In recent months, a number of projects and developments across Calgary have experienced vocal opposition, to the point that groups have even filed legal action.
In Ward 6, a proposed development in Springbank Hill has faced opposition. At a community forum Wednesday night, residents say without proper council representation, their voices and votes mean nothing.
Ward 6 Coun. Richard Pootman stepped down from city council in November of 2024 due to personal reasons, and because it was less than a year until the next municipal election, his seat on council remained vacant in accordance with Section 162 of the Municipal Government Act.
In his absence, councillors Sonya Sharp, Courtney Walcott, and Kourtey Penner were tasked to pick up the slack, but Ward 6 candidate Inam Teja says they’ve failed to do that.
“All of them have taken oaths to represent the best interests of the city as a whole,” Teja explained. “Regardless of whether a councillor falls ill or not, we still need to make sure we’re hearing from folks.”
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Joanne Birce, who is also running in Ward 6, says having conversations is job number one.
“Engagement is key,” said Birce. “We do need to listen to the biggest stakeholders in our community, and that is the residents and community associations.”
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When talking to people on the streets of Calgary, some aren’t surprised to hear other voters are feeling frustrated.
Even if you are able to speak it’s another thing to be listened to, according to Edith Wenzel who lives in Springbank, just west of Calgary.
Others like Murray Young are giving council and the city a little more slack, saying they appreciate the city is actually doing what needs to be done in order to keep growing.
“I accept it for what it is,” laughed Young. “I like to see that there’s actually growth. Project management? I guess you could speak to that and have them do a better job in being more efficient. But if you’re going to be in a growing city, these are the pains you gotta live with.”
Calgarians can ensure their voices are heard by heading to the polls in the upcoming municipal election Oct. 20, 2025.
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