Dear Brentwoodians,
Further to Melanie Swailes’s discussion of short-term rental companies elsewhere in this issue, I have to confess that I am grouchy about self-styled “tech” companies whose business model seems to be taking something that already exists (e.g. hotels, taxis, delivery services) and finding ways to avoid regulation, taxes, and worker protection in order to keep prices low and profits high. Often this is done by lobbying politicians—who are all too often out of touch with developments in technology—into believing that products or services repackaged with an app are somehow new things. One good example is the way that Calgary City Council was convinced that motor vehicles, in the form of electric scooters, should not only be permitted on sidewalks but banned from roadways. Meanwhile, human-powered bicycles are confined to roadways unless ridden by a child.
Back to School
Speaking of children riding bicycles, when this issue hits your mailbox or email inbox the children of Brentwood will be back to school. One of the great features of our community and neighbouring areas is the selection and diversity of schools available for our kids. This of course means lots of 30km/h zones and crosswalks, including the new centreline signs. I hope drivers bear in mind that come September there will be lots of kids making their way to school on foot or by bike as long as the weather permits—so please drive carefully and be patient!
New Playground
Brentwood’s schools also offer a wealth of play options for local kids in the evenings and on weekends. It is always exciting news when a new playground is planned. Long-time Brentwood resident Sara F. sent the following:
“I love Brentwood. It’s an incredible community to live and raise a family. Our humble Brentwood bungalow is where my husband and I have lived for 15 years. It’s where we started our family and continue to raise our children. We live walking distance from St. Luke School, which is where (between a few children) they’ve attended for eight years. St. Luke School has a modest playground, but my children have still spent countless hours hanging from the monkey bars and sliding down the slides. But the playground is scheduled for removal in July 2025, so the time has come to make new memories on a new play structure.”
The Brentwood Community Association has been supportive of the parents and students of École St. Luke in their quest for a new play structure.
Click here to the Brentwood Community News home page for the latest Brentwood community updates.
