News Blog

With the return of warmer weather, Alberta Health Services EMS would like to remind citizens to stay safe in the heat and sun this summer. While children and the elderly can be more susceptible to the effects of heat, basic prevention measures should be taken by all to avoid a heat related illness during periods of hot and humid weather.

To download information about Heat Related Illness click here.

On April 15, 2013, the Alberta government officially launched the Seniors Property Tax Deferral Program, which allows eligible Alberta senior homeowners to defer all, or part of, their annual residential property taxes through a low-interest home equity loan with the government.

This program is entirely voluntary and seniors with equity in their homes can decide for themselves whether to defer their property taxes until they sell.  For those who participate, government will pay the property taxes directly to municipalities on behalf of the senior and the senior will repay the loan, with interest, when they sell their home – or sooner if they choose. This will free up money for seniors to use on other expenses.

The program was created because most seniors live on fixed incomes and cash flow is sometimes limited. This program will help seniors stay at home with loved ones for as long as possible. Average property taxes in Alberta are about $2,000. I expect this program will help free up over $50 million for over 23,500 senior households over the next three years. Government will secure the loans against the property through land titles, similar to the way mortgage loans are secured.

For your convenience, I have attached an information package, including an application, which can be copied and given to interested seniors.  The package outlines the program’s eligibility requirements (for instance, the property must be the senior’s primary residence and the owner must have at least 25% equity in the property) and other information on how the program works.  Further packages can be obtained by visiting my Constituency Office, downloading from the Alberta Health Website at www.health.alberta.ca or by calling the Alberta Supports Contact Centre at 1-877-644-9992.

Please feel free to call my office at (403) 216-5400 or email me at calgary.bow@assembly.ab.ca should you have any questions.

Thank you.

Source: Alana DeLong, MLA

The City of Calgary, through Evolve Research & Consulting Inc., is conducting a survey to help The City understand the ways in which Calgarians use the natural environment areas on Paskapoo Slopes. The Paskapoo Slopes natural environment area includes portions of the undeveloped lands south of Bowness, between Canada Olympic Park and Patterson Heights, sloping from the top of the hill just north of Cougar Ridge, down to Sarcee Trail and the TransCanada Highway.

A

lthough these lands are not officially a City park, and portions of the area are privately owned, many Calgary residents utilize these lands for extra-curricular activities such as walking, running, cycling etc. 

It is important for Calgarians to provide their input through this survey, so that The City can take your needs into consideration for the long-term management of the City-owned portions of the Paskapoo Slopes area. Two surveys are available to be completed; one is based on individual use of the area, and a second survey is available to be completed by group leaders who organize group outings in the area. Please take a moment to confidentially share your usage habits and preferences in the 4-5 minute survey. Your input is valued and appreciated. Please submit prior to April 30^th, 2013.

The surveys can be found at www.calgary.ca by searching Paskapoo Slopes Survey, or directly at the below links.

The individual user survey is located at: http://fluidsurveys.com/s/paskapoo/

MLA DeLong wishes to inform you about an upcoming Brain Health Symposium that will provide information to Albertans about maintaining their brain health throughout their lifetime. The symposium is being offered to all interested Albertans free of charge.

This symposium is part of the Office of the Public Guardian’s Promoting Brain Health Initiative, which helps Albertans adopt a lifelong proactive approach to maintaining their self-determination and autonomy. Current research shows that it is possible for people to improve their brain health and thereby postpone cognitive decline and, in certain circumstances, recover from brain ailments or brain injury.

The keynote speakers presenting at the symposium are two leading Canadian experts: Dr. Bryan Kolb, one of Canada's most prominent neuropsychologists, a professor at the University of Lethbridge, and co-author of the 1980 book that is said to have defined the field of neuropsychology: Fundamentals of Human Neuropsychology; and Dr. Max Cynader, Director of the Brain Research Centre at the University of British Columbia (UBC), Canada Research Chair in Brain Development at UBC, and professor of ophthalmology.  Also presenting at the symposium will be local experts Dr. Lee Coyne, on Lifestyle Choices – the importance of nutrition and exercise; and Mr. Brian Lee, on Personal Wellness for a Lifetime. The Brain Health Symposium is presented by the Government of Alberta through the Office of the Public Guardian. The symposium is free, but attendees are asked to RSVP. For more information and to RSVP, visit www.humanservices.alberta.ca/opg.

Water is one of Alberta’s most valuable resources. It touches every aspect of our lives, where we live, work, and play.

Albertans are passionate about water and want to know that it’s being managed and protected, now and for the future.

That’s why I want to talk about water. Beginning February 19^th the government will hold facilitated workshops in 20 communities across the province. These three hour workshops are an opportunity for government and Albertans to come together to explore ideas about water issues and priorities.

I’m inviting my constituents to share their thoughts and provide feedback on four broad topics – topics that Albertans have told us are important to them:

• Healthy lakes;
• Hydraulic fracturing;
• Drinking water and wastewater; and
• Water management.

Although the focus of the water conversation is on these four topics, we want to hear all sides of the water conversation; participants are welcome to raise any water-related concern they may have during the conversation. We will be clear however, that Alberta’s water is not for sale and will never be for sale to other jurisdictions.

I encourage all Albertans to share their thoughts about water by:

• Attending a community session;
• Completing a survey online, available February 11 to 29; or
• Providing feedback to me either by phoning me, sending me an email or letter.

Alberta’s water belongs to all Albertans – how it’s managed for the future is vitally important to us all. Please join the conversation about Alberta’s water resources by visiting www.waterconversation.alberta.com.

The CHPH AGM will be held on Thursday 7 March 2013 at Strathcona Community Centre in the loft from 6:45 - 8:00 pm.  At the meeting  the new  Board will be elected.  If you wish to run for any of the positions on the board  please let us know by emailing president@chph.ca.  Job descriptions  will be posted shortly on the website. We have  vacancies for Secretary and Expansion and Development directors.

CALGARY undefined It’s hallowed ground for pro-wrestling fans and heritage buffs alike, the Hart mansion in southwest Calgary undefined but soon estate homes will be erected on the surrounding lawn.

After several larger development schemes failed in recent years, on Monday council approved nine homes with basement suites on the site of the Patterson Heights house, where Stu Hart famously trained his sons and other wrestling stars.

Neighbours had raised protests over past proposals that would have put 14 to 22 homes on the nearly one-hectare property.

This proposal won some support from others on Patina Place S.W. However, they protested the move to allow secondary suites.

“I think what we have is a situation where the community has sort of begrudgingly agreed undefined but agreed undefined to some development around this site to help defray the costs of renovating the Hart house itself,” Mayor Naheed Nenshi said.

The 1905 home has been designated a municipal heritage site, which preserves the home rather than the entire property. It had been put on the market for $5 million by Teatro restaurant owner Dario Berloni in 2010, but he still owns it.

Before the Hart wresting clan owned the property, the mansion was owned by Judge Henry Patterson. It was originally built more than a century ago by Edward Crandell, a prominent businessman and city alderman.

Source: Jason Markusoff, The Calgary Herald, December 4, 21012

Route 101 will be cancelled effective December 10, 2012:
Service will be replaced by routes 93 and 202.

CHPH VP Shauna Baty participated in a West LRT tour with Alderman Richard Pootmans, in preparation for the West LRT grand opening in a few weeks. To view a few photos from that day click here.

MLA Delong has issued an invitation for nominations of e a special child or youth whose generosity, leadership, courage and compassion has made a positive difference in your life or community.  Our province is full of incredible young leaders who do great things every day – helping others at home, school and in their communities. They want to share their inspiring stories with all Albertans.

The Alberta government will celebrate 16 Great Kids at an awards ceremony at the Fantasyland Hotel in Edmonton, in March 2013. All winners will receive a trophy, accommodations at the Fantasyland Hotel, and a prize package from IBM and West Edmonton Mall.

All nominations must be received by December 5, 2012 at 4:00 p.m.

For more information, visit www.greatkids.alberta.ca.