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Pilot project aims to better Calgary communities, without blowing the budget

A view of downtown Calgary, from the community of Bankview. Global News

CALGARY- The city has introduced a new pilot project, aimed at helping residents better their communities.

‘Inspiring Strong Neighbourhoods’ will see community leaders take a walkabout with city staff, to see first-hand what works, and what could be done better. The idea is to personalize city service to best fit the neighbourhood.

“So far our business model has been, ‘these are the services available’ and you pick them from the menu,” says Councillor John Mar. “We have never gone and talked to communities.”

The project kicked off on Wednesday in Bankview, one of the city’s oldest areas.

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“We are one of the oldest communities in the city, and I have been saying lately we are almost one of the forgotten ones,” says Bankview resident Terry MacKenzie. “We don’t have some of the commercial nodes and collector places that many of the other communities have, so it’s difficult for community members to go and accidentally meet each other.”

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It’s hoped that people who know and care for each other, also look out for each other. Project leader Bill Bruce says inspiring strong neighbourhoods can make big changes—without blowing the budget.

“One group wanted to do something with an off-leash area in the community. All they needed was a little help with a few tools, some bags and a locker to put it in,” he explains. “[It was] very inexpensive, very cheap, but that will ensure the area is kept clean and attractive and useable for everybody.”

The city will take what they learn, make recommendations, and put it before council in July. The pilot project will take place in 12 of Calgary’s 190 communities.

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