Brentwood Office

A Message from the Development and Transportation Committee

Where to find City info and links - January 2026

A Message from the City of Calgary

Dear Community Association Leaders,

We know many of you have been fielding questions from neighbours about the ongoing water restrictions, particularly as they relate to outdoor rinks and other community amenities. I want to personally thank you for your patience and for the significant effort your volunteers continue to put into supporting your communities as The City works to complete this water main repair as quickly as possible.

I want to say this plainly: I understand how hard this is – particularly for those of you who have invested countless volunteer hours and limited resources into maintaining outdoor rinks.

These spaces are a vital part of winter life in our communities. Recreation is not “extra.” It supports physical health, mental wellbeing, and community connection — and you are absolutely right to be advocating for it.

At the same time, the City is facing a serious water supply crisis. While the impacts may not always be immediately visible, the risk is real: if water use is not reduced now, reserves will most certainly be drawn down to levels that affect essential services, including emergency response. This is not a pleasant or easy situation, and I recognize the burden it places on community organizations that are already doing so much.

My office team and I have followed up with City Administration to get clarity on several questions we have received and we presume you may have too, so we want to share the most current information.

Outdoor rinks

Under the current Stage 4 Water Restrictions, outdoor rinks (including Adopt-A-Rinks) are not permitted to be flooded using City water. This includes:

• fire hydrant use, and
• water truck services.

At this time, the City is not planning to schedule water truck services or providing non-potable (untreated) water to support outdoor rink flooding. This is partially because repairs are nearly complete and, if all goes well, we hope you will be able to return to regular operations within the next few days.

Indoor rinks

The City’s Water Bylaw does not allow for the prohibition of flooding indoor rinks. However, indoor facilities (City-owned and private) have been asked to implement water reduction plans, including:

• reducing the frequency and duration of flooding, and
• scheduling flooding during off-peak hours where possible.

Car washes

Commercial car washes are allowed to continue operating. Most indoor car washes recycle approximately 85% of their water. We are encouraged to wash vehicles only when necessary for safety, such as keeping windows, mirrors, and license plates clean.

We understand this has caused confusion, and we appreciate your help in sharing this context with your neighbours.

Emergency alerts

Some neighbours have asked why a broadcast emergency alert has not been issued. Alberta Emergency Alerts have two forms:

• Advisory (non-intrusive) alerts, which are sent to users of the Alberta Emergency Alert app. These were issued on December 31 for the Boil Water Advisory and again on January 7 for the citywide water supply alert.
• Critical, broadcast-intrusive alerts, which interrupt radio, television, and mobile devices, are reserved for situations posing an immediate life-safety risk with urgent protective actions required. This threshold was met in 2024 when reservoir levels risked affecting fire suppression. At this time, that threshold has not been met.

What to expect next

The City continues to monitor the situation closely. Repairs are nearly complete, and at this point, impacts to Community Association operations are expected to be short-term — measured in days, not weeks, assuming no further complications.

I know this has been a difficult period, especially given the reliance on volunteers and the importance of community amenities during the winter months. Your flexibility, leadership, and cooperation are genuinely appreciated.

If you have specific operational questions, please continue to reach out to your Neighbourhood Partnership Coordinator. Our office will also continue to share updates as new information becomes available.

Thank you again for everything you do to support your neighbours.

DJ Kelly, PMP
Councillor, Ward 4
The City of Calgary I Mail code: #8001B
T 403.268.2430 | calgary.ca/ward4
Floor 3, Historic City Hall – 800 MacLeod Trail S.E.
P.O. Box 2100, Station M, Calgary, AB T2P 2M5

A message from the City of Calgary

Create more memories, less waste this holiday season

The holidays bring joy—and extra waste. We generate about 25% more this time of year from wrapping paper, packaging, and leftover food. Small changes can make a big impact:

1. Give experiences instead of things. Time together creates lasting memories.
2. Make or repurpose gifts. Handmade or passed-down items tell a story.
3. Wrap creatively. Reuse bags, bows, or wrap with fabric.
4. Shop with purpose. Plan ahead and choose thoughtful gifts.
5. Reduce food waste. Stick to a grocery list, use leftovers, or send extras home with guests.

 

Christmas tree composting 

When the holidays are over, give your real Christmas tree a green goodbye by choosing one of the following options:

• Green Cart Pickup: Remove decorations, cut into small pieces, and place in your green cart.
• Drop-Off (until Jan 31): Take your undecorated, unbagged tree to a designated site.
  Find locations: Christmas Tree Composting Program

 

Holiday collection changes
Please note blue, black and green cart pickup date changes in your community!

Thursday, Dec 25 → moves to Monday, Dec 22

Thursday, Jan 1 → moves to Monday, Dec 29

Regular Thursday collection resumes Jan 8. Check your schedule at calgary.ca/cartschedule.

Thank you for helping keep Calgary clean and green. Happy Holidays!

 

 

A message from the City of Calgary

Winter Green Cart Schedule

Starting in November, your green cart will be collected every other week. This seasonal schedule helps match service to the lower volumes of yard waste during colder months.

Weekly collection will return in April 2026, when spring clean-up season begins.

We know Calgary’s weather can be unpredictable. That’s why we base the schedule on long-term trends—when cart volumes usually drop and when snowy conditions often arrive. By planning ahead, we keep the program reliable, cost-effective, and ready with the right trucks, drivers, and resources in place.

• Visit ca/cartschedule to check your cart pickup schedule and sign up for reminders.
• Make it easy to remember your cart collection schedule this winter by downloading the Calgary Garbage Day app.
• If you have extra yard waste, you can also bring it to a City Eco Centre for composting. Free Fall Yard Waste Program – running Friday September 19 – Saturday, Nov 1, 2025

Thank you for doing your part to keep Calgary clean and green year-round!