[MalcolmTucker]

Rob Ford......wow. The downfall of toronto. Dont speak too soon......McIver has a very similar demeanor and he could very well be mayor as well. I guess Torontonians are tired of University Educated people running their city. Calgary seems like it is on the same path.

Bronconnier never finished university I believe. Judge people by the content of their character and their actions, not the letters after their names.

[Cage]

I still think though the YYC Airport authority doesn't answer to the city, if the city can get the airport tunnel funded "quickly" and i do emphasize quickly, that it would be bad form for the authority to not be flexible instead of giving the citizens of this city the middle finger.

Are not the airport authority board members Calgarians as well, and is not doing whats right in regards to the airport tunnel also in the best interest of the authority?

There is a major issue with Airport capacity if a runway construction is delayed. Based upon an April 2011 construction start, the runway completion is fall 2014. By spring/summer 2015, the international terminal gets completed. If the runway does not get completed on time, there will be insufficient runway capacity for the available terminal/gate space. This will hinder the growth of both AC and Westjet, each of which has increased service at YYC by 50% since 2003. By 2015 Westjet has 110 737s plus will likely have a longhaul option to provide service to LHR, CDG, HNL, OGG, etc on their own metal. Current terminal and runway capacity is insufficient to meet Westjet's future growth, so if the runway and international terminal does not get built then Westjet will expand elsewhere (likely YEG and YVR).

For examples as to where YYC is at, compare the expansion YVR undertook in the mid 90s. new runway proceeded by new international terminal, proceeded by large increase in international and transborder flights, proceeded by passenger traffic increase from 12 million to 16 million.

[Boris2k7]

Better Idea: Calgary will be a City where its citizens are enriched by outstanding libraries, recreation amenities, and a vibrant cultural scene

Naheed understands that a great city must be a great place to live. Calgarians want easier access to libraries and sports and recreation facilities. They also want a city with a diverse and vibrant arts scene. Naheed will focus on expanding library services and recreational centres in underserved regions of the City and will implement policies that make it easier for artists to create, perform, and display their works. That’s how this Better Idea will lead to a Better Calgary.

More (http://www.nenshi.ca/new/2010/485)

[MalcolmTucker]

Delaying by 6 months, or changing the project phasing isn't the end of the world. Sure, I wouldn't want 6 months to turn into two years but if the city had the money i don't doubt for a second the airport authority would be ok with a delay. They just can't say it really because people will ask for a delay so they can ask for more money, leading no where.

If a billionaire offered to build it in the first week of November (first council meeting where this will likely have to be forced through like the LRT projects were last go round), you're telling me the airport would say no?

[mooky]

I don't disagree we need a new runway, not at all, but short term pain for long term gain.

Chicago O'Hare runs way over the capacity we do .. just comes to mind as a place that "makes do" .. and YYC would only be short term. Yes there will be inconveniences, but a few months delay versus potentially an extra $500+ million for a TBM tunnel after the fact, for a piece of infrastructure that will be around for 100+ years is a small sacrifice. Everybody needs to play nice on the playground and not throw sand.

Yes, the city dropped the ball on this over successive administrations, but aren't we all working for the greater good of Calgary?


There is a major issue with Airport capacity if a runway construction is delayed. Based upon an April 2011 construction start, the runway completion is fall 2014. By spring/summer 2015, the international terminal gets completed. If the runway does not get completed on time, there will be insufficient runway capacity for the available terminal/gate space. This will hinder the growth of both AC and Westjet, each of which has increased service at YYC by 50% since 2003. By 2015 Westjet has 110 737s plus will likely have a longhaul option to provide service to LHR, CDG, HNL, OGG, etc on their own metal. Current terminal and runway capacity is insufficient to meet Westjet's future growth, so if the runway and international terminal does not get built then Westjet will expand elsewhere (likely YEG and YVR).

For examples as to where YYC is at, compare the expansion YVR undertook in the mid 90s. new runway proceeded by new international terminal, proceeded by large increase in international and transborder flights, proceeded by passenger traffic increase from 12 million to 16 million.

[You Need A Thneed]

The point of no return for the Airport Tunnel occured in February 2010.

In March 2010 the CAA and City of Calgary concluded an agreement to preserve the option to build a tunnel after runway completion.

Here is the Marhc 8, 2010 press release from CAA:
http://www.calgaryairport.com/Default.aspx?cid=621&lang=1




First paragraph explains that only option left to City of Calgary is to build the tunnel after runway completion. The CAA has agreed they will no put up a building where the tunnel will be located or take other action that would preclude the tunnel being built.

That is the fact portion of my arguement.

The opinion portion of my arguement is that Tunnel supporters are hoping for a "Hail Mary pass" whereby the City forces the airport authority to delay runway construction while plans are reconfigured to construct the tunnel during runway construction.

I am also of the opinion thsat Nenshi all ready knows the Tunnel is past the point of no return. This is why Better Idea #4 includes the proposal to engage CAA and if the CAA will not cooperate, then move to replace the CAA board with puppets of City Council.
The runway is supposed to take about 4 years to build. The tunnel would not take 4 years to build, and would only affect a very small portion of the runway construction zone, perhaps about a section about 100m wide, when the whole runway is what, 4km long? So the tunnel would affect about 1/40th of the construction zone. Sure, it might affect haul routes and things like that, but that shouldn't affect the construction schedule.

I'm in the construction industry, and I can't see how building the tunnel simultaneously with the runway would affect the completion date of the runway in any way.

Even if the start building the runway from one end, the tunnel should be done by the time the runway construction gets to it, if they start at the south end.

Sure, the tunnel would have to start soon, but the deadline given by the airport to have it done was mostly just pressure by the airport I think to get it done, not that is was a hard deadline, IMO.

The tunnel, after all, is a relatively simple project. One of the larger construction companies in Calgary could probably get the shell done next year. Its a simple box with straight walls, lots of repatition in the construction sequence, and its in the middle of an undeveloped field, with no space issues. Engineering the runnel is not really a difficult proposition either, Even if the go ahead was given to construct the tunnel today, the engineering could be done (at least the detailsaffecting the actual tunnel) before the contractor could even get mobilized. The design of the roadway and the other smaller details could almost be done by then as well.

It's really a simple project, it costs a larger chunk of money simply because it is large.

[O-tacular]

My in-laws sort of work in the construction industry (kitchen renos) and their company mailed out a news letter informing employees of which candidates are most supportive of their industry. Much to my surprise they recommended Nenshi for mayor.

[Aegis]

Bronconnier never finished university I believe. Judge people by the content of their character and their actions, not the letters after their names.

At the risk of sounding elitist, I respectfully disagree. We should judge candidates by their entire set of skills and attributes, both experience and education. While there's no substitute for experience (I found this out as soon as I entered the work force), there's a lot to be said for the macro-outlook that one can develop in post-secondary institutions.

[Cage]

With housing affordability being an issue, I can't see if somehow CRA is able to track secondary suites, and is somehow able to calculate the marginal increase in capital gains the suite causes to the property, and that is ordered to start enforcing this at a bureaucratic level, that the Minister, cabinet, or Parliament wouldn't stop it. Now, they might issue guidelines on percentage of squarefootage or what not can still qualify as a secondary suite vs turning your house into a duplex, but come on.

Arguing that the policy is pointless because of a theoretical tax rule that isn't enforced on any legal suite in the entire country is pretty thin.

Start adding up the additional costs for property taxes, income taxes, capital gain taxes, structural modifications for building code, etc. and the Tennant cost differential between secondary suite and regular multi-residence apartment is almost nil. E.g. if a secondary suite is $500 per month and equivalent apartment is $750 per month, the additional costs imposed on the homeowner will increase secondary suite to about $700-$750 per month.

[fusili]

What the hell is DCU doing?

It isn't very politically astute to endorse a candidate for mayor when you yourself are running for a different position. It kinda says "I am not going to work well with anyone who isn't him." She is an idiot anyways. After Chabot and Fox-Mellway, she is the worst councillor.

[Aegis]

Deleted because I had wrong information.

[fusili]

Start adding up the additional costs for property taxes, income taxes, capital gain taxes, structural modifications for building code, etc. and the Tennant cost differential between secondary suite and regular multi-residence apartment is almost nil. E.g. if a secondary suite is $500 per month and equivalent apartment is $750 per month, the additional costs imposed on the homeowner will increase secondary suite to about $700-$750 per month.

If the secondary suite will cost 700-$750 per month, who cares? It still adds to the housing stock, doesn't it? And a secondary suite is typically much better than an apartment because you get your own entrance and usually a lot more space.

[kw5150]

Bronconnier never finished university I believe. Judge people by the content of their character and their actions, not the letters after their names.

I fully endorse people with adequate training and life skills. I also applaud them for their hard work and dedication in reaching the final goal of a University Degree.

[fusili]

Oh and Naomi Lakritz just endorsed McIver as well. Which only makes sense. She is an idiot. A huge, huge idiot.

[kw5150]

At the risk of sounding elitist, I respectfully disagree. We should judge candidates by their entire set of skills and attributes, both experience and education. While there's no substitute for experience (I found this out as soon as I entered the work force), there's a lot to be said for the macro-outlook that one can develop in post-secondary institutions.

Yes, macro outlook. While going to University, it was amazing to see people break out of their little high school boxes and transform into real people with constructive thoughts and the ability to reason. From high school jocks to well rounded, accepting people.

[Bigtime]

Oh and Naomi Lakritz just endorsed McIver as well. Which only makes sense. She is an idiot. A huge, huge idiot.

It's no secret that the Herald editorial board has it bad for McIver.

[freeweed]

Oh and Naomi Lakritz just endorsed McIver as well. Which only makes sense. She is an idiot. A huge, huge idiot.

Wow, that windbag is still around? She's one of the few "journalists" (not sure exactly what to call her) that I've just about universally disagreed with on everything. I can't even play Devil's Advocate for her positions, she's just that stupid.

[fusili]

Wow, that windbag is still around? She's one of the few "journalists" (not sure exactly what to call her) that I've just about universally disagreed with on everything. I can't even play Devil's Advocate for her positions, she's just that stupid.

The worst article she ever wrote IMO, was to do with some woman in Victoria winning an award for "most sustainable person" or something. The woman composted, grew all her own food, only rode a bike or walked, generated her own electricity or something and did about 100 other things in the same vein. Lakritz berated her for making "all the rest of us" who "can't ride a bike up a hill" feel bad. I almost lost it. I responded to the herald (not published) that when I hear about people like her I don't feel "unworthy" but rather, I feel inspired. I don't get mad at people like Michael Jordan, because they are so dedicated to their goals. Lakritz's response was just petty and pessimistic. She is the kind of person who wants us to hate motivated people because they make us lazy people feel bad. Her outlook on life is so defeatist it is saddening.

Worst writer for the Herald, hands down, and that is saying a lot.

[Aegis]

Worst writer for the Herald, hands down, and that is saying a lot.

Danielle Smith was pretty bad too.

[Cage]

If the secondary suite will cost 700-$750 per month, who cares? It still adds to the housing stock, doesn't it? And a secondary suite is typically much better than an apartment because you get your own entrance and usually a lot more space.

The ultimate goal of Nenshi's Better Idea #1 was to have safe, affordable, legal housing for all Calgarians. However better idea #1 falls apart on detailed examination.

Safety runs in direct competition with the other two reasons for BI#1, increase the safety factor and affordability decreases, the landlord/homeowner must increase rent to cover their additional costs. Legal contrasts with safety as its cheaper to remain illegal secondary suite.

Legal housing would require more than just removing the redtape barriers. Current illegal secondary suite landlords will not convert to legal suites if the costs are too high, no matter how much the administrative burden is reduced. Similarly, new secondary suite homeowners will not go the legal route if costs are too high.

Affordability is where BI#1 really falls apart, for all the reasons I have highlighted above. Everything BI#1 increases the cost of secondary suites, to the point where costs for secondary suites would be equivalent to regular apartments. This really points to Nenshi's weak spot, he is very intelligent policy wonk but cannot cost out his proposal or minimize the unintended consequences. Result is that Mayor Nenshi will get a great secondary suite policy framework enacted that will do nothing to improve affordable housing, increase public safety, or provide a tangible benefit to Calgarians.

[jeffwhit]

Start adding up the additional costs for property taxes, income taxes, capital gain taxes, structural modifications for building code, etc. and the Tennant cost differential between secondary suite and regular multi-residence apartment is almost nil. E.g. if a secondary suite is $500 per month and equivalent apartment is $750 per month, the additional costs imposed on the homeowner will increase secondary suite to about $700-$750 per month.

Imposed? I don't think you're being intentional, but there's already a significant amount of dummies who actually believe Naheed Nenshi's going to expropriate your basement and force you to turn it into a secondary suite. Legalizing is just giving people the option. The concerns you cite are valid to homeowners considering the option, not really to the electorate at large.

[fusili]

Imposed? I don't think you're being intentional, but there's already a significant amount of dummies who actually believe Naheed Nenshi's going to expropriate your basement and force you to turn it into a secondary suite. Legalizing is just giving people the option. The concerns you cite are valid to homeowners considering the option, not really to the electorate at large.

@Cage.

Exactly. Look, if secondary suites cost a lot to build, operate and pay taxes for, then they cost a lot to build, operate and pay taxes for. If they aren't an affordable housing solution, then they aren't an affordable housing solution. So what? Remove regulatory restrictions and let the market figure out the price. I am okay with that. Secondary suites aren't some magical fairy trick that somehow don't obey the laws of the market. And so what if they aren't any cheaper than apartments, they are still increasing the total housing stock, which is the fundamental problem. Calgary seems to have huge problems with affordable housing mostly due to rapid growth that development can't catch up with. Allowing secondary suites allows a lot of units to be built with very little effort and in very little time, and I think that is a good thing.

Unless you are suggesting some revisions to the tax code? If so, could you explain, that would be great. But if someone is renting out part of their home to someone else, I expect them to pay more in taxes.

I know you are criticizing Nenshi's proposal- but what is your alternative?

[Wooster]

Do you think this will hold true for Calgary on Monday?

From CNN - candidates with more facebook fans win big...

http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2010/09/15/candidates-with-more-facebook-fans-win-big-on-tuesday/

In Calgary - Nenshi currently with: 6962, Higgins: 1510, McIver: 3092

[Bigtime]

Isn't it neat how some of us get to play "copy and paste" with our posts between two different forums? :D

[jeffwhit]

No one's discovered my CP identity. :)

[MalcolmTucker]

The ultimate goal of Nenshi's Better Idea #1 was to have safe, affordable, legal housing for all Calgarians. However better idea #1 falls apart on detailed examination.

Safety runs in direct competition with the other two reasons for BI#1, increase the safety factor and affordability decreases, the landlord/homeowner must increase rent to cover their additional costs. Legal contrasts with safety as its cheaper to remain illegal secondary suite.

Legal housing would require more than just removing the redtape barriers. Current illegal secondary suite landlords will not convert to legal suites if the costs are too high, no matter how much the administrative burden is reduced. Similarly, new secondary suite homeowners will not go the legal route if costs are too high.

Affordability is where BI#1 really falls apart, for all the reasons I have highlighted above. Everything BI#1 increases the cost of secondary suites, to the point where costs for secondary suites would be equivalent to regular apartments. This really points to Nenshi's weak spot, he is very intelligent policy wonk but cannot cost out his proposal or minimize the unintended consequences. Result is that Mayor Nenshi will get a great secondary suite policy framework enacted that will do nothing to improve affordable housing, increase public safety, or provide a tangible benefit to Calgarians.

Right now secondary suite owners have no incentive to comply with the Alberta Building code, which doesn't really account for a secondary suite and treats it more like a duplex. There is close to 0% compliance with the current rules, because it is almost impossible to get proper zoning for a suite.

If you have a framework to approve secondary suites, people will start building compliant suites. A limited number of people have tried to get permits under current rules even because they want to play by the rules, only to be turned down by the city.

I would guess the largest class of suites would be those right now that if the zoning was changed would be 'near compliance', with no 30 minute firewall and no separate HVAC. I am not an expert on this but I remember reading that to renovate an existing non-compliant suite into a compliant one was estimated at $10 - $15k.

Once you have compliant suites in existence, they will also garner higher rents, which is good for everyone. Renters will be covered by the landlords tenants act, be able to get insurance, etc. Landlords get more money. Banks will approve higher mortgages to more marginal buyers.

Just because it won't cover 100% of suites, it still moves things forward. Even incentivizing 25% would be more than 10,000 legal units.

If not enough become same, put in incentives to convert, but my god the current situation is untenable.

[Calgary_Guy]

Do you think this will hold true for Calgary on Monday?

From CNN - candidates with more facebook fans win big...

http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2010/09/15/candidates-with-more-facebook-fans-win-big-on-tuesday/

In Calgary - Nenshi currently with: 6962, Higgins: 1510, McIver: 3092

If this is true we might also see a new president in the US in 2012. Facebook did a poll and the results were Ron Paul (85%, 1,008 Votes) Obama (15%, 182 Votes)

[Wooster]

No one's discovered my CP identity. :)

I could out you at any second. I know what it is. :cool:

Thought this was cool:

Connelly talked about crowd sourcing, but Nenshi has actually used it in his campaign.

Check out this:

http://www.chaordix.com/blog/2010/10/13/crowdsourced-nenshi-video/

[Ramsayfarian]

No one's discovered my CP identity. :)

Same here. :)

[Bigtime]

Hahahaha! Oh Ramsay!

[freeweed]

I don't get mad at people like Michael Jordan, because they are so dedicated to their goals. Lakritz's response was just petty and pessimistic. She is the kind of person who wants us to hate motivated people because they make us lazy people feel bad.

To be fair, 99% of tabloid/celebrity journalism is founded on this very principle, so I don't think she was too far out from the common person's beliefs.

OT, but what the hell. At least it's more productive than trying to *snort* *giggle* discuss a Facebook *chuckle* poll seriously *guffaw*.

Pickle beats Nickelback! :banana:

[Ramsayfarian]

Hahahaha! Oh Ramsay!

I thought my lack of picture would throw everyone off.

Found this gem of a comment on Ric's site:

"In regards to the airport tunnel, it really is money that will benefit very few Calgarians. In 18 years here in Calgary I have only used the airport once myself, had to pick up people there only twice. It will not make a large difference to the traffic flow there."

The one thing I like about Ric's site is that they don't appear to delete comments, or at least they have deleted any of mine. Mind you, I haven't been that rude.

[Wentworth]

Right now secondary suite owners have no incentive to comply with the Alberta Building code, which doesn't really account for a secondary suite and treats it more like a duplex. There is close to 0% compliance with the current rules, because it is almost impossible to get proper zoning for a suite.

If you have a framework to approve secondary suites, people will start building compliant suites. A limited number of people have tried to get permits under current rules even because they want to play by the rules, only to be turned down by the city.

I would guess the largest class of suites would be those right now that if the zoning was changed would be 'near compliance', with no 30 minute firewall and no separate HVAC. I am not an expert on this but I remember reading that to renovate an existing non-compliant suite into a compliant one was estimated at $10 - $15k.

Once you have compliant suites in existence, they will also garner higher rents, which is good for everyone. Renters will be covered by the landlords tenants act, be able to get insurance, etc. Landlords get more money. Banks will approve higher mortgages to more marginal buyers.

Just because it won't cover 100% of suites, it still moves things forward. Even incentivizing 25% would be more than 10,000 legal units.

If not enough become same, put in incentives to convert, but my god the current situation is untenable.


Alberta already has relaxed codes for secondary suites as opposed to duplexes. In my opinion, people really SHOULDN'T be allowed to rent out suites that don't meet these really minimum fire safety requirements, e.g. a safe egress window, a separate entrance, minimal fire break (all it requires is 1/2" drywall?), etc.. As for the separate HVAC, if you've ever lived in one of these suits, you know that having your own way to control the temperature of the unit really shouldn't be optional. Besides, does it take much more than a baseboard heater and a bathroom fan to meet this requirement?

[Cage]

I know you are criticizing Nenshi's proposal- but what is your alternative?


First alternative, determine the critical goal, the goal that must be met, between safety, legality, and affordability.


To this end I would divorce affordable housing from the current argument. More to point, I would not consider affordable housing as an argument point for secondary suites.

First priority would be safety. As Mayor ( :notacrook: ) I would focus on safety aspect of secondary suites. This would encompass reduction in the redtape rezoning and development permit processes. I would remove development permits for suites that are all ready substantially compliant (e.g. second entrance, compliant windows, fireproof, etc). Secondly I would remove the requirements for rezoning and instead direct city administration to hand out rezoning permits based upon a preset number of secondary suites per comnunity (e.g. 5 secondary suites per block get zoned with no further community association involvement). Comunity association involvement would begin if there is desire for increased # of secondary suites. I would implement a low cost or no-cost initial safety inspection for homeowners to identify where their suites are deficient. Most controversially, the initial safety inspection would be fine and penalty free for all but the most serious and life threatening situations. For all other safety infractions the homeowner would be provided the time to remediate the deficiencies within a 6-12 month timeframe.

I would implement an enhanced process to track down illegal secondary suites and get the homeowners started on the process of taking their initial safety inspection and working towards compliant secondary suites. This process would inlcude a whistleblower line and review of classified ads (rentfaster) for illegal secodnary suites.

Finally I would work with Gov't of AB and City of Edmonton to alter current secondary suite safety requirements to only focus on those aspects that directly affect safety. Example is the requirement for second HVAC for the secondary suite, this aspect of safety regulations si not life threatening unless the temperature is below 15C, so focus on the landlord tennant situation over the requirement for second HVAC unit.

My plan would focus on making secondary suites safe and legal, improving the quality of housing in Calgary rather than quantity. Quantity aspects would be handled through other initiatives.

[fusili]

Ok, since it is just before the weekend, here are my predictions (feel free to give your own):

Mayor
Nenshi- 36%
McIver- 34%
Higgins-26%
All others- 4%

Ward 1
Hodges- 40%
Harper- 30%
Scott- 20%
Vandenbrink- 5%
All others- 5%

Ward 2
Lowe- 80%
All others- 20%

Ward 3
Stevenson- 70%
Laroque- 15%
All others- 15%

Ward 4
Chu- 26%
Morgan- 25%
Northcott- 22%
All others- 27%

Ward 5
Jones- 80%
All others- 20%

Ward 6
Royer- 40%
Pootmans- 35%
Others- 25%

Ward 7
Farrell- 65%
Taylor- 25%
Others- 10%

Ward 8
Mar- 55%
Paskak- 50%
Others- 5%

Ward 9
Carra- 40%
Nixon, Pal, Chapman- 15%
All others- 15%

Ward 10
Chabot (ugh)- 65%
Dossa- 25%
All others- 10%

Ward 11
Pincott- 60%
Maxim- 35%
Frisch- 10%
All others- 5%

Ward 12
Keating- 45%
Brown- 25%
Crow- 35%
All others- 5%

Ward 13
Rodrych- 40%
(Ok, I don't think he is going to win, I just don't like DCU)
Colley-Urquhart- 35%
Jenkins- 25%

Ward 14
Fox-Mellway (ugh)- 40%
Kao- 30%
Dur- 25%
Demong- 5%

[MalcolmTucker]

A reasoned approach besides the quota of suites per 'main houses' - unless you attach a market value to them, you would likely loose a challenge on the constitutionality of it methinks.

[fusili]

My plan would focus on making secondary suites safe and legal, improving the quality of housing in Calgary rather than quantity. Quantity aspects would be handled through other initiatives.

And this is different from Nenshi's policy how?

[DizzyEdge]

I think Ward 7 will be much closer between Farrell and Taylor

[Wooster]

^ Fusili - I think you're pretty bang on with most of those predictions.

I really, really hope Harper can pull an upset in ward 1. But perhaps just a bit too much vote splitting there.

Agree, Ward 7 will be closer, also perhaps ward 11.

[Bigtime]

I really want Harper and Pashak to pull upsets.

[kw5150]

I heard that Nenshii is announcing 10 new sports facilities in the city including a new NHL stadium. That will get some votes!

[freeweed]

"In regards to the airport tunnel, it really is money that will benefit very few Calgarians. In 18 years here in Calgary I have only used the airport once myself, had to pick up people there only twice. It will not make a large difference to the traffic flow there."

Dear lord, is he the most boring man alive, or what? I've only been in Calgary 6 years and I've been to the airport dozens of times. Flying myself 2-4 times a year, plus picking up and dropping off friends, family etc all the time. And I'm not exactly a seasoned world traveler, and all of my family resides in Canada.

McIver really does no international travel, EVER? And has no family or friends who ever go more than a few hundred km from home? Seriously?

That's pathetic. I don't want someone who knows so little of the outside world running our city, thanks. It's like he's proud to live in isolation.

[Wentworth]

Anyone else in Ward 6? I think I am going to vote for Mielke, he's the only one that has hard specifics on policies, other than the nutbars who want to close the access to WestHills from 69th St. The Hard Poo Man has polling numbers that show him in the lead, though... guess having the biggest signs may pay off in the end.

[Bigtime]

Apparently Rick Bell is looking for a nickname for Nenshi, he is taking suggestions from Twitter. Any ideas?

[DizzyEdge]

Dear lord, is he the most boring man alive, or what? I've only been in Calgary 6 years and I've been to the airport dozens of times. Flying myself 2-4 times a year, plus picking up and dropping off friends, family etc all the time. And I'm not exactly a seasoned world traveler, and all of my family resides in Canada.

McIver really does no international travel, EVER? And has no family or friends who ever go more than a few hundred km from home? Seriously?

That's pathetic. I don't want someone who knows so little of the outside world running our city, thanks. It's like he's proud to live in isolation.

I think that was actually a comment someone else posted on his site, not a Ric comment, or am I wrong?

[Ramsayfarian]

Dear lord, is he the most boring man alive, or what? I've only been in Calgary 6 years and I've been to the airport dozens of times. Flying myself 2-4 times a year, plus picking up and dropping off friends, family etc all the time. And I'm not exactly a seasoned world traveler, and all of my family resides in Canada.

McIver really does no international travel, EVER? And has no family or friends who ever go more than a few hundred km from home? Seriously?

That's pathetic. I don't want someone who knows so little of the outside world running our city, thanks. It's like he's proud to live in isolation.

Sorry, guess I didn't make that clear enough. That was a comment from Ric's site by one of his supporters. Ric's site has a comment section where folks can mash out a message on the interweb.

Unlike Bob's website, they post the messages without reading them first.

[Bigtime]

I believe Nenshi's website moderates for any bigotry and hate speech before posting comments made to their site. I guess they have about a 24 hour backlog right now though with all the increased attention.

[fusili]

I really want Harper and Pashak to pull upsets.

You and I both. Harper would be fantastic for Ward 1. If it was just him and Hodges, he would have a solid chance. Thing is there are too many others in the race and I think he is going to lose. As for Pashak, he is a great candidate, but it is hard to beat an incumbent, and John Mar hasn't made any major mistakes. But it will be a close one.

[DizzyEdge]

Apparently Rick Bell is looking for a nickname for Nenshi, he is taking suggestions from Twitter. Any ideas?

That's a hard one.

[Ramsayfarian]

Apparently Rick Bell is looking for a nickname for Nenshi, he is taking suggestions from Twitter. Any ideas?

How about Mayor.

or "The Man with a Plan"

[DizzyEdge]

How about Mayor.

or "The Man with a Plan"

Dr. Know


;)

[Bigtime]

Dr. Know


;)

Permission to tweet this answer off? I love it!

[nick.flood]

Dr. Know


;)

Brilliant.

[Ramsayfarian]

I believe Nenshi's website moderates for any bigotry and hate speech before posting comments made to their site. I guess they have about a 24 hour backlog right now though with all the increased attention.

Not an issue at Ric's site. Activity has picked up a bit but it looks like he's only averaging about one post every hour.

[DizzyEdge]

Permission to tweet this answer off? I love it!

Of course .. . .

[Ramsayfarian]

Dr. Know


;)

Fuck, why didn't I think of that one. :hell: That has my vote.

[You Need A Thneed]

Same here. :)

ditto. aaaaaaaaaaaa

[Bigtime]

Sent off!

<filler>

[DizzyEdge]

Same here. :)

ditto. aaaaaaaaaaaa

this.

sdfsdfsd

[Wooster]

I suggested "your worshipfulness"

/nerd

[mersar]

You and I both. Harper would be fantastic for Ward 1. If it was just him and Hodges, he would have a solid chance. Thing is there are too many others in the race and I think he is going to lose. As for Pashak, he is a great candidate, but it is hard to beat an incumbent, and John Mar hasn't made any major mistakes. But it will be a close one.

Yep, it will be interesting to see. Hopefully its close enough to keep Zak interested in running again as theres rumors of a pretty strong chance that as soon as the provincial election is called either spring 2011 or spring 2012 that Mar will make the leap to provincial politics, and at the latest thats only half way through the term meaning they'll have to call a by-election if Mar makes the jump and wins.

[Koolfire]

The ultimate goal of Nenshi's Better Idea #1 was to have safe, affordable, legal housing for all Calgarians. However better idea #1 falls apart on detailed examination.

Safety runs in direct competition with the other two reasons for BI#1, increase the safety factor and affordability decreases, the landlord/homeowner must increase rent to cover their additional costs. Legal contrasts with safety as its cheaper to remain illegal secondary suite.

Legal housing would require more than just removing the redtape barriers. Current illegal secondary suite landlords will not convert to legal suites if the costs are too high, no matter how much the administrative burden is reduced. Similarly, new secondary suite homeowners will not go the legal route if costs are too high.

Affordability is where BI#1 really falls apart, for all the reasons I have highlighted above. Everything BI#1 increases the cost of secondary suites, to the point where costs for secondary suites would be equivalent to regular apartments. This really points to Nenshi's weak spot, he is very intelligent policy wonk but cannot cost out his proposal or minimize the unintended consequences. Result is that Mayor Nenshi will get a great secondary suite policy framework enacted that will do nothing to improve affordable housing, increase public safety, or provide a tangible benefit to Calgarians.

I have to disagree. The ones that want to provide safe proper secondary suites are caught up in red tape. I agree that illegal secondary suites would be expensive to redo and owners would not be inclined to do it. Would a fine of $10,000 on first offence (assuming major safety violations, zoning issue could be a smaller fine) get them moving? It wouldn't be that hard to sting people either. A team of 5 bylaw officers looking through ads, checking ads online and in the paper cross referencing the location with the zoning to find potential violations wouldn't be to hard. Then publicize it to put the fear in the landlords of illegal suites.

But, the city doesn't want to make the secondary suites ridiculously expense overnight so there has to be lots of safe secondary suites on the market. So yes the first step is to cut red tape. Second get as many up to code secondary suites as possible on the market and then third step is to crackdown on existing suites.

On a side note, the candidates in my ward have suggested amnesty for existing illegal suites that are brought up to safety code (or already but not correctly zoned).

So in my view there are two major factors to the equation. Availability and safety. If people of Calgary want to improve safety of these units and keep prices stable then the availability must increase. The biggest problem with the red tape is that even honest people get caught with illegal suites because something small (interconnect the smoke detectors, drywall needs to be 3/4" not standard 1/2") gets missed that would have been noticed on inspection. These small things are not overly expense if done from the beginning but to fix it afterward is big bucks.


Edit:
I saw Cages response to others on this afterward. I don't quite understand how the better idea falls apart. Most of the things you mentioned are inline with how I see things. But zoning issues and how the things are determine to be up to code is really all red tape. What is considered safe and want isn't is really all words on paper. Tomorrow the building code could change to say the 3/4" drywall in not good enough, it needs to be 1" or 3/4" is over the top and 5/8" is enough. Don't misunderstand, I'm not trying to gut the building code to make illegal suites legal but I'm sure there is thing that could be modified. The number one thing that residents object to with secondary suites it parking.

[You Need A Thneed]

If tit was possible to build a legal basement suite, there would be a lot of them built. People don't bother spending extra dollars when the city could make them rip it all out at any time. Not that there won't still be garbage out there. When I went to go look for a house to buy (looking for a suited place), we saw a lot of junk, and lots of stuff that would likely have been made legal if it had been possible. We ended up buying a place and then suiting it ourselves. I think it would meet any new code that they would come out with for suites. It has all of the things that are talked about as requirements for a legal suite. Technically, I could probobly go and legalize it now, since city legal "accidentally" legalized suites in R1Ns zoned properties, and mine is one.

[suburb]

Great video - inspires people to want to get out to vote in the election. Highly recommended:

http://vimeo.com/15874304

[TallDrinkofWater]

Ok, since it is just before the weekend, here are my predictions (feel free to give your own):

Ward 14
Fox-Mellway (ugh)- 40%
Kao- 30%
Dur- 25%
Demong- 5%

polling for that ward was much tighter...your just sharing what you hope will happen.

[tmjr]

You and I both. Harper would be fantastic for Ward 1. If it was just him and Hodges, he would have a solid chance. Thing is there are too many others in the race and I think he is going to lose. As for Pashak, he is a great candidate, but it is hard to beat an incumbent, and John Mar hasn't made any major mistakes. But it will be a close one.

May I ask what exactly is wrong with Hodges? Or is it just that Harper is better candidate, and not so much something wrong with Hodges?

I live in Ward 1. From my perspective, Hodges has done a reasonable job. I'm leaning towards voting for Hodges, but not yet settled. For me to vote for Harper, I would first need to be convinced NOT to vote for Hodges, and then convinced to vote for Harper from the other alternatives, many of who also seem reasonable.

I appreciate any perspective you can provide.

Thanks!

[tmjr]

Ok, since it is just before the weekend, here are my predictions (feel free to give your own):
Ward 8
Mar- 55%
Paskak- 50%
Others- 5%


Sorry - nothing useful to add - but that's a ward that really gives 110%! :jester:

[fusili]

polling for that ward was much tighter...your just sharing what you hope will happen.

Oh, I definitely don't want this to happen. Just admitting that in a situation with an incumbent and multiple challengers, the incumbent almost always wins. Fox-Mellway is completely useless.

[DizzyEdge]

Sorry - nothing useful to add - but that's a ward that really gives 110%! :jester:

Remember, vote early, and vote often.

[DizzyEdge]

have there been any good independent polls on the aldermanic races?

[fusili]

Sorry - nothing useful to add - but that's a ward that really gives 110%! :jester:

I was counting on serious vote-rigging and ballots from dead people. ;) ;)

But thanks for pointing that out. Either way, it will be close methinks.

[fusili]

May I ask what exactly is wrong with Hodges? Or is it just that Harper is better candidate, and not so much something wrong with Hodges?

I live in Ward 1. From my perspective, Hodges has done a reasonable job. I'm leaning towards voting for Hodges, but not yet settled. For me to vote for Harper, I would first need to be convinced NOT to vote for Hodges, and then convinced to vote for Harper from the other alternatives, many of who also seem reasonable.

I appreciate any perspective you can provide.

Thanks!

Hodges is a crazy old man. With a comb over.

[tmjr]

Hodges is a crazy old man. With a comb over.

:jester: Well, at least one of those things is true!

[Wooster]

May I ask what exactly is wrong with Hodges? Or is it just that Harper is better candidate, and not so much something wrong with Hodges?

I live in Ward 1. From my perspective, Hodges has done a reasonable job. I'm leaning towards voting for Hodges, but not yet settled. For me to vote for Harper, I would first need to be convinced NOT to vote for Hodges, and then convinced to vote for Harper from the other alternatives, many of who also seem reasonable.

I appreciate any perspective you can provide.

Thanks!

Well, let's see - he's a dinosaur that has brought little-to-nothing to the table at City council in a long time, has no innovative ideas for reforming how council or administration does business, tried to dismantle (and has been partially successful) in dismantling the TOD Station Area Planning happening in his ward (Brentwood, Banff Trail). Doesn't own a computer....he's like the Ted Stevens of council. Generally, he's stuck in 1980s-style governance of the city - he approaches solutions to Calgary's problems like Calgary is a city of 200,000, just with more people.

Ward 1 desperately needs a fresh face.

[Aegis]

Well, let's see - he's a dinosaur that has brought little-to-nothing to the table at City council in a long time, has no innovative ideas for reforming how council or administration does business, tried to dismantle (and has been partially successful) in dismantling the TOD Station Area Planning happening in his ward (Brentwood, Banff Trail). Doesn't own a computer....he's like the Ted Stevens of council. Generally, he's stuck in 1980s-style governance of the city - he approaches solutions to Calgary's problems like Calgary is a city of 200,000, just with more people.

Ward 1 desperately needs a fresh face.

He does own a computer. I have seen it.

I don't have a problem with his attempts to dismantle the TOD Station Area Planning in his ward, IF he's representing the wishes of his constituents. We need more candidates that work for their consitituents and not for special interests (re: Dianne C-U on the golf-course development issue). If the residents don't want the development, he's not doing anything wrong by representing them..

[jeffwhit]

^^Elected officials also have a responsibility to educate their constituency on what they believe is the best/right decisions that need to be made, and not just kowtow to the loudest of the bunch. Honestly, we'd have 0km of LRT if we just listened to the yelliest of citizens. Is there a single statistic showing the residents of Ward 1 are generally opposed to TOD's? Did Hodges make a single attempt to explain the issues/benefits/costs involved? Are you aware that almost all the areas involved in this debate actually exist in Ward 7?

[Aegis]

^^Elected officials also have a responsibility to educate their constituency on what they believe is the best/right decisions that need to be made, and not just kowtow to the loudest of the bunch. Honestly, we'd have 0km of LRT if we just listened to the yelliest of citizens. Is there a single statistic showing the residents of Ward 1 are generally opposed to TOD's? Did Hodges make a single attempt to explain the issues/benefits/costs involved? Are you aware that almost all the areas involved in this debate actually exist in Ward 7?

I don't know the answers to those questions, all I'm saying is that the alderman should represent the constituents more directly than not.. even if they are "wrong."

[Boris2k7]

If tit was possible to build a legal basement suite.

If tit was possible

tit

Freudian slip?

[freeweed]

Sorry, guess I didn't make that clear enough. That was a comment from Ric's site by one of his supporters. Ric's site has a comment section where folks can mash out a message on the interweb.


More likely that I didn't read it properly (it's been a very bad day @ work, plus I'm known for doing just that anyway :D ).

Either way, I'll rephrase - most boring guy on Earth, and people like that have no business participating in the electoral process.

"I never ever use this, so no one else should either" is just about the most misguided, short-sighted way to think of anything, let alone help steer civilization with (even if it's a tiny insignificant amount of steering). I'm happy that most people can see past the end of their own nose, but it still saddens me that people exist who think this way.

Regardless, I still think McIver is a tool. I've never had the hate-on that a lot of SSP'ers have for him, but after this campaign, I'm starting to develop it.

[Calgary_Guy]

Dear lord, is he the most boring man alive, or what? I've only been in Calgary 6 years and I've been to the airport dozens of times. Flying myself 2-4 times a year, plus picking up and dropping off friends, family etc all the time. And I'm not exactly a seasoned world traveler, and all of my family resides in Canada.

McIver really does no international travel, EVER? And has no family or friends who ever go more than a few hundred km from home? Seriously?

That's pathetic. I don't want someone who knows so little of the outside world running our city, thanks. It's like he's proud to live in isolation.

I would agree 100%... And this is why if McIver gets in the SE LRT will become his main focus rather then the Airport situation. I was just looking at Nenshi's Facebook friends list, and he has over 7,159 ! I'm impressed. :tup:

[Radley77]

With three days left to the election, I wanted to wish everyone good luck with their chosen candidates!

Thanks to all who participated in the debate in this thread. :)

[Calgary_Guy]

This important email came to me a few minutes ago that I thought I would share with everyone interested in hearing Naheed and what he stands for before you vote on Monday. Please get out and vote, every vote counts. :yes:

TV SPECIAL WITH NAHEED NENSHI ON CITYTV
Saturday, October 16, 2010
4:00 PM – 4:30 PM
Channel 8 – Shaw & Telus TV
Channel 246 – Express Vu
Channel 328 Star Choice / Shaw Direct

[Ferreth]

I got a very slick robo-call message on my answering machine from Jason Kenney (Fed PC, S.E.) asking me to support the "Common sense candidate, Ric McIver" based his record on fighting wasteful spending.

[O-tacular]

Anyone have any recommendations for which alderman to vote for in Ward 6? I honestly know nothing about the new candidates replacing Burrows. Innersoul or anyone else in my end of town?

[Aegis]

I got a very slick robo-call message on my answering machine from Jason Kenney (Fed PC, S.E.) asking me to support the "Common sense candidate, Ric McIver" based his record on fighting wasteful spending.

You should pass on that information to the media. It's unusual for federal politicians to try and interfere with a municipal election..

[freeweed]

You should pass on that information to the media. It's unusual for federal politicians to try and interfere with a municipal election..

Yes, and remind them that robo-calls really serve no purpose except to influence the vulnerable, and just piss the rest of us off. Maybe instead of worrying about who sleeps with whom, the federal PCs can do something useful with legislation.

[DizzyEdge]

You should pass on that information to the media. It's unusual for federal politicians to try and interfere with a municipal election..

Someone tweet that to rick bell or something

[Ferreth]

You should pass on that information to the media. It's unusual for federal politicians to try and interfere with a municipal election..

Done. I'll update the forum if I hear anything back from CBC.

[Ferreth]

It would seem the Calgary Herald's Jason Markusoff has picked up on Jason Kenney's activities already (http://communities.canada.com/calgaryherald/blogs/hallmonitor/archive/2010/10/15/federal-conservative-bedfellows.aspx):

[mooky]

Yes, and remind them that robo-calls really serve no purpose except to influence the vulnerable, and just piss the rest of us off. Maybe instead of worrying about who sleeps with whom, the federal PCs can do something useful with legislation.

federal PC's, useful legislation, same sentence, error, error, error, cannot compute!

[Wooster]

Article in National Post:

Calgary's underdog mayoral candidate Naheed Nenshi defies categories

Excerpt
“He’s a dichotomy: When you look at first glance, you see him as a university professor and you might want to write him off as an academic,” said Mr. Rotchild, who met his “policy geek” friend while working together on a non-profit environmental initiative. “But he’s worked for a lot of big companies doing consulting for companies like Gap — he’s got the business background.”

Both of Mr. Nenshi’s main competitors — Ms. Higgins, a former CTV 6 p.m. news anchor, and Mr. McIver, a longtime alderman — have cast themselves as fiscal conservatives, though Mr. Nenshi said “Ms. Higgins has no record and [Mr. McIver] is about as fiscally conservative as the Conservatives in Ottawa.”

Still, a recent poll shows that both Ms. Higgins and Mr. McIver glean much of their support from Progressive Conservatives. Mr. Nenshi’s supporters are more likely to have voted for the NDP or Liberals.

But while Mr. Nenshi is ­perceived as the most left-leaning of the top contenders, Prof. Bratt said the theatre-loving candidate is “not a prototypical leftist” and said it would be “tough to put him into a box.”

Mr. Nenshi’s platform speaks not only of environmental sustainability or public transportation, but also of attracting and retaining Calgary’s businesses by “cutting the red tape” at City Hall. He speaks about the need to “reduce the number of people living in poverty and ensure opportunity for all,” and also about reducing the tax burden on businesses after amalgamating two business taxes into one

Read more: http://www.nationalpost.com/news/Calgary+underdog+mayoral+candidate+Naheed+Nenshi+defies+categories/3679830/story.html#ixzz12URL8XLJ

[freeweed]

Wow, I haven't seen a "Nenshi is left-wing" story in a while. At first, sure - especially as McIver trumpets himself as a fiscal conservative, regardless of his actual track record. I really like that "conservative like the Conservatives in Ottawa" comment. Reminds me of so-called "conservatives" in the US of late. And I see strong parallels with McIver.

Anyway, that story is a bit out of date. Damn near every hardcore conservative (actual fiscal conservative, not redneck bigot conservative) that I know is voting Nenshi. He truly does defy categorization.

I'm actually excited about a civic election. Who'd'a thunk it? :banana:

[charper]

May I ask what exactly is wrong with Hodges? Or is it just that Harper is better candidate, and not so much something wrong with Hodges?

I live in Ward 1. From my perspective, Hodges has done a reasonable job. I'm leaning towards voting for Hodges, but not yet settled. For me to vote for Harper, I would first need to be convinced NOT to vote for Hodges, and then convinced to vote for Harper from the other alternatives, many of who also seem reasonable.

I appreciate any perspective you can provide.

Thanks!

Happy to respond.

The feeling isn't that there is anything particularly wrong with the incumbent. What many feel challenged by is the fact that the incumbent is speaking to a legacy, but not a future. Calgary is still a fairly young City and we've experienced a lot of change. For the most part, we've dealt with that change well. We dealt with it well because we had individuals who thought about today, but also thought about what may be 10 - 20 years down the road.

As someone who has a majority of my community life still ahead of me, I'm very focused on the future of my community as opposed to a legacy. It would be disrespectful and regressive for anyone to waste a legacy by not building a strong future upon it. I'm not a fan of waste.

Best,

Chris

[jeffwhit]

Classy response Chris, best of luck on Monday!

[tmjr]

Happy to respond.

The feeling isn't that there is anything particularly wrong with the incumbent. What many feel challenged by is the fact that the incumbent is speaking to a legacy, but not a future. Calgary is still a fairly young City and we've experienced a lot of change. For the most part, we've dealt with that change well. We dealt with it well because we had individuals who thought about today, but also thought about what may be 10 - 20 years down the road.

As someone who has a majority of my community life still ahead of me, I'm very focused on the future of my community as opposed to a legacy. It would be disrespectful and regressive for anyone to waste a legacy by not building a strong future upon it. I'm not a fan of waste.

Best,

Chris

Thank you for responding Chris! Much appreciated.

If you don't mind, could you please elaborate on what you mean by "What many feel challenged by is the fact that the incumbent is speaking to a legacy, but not a future.", and any obvious example of that?

Thanks again!

[gantenbein]

You should pass on that information to the media. It's unusual for federal politicians to try and interfere with a municipal election..

Unfortunately not unusual for our federal Conservative government (Kenny's taking lessons from John Baird and his role in previous Ottawa civic elections).

It is equally unusual (or at least undesirable) for municipal politicians to abuse their position by insinuating themselves into federal issues, e.g. organising anti-coalition rallies on Olympic Plaza and pushing for 'Support our Troops' stickers on all city vehicles.

This in addition to the whole Chandler connection is something I wish the media had reminded voters of in regards to McIver.

[Koolfire]

Is this true?

Ald. James Stevenson said the northeast area near the airport is destined to be one of the three big employment centres in Calgary with the downtown and the Foothills industrial area.

"We've got tens of thousands of land all around the airport and the annexed area we took right up to Balzac," said Stevenson. "All that land is going to be jobs. It's going to be an intense area."

He said traffic won't be a big issue in the near future but it will be down the road.

"We already have problems with capacity with the Stoney Industrial. We've had to turn down or refuse to give third reading to some of the land applications there because we don't have the capacity on Country Hills to handle those," said Stevenson.




http://www.calgaryherald.com/business/Major+business+park+developed+near+Calgary+Airport/3679035/story.html

If that is true, the future city council better approve the tunnel.

[MichaelS]

Anyone have any recommendations for which alderman to vote for in Ward 6? I honestly know nothing about the new candidates replacing Burrows. Innersoul or anyone else in my end of town?

They will be replacing Joe Connely, Burrows has not been an alderman since 2007.

[Wooster]

Herald officially endorses McIver (no huge surprise there)

http://www.calgaryherald.com/opinion/McIver+mayor/3681546/story.html?cid=megadrop_story

However, Robert Remington editorial board member - calls Nenshi "the true face of change"

http://www.calgaryherald.com/columnists/Nenshi+true+face+change+Calgary/3681548/story.html

[Bigtime]

A reminder that the Nenshi TV Town Hall is on CityTV today at 4pm.