Proposed 2019-2022 budget cuts hurt existing neighbourhoods
After City Council approved 14 new suburban communities this summer and a city-wide 0.75% property tax increase to pay for it, the City is now asking for $447M for the construction of more than a dozen new suburban communities while proposing cuts to planned major public realm and safety improvements on streets in Calgary’s existing neighbourhoods. The City’s 2019-2022 Service Plans and Budget calls for cuts to the City’s Main Streets Program and Complete Streets Program that together are strategically critical investments supporting growth and economic development in existing neighbourhoods all across Calgary, including in the Beltline.
The City’s 2019-2022 Service Plans & Budget website identifies “reduced investment” in new public realm improvements for existing Calgary neighbourhoods, oddly found under the “Increased Service Levels” tab of the City’s budget website.
Main Streets: Smart reinvestment in existing neighbourhoods
Calgary’s Main Streets Program is an important part of the City’s long term growth strategy and key to attracting new development and setting the foundation for small businesses to thrive in existing neighbourhoods.
The City has identified 24 main street areas all across Calgary, from Bowness Road in the NW, to Centre Street N, to 14 Street in the SW, to Edmonton Trail NE, and 17 Ave in the SE for future revitalization as part of the program. The program also includes several streets in and around the Beltline, including 14 Street SW, 8 Street SW, 10 Ave SW (in Sunalta), and 4 Street SW (in Mission). The map below shows a full list of main streets across the City that are the focus of the program.
Complete Streets: Improving safety and accessibility for all road users
Calgarians have made it clear they want more transportation options for getting around safely whether it be on foot, by bike, car, transit, Uber, Car2Go, or even bike share. Complete Streets is a program to retrofit strategic streets to accommodate more transportation modes and create more livable neighbourhoods while promoting economic well-being for businesses and residents.
We need your help!
Beltline neighbourhoods and existing neighbourhoods across Calgary should not have to suffer service cuts and reduced investment to pay for infrastructure and services for new communities on the edge of the city. Here’s how you can make sure City Council gets the message:
1) Attend the City’s Beltline info session October 15th
Beltline pop-up info session at the Safeway on 8 Street SW on Monday, October 15, 3pm-7pm. More pop up sessions dates here.
2) Complete the City’s online survey
Visit their online feedback tool by October 23.
3) Help spread the word!
We need your help to get the word out. Share this post and Facebook post online with your friends.