Myke Atkinson Myke Atkinson

Sidewalk Maintenance

‍Sidewalks are an essential part of public infrastructure that support safe, accessible, and connected communities. Deteriorating sidewalks create trip hazards and accessibility barriers for people of all ages and abilities. Feedback from Calgarians indicates that 80% believe that sidewalk quality is important in their daily life. Currently our City-wide sidewalk concrete condition is categorized as 67% being in a good state, 31% being in a fair state, and 2% being in poor condition. Calgary has 6245 kilometers of sidewalk which is the length between Calgary to Quebec City 2 times. Our current safety hazard backlog is the millions which impacts the daily user experience and sidewalk accessibility. Due to our harsh weather in Calgary, sidewalk cracks occur with frost. When snow melts, water gets into concrete. Then, Calgary’s freeze/thaw cycle makes the water expand and contract. This makes our weather particularly harsh on our sidewalk infrastructure here in Calgary compared to more temperate cities.

City workers inspect sidewalks, curbs, and gutters every two years. The severity and concentration of the defects is assessed and converted into a Concrete Condition Index (CCI). The index helps us to prioritize repairs to ensure safety risks are addressed first. Preventative maintenance is always the most cost-effective method to extend infrastructure life. It often saves us money, to the tune of five to seven times the amount it would cost when maintenance is delayed.

The average capital budget has been 5 million for sidewalks since 2019. Since that time, Calgary has grown by over 350,000 people, and developments in the inner City, as well as on the edges of the City, have increased. Construction loading on sidewalks also bears down on concrete, increasing the likelihood of cracks. Sidewalk conditions are affected when new developments require cuts to be made in the sidewalk for utility tie-ins.

Increased investment in our city sidewalk budget would improve safety, accessibility, drainage performance, asset conditions, and long-term value for taxpayers (saving you money over time). If Council maintains the current funding levels, Calgarians will experience a lower level of service. Future rehabilitation costs would also increase.

You may see an increase in the ask for sidewalk maintenance coming to City Council this fall during budget deliberations. We hope this helps you understand why Councillor Atkinson would support a budget increase that is fiscally responsible, knowing good sidewalk conditions make a difference to every Calgarian.

If you see a sidewalk in need of repair in your neighbourhood, contact 311 by calling 311, going online, or downloading the 311 app.

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Myke Atkinson Myke Atkinson

Community Safety in the East Village

What We’ve Heard, What’s Being Done, and Where the City’s Role Stops

Community safety has been one of the most frequent and serious issues raised with the Ward 7 Office by East Village residents, workers, and business owners. People have shared concerns about feeling unsafe, witnessing unpredictable behaviour, open drug use, and the visible strain on public spaces. These experiences are real—and they deserve clear, honest communication about what the City can do, what it’s already doing, and where other levels of government must step up.

How the Ward 7 Office has engaged the community

Since coming into office, Councillor Myke Atkinson and the Ward 7 team have engaged directly and repeatedly with East Village stakeholders to understand lived experience on the ground.

This engagement has included:

·         Extensive one‑on‑one correspondence with East Village residents, seniors, workers, and business owners who shared detailed and often traumatic experiences of day‑to‑day conditions

·         Conversations with community organizations and service providers, including the Drop‑In Centre, Alpha House, Good Neighbour, and the Salvation Army, to understand operational pressures and service gaps

·         Meetings and ride‑alongs with Calgary Police Service Districts 1, 2, and 3 to hear directly from officers about enforcement capacity, response times, and structural constraints

·         Participation in East Village Neighbourhood Association (EVNA) meetings and coordination with community partners such as Calgary Municipal Land Corporation on safety initiatives and information sharing

Across these conversations, one message has been consistent: what’s happening feels concentrated, exhausting, and unsustainable for the community.

What we’ve learned from residents

East Village residents have not been asking for rhetoric or excuses. They’ve asked for:

·         Predictable responses to safety concerns

·         Cleaner, safer public spaces

·         Fewer repeated emergency situations

·         Real coordination between street‑level services, enforcement, and outreach

Residents have also been clear that compassion and safety are not opposites. Many people expressed concern not only for themselves, but for the individuals experiencing homelessness, addiction, and mental‑health crises—recognizing that the current situation is failing everyone.

What the City is doing to improve community safety

While the City of Calgary does not control health care, income supports, addiction treatment, or housing programs (all provincial responsibilities), it does play an important role in mitigating harm and improving outcomes at the community level.

Current City‑level actions include:

·         Funding and partnerships through the Calgary Homeless Foundation to support outreach, shelter operations, and housing

·         Day Spaces and supervised public environments that reduce unsheltered crisis behaviour and connect people to services instead of pushing problems block‑to‑block

·         Targeted police presence and community counters focused on visibility and response within existing staffing limits (with CPS emphasizing that current gaps are about officer capacity—not buildings)

·         Nonpolice response teams, including Alpha House’s HELP Team, Needle Response, and Encampment Outreach, which residents can access directly for non‑emergency situations

These efforts make a difference—but they do not fully resolve the problem because they are addressing the downstream effects of larger system failures.

Where the City’s authority ends

It’s important to be clear:
 The City of Calgary cannot:

·         Run or reform mental‑health and addiction treatment systems

·         Set income‑support rates or eligibility

·         Regulate health‑care delivery

·         Build or operate long‑term treatment facilities without provincial partnership

This division of responsibility means municipalities often absorb the visible impacts of decisions (or underinvestment) made at other levels of government. East Village has become a place where those gaps are most acutely felt.

How Ward 7 is advocating going forward

The Ward 7 Office is committed to pushing beyond short‑term fixes. Ongoing advocacy includes:

·         Calling for better regional distribution of services so one neighbourhood is not carrying the full burden.

·         Supporting evidencebased, compassionfirst approaches that reduce long‑term disorder more effectively than enforcement alone

·         Pressing other orders of government to match municipal investments with provincial action in health, housing, and recovery

·         Continuing structured engagement with residents to ensure policies reflect real conditions—not assumptions

Our commitment to downtown communities

Community safety is about more than enforcement. It’s about predictability, dignity, and shared responsibility.

The Ward 7 Office will continue to:

·         Listen to residents and workers who live this reality every day

·         Be honest about what the City can and cannot do

·         Advocate for upstream solutions while strengthening local responses

·         Push for a downtown where safety and compassion reinforce—not undermine—each other

This work is difficult, ongoing, and far from finished—but it starts with transparency, engagement, and respect for those living at the centre of it.

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Myke Atkinson Myke Atkinson

Frequently Asked Questions

If you still have questions, please contact our office. For service requests, please include your SR# provided to you from 311. If you don’t know what an SR# is, please refer to our page Getting Help in Ward 7.

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Myke Atkinson Myke Atkinson

Getting Help in Ward 7

Navigating the City’s service request system and when it’s time to contact your councillor.

Thanks for reaching out to the Ward 7 Office. We receive a wide range of questions every day and knowing where to start can save you time and help get issues resolved faster. 

Understanding City Requests: A Quick Guide

Calgary is growing fast, and with so many services provided by different levels of government, it can be hard to know who to contact, when to contact them, and what to expect next. 

This guide answers three of the most common questions we receive at the Ward 7 Office and explains what information to have ready so we can help as quickly as possible.

What Does a Ward Office Do?

Ward offices help City Councillors stay informed about issues affecting the communities they represent. Most inquiries we receive fall into one of two categories: 

·       Service requests

·       Policy or bylaw requests

Service Requests

Service requests include things like: 

·       Potholes and road repairs 

·       Streetlight outages 

·       Parking permit concerns 

·       Other City service issues 

If you contact our office about a service issue, our first question will likely be: Have you contacted 311?

Why Start with 311?

·       311 connects your request to the right City team.

Submitting a request through 311 ensures it is officially logged and directed to the department responsible for resolving it. 

·       311 helps the City plan resources.

Requests are tracked in the City's system, helping identify trends and prioritize staffing, budgets, and repairs. 

·       311 gives you a tracking number.

Every request receives a Service Request (SR) number that lets you check progress and follow up if needed. 

How to Contact 311

You can submit a request by: 

·       Calling 311 from your phone

·       Using the 311 Calgary app 

·       Visiting calgary.ca/311

If you've already submitted a 311 request and haven't received a response within the expected timeframe, send our office your SR number and the date you submitted it. We can follow up with Administration on your behalf. 

Please note that service timelines vary depending on the issue and its urgency. Once we receive your SR number, it may take at least three business days for us to receive an update. 

Policy and Bylaw Requests:

We also hear from residents about City policies, bylaws, and upcoming Council decisions. 

You may want to: 

·       Share your views on an upcoming Council vote 

·       Suggest a bylaw change 

·       Recommend improvements to a City process 

In these cases, we may provide background information, explain the Councillor's past positions, or share context that may be helpful. We may also suggest other organizations or levels of government that are better suited to assist. 

Please note that we do not forward emails on behalf of residents. 

Policy changes are decided by Council and generally require support from at least eight councillors to move forward. While the Ward 7 Office may already be working on an issue you raise, there may not yet be sufficient support to introduce a motion or bylaw change. 

Who Should I Contact?

Not every issue falls under the City of Calgary. Depending on your concern, the right contact may be: 

·       The City of Calgary 

·       The Government of Alberta 

·       The Government of Canada 

·       Other agencies or organizations 

The flow chart below can help you determine where to direct your inquiry. 

Tip: For service-related concerns, contacting 311 first is often the fastest way to get your issue into the system and moving toward resolution. 

Common Examples:

Below are three examples of requests we often receive and the typical guidance we provide. 

Example 1: Parking Restrictions Changed on My Street

What we would share with you:

Parking restrictions are managed through City processes and studies. Councillors cannot directly change parking restrictions. 

If you believe restrictions should be reviewed, submit a request through 311 and ask for a parking review: 

1.      Select Submit an Online Service Request

2.      Choose Residential Parking

3.      Select Add/Modify Parking Sign

If you submit a request, feel free to send us your SR number so we can track it with you. 

Example 2: Construction Is Creating Parking or Debris Issues 

What we would share with you:

Please report the issue through 311. You can call, submit an online request, or upload photos through the 311 app. 

This ensures the concern is tracked and routed to the appropriate City department. 

Once you receive your SR number, send it to us if the issue remains unresolved and we can help follow up. 

Example 3: A Barrier, Sidewalk, or Other City Infrastructure Is Damaged 

What we would share with you:

Please report the issue to 311 as soon as possible. Photos are helpful and can be submitted through the app. 

After submitting your request, send us your SR number and we can assist with follow-up if needed. 

Thank You!

We hope this guide helps explain how the Ward 7 Office works and how we can best assist you. Our goal is to help residents connect with the right people, understand City processes, and get answers as efficiently as possible. In most cases, starting with 311 for service-related concerns is the fastest way to get your issue into the City's system and moving toward resolution. Our office is always happy to help provide context, answer questions, and follow up when needed. 

Thank you for taking the time to connect here to learn more—we look forward to hearing from you. For more information about recent changes to how Councillors interact with City Administration, please see the Government of Alberta's information on modernising municipal processes on the Alberta website.

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Neighbour Day & Indigenous Peoples Day Events

From East Village to Montgomery, Neighbour Day events are happening across Ward 7 and the City this Saturday. Councillor Atkinson is finalizing his route to get to as many as possible. If you see him running around, give him a high five! ✋ Following the festivities of Neighbour Day, Indigenous People’s Day is June 21st. Read on for all the events happening in Ward 7 this weekend. It’s bound to be a great weekend of family friendly activities and getting to know our neighbours! 

Capitol Hill School’s Out Party (Neighbour Day Eve!) 

On June 19th at 6pm, kick off Neighbour Day weekend with the Spectacular School’s Out party at CHCA. Fun for all ages at this free event. Capitol Hill Community Association will host a rockin’ good time with a petting zoo, bouncy castle mania, beer garden, food trucks, interactive KidStrong demonstrations, live music by Big Yellow Van, half-time circus show, kids’ activities and much, much more! 

School's Out Party - The Capitol Hill Neighbour Day Weekend kickoff - Capitol Hill Community Association

Rosedale’s 3rd Annual Neighbour Day 

Come and meet your fellow neighbours at Rosedale’s 3rd Neighbour Day celebration. Bring your lawn chairs and join for a fun afternoon of free food, family friendly games and live entertainment. More information can be found in your local Rosedale Reporter paper or visit Rosedale Community Association’s website to register. 

Neighbour Day – Rosedale Community Association

Montgomery Neighbour Day 

Montgomery Community Association’s Neighbour Day celebration is happening rain or shine with events inside and outside the hall. There will be family activities, Kidz Play Zone, Colouring Mural, All-day DJ, Free food for the first 200 people and door prizes. Plus, The Reptile Guy! Bring your lawn chairs, family, and friends. 

Neighbour Day - Montgomery Community Association

Tuxedo Park Art, Gardening, and Neighbour Day Event 

Tuxedo Park community has been chosen as the first Community Association in Calgary to pilot a new City arts program. It will launch on Neighbour Day with a FREE outdoor art station where kids can sculpt their own clay bugs. Take yours home, donate it to the sensory garden, or both — it’s entirely up to you! While you’re there, pick up info on upcoming community art classes and share what you’d like to see by filling out a short questionnaire. 

Tuxedo Park Art, Gardening and Neighbour Day

West Hillhurst Kick Off to Summer 2026 

On Saturday June 20 from 12pm - 3pm, West Hillhurst Community Association is Kicking Off to Summer! Come celebrate the beginning of summertime and the end of an amazing year of programming at WHCA. This is a free community event - no tickets or reservations required! Simply show up to the WHCA field and join the fun! Activities include face painting, mobile and bike obstacle courses, bouncy castles, field games and local food trucks. 

Kick Off to Summer 2026 — West Hillhurst Community Association | Calgary

Hillhurst Sunnyside Neighbour Day Events 

The Hillhurst Brightening Committee was a unique community association endeavour born out of the recovery effort from the 2013 flood, just as Neigbour Day emerged for the same reason. So it’s no surprise that the Hillhurst Sunnyside community are hosting a whole suite of events this Neighbour Day including a parade (1-3pm) Art Festval (10-3:30), Community Concert (4pm), and Street Sale (9-2). Check out this day of events on their website. Neighbour Day — HSCA

Fold, Create, Connect: A Cherry Blossom Celebration at Sien Lok Park 

Join members of the Sien Lok Society as they celebrate the cherry blossom planting at Sien Lok Park. Make your own origami cherry blossom. Learn the art of origami cherry blossoms, connect with your neighbours, and enjoy a fun, hands-on activity for all ages! No experience is needed, and all supplies will be provided! 

Neighbour Day 2026 - Calgary Chinatown Events

26th Annual Walk for Wing Kei 

Walk for Wing Kei is a Calgary charity walk and fundraising event held every June. Join us on June 20, 2026 for a community walkathon event supporting seniors’ care in Calgary. Spend a day of walking, performances, and family fun at the Calgary Chinese Cultural Centre while raising funds to support senior care. 

Calgary Walkathon Route Map 2026 | Walk for Wing Kei

Made by Momma’s Neighbour Day Event

Made by Momma Made by Momma is a grassroots non-profit organization and registered Canadian charity located in Calgary.  Join Made by Momma & The Happy Birthday Project on Saturday, June 20, as they celebrate Neighbour Day with an afternoon of free family fun, community connection, and neighbourhood spirit. Bring your family, meet your neighbours, and enjoy a variety of activities designed to bring the community together. There will be games, family-friendly activities, great food, and plenty of opportunities to connect with others in the neighbourhood. 

Neighbour Day 2026 - Made by Momma

Parkdale Neighbour Day

Join your neighbours for a Neighbour Day get-together at Nove Nine, presented by the Parkdale Community Association. Drop in any time between 3 and 8 PM on Saturday, June 20 to eat, chat, and meet the people who live nearby. Your ticket includes a full spread of finger food where East meets West, plus one drink ticket, alcoholic or non-alcoholic. Gluten-free and vegan options. Families welcome, and kids get the same food plus a non-alcoholic drink. Tickets are $30, or $15 for kids under 12. Only 60 seats, indoors.

Parkdale Neighbour Day | Parkdale Community

Calgary Climate Hub Bike Bus 

Can’t decide where to go? How about hopping on the Bike Bus that Calgary Climate Hub is rolling through Calgary? This isn't a race and it's not a lycra-required cycling event. The Neighbour Day Bike Bus is designed to be welcoming, social, and accessible for everyday riders. Whether you're a seasoned cyclist, someone who mostly sticks to pathways or haven't been on a bike in a looooong time, this ride is all about having fun, meeting people, and experiencing Calgary from a different perspective. On Neighbour Day, they'll be hopping on bikes and visiting a variety of community celebrations taking place in and around Calgary's downtown. Think of it as a rolling neighbourhood party: part bike ride, part community tour, and part urban adventure. 

Neighbour Day Bike Bus - Calgary Climate Hub

Indigenous People’s Day Events 

Aboriginal Friendship Centre of Calgary 

AFCC is hosting the Walk for Reconciliation (June 21st, 9:00 AM). Join them as they walk from the Harry Hays Building to The Confluence. A meal will be provided for the first 500 participants. 

June 2026 AFCC Outreach Calendar: Events and Community Support - Aboriginal Friendship Centre of Calgary

The Gathering at Moh’kinsstis 

This Gathering is an opportunity to bring to life a long-held vision: a visible, purpose-built, Indigenous-led Gathering Place in Calgary. For one day, we are creating space for Indigenous Peoples and communities to gather in a way that reflects the strength, diversity, cultures, and presence of Indigenous Peoples across Treaty 7 and beyond. Guided by Elders and Knowledge Keepers, the day will centre ceremony, cultural teachings, artistic expression, music, storytelling, and meaningful connection. The Gathering is open to all community members and welcomes both Indigenous and non-Indigenous people to come together in a spirit of respect, learning, celebration, and relationship. Many artists (visual, music, and storytelling) will be joining their cultural showcase so be sure to check the link for more event information. 

The Gathering at Moh’kinsstis | National Indigenous Peoples Day, June 21, 2026 — Indigenous Gathering Place Society of Calgary

OHSOTO’KINO 

On June 21, National Music Centre will host a free live event, hosted by David McLeod, curator of the Speak Up! exhibit, featuring performances by Tudjaat, whose work throughout mid-1990s was instrumental in reconnecting many young Inuit to their culture; Black Crow Funk, the country, folk, and blues project of Métis singer-songwriter Jody Funk; and techno/electronic artist sean beaver, who incorporates pow wow elements, percussion, and vocal chants into his high-energy hybrid sets of live loops and originally produced music. Visitors can also explore an Indigenous vendor market, and five floors of exhibitions, including Speak Up! at no cost - admission to Studio Bell is free for everyone on June 21.  

OHSOTO’KINO: Indigenous Peoples Day at Studio Bell | Studio Bell

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Ward 7 Community Ideation Sessions

We’re excited to announce our Community Ideation Sessions running from May to June 2026. Community Ideation Sessions are interactive, in‑person gatherings where residents can share what matters most to them in their neighbourhoods. Participants will be invited to contribute through topic bulletin boards, neighbourhood maps, dot‑voting charts, and sticky-notes galore, creating a democratic and accessible way for everyone to be heard. 

On behalf of Councillor Atkinson, the Ward 7 Team is excited to work with you over the next few years to do the best work we can for our 22 unique communities in the heart of Calgary.

Right now, we're excited to share plans about our community ideation sessions starting in early May. We are hosting community ideation sessions at eight Ward 7 Community Associations to help gather community input on ways you want to see your communities shaped over the next four years. We are going to gather feedback with topic bulletin boards, area maps, and dot charts to understand the desires of community members in key regions of the Ward.

sticky notes on a table with indiscernible handwriting

What Is It? 

The Community Ideation Sessions are interactive, in‑person gatherings where residents can share what matters most to them in their neighbourhoods. Participants will be invited to contribute through topic bulletin boards, neighbourhood maps, dot‑voting charts, and sticky-notes galore, creating a democratic and accessible way for everyone to be heard. 

The sessions will be held across eight regions of Ward 7, ensuring voices from diverse communities are reflected in future planning and decision‑making.

Who Is It For? 

These sessions are open to all Ward 7 residents, including: 

  • Long‑time community members and newcomers 

  • Youth, families, seniors, and local business owners 

  • Anyone who lives, works, or volunteers in Ward 7 

No prior experience or preparation is needed—just a willingness to share your perspective. 

Why Should Residents Attend? 

Community input plays a vital role in shaping advocacy, priorities, and investments at City Hall. By attending a Community Ideation Session, residents have a direct opportunity to: 

  • Connect with neighbours and strengthen community relationships 

  • Share ideas about what they want to see more of (or less of) in their community 

  • Identify local challenges and opportunities 

  • Influence priorities that will help guide Ward 7’s work over the next four years 

Residents are encouraged to drop in, participate, and add their voice to the conversation. Every dot placed, note written, and map marked helps shape a more inclusive and responsive future for Ward 7. The feedback gathered will help ensure Ward 7’s future reflects the real experiences, needs, and aspirations of the people who live there.

We are finalizing details on a few of these sessions, but if you express your interest through an RSVP or via email to us we will update you as soon as we know more details. Please follow the event links for more information and to express your interest.

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We’re looking forward to seeing you at these sessions! On behalf of the whole Ward 7 Team, we thank you for your attention to what’s going on in your community.

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Myke Atkinson Myke Atkinson

2nd / 7th ave cycle track is now open in sunnyside

We are excited to share that the 2nd Ave cycle track in Sunnyside is open!

We are excited to share that the 2nd Ave cycle track in Sunnyside is open! 

We got over a dozen emails when the 2nd Ave / 7th Ave cycle track looked nearly completed but pathway barriers remained. What we heard was a majority of people were excited and supportive of the dedicated bike lanes, but despite being essentially complete, they remained blocked by barriers. 

This was due to a delay in the sign making process. Permanent road markings also did not get painted before winter hit.

From The City's perspective, they wanted to guarantee safety, so the barriers remained as they were concerned the laneway uses were unclear. 

Our goal was clear: Open the wheeling lane.

People wanted the bike lanes open, and The City wanted to ensure that they would be safe and properly marked when they opened. We started with a walkthrough visit, led by the project manager. We were joined by some of the Hillhurst Sunnyside Mobility Committee as well. 

By connecting at the walkthrough in-person, we were able to hear each other's perspectives in a constructive way. We appreciate The City's Mobility Unit for their work and for walking us through the project. They explained the setbacks while meeting highly engaged community members through HSCA's mobility committee. They were able to speed up the process for us - and keep it safe - by installing some temporary signage and road markings.  

Wheeling lane on January 7, 2026

Wheeling lane on January 29th, 2026

We hope that this demonstrates that the Ward 7 office is here for your questions and concerns! You can make a difference when you engage in local issues by emailing us about how you experience your own community. We get a lot of emails, but we reply to every single one. 

Make your Ward 7 office work for you!

Email us at ward7@calgary.ca or join our newsletter to see what we do next!

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