Calgary City Council
Encyclopedia
The Calgary City Council is the legislative governing body that represents the citizens of Calgary
. The Council consists of two offices; Office of the Mayor and Office of the Alderman. Naheed Nenshi
was elected to the Office of the Mayor
in October 2010 as the city's 36th chief executive. The Office of the Alderman consists of 14 aldermen, each of whom represent the 14 ward
s of Calgary.
was in October 2010.
These committees meet once every month the at City Hall and are composed of aldermen and are responsible for approving and recommending policies to City Council. The general public is invited to the committee meeting to make presentations. Any decisions that come out of these meetings need final approval from the Council as a whole.
There are also a number of civic committees, boards, and authorities that help to create policies in specialized areas, such as parking, the preservation of heritage sites and buildings, and planning and development matters. These civic committees, board and authorities consist of citizens and one or more alderman.
City Council meets three Mondays every month in the Council Chambers at the Calgary Municipal Building. Two meetings are regular Council meetings, where issues from the four policy committees are discussed. The third meeting is a public hearing, where planning matters are generally discussed. Citizens do not address Council during the two regular meetings, however the public hearings are designed for the citizens to speak directly with their elected aldermen regarding specific issues.
of $2.1 billion for 2007, supported 41% by property tax
es. $757 million in property taxes are collected annually, with $386 million from residential and $371 million from non-residential properties. 54% of the budget is spent for wages of the 13,043 city employees and expeditures. The average Calgary household pays approximately $2,100 per year in city tax.
Calgary
Calgary is a city in the Province of Alberta, Canada. It is located in the south of the province, in an area of foothills and prairie, approximately east of the front ranges of the Canadian Rockies...
. The Council consists of two offices; Office of the Mayor and Office of the Alderman. Naheed Nenshi
Naheed Nenshi
Naheed Kurban Nenshi is a Canadian politician, who was elected to succeed Dave Bronconnier as mayor of Calgary, Alberta in the 2010 Calgary municipal election.- Biography :...
was elected to the Office of the Mayor
Mayor
In many countries, a Mayor is the highest ranking officer in the municipal government of a town or a large urban city....
in October 2010 as the city's 36th chief executive. The Office of the Alderman consists of 14 aldermen, each of whom represent the 14 ward
Ward (subnational entity)
A ward is a subdivision of a municipality. Wards are usually named after neighbourhoods, thoroughfares, parishes, landmarks, geographical features and in some cases historical figures connected to the area...
s of Calgary.
Elections
The mayor of Calgary is elected through a city-wide vote by all eligible voters. The mayor represents the interests of the city as a whole. The aldermen are elected by the constituents of each ward. The aldermen represent the interests of their respective wards. The mayor and aldermen hold the office for 3 year terms. The last electionCalgary municipal election, 2010
The 2010 Calgary municipal election was held Monday, October 18, 2010 to elect a mayor and 14 aldermen to the city council, the seven trustees to the Calgary School District , and four of the seven trustees to the Calgary Catholic School District . Three incumbent separate school trustees had no...
was in October 2010.
Governing system
Calgary's City Council is a council-policy committee system. The Council establishes its policies for governing the city based on information provided by four standing policy committees:- Operations and environment,
- Finance,
- Transportation, and
- Community services.
These committees meet once every month the at City Hall and are composed of aldermen and are responsible for approving and recommending policies to City Council. The general public is invited to the committee meeting to make presentations. Any decisions that come out of these meetings need final approval from the Council as a whole.
There are also a number of civic committees, boards, and authorities that help to create policies in specialized areas, such as parking, the preservation of heritage sites and buildings, and planning and development matters. These civic committees, board and authorities consist of citizens and one or more alderman.
City Council meets three Mondays every month in the Council Chambers at the Calgary Municipal Building. Two meetings are regular Council meetings, where issues from the four policy committees are discussed. The third meeting is a public hearing, where planning matters are generally discussed. Citizens do not address Council during the two regular meetings, however the public hearings are designed for the citizens to speak directly with their elected aldermen regarding specific issues.
Financing
The city has an operating budgetOperating budget
An operating budget is the annual budget of an activity stated in terms of Budget Classification Code, functional/subfunctional categories and cost accounts. It contains estimates of the total value of resources required for the performance of the operation including reimbursable work or services...
of $2.1 billion for 2007, supported 41% by property tax
Property tax
A property tax is an ad valorem levy on the value of property that the owner is required to pay. The tax is levied by the governing authority of the jurisdiction in which the property is located; it may be paid to a national government, a federated state or a municipality...
es. $757 million in property taxes are collected annually, with $386 million from residential and $371 million from non-residential properties. 54% of the budget is spent for wages of the 13,043 city employees and expeditures. The average Calgary household pays approximately $2,100 per year in city tax.
Mayor
From 1823 to 1923, mayoralty elections were held annually. A plebiscite held in 1923 increased the term in office for the mayor from one to two years. In 1968, the Municipal Act increased the term in office by one year, for a total of three years.Aldermen
From 1884 to 1886, four councillors were selected from the town. In 1894, Calgary was divided into three wards, increasing the number of councilors to six. Three aldermen represented each ward. In 1906, a fourth ward was created, bringing the total number of aldermen to 12. From 1914 to 1960, aldermen were elected from across the city for two-year terms, dismantling the ward system. A plebiscite in 1960 re-established the ward system in the city. Six wards were established, each represented by two aldermen. In 1976, the number of wards expanded to 14 (current number) with one alderman representing each ward. The term of office for mayor and alderman is three years. Calgary is one of only seven cities in Alberta to still use the title of alderman for its council members. On December 14, 2010, council voted to change the title to councillor, which will take effect next election, October 2013.Wards, communities and aldermen
| Ward | Alderman | Terms in Office | Communities |
|---|---|---|---|
Ward 1 |
Dale Hodges |
|
Bowness, Canada Olympic Park Canada Olympic Park Canada Olympic Park is located in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. The park is operated by WinSport Canada formerly the Calgary Olympic Development Association . It is currently used both for high performance athletic training and for recreational purposes by the general public... , Crestmont, Greenwood/Greenbriar, Montgomery, Rocky Ridge, Royal Oak, Scenic Acres, Silver Springs, Tuscany, University of Calgary University of Calgary The University of Calgary is a public research university located in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Founded in 1966 the U of C is composed of 14 faculties and more than 85 research institutes and centres.More than 25,000 undergraduate and 5,500 graduate students are currently... , University Heights University Heights, Calgary University Heights is a residential neighbourhood in the north-west quadrant of Calgary, Alberta. It is located south of the University of Calgary, McMahon Stadium, the Alberta Children's Hospital and Foothills Hospital... , Valley Ridge, Varsity. |
|
Ward 2 |
Gord Lowe |
|
Arbour Lake, Citadel, Edgemont, Hamptons, Hawkwood, Kincora, Ranchlands, Symons Valley Symons Valley, Calgary Symons Valley is the overall name given to an urban development residential neighbourhood in the north-west quadrant of Calgary, Alberta. It borders the northern city limits, and is bounded by Stoney Trail to the south, by Sarcee Trail to the west and by Symons Valley Road to the east... . |
|
Ward 3 |
Jim Stevenson |
|
Belfast, Castleridge, Country Hills, Coventry Hills, Evanston, Falconridge, Harvest Hills, Martindale, Panorama Hills, Saddle Ridge, Symons Valley Symons Valley, Calgary Symons Valley is the overall name given to an urban development residential neighbourhood in the north-west quadrant of Calgary, Alberta. It borders the northern city limits, and is bounded by Stoney Trail to the south, by Sarcee Trail to the west and by Symons Valley Road to the east... , Taradale. |
|
Ward 4 |
Gael Grace MacLeod |
|
Beddington Heights, Cambrian Heights, Greenview, Hidden Valley, Highland Park, Highwood, Huntington Hills, MacEwan, North Haven, Nose Hill Park Nose Hill Park Nose Hill Park, one of the largest municipal parks in Canada and North America, is located in the northwest quadrant of Calgary, Alberta. It is a natural environment park, commonly regarded as a retreat from city life and a place to enjoy nature... , Queen's Park Village, Rosemont Rosemont, Calgary Rosemont is a residential neighbourhood in the north-west quadrant of Calgary, Alberta. It is bounded by Northmount Drive to the north, by Cambrian Drive to the east, by 23 Avenue N and the Confederation Park to the south and by 14 Street W to the west.... , Sandstone Valley, Thorncliffe. |
|
Ward 5 |
Ray Jones |
|
Coral Springs, Monterey Park, Pineridge Pineridge, Calgary Pineridge is a neighbourhood in Northeast Calgary, Alberta, Canada, and is one of four neighbourhoods that make up what is called the Properties, along with Whitehorn, Temple, and Rundle. It is bordered by 32 Ave NE to the North, 52nd Street N.E. to the West, 16th Avenue N.E. to the South, and... , Rundle, Sunridge/Horizon Industrial Park, Temple, Whitehorn. |
|
Ward 6 |
Richard Pootmans |
|
Aspen Woods, Christie Park, Coach Hill, Cougar Ridge, Discovery Ridge, Glamorgan, Glenbrook, Glendale, Patterson, Rosscarrock, Signal Hill, Springbank Hill Springbank Hill, Calgary Springbank Hill is a large and generally wealthy suburb near the western city limit of Calgary, Alberta in the Southwest quadrant. It is bounded to the north by 17 Avenue SW, to the south by Glenmore Trail, to the east by 69 Street SW and to the west by 101 Street SW.The area was once the eastern... , Spruce Cliff, Strathcona Park, Westgate Westgate, Calgary Westgate is a residential neighbourhood in the south-west quadrant of Calgary, Alberta. It is bounded by Bow Trail to the north, 45 Street W to the east, 17 Avenue S to the south and Sarcee Trail to the west. Edworthy Park is located north of the community.... , West Springs West Springs, Calgary West Springs is a residential neighbourhood in the south-west quadrant of Calgary, Alberta. It is located at the western edge of the city, and is bordered to the west by the acreages and estate homes of Springbank... , Wildwood. |
|
Ward 7 |
Druh Farrell |
|
Banff Trail, Brentwood, Briar Hill, Capitol Hill, Charleswood, Chinatown Chinatown, Calgary Calgary's Chinatown is the fourth largest in Canada after those in Vancouver,Toronto, and Montreal. The size of Calgary's Chinatown is indicative of the relatively high proportion of people of Asian descent living in the city.... , Collingwood, Crescent Heights Crescent Heights, Calgary Crescent Heights is a neighbourhood in the northwest quadrant of Calgary, Alberta. It is located in the inner city, immediately north from Downtown... ,Dalhousie, Downtown Commercial Core Downtown Calgary Downtown Calgary is a region of central Calgary, Alberta. It is not a single neighbourhood per se, but is actually a larger community containing three neighbourhoods and a number of districts.... , Downtown East Village, Eau Claire, Hillhurst, Hillhurst West, Hounsfield Heights, Kensington Kensington, Calgary Kensington is a Business Revitalization Zone in Calgary, Alberta, focused around the intersection of Kensington Road and 10th St. NW, also known as the Kensington-Louise Crossing Business Association. It resides primarily in the Hillhurst and Sunnyside neighbourhood, and successful marketing has... , Mount Pleasant, Parkdale, Point McKay, Rosedale, St. Andrews Heights, Sunnyside Sunnyside, Calgary Sunnyside is an innercity community in Calgary, Alberta located on the north side of the Bow River immediately adjacent to Calgary's downtown... . |
|
Ward 8 |
John Mar |
|
Bankview, Beltline (Communities of Connaught and Victoria Park), Cliff Bungalow, Downtown West End Downtown West End, Calgary The Downtown West End is a neighbourhood within the western portions of downtown Calgary, Alberta, Canada. It is bounded to the north by the Bow River, to the east by 9th Street W, to the south by the CPR Tracks and to the west by 14th Street W.... , Elbow Park, Killarney/Glengarry, Mission Mission, Calgary The Mission district is an inner city neighbourhood of Calgary, Alberta, Canada that originated as Notre Dame de la Paix, a Catholic mission, and was for a time the incorporated Village of Rouleauville... , Mount Royal, Richmond-Knob Hill, Rutland Park, Scarboro, Shaganappi, South Calgary, Sunalta. |
|
Ward 9 |
Gian-Carlo Carra |
|
Acadia, Alyth/Bonnybrook Industrial Park, Bridgeland Bridgeland, Calgary The neighbourhood of Bridgeland of Calgary, Alberta, Canada, is located to the immediate northeast of downtown Calgary... , Burns Industrial Park, Dover, Dover Glen, Eastfield Industrial Park, Erlton, Fairview, Fairview Industrial Park, Foothills Industrial, Forest Lawn, Glendeer Business Park, Golden Triangle, Great Plains Industrial Park, Highfield Industrial Park, Inglewood, Lynnwood, Lynnwood Ridge, Manchester, Millican Mills Estates, Ogden, Ogden Shops, Parkhill/Stanley Park Parkhill/Stanley Park, Calgary Parkhill/Stanley Park is a residential neighbourhood in the south-west quadrant of Calgary, Alberta. It is bounded by Mission Road to the north, Macleod Trail to the east,Crescent Boulevard to the south and the Elbow River to the west... , Ramsay, Renfrew Renfrew, Calgary Renfrew is a residential neighborhood in the north-east quadrant of Calgary, Alberta. It is located south of the Trans-Canada Highway, and north of the inner city community of Bridgeland... , Riverbend, Riverside, Roxboro, South Foothills, Shepard Industrial Park, Starfield Industrial Park, Tuxedo Park, Valleyfield Industrial Park, West Dover, Wigmore Industrial Park, Winston Heights/Mountview. |
|
Ward 10 |
Andre Chabot Andre Chabot André Chabot is a municipal level politician in Calgary, Alberta, Canada who currently serves as the Alderman for Ward 10 of the Calgary City Council... |
|
Mayland Heights, Vista Heights Vista Heights, Calgary Vista Heights is a residential neighbourhood in the north-east quadrant of Calgary, Alberta. It is bounded to the south by the Trans-Canada Highway and to the west by Deerfoot Trail. To the north and east it borders the South Airways Industrial Area.... , Abbeydale, Albert Park/Radisson Heights, Applewood, Erin Woods, Forest Heights, Forest Lawn, Marlborough, Marlborough Park, Penbrooke Meadows Penbrooke Meadows, Calgary Penbrooke Meadows is a residential neighbourhood in the south-east quadrant of Calgary, Alberta. It is bounded by Memorial Drive to the north, 68 Street E to the east, 52 Street E to the west and International Avenue to the south.... , Southview, Red Carpet/Mountview. |
|
Ward 11 |
Brian Pincott |
|
Altadore, Bayview, Bel-Aire, Braeside, Britannia Britannia, Calgary Britannia is a residential neighbourhood in the south-west quadrant of Calgary, Alberta, Canada. It is bounded by Elbow Drive to the east, 50 Avenue S to the south, Elbow River and Riverdale Park to the west and Britannia Drive to the north.... , Cedarbrae, Chinook Park, Currie Barracks, Eagle Ridge, Elbow Park, Elboya, Garrison Woods, Haysboro, Kelvin Grove, Kingsland, Lakeview, Lincoln Park, Mayfair, Meadowlark Park Meadowlark Park, Calgary Meadowlark Park is a residential neighbourhood in the south-west quadrant of Calgary, Alberta. It is located immediately west from the Chinook Centre, east of Elbow Drive and north of the Glenmore Trail. It is named for the Meadowlark bird.... , North Glenmore Park, Oakridge, Palliser, Pump Hill, Rideau Park, Roxboro, Rutland Park, Southwood, Windsor Park. Ward 11 also contains Mount Royal University and Heritage Park Historical Village Heritage Park Historical Village Heritage Park Historical Village is a historical park located in Calgary, Alberta. The park is located on of parkland on the banks of the Glenmore Reservoir, along the city's southwestern edge. As Canada's largest living history museum by number of exhibits, it is one of the city's most visited... . |
|
Ward 12 |
Shane A. Keating |
|
Auburn Bay Auburn Bay, Calgary Auburn Bay is a new suburban residential neighbourhood in the south-east quadrant of Calgary, Alberta. It is located at the south-eastern edge of the city, and is bounded by Seton Boulevard to the south, Deerfoot Trail to the west, the yet-to-be-constructed 52 Street E extension to the east and... , Copperfield, Cranston, Douglasdale Estates, Douglas Glen, East Shepard Industrial, Mahogany Mahogany, Calgary Mahogany is a new suburban residential neighbourhood in Calgary, Alberta that was approved by that city's council for development beginning in 2007.. The community will be bordered by a future extension of 52nd St. S.E... , McKenzie Lake, McKenzie Towne, Seton Seton, Calgary Seton is a suburban residential/commercial/institutional community currently under construction in southeast Calgary, Alberta. It is located directly south of Auburn Bay and east of Cranston. Its boundaries are presently Deerfoot Trail to the west, Seton Blvd. to the north, and an as-yet unbuilt... , Shepard Industrial. |
|
Ward 13 |
Diane Colley-Urquhart Diane Colley-Urquhart Diane Marie Colley-Urquhart is municipal politician and Calgary Police Commissioner from Calgary, Alberta, Canada. She is currently a member of Calgary City Council and serves as the representative for Ward 13.-Registered Nurse:... |
|
Bridlewood, Canyon Meadows, Evergreen, Millrise, Shawnee Slopes, Shawnessy, Somerset, Woodbine, Woodlands. |
|
Ward 14 |
Peter Demong |
|
Bonavista Downs, Chaparral, Deer Ridge, Deer Run, Diamond Cove, Lake Bonavista, Maple Ridge, Midnapore, Parkland, Queensland, Silverado, Sundance Sundance, Calgary Sundance is a residential neighbourhood in the south-east quadrant of Calgary, Alberta. It is located east of Macleod Trail, is bounded to the north-east by the Fish Creek Provincial Park and to the south by Marquis of Lorne Trail... , Walden, Willow Park. |