Community Blog

INTRODUCING THE ELBOW PARK BLOCK CAPTAIN PROGRAM Based on the requests of numerous residents, one of the initiatives we'd like to implement in 2020 is the introduction of a formal Block Captain program for the community. Block Captains would serve as a central hub to communicate relevant info such as safety concerns, block party notices and block initiatives.  If you're interested in being your Block Captain and helping bring your neighbours together, please read a bit more about the role.

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Calgary’s three City landfills have changed to winter hours starting in November.

• East Calgary landfill changes to a 6 day/week schedule. 
• No City landfills will be open on Sundays during the winter operating hours. 

Before you head out to the landfill, make sure to check hours and driving directions at calgary.ca/landfill. 

 

When ice and weather are suitable for skating, the doors to the Clubhouse Skating Room will be open:

Friday: Noon to 8:00 PM

Saturday: 10 am to 8:00 PM

Monday to Thursday: The Skate Room will be open upon request for groups and community members (Booking must be made by EPRA Member). Contact manager@elbowpark.com to arrange a scheduled time for Skate room to be available.  

The Ice Rinks and Pleasure rinks are available anytime that ice and weather permit. Note: Access Pleasure Rink through unlocked side gate.

The volunteers set up one full boarded rink and one partial boarded rink this year. The decision was made as a result of low volunteer turnout and to provide the opportunity to trial a different system.  It may be easier to clear snow off the ice without the side boards and this trial will help determine how we prepare our ice rinks in the future.

A new landscaper, Elite Yards, has been contracted to flood and shovel the rinks. They will start flooding in December as long as the temperatures cooperate.  

During this season, the EPRA Board will monitor the amount of days the rinks are usable.  With climate change, we are noticing that it is becoming increasingly difficult to maintain the ice.  Statistics will be kept in order to facilitate decisions about the rinks for next season.  

The EPRA Development Review Committee reviews Development Permit (DP) and Land Use Amendment (LUA) applications within the boundaries of Elbow Park. 

The City does not ask for opinions or consider opinions on “Permitted Applications” and, as such, many DP applications receive a stamp of approval without any community engagement.  These applications conform to a stricter set of rules and if the applicant meets these rules, the City approves it.  

On the other hand, the City emails “Discretionary” Applications to EPRA and gives 2 to 2 1/2 weeks to respond. In this case, the Review Committee Chairperson is responsible for organizing a community meeting at the Clubhouse, placing notices of the meeting in the mailboxes of surrounding neighbours, inviting the DP applicant and chairs the meeting in order to gather neighbour feedback and discuss options for changes with the applicant. 

Following the meeting, if warranted, an email is sent to the City Planner that outlines any concerns EPRA has regarding the DP.  Neighbour’s concerns are also highlighted on the email and neighbours are encouraged to write their own letters.

Members of the Committee must be familiar with the City Planning process and be adept at reading building plans.  There are workshops offered by the Federation of Calgary Communities that educate new members and get them up to speed.

The purpose of the Review Committee is to:  

If you are interested in hearing more about this committee, arranging to speak to one of the current members or applying for the position, please email Margo Coppus at development@elbowpark.com.

Many things just don’t belong in the blue bin.

Not only are they not blue bin recyclable, but they can cause serious safety risks for your collector, staff and equipment at the recycling facility.

There have been several major fires at the recycling sorting facility this year because of people putting dangerous items in their blue carts that they shouldn’t. Doing this endangers lives and forces the temporary closure of the facility. Think before you put something that is potentially explosive and deadly into a recycling bin.

Keep these types of items out of the blue bin:

• Batteries are the #1 cause of fires at the recycling facility. This includes batteries from laptops, cameras and AA batteries. They are filled with chemicals that when crushed or when they get wet, can easily catch fire. Recycle batteries the right way: Take your old batteries to a participating retailer for safe recycling – find a list of locations at call2recycle.ca/locator.

• Propane, butane and helium tanks cause explosions, fires and jam up the equipment.  Dispose of propane, butane and helium tanks the right way: Take your old tanks (full or empty) to a City household hazardous waste drop-off near you – find a list of locations at calgary.ca/hhw. 

• Jerry cans contain residual fuel, even if they are empty. Even just the fumes can result in an explosion or fire.  Dispose of Jerry cans the right way: Take your old jerry cans (full or empty) to a City household hazardous waste drop-off near you – find a list of locations at calgary.ca/hhw.

The new EPRA Planning Committee met for the second time and will continue to work to be a positive and proactive force in promoting high quality development and community planning in Elbow Park.

Widespread Community Engagement is necessary in order to clearly identify how Elbow Park can increase density without destroying the characteristics that are most valued by residents.

It has become clear to the Board, that this City Council intends to increase density in ALL neighbourhoods and they have no intention to listen to outright opposition by individual residents or community associations.  

The EPRA Board believes that the best approach to the densification strategies such as Secondary Suites, Back Lane Suites, Narrow Infill housing, Multifamily complexes, Subdivision and Rezoning is to take a proactive approach.  

The Planning Committee has been mandated to create a Development Plan for Elbow Park by updating the 2005 Elbow Park Charter.  The Plan will clearly identify the vision, principals and desired development outcomes for our neighbourhood.  

The Development Plan will identify what areas in the community can accommodate increased density.  In order to accomplish this, the Planning Committee will be engaging the residents in conversations such as:

• what type of secondary suite and back lane suites can fit and where?

• are there specific lots that can be designated for infill housing?

• is there any space for multifamily housing?

• what type of seniors housing can be accommodated?

• can sustainable homes have a place here?

• what recommendations do we want to give to the Province about the empty river lots?

• what type of density do we want to see on river lots?

• can we increase or improve our green spaces?

• do we have plans for replacement of our mature trees at then end of their lifespan?

• are there traffic and parking plans that can be implemented?

• how do we ensure walkability?

• is their room for childcare facility zoning?

The EPRA Board would like to engage the expertise of a Planning Firm to assist with this immense project. Funding will be required and a fundraising campaign will commence shortly.

Once the Development Plan is complete, it will be presented to Council and, if approved, will be a statutory document.  Presentation to Council needs to occur within 10 months in order to ensure the support of Councillors before the next election.  City Council agreed to assist Elbow Park with the creation of this document and it is prudent to complete the task while that is fresh in their minds.

It is in the best interest for Elbow Park to take this proactive approach and we hope that you will engage in the process.

How to get involved:

• Become an EPRA Member  

• Contribute to fund Planning Firm

• Join the Engagement Sessions

• Complete Surveys

If you have any comments or questions, please send them to president@elbowpark.com.  Any emails that are abusive in nature will not receive a response.  

For the many residents who have been in touch with EPRA asking for further information on how to oppose the final approval of the re-zone application for 313-40 Ave SW from R-C1 to R-C1N at City Council, we wanted to provide a summary of steps that will ensure our community is heard.  Background information is at the bottom of this email for further information. 

Important Deadlines: 

Send Letter Before October 15 at noon

Attend Council Meeting October 21

STEPS YOU CAN TAKE TO ENSURE THE VOICE OF THE COMMUNITY IS HEARD:  

1.  Attend the meeting at City Council on October 21 at approximately 9:30 am.  The more people that are in the room, the better the chance of being successful.

2.  Submit a letter of opposition to PublicSubmissions@calgary.ca prior to the deadline of October 15th at noon.

• It should be noted that the name, contact information and your comments will be made publicly available in the Council Agenda.
  

• Refer to "Sample Letters" below if you prefer
  

• Reference File #: LOC-2019_0096
  

• Address of Rezone: 313 40 Avenue SW

3.  Copy the letter to ALL of the Councillors as soon as you have your draft prepared and email it to councillorweb@calgary.ca and themayor@calgary.ca

4.  You may also choose to send your letter using this online form provided by the City Clerk’s office.

5.  Send a copy of the letter to president@elbowpark.com 

6.  Provide your name to president@elbowpark.com if you would like to speak at this public hearing.  Anyone in attendance at the meeting can speak if they choose. Specific people who are comfortable in this role will be assigned as our “official" speakers. The Mayor will invite people forward in favour, then in opposition and they will be provided 5 minutes address Council.  

7.  Sign the ONLINE Petition at https://www.change.org/p/petition-reject-rezone-in-elbow-park 

8.  Anyone in attendance at the meeting can speak if they choose. Specific people who are comfortable in this role will be assigned as our “official" speakers. The Mayor will invite people forward in favour, then in opposition and they will be provided 5 minutes address Council.  

SAMPLE LETTERS

__________________________________________________________

OCT ---, 2019

Your Name

Your Address 

Dear City of Calgary Councillors,

I am a concerned neighbour living in  Elbow Park, and I am opposed to the proposed rezoning of the property (LOC-2019-0096) up for Public Hearing on October 21, 2019.

I respectfully ask for no zoning change on this parcel, not because I am anti-growth, but because I am an enthusiastic supporter of smart, planned urban development. 

My most compelling reasons include:

• The Proposed Rezoning is Inconsistent with the "Low Density Housing Guidelines for Established Communities" and the "Elbow Park Community Charter”. These documents were created with City of Calgary support in order to ensure that our community would not be eroded by poor planning decisions. 
• Spot Rezoning is inappropriate for a neighbourhood that is designated RC1 (Single Family Low Density). RC1 zoning is in place for the preservation of Elbow Park historic streetscapes. Elbow Park was established as a neighbourhood in 1910 and Historical homes of over 100 years are physical links to our past. Do we want to be a City that erases the stories of our past as if people who came before us never existed? 
• Residents in Elbow Park have continuously provided the City of Calgary with clear, unwavering feedback that they do not agree to anything but RC1 designation in their neighbourhood for reasons of historical preservation.  The City of Calgary claims they are "open for input" and have a desire to "Engage in Meaningful dialogue" in order to make Informed Decisions, however, when resident's feedback is ignored, trust is eroded and conversations in order to find meaningful solutions are impossible. Will Councillors listen to the feedback we have and continue to provide?
• Elbow Park residents are not opposed to increasing density in some areas of the neighbourhood. They are not opposed to secondary suites or laneway homes that fit with the natural streetscape nor are they opposed to the concept of inclusive neighbourhoods.  They are, however, opposed to policy that completely disregards their feedback and approves applications that they have clearly indicated through public consultation that they do not agree. Councillors are elected in order represent their constants and the constituents in Elbow Park have consistently provided clear direction that they oppose any zoning other than RC-1 in Elbow Park.  
• The wishes and desires of the applicant should not supersede the research based reasons behind a zoning designation of R-C1. This designation was provided to the community of Elbow Park in order to protect it from the whims of individuals who do not understand the well thought out reasons for maintaining an R-C1 designation.  
• To allow rezoning based on a whim would set a dangerous and disrespectful precedence that would make a sham of the zoning process and allow anyone to  rezone on a whim.
• The rezone of this lot will set a disturbing precedent that will simply send a message to developers that Elbow Park is now open for demolition.
•  While this current owner has stated that he only intends on building 2 houses, and not the 3 houses that would be permitted under the re-zoning, the City is well aware that an applicants stated intentions are not a binding and therefore not a consideration in the re-zoning process. Plans can change, owners can change, circumstances can change, but the zoning remains. As such, it could be possible for this applicant to “change his mind” and build 3 houses, or sell the property and the new owner could build 3 houses”. 
• Furthermore, it needs to be remembered that the applicant is applying for a re-zoning because his stated intention of building 2 houses on the property does not meet the minimum lot width under the neighbourhoods zoning. This zoning was determined by the City as being appropriate for the neighbourhood after much consideration and public consultation. As such, this process, and decision to make Elbow Park a R-C1 neighbourhood should not  be disregarded because 1 individual, without any mitigating planning rationale, thinks he’s entitled to special treatment.

Please vote to maintain the historic nature of our community and preserve one of the oldest neighbourhoods Calgary and vote Against this application.

Regards,

Your Name

__________________________________________________

Oct —, 2019

Your Name

Your Address

Dear Councillors and Mayor,

I would like to let you know that I strongly oppose the application to rezone the lot located at 313 40 Ave SW (File LOC-2019-0096).  

This proposed zoning would allow for three (3) narrow homes to be built on a lot that used to allow for only one.  This sets a very undesirable precedent for Elbow Park as well as other inner city communities. This ultimately serves notice to developers that the protection offered by the neighbourhood's zoning is non-existent and that they can build whatever they want in Elbow Park. 

This particular lot does not have a back alley laneway and, subsequently, the 3 front drive garages will ruin the streetscape of 40th Ave.

This lot is located in the flood zone and the idea of increasing density along the floodway makes no sense.  

The depth and height of 3 Infill houses will also impact the adjoining neighbours enjoyment because of the loss of light.

We want to retain the unique character of our neighbourhood. In 2002, at the request of the City of Calgary, Elbow Park residents partnered with the City to develop the Elbow Park Community Charter. This charter was very clear in its opposition to changing our neighbourhood wide zone designation of R1. 

We request that you vote to maintain the historic nature of our community and preserve one of the oldest neighbourhoods in the City and vote Against this application.

Regards,

Your name & address

____________________________________________________________

Background Information

• The Planning Commission approved an application to rezone the property located at 313 40 Ave SW from RC1 to R-C1N (Narrow lots) 
• The Final Approval for this application will be made by City Council at a Public Hearing to be held on October 21 at approximately 9:30 am
• Many Elbow Park residents are opposed to the rezoning of this lot for the following reasons.
• • RC1N (Narrow) allows for 25 foot wide “Narrow" houses (In-Fills) to be built on the property.  There are currently NO 25 foot lots in Elbow Park. 
  • The main concern about “re-zoning” this lot is the PRECEDENT it sets. Once the City Planning department sees that there has been RC1N zoning approved in our community, they will feel that it is reasonable to approve any requests to rezone lots in the future.  The precedent will be set and as time progresses, more and more Narrow homes will be built using our current 50 and 75 foot lots.  
  • Once more and more Narrow homes are built, the streetscape will change drastically.
  • Some people argue that we need to increase density in ALL neighbourhoods in Calgary.  Others argue that some historical neighbourhoods should be protected in order to share 100 year history with future generations. 
  • Many other Cities protect specific historical neighbourhoods as other areas around the protected area increase in density.  
  • Many homeowners in Elbow Park choose, at an extra cost to themselves, to preserve the heritage home they have purchased. Instead of tearing it down, they painstakingly renovate it. Why?
  • • The front porch is maintained.
    • The space between their neighbour remains unchanged.
    • The heritage home and the history of the person that built it is preserved for future generations.
    • The Streetscape is preserved.
    • The trees in the front and back yard are protected.
    • The “feel” of Elbow Park is maintained.
• In 2003, EPRA worked with the City to develop the “Elbow Park Community Charter”. The Charter reflects the characteristics, valued attributes and developmental design elements that contribute to maintaining the unique character and integrity of Elbow park.  
• Although hours were spent by volunteers and City employees working together, the "Elbow Park Community Charter” is ignored by the City planning department.
• Another document, entitled, "Low Density Housing Guidelines for Established Communities" reiterates maintaining RC1 in inner City communities, however, it is also ignored by the Planning department.

City of Calgary News

Main Streets Update – May 2019

The City of Calgary is planning the future of Calgary’s Main Streets. Currently the City is working on Main Streets throughout the city and is hosting open houses to share project details, answer questions and collect our input.

For more information on Main Streets, please visit
www.calgary.ca/mainstreets

Project Updates
33/34 Avenue S.W. (Marda Loop) is one Main Street project that effects Elbow Park, as 14st S.W. is the border between Marda Loop and Elbow Park.

In 2018, residents provided detailed feedback at public open houses and on-line engagement. These comments were considered when refining the proposed framework to meet Marda Loop’s growth potential. The framework will provide opportunity for new forms of housing and commercial space to benefit businesses in the neighbourhood. For more information, please follow the link

http://bit.ly/ProjectUpdateMardaElbow

These proposed changes will be presented at the Council Public Hearing on

Monday May 27, 2019 at 9:00am
Council Chambers
Municipal Building (800 Macleod Trail SE)

The 33/34 S.W. Streetscape Master Plan (1) was presented to the Standing Policy Committee on Planning & Urban Development (2) on May1 and will be put forward to Council on May 27 for final consent.

(1) https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/hdp.au.prod.app.cgy-engage.files/6415/5784/0574/FINAL_33rd_and_34th_Avenues_SW_Marda_Loop_Streetscape_Master_Plan.pdf

(2) https://pub-calgary.escribemeetings.com/Meeting.aspx?Id=e7725f26-9d36-4ce0-a50d-df5ecfe37ebc&Agenda=PostMinutes&lang=English&Item=20

https://pub-calgary.escribemeetings.com/Meeting.aspx?Id=e7725f26-9d36-4ce0-a50d-df5ecfe37ebc&Agenda=PostMinutes&lang=English&Item=20

A group of residents who know each other through their dogs exercising in our Park, organized an“open to all” event that was held at the Clubhouse on May 9.  The potluck and BYOB party was a fun event with lots of good food and good cheer. Some of the attendee's nametags included the dog’s names, usually with the dog’s name first and in bold.  This was a great opportunity for this group of neighbours to gather together to visit with each other without the distraction of their dogs. If your group wants to plan a similar event please contact Lana at events@elbowpark.com.