• Acadia

I love the initiatives you continue to take bringing the community together. For a geographically large community, there is widespread pride. Indoor bouncy castles for the win!

How can we make Bonaventure drive nicer and walkable for the many apartments and condos who can get to and from the commercial buildings and retail along macleod. Let’s improve this street.

• Fairview

The smallest community with the biggest heart. I’m in awe of all the projects you’ve tackled as a community. I love all your dogs (so many dogs in Fairview).

I know you’d like a dedicated community building. Let’s work together to make that happen.

• Haysboro

You know you have my heart. I love how fresh faces have taken the lead building community continuing to engage the youth and children. Their love of community means they’re up to the good kind of trouble and the community feels safer for it.

Let’s have bold conversations about the old YMCA site, the playground on Haddon Road, and how we upgrade Heritage LRT station.

• Southwood

My favourite toboggan hill is in Southwood but can we please get you a better playground? Also, so in awe of the work you’ve done on your community garden and the connections this has built for the neighbourhood.

I’ve heard many issues with speed along Sacramento drive, let’s look to make this street safer.

• Windsor Park

What a wonderful mix of people calling their community home. We had so many friendly conversations from people from a range of demographics. Families, seniors, young couples, renters, owners, it’s all there in Windsor Park.

Let’s get a proper sidewalk on 4th street once and for all.

• Riverbend

What a gem, maybe I shouldn’t tell everyone in Ward 11 how amazing you are. I’ve witnessed the community activation over the campaign and I can tell you, the leaders you have are special people.

I know you’ve been bumped around the last few elections, which makes continuity on issues challenging. I will advocate for you to have that continuity. I’ve seen the need for better snow clearing as well as sidewalk upgrades.
 

• Quarry Park

Well hello friendly new neighbours and welcome to Ward 11. Honestly, some of the chattiest people I’ve met, and in a good way. 

Let’s get the green line going and make sure you’ve got the pathways to get there. I’ve also heard interest in a splash park or perhaps an inclusive/accessible playground.

• Douglasglen

I just might have to host a toboggan party here! Thank you to all of you who opened your doors and shared your love of Douglasglen and the sense of community you share and your love for your shared greenspaces.

I know that winter use of your pathways is a big priority as well as playground upgrades.

• Douglasdale

Welcome to Ward 11! I know you question how you fit into the mix and I can say that as your community infrastructure ages, you will need an advocate for life-cycle maintenance. You must be a busy crew because I’m not sure when you’re all home, open your doors for me please!

Your community association has been one of the quietest and I would like to get to know them better and find out how I can support them more to build a sense of community year round.

• Cedarbrae

Hello little SW gem that is close to all the major roads with lots of housing choice. Also, the playground near the community association is fantastic (at least according to my kids).

I know the ring road has resulted in an increase in road noise which is a concern for many. I would like to advocate for a sound wall from Anderson to Southland.

• Braeside

A hidden forest in the middle of the neighbourhood? There is so much potential for this space with so many residents close by.

The dog park is popular and we need to sort out traffic and parking control. Let's strategize.

• Oakridge

There are a large number of younger families in the neighborhood looking for ways to engage and connect with their community. I’ve seen many parents step up to lead community led programs and now green space revitalization.

I would like to be able to support your neighborhood efforts including pathway wayfinding and playground upgrades. Go Oakridge!

• Palliser/Bayview/Pumphill

I’m grouping you together because what I experienced everywhere was a real understanding of the issues and the opportunities we face as a city, from taxes to tackling homelessness.

There was a shared call for safer crossings across 90th Avenue and the intersection at Glenmore landing as the roads and pedestrian-pies are rough for seniors who live nearby.

• Chinook Park/Kelvin Grove/Eagle Ridge

I think you win for most lawn signs per capita. I love the engagement and comfort you feel expressing your opinions to your neighbours. To me this signals a safe community where people feel welcome and respected.

There are many other community groups who could benefit from your fundraising experiences and it would be great to have you lead these conversations and support other neighbourhoods in their revitalization efforts. And yes, let’s keep the school open.

• Kingsland

The neighbourhood with the best community driven art projects. From the fence along 75 Ave to the Catwalk art, I love it all. 

Let’s talk about your off leash dog area and how we use the school site at 75th and 5th for the best benefit for the neighbourhood.

• Mayfair/Belaire

Thank you for taking the time to reach out to candidates to ask our positions. Community engagement is critical.

More people want to know about your chalkboard wall, how can we create a ‘how-to’ manual for other neighbourhoods?

• Meadowlark Park

I love the layout of your neighbourhood with a great central space. And yet never once did I see anyone there. How can we activate this space and create a hub for community?

The boundary/bank that faces Chinook has seen better days. How can we improve this slope?

• North Glenmore

You have one of the most active and engaged community associations in the ward for sure. And despite a large arterial road cutting the community in half, at events I always met great representation from both sides.

Upcoming plans for Glenmore Athletic Park are going to need extensive community involvement. Let’s finally get a pathway connecting the pedestrian bridge over Glenmore to the top of Sandy beach (so around the golf course, down 19th, & 50th)

• Garrison Green

I know no one knows where we live. I appreciate how outdoorsy everyone is, walking dogs, meeting at the playgrounds, and walking through the parks and pathways.

I’m keen to have conversations with ATCO on the empty lots and how we can bring more amenities closer to our houses.

• Lakeview

Cougars, bears, deer… should we all just set up tents and camp in North Glenmore? But truly, you can sense the appreciation for nature around the whole neighborhood. Also, highest number of lime green doors I’ve ever seen.

Let’s sure we work together to get a multi-use path along the length of 37th and also support neighbourhood integration of the Taza development.
​

• Maple Ridge/Willow Park

Nestled in a corner, you’ve got a great selection of nearby amenities, both public and private (golf courses, library, malls). For some reason the trees feel larger here.

I've seen a few of your playgrounds to know it's time we talk about improving them.

PS. Have a favourite leadership book or podcast you'd like to share with me? 

While economic recovery is a city wide issue I want to ensure you that Ward 11 residents are top of mind for me. How we get people to and from their work, what kind of opportunities exist in neighbourhoods after work hours, and opportunities for participation in economic activities close to home (shopping, food, festivals) is top of mind for me. We need economic prosperity at the neighbourhood level as much as we do for the overall city.

My Experience is my WHY

I am often asked at the doors, what’s your background? Or what’s your experience? 
​
This isn’t the place for my life story, but let me tell you about some defining volunteer, professional, and personal experiences. The culmination of these have developed a skillset that is suited to be an excellent councillor: adept communication, team work, leadership, innovative thinking, and amazing at building relationships. ​

Transportation is a hot topic with priorities and focus varying from neighborhood to neighbourhood. 

I am a multi-modal user. I drive, walk, bike, and take transit. This informs my perspective and I feel it brings a balance to the conversation that may not exist in other candidates.

The coles notes version of this blog post is that I support investment into Calgary Transit and the City’s 5A Network “Always Available for All Ages & Abilities”. A city which supports non auto-oriented networks ensures Calgary residents can navigate their neighborhoods safely and cost-effectively year round. ​

WALKING AND CYCLING

The 5A network recognizes that Calgarians are actively needing and choosing different modes of transportation to navigate our city. This includes separated cycle tracks along with sidewalk and pathway improvements. 

What does improving the 5A network look like in Ward 11 neighborhoods?​

ROADS
​
I haven’t forgotten about you auto-users. I want to assure you that investment into transit and bike lanes does not directly compete with investment in roads. We need roads for emergency services, transit, and to support ride-sharing, for-hire rides, and 

I have experienced and know that snow clearing after major events needs to evolve to better support entry and exit from neighborhoods.

There are routes which are frequented by accidents (Crowchild south before Glenmore anyone?) which need traffic pattern reviews.

As a result of sprawl, road volume has increased and so traffic noise is affecting neighbourhoods more. Sound walls need to be life-cycled to improve quality of life for adjacent residents.

So, how can Calgary become a leader and what issues do we need to address immediately to help move us forward to ensure we have resilient measures against the effects of climate change? We start by listening to the experts, both on staff with the City and those who are leaders in their field and in communities. I will continue to learn about what Calgary can do, here are a few of my priority areas, in short form. Please feel free to follow up for a more in depth conversation.

• We need to use our land better. Sprawl is costly to the environment. Using our existing built city means placing people closer to services and amenities, decreasing the need for travel, especially by car.

 

• Speaking of roads, we need to build infrastructure that supports active transportation like walking and cycling. Our transit service must also give people timely access to school, work, and play.

​

• The sides of our major roads require maintenance through mowing. Naturalizing boulevards and green spaces adjacent to arterial roads means less mowing is required, better carbon capture through trees and shrubs, and a better environment for pollinators though native flowering species.

​

• Converting green spaces to urban agriculture will support vulnerable Calgarians who often lack the means to access fresh fruits and vegetables. Community gardens also become valuable social hubs which strengthen neighbourhoods.

​

• In park spaces, our focus should be on perennial species which support native wildlife and pollinators. This will decrease the need for watering. Building out the urban tree canopy continues to be a priority. While establishing trees takes water, once settled, they help keep the ground and air cool, further reducing the need for watering of lawns and green spaces.

​

• Due to our population growth and decreasing availability of fresh glacier water, Calgary needs to be serious about decreasing our water usage. A report released in May of 2019 predicts that by 2036 we will reach peak limit. There are multiple communities which rely on the same water source further downstream who are also suffering from increased climate events like this year’s heat dome. Water is critical to farmers who grow crops, a major economic source for Alberta.

​

• With both hot summers and cold winters, Calgary is a unique location to develop building materials that insulate against both heat and cold. Calgary could be a hub for advancement in building materials if that economy is challenged to improve.

​

• Improving the efficiency of city owned buildings and partnering with civic organizations should be top of mind. Retrofits support the economy. Solar is the most obvious choice. I would encourage the City to make green certification a standard for any partner buildings like the new event centre. I would also like solar to be part of the new Green Line strategy.

​

• There has been progress on extended producer responsibility, and Calgary should continue to move this forward. This has been championed by Councillor Demong as written about here.​

I also wrote an op-ed for Live Wire a while back. I acknowledge that currently detached dwellings are outpacing condo sales and that covid has caused a shift in how and where we want to live. I would take this moment to advocate for denser housing with three or four bedrooms. This can include apartments, condos, and row-housing.
​
One thing I heard from candidates over and over this election cycle is the jargon of the ‘single-family’ neighbourhood. Ward 11 has 27 communities. Three of those have exclusively detached dwellings (Bel Aire, Mayfair, and Meadowlark Park). City wide those three communities are also an anomaly. Neighbourhoods aren’t defined by housing type. Communities have a boundary in which 89% of Ward 11 communities include a spectrum of housing. When we talk about ‘single-family (detached) neighbourhoods’ in exclusion of attached housing we do ourselves a disservice. That language is exclusionary and belittling of neighbours who for whatever reason live in housing that is not single detached. 

Below are four photos of Palliser, showing a variety of housing type within a two block radius. Some existing Ward 11 neighbourhoods have done a good job mixing uses, like Palliser, Windsor Park, and Kingsland. These are good examples to model and use as a starting point for neighbourhoods to understand that multiple housing types can co-exist in the same neighbourhood and the sense of community isn't negatively affected.​

​Growing up we were raised by my mom, with my dad living in Edmonton. He was around but it was her example we saw day in and day out. She was always volunteering at school, for our team sports, and was the ringleader for spirit days at her work. As a nurse she has shaped my vision of commitment to care, she still works casually to support the system during covid although she is technically retired. This is her reminder - get vaccinated!

I read more than watch tv. I like my two cups of coffee every morning. I really like shoes (but the comfy cool casual sneaker kind). I’m a horrible singer. My favourite food is potatoes (in pretty much any form), and I would eat vanilla ice cream for dessert every day.
​
Next week I will tell you more about my experience through volunteering and work, and how that has given me the foundation to be an excellent councillor for ward 11.

I've written previous blog posts about making Calgary a city that supports neighbourhoods across seasons, ages, and explores how we can encourage small businesses in our parks.

• Calgary as a winter city
• Designing a city for girls
• Civic Tourism
• 40 Wishes for Calgary

I want Ward 11 to be full of neighbourhoods where families see a future. This means playgrounds and green spaces to play, neighbourhood schools remaining open, and recreation programming which supports a sense of community. I also want communities to be multi-generational and accessible, meaning neighbourhoods need to be designed for seniors to age in place and those with physical impairments can navigate our communities. At both ends of the age spectrum and for those with disabilities, neighbourhood design looks similar - curb cuts at road crossings, well marked crosswalks, snow clearing at transit stations and bus stops, clean transit stations, and well lit roads and sidewalks to name a few. A spectrum of civic services hosted in buildings kept in good repair is critical to serving residents. ​

"Coming home from vacation with a few insights that seem to be universal truths re: tourism that Calgary could leverage:

• First - Water attracts people, could we do more with our rivers & reservoir with enhanced opportunities to explore the water? (ie. rentals)
• ​Second - Local anything is a big draw, from food to handmade goods. Can we support/encourage more markets near our major parks and walkable streets on a more regular basis (especially in the summer)? What about street entertainment as an add on? Food trucks too!
• Third - Telling the story of our landscape, our local plants and the food and drinks we can create from it. Our local wildlife and the importance they play in our ecosystem. Why don’t we have more info boards around the reservoir or along our river paths?

None of this has to be done in big ways by big organizations. Rather, the collective of independent organizations working together to tell our unique story, supported by the City, as enablers of our opportunities to inspire and educate."
​
Specifically, here's what I loved that I think Calgary could do:

Victoria had local vendors around the harbour on Saturday, a farmer's market a few blocks off the main street, and a small food centred area at one of the harbours. Calgary could do this more frequently at Eau Claire, Stephen Avenue, East Village, and North Glenmore Park. 

We need to emphasize or provide more water rentals and tours. Canoes, kayaks, floating. Moving on the water is a great way to explore our city. Why is the SS Moyer the only boat to give tours on the reservoir? And because we have less water, more bike rentals too, especially at parks not along the river, North Glenmore, South Glenmore, Carburn Park, Fish Creek, Bowness, Nose Hill, the list goes on. And let's not forget the winter with skate rentals, toboggans, snowshoes, cross country skis.

I believe a big part of Calgary's success is going to be innovating on what exists here to create new opportunities. It is likely we are going to need to review bylaws and policies which prevent some of these practices from happening. I know Calgary can support local businesses in providing both local and tourist opportunities, I'm ready to be that leadership who will ask the questions to get us towards solutions.

In 2018 a man walked into the Beakerhead office on 4th street close to Safeworks. He was clearly in distress needing to use. I watched my co-workers freeze and one picked up the phone to call the police. We were two blocks away from the Chumir. I stood up and introduced myself, asked his name, and offered to walk him down to the site. My friend and co-worker joined me as we walked and made small talk about the weather.

The province is set to close Safeworks, the Safe Consumption Site at the Sheldon Chumir with plans to reallocate to 'partner organizations' (likely shelters) according to this recent article. I worry about the strain on social agencies to provide increased care and service for vulnerable populations. I see the continued stigma and assumptions made about users.

Access to a site assumes you are proximal or have means to use transportation to arrive. It also assumes the site will feel safe, welcoming, and inclusive. We have users of all genders, ethnicities, and span socio-economic statuses who need a site. Have these factors been considered when choosing new locations?

Three thoughts:

First - locations should have been chosen in partnership with the City of Calgary. I am not certain this is the case.

Second - by moving the consumption sites to shelter or social agency sites, we are stigmatizing who uses and casting a broad assumption that all users are homeless or living in the shelter system. We know this isn't the case.

I will say that I support having locations within social service agencies IF there are other sites as well and IF those sites are staffed (funded) by the province and the expectation of staffing does not suddenly become part of the agency's operating budget without funding from the Province.

Third - the recognition that need for sites does not exist solely in the beltline or downtown core; drug use is not a geographic phenomenon.

The need for MORE sites exists. We see this in the number of users at the Chumir site, and in the spillover for the users who are unable to access the site. I have spoken with communities and Calgary Police who see users at sites such as transit stations - because they are monitored with cameras and help buttons. 

There isn't one answer to solving the challenges associated with drug use. I believe we need a comprehensive approach that is supported by the Province and the City which support both users and communities. We need funding for mental health care, housing, safe consumption sites, addictions treatment, and funding for social service agencies as early interveners. We need training for our first responders, bylaw and transit officers, and community leaders to be part of the solution in communities.

Mostly we need to talk about users as people - humans with complex emotions, needs, and histories. We need to see that we are all part of the problem when we stigmatize users but can also be part of the solution when we see users as humans who are for their own reasons, in a position where drug use is part of their life. Is this easy, not always. I believe we need to keep talking about it, openly and candidly. I am committed to these conversations to support all Calgarians regardless of the situation they find themselves in. 

Kids identified that the number one thing that makes them feel safe in their community is knowing their neighbours. When we have streets, sidewalks, and parks that help us know each other, we support even our youngest residents in their participation in community. Their fears: coyotes (totally valid).
​
Teen girls had this to say about their interactions in their neighbourhoods...

What does this all this mean as I ask to be your representative at city hall? It means that I recognize the amenities of neighbourhoods which you value, and I value them too. I want to ensure we continue to support the amenities which foster relationships (like community halls and rec centres), the local economy (supporting residential adjacent businesses), and active living (ensuring quality pathways and park spaces). 

Earlier this year, I made a birthday wish list for Calgary for my 40th. There is lots of overlap between the keep/add lists.

It's not to late to give your answers. Here are the links to the original blogs/surveys:

The Kids Point of View (best for kids in elementary)
Girls in the City
Changing Communities - What do you want to see?

Here's hoping I will see you out on the pathways!

We know kids have a  much different point of view of moving around their neighbourhoods than adults do.

Often when we think about city planning, programming, and design, we have conversations exclusively among adults for spaces that affect children. As a parent myself with children in this age bracket, I know they have strong opinions and a sense of what makes their neighbourhoods great. That's right - they have two neighbourhoods as their dad and myself live in different communities. They interact differently based on proximity to parks and greenspaces, have different routes to these areas, and the amenities differ.

My ask - if you have a K-6 child in your house, have them complete one or both of these activities.

1. A short survey designed with kids in mind.
2. Save and print the following images (designed for standard paper). Take a photo and share on social (tag me @kourtbranagan) or email me the photo at hello@co11aborate.ca

Get outside - enjoy the weather! Have a little competitive fun with your family. 

Inspired by a friend, I made a birthday wish list for Calgary. May as well mark turning 40 with all I can! 

This list is aspirational and (mostly) actionable. I wanted to dig in to how we interact with our neighbourhoods and our city. They are small things that add up to moments of joy and participation. I focused on items that were, as much as possible, about inclusivity, providing equity, and designing an environment which is sustainable, vibrant, and fun. We need more fun!!!

So here are my 40 birthday wishes for Calgary:

1 - That the majority of people buy a community association memberships
2 - That community associations ensure cost isn’t a barrier & have pricing options for residents (including free!)
3 - More little free pantries
4 - More community fridges
5 - More garbage cans at Edworthy off-leash dog park (not in 11 but we love it there)
6 - Allow paddle boarding on the reservoir
7 - More crosswalks, less pedestrian detours
8 - More naturalization along roadways & less grass to cut
9 - More perennial plantings that attract pollinators (less annuals)
10 - Explore the return of a block parent/block watch program (remember those days?!)
11 - Wider sidewalks in older neighborhoods
12 - More curb cuts at pedestrian crossings
13- More alley way garage door art
14 - More backyard suites & laneway housing
15 - Yes to hens in backyards 

There is no doubt that being a mother of three girls informs my view of our city. As they grow up, I explore the city through their lens. Walking to and riding the bus, spending time with friends, and opportunities to spend time in our city, outside, moving their bodies for both physical and mental health.

As the winter has passed and we've negotiated Covid restrictions, I've especially seen our two oldest girls struggle to find suitable outdoor space. Our middle is quickly outgrowing playgrounds in favour of climbing trees to challenge her abilities. Our oldest can find few spaces to be with friends that cater to the teen experience they crave (whatever it is, I am still trying to figure it out too TBH).

I look at how our city has invested in outdoor public recreation and I see a gap on where young women aren't going. It's not intentional, but it happens by unintentional design in not considering how different groups view spaces for their physical and psychological safety.
​

• Skate Parks
• Hockey Rinks
• Pump Tracks
• Basketball courts

These spaces tend to attract young men and boys. To be clear: all men are not the problem here, but the perception of belonging gets skewed when a certain type of consistent traits appear over and over. It is the same for racialized groups entering homogenous white person filled spaces. It is not that men and boys exclude women and girls who do show up - but is it a place women and girls feel comfortable showing up to in the first place? Do they see themselves as part of that community; do they see users as their peers; is there room for them to experience failure in a psychologically safe environment?

I look at the rinks in our community. The large rink has been the one with the hockey nets. And yes, it attracts both genders, but more so the boys. My girls are not comfortable skating on the large rink in the midst of a pickup hockey game. So we are relegated to the smaller 15'x25' rink - about 1/4 the size of the large rink (honestly probably less). It's virtually impossible for the pre-teen to stretch her legs and get more than a few pushes in, I dislike it too. 

Its not about abolishing hockey rinks or removing nets, but asking ourselves - should both rinks not be the same size to provide equal opportunity to skate within our neighbourhoods?

I don't have all the answers to providing safer and more equitable spaces for young women in our city. But I do have ideas and I am willing to ask the questions - of city planners, of parents, of girls themselves, and also the boys who need other recreational opportunities too. Here are just a few ideas I have:

• Outdoor badminton
• Frisbees
• Interactive art parks
• Pollinator gardens
• More benches & picnic tables

But I want to hear from you, your children, especially your teen and tween girls. Use this survey to send me your ideas and dreams.

This week, the Guidebook for Great Communities goes before the Planning and Urban Development (PUD) committee to be voted on to refer to council for a vote for adoption (March 2021). The Guidebook is a high level planning document which lays the groundwork for re-imagining the functions and form of our neighbourhoods.

I've been fortunate to be part of the working group to shape the Guidebook. I came to be on the group through my work as a community advocate in Haysboro on the planning committee and as president of the community association. To the group I brought the perspective of community members and advocated strongly for the use of language that was common - ie. not planner speak. I also know that there is much concern over how the guidebook can affect communities and specifically individual properties around zoning. This FAQ page answers many issues including the fact that the guidebook does not make a blanket zoning change in neighbourhoods.

I endorse the guidebook. In part because yes, I was on the working group, have been a part of multiple planning exercises for Haysboro and Ward 11, but also I see the the opportunity the guidebook affords us in thinking about some of the larger challenges established neighbourhoods face around aging infrastructure and amenities. The guidebook lays the framework for tools being created in the Established Areas working groups (which I'm also a part of) - this is the conversation on how dollars are invested into neighbourhoods when development happens. The guidebook also is the basis for a Local Area Plan - in which multiple communities actively work together to imagine the future. The guidebook by very nature set the stage for participatory planning, this is its greatest success.

Yes, it is an ambitious piece of policy that encourages densification. It also encourages local commercial integration into neighbourhoods so businesses can thrive. It demonstrates how commercial and residential can operate in tandem to create a vibrant sense of community. It makes space for thinking about the neighbourhood as a whole rather than individual lots - this leads to thinking about how green spaces, parks, libraries, schools, transit, and recreation amenities continue to stay viable and operational through a well populated residential strategy. This is as much about the future economy as it is about the future of how we can live sustainably in our neighbourhoods, flexing through housing types as our needs change throughout the years.

Currently, most Ward 11 communities are below peak population. Densification gets us our best return on investment for services - fire, police, snow clearing, transit, utility upgrades and delivery. I want neighbourhoods where schools aren't at risk of closure. I want residents to be able to operate a thriving local business in their community - restaurants, flower shops, massage studios. I want to be able to walk to get milk or a coffee. I want playgrounds to be upgraded not through fundraising but because there is a tax base which provides the City with the funds needed to take on upkeep. 

I want you to know that I'm aware of the concerns many have. I am invested in supporting communities through planning. I believe that new residential units bring people coming to your community - neighbours, friends, volunteers, students, local business owners. People are what make communities, not buildings. Providing choice, space, and opportunity for many is what I support.