May 22, 2019 – BRFM Update

A new provincial government has been elected and engagement with contacts within the UCP party started right away. If you have contacts within the Party, please reach out to them or share the contact with us. It is time to grow our circle of influence.

Engagement group is formed – The engagement consultant hired by Klohn Crippen Berger (the engineering firm hired by The City) will be facilitating a committee of members from the Bowness Mainstreets Business Improvement Association (BIA), the Bowness Community Association (BCA) and BRFM. The mandate of the committee is still being determined.

In May, BRFM reached out to the environmental arm of Westhoff Engineering to find out what support they could offer us with respect to determining the environmental impact of the berm project. They have provided a scope of work, which is currently being reviewed.

On May 8th, Members of BRFM attended the Schulich School of Engineering Distinguished Speakers Panel 2019, “Water: A Sustainable Future”. Both Frank Frigo and Kim Sturgess from Water Smart were on the panel.

In early May, BRFM received the reply to our FOIP request on the City’s initial engagement of the Bowness Barrier Project. Of interesting note is the fact that upon evaluation, the City has determined the engagement was adequate.

In early May, BRFM presented the Tree Census Report to the BCA Board, sharing the extent of the potential loss of trees along the riverbank. An article was also published in the Bowest’ner regarding the same.

On May 11th, BRFM hosted a Nature Walk (bioblitz) with Gus Yaki. The walk was attended by Gus’ regular followers from all over the city as well as residents of Bowness. It was very informative and we were able to share our concerns about the project with people from all corners of the city.

Via Calgary River Community Action Group (CRCAG), BRFM continues to participate in a monthly conference call with Rick Blackwell the Deputy Minister of Alberta Parks & Environment for discussions on upstream mitigation for the Bow River.

On May 15, 10 neighbours made presentations sharing our concerns at the annual update on Calgary’s Flood Resiliency Plan to the Utilities & Corporate Services Committee. The video recording is available on the City website. The presentation by Frank Frigo’s presentation begins at 3:47:15 and BRFM presentations begin at 4:23:02:

https://pub-calgary.escribemeetings.com/Players/ISIStandAlonePlayer.aspx?ClientId=calgary&FileName=primary%20replacement_SPC%20on%20Utilities%20and%20Corporate%20Services_2019-05-15-11-27.mp4

BRFM presentations are also available on the BRFM website. They give a very good summary of the last 18 months (or so) of research that our group has undertaken.

https://www.bownessrfm.ca/city-hall-may-15-2019/

Over 47 letters were submitted to the Committee by Bow Crescent residents expressing opposition to the berm project.

On May 19thmembers of BRFM were invited by Councillor Gian-Carlo Carra (Ward 9) to look at the berm in his backyard in Inglewood. Councillor Carra would like to host a BBQ in his backyard for a larger group later this summer.

BRFM continues to reach out on social media to share our message and grow support. Don’t forget to check us out and share posts You can share photos and posts to our Facebook page @bownessrfm, tag us on Instagram @brfmsociety, or forward any content you think is relevant to info@bownessrfm.ca and we’ll post it.

Some Upcoming Events

  1. BRFM’s AGM & June Social
    Thursday, June 6th
    Bowness Legion
    AGM from 7-8 pm
    Immediately followed by the Social in the Legion Pub
  2. Possibly another Nature Walk with Gus in June
  3. Bowness Stampede Parade (engagement opportunity)
    Saturday, July 6 at 9 am
    Bowness Road
  4. Tour de Bowness Festival (we have a booth)
    Monday, August 5

Call to Action:

  1. We are looking for Directors at Large for the BRFM Board. Please contact Jean directly at: jwoeller@shaw.ca
  2. We need Points of Contact (aka Block Captains) for 6100, 6200 & 6300. If you would like to take this on for one of the blocks please email info@bownessrfm.ca and we will fill you in. This is a great way to get to know your neighbours and to help keep everyone up to date.
  3. We need someone to take over bookkeeping for the Society. Many hands make light (er) work!
  4. We need volunteers for an Events Sub-Committee to organize community outreach at events such as the Bowness Stampede Parade and our booth at the Tour de Bowness Festival. Again, email info@bownessrfm.caif you are interested.
  5. We need help writing articles for the Bownesner, We would like to have a short article or update from our perspective in every issue.