New toolkit to tackle downtown safety

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Earlier this week, we asked how to best support seniors facing rising prescription costs. Forty-three per cent chose expanding drug coverage, while many also favoured lower pharmacy prices. Readers shared sentiments like, “Seniors’ prescriptions should have a set low cost, like $2 or $5,” and criticized the government for making these costs a heavier burden despite the province’s wealth.

👀 In today's edition:

• Construction starting shortly on the Green Line

• Suspected carbon monoxide leak takes a life

• Feds launch Canada Strong Pass for domestic tourism

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QUICK POLL

Calgary Party launches toolkit to tackle downtown safety concerns

The Calgary Party, a newly formed municipal political party, has released a Downtown Public Safety Toolkit aimed at tackling growing concerns over crime, addiction, and public disorder in Calgary’s urban core. Led by Brian Thiessen, the party says the toolkit offers a “practical, compassionate, and common-sense” approach to restoring vibrancy and safety to the downtown area.

The proposed plan is structured around three pillars: reforming municipal bylaws, revitalizing key public spaces like Stephen Avenue, and expanding support services for vulnerable populations. The toolkit outlines measures such as stricter enforcement of open drug use and encampments, greater police and sanitation presence, and investment in permanent public washrooms. It also promotes a housing-first model with co-located mental health and addiction response services, aiming to decentralize supports currently concentrated downtown.

The initiative follows findings from the Calgary Police Service’s 2024 Community Perceptions Survey, which shows a rise in public concern over illegal drug activity, transit safety, and property crime. While 85% of Calgarians remain satisfied with police services, confidence in the ability of law enforcement to address these challenges is at its lowest level since records began. Thiessen emphasized the need for immediate municipal action, arguing that safety and dignity must go hand-in-hand for both residents and vulnerable individuals downtown.

Need to know

🚊 Construction officially begins on Calgary’s long-anticipated Green Line LRT this month, marking a major milestone in the city’s largest infrastructure project.

🚨 A suspected carbon monoxide leak in a Martindale home took the life of one Calgary resident and sent another to hospital.

🏠 A string of daring daylight break-ins in northwest Calgary left residents unnerved as they spoke out about the unsettling intrusions.

✈️ The federal government is set to launch the “Canada Strong Pass,” a travel plan to boost domestic tourism and support the recovery of the national travel industry.

📞 A former Calgary 911 operator plead guilty to misusing police databases to share information with a gang-connected individual.

🤖 A Calgary tech startup launched a new AI-powered system to help sports leagues identify and prevent abuse of referees.

🎖️ The Alberta government unveiled a $1.2 million investment in an initiative aimed at helping former military and public safety personnel transition into civilian careers, focusing on meaningful job placement and support services.

💔 Homicide investigators launched a criminal investigation after a suspicious death occurred in the Pineridge neighbourhood of northeast Calgary.

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Parks Foundation marks 40 years of building inclusive Calgary parks

Parks Foundation Calgary is marking its 40th anniversary, celebrating decades of developing parks, green spaces, and recreational areas designed to enrich communities throughout the city. Established in 1985, the Foundation has focused on building inclusive and sustainable spaces that promote health and connection for Calgarians of all ages and backgrounds.

Sheila Taylor, who has served as CEO for the past eight years and will be stepping down this August, played a key role in advancing the organization’s mission during her tenure. Under her leadership, Parks Foundation spearheaded several notable projects, including Canada’s first dementia-inclusive park — the Martin Family Legacy Garden — which is set to open in 2026. The Foundation also completed the award-winning Flyover Park in Bridgeland, transforming a neglected underpass into a vibrant community space, and contributed to the development of the expansive Rotary Mattamy Greenway pathway encircling the city.

In addition to these projects, Parks Foundation continues to support community-led initiatives through grant programs and its popular bench and picnic table dedication program. The Foundation attributes much of its success to partnerships with local communities and the City of Calgary, ensuring parks remain welcoming, accessible, and meaningful places for all residents.

Where to eat and drink

🍴 True Wild Distilling: This Calgary-based craft distillery and restaurant brings together locally made spirits and live-fire cooking in a setting inspired by the natural beauty of Alberta. With a focus on authenticity and adventure, the space invites guests to connect over bold flavours and carefully crafted whisky and gin.

🍴 Sought x Found: A specialty coffee roaster rooted in passion and precision, Sought x Found offers a curated tasting menu featuring ethically sourced beans served in seasonal flights. The focus is on quality, sustainability, and elevating the coffee experience through thoughtful brewing.

Have a food or drink suggestion? Message us and we might share it!

Things to do

🎟️ Rise: Run, Yoga, Meditate: This wellness event starts with a walk or run, followed by outdoor yoga with a live DJ, guided meditation, and a pancake breakfast. Guests can also explore a local wellness market and enjoy giveaways and demos on St. Patrick’s Island.

🎟️ Wild After Hours: Otters (18+): This adults-only evening offers exclusive, after-hours access to Northern American river otters in the Brawn  Family  Foundation River Lodge, followed by a four-course dinner in Safari Lodge. The event also features an engaging presentation on otter behaviour, complete with stories, photos, and videos from the zoo’s expert care team.

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