ORIGINALLY ISSUED BY THE CALGARY METROPOLITAN REGION BOARD

We’re planning for the next million residents in the Calgary Metro Region. How will we all get around? Where will people live and work? How will we balance the needs of vibrant communities with the ability to pay for services? 

“When communities work together with a shared and focused vision, shared priorities, shared practices, and are ready to compete economically and socially with any region in the world – a competitive advantage exists and a diverse and prosperous region can be created that maximizes the very best of these regional communities,” said Mayor Marshall Chalmers from the City of Chestermere.

The CMRB wants to hear from Albertans living and working in the Calgary Metro Region to understand their priorities when it comes to growth in the region. An online public engagement campaign launched July 24 that will run through September 4, 2020. The CMRB invites Albertans to visit calgarymetroregion.ca to join the conversation. “It’s your home. It’s your region. Learn more. Have your say,” said Mayor Peter Brown from The City of Airdrie.

“The quality of life of the Calgary Metropolitan Region draws tens of thousands of new residents here every year,” said Calgary Mayor Naheed Nenshi. “As we think about how the next million residents in the region will get to work, we must be extremely thoughtful so that quality of life is not lost. This engagement will allow the 1.4 million people that call this region home to tell us how they want that done.” The CMRB wants to hear from as many Albertans in the Calgary Metro Region as possible about their preferences on how the region should grow.

Residents who visit the engagement website calgarymetroregion.ca can learn more about different choices that are being considered for growth, complete a short survey and some poll questions, and participate in online discussion forums. “We’ve created a vision for the future of our community. And we are working collaboratively to ensure our unique community identity is highlighted and preserved in planning the future of the Calgary Metropolitan Region,” said Mayor Genung, Town of Cochrane. “Ensure your voice is heard.”

“With Public Consultation up next in the process, that’s where you come in! We are bringing this work to you for your review and to have a say. We encourage residents to visit calgarymetroregion.ca before September 4th to learn more and share your views. Thanks for taking part in the process!” said Reeve Suzanne Oel from Foothills County.

“Municipalities in the Calgary region are all connected, and together we can do more to enhance the financial, environmental and social wellbeing of all our communities,” said Okotoks Mayor Bill Robertson. “What we hear from the public will help us build a plan that reflects the values of our communities and supports sustainable growth in the region.”

Participants will be asked to share what matters to them about how growth is managed in the region, and also encouraged to consider tradeoffs and opportunities related to different approaches to managing growth. “Together our Municipalities are working to identify opportunities and efficiencies to reduce the cost of growth and support the long term, economic, environmental and social prosperity of all the communities in the Calgary region,” said Strathmore Mayor Pat Fule. “When we work together all our communities benefit, not just one.”

Reeve Amber Link from Wheatland County encourages members of the public to get involved. “Visit calgarymetroregion.ca before September 4th to learn more and share your views,” she says. “Our growth plan will set the stage for more collaborative delivery of services within the Calgary Metro Region. Large-scale changes to infrastructure or land-use impacts neighbouring municipalities and works better when planning for growth is coordinated in the region.”

For more details about the public engagement process or to learn more about the CMRB, visit calgarymetroregion.ca