The BCA Development and Transportation Committee (DTC) represents Brentwood on any planning or redevelopment proposals in our community. The City of Calgary considers CAs to be “directly affected” by community planning items and we are therefore entitled to have notice from, and to be heard by, decision makers.
This means that we receive Planning applications such as Development Permits (DPs) so that our community voice can be reflected in decisions. To do so, we collect feedback from residents or affected parties, and communicate with file managers, the City of Calgary, and Councillors who will be making decisions. If they don’t hear from us, they assume that we are either not interested or that we agree with whatever is being proposed. By submitting our feedback, we ensure that Councillors and City administration know what is important to us in our community; it also lets them know that we want to be involved in decisions that affect us
We rely on many volunteers to achieve those goals. We could use your help.
We try to provide residents with information about redevelopment in Brentwood, as well as an understanding of how to participate in the Planning process. Unfortunately, most people don’t get involved with City Planning matters until it impacts them directly. Once a new DP application is posted next to you, it doesn’t leave you with much time to learn or respond within a week or two. That’s why DTC members are actively working on a new website which will provide Planning background information, links and websites for further learning or research, and updates on applications that we have received.
Why get involved? For starters, to meet and feel connections within your community. If you don’t know much about Development Permits (DPs) or City Bylaws, neither did most of us before becoming part of the Development and Transportation Committee (DTC). There are all kinds of ways to learn, there are other committee members who have experience to share, plus we need a variety of skills. Bring your talents into the group. The DTC meets on the first Monday of every month in the BCA Boardroom. If you’d like to join a meeting or for further information, please contact the BCA at [email protected] or at 403-284-3477.
Regarding the Bugle, many of you have told me that you do always read the DTC articles, so I may continue to write articles if there is interest. I’d like to hear some suggestions from you as to which topics might interest you. What questions do you have about development? What topics would you like to see addressed? Thanks for your interest.
Melanie Swailes
On behalf of the Development and Transportation Committee
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