On Tuesday’s (March 11) Executive Committee, I brought forward a notice of motion to ask the City to develop a naturalization plan along  roadways and pathways. It will be debated at Council on March 18th.

The Problem
​
Our roadsides have been largely planned and maintained to be low-care, single turf areas with little (re)investment and maintenance. Many roadsides no longer offer visual appeal and have reduced ecological benefits, being overcrowded by weeds and invasive species due to turf species poorly suited for the soil conditions of roadsides;

Post construction or through targeted reinvestment, we have the opportunity to increase biodiversity, contribute to ecological resilience, and SAVE money long-term.

As it is now, post construction, within current budget (which is nearly the same as what naturalization would cost), the planned turf (applied via spray seed) isn’t setting and instead weeds grow in its place.

​With intentionality, we could use common native plant species to not only foster environments that prevent the growth and proliferation of weeds but also create a beautiful, low-maintenance space.

The City has done a few pilot projects and they’ve proven successful. With a multi-year program, we can do more and support the many objectives we have as a city.
​

Let’s debunk some of the myths;
 
What this isn’t…
Direction to go rip up all the roadways immediately and naturalize.
What this is…
Direction to create a plan that selects the right location at the right time to naturalize.
 
What this isn’t…
A massive spending increase.
What this is…
A long term strategy that saves money over time as proven through the pilot*.
*because the pilot included costs for studies and reporting on the outcomes, these costs would not be required going forward.

What this isn’t…
Letting the weeds and existing turf grow without mowing.
What this is…
Strategic and opportunistic replanting of native plant species (shrubs, grasses, and wildflowers) that choke out weeds, support biodiversity,  naturally drought tolerant and require no, or less mowing.
 
What this isn’t…
An increase to allergens in the environment.
What this is…
Using species that are common to the prairie grasslands which are typically lower in histamine compared to aesthetic turf (ie Kentucky blue grass)
 
What this isn’t…
Ignoring the need for safety of sight lines and prevention of grass fires.
What this is…
Working with the teams within transportation and the fire department to create a safe strategy that balances opportunity with safety.
 
This notice of motion is long term thinking for our city keeping in mind the alignment with other approved policies. Yes, it may require a shift in thinking and acceptance of what we deem to be visually appealing. I am confident though that because this is a city wide strategy, over many years, that we can adapt to the change and come to value the difference.

Additional information and resources:

• City of Calgary Naturalization projects
• Kourtney talks Roadside Naturalization on CONNECT with Sarah Crosbie
• Naturalization in Calgary | Calgary Eyeopener | On Demand | CBC Listen

December 5 UPDATE

• Proposed Glenmore Landing redevelopment land-use application was presented at the Dec 3 meeting of Council and was defeated in a 6-8 vote. Video, public submissions and materials (item 7.2.21) item are available at Public Hearing Meeting of Council - December 03, 2024
  

Nov 8, 2024 UPDATE

• File is proceeding to  December 3, 2024 Public Hearing of Council
  
  

July 15, 2024 UPDATE

• Glenmore Landing Land Use is open for comments until July 22nd

January 12, 2024 UPDATE: 

• Kourtney’s Opening Remarks to Committee Debate on Sale of City Lands at Glenmore Landing. 

​
December 22, 2023 UPDATE: 

• Distinction between similar terms in the development process: Land sale versus Land use 
• Important upcoming dates
• Answers from Admin re water, wildlife and traffic concerns

​
October 23 & 25, 2023 UPDATES:

• Additional online engagement, revised land use application and deadline extension of public comments.
• Access to studies provided by the applicant, and agreement on title regarding the surrounding City-owned lands.

October 10, 2023 UPDATE: 

• Regarding the process and legality of the sale of City-owned lands.

October 2, 2023 UPDATE:

• Info session update from RioCan 

September 15 UPDATE:

• Update from RioCan 

July 28, 2023 UPDATE:

• Kourtney’s Responses to Common Concerns re. RioCan Glenmore Landing Redevelopment
• Video of Kourtney discussing these points 
• Kourtney’s comment on the proposed development by Glenmore Landing

May 22, 2023

• ​The RioCan Glenmore Landing redevelopment project public engagement 
• The role of Councillor Penner in considering feedback ​
• Important information and resources about the project
• Summary of timeline and process of the development​

Calgarians expect high-quality of their city services. The approved budget maintains services and where possible, reprioritizing spending on citizen priorities identified in Citizen Satisfaction Surveys including roads, planning for housing around transit stations, and downtown safety.

As we continue to spend less per person every year, Calgarians are noticing that our service levels are decreasing. Without increases to property taxes, we cannot maintain, never mind increase services. As example, road quality has suffered recently due to historic budget cuts. Cuts sound like a good idea in the moment, but eventually result in increased spending long term when we need more funding to make up for the reduced maintenance.

The Mid-cycle budget adjustments passed today, continue Councils year-over-year investment into services and program delivery for Calgarians in a financial environment where inflationary pressures mean that the dollars we have today are buying significantly less than just five years ago. For example, the Parks budget has remained relatively flat when adjusted for inflation, meaning we are spending $2,000 less per hectare than in 2008, resulting in less regular maintenance like mowing, watering, and plantings.

Key Investments Funded

• Additional one-time $20M for road repaving.
• Additional one-time $7.5M for upgrades to aging recreation facilities
• Additional year over year funding to expand to the Urban Tree Canopy

Investments Unfunded to Keep Tax Rate Low

• $10M in funding for utility bill relief
• $40M in funding to purchase new buses to expand transit service hours
• $10M to fund the transit night network

 
Operating Budget

At 3.6% overall property tax increase, the budget balances maintaining core services like road repaving and transit service delivery hours, while investing in public safety to improve fire response times and adding 911 dispatch for transit peace officers. New funding to improve the tree canopy across the city will add new trees in all quadrants.

The cost of living is straining all Calgarians, but especially those near the poverty line. This budget ensures we uphold the low-income transit program, ensuring those struggling the most and earning the least will still have an affordable means to get around.

The budget maintains investments we have made the past three years including funding for more rapid flashing beacons for crosswalks, and improved snow clearing not just for roads but for sidewalks, multi-use pathways, and bikeways as well.
 
Capital Budget highlights

I’m encouraged that the capital budget allocates funds for both planning and infrastructure upgrades at Anderson and Southland LRT stations. This will drive future land sales at these stations to create housing and tax uplift realizing four times the investment in just 10 years. This is a smart use of existing City land and I know many residents have been vocal in the redevelopment of these sites.

The capital budget advances funds for proactive water infrastructure upgrades across the City. To be clear, this is not because there is risk of imminent failure of another asset but rather, in response to citizens’ concerns. The budget also forwards funds for building a second water treatment plant at Bearspaw to accommodate growth.

$30 million dollars are identified for additional paving above our regular annual spending. I know this has been raised as a concern by many people, and I agree; improved paving creates safer roads.
​
Lastly and at the community level, we are investing $2.5 million in established areas (which is most of Ward 11) for public realm upgrades. This includes improved pathways, sidewalks, and crosswalks. While this money is city-wide, there are many priority projects on the books in Ward 11 communities for which I continue to advocate.
 
We must continue investing to ensure our city can properly deliver the services you care about. As a growing city, consistent spending is crucial. If you have any questions about the specifics in our budget, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Related information and materials

• Survey of Calgarians
• Property tax calculator​
• Adjustments
  

The current Glenmore Landing application was presented to Calgary Planning Commission (CPC) on November 7, 2024. The proposal includes an anticipated 1,165 units to be developed on the surplus City owned lands, with tower style multi-residential development and the opportunity for a range of support commercial uses.

Though approved at CPC. Councillor Penner and Administration continue to with the applicant to address concerns raised by residents. As a result, building heights have been significantly reduced and adjusted throughout the site to reduce shadowing impacts on adjacent communities, the natural area to the north, and public pathways to the west in South Glenmore Park. Furthermore, the proposed Glenmore Landing Land Use and Design Framework has policies that will inform future development applications to ensure shadowing impacts are mitigated.

The proposal also includes a conceptual vision for the long-term redevelopment of the existing Glenmore Landing Shopping Centre but at this time does not put forward any land use changes to include residential uses. A guiding policy document has been created to shape the redevelopment of this area over time. As it is not expected to be redeveloped for many years to come this responds to community concerns about overall density across the site.

A Preliminary Natural Site Assessment (PSNA) was completed and approved by the Parks Ecologist.  This assessment indicates there would be no impact to the Glenmore Reservoir or water quality from the proposed development on the site. Further, it found that the current green spaces are not significant with respect to wildlife use.

Traffic impacts have been thoroughly reviewed through the submission of a Traffic Impact Assessment (TIA). The TIA identified that modifications will be required and will be phased in as development on the site progresses. Improvements identified are intersection improvements at 90th and 16th, 90th and 14th, walking and wheeling connections through the existing site, and pathway improvements along 90th including intersection upgrades that cross the multi-use pathway.
The policy framework and outline plan that accompany the land use changes proposed ensure that updated transportation impact studies and mobility upgrades are to be repeated with each development permit.

Both the TIA and PSNA have were made available for surrounding community associations to view. Administration has honoured an extension for community associations to view these documents should they wish.

You can watch the CPC proceedings HERE. This file is proceeding to Council for consideration at the December 3, 2024 Public Hearing of Council. Councillor Penner is working to make this a timed item on the agenda and will update the public as this is confirmed.
 
Please visit Kourtney's Glenmore-Landing-Redevelopment page to catch up on past information and statements from Councillor Penner about the Glenmore Landing Redevelopment.

I know that many residents adjacent to the Deerfoot & Anderson construction are frustrated with the noise, dust, and lack of information about the project. The Ward 11 office hears you and have been trying since the project was announced, to advocate on your behalf.
​
In December of 2022 I requested a meeting with Transportation Minister Dreeshen to discuss project expectations including public drawings, detour planning, and accommodations. Despite making myself available to meet in Calgary, Innisfail, or Edmonton, the Minister did not make time to meet after repeatedly cancelling.

In March of 2023, a letter signed jointly between Councillors Demong, Carra, Spencer, and me, outlined again our support for the project but also concerns for residents was sent to area representatives Minister Shandro and MLAs Gotfried & Fir as well as Minister Dreeshen.

​In May we received a response from Minister Dreeshen simply summarizing the project and directed us to the project website. This was indicative of the Minsters lack of interest in having a fulsome conversation about impacts to residents.
​
In July 2024, following an influx of resident complaints, the Ward 11 Office reached out once again to Minister Dreeshen to act. We were met again with a stock response that did not adequately address the realities of the disruption this project has caused residents.​

Over the course of the project, I have met with City administrative teams to share my concerns; they took away the messages to try and work with Alberta Transportation and AECON on the project. I can state that AECON has tried to be responsive and have been good stewards of City assets adjacent to the project. However, as they have a provincial order to conduct work overnight, the City cannot interfere.
It remains unclear whether AECON or Alberta Transportation are responsible for updating the project website and sending timely project emails.
​
I encourage you to continue to direct your concerns through the project website, to Minister Fir, and directly to Minister Dreeshens office. 

​Home - Deerfoot Trail Improvements (deerfootimprovements.ca)
 
Devin Dreeshen, Minister of Transportation and Economic Corridors
Executive Branch
127 Legislature Building
10800 - 97 Avenue
Edmonton, AB
T5K 2B6
Phone: 780 427-2080
E-mail: [email protected]


Tanya Fir, MLA, Calgary - Peigan
Legislative Branch
255, 11488 - 24 Street SE
Calgary, AB
T2Z 4C9
Phone: 587 392-8850
E-mail: [email protected]


- Kourtney