HOUNSFIELD BRIAR - MY CALGARY
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January 2021 DELIVERED MONTHLY TO 1,900 HOUSEHOLDS
hOUNSFIELD BRIAR
your
A quiet central residential community with friendly neighbours connected through active public spaces
To stay up to date on community
happenings, please like us at
www.facebook.com/hhbhca and
follow us on Twitter @hhbhca
The Official HOUNSFIELD HEIGHTS-BRIAR HILL Community Newsletter | www.hh-bh.ca
Cambridge
Manor
Now
Open Book A Private
Show Suite Viewing
The health and wellness
Welcome Home To Cambridge Manor of our people and our
Renowned for award- winning care, The Brenda Strafford Foundation is proud to community is always
open Calgary’s newest seniors’ wellness community in the University District. Enjoy our top priority – tours
a rich and full life with the comfort and security of a true aging-in-place experience, are available in a limited
from independent and assisted living, to enhanced care and memory care.
capacity for Private Choice
MOVE-IN AVAILABLE NOW - SECURE YOUR DEPOSIT & SUITE SELECTION residents with important
Cambridge Manor | University District
403-536-8675 health and safety
cambridge@theBSF.ca precautions in place.
Visit us online at: CambridgeManor.ca | theBSF.ca
Disclaimer: The opinions expressed within any published article,
report or submission reflect those of the author and should not be
Hounsfield Heights-Briar
considered to reflect those of Great News Media and the Houn-
sfield Heights-Briar Hill Community and/or Residents’ Association.
The information contained in this newsletter is believed to be ac-
Hill History Book
curate but is not warranted to be so.
Great News Media and the Hounsfield Heights-Briar Hill Com- A beautiful book about
munity and/or Residents’ Association does not endorse any our neighborhood is
person or persons advertising in this newsletter. Publication of
any advertisements should not be considered an endorsement available to purchase for
of any goods or services. $40.00 from the admin
office at the gym. Please
contact admin@hh-bh.ca
to make arrangements.
You can also call 403-282-
6634.
The book contains photos
and stories written by the
families that first moved into the area in the early-’50s.
Their stories of building homes, starting the school, and
2020/21 Registration Open Now establishing this vibrant community are worth the read.
Visit hhbhcaplayschool.com A big thank-you to Mary Stapleton and her group of vol-
to learn more and to register online unteers for taking on the task of putting this together.
president’s MESSAGE the immigrant education society
Happy New Year to the residents of the Hounsfield healthy minds
Heights Briar Hill Community Association. While we
were all sheltered in place and social distancing to deal
with COVID-19, I trust, and I hope everyone found a way
to celebrate the holiday times with friends and family in Free Workshops
an active, festive, socially pleasant, and supportive way. for Albertans
January, more than any time of the year, our loved ones Available Professional
need our support, especially with winter snow, cold Sessions with Our
temperatures, and icy conditions keeping us indoors. Registered Counsellors
Make a phone call, host a Zoom meeting, go for a walk,
be a Snow Angel, or help clear a walkway for seniors and
those with accessibility challenges. The COVID-19 pandemic has caused massive layoffs,
forced isolation, and tremendous financial, physical,
While we are disheartened by the vulnerable popula- and mental health stress in our community. To address
tion which must endure the outdoors, please share these challenges, The Immigrant Education Society
extra pieces of warm clothing, boots, socks, new under- (TIES) is offering a comprehensive selection of FREE,
wear, feminine products, etc. with the thrift store or ONLINE workshops for Albertans.
shelter of your choice. Donate to the food bank. The
For Individual Growth:
economy, unemployment rate, pandemic, and hardship
• Chronic Stress and Painful Emotions: Self-Help Toolbox
on local businesses is not something that can be fixed
• Dealing with Isolation
overnight, but this is something that we can help the
• Coping with Stress and Anxiety
unfortunate with.
• Healthy Thinking Habits
Finally, we may know someone who has been in the • Physical Literacy
hospital, seniors care, or hospice in 2020, and they may • Building mental health resilience
still be receiving care. Please give your heart, and if you For Improving Relationships:
can a prayer, to those recovering, and their families. A • How to Get Better at Communicating
random act of support goes a long way towards healing • Verbal Crisis De-escalation
and recovery. The HH-BH Board of Directors especially • Collaborative Problem Solving
asks you to support one of our longest standing Board • Balanced Boundaries: First Step to Self-care
Directors on their journey of treatment and care. • Building Healthy Relationships
• Dealing with Stigma and Discrimination
Peace be with you all and let’s go forth and make 2021
a great year! We are also happy to design workshops according to
the needs of your client or staff group. All workshops
are available in English. Some are also available in Chi-
nese (Mandarian), Russian, and Ukrainian, contact us for
more information.
A training certificate will be available at the completion
of each one or series of workshops.
FREE Workshops Available
2020, 12th ave nw Call: 587-393-3414 or Email:
403-282-0555
freehousedance.com InnaPiskunova@immigrant-education.ca
Program funded by: City of Calgary, Family and Commu-
In person • onlIne • prIvate lessons
nity Support Services
H O U N S F I E L D H E I G H T S - B R I A R H I L L I j a n u a r y 2021 3
Community Programs
Drop-in Programs
Badminton
Tuesday and Thursday
9:00 am to 12:00 pm
News from the Pickleball
Friends of Nose Hill
Friday
1:00 to 3:30 pm
by Anne Burke Adult $50.00 for 10-visit pass
Seniors (55+) $40.00 for 10-visit pass
Would you support a bylaw that prohibits feeding and/
Youth/Student $4.00 for 10-visit pass
or teasing wildlife on private property?
http://www.hh-bh.ca.
It is prohibited to feed or tease wildlife in Calgary Parks.
There are no bylaws against doing this on private prop-
erty. “Teasing” means to annoy the animals by irritating
them or causing them harm. It also means to disturb
them by interfering with their normal function or caus-
ing the animals anxiety. If such a bylaw is passed, there
may be some exceptions. safe & sound
1. Feeding birds benefits them since food sources can
be scarce in colder months. It brings joy to people.
Kitchen Safety Tips
Cooking is the number
Feeding squirrels should also be exempt, with use of
one cause of home fires in
proper feeders.
Alberta. Cooking oil and
2. There should not be exceptions to the bylaw due to
fat fires account for a large
concerns for the welfare of wildlife when they rely on
proportion of these fires.
humans for food. It jeopardizes the animal’s life and
Be extra careful when cook-
wellbeing, with the potential to draw more danger-
ing. The best way to fry
ous wildlife to residential areas.
foods is to use an electric,
3. Allow property owners to feed wildlife for rescue pur-
temperature-controlled
poses. Sometimes interventions are required to res-
skillet or a deep fat fryer.
cue animals in distress on private property. It should
involve wildlife officials or rescue organizations. • Stay in the kitchen when cooking on the stovetop.
4. Having different rules and consequences in the bylaw • Turn all pot handles inward and out of reach of chil-
means that teasing can be animal cruelty. Behaviours, dren.
such as “shooing” an animal off the property, should • Keep curtains and loose clothing away from the stove.
not be considered teasing. • Use a burner that fits the pot and keep covers handy
to extinguish fires.
The City is exploring a voluntary dog “early warning”
• Use thermostatically controlled deep fat fryers for
system (DEWS), in on-leash areas and off-leash parks. A
heating cooking oils.
bandana colour program uses one (or more) of the co-
• Never pour water on a grease or oil fire, put a lid on it in-
lours of traffic lights. It is intended to give owners the
stead. This smothers the fire and keeps it from spreading.
opportunity to indicate to others how (or if ) their dogs
• Use baking soda on shallow grease fires and never turn
should be approached.
on the overhead fan, as this could spread the fire.
The Responsible Pet Ownership Bylaw: Phase 2 is at www. • If a fire occurs inside your oven or microwave, imme-
calgary.ca/petbylaw. Public input will help the City make diately shut off the appliance, close the door and keep
recommendations to Council, in spring/summer 2021. it closed.
4 j a n u a r y 2021 I Call 403-720-0762 for advertising opportunitiesWinter Fun in any Weather
Winter in Calgary is the perfect time to bundle up and throughout the city you
explore the great outdoors. It might be chilly, and it can access for free. City of
might be warm, but there are so many things to see and Calgary Parks like Shaga-
do in the winter months. From skiing and snowboard- nappi Point Golf Course,
ing, to dogsledding and hot springs, outdoor winter South Glenmore Park, and
adventures are ready and waiting for you in and around Bowness Park are track set
Calgary. and ready for your next cross-
country skiing adventure.
Please verify the status of all activities, learn How to
Visit Calgary Safely During COVID-19, and refer to our Ice skate on an outdoor rink
COVID-19 Traveller Update for more information. One of the best winter activities in Calgary is outdoor
skating. The City of Calgary floods and maintains seven
Go downhill skiing and snowboarding outdoor public skating rinks throughout the city. Bow-
You can ski and snowboard right in Calgary. WinSport, ness Park Lagoon and Olympic Plaza offer skate rent-
home of the 1988 Winter Olympic, offers lift tickets and als on site, along with helmets, skating aids, and skate
Winter Hill Passes for skiing and snowboarding all win- sharpening. The University of Calgary Outdoor Centre
ter long. Or take a day trip to the Canadian Rockies and also offers skate rentals for beginner and experienced
experience Sunshine Village, Mount Norquay Ski Resort, skaters.
or Lake Louise Ski Resort, with world class runs for skiers
and snowboarders of all abilities and skill levels. Castle Outdoor skating rinks in Calgary are typically open
Mountain Resort, south of Calgary in the Pincher Creek from mid to late December through February. Olympic
area, is another great place to find powder conditions Plaza is a refrigerated ice surface and is often available
just a short drive from Calgary. Ski lifts open as early as between mid-November and mid-March. Hockey sticks
mid-November and run all the way to May. and nets are not permitted on outdoor rinks and hel-
mets are strongly recommended for all participants.
The University of Calgary Outdoor Centre offer ski and
snowboard rentals for beginner and experienced skiers Take a walk in snowshoes
and snowboarders. Snowshoeing is a great way to get active in the winter.
It’s easy to learn and inexpensive to try for people of all
Take the whole family tubing ages and experience levels. Along with dedicated trails,
Tubing is a family friendly winter activity everyone can snowshoeing is welcome in any Calgary park. Beyond
enjoy. No experience is required to ride these soft in- Calgary, you can explore the snowshoe trails of Mount
flatable tubes down dedicated tube runs, with a magic Norquay, take a scenic hike through Sunshine Meadows
carpet ready to take you back to the top of the hill. The at Sunshine Village, tour Lake Louise Ski Resort, or ex-
WinSport Tube Park is the largest of its kind in Western plore a different side of Castle Mountain with a guided
Canada and is easily accessible from the Frank King Day tour.
Lodge, with washrooms, food, and other amenities ac-
cessible nearby. The Sunny Tube Park at the Lake Louise The University of Calgary Outdoor Centre offer snow-
Ski Resort and Mount Norquay Ski Resort are a great way shoe rentals for beginner and experienced snowshoe
to experience the thrill of tubing in the Canadian Rockies. enthusiasts. The Bow Habitat Station hosts ‘learn to
snowshoe’ clinics that includes all the basics as you ex-
Try cross-country skiing plore Pearce Estate Park.
Only one hour west of Calgary, Canmore Nordic Centre
Provincial Park hosted the world during the 1988 Winter Find a toboggan hill
Olympics in Calgary and continues to offer world class Tobogganing is a classic outdoor winter activity and the
cross-country skiing trails to this day for beginners and perfect way to celebrate the cold weather. Best of all, it’s
experienced skiers. Get a trail pass for the day and ex- a family friendly activity everyone can enjoy. Calgary is
plore more than 65 kilometres of groomed trails. Cross- home to a great collection of maintained hills the whole
country ski rentals are available on site. The University family can enjoy, from Confederation Park to Prairie
of Calgary Outdoor Centre also offer cross-country ski Winds Park.
rentals for beginner and experienced skiers.
Visit https://www.visitcalgary.com/things-to-do/stories-
In Calgary, cross-country skiing is welcome in from-calgary/outdoor-winter-activities for more ideas.
any park, along with a selection of groomed trails
H O U N S F I E L D H E I G H T S - B R I A R H I L L I j a n u a r y 2021 5Hounsfield Heights – Briar Hill
Community Association
Board of Directors
Committee Position Name Email PHONE
President Wong, Terry president@hh-bh.ca
Past President Allan, Jeff past.president@hh-bh.ca
1st Vice President Sandahl, Carol vp@hh-bh.ca
2nd Vice President & Facilities Portfolio Director Sammet, Gunter 2nd.vp@hh-bh.ca
Treasurer & Education Portfolio Director Winkler, Kathryn treasurer@hh-bh.ca
Secretary Wong, Kin secretary@hh-bh.ca
Land Use Director Marsh, Jeff land.use@hh-bh.ca
Communications Director VACANT communications@hh-bh.ca
Community Safety Director LeGrandeur, Michelle community.safety@hh-bh.ca
Scratch, Jason community.safety@hh-bh.ca
Events Planning Director Jenkins, Daniel events@hh-bh.ca
Weiske, Quinn events@hh-bh.ca
IT Director Wong, Kin it@hh-bh.ca
Strategic Planning Director Marsh, Jeff strategic.planning@hh-bh.ca
Biever, Jason strategic.planning@hh-bh.ca
Executive Director Noonan, Val executive.director@hh-bh.ca 403-282-6634
Programs Director Mumford, Val programs@hh-bh.ca
Program Coordinators
Indoor Soccer Cumming, Darcy indoor.soccer@hh-bh.ca
Outdoor Soccer Clee, Jen outdoor.soccer@hh-bh.ca
Youth Badminton Cowan, Theresa badminton@hh-bh.ca
Community Resources
Louise Riley Library Thomson, Allison allison.thomson@calgarypubliclibrary.com 403-221-2047
Contact
Mailing Address: Box 65086, RPO North Hill Calgary, AB T2N 4T6 For the latest news, programs and events,
Board Room / Gym - 1922 – 14 Avenue N.W. please visit our Official HH-BH Community
Parking: west of the Louise Riley Library, accessed via the library drive- Association website at www.hh-bh.ca.
way. Hall/Gym is located NE of our parking lot, just across the soccer field. Like our Facebook Page -
Phone: 403-282-6634 www.facebook.com/hhbhca
Email: admin@hh-bh.ca
Beacon Submissions: beacon@hh-bh.ca Follow us on Twitter
Boardroom/Gym Bookings: bookings@hh-bh.ca @hhbhca
The HH-BH Gym and Boardroom schedule can be viewed at
Have an idea for a great community program or
www.hh-bh.ca.
event? Send your ideas to vp@hh-bh.ca.
6 j a n u a r y 2021 I Call 403-720-0762 for advertising opportunitiesMEMBERSHIPS
participate in a
Your variety
annual
MEMBERSHIPS
Your annual membership is good through July 31, 2016 and entitles you and your family to
of different
membership community
is good through programs
July 31, 2021and
andactivities.
entitles youThe costfamily
and your is only
to $20
annually per family/household
participate in a variety ofor $10 for
different seniors, programs
community includingand
GST. Simply
activities. Thefill
costoutis only
this $20
form & mail
it in. annually per family/household or $10 for seniors, including GST.
HOUNSFIELD HEIGHTS – BRIAR HILL COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION
Membership Application 2020-21
Family Name(s):
First Name - Adults: 1. 2.
First Name - Children:
Address: Postal Code:
Home Phone:
Email:
Would you like to receive the newsletter and other yes □ no □
announcements by email?
I would be interested in volunteering for: Membership #
□ Land Use □ Membership Drive Valid through July 31 2021
□ Green Space/Reforestation □ Children’s Programs Annual membership (including
GST) is :
□ Fundraising □ Seniors’ Programs □ $20 per household
□ Facilities/Ice Rink □ Sports Programs □ $10 for seniors
□ Communications/Newsletter □ Social Activities
□ Other Paid by: cash □ cheque □
Send cheques payable to Hounsfield Heights-Briar Hill Community Association
Box 65086 RPO North Hill, Calgary AB T2N 4T6
Privacy Consent: By providing the personal information on this form you are consenting to HH-BH Community
Association’s collection and use of that information for the purposes of providing you a membership in the community
association. This information will be stored in a database of community members for the sole use of the Association.
The Association will not sell, barter or lease membership lists or information. We may retain this information until nine
months after expiry date of the membership.
H O U N S F I E L D H E I G H T S - B R I A R H I L L I j a n u a r y 2021 7Safety Committee
Community Safety Update
Often when I think about safety, my mind experiences When it comes to community safety,
several thoughts and emotions. There’s the positive the Safety Committee does have
side of the coin, where neighbors exchange informa- ideas about how safety can be im-
tion on social media, or they report concerns to 311, or proved, but we can’t do it without your help. For ex-
contact the non-emergency line. All of these actions, ample: The Safety Committee would like to survey our
no matter how small they may seem, demonstrate that residents to determine what they feel are the priori-
the HH/BH residents do care about their community ties when it comes to safety, along with what could be
and wish to contribute to keeping it safe. some sustainable solutions or strategies to address our
residents’ identified concerns.
Then there is the darker side of the coin. Those times
where we have been violated or victimized in some If any resident(s) have some time, and the skill set, to
way and our “fight and flight” instincts take hold. We help set up and administer this survey, please email
want something to be done and done now. It’s hard to the Safety Committee at community.safety@hh-bh.ca
resist the temptation to be reactive, rather than proac- to arrange a brief meeting with myself and/or Jason
tive. As the pandemic has taught us, being prepared, Scratch. We’d appreciate any amount of participation
and having the feeling of being “in control” comes with and assistance. As I mentioned earlier, there are many,
a plan. So, let’s ask ourselves two simple questions: ‘behind the scenes’ ideas with which the Safety Com-
mittee could use help. There’s everything from apply-
1. What is it you do that’s proactive when it come to ing for city grants, to attending other Crime Safety
your own personal safety? meetings hosted by other communities or CPS, to just
2. How is this different when it comes to the safety of contacting the Urban Forestry unit when encamp-
the community? ments are set up around our green spaces, etc. Just let
us know how much time you have and what interests
Here are a couple of things I do to promote my personal you, and the Safety Committee will do its best to find
safety: the right fit for how you can contribute to safety in the
• Walk in familiar areas that are well lit and avoid places in HH/BH community.
the neighbourhood known to have unwanted activities.
• During my walks alone, I call a family member or friend Wishing everyone a comforting and warm holiday sea-
to have a chat. These phone calls provide the opportuni- son.
ty to hear the sound of each other’s voices, and connect Michelle LeGrandeur
by having a conversation, rather than through other
channels such as a text message, etc. This is particularly
healthy and supportive to those who experience loneli-
ness, depression, or isolation.
• Pay attention to my surroundings. When I see another
person, I acknowledge their presence. If we’re always
“plugged-in” it can be easy to be startled or caught off
guard.
• Lock my doors even when I’m at home.
• Ensure there is visible lighting inside and outside my
home.
• Have contact information on my phone such as, the
non-emergency phone number, Calgary transit, Al-
pha House, and the 311 app, so I can report issues or
concerns.
8 j a n u a r y 2021 I Call 403-720-0762 for advertising opportunitiesMLA Calgary-Mountain View
Kathleen Ganley BUSINESS
CLASSIFIEDS
723 14 St NW T2N 2A4
403-216-5445
Calgary.MountainView@assembly.ab.ca
For business classified ad rates call Great News Media
at 403-720-0762 or sales@greatnewsmedia.ca
As we celebrate the holidays and look forward to 2021, we
look back at 2020 – sure to be remembered as one of one
OFFICIAL PLUMBING & HEATING: Small company,
of the most challenging years, in many people’s lives, the
low overhead, excellent warranties, and great rates.
world over. The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic crisis has
Specializing in residential service and installs. Ser-
deeply impacted how we work, play, rest, communicate,
vices include furnace service and replacement, hot
and advocate for the things that matter most. We have a
wide range of issues competing for our attention. As such, water tank service and replacement, leaks, clogs, gas
these issues are often presented as separate on one an- fitting, and more. Licensed and insured. Why wait?
other, even actively opposed. Call today and get it fixed today! Available 24/7, we
accept debit/VISA/MasterCard. Call 403-837-4023
A ready example of a false dichotomy: preventative or email officialplumbingandheating@outlook.com;
COVID-containing measures vs. the economy. In fact, the www.official-plumbing-heating.ca.
health of a region’s people and the health of its economy
are strongly linked. Framing trade-offs between the two HOUNSFIELD HEIGHTS | BRIAR HILL MORTGAGE BROKER:
is at best ineffective, and at worst, a way to ensure fur- Your mortgage may be costing you thousands more
ther struggle and suffering. As Leader of the NDP Official than you need to pay! As a local mortgage professional,
Opposition, Rachel Notley has said, “Failing to contain the I have helped your neighbours navigate their purchase,
virus risks lives, jeopardizes our health system, and en- refinance, and renewal options. Call Anita at 403-771-
dangers our economy. We must do better.” 8771 | anita@anitamortgage.ca | Licensed by Verico Av-
My colleagues in Alberta’s NDP Caucus and I, continue to enue Financial Real Estate Solutions.
offer well-researched suggestions for effective measures to
NEIGHBOURHOOD CONFLICT? Community Media-
protect Albertans during this time: workers, caregivers, and
tion Calgary Society (CMCS) is a no-cost mediation
entrepreneurs. We call for substantial government support
and conflict coaching service that can help you resolve
for individuals, organizations, and businesses, as well as de-
problems and restore peace! We help neighbours be
cisions that demonstrate leadership. Rolling half-measures
neighbours again! www.communitymediation.ca,
will only lead to harsher restrictions later on since, after all,
the virus cannot be halted with a laissez faire attitude. 403-269-2707.
I invite you to visit the COVID-19 Response section of Alberta’s
Future, a project that’s sparking conversations about new dir-
ections for Alberta – in the future and in the present moment
at https://www.albertasfuture.ca/covid-19-response.
As the winter season rolls on, I encourage Mountain We know that our bodies are
View residents to stay active, support community initia- amazing, intricate, works of art.
tives, and look out for one another. Check with your lo-
However, you may not know that
cal community association for markets (following COVID
amongst all of the wonders and
protocols), outdoor activities, and virtual events. Or take
complexities that work together to
advantage of the City of Calgary’s volunteer-run rinks and
keep our bodies functioning, there
new fire pit options, intended to foster neighbourly spirit.
is actually enough iron inside a
As always, I’m happy to hear from you. I’m grateful human body to produce a small
to Calgary-Mountain View constituents. Please keep nail, and most of this iron comes
in touch through my constituency office at Calgary. from our blood.
MountainView@assembly.ab.ca or 403-216-5445.
H O U N S F I E L D H E I G H T S - B R I A R H I L L I j a n u a r y 2021 9Have You Started Your Home and garage break-in
prevention:
9:00 pm Routine? • Offenders will often break into a
residence as a way to steal a vehicle Routine
parked outside the residence. When
you’re at home, store your vehicle
keys away from the entrance to your
house.
• Consider installing home and ve-
• hicle alarm systems and vehicle anti-
• theft devices.
• • Ensure that all doors and windows
• are secured at all times, even when
• you’re home. Culprits need mere mo-
• ments to commit a theft or break in.
• If you do open any windows or doors,
make sure you only open them for
rooms that someone is present in.
• Report any suspicious people or
Routine activity in your community by call-
ing 403-266-1234 or 9-1-1 if there is
Vehicle theft and car prowling prevention: a crime in progress.
• Garage openers should not be left in vehicles, or
By creating a routine before going
should be disengaged, as thieves can use them to gain
to bed, you can help protect and ensure the security
entry into a home.
of you and your neighbour’s vehicles and residential
• Avoid parking in unlit areas at night.
building complexes. CPS is helping to spread the word
• Lock your doors and close all windows at all times,
to neighbours, building and property managers and
even while you are in your yard.
board members.
• Hide your valuables out of sight, or better yet, take
them with you. Follow the Calgary Police Service on Facebook and Twit-
• Don’t keep extra keys in your vehicle. ter for reminders to complete the 9:00 pm Routine and
• If you park your vehicle in a parkade, be sure that you for more crime prevention tips.
do not let anyone else in who doesn’t belong when you
are entering and exiting. Facebook: www.facebook.com/CalgaryPolice
• Report any suspicious activity or behaviour, such as
Twitter: @CalgaryPolice
someone trying door handles on parked vehicles.
Art Classes for Seniors Monday afternoons
2:30pm - 3:30pm
Get Creative Maximum of 5 people
for the classes.
This is a free art program for Community Members Don’t miss out - book your
of the Hounsfield Heights -Briar Hill Community As- spot now.
sociation. The class will take you through the basics
Hounsfield Heights-Briar Hill
of pencil drawing, colour pencil drawing, water colors
Community Association
and acrylic painting.
1928 - 14th Avenue NW, Calgary
Materials provided.
403-282-6634 to reserve your space.
10 j a n u a r y 2021 I Call 403-720-0762 for advertising opportunitiesCouncillor, Ward 7 Calgary Confederation
Druh Farrell Len Webber, MP
ward07@calgary.ca 2020 10 St NW, T2M3M2
druhfarrell.ca 403-220-0888
@DruhFarrell Druh Farrell len.webber@parl.gc.ca
Affordable Housing There Is Help
What would life be like if you didn’t know where you Suicide takes the lives of far too many Canadians each
would sleep next month, next week, or even tonight? year, but it is preventable. On average, ten Canadians
How much harder would it be to go to work, be a par- die from suicide every single day. It’s the second leading
ent, be a kid, or stay safe during this pandemic. Every cause of death for those aged 20 to 29.
human being has a right to secure housing, and to live
with dignity. It’s the first step to allow people to focus on The Canadian Mental Health Association has verified
all other aspects of life. that the pandemic has caused intense stress and disrup-
More affordable housing ensures people at all income tion for all people in Canada, and is causing pronounced
levels can live and work in our city. People in affordable mental health concerns, including, suicidal thoughts
housing have greater chances to find and keep jobs, to and feelings. Increased rates of substance abuse have
learn and build skills, and be active participants in their also added to the suicide problem.
communities. Affordable housing also helps boost the
Too often, those who need help cannot find it in a timely
local economy. When people can focus less on paying
fashion. My colleague, Conservative MP Todd Doherty,
the bills for basic needs, they have more disposable
has proposed Canada adopt the 9-8-8 phone number
income, and employers have a more stable workforce.
Providing housing for just one person experiencing as a quick, easy-to-remember number for mental health
homelessness saves about $34,000 in public funds an- services. This service will be available in the United
nually. It costs less to have someone in affordable hous- States starting in 2022.
ing than living on the streets.
This is real, concrete action, that will save Canadian lives.
Affordable housing is important to Calgarians. The 2020 Help should only be three digits away.
Citizen Satisfaction Survey demonstrated that citizens
want to see an increased investment in affordable hous- Currently, those looking for help can call the National
ing for low-income families. Currently, Calgary needs Suicide Prevention Hotline 24/7 toll free at 1-833 456-
2,000 to 2,500 new affordable homes each year, and 4566 or text 45645 (from 2:00 to 10:00 pm). Youth can
behind each of these numbers are real people and fami- call Kids Helpline 24/7 toll free at 1-800-668-6868, text
lies. Over the last 10 years, only an average of 300 afford- 686868, or by using Facebook Messenger and searching
able homes per year have been completed. for Kids Help Phone. Help is available!
Affordable Housing is important to Calgarians. It is, and As I said in the House of Commons, “I am sure we all
should remain, a top priority to mitigate the impacts of know of someone who committed suicide. Many just
this pandemic. During the pandemic, people have been do not talk about it. We all know someone who tried
told to stay home and away from others to slow the vi-
to commit suicide. We just do not talk about it. We all
rus spread. This is simply impossible for those who do
know that more needs to be done to prevent and treat
not have a place to live, or who live in overcrowded con-
suicide. We just do not talk about it. This has to change,
ditions, and as a result significant outbreaks have oc-
and that is why I am very happy that we are discussing
curred in homeless shelters throughout this pandemic.
We can and must do better. this here today. I want those who need help to reach out
for it, to demand it.”
Not only is affordable housing needed now, but invest-
ment in affordable housing could play a key role in Cal- I am confident easy access to help through a 9-8-8
gary’s economic recovery, and a resilient future. service would save many lives.403.850.2560
Happy New Year! Be well and stay safe.
3
LD
SO
3.5
2715
1801, 1234 5 Avenue NW 2318 3 Avenue NW
List Price: $2,799,900 List Price: $1,099,000
The perfect penthouse with breathtaking city views Ensuring to meet client’ needs through a personal
seamlessly integrating 2900 sq ft of fully furnished & comfortable process under these extraordinary
indoor & outdoor living. circumstances is essential. Congratulations to my sellers.
LD LD
SO SO
2046 7 Avenue NW 2218 5 Avenue NW
List Price: $1,049,900 List Price: $589,900
Socially distanced real estate is achievable. Combining effective pricing & a well-informed client
Congratulations to my clients who have adapted to generated a successful sale. Congratulations!
the current normal.You can also read
