The start of a new year brings with it anticipation of what lies in store for the coming twelve months. When it comes to politics and government, uncertainty and unpredictability seem to be the new normal these days. At the time of writing this column, the situation in Ottawa is chaotic, which may or may not signal an end to the minority government and a federal election in 2025. On the other hand, provincial and municipal election dates are predetermined, being October 18, 2027, and October 20, 2025, respectively.
With the municipal election on the horizon, I encourage you to become familiar with the issues that affect you and learn where the candidates for mayor, council, and school boards stand on these matters. Whether it is fiscal management, transportation, planning and development, housing, safety, or other important questions, use the upcoming campaign to seek answers from the candidates so you can make informed decisions on election day.
The BRCA is not an arm or agency of the City of Calgary. We are an independent, volunteer-run, non-profit community association that manages and operates the community hall (a City-owned facility) under a written agreement with the City. In addition to creating opportunities for residents to participate in social events, recreational programs, and educational activities, the BRCA strives to voice community concerns to the municipal government. The City designates a Neighbourhood Partnership Coordinator (NPC) to support the board and act as a liaison with various City departments and agencies. The NPC attends our board meetings and reports to us on matters that might be of interest and benefit to the community (e.g. grant opportunities, programs, and services). The board frequently asks our NPC to pass on our questions and concerns to specific parts of the city administration.
The BRCA strives to stay aware of concerns in the community and to raise them with the appropriate City officials such as the Planning, Transportation, and Parks divisions as well as the Calgary Police Service (CPS). We encourage residents to do likewise, via Calgary 3-1-1 (phone and mobile app) and the CPS non-emergency phone line at 403-268-1234.
3-1-1 provides information and initiates requests for most City services. If you have concerns about snow/ice covered sidewalks, defective street lighting, potholes, or other matters, use 3-1-1 to register your concern and request that action be taken. The City tracks 3-1-1 requests, and these statistics are factors in determining whether systemic issues exist that require greater attention and resources. You won’t always get the answer/response you are hoping for, but it is still important to make your concerns known.
The BRCA wishes you all the best in 2025 and looks forward to what the new year will bring for our community and our city.
Alex MacWilliam
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