Tag Archives: council

Green Line project has trouble getting on track

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A lack of progress in Calgary’s proposed Green line is leaving both city councillors and board members frustrated, as made evident in a March 31st meeting. Don Fairbairn, chair of the Green Line Technical and Risk Committee (TRC), began his presentation by outlining the advances made thus far, which proved to be controversial.

Councillor Jyoti Gondek cast the lone vote against formally accepting Fairbairn’s report and was particularly vocal when discussing the process with Michael Thompson, general manager of Calgary’s transportation department 

“Are you okay with the fact that we are not going to start construction this year,” said Gondek, “Don’t you feel that’s a failure?” 

Thomson’s answers up to this point were mostly assurances to the council that the board was working closely with the Alberta Government on “technical issues”, of which the definition was also a point of contention. He did eventually show a sliver of doubt. “[Are] we frustrated that we’re not there yet? Yes. Am I frustrated? For sure.”

Gondek went on to ask Thompson what they need from the board to keep the project moving, and he responded with “support”. This statement was echoed by Fairbarn as he re-entered the discussion. 

“From the perspective of the Board absolutely what we need is the leadership on your part to allow us to do our work. I hear and feel and acknowledge the frustration of members of the committee and members of the public today. Michael Thompson has expressed his personal challenges. But I have to say that what really matters as far as those who get delegated this significant accountability [in] conducting the board, but [what] really matters, at least for me [as a representative] speaking on behalf of the board is that we gain a full understanding, we gain sufficient confidence.”

The council also heard from two concerned citizens, Jane Ebbern of the Calgary Alliance for the Common Good (CACG) and Jeff Binks of the LRT on the Green Foundation (LRTGF)- both of whom were unimpressed with the delays. Ebbern suggested that the CACG would protest the lack of the results once they are capable of planning large gatherings.

An added source of frustration is the insistence from the UCP government that council and board members do not discuss the project publicly. “[What] we’ve heard over the months is “don’t go to the media” but apparently they’ll go to the media whenever they feel like it” said Council Chair Shane Keating.

Councillors question policy after lockdown protests

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Calgary councillors are still unsure as to where to “draw the line” following the February 27th protest at city hall. Crowds gathered to denounce COVID-19 regulations such as mandatory masks but also carried with them white supremacists’ symbolisms, namely tiki torches.

While every councillor was quick to denounce these symbols and racism in general there was some dissent on the subject on what exactly could be done.

“[City Hall] or Olympic Plaza, these are places have been traditional in regard to allowing peaceful protests to take place” said Richard Hinse, director of the Calgary Community Standards Bylaw office. He also commented on the difficulties of balancing charter rights and freedom of expression, calling it “probably one of the most difficult areas of law”.

Councillor Evan Woolley believes that hate groups are incompatible with the concept of a peaceful protest and is worried about providing such groups with a platform. “[Are] we functionally endorsing [the spread of hate] by allowing it to happen in these incredibly important public plazas?”

Councillor Chabal echoed Woolley’s sentiments, and looked for alternative ways to specifically bar tiki torches from public spaces. He questioned Director Hinse of the legality of having an open flame at a protest- drawing parallels between the use of torches, fire pits, Molotov cocktails, and burning crosses. 

Councillor Chu denounced the “racist symbol of [the] tiki torch but also urged caution. “Politicians should not direct,” said Chu, in reference to how officials can influence police. He advised the council that collectively, they need to proceed “very carefully” and be wary of the “slippery slope”. He explained that freedom of speech is what separates Canada from a nation like China, especially when it comes to contentious issues. “Do we like it? Well, some people do, some people don’t. But [that’s] the difference’.

The council ruled unanimously to  “formally denounce all statements, acts and symbols of racism, hatred, intolerance and violence that  that were collectively and individually displayed on Saturday, February 27, 2021”.