s Kitchen

Central United Hub
Indigenous Housing Stability Pathway Pilot

Centre for Newcomers
Calgary Newcomers Affordable Housing Assessment Tool

Elizabeth Fry Society of Calgary
Decolonizing RentSmart

McMan Calgary
Recovery Hub

The Alex
Validating Assessment Tools for Housing Stability

Approved projects will begin implementation later in 2026 and will be completed by late 2028.

"Meeting the housing needs of Calgarians requires a truly collaborative approach between all sectors, and project funding through the Home Program is just one way we engage non-profit affordable housing partners in Calgary," said Reid Hendry, Chief Housing Officer. "These projects provide valuable education and skill building opportunities that will have significant impact on Calgarians.”

The Home Program aligns with Home is Here - The City of Calgary’s Housing Strategy (2024-2030) Outcome 2 by supporting affordable housing providers to deliver services that make a positive impact.

"Non-profit organizations have strong connections to the communities they serve and in-depth knowledge of the challenges faced by people working to secure stable housing," said Hendry. "Funding provided by the Home Program empowers these organizations to use that knowledge and implement new and innovative solutions to tackle those challenges and address the root causes of housing instability."

In alignment with Outcome 5 of the Strategy, for a second year running, the Program incorporated an Etuaptmumk (Two-Eyed Seeing) approach to the application process that integrates Indigenous oral storytelling and guidance from Elders into the review process.

“The Home Program aims to reduce systemic barriers for Indigenous people who experience unique challenges in accessing affordable housing," said Hendry. "That includes ensuring that the application process is free of barriers by incorporating Indigenous ways of knowing."

Calgarians can learn more about the Home Program at calgary.ca/homeprogram.

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Minnie joins CEMA from the Dogs with Wings (DWW) Assistance Dog Society, a not-for-profit organization that trains assistance dogs and places them in a variety of settings throughout Alberta and Western Canada.

As an accredited facility dog, Minnie is trained to stay calm, focused and responsive in high-stress environments, making her a valuable source of support during emergencies and disasters. Depending on the situation, Minnie may provide quiet physical contact, such as resting her face in someone’s hand, sitting close by, or using other grounding behaviours that help reduce stress and provide reassurance.

"During emergencies and disasters, people can experience a wide range of emotions, from stress and anxiety to uncertainty and fear," said Sue Henry, Chief of CEMA. "Minnie's role is to provide a sense of calm when people need it most. Even a brief interaction, whether it's petting Minnie or simply having her sit nearby, can make a meaningful difference for someone going through a difficult experience."

When CEMA is activated, Minnie will be ready to provide support in a variety of settings. She may be deployed to Reception Centres to offer comfort to people who have been displaced by an emergency, support CEMA members working in the Emergency Operations Centre, and welcome members of Canada Task Force 2 (CAN-TF2) home from a disaster scene.

"Minnie represents the very best of what assistance dogs can offer: comfort, connection and unconditional support”, said Greg Loveday, CEO of Dogs With Wings Assistance Dog Society. “Knowing she will be there for people when they need it most makes us incredibly proud and is at the heart of our mission at Dogs With Wings."

CEMA joins a growing number of emergency response organizations that recognize the value of specially trained dogs in supporting the well-being of those affected by emergencies and disasters. Whether assisting displaced residents, first responders or personnel returning from disaster scenes, Minnie will help provide comfort and reassurance during challenging situations.

After more than two years of training, Minnie is well-prepared for her new role.

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The signs provide key information, such as stop ID, route details, and Calgary Transit’s TeleRide phone number (403-974-4000), using raised text and braille.  

“We want all our riders to have the ability to use transit independently and confidently as they travel around Calgary,” says Sharon Fleming, Director, Calgary Transit. “Our tactile sign pilot on Route 90 is a small but important step in making the system more accessible for more Calgarians.”

Calgary Transit engaged CNIB on the sign’s design. More engagement with CNIB and public feedback captured through a questionnaire will help inform potential future tactile sign rollout on all Calgary bus routes.

“Accessible transit means more than just getting from one place to another — it's about ensuring safety, independence, and with confidence for all travelers," says CNIB Advocacy Lead Taylor Bauer. “These tactile, high-contrast bus stop signs along Route 90 are an encouraging step toward ensuring people who are blind, Deafblind, or have low vision can get where they need to go, when they need to go. CNIB appreciates the work Calgary Transit has put into this pilot initiative and looks forward to continuing to work together to ensure transit is accessible and inclusive for all.”

In addition to tactile bus stop signs, Calgary Transit has begun improving accessibility in and around CTrain stations. In 2025, a number of improvements were made to the Sunnyside Station pedestrian crossings:

• Automatic gate arms to help manage pedestrian flow
• Emergency swing gates for added protection
• Wider crossing surfaces for smoother movement
• Tactile surfaces and wheelchair ramps to support accessibility
• Cane-detectable features to assist visually impaired pedestrians
• LED indicators and upgraded lighting for better visibility
• Modern control systems for improved reliability
• Enhanced CCTV coverage to support safety

The project is part of Jumpstart's commitment to build 25 community soccer pitches across Canada by 2029, supported by more than $2 million in federal funding through Sport Canada. The initiative aims to create more opportunities for children and youth to participate in sport and recreation in welcoming, accessible community spaces.

The City of Calgary will work with the Government of Canada, Jumpstart, community organizations and residents throughout planning and engagement to ensure the future pitch meets local community needs.

"Calgary continues to see strong demand for quality sport and recreation infrastructure. Through GamePLAN, The City's long-term vision for public recreation, we are working to make recreation more accessible and inclusive for all Calgarians. This partnership will help expand access to sport, support active lifestyles and create more opportunities for children and youth to play, learn and connect in their community," says Deputy Mayor and Ward 4 Councillor, DJ Kelly.

"Sport is the ultimate nation builder. This summer, from coast to coast to coast, the beautiful game brought Canadians together and inspired the next generation. We're building on that momentum. From neighbourhood matches to dreams of representing Canada on the world stage, this free-to-use soccer pitch in Calgary will give local kids the opportunity to get outside, participate in sport and build a lifelong connection to the game, from playground to podium," says the Honourable Adam van Koeverden, secretary of state (sport).

"As Jumpstart continues to build new community soccer pitches across the country, we're focused on creating more safe, welcoming places where kids can play, build confidence and feel connected to their community. We're grateful to Sport Canada and The City of Calgary for their shared commitment to expanding access to sport and play, and we're excited to work with the community in the months ahead to help bring this vision to life in Calgary," says President of Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities, Marco Di Buono.

Additional details, including the future site location and timeline for the new community soccer pitch, will be shared following community engagement and planning.

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"The first segments of steel pipe arrived on June 18, 2026, and since then crews have been working rapidly to have it installed making significant progress in just one month,” said Darren Finney, Manager, Major Projects. "The commitment of our teams, contractors and the impacted community continues to drive this project forward for all Calgarians."

Stage B construction update

Stage B feeder main construction began in June and there are now 40 segments of the new steel feeder main installed along 3 blocks on 34 Avenue N.W. in Bowness.

Work is being completed using an open-cut approach, advancing in sections along 34 Avenue N.W., with multiple crews active at the same, allowing roads, sidewalks and property access to be restored as construction moves through the area. With the first installations complete, access to affected blocks will be restored. Construction will continue along 34 Avenue N.W. until the end of year as crews install steel feeder main pipe, complete utility work and restore affected areas once work is finished.

Stage A construction update

Stage A, microtunneling construction is also progressing on schedule. Crews are nearing completion of the microtunneling and installation of the concrete carrier pipe, which will enclose the new steel feeder main. This phase of work is expected to be completed within the next month.

To date, more than 1100 meters of steel feeder main have been installed inside the concrete carrier pipe across Stage A, between the Shaganappi Pump Station and 73 Street N.W.

Looking ahead

This fall, work to connect the new feeder main to Calgary's drinking water system will be completed in three phases.

Shaganappi pump station work: is currently estimated to begin in mid-September at the Shaganappi pump station. Work will be conducted to prepare for connecting the new pipe to the existing system.

Pipe tie-in connections: is currently estimated to begin in mid-October and includes open-cut construction similar to ongoing Stage B construction. Tie-in work will occur at various locations along the new feeder main pipe.

Feeder main commissioning: is currently estimated to begin mid-November, commissioning work will include disinfecting the pipe, filling it with water and then taking the existing feeder main out of service.

These are estimated date ranges, and they are subject to change based on construction timelines and project logistics.

Water Restrictions

Stage 4 outdoor water restrictions and indoor water conservation will be required during phase 2: Pipe tie-in connections, currently planned for mid-October. They will last approximately 4 weeks.

No restrictions are anticipated during Shaganappi pump station work unless we experience a spike in water demand due to unusually hot weather in mid-September and no restrictions are required for phase 3, commissioning the pipe.

Community support

We continue to work directly with residents, businesses and property owners affected by construction and encourage anyone with questions or concerns to reach out.

Community members can visit the project's Community Resource Centre at the Bowness Community Association.

Office hours

• Monday and Wednesday: 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
• Tuesday and Thursday: 10 a.m.–7 p.m.

Construction Liaison hours

• The BSFM Construction Liaison is available at the Community Resource Centre on Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

For project information and construction updates, visit calgary.ca/bearspawfeedermain.

After welcoming more than 10,000 visitors, hosting 34 events, and working with more than 80 local programming partners last summer, River Hall returns for its biggest season yet (running July 23 to Sept. 27, 2026).

“What makes River Hall special is that it’s completely free and designed for everyone,” says Carlie Ferguson, Leader of Strategy & Placemaking with The City’s Downtown Strategy team. “Whether you’re stopping by after work, bringing your family down on a Saturday afternoon, or meeting friends for live music, River Hall makes downtown accessible and welcoming.”

Now in its third season, River Hall is expanding to four days a week for the next 10 weeks, creating more opportunities for Calgarians and visitors to enjoy free activities, support local businesses, and experience a vibrant downtown gathering place. The expansion reflects growing demand for free, outdoor experiences downtown and supports ongoing efforts to attract residents, workers, and visitors to Calgary's core.

What’s on at River Hall 2026

Presented by The City of Calgary working with Aire Commune Productions, River Hall transforms a parking lot into a fully programmed urban destination. Ten signature shipping containers house local food and drink vendors offering craft beer, non-alcoholic beverages, cocktails, coffee, fried chicken, ice cream, and vegetarian options. Admission is free. Pets are welcome.

The space features a community stage with live music, DJs, and performances; shaded picnic zones; family-friendly activities; and open sightlines to the Bow River. In addition, the popular Shirley’s Greenhouse is back again this year, providing fresh, local produce through a partnership with Calgary’s Farm Stand Program (11 a.m.–3 p.m. on select dates).

“River Hall offers something increasingly rare in a busy city, a chance to slow down, move your body, meet your neighbours, and simply exist together without needing a ticket or membership,” says Kate W. Mak, Founder of Mynah School of Yoga. “Everybody is welcome and you can feel that. For us, it’s become more than a yoga class. It’s where our newest teachers take their first steps, and where complete strangers share the same space for 45 minutes and leave feeling like community.”

Calgarians and visitors are invited to kick off the season on Thursday, July 23, featuring live performances from Back & Forth, Jadé, Jenuiine, and DJ Sonidef, along with a first look at the expanded site including new greenspace and community programming. For the full lineup of events, visit riverhallyyc.com or follow @riverhallyyc on Instagram.

Event details

What: River Hall

Where: Lot 6, 311 8 Street S.W., Calgary

When: July 23-Sept. 27, 2026

Hours: Thursday-Friday 5-10 p.m. | Saturday–Sunday 11 a.m.-10 p.m.

Cost: Free | All Ages | Pet Friendly

More info: riverhallyyc.com | @riverhallyyc

About The City of Calgary’s Downtown Strategy: Calgary’s Greater Downtown Plan is a forward-looking vision and step-by-step plan for the reinvention of our city’s downtown. It’s designed to bring new life, new people and new ideas to Downtown by helping it grow from a 9-to-5 business hub to a day-and-night neighbourhood for all. The strategy, and the incentives that accompany it, are designed to enhance economic vitality and cultural excitement in the heart of the city by making downtown a home for the Calgarians who choose it and a desirable year-round destination for locals and visitors alike. We’re creating a livable and vibrant city that’s welcoming, dynamic and ready for generations to come. 

Through the partnership, eligible Fair Entry clients can be referred to GreenShield’s Essential Medicines program (EMP), which provides no-cost access to select essential prescription medications for up to 12 months. The program helps people who do not have prescription drug coverage get the medicines they need to manage their well-being, with continuity and reliability.

GreenShield is Canada’s only national non-profit health care and insurance organization. As a non-profit without shareholders, GreenShield reinvests its excess earnings to advance health equity through social impact initiatives like the Essential Medicines program. Fair Entry is The City’s single access point to multiple subsidy programs, with eligibility based on income, residency and, in some cases, age. By combining Fair Entry eligibility with GreenShield’s existing EMP, the partnership reduces barriers to access while supporting more seamless care.

“It's important everyone knows they belong in Calgary. As increasing costs and inflation continue to add pressure to families across our city, and in every community, it's important the City of Calgary is a part of the solution," said Calgary Mayor Jeromy Farkas. "Fair Entry is helping families who need it, and by reducing barriers, we are making a city that truly is the best place to live, work or raise a family, no matter who you are.”

Launched in 2023, GreenShield’s EMP was designed to ensure individuals without prescription drug coverage can access the medications they need. Since its launch, the program has supported more than 11,000 individuals across multiple provinces in accessing essential medications and enabled over 16,000 prescriptions to be filled. 

“Access to essential medications should be a right, not a privilege,” said Mandy Mail, Executive Vice President, Head of GreenShield Cares. “Through this partnership with The City of Calgary, our program is removing barriers, so people can access the medicines they need without having to make difficult life trade-offs.”

This pilot partnership aligns with Fair Entry’s mandate to reduce red tape and improve access by connecting Calgarians living with low income to critical services through a centralized intake. Fair Entry clients who meet program criteria can be connected directly to GreenShield’s Essential Medicines program.

Fair Entry launched in 2015 and enables eligible Calgarians to access multiple City and partner subsidy programs through one application. Approvals are based on income, residency and applicable program criteria, and are valid for a 12-month period. There are currently 130,000 Calgarians approved for Fair Entry.

More information is available at calgary.ca/FairEntry.

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About Fair EntryFair Entry is The City of Calgary’s single application process for Calgarians living with low income to access a range of fee‑reduced programs and services, including transit, recreation, property tax and more, offered by The City and its 
partners.

About GreenShield
As Canada's only national non-profit health care and insurance organization, GreenShield believes health care is a right, not a privilege. We're dedicated to improving health outcomes, driving systemic change, and building a future where every Canadian can reach their full health and well-being potential.

Natural Areas Management (NAM) uses targeted grazing as one of several tools to manage vegetation and support the long-term health of Calgary’s grasslands. Approximately 600 goats will graze a defined area of the park from July 14–30, helping reduce invasive plants and excess vegetation.  

“Targeted grazing is one of the tools we use to support long-term ecosystem health,” says Andrew Phelps, Natural Areas Management. 

This work helps maintain healthy grasslands at Nose Hill Park while reintroducing a natural process that has shaped prairie ecosystems for generations. Historically, large animals like bison and elk grazed these landscapes. Today, managed grazing helps replicate that role in a controlled way that fits within an urban environment. 

What visitors can expect 

During grazing, visitors may see temporary fencing, a shepherd, and herding dogs in the area. Some pathways or sections of the park may be temporarily closed to support public and animal safety. 

As goats move through the landscape, changes are immediate and visible. Vegetation is reduced, particularly invasive weeds and overgrown plants, giving native grasses more access to sunlight and space to grow. At the same time, grazing helps reduce woody species encroachment and lowers the amount of dry vegetation that can contribute to fire fuel loads. 

Supporting long-term ecosystem health 

While these short-term changes are noticeable, the broader impact happens over time. 

Grazing helps support natural processes such as nutrient cycling and soil renewal. Over the long term, repeated and well-managed grazing can contribute to stronger native plant communities, reduced invasive species, improved soil function and increased biodiversity. 

These changes take time and are monitored over many years to better understand how the landscape responds. 

Caring for natural areas is ongoing work. Grazing is one way The City helps maintain these landscapes as healthy, resilient systems. 

Learn more about targeted grazing at calgary.ca/goats.

Sport Hub is a new, community-centered program for kids and teens aged 5 to 18 that brings fun, inclusive and coach-led sport lessons directly to schools and neighbourhoods.  

“It's all about reducing barriers to access,” said Brett Whittingham, leader of recreation programs at The City. “We acknowledge that families, kids and teens might experience barriers to accessing recreation opportunities, whether that's transportation challenges or financial constraints. Sport Hub aims to help them through our free or low-cost programs.” 

Sport Hub works alongside sport organizations, school boards, community collaborators and funders such as United Way of Calgary and Area and Jumpstart, to deliver high-quality sport lessons where kids and teens already learn and play – right in their neighbourhood. Through free and low-cost lessons, the initiative helps make sport more accessible to youth across Calgary.  

Monique Blough, director of children and youth strategies at United Way, said the benefits of the program go beyond physical wellbeing.  

“Sport and recreation are strong prevention aspects and increase wellbeing and connection,” said Blough. “It also creates a sense of belonging. It helps kids increase their confidence.” 

Whittingham says the popularity of the program is taking off.  

“We soft-launched in May 2025 in about ten communities,” said Whittingham. “This year we're adding 36 more communities. We have made some tremendous impact in quite a short period, reaching 20,000 kids and teens through over 100 programs.” 

What makes Sport Hub unique is its collaborative delivery model. The City works closely with sport organizations to deliver lessons in the sports they specialize in. By bringing coaching expertise and sports equipment into community settings, the program helps kids and teens build skills, confidence and a lifelong connection to sport.  

Sport Hub provides a wide range of sports and recreation activities participants can explore, including basketball, soccer, badminton, tennis, cricket, fencing, wrestling, lacrosse and more.  

Check out the full podcast at calgary.ca or wherever you download your favourite podcasts. Check out past episodes at Calgary Conversations: The City of Calgary podcast.  

For more information about Sport Hub or to register kids and teens for upcoming lessons, visit calgary.ca/SportHub.  

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As of 11 a.m. on July 12, The City received 275 noise complaints related to Stampede events and festival activities across Calgary. Complaints have been received regarding a number of festival sites and event venues throughout the city. 

Community Safety Peace Officers continue to monitor noise levels at permitted events throughout Stampede and conduct noise measurements from nearby residential areas to assess compliance with approved Noise Exemption Permit conditions. 

The City remains committed to balancing Calgary's vibrant festival atmosphere with the needs of nearby residents. Our officers work closely with event organizers throughout Stampede to address concerns, encourage compliance and take enforcement action when warranted. 

“We continue to work with event organizers as bass levels remain a challenge,” says Ryan Pleckaitis, Chief, Community Standards. “We will continue monitoring all venues closely with the goal of achieving compliance through working with operators or through enforcement, if necessary.” 

The City continues to work collaboratively with event organizers to address noise concerns and support compliance with approved permit conditions. 

Residents who wish to report noise concerns can do so through 311. Information about noise regulations and major event permitting is available on Calgary.ca. 

Complaint Summary 

• Total complaints received: 275
• Cowboys Music Festival: 165
• Badlands Music Festival: 43
• Whiskey Rose: 6
• National Saloon: 1
• Afro Switch: 15
• Stampede Mela: 14
• Other events: 18 

 We will provide a fuller summary of noise complaints after Stampede once the information has been reviewed and verified. 

Traffic Disruptions 

Please be advised that starting tomorrow until July 23, 2026, there may be intermittent traffic delays on 9^th Avenue S.W. between 14^th Street and 11^th Street S.W., as event organizers begin disassembling their event spaces. 

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As of 7 a.m. on July 9, The City has received 186 noise complaints related to Stampede events and festival activities across Calgary. Complaints have been received regarding a number of festival sites and event venues throughout the city. 

Community Safety Peace Officers continue to monitor noise levels at permitted events throughout Stampede and conduct noise measurements from nearby residential areas to assess compliance with approved Noise Exemption Permit conditions. 

The City remains committed to balancing Calgary's vibrant festival atmosphere with the needs of nearby residents. Our officers work closely with event organizers throughout Stampede to address concerns, encourage compliance and take enforcement action when warranted. 

After completing an internal review of the ticket issued to organizers of the Badlands Music Festival, the ticket has been rescinded. As a result, there are currently no active enforcement actions associated with that incident. 

“We are encouraged by the reduction in decibel levels over the past three nights; however, bass levels remain a challenge,” says Ryan Pleckaitis, Chief, Community Standards. “We will be monitoring this venue closely with the goal of achieving compliance through working with operators or through enforcement, if necessary.” 

The City continues to work collaboratively with event organizers to address noise concerns and support compliance with approved permit conditions. 

Residents who wish to report noise concerns can do so through 311. Information about noise regulations and major event permitting is available on Calgary.ca.

Complaint Summary 

• Total complaints received: 186
• Cowboys Music Festival: 124
• Badlands Music Festival: 37
• Whiskey Rose: 6
• National Saloon: 1
• Other events: 18 

The next update will be provided on Sunday, July 12. 

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This landmark development comes a little over one year after construction began in April 2025. 

“I'm excited that we were able to move so quickly after breaking ground on this 16-home development just over a year ago,” said Bo Jiang, Interim President & CEO, Calgary Housing.  “Today, 45 Calgarians can access stable housing and live in this wonderful neighbourhood. Under Calgary Housing's mixed-income model, these homes will remain affordable for decades. Thank you to all orders of government, our development contractors, and CH staff for making this happen.” 

Located near a small playground, an off-leash dog park, schools and commercial corridors on 16 Avenue N.W. and Centre Street N.W., these homes encourage community living and a balanced lifestyle in this city centre neighbourhood. 

These homes feature sustainable design elements and high-quality materials that require less maintenance and save 24 per cent more energy than minimum building codes. Solar panels help offset energy bills while cold-climate air-source heat pumps with back-up natural gas furnaces heat and cool the homes. 

"Mount Pleasant has a long, storied history in our city, and Calgary Housing’s development is a wonderful addition to the community. This project will help to provide much-needed affordable housing in our City while adding density in a thoughtful way to an existing community. I'm excited for the 16 households who will find a new home right beside a dog park, in a neighbourhood that supports a fulsome family life," said Ward 7 Councillor Myke Atkinson. 

The Mount Pleasant housing development will use Calgary Housing’s perpetually affordable mixed-income model, which offers a wide range of rents set below market rates that help fund more deeply affordable housing and cover maintenance costs, reducing or eliminating the need for operating funding from governments.  

“Albertans deserve housing choices that meet their needs, and the Mount Pleasant development is a great example of what affordable housing can look like. Our government is proud to support Calgary Housing’s innovative approach to creating high-quality homes that blend seamlessly into the surrounding community” said Minister of Assisted Living and Social Services Nathan Neudorf. 

This approach strengthens financial viability and operation sustainability while fostering inclusive communities where residents of varying financial means can live side-by-side. It also provides more stability for households by supporting them as their situation changes.  

"Calgary Housing's development in Mount Pleasant is one of many projects we're proud to support in Calgary, delivering on our commitment to increase the supply of affordable, non-market and community housing. We'll continue our work alongside our partners at all levels of government to make homes like these a reality for Calgarians," said Corey Hogan, Member of Parliament for Calgary Confederation on behalf of the Honourable Gregor Robertson, Minister of Housing and Infrastructure and Minister responsible for Pacific Economic Development Canada. 

This collaborative project demonstrates the shared commitment to expanding affordable housing in Calgary and was made possible by the support from the Government of Alberta and the City of Calgary. Calgary Housing’s $7.9 million construction budget includes $3.5 million in contributions from the Government of Alberta, of which $1.5 million was allocated via the Affordable Housing Partnership Program, a joint funding program from the province and the Government of Canada. 

Mount Pleasant Construction Cost Breakdown: 

About Calgary Housing 

Calgary Housing is the largest provider of safe and affordable housing solutions in Alberta, serving more than 27,000 Calgarians. Founded in 1977, CH is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the City of Calgary that operates more than 6,800 homes owned by CH, The City of Calgary and the Province of Alberta, and administers nearly 3,500 private rent supplements.  

Through formal agreements with The City of Calgary, Calgary Housing is now leading development of new non-market housing on City-owned land. CH is also heading up construction and redevelopment on land it stewards, applying its deep operational experience to the front end of the housing system.  

For more information, visit Calgary-Housing.org.  

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Community Safety Peace Officers are out each night taking noise readings from nearby residential locations. We’re pleased to report that every noise reading taken for Cowboys Music Festival has been below their allowable maximum decibel limit as prescribed in their Noise Exemption Permit.

After multiple warnings, a ticket was issued last night to event organizers at Badlands Music Festival tent for exceeding their allowable maximum decibel limit. That ticket is now under review. We strongly encourage event organizers to adjust decibel levels to comply with their noise exemption permit and to avoid escalating enforcement action.

More information can be found at Noise at major events.

The next noise complaint and violation data update will be issued on July 9, 2026.

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