Mayor Naheed Nenshi spoke at an open forum in front of a friendly but focused crowd at the Unitarian Church of Calgary this afternoon. He arrived without fanfare, and precisely on time, wasted very little time getting organized. He was casually dressed, in blue jeans, a white shirt and brown sports coat. Mr. Nenshi promptly and unceremoniously sat himself down right on stage steps in front of the crowd of a couple of hundred to adjust his microphone before getting up to speak. He was composed and relaxed, and spoke without pretense. Many times he had the crowd laughing with his quick wit and delightful sense of humour which he called upon frequently to lighten up the occasion. I was able to capture some candid photos during the final moments before his departure.
Mayor Naheed Nenshi anwering serious questions from concerned citizens – Barry Wilkinson looks on
His presentation, “Looking at Calgary’s Past and Visioning Calgary’s Future” was relevant and informative, followed by a question and answer period. This transcription of the event is intended as reference and is not written verbatim, but to the best of my ability, I tried to capture the proceedings in his own words.
The Presentation
How cities and communities work, Calgary’s physical growth utilizing map references from the Saturdays Calgary Herald newspaper. New communities are being built on the outskirts. Starter homes under 400K. The City of Calgary has been working with developers building communities for different income levels rather than working towards the integration and creation of diverse communities within the communities we already have.
Observations of Calgary in Naheed-time
Population of Calgary in 1994 – 738,000
Population of Calgary today 1,182,500
This rapid growth has caused increase congestion and there has not been enough infrastructure upgrades to keep up with this growth. For example, Calgary has increased C-trains from 31 to 37 during this period.
East village has gone nowhere in spite of years of promises.
Homeless has increased from 450 in ’94 to an astounding 4060 in 2008.
Calgary’s image is changing from that of a Big small-city to small big-city.
When we look at the larger centres like Los Angeles, California, and Curitiba, Brazil, 85% and 75% of the populations respectively, utilize public transit whereas our numbers are dismal.
Larry Leach banters with Mayor Naheed Nenshi
The Evolution of Calgary
Ethnicity maps show non-whites are congregating in the NE. Especially Coral Springs in ’96. In 2006 ethnicities have increased numbers throughout the city but are still far more concentrated in the NE. There is a practice of real estate agents to REDLINE which is steering clients to a particular area based on names or ethnicity. This causes a high risk of “ghettoization”, and the practice has been confirmed using bait buyers.
Children were evenly distributed across the city in 1996. Now, it is the outlying areas of the city which have more young families. Kids are not where the schools are, and so services are replicated which is very costly. The city will be building new recreation centers. Some of this is politically motivated.
Seniors over 65 in 2001 were centrally located, and now they are moving outward. Based on income levels in 2006, the high income areas are moving into the city centre, where the average household income now averages over 800K.
Crimes against people are scattered evenly around the city regardless of income. Mayor Nenshi suggests diversity in neighborhoods is a key building block for health communities.
We are connected to our communities. Whether social, cultural or physical, these communities are mixed, safe and just. They welcome meaningful participation from everyone, and people move freely between them
Some time ago his volunteers took a poll asking “Why did you choose where you live?”
Young people liked certain vibes, diverse, intersections of the world, neighborhoods that do not threaten their identity, where they want to engage in new experiences, forcing re-examination of self, and help foster innovation. Immigrant and ethnic presence are welcomed, as are the basic simple needs identified for survival such as safety, schools, and amenities.
ACHIEVING A GREAT CITY
How do we do it?
Fight urban sprawl
Create a new transportation strategy
Improve human potential and social inclusion maximizing the benefits of immigration tuning up the economic development fostering creativity and culture Building great universities increasing civic engagement
The challenge is to engage young people to become involved in the problem solving process.
RECREATIONAL FACULITIES – Within the city are not keeping pace to the demand. Mayor Nenshi wants to ensure that we all take an active role in invest in our communities.
Then he gave us our homework!
Mayor Nenshi challenged those present , starting today and within the next few days, encourage others to become involved at a higher level in their communities and democratic processes at all levels. Create opportunities to share, and notify his office. Some of the stories will be featured over the next several months.
QUESTION AND ANSWER PERIOD FOLLOWING THE PRESENTATION
Question: Calgary Centre for Global communities speaker giving thanks for all the good work he has doen for the city to date.
Response: He does what he can but it requires the input from everyone.
Question: Larry Leach thanked Mayor Nenshi for walking the walk.
Answer: The city has not been doing a good job of representing the citizens preferring political maneuvering. Even when consensus is given they have not been implementing good ideas because there has been no accountability or perspective. Mayor Nenshi encourages citizens to keep communications open to politicians.
Queston: There are discriminatory practices in professional fields not being allowed to work in their professions.
Answer: This is a complete waste of human potential. Don’t blame federal, provincial or civic bodies. We all need to step up and voice these types of concerns to raise awareness.
Question: Developers are giving people what there is a demand for.
Answer: I am a big proponent of choice, that being said, in the case of making choices, there needs to be regulation to ensure that neighborhoods offer free market choices and not limit available options. Also making choices based on the best information available and not what is just presented.
Question: Will a living wage come up as a possibility?
Answer: Living wage net impact policy was a bad policy. I wasn’t satisfied with the analysis that was presented. Non profits were telling me that if the policy was implemented, they could no longer afford to hire.
Question: Increasing police presence, including cameras, why is it happening? The asker feels that people are unhappy about this. It appears to be an effort to control people economically rather than by necessity.
Answer: The statement is too harsh. The police are the largest single department. We may feel like a police state but we are very far from it. Calgary is a safe city categorically. We need to ensure that communities are safe by design. The Calgary Police are an important part of it. We are blessed with an outstanding police force with many challenges. The police are trained to deal with many types of people, and they need to ensure that they are helping the community to live better lives. Perception is reality, so it’s important to ensure that the streets are kept safe. Recent changes have made an enormous difference. Nenshi feels that the police department was very cooperative in providing reduced budget on request of city council.
Question: Housing Choices; Bernie Amell; Feels that there is not enough choices available to the consumer, young families etc. In particular single family homes are about the only option available to them. Wants to know why the city isn’t doing more to encourage more cooperative alternatives by providing financial assistance and options.
Answer: It is hard for the city to look outside of the box, sometimes taking up to 7 years to get a new idea put through. Your proposal is news to me and I would like to hear more. Please send me more information so I can have a look at it.
Question: With respect to the C-train, Why aren’t there more buses running to the C-train stations as it is very difficult to commute
Answer: Starting March there will be significantly improved service on a number of routes. The city is trying to build up express buses. They are looking a lot at this, including express busses to the airport. This is an important area to him and they should notify 311 and let them know specific areas of concern.
Question: I share the walkable communities vision but how will it work for central and new developments. How about the older communities?
Answer: There is a donut around the city as the city grew outward. Changes require mind shift changes by the people living in those areas. In 2005 more than 80% of neighborhoods lost populations. Older communities have opportunities now for younger families but they need to be reasonably cost effective. We need to look at reworking our existing communities and in particular the legalization of secondary suites. The stature of community associations is unique in Calgary, but there is some powerful associations which do not reflect the residents. Make sure that you check this out by attending meetings and participating.
Question: Rumor has it that credit cards are coming but what about debit cards? What are they doing to attract more C-train riders?
Answer: Yes, there are plans to increase availability to more riders by offering more payment options, In addition, increased service, improving the experience, investment in signage and fair payment options. Planning for mid 2011, we intend to have electronic signs at bus stops to notify when the next bus is coming. These signs are GPS equipped. There is smart card technology coming as well. He is unsure if the new ticket machines will give change.
Question: Do you see Calgary playing a larger role on the world scene?
Answer: I am focused on making Calgary a better place for Calgarians, and if the end result is that we will make a difference on a global level and that would be great. Calgary is a good example of how positive change can and does make a huge difference. Let Calgary serve as a model to the world so we can all learn from each other.
Mayor Nenshi then thanked everyone for attending a and did not rush off, allowing people to question him personally, shake his hand and even sign autographs, for as long as was required. What a refreshing change this is and certainly a first in my recollection, for any politician!
While selling real estate is what I do, it is not who I am. I enjoy participating in local events, networking and the like. I consider Calgary to be my city. If you would like me to help make it yours, why not give me a call?
Susan Ferner – Heather MacIntosh – Sarah Arthurs Calgary Centre North Green Party of Canada Candidate
Last night I attended a Green Party “Meet the Candidate” event held at the common room of the Prairie Sky Co-Housing Project in northeast Calgary. Heather is a person of integrity who is passionate about her work and highly intelligent. She has dedicated much of her time working to create a better world.
Heather lives in Collingwood and has been has been a resident of Calgary since 2001. She has a BA in political science and French from University of Alberta and a Master of Public Administration from Carleton University.
Heather is the Program Director; Democratic Development and Human Rights at the Sheldon Chumir Foundation for Ethics in Leadership, a small, private non-profit organization. In this role, she serves on the Democracy Task Force with Public Interest Alberta. She researches and writes about democratic integrity, compulsory voting, women in politics, and alternative democratic models like proportional representation.
Her human rights focus includes forced marriage, temporary foreign workers, and free speech/hate speech. She also holds a special interest in creating a more transparent government which is accountable to their constituents. She would like to see more responsible administration of the oil sands development based on facts rather than emotion. Other highlights of the discussion were focused on job creation and pollution/renewable energy incentives for business, proportional representation, and water conservation.
In 2008, Heather travelled to Bolivia through Centre d’étude et de coopération internationale (CECI) for a one year stint. While in South America with her family, she worked with several fair trade networks and was an international election observer. Before that, she worked at the University of Calgary’s International Centre for five years in project development.
Being somewhat of an entrepreneur, she also ran her own part-time consulting business with such clients as the Food Aid Centre at the Canadian International Development Agency, World Vision Canada, several universities and Agriteam Canada Consulting. Heather previously lived and worked in Southern Africa, and speaks French and Spanish.
Heather is proud of her small-town roots which nurtured her commitment to community and volunteering. She was born and raised in Barrhead, Alberta.
Her current volunteer involvement includes Amnesty International (since 1987), Triwood Community Association, NW Ringett, and Calgary Youth Singers. She enjoys her book club and Flamenco dancing, and is a strong proponent of fair trade.
Heather MacIntosh is the nominated candidate for the Green Party in the riding of Calgary Centre-North. She and her husband have two daughters in junior high, a dog and a hamster.
With the recent resignation of Conservative Environment Minister Jim Prentice, in order to pursue a plum position with the CIBC, it creates a rare vacancy in the Alberta Cabinet.
With a by-election not yet announced to fill this precious position, Heather is already gearing up. She feels that if the Green Party of Canada is able to garner even one seat, she can give voice to previously ignored constituents who are concerned about the long term, sustainable development of our resources which will benefit future generations for years to come. Calgary Centre North has a chance at having the first seat to go Green in Canadian history!
The Calgary Real Estate Board revealed it’s new logo at the Calgary Regional Housing Market Forecast Breakfast and Tradeshow, held at the BMO Centre and Stampede Park yesterday and attended by approximately 1250 of the cities roughly 5000 licensed REALTORS.
Additionally they announced a new format for the Calgary Real Estate News (CREN), which will now be known as creb real estate news, which also has a new newspaper format to coincide with the look and feel of the Calgary Herald. The creb real estate news is published by creb media services and will be inserted into the Saturdays Herald which will provide additional readership and value added services to CREB members.
They also announced the opening of a new website – www.liveincalgary.com an initiative by Calgary Economic Development. The website will be a major source of information for anyone living in or contemplating a move to Calgary.
Here are some of the highlights of the Calgary Real Estate Board’s trade show.
Diane Hunter & Carry Demoline Unicom Graphicsa trusted supplier for many North American businesses and organizations, both large and small.
Jeff is sponsoring the 1st Annual “Kahane Law Office Amazing Race” for Real Estate and Mortgage Professionals. Register now, and don’t forget to mention you heard it from me!
Mayor Nenshi Calgary – Meets the Public – Mike Leibel
Mayor Naheed Nenshi spoke at an open forum in front of a friendly but focused crowd at the Unitarian Church of Calgary this afternoon. He arrived without fanfare, and precisely on time, wasted very little time getting organized. He was casually dressed, in blue jeans, a white shirt and brown sports coat. Mr. Nenshi promptly and unceremoniously sat himself down right on stage steps in front of the crowd of a couple of hundred to adjust his microphone before getting up to speak. He was composed and relaxed, and spoke without pretense. Many times he had the crowd laughing with his quick wit and delightful sense of humour which he called upon frequently to lighten up the occasion. I was able to capture some candid photos during the final moments before his departure.
Mayor Naheed Nenshi anwering serious questions from concerned citizens – Barry Wilkinson looks on
His presentation, “Looking at Calgary’s Past and Visioning Calgary’s Future” was relevant and informative, followed by a question and answer period. This transcription of the event is intended as reference and is not written verbatim, but to the best of my ability, I tried to capture the proceedings in his own words.
The Presentation
How cities and communities work, Calgary’s physical growth utilizing map references from the Saturdays Calgary Herald newspaper. New communities are being built on the outskirts. Starter homes under 400K. The City of Calgary has been working with developers building communities for different income levels rather than working towards the integration and creation of diverse communities within the communities we already have.
Observations of Calgary in Naheed-time
Larry Leach banters with Mayor Naheed Nenshi
The Evolution of Calgary
Ethnicity maps show non-whites are congregating in the NE. Especially Coral Springs in ’96. In 2006 ethnicities have increased numbers throughout the city but are still far more concentrated in the NE. There is a practice of real estate agents to REDLINE which is steering clients to a particular area based on names or ethnicity. This causes a high risk of “ghettoization”, and the practice has been confirmed using bait buyers.
Children were evenly distributed across the city in 1996. Now, it is the outlying areas of the city which have more young families. Kids are not where the schools are, and so services are replicated which is very costly. The city will be building new recreation centers. Some of this is politically motivated.
Seniors over 65 in 2001 were centrally located, and now they are moving outward. Based on income levels in 2006, the high income areas are moving into the city centre, where the average household income now averages over 800K.
Crimes against people are scattered evenly around the city regardless of income. Mayor Nenshi suggests diversity in neighborhoods is a key building block for health communities.
We are connected to our communities. Whether social, cultural or physical, these communities are mixed, safe and just. They welcome meaningful participation from everyone, and people move freely between them
Some time ago his volunteers took a poll asking “Why did you choose where you live?”
Young people liked certain vibes, diverse, intersections of the world, neighborhoods that do not threaten their identity, where they want to engage in new experiences, forcing re-examination of self, and help foster innovation. Immigrant and ethnic presence are welcomed, as are the basic simple needs identified for survival such as safety, schools, and amenities.
ACHIEVING A GREAT CITY
How do we do it?
The challenge is to engage young people to become involved in the problem solving process.
RECREATIONAL FACULITIES – Within the city are not keeping pace to the demand. Mayor Nenshi wants to ensure that we all take an active role in invest in our communities.
Then he gave us our homework!
Mayor Nenshi challenged those present , starting today and within the next few days, encourage others to become involved at a higher level in their communities and democratic processes at all levels. Create opportunities to share, and notify his office. Some of the stories will be featured over the next several months.
QUESTION AND ANSWER PERIOD FOLLOWING THE PRESENTATION
Question: Calgary Centre for Global communities speaker giving thanks for all the good work he has doen for the city to date.
Response: He does what he can but it requires the input from everyone.
______________________________________________________________________
Question: Larry Leach thanked Mayor Nenshi for walking the walk.
Answer: The city has not been doing a good job of representing the citizens preferring political maneuvering. Even when consensus is given they have not been implementing good ideas because there has been no accountability or perspective. Mayor Nenshi encourages citizens to keep communications open to politicians.
______________________________________________________________________
Queston: There are discriminatory practices in professional fields not being allowed to work in their professions.
Answer: This is a complete waste of human potential. Don’t blame federal, provincial or civic bodies. We all need to step up and voice these types of concerns to raise awareness.
______________________________________________________________________
Question: Developers are giving people what there is a demand for.
Answer: I am a big proponent of choice, that being said, in the case of making choices, there needs to be regulation to ensure that neighborhoods offer free market choices and not limit available options. Also making choices based on the best information available and not what is just presented.
______________________________________________________________________
Question: Will a living wage come up as a possibility?
Answer: Living wage net impact policy was a bad policy. I wasn’t satisfied with the analysis that was presented. Non profits were telling me that if the policy was implemented, they could no longer afford to hire.
______________________________________________________________________
Question: Increasing police presence, including cameras, why is it happening? The asker feels that people are unhappy about this. It appears to be an effort to control people economically rather than by necessity.
Answer: The statement is too harsh. The police are the largest single department. We may feel like a police state but we are very far from it. Calgary is a safe city categorically. We need to ensure that communities are safe by design. The Calgary Police are an important part of it. We are blessed with an outstanding police force with many challenges. The police are trained to deal with many types of people, and they need to ensure that they are helping the community to live better lives. Perception is reality, so it’s important to ensure that the streets are kept safe. Recent changes have made an enormous difference. Nenshi feels that the police department was very cooperative in providing reduced budget on request of city council.
______________________________________________________________________
Question: Housing Choices; Bernie Amell; Feels that there is not enough choices available to the consumer, young families etc. In particular single family homes are about the only option available to them. Wants to know why the city isn’t doing more to encourage more cooperative alternatives by providing financial assistance and options.
Answer: It is hard for the city to look outside of the box, sometimes taking up to 7 years to get a new idea put through. Your proposal is news to me and I would like to hear more. Please send me more information so I can have a look at it.
______________________________________________________________________
Question: With respect to the C-train, Why aren’t there more buses running to the C-train stations as it is very difficult to commute
Answer: Starting March there will be significantly improved service on a number of routes. The city is trying to build up express buses. They are looking a lot at this, including express busses to the airport. This is an important area to him and they should notify 311 and let them know specific areas of concern.
______________________________________________________________________
Question: I share the walkable communities vision but how will it work for central and new developments. How about the older communities?
Answer: There is a donut around the city as the city grew outward. Changes require mind shift changes by the people living in those areas. In 2005 more than 80% of neighborhoods lost populations. Older communities have opportunities now for younger families but they need to be reasonably cost effective. We need to look at reworking our existing communities and in particular the legalization of secondary suites. The stature of community associations is unique in Calgary, but there is some powerful associations which do not reflect the residents. Make sure that you check this out by attending meetings and participating.
______________________________________________________________________
Question: Rumor has it that credit cards are coming but what about debit cards? What are they doing to attract more C-train riders?
Answer: Yes, there are plans to increase availability to more riders by offering more payment options, In addition, increased service, improving the experience, investment in signage and fair payment options. Planning for mid 2011, we intend to have electronic signs at bus stops to notify when the next bus is coming. These signs are GPS equipped. There is smart card technology coming as well. He is unsure if the new ticket machines will give change.
______________________________________________________________________
Question: Do you see Calgary playing a larger role on the world scene?
Answer: I am focused on making Calgary a better place for Calgarians, and if the end result is that we will make a difference on a global level and that would be great. Calgary is a good example of how positive change can and does make a huge difference. Let Calgary serve as a model to the world so we can all learn from each other.
Mayor Nenshi then thanked everyone for attending a and did not rush off, allowing people to question him personally, shake his hand and even sign autographs, for as long as was required. What a refreshing change this is and certainly a first in my recollection, for any politician!
While selling real estate is what I do, it is not who I am. I enjoy participating in local events, networking and the like. I consider Calgary to be my city. If you would like me to help make it yours, why not give me a call?
Mike Leibel - 403-204-1111