IDA 54th Annual Conference, September 11-14, 2008 Calgary, Alberta. Salima Ebrahim, City of Calgary Maggie Schofield, Calgary Downtown Association

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1 Partnership Success Part Two Implementation and Success How the City of Calgary and the BRZ's created a successful working relationship to enhance the safety, vitality and appeal of the centre city IDA 54th Annual Conference, September 11-14, 2008 Calgary, Alberta Salima Ebrahim, City of Calgary Maggie Schofield, Calgary Downtown Association 1

2 Quick Facts- Calgary Population: 1,019,942 as of July 2007 (vs. 1,000,000 as of July 2006 ) Comparative size: Fifth largest metropolitan area in Canada Area: 722 square kilometres (178,410 acres) Number of building permits: 18,450 (vs. 16,523 in 2006) Value of building permits: $5.6 billion (vs. $2.64 billion in 2006) Number of major parks: 29 Total area of parks/open spaces: 7,500 hectares (18,532 acres); 635 km (395 miles) of pathways 2

3 Overview of BRZ s CBIZ, the Federation of Business Revitalization Zones in Calgary, encompasses Calgary s 9 BRZ s. This federation was launched last year, in December Substantive impact in the city s triple bottom line: economic, social and environmental. Calgary's BRZ s contribute $75.5 million in annual business taxes (a 28% increase from last year), and account for over $1.064 Billion in assessed value (a 61% increase from last year) They represent 6200 businesses, approximately 20% of all Calgary businesses. 3

4 Overview of BRZ s Calgary s BRZ s are the economic incubators of business in the city. More recently, the BRZ s have taken a lead role in area public safety and crime prevention. This recognition of additional responsibilities has made them a partner in the Center City Plan and on various Center City Committees. They enhance the City s shopping, dining, and entertainment experiences through marketing initiatives. They organize and support Calgary s most popular events and festivals. 4

5 Clean to the Core - Launch in 2006 In response to concerns heard from citizens, Mayor Bronconnier launched the Clean to the Core initiative in late 2006 to create a safer, cleaner and more vibrant core. Initiatives include: rapid response to graffiti removal, improved cleanliness, improved public safety and enhanced aesthetics in public spaces. 5

6 Clean to the Core - Perimeters 6

7 Clean to the Core / Phase ll, Building Momentum focused on program refinement, further program development and determining performance measures. Some highlights in 2007 include: Established the Center City Safety Impact Team (CCSIT) Enhanced Graffiti Abatement Programs Center City Beautification Program Centre City Implementation Business Unit (CCI) 7

8 Clean to the Core / Highlights: - Additional Bylaw officers - Newspaper Recycling on transit platforms - Pilot Recycling Program on Stephen Avenue - Tree Lighting Program 8

9 Partnership Success Calgary s 5 inner city BRZ s were approached by the City to be partners in the Clean to the Core program. This joint venture program was modeled after the already successful GAPP program. Additional funding of $200,000 was received out of the larger Clean to the Core budget from the City of Calgary. Total funding to date to BRZ s is $600,000. The BRZ s were able to strategically use these funds to create an exciting new maintenance program that complements the work the City of Calgary provides. Additional funding of $87,000 for special projects also provided. 9

10 Actions Taken Cleaning litter and debris Pilot Recycling Program on Stephen Avenue Providing Ashtrays along Stephen Avenue Removing weeds Expediting removal of graffiti, including expanding the boundaries of the abatement program 10

11 Before and After 11

12 Before and After 12

13 Before and After 13

14 Two Graffiti Pilot Programs Pilot program under Bylaw Services to pay for all graffiti removal off private properties in the City s core- phase one was between August- December 2007 and phase two was between June-August 2008, which included Marda Loop, an additional BRZ. Approximately 45,000 square feet of graffiti cleaned to date (from September 2nd, 2008). Feedback to date has been extremely positive from business and residential owners. 14

15 Before and After 15

16 Before and After 16

17 Before and After 17

18 Calgary Downtown Initiatives HOST Program Hospitality Outreach Safety Team Panhandling Outreach Workers Off the Wall - Graffiti Removal Hoarding Project 18

19 Perspective from CDA Positive effect for tourists and citizens alike Reduction in crime Statistics for resources Connection with street people Pride in City 19

20 Phase Three- 2008/09 Focus on long term sustainability, accountability, communication, growth, budget development and best-practice opportunities. Best practices trialed in the core are also being taken to areas outside of the core. Displacement strategy All citizens and Council members see the benefit of putting money into the core- notion of taking care of the heart of the city has positive effects for the rest of the City. 20

21 Questions? 21