For those who agreed to be interviewed the Ward 11 team elected to ask about several additional items:
How will you deal with the province “getting in your lane"? Example - Minister Dreeshen saying Calgary should not be investing in bike lanes.
There has been a lot of debate on what are the core responsibilities of the City. We know it is up to the city's discretion, as democratically elected officials, to determine what a core service is. Please list three services, programs, or actions that the City of Calgary currently supports, or offers, that you believe need to be reduced or eliminated, and why?
There has been a lot of discussion regarding “citizen engagement”. Some people believe the entire system needs to be revised; others think minor tweaks are necessary. What are your thoughts?
Kourtney believes the City offers high levels of engagement. Improvement is needed in setting clear expectations for the process, outlining how feedback will be used, and explaining how decisions are made. (These suggestions are also reflected in the KPMG report commissioned by the City.)
Anything else that you would like to add?
Kourtney Penner
Kourtney sees government collaboration as a ‘three lane highway with dotted lines”. At times, having conversations with administration and provincial staff may be the place where work can be done. Connecting with other levels of government can be ‘tricky’, but arguing is not going to help. Kourtney has learned to identify what is in her sphere of control. She focuses on what actions she can take and what data she can share. Sometimes, it is just an issue of patience. Regarding bike lanes, Kourtney is willing let the issue go, for the moment. She believes if we re-name the lanes as multi-use pathways, and expand their use for all groups, especially people with disabilities, they may be better supported.
Kourtney believes all current services and programs are important. She did not identify any for reduction or elimination. Kourtney explained that the core services are evolving; that the services of 2025 are not the same as in 1975. For example, the City must now include a focus on technology but as well programs like the low income transit pass. She believes that if a service is underperforming, it is likely under-invested. Kourtney spoke about snow removal commenting that the purchase of equipment has not kept pace with the growth of the city. (Previous Councils cut the budget for snow removal to trim expenses.) When assessing services, the definition of ‘efficiency’ must be clarified by the City. Is it accuracy and level of service, or cost savings? She sees this clarification also applies to other services including policing and firefighting.
Kourtney believes the City could better focus on where engagement is truly needed and better understand the value proposition of engagement. Kourtney also spoke to the topic of demographic capture. Some citizen groups are unlikely or unable to engage. The City must know where those ‘blind spots’ are.
Kourtney stated she chose to run again because there are more things she wants to do. She mentioned several actions she was especially proud of including helping to get the Green Line to downtown, the provision of free transit for children under 12 years of age, and creation of the Wurklund Centre (Arts Commons Transformation Project). Kourtney has moved ‘more to the middle’. For example, she has softened her stance on urban sprawl because of the number of people moving to the city. Kourtney believes a strong element of consistency in representation is required for the next Council to function most effectively. She is eager to help provide that. (She also mentioned, if she was not re-elected, she would help orient the new Ward 11 Councillor.)
Rob Ward
At the heart of good government is understanding roles and responsibilities. Many of the issues raised in this survey—such as health care, rent supports, and social programs—fall under the
Province’s jurisdiction. When municipalities step too far into these areas, it often leads to duplication of services, higher property taxes, and frustration for residents who are already paying into provincial and federal systems.
That doesn’t mean the City has no role. We should be a strong partner—providing input, advocating for Calgary’s fair share of resources, and supporting community organizations where appropriate. But we must always keep taxpayers in mind and focus our core resources on the essential municipal services Calgarians rely on every day: roads, snow clearing, water, waste, police, fire, and transit.
I believe this balance—respecting jurisdiction, partnering where it makes sense, and focusing on core services—is the best way to deliver value and accountability for Calgarians.
Alex Williams
Alex said he has not identified areas where services/programs need to be cut. Alex would focus instead on tax efficiency. He wants to look at how the city is built thus increasing long term cost efficiency. For example, urban sprawl results in higher costs that impact Calgarians.
Alex believes minor tweaks are needed regarding citizen engagement. Compared to the other cities he knows, Calgary has the most extensive citizen engagement process. He believes the concern about citizen engagement is focussed primarily on the by-law review process. Alex sees there needs to be more effort directed to the engagement of disadvantaged groups including individuals with disabilities, students, immigrants, those with children, Indigenous peoples, and those trying to make ends meet do not have time to engage in the current process.