Empowering Community Associations

Unlike the current vision to replace independent community halls with multi community, multi purpose “hubs” that fail to meet the unique needs of each community, if you elect me I will:

1. Restore Trust with the Community Associations through active listening to their needs. This has been THE biggest concern, by far. Communication is a two-way street, however from what I’ve learned in the business world and life, we earn and learn more when we listen.

2. Collaborate with community boards on local projects and initiatives. This will require a consultative approach to ensure that the board is always in the driver’s seat when it comes to matters that exist within your neighbourhood.

3. Ensure all communities in Ward 9 receive a Area Redevelopment Plan. These are critical as they provide the future boards, and the City with a road map into the future as far as future development, zoning changes, and traffic flow. ARP’s are critical to preserve the distinct characteristics of our historic Ward.

4. Work closely with Neighbourhood Partnership Coordinators and Stakeholders such as the Federation of Calgary Communities in addressing trouble spots, and communities’ associations experience low participation.

As a lifelong Calgarian, this is dear to my heart. As a child growing up in this great city, the community centres are where we conversed and shared laughs with our neighbours. Whenever a community loses its hall, they almost lose their purpose. They lose an opportunity to raise a child, help a neighbour, and build something great for everyone.

What this all stems down to is empowerment. As part of my plan, all Community Associations within Ward 9 will have the autonomy they need to resolve community related issues.

Public Safety & Social Services

For the past 3 years, Ward 9 has experienced a steady increase in crime. Since 2017 we’ve seen a spike in property crimes, crimes against persons, youth related crime, and since the global pandemic began, communities throughout our great city have seen an increase in domestic violence. Don’t believe me? Just take a stroll through some of our communities and see for yourself. Not only is there proliferation of graffiti, drugs, and prostitution, there is a growing homeless problem in our Ward, also. Although homelessness is by no means a crime, studies have shown that it can lead to more serious problems such as drugs, prostitution, human trafficking etc.

As a fundamental pillar supporting my platform, I will work closely with social service agencies, and our brave men and women in law enforcement to ensure Ward 9 is a great place for everyone to enjoy and feel safe.

The Calgary Police Service and organizations such as the Alex, Boys & Girls Clubs, the Alpha House’s Dope Team, the Greater Forest Lawn 55+ Society, and the Multicultural Seniors Society of Alberta have done a tremendous job assisting some of our most vulnerable in the community. Continuing this positive trend will require your participation and strong leadership.

Small Business

According to Industry Canada, small businesses accounted for 42 per cent of the country’s private sector GDP. With the lowest tax rates in the country, minimal government regulations, and a young workforce Alberta is known across Canada as “ground zero” for small businesses.

As Calgary transitions towards a tech-based economy, my goal will be to attract these businesses to Ward 9, whether local or relocating from another jurisdiction. This will involve working with council, who will lobby our provincial and federal governments funding in the form of grants and loans that are accessible, and collaborating with communities, BIA’s/BRZ’s, and developers to create an atmosphere that will attract talent and opportunity.

With some of the most breathtaking views, historic buildings and accessible parks, pathways, and public transportation there is no reason why Ward 9 should not be the envy of all Wards within this great city!