by Alex MacWilliam
More proof that we live in a fabulous neighbourhood came from two happy announcements last month. Our wonderful Flyover Park received the Alberta Recreation and Parks Association Parks Excellence Award for 2021. This award recognizes achievements and innovative ideas in parks and open spaces. A few days later, Air Canada’s enRoute Magazine awarded JinBar with inclusion in its “Canada’s Best New Restaurants” in the Best Bar Dining category. JinBar was praised by the judges for its “lively cocktail-leaning embodiment of effervescent personality” and its “bold Korean flavours”. It’s great to see that those outside Bridgeland-Riverside are learning what we already know; namely, that this is a great place to live, work, play, and eat.
We also know that our neighbourhood is not without its challenges, which we share with other communities in Calgary. In mid-November, I had a very informative meeting with the Calgary Police Service Inspector responsible for District 3 (the police district that includes Bridgeland-Riverside). We discussed a number of issues and concerns that have been raised by residents with our Board and on the Bridgeland Eyes on the Street Facebook page. Inspector Wozney was frank and open in acknowledging the challenges we face from rising incidents of social disorder and was very committed to maintaining an ongoing dialogue with our community.
With that in mind, the BRCA is seeking input from residents who might be interested in getting involved with addressing safety matters on behalf of the community. Such a group could serve as a conduit for disseminating information on safety issues and focusing resident concerns to present to CPS and elected officials. If this might be of interest to you, please contact [email protected].
On behalf of the BRCA Board of Directors, I wish you all a happy and safe holiday season. Take time to enjoy the company of family and friends and to reach out to those in our community who might be struggling during these difficult times.
