In 2010, I ran on a platform that consisted of 12 Better Ideas and I am pleased to say that, with the support of City Council, we have either completed or made significant progress on the vast majority of them.
There is, however, much more work to be done to make Calgary an even better place to live.
Great cities have at their heart great neighbourhoods. Whether you live in the inner city or in a brand new suburban development, you want your neighbourhood to be a great place to live, with the services and amenities you and your family need. A neighbourhood where your kids can walk to school and going to the corner store doesn't involve using your car.
Great cities are places where it is easy to travel by road, transit, bike or on foot. We need to invest in smart traffic management solutions to reduce congestion. We must convince the provincial and federal governments to fund Calgary Transit's RouteAhead plan, which will make your transit commute more convenient. And we must continue to invest in our bike and pedestrian infrastructure so that cycling and walking to work are safe and desirable options.
Great cities are great places to live for everyone. Maintaining and expanding our parks, recreation facilities and libraries and supporting our arts and cultural sector are critical for enhancing everyone's quality of life. We must also focus on making Calgary a more affordable place to live by tackling the housing crisis - including legalizing secondary suites. The implementation of the Calgary Poverty Reduction Strategy is critical to improving the lives of our most vulnerable citizens. Finally, we must continue to keep our city safe by supporting our emergency services.
Great cities have a government that is citizen-centric. We must continue to make it easier for you to access the services you need from the City. That means that we must continue to eliminate red-tape and reform of the planning system. It also means that the City must improve how we engage with you about decisions that affect your neighbourhood. However, building a better Calgary isn't just about the government - it's also about how you can take an active role in making your neighbourhood better.