Nenshi goes online to rally support for secondary suites

CALGARY – Mayor Naheed Nenshi is going viral to muster support in his bid to legalize secondary suites.

Nenshi has been using social networking sites including Twitter, Facebook and YouTube to lay out his position on the issue and is asking Calgarians to do the same by communicating with city council members.

As part of an election promise, Nenshi hopes to legalize basement suites across Calgary based on certain requirements; including adequate parking and all health and safety codes are met.

Nenshi was given much attention for his use of social networking during last year’s civic election campaign.

Ward 4 Councillor Gael MacLeod and Ward 6 Councillor Richard Pootmans have admitted that input they receive on social media has influenced their decision making.

“The volume is increasing,” says McLeod.

“I have seen an increase today as supposed to last week but I have to say I’m getting on both sides of the argument and in my email box it’s pretty m much a balance.”

Pootmans says he’ll also be watching the social media realm as the mayor tries to rally support once again.

But some council members say they don’t need Twitter to know how people in their wards feel about secondary suites. Councillor Ray Jones says he’s more “˜old-fashioned’ when it comes to decision making and was not aware of Nenshi’s online initiative.

“We get enough phone calls and emails and personal contact to know that we don’t need that. I’ve got a feel from my communities on where they stand on the issue.”

Jones also says he has no intention of joining Facebook or Twitter anytime soon.

Nenshi says no matter if you support of oppose the idea, it’s important to let your city councillor know.

Council is expected to vote on the issue next week.