14.6 Million Dollars to be Given to the Calgary Zoo, Pending Approval From the City

Jordan Allatt

Analytical Reporter


The Calgary zoo is planning to continue construction of an Antarctic exhibit, just as soon as it receives $14.46 million from the city. The city approved a $30 million grant back in 2005, but has withheld almost half of the sum, since then and the zoo is hoping the city council will turn over the cash so they can begin the project in January. The project will cost an estimated $24.5 million dollars, and will house Antarctica’s most beloved citizens: penguins. The city hopes that with construction of the new facility, tourism will increase as people flock from all over to view the flightless birds. Read the full Calgary Sun article bellow, and check back in mid-December to see if the city gives the go ahead on this project.


http://www.calgarysun.com/news/alberta/2009/12/01/11990071-sun.html

24 Million Dollars to Pay for Artificial Turf

Jordan Allatt

Analytical Reporter


4.5 million dollars will be going towards putting artificial turf on local sports fields in Calgary. During this weeks budget debates, the city council voted to use money raised from the sale of the cities EMS equipment to the province of Alberta, to fund the conversion. The sale should account entirely for meeting the 4.5 million dollar quota, and therefore the artificial turf will not affect the purposed tax increase (sitting right now at 4.8%). What has had an impact on next year’s budget deficit is the cities spending of 3 million dollars earlier this year to replace the grass at Shouldice Park with artificial turf. This is mentioned at the end of the article bellow:


http://www.calgaryherald.com/Calgary+city+council+finds+million+artificial+turf/22569

And information on the park can be found in greater detail hear:

http://content.calgary.ca/CCA/City+Hall/Business+Units/Recreation/Locate+by+Facility/Athletic+Parks/NW+Athletic+Parks/Shouldice+Artificial+Turf+Fields.htm

Calgarians Should Expect a 5% Tax Increase

Jordan Allatt


Analytical Reporter


The property owners of Calgary will be facing about a five percent increase on their taxes, a percent lower then what was projected, says Mayor Bronconnier. City council will be debating the budget later in the month. The council must increase taxes to account for a 44 million dollar projected revenue shortfall in the 2010 budget. A 5 percent increase would add about $48 a year to a home owner’s bill, while the originally projected 6.1 percent increase would add roughly $69 yearly. This $44 million revenue gap is being covered by reducing all of the cities departments (except police) budget by 1.7%, and not filling jobs vacated due to the recession. The debates on the cities budget are scheduled to begin on the 23rd of this month. This information is taken from a Calgary Herald article which can be found in full bellow......

http://www.calgaryherald.com/news/Calgary+property+hike+pegged/2200482/story.html
And you can find the cities budget updates right hear, all month long

Taxes, Taxes, and more Cuts

Stephanie Watt

Opinion Reporter

The final call on the tax estimates for 2010 are now being said to stay at 4.8%. It has been a struggle though, city transit services have been cut back, less paving is to be expected and 30 city workers are also being fired to keep 4.8% a reality. The city of Calgary’s officials are proud to have the budget remaining lower then the original 6.1% they anticipated but they know that there is a chance of add-ons. City Staff will be meeting with the Alderman next week to talk about additional cuts and do some final budget deliberating.

http://www.calgaryherald.com/news/Calgary+trims+jobs+limit+hike+proposed+budget/2215626/story.html

Answers To “Difficult Questions” Needed

Kaitlin MacLeod-Rogers

Opinion Reporter

Is the City of Calgary spending your tax dollars wisely? Ricky Leong of The Calgary Sun doesn’t think so. In a column for the Sun dated November 17^th, Leong writes that municipal government is riddled with projects he calls are the “epitome of waste.” An example of this careless spending, he points out, is the video campaign on the city’s website to “convince us we should accept tax increases without a fight.” More importantly, he points to the numbers, themselves, as being misleading and untruthful. The city has saved taxpayers a 0.2% property tax increase (down to 4.8% from the proposed 5%) by reducing services like transit, a total savings of “dozens of millions of dollars.” Yet the projected operating budget for 2010 is slated to rise by $123 million over 2009. Leong says celebrating a reduction in taxes for citizens is “bend[ing] the truth.” He then asks city administrators to answer the following questions:

Would it be cheaper for the city to outsource such services as garbage collection, snow clearing and parks maintenance?

· Is there a better way to schedule workers and equipment to increase efficiency at Calgary Transit?

· Can laws be changed so municipal cemeteries can be privatized?

· Do we need hundreds upon hundreds of new police and bylaw officers?

Once practical answers are given to these difficult questions, he says, “only then can they truly claim they’ve tried to spend your money wisely.”

http://www.calgarysun.com/news/columnists/ricky_leong/2009/11/17/11772396-sun.html

Missing Money from Local's Accounts

Nicole Butz

News Reporter

The city has withdrawn extra money from hundreds of homeowner’s bank accounts with no warning. Due to this they have sent out apology letters. Every month, to cover their municipal taxes, property owners enrolled in the city’s tax installment payment plan will make automated payments. In November certain people must pay extra in order to ensure their bill is fully paid by the end of the year. This is usually new clients or people who missed a payment. Regularly the city will send out advisory letters to people who need to pay more but that did not happen this year. Instead, they withdrew amounts of several hundred dollars from hundreds of taxpayer's accounts. The apology letter went out last week according to city spokesperson Paul Wan. The system has been corrected so that this does not happen again.

http://www.cbc.ca/canada/calgary/story/2009/11/20/calgary-tipps-city-hall-property-taxes.html

Tax Hike Looks Inevitable

Sunjeev Prasad

News Reporter

Even though Calgarians are facing a tax hike of 4.79% in the upcoming tax season it could have been much worse had no action taken place. City council put the wheels in motion back in March and managed to decrease the hike from 11.2% to 4.79% which will surely relieved local taxpayers given the current economic climate. Though this is already a significant decline in the rate hike a number of council members were still in favour of lowering the hike as far as 2% but this would not be possible without significantly decreasing services. A number of other proposals were made by city council members including a reduction in public library funding by 1.7% and even an attempt to lower the ill favoured LRT parking rates from $3 to $1 was shot down by the council. It is likely that the increase in municipal taxes will hover around the 4.79% range since the budget is officially due before the years end.

http://www.calgarysun.com/news/alberta/2009/11/24/11900936-sun.html

Transit, Snow, and Taxes

Stephanie Watt

Opinion Reporter

After a lengthy debate about the tax increase in 2010, government officials have finally set a budget leaving Calgarians with a 4.79 per cent tax increase. They claim this tax fluctuation will be similar to the one encountered in early 2009. This increase of tax dollars will be put towards various city improvements, one of which being the snow removal of more private and residential streets, not only focusing the attention on the main roads. One service that our money will not be going towards is new transit peace officers. In fact there is talk going around of eliminating the 3$ parking fee at transit stations.

http://www.cbc.ca/canada/calgary/story/2009/11/24/calgary-city-hall-tax-hike-property-taxes.html

Snow by the Dollar

Sunjeev Prasad

News Reporter

With the recent discussions surrounding the municipal budget one point was made clear as of today. The city has made plans to boost the snow removal budget by $1 million with a particular focus on the hardest hit routes in the city. The mayor is planning on employing private contractors to support city workers in order to compensate for the increased demand. The majority of the work will take place in residential areas that typically would not get service for at least 3 to 4 days after a snowstorm would hit. Critics of the mayor’s plan to increase the budget are pessimistic as to whether or not the third party contractors will be capable of responding in a timely fashion or have the appropriate equipment to complete the work. This may be considered a catch – 22 since citizens are looking for more snow removal to create safer driving conditions but they clearly do not want an increase in taxes. The mayor’s plan should make a difference in the quality of snow removal without putting too much of a dent in taxpayers’ pocketbooks.

http://www.calgaryherald.com/news/Calgary+snow+removal+budget+boosted/2259367/story.html

Parking and Taxes: A Lot of Confusion

Nicole Butz

News Reporter

After city hall declined the parking fine increase last week, the city may need to be ready for the 4.8 per cent tax increase to jump. This is just one battle city hall will be looking at as they have a look at the budget today. The decline in parking fine increases and the reduction in parking fees could cost the city $4 million in revenue for the year. With $7 million in unfunded projects they could be seeing the increase in property taxes back to 6 per cent. Finance committee chair, Ald. Gord Lowe said the money would have to come from the rest of the operating budget or from an increase in property taxes. Also, if approved, the city will also need to withdraw $13.7 million of its fiscal sustainability reserve to keep the tax increase lowered.

http://www.metronews.ca/calgary/local/article/376779--tall-budget-task-ahead-for-council

The Calgary Parking Authority = Candy Thieves

Kaitlin MacLeod-Rogers

Opinion Reporter

Good news: parking rates in and around downtown Calgary fell this past Monday. Bad news: to make up the shortfall, the long-held tradition of free Sunday parking is gone. Don Braid of The Calgary Herald sums up the city’s proposed parking rate cuts as the ultimate mean gesture: “[They’re] as unpopular as a candy thief at a kid’s birthday party.” His November 17^th editorial blasts Dale Fraser, in particular, as head of the Calgary Parking Authority. The technology used by the Authority to nab parking space freeloaders, including scanning license plates with spy trucks, has the potential to turn the “sleepy” Authority into a “political monster.” And that’s what’s causing the most controversy. Fraser, states Braid, just can’t see it: “[He’s] an honest man with no political sense (two qualities that often go hand in hand) … not appear[ing] to hear the hoofbeats.”

http://www.calgaryherald.com/news/Braid+City+parking+rate+fiasco/2230790/story.html

Calgary Transit to increase fares

Nicole Butz

News Reporter

Next year it is expected that fares for Calgary Transit will raise a quarter, at the same time certain routes will be eliminated to comply with the new city budget. Adult monthly passes will increase to $85.25 and books of tickets will go up a dollar as well as day passes increasing 75 cents. Youth monthly passes will also rise up $1.75. To justify increased fare rates before the LRT has had increased service. However, this year, it will shrink less than one percent for the first time in years. In order to keep the cities tax hike lower than five percent, transit had to rid 21 500 hours out of 2.45 million per year. They are not cutting any start or end times to any schedules; however, they will be reducing schedules of certain least-used routes. After the fares increase they will cost more than the Zone 1 fare in Vancouver but less than single-use rates in Toronto or Ottawa. The last increase was in 2008.

http://www.calgaryherald.com/news/Calgary+Transit+service+with+fares/2240613/story.html

“Transit Cuts Foolish”: The Calgary Herald

Kaitlin MacLeod-Rogers

Opinion Reporter

This week’s budget talks for 2010 have hit Calgary transit right where it hurts, in the form of a $1.2 million cut. City council has rationalized the cut to transit as necessary since they want to minimize overall increases for taxpayers, currently pegged at 4.8% instead of an initially proposed 5%. But the editors of The Calgary Herald state this rationale as “backwards thinking” since the department already struggles to meet increased demand for services. The main argument in the November 15^th piece is that reducing services is counterproductive in the bid to convince Calgarians to “hang up their car keys” and utilize public transit. The writer also takes aim at poor spending priorities: “The cuts are part of a 1.7% reduction all departments were asked to make, with the exception of police. Such across-the-board cuts fail to recognize that all departments are not created equally. Cuts need to be made where they make the most sense. If departments can’t identify those areas themselves, aldermen need to step in now … and set spending priorities.” Build a bigger, faster, more efficient system, says The Calgary Herald. Otherwise, city council has simply missed the bus.

http://www.calgaryherald.com/opinion/editorials/Transit+cuts+foolish/2225326/story.html

http://www.homestaycalgary.com/blog/archives/calgary_information/bus.gif

Debate Over the Peace Bridge Continues

Stephanie Watt

Opinion Reporter

With new estimated costs being thrown around for Calgary’s Peace Bridge, opinions have been flaring as to whether or not this new structure is really welcome. In the blog article below by the Calgary Cowbell, the writer sticks strong to his beliefs that this bridge should be accepted among Calgary’s citizens and council. The writer welcomes the bridge and hopes for more high tech architecture to grace our streets in the future. He argues that people need to start appreciating the bridge for what it is, a beautiful piece of work that “shares our hopes and dreams” and quit chattering about the price. The cost will be taken out of the city’s capital and not added to our tax dollars he argues, and he even claims the bridge is one in the same with memorial statues we already have scattered around the city.

http://calgarycowbell.com/Peace_Bridge_is_War.html

http://www.e-architect.co.uk/canada/jpgs/peace_bridge_calgary_sc140809_1.jpg

City Council Still Far From "Bridging" the Gap

Sunjeev Prasad

News Reporter

The heated debate over the proposed peace bridge still remains a hot topic among city council members. As of today the bridge has yet to see a single shovel hit the dirt since the city of Calgary is still undecided on how to cut costs in order to remain within budget. The original estimate for the bridge was to be around $18 million but the lowest bid at this point is hovering at $20.5 million which has many critics still strongly opposed to its construction. Santiago Calatrava is a renowned engineer whose elaborate designs in the past have gone far over budget, recently a project in Venice ended up costing four times the original estimate and if that were the case with Calgary’s peace bridge, it would surely leave a very bitter taste in the mouths of taxpayers. Not all is lost yet, though the bridge may still be $2.5 million over budget a few adjustments can be made in order to reduce costs. Eliminating the granite walkway and replacing it with either concrete or ceramic would likely be enough to bridge the gap between the budgeted costs and the price quotes from various construction firms. The debate surrounding the peace bridge will remain a heated issue until it is all said and done, and now that city council is proposing a hike in tax rates more critics of the project may feel the need to voice their opinions on this subject.

http://www.calgaryherald.com/news/Bids+Calgary+pedestrian+bridge+millions+over+budget/2230737/story.html

"1000 Bogus Excuses": Calgary Alderman Calls for Lower Property Taxes

Kaitlin MacLeod-Rogers

Opinion Reporter

With the upcoming city budget up for debate at the end of the month, some Calgary aldermen 

are criticizing the current plan to increase property taxes by 5%.  The city counters that citizens' 

expectations for more graffiti control, the Race City relocation, and increased snow removal all 

require the tax hike.  Two alderman, Ric McIver and Joe Connelly, state that this is simply not 

necessary and even "bogus". McIver supports a 3% increase: "My expectation is that there's going 

to be 1000 bogus excuses why that can't be done but if the will is there then the way will also be

there."   Likewise, Connelly is proposing an increase of only 2.5%, outlining his stand on the 

issue as something Calgarians really want to see.  "I'm choosing an aggressive target because I 

think that's the right thing to do because I think Calgarians want us to cut it back as far as we 

can." Whatever side eventually wins over majority support, Mayor Dave Bronconnier raises a 

worthy point.  He states that he is committed to low tax increases and a balanced budget, and 

notes that whatever increase is chosen, Calgary will still have the lowest property taxes in 

Canada.  

http://calgary.ctv.ca/servlet/an/local/CTVNews/20091109/CGY_Budget_PropertyTax_091109/20091109/?hub=CalgaryHome 

Cuts to ‘low-demand’ transit routes

Nicole Butz

News Reporter

To help limit the property tax increase the city is proposing eliminating certain low-demand transit routes and 135 jobs. This will hopefully lower the tax to 4.8 per cent in 2010. This tax raise is equal to about $4.50 every month for each household and would be less than the original amount of 6.1 per cent. The city will be getting rid of the routes which are used less to result in a savings of $1.2 million. It would cut 21 500 service hours which is about one per cent of the transit service. Out of the 135 jobs, 31 are permanent, 43 are temporary, and 61 are vacant. There will be no reduction of the Calgary Police Service budget, which will cost $4.5 million. The city has said public safety is a priority. The cities revenues are down $20 million and an increased demand for services like public transit is expected to rise by 27 000 people. Alberta cities cannot run deficits; therefore the city has already withdrawn $13 million from its reserve fund. The city has been able to save money through other departments and made $20.5 million in cuts. City hall will meet on November 23^rd to discuss the adjustments.

http://www.cbc.ca/canada/calgary/story/2009/11/12/calgary-city-hall-budget-property-taxes.html

Taxes are going Up but Lower than Expected

Stephanie Watt

Opinion Reporter

In 2010 taxpayers were said to be expecting a 6.1% tax increase. Aldermen however have been working hard and have brought the tax level down to 5%. Many people are highly excited about the drop and feel they have accomplished a lot while others however are feeling it could get even lower. Regardless, progress has been made and Calgary City Council officials are working hard to ensure that our taxes remain as low as possible. This tax battle continues though as more money is spent and more time is taken to discuss budgeting. Many revisions have to be made such as transit audits and expanded graffiti cleanup programs but our alderman’s are assuring us if they can keep it under 5% they have everything under control.

http://www.calgaryherald.com/news/Calgary+aldermen+content+with+increase/2205199/story.html

Job Cuts to Limit Municipal Tax Hike

Sunjeev Prasad

News Reporter

The city plans to cut about 135 jobs which include not renewing 43 contracts, leaving vacant positions still open and a proposed 30 layoffs. In addition the city plans to limit transit services in order to curb its proposed tax hike. The Mayor referred to his job cuts coupled with the tax hike as a “balancing act” between providing the necessary services and a decline in revenues. So what exactly does this mean? Many of Calgary’s low-service bus routes will see a reduction in activity, road crews will be doing less maintenance work, and an estimated $54 will be added to the average taxpayers’ bill. Taxpayers could breathe a sigh of relief considering that the city had proposed a 6.1% increase last year that was not approved and is now reduced to the 4.8% which will likely stay put. Richard Truscott, Alberta director of the Canadian Federation of Independent Business argues that city council could have done much more in terms of reducing the increase but Alderman Gord Lowe argues that if this were the case Calgarians would truly feel the impact of the reductions. As for now taxpayers must remain patient and hope that the elected officials in place are there because they are the most qualified to determine what is best for our city.

http://www.calgaryherald.com/news/Calgary+trims+jobs+limit+hike+proposed+budget/2215626/story.html

Keeping an eye on our tax dollar

Sunjeev Prasad

Opinion Reporter

A proposed watchdog that would keep track of municipal tax dollar spending received somewhat of a cold shoulder from Calgary officials recently. Municipal Affairs Minister Ray Danyluk argues that more efficient means exist to keep track of how communities are applying their tax dollars. The basis of Danyluk’s argument is that the watchdog concept would simply be redundant in terms of it overlapping with current validation measures already in place. Simply put it would be a waste of taxpayer’s dollars that could be allotted for better purposes. The Municipal Affairs Ministry is already capable of conducting probes into suspicious spending and in past encounters have been considered very stringent in doing so.

http://www.calgaryherald.com/news/Proposal+Alberta+civic+spending+watchdog+gets+cool+reception/2186703/story.html

Financial Difficulty Coming to an End

Stephanie Watt
News Reporter

Ray Danyluk the minister of municipal affairs announced recently that a plan has been set to ease Calgary’s financial difficulty. It is planned to be spread over 10 years but it is being suggested that it could very likely be taking longer. The problem is that Alberta’s civic leaders want a more steady and stable budgeting plan set in place. Disputes over this have led to even more municipality planning that Sunjeev’s blog entry touches on.

http://www.calgaryherald.com/news/Proposal+Alberta+civic+spending+watchdog+gets+cool+reception/2186703/story.html

Where is the taxpayer's Money Going?

Nicole Butz
News Reporter

After Calgary withdrew its bid for the 2017 Expo, Alderman Ric McIver is wondering what happened to the $300,000 of taxpayer’s money. McIver believes there is irregularity in the spending of the money and intends to explore the issue further. He is wondering if taxpayers were fooled. Mayor Dave Bronconnier released a breakdown of how the money was spent. It stated that $240,000 went to consultants, including funding for the West Village, and an estimated $50,000 to city costs. Bronconnier states that this money is not wasted as it will form the basis for the redevelopment of the West Village. The development will be paid for in the same way as the East Village.

http://www.calgaryherald.com/news/Calgary+aldermen+question+early+withdrawal+Expo/2182375/story.htmlhttp://www.metronews.ca/calgary/local/article/359339--where-did-300k-for-expo-bid-end-up

Calgary Says “No Fair” to World Expo 2017

Kaitlin MacLeod-Rogers
Opinion Reporter

This week, the city of Calgary drew criticism for not being transparent on the loss of $300, 000 in taxpayers’ money. The money was set aside to host a bid for the World Expo 2017, a bid that was just recently retracted. Although Calgary’s no longer in the running, the issue is considered a waste of money by many people, a valid concern that was voiced in an opinion piece by Don Braid of The Calgary Herald back in July. In his piece entitled, “Is World’s Fair Worth It?” (July 22, 2009), Braid criticizes Calgary for entering the bid in the first place. The bid was unnecessary, he implies, since Edmonton is also bidding. Calgary’s last-minute bid was also considered tactless by Edmontonians, or as Braid says, produced an “outburst of northern rage.” The bidding wars should stop, Braid stated at the time, as Calgary doesn’t stand a chance: "Aldermans should save their brains – and our money – for a cause that matters.” With this week’s news about the bid withdrawal, it seems the city of Calgary has saved brains, but not the money.

http://library­.mtroyal­.ca:2090/pqdweb­?did=1802204741­&sid=6­&Fmt=3­&clientId=1751­&RQT=309­&VName=PQD

East Village Under Way

Nicole Butz

News Reporter

Dirt is finally being dug up around the downtown area coined the East Village. Chris Ollenberger of the Calgary Municipal Land Corporation is overseeing the re-development. In 2020, the urban villages estimated completion date, it will accommodate 10,000 peoples' homes. The area will have six character areas which will be neighbourhoods which will have heritage buildings. It will extend to the Bow River, Third Street S.E., Elbow River, and 9th Avenue S.E. Architects are being hired for the construction of the new buildings and the new foot bridge that will connect the East Village and St. Patrick's Island. They will focus more on mid-rise apartments instead of high-rises. Land is even being raised 2.5 meters above the flood level. In total, infrastructure should cost upwards of $200 million. This money will be funded by tax-increment financing in which the city pays right away. After, the city will gain back the investment from the profits made by increased property taxes and new developments.

http://proquest.umi.com/pqdweb?did=1886944941&amp:Fmt=3&amp:clientId=1751&amp:RQT=309&amp:VName=PQD&cfc=1

East Village could be a Success Story

Kaitlin MacLeod-Rogers

Opinion Reporter

Calgary’s East Village revamp should be a positive example for other blighted Canadian cities, according to Anne Jarvis of The Windsor Star. In her Oct. 19th article, Jarvis highlights the economic, social, and cultural benefits of the East Village project. She calls on other cities (including her hometown of Windsor, Ontario) to look to Calgary for wise taxpayer-funded investments, specifically the need to inject life back into once-vibrant, now-derelict downtown areas.She claims that arts and culture are a worthy project for Calgary, perhaps the most powerful way to transform the current neighbourhood, notorious for its homeless population, drug dealers and prostitution:“The city wants to reclaim the area and bring people back. It hopes to draw more than 11,000 people there to live. How will it get them? By using the arts, culture and heritage as a catalyst for renewal and innovation.”The city is investing $165 million in the East Village, what Jarvis quotes as “incredibly bold” during a recession. Although this is not a local piece, the author’s main argument has future implications for Calgary that can’t be ignored. If the East Village springs back as planned, Calgary could become a success story for the rest of Canada. And this, in turn, may convince taxpayers in other cities that the best investment of their money might be to re-energize local communities through the arts.

http://www.windsorstar.com/entertainment/Anne+Jarvis+Windsor+lacks+vision/2119120/story.html

Positive Outlook for Ring Road

Stephanie Watt
Opinion Reporter

Jason Markusoff of the Calgary Herald talked to several Calgarians and asked them how much easier their commute would be when taking the new ring road into consideration. From what he examines in his articles many citizens speak of their hopes that this road will cut their travel time in half. They feel positively about the idea of the ring road and thinks that it’s about time Calgary planned and put it into action.

http://www.thestarphoenix.com/news/Ring+Road+eases+commutes+transforms+neighbourhoods/1887611/story.html#at

Ring Road Debate

Sunjeev Prasad

News Reporter

The long awaited ring road will likely have to be further postponed after the Tsuu T’ina nation threatened legal action arguing that their aboriginal rights have been violated. The city currently intends to proceed with construction since the road does not actually intersect with the tribe’s land. Following a variety of meetings with Tsuu T’ina band members, Mayor Dave Bronconnier has taken into account their concerns but states: "No one should be surprised--least of which the Tsuu T'ina Nation--that we would move forward to build this interchange." (http://www.calgaryherald.com/news/Tsuu+threatens+Calgary+over+road+access/2144896/story.html) The development of the ring road is expected to provide a great deal of relief for southwest Calgary commuters and further delays will only exacerbate any and all traffic concerns. Plan B for the potential ring road is expected to cost the city over $40 million in addition to a $250,000 traffic circle that has already been developed as a temporary solution.

http://www.calgaryherald.com/Work+starts+Plan+Calgary+ring+road/1977679/story.html

http://www.calgaryherald.com/news/Tsuu+threatens+Calgary+over+road+access/2144896/story.html

The future of Bowness Park

Jordan Allatt

Analytical Reporter

As Bowness Park approaches its centennial, the City Council has given an early go-ahead to a $10.3 million plan to improve the park. There is some doubt that the city will come up with enough funds to warrant this aggressive modernization. A council committee voted to put the improvement of Bowness Park as one of Calgary’s main infrastructure funding priorities. The project plans to concentrate the parking lots in Bowness, add a teahouse overlooking the lagoon by the park’s main gate, and remove the incredibly run-down amusement rides and mini-golf. Alderman Dale Hodges commented that the large park in his ward draws people from all over the city, and is an important feature of this city. Though the park is one of the most used in the city, it has not been given a major upgrade since the 1950’s. Take a look at the link below, and check back here for any updates on the parks upgrades.

http://www.calgaryherald.com/news/Bowness+Park+update+priority+Calgary+council/2157993/story.html

Festival Hall Using Calgarian's Money?

Jordan Allatt
Analytical Reporter

A city committee has approved $1.8 million of infrastructure budget to be directed towards financing a new festival hall in Inglewood. The project will cost $5.2 million, without having to be funded by the federal government. The $ 1.8 million is being taken out of Calgary’s $165 million cultural infrastructure budget, set aside by the province. This new facility will provide a home for the Folk Fest, and a place of rest for the one thousand five hundred volunteers who will work in the hall. Little city funding will be used in the building project, but the operation of the facility will probably be accounted for by Calgarians. However, it is predicted that this will be a relatively minor expense, and many Calgarians seem to agree with establishing a cultural center in Inglewood. Check out the link below to monitor the Calgary Heralds coverage of this recent issue.

http://www.calgaryherald.com/news/City+approves+contribution+Calgary+Folk+Festival+hall/2158003/story.html

Provincial Sales Tax

Nicole Butz
News Reporter

As studies continue to amount regarding the lack of sales tax in Alberta, they all point to the same thing: good politics and bad tax policies. While the government is keeping citizens happy by keeping the taxes down, this may not be the best solution for the economy. Studies show that a provincial sales tax could boost corporate competitiveness with the rest of the world and attract more capital investment which will create more jobs. Specialists say that it is possible for consumers to avoid the tax by being cautious about what they purchase. Despite this, Premier Ed Stelmach, has declined bringing in a new sales tax and even cancelled a higher tax on alcohol sales this past summer. The Canadian Taxpayers Federation and the Canadian Federation of Independent Business also declined the notion for sales tax in Alberta. The province should be expecting deficits for the next couple of years and a sales tax could be a way to make up for some of those losses.

http://www.calgaryherald.com/business/Second+study+week+says+Alberta+needs+sales/2125211/story.html

Calgary Re-brand: Debate "unsettling"

Kaitlin MacLeod-Rogers

Opinion Reporter

No more "Heart of the New West" cowboy culture for Calgary. The city is getting a makeover. From Americans. Last week, a municipal steering committee funded largely by the public chose a California-based branding firm to "re-brand" Calgary. Almost immediately, controversy erupted over why, in the midst of a recession, a local company wasn't chosen instead. In a small news article for the Calgary Herald, dated October 18, 2009, committee chair Lance Carlson's opinion and the "unanimous" rationale of the committee. Carlson maintains the Californian firm was the most qualified out of all entrants and therefore deserves the job. He feels any controversy is missing the forest for the trees, and completely missing the point of "what the program is going to do for the city." Furthermore, he argues, the firm will be working closely with the community in order to determine what best represents Calgary. For Carlson and his committee, it appears debate on this issue is non-existent.

http://www.calgaryherald.com/life/family/Debate+will+brand+city+unsettling/2116567/story.html

http://www.jensdecals.com/west-cowboy%20hat.bmp

Tax dollars funding Terrorists

Stephanie Watt
Opinion Reporter

In this selected article David Murrell writes in to Financial Post about Canada funding the CBA (Canadian Bar Association). Our tax dollars go towards funding this program and therefore taking part in the educating of China in Canadian legal practices. And have apparently been supporting an alleged terrorist. Murrell voices his opinion on how it is outlandish that our money is funding these practices and thinks its about time it was put to a halt.

http://www.financialpost.com/news-sectors/mining/Story.html?id=1910537

Local Politicians at Risk

Sunjeev Prasad
News Reporter

While remaining on the topic of how our tax dollars are being spent, many Calgarians are finding it difficult to muster up the support for the current politicians in control. Whether it is a an alderman or a city council member many of them may be at risk of losing their jobs as a result of the upcoming election in the fall of 2010. The only positive aspect that comes from the recent rate hikes would be the attempt of city council to lower the said hike of 6.1% all while trying to manage the city's growing list of demands, along with the $25 million shortfall from a lack of revenues. If the odds weren't already against municipal politicians the addition of a $3 fee to park at all local transit stations has remained a sour taste in the mouths of Calgarians. And last but not least is the proposed $25 million bridge, that may not be paid for by the local taxpayers but is instead being backed by the provincial government. It would be safe to say that it would not be hard to find a few Calgarians that feel this is a terrible waste of money and could be put towards easing the deficit the city has already amounted rather than blowing it on a monstrosity of a bridge. The only way to find out is to wait until next years election to see who still has a job and which new faces will be taking over office.

Year of Discontent (October 18, 2009) by: Jason Markusoff and Kim Guttormson, retrieved October 21, 2009 from: http://www.calgaryherald.com/news/Year+discontent/2116563/story.html

New Study Confirms Alberta's Financial Trouble

Jordan Allatt
Analytical Reporter

Calgarians, and Albertans in general, may have to start accepting the loss of their tax advantage. After two-decades of being under-taxed in comparison to other provinces, Alberta may have to start implementing a provincial tax to get back on track, according to a new study at the University of Calgary. The study suggests that the provincial government should adopt a “growth oriented tax structure” that would reduce personal and corporate income tax. The province is forecasting a record (prepare yourself, please) 6.9 billion dollar deficit this year. The primary reason for this dramatic downturn seems to be the drop in oil and gas prices worldwide; thereby leading to a drop in government royalties. According to the study, the province should cut income taxes by increasing surcharges on private and public consumption. The study offered the use of water levies and use-related charges for non-critical health services as examples. The study does specify that low-income Albertans who would have a disproportionate burden, and should be given tax credits. Check out the Calgary Herald article via the link below. Until next time, stay classy Calgary.

http://www.calgaryherald.com/health/Alberta+losing+advantage+need+sales+study/2100755/story.html

"Plan It Now" and bury the West LRT

Kaitlin MacLeaod-Rogers

Opinion Reporter

This month, Calgary city council is wrapping up plans to bury some parts of the LRT. I an Op-Ed piece at The Calgary Herald, the editor claims it's well worth the extra $85 million to place the tracks underground at the 17th Avenue/45th Street intersection. The entire LRT infrastructure project is currently projected to cost $700 million. The Herald editor indicates that an extra $85 million is a drop in the bucket to do the job right: "[T]he wiser investment may cost a bit more up front, but pays off later to do the job properly the first time, than to go back and fix the mistake." As an investment in the city's future, the editor states, citizens and city council alike need to think about creating a livable, pedestrian-friendly urban scene for decades to come. "Council should get on board this train" and plan a sustainable urban scene that encourages transit use.

http://www.calgaryherald.com/opinion/editorials/Plan=bury+west/2066290/sotry.html

http://www.lightrailnow.org/images/cal-lrt-sd160-downtown-2003_kevin-lo.jpg

Municipal Debt Not a Concern for Mayor

Sunjeev Prasad
News Reporter

With Calgary steadily amounting debt as a result of all the infrastructure additions being made, the mayor remains optimistic that the looming debt will not be an issue when it comes time to pay up. According to a report in the Calgary Sun as of October 14, 2009 the mayor reinforces that he believes the province will honour its $3.3-billion promise. With that said Calgarians should not have to worry about the new LRT expansion being halted anytime soon since it is only expected to inflate the current debt of the city to $2.5 billion, which is more than offset by the province’s agreed funding. To paint a more down to earth picture of how much the city is in debt; estimates by city officials equate to roughly $5,198 per household.

Source:Mayor says debt's in hand (2009) by: Renato Gandia, retrieved October 14, 2009 From: (http://www.calgarysun.com/news/alberta/2009/04/21/9184366-sun.html)

Conflicts with Potential Peace Bridge

Stephanie Watt
Opinion Reporter

There is talk of a new design for a peace bridge in Calgary. Construction of the bridge would be funded by our tax dollars. Mike Blanchard emailed his thoughts to CHQR 770 Am radio station expressing exactly how he feels about contributing to the construction of the bridge. He is unhappy about it to say the least and thinks the last thing Calgary needs is this bridge. He discusses many potential problems with the bridge including it not fitting its surroundings and potential traffic obstructions. He ends asking the question of what more could be done with the 25 million dollars that could be going towards this new structure.

http://www.am770chqr.com/Blogs/CalgaryToday/BlogEntry.aspx?BlogEntryID=10043968

http://pricetags.files.wordpress.com/2009/07/calgary-peace-bridge.jpg

Calgary Snow Removal Funds

Nicole Butz
News Reporter

After the first two days being hit with snow, many Calgarians have a lot to say about the way the city is using the snow removal equipment. Tuesday accounted in over 200 accidents with Wednesday following closely behind. These delays in traffic were largely in fault of the lack of funding for snow removal in the city. Mayor Dave Bronconnier and many of the cities aldermen are in favour of an expected tax increase to feed the demand. City Hall will be adjusting the 2010 budget next month and changes will be in order. The budget is already set to increase property taxes by 6.1% which council is trying to lower to 5.3%. This is not enough to suffice the new snow removal plans. Due to the lack of sanders, the city can expect to see a $14 million cost increase per year to improve the situation. Over the past 15 years the price of snow removal has been rising and in turn costing citizens more and more in taxes. What will this mean for Calgarians and taxpayers alike? Tax increases of 1.5% or an equal cut in other services.


http://www.calgaryherald.com/business/Snow+keeps+morning+drive+messy+more+than+accidents+Tuesday/2099146/story.html
http://media.metronews.topscms.com/images/6e/c4/968160204c3391746ce91b660530.jpeg

New Arena In Clear Sight

Stephanie Watt
Analysis/Background Reporter

Kristen Odland from the Calgary Herald reports (link below) that after much rumour and debate, the president and CEO of the Calgary Flames, Ken King, has decided to move forward with the prospect of building a new arena. The concept is very exciting to some citizens, but to others not so much. It is up in the air as to whether or not tax payer’s dollars will be contributing to the construction of the sure-to-be elaborate arena, and many citizens are becoming opinionated. The prospective land in which the arena would be built on has been decided but has not yet been approved.
http://www.calgaryherald.com/sports/Flames+step+plans+arena/1956565/story.html

Is the Mayor of Calgary not a Flames fan?

Sunjeev Prasad
News Reporter

According to a report in the Calgary Sun on September 4th 2009, Mayor Dave Bronconnier showed very little support for the Calgary Flames’ proposed idea for a new arena.
The team has two potential sites in mind but at this point all remains a pipedream. Though discussions are not quite complete yet, the Mayor went on to say;
"We have made provisions on the Stampede Park for a future arena and if our tenant moves forward and wishes to build it, then we need more financial discussions as to who pays for it."
With the Flames’ dream of building a state of the art facility still in the initial stage of negotiation all is not lost and the hope remains that Flames fans will have a brand new arena sometime in the next few years to call home.

http://www.calgarysun.com/news/alberta/2009/09/04/10745991-sun.html

Race City will cost Calgarians $3 million

Nicole Butz
News Reporter

Calgary City Council met on Monday to discuss whether or not to renew Race City’s lease on 64 hectares of city owned land in the southeast. In a vote 8-7 it was decided that Race City could keep the land for another five years and ensure that the entrance is protected when the Shepard landfill is redesigned. The lease is now extended to 2015.
The money going towards directly subsidizing this private business will total approximately $3 million and come from taxpayer’s money. Mayor Dave Bronconnier says that this could result in about a 0.35% increase in taxes.
Race City has many supporters in order to play an active role to keep street racing off Calgary roads. However, the city needs the land to build a storm water system for the landfill. The city is now planning on building a smaller storm water system off site. When the land is acquired back from Race City, at the end of their lease, there will be plans to rebuild the storm water system. This action is said to cost the city more money overall than building on the 64 hectares right away as originally planned. The process of debating whether or not to keep Race City has sparked a lot of arguments from City Council as well as street racers and taxpayers.

http://calgary.ctv.ca/servlet/an/local/CTVNews/20090929/CGY_race_city_090929/20090929/?hub=CalgaryHomecity_090929/20090929/?hub=CalgaryHome

http://www.calgaryherald.com/sports/Race+City+gets+green+light+stay+from+Calgary+City+Council/2043875/story.htmlstay+from+Calgary+City+Council/2043875/story.html

http://www.calgarysun.com/news/alberta/2009/09/29/11180106-sun.html

Eco-Friendly Twin Arena

Jordan Allatt
Opinion Reporter

In a very polite and straight forward letter to the Calgary Herald, Udo Kaufmann brings light to an issue dealing with hockey and new arenas. Kaufmann’s voice is raised to support Calgary minor hockey. For years, he and other parents have been raising funds to pay for a new eco-friendly twin arena. Some of the cities rinks are in shambles and this new arena would alleviate continual use on the older ones. This new arena is being funded completely privately. However Kaufmann hopes to receive some financial aid from the construction companies who will be responsible for the new arena, and from the Flames organization. In his mind, a small portion of this new arena’s funds must go back to the community, to help progress this nation’s pastime. If taxpayers support the Flames’ new arena, then a portion of the proceeds may find their way into building a new twin-arena for minor hockey. The taxpayers rarely find themselves worried about providing for minor athletics unless their children are participants. Should that change? Check out the link bellow to read Kaufmann’s entire letter, and maybe you will find merit in his message. http://www.calgaryherald.com/technology/Toss+money/1965139/story.html

New Arena Negativity

Kaitlin MacLeod-Rogers
Opinion Reporter

This week’s speculation surrounding a new home rink for The Calgary Flames got a lot of people talking – fans, professionals, politicians, and taxpayers alike. More specifically, people have been talking about exactly how a new arena should be funded, and who should have to foot the bill.
Carson Papke of the Sylvan Lake News voiced his opinion under the heading, “New Arenas Should Be Paid For By Owners” (link below), published Sept. 18, 2009.
http://library.mtroyal.ca:2090/pqdweb?did=1862749411&sid=1&Fmt=3&clientId=1751&RQT=309&VName=PQD
Papke argues against all taxpayer involvement with regards to construction of a new Flames arena. His article brings up several points to back up his claim, all worthy of valid consideration.
He points out that the Flames (and Edmonton Oilers, who are also going through new arena discussions) are already very profitable businesses, i.e. the province’s expected surplus is better spent on the community or businesses that are actually struggling.
He also argues that tickets at sports and entertainment events are deliberately high in order to make money. That profit is the gravy boat from which any new building should be funded, Papke states. Non-hockey fans, he argues, should not have to pay for a new arena by way of their tax dollars.
If taxpaying fans of the Flames want to support their team’s building fund, he says, all they have to do is keep buying tickets to spread the love … and money.

Importance of our Tax Dollars

Have you ever wondered what the city of Calgary spends your money on? Do you feel like the more you search for reasons in the cities spending, the more ludicrous their decisions seem. Here at MRU, we understand and sympathize with you: the average consumer. After all, you are the backbone to our city, the framework to our economy, and the lifeblood of our culture. In short, you deserve respect, and we're going to give it to you. In circumstances like these, with the recent downturn of the economy, it is especially vital for you to know to exactly where your money is going. Everyone has questions when we hear of the city planning a new project that uses taxpayer's dollars. It is normal for you to wonder if it is a good plan and a good use of money. With the status of the economy, we have to ask will a new facility, or bus route, or whatever else is being planned be of true value to a city in the midst of an economic recession. Throughout the course of the next couple of months, as a group, we will be finding all the new and upcoming projects that the city plans to spend our money on. We will also examine exactly how Calgary's municipal government chooses to spend our money in this challenging economy, and how citizens view these choices. Examples of issues that we will be looking at are the city's plan for East Village, as well as a new arena for the Calgary Flames. As a group, we will be actively searching the news for plans for our tax dollars, and summarizing the information we gather into a blog. Our money matters and it is important to know exactly where and how the city of Calgary plans to distribute our tax dollars.