40th Birthday Wishlist for Calgary

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 

16 - Wider MUPs especially in busy areas where you can see people are frequenting the grassy area to the sides
17 - Dedicated walk/roll pathways in busy areas (South Glenmore needs more seperation)
18 - More pump tracks
19 - Clearing gravel from pathways sooner in the spring
20 - More pop up loose parts play in fields and at playgrounds
21 - More outdoor music including live and broadcast (could we even hang wind chimes?)
22 - More outdoor drama and theatre
23 - More painted garbage cans & utility boxes
24 - More public indoor gardens
25 - More public washrooms
​26 - More engagement with students (especially high school)
27 - More community gardens
28 - More lit up buildings (like the Calgary tower & Telus sky)
29 - More murals, especially along LRT lines
30 - More public observation decks & rooftop patios

31 - Available sports equipment at fields for kids (adults too) to get outside and play (soccer balls, outdoor badminton, basketballs, hockey sticks)
32 - Less chain link fencing
33 - If we have to have chain link - then more fence art!
34- More protected mobility lanes
35 - More painted roads and crosswalks as traffic calming
36 - More outdoor markets
37 - More goats (rent-a-goat???)
38 - Better use of golf courses in the winter
39 - More festivals
40 - More women on council

Kourtney