The overwhelming sentiment during yesterday’s debate in Council Chambers on the Sheldon Chumir supervised consumption site was clear: healthcare and addiction treatment are provincial jurisdiction. Calgary City Council refused to play games with critical healthcare issues, like supervised consumption and broader programs to address harm reduction, detox, treatment and recovery. I appreciate Councillor McLean for bringing forward his notice of motion in response to Minister Dan Williams asking Council to...
Even as the Green Line Program is winding down, there is only one taxpayer and it is my responsibility to find a way to ensure a carefully considered rail solution can be delivered to Calgarians in a timely & cost-effective manner. That’s why I reached out to the Government of Alberta again, following our September 17 meeting of Council, to try and preserve good work that has already been done....
In May 2021, the Province realized that the existing supervised consumption model in Calgary was not working & the detrimental impacts to neighbourhood residents and businesses had to be addressed. I agreed with the assessment then, and I still do. I also agreed that more treatment beds are needed and was very interested in the Province’s musings in 2022 to combine addictions treatment with supervised consumption sites and other ways...
As the City of Calgary grows, so must the infrastructure that supports the livelihoods of the people and businesses within it. Resident or visitor, if you’re in Calgary you depend on the City to provide and maintain basic services like water, waste collection, and roads or sidewalks. Calgary’s City Council and Administration hold the highest responsibility of ensuring these services are safe and reliable, from the day they begin operating...
Public safety, in and around downtown, has been an increasing concern for Calgarians. Ensuring that we take the right steps to solve the root of the issue is incredibly important by providing genuine solutions that make meaningful, long-lasting impacts. Along with increasing uniformed presence around the city, identifying community outreach services and social supports will help to sustain safety and vibrancy across our city. In 2023, I established the Downtown...