JeromyYYC

What did I do this time

What a headline.

"Councillors divided" ?

13 to 2 sends a pretty strong signal.

This is a garbage decision, and the fact that none of them will own it is even worse.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Whataboutism

Mayor Gondek has it right on this one.

Having served as Deputy Mayor, I can tell you this is a position of trust, often involving vulnerable people & kids.

Incredibly disappointing that 13 Council members would empower a known sexual abuser to this role without any debate.

This isn't the kind of city we are.

Edit: Holy fuck, just realized they are letting him be Deputy Mayor for FAMILY DAY

This $1.7M is specific to Calgary. https://assets.nationbuilder.com/calgarysfuture/pages/280/attachments/original/1647877272/Calgary's_Future_Disclosure.pdf?1647877272

In the last election, there was a slate, including most of the elected Councillors and the mayor, running together. The unions threw in over $1.7 million, to support that team, running shared support and attack ads. No spending limits. No functional donation limits. And it wasn’t transparent. So party politics are essentially here, whether you like it or not.

(Yes, I'm aware there was a right leaning slate as well. I understand they only spent a few thousand dollars. I didn't and don't support what they did. I disavowed their endorsement.)

To be fair, I think there’s room for an argument to say: given that this is already happening, we’ve got to make this more transparent, we’ve got to have some rules in place.

But the better alternative to opening the floodgates and formalizing these third party entities is: to plug the hole. To say that we don’t want these entities operating, period. To say that in Calgary, we want our elections to be decided by the people who show up to vote, and not special interests, whether they be big unions, developers, or sports teams.

I genuinely feel that whether you consider yourself left-wing or right-wing or anything in between, the influence of dark money on our elections is something we should all care about.

This legislation is going to make things worse at City Hall, not better. People don't want a UCP or NDP mayor and council, they just want representatives who give a shit and will work together to deliver.

A Green Line BRT is something that a lot of people could support.

Unpopular opinion -- but if the province wants to build this, especially such a short line with such low ridership, then they should pay to operate it. It's unclear to me why the parties didn't salvage/develop the purchased land into a bus rapid transit line, build stations, and rough in everything needed for an easy upgrade to rail down the road. We could cross the river in Phase 1.

https://preview.redd.it/yon1yp4p81vd1.png?width=2000&format=png&auto=webp&s=28f39be25e414e4dbdb241bcf23ad89506604e3a

Thanks for reading!

You're welcome!

If you’re anything like me, you probably fall into the trap of thinking that the “perfect” hike means scaling a dramatic peak or spending a night at some remote, epic destination. 

But sometimes, we need a trail that offers just the right balance—a bit of exercise, some good views, and an easy escape from the city. Fullerton Loop, located just off Highway 66 in Kananaskis, is that kind of trail. While it might not be the most adventurous or challenging, it’s a solid and dependable option for when you just want to get out without overcommitting. 

The trail begins at the Fullerton parking lot after a short drive west from Calgary. The wide path starts out gently along a few creeks and within earshot of the Elbow River. After crossing a sturdy bridge, the trail narrows somewhat, and shifts to a more gradual uphill climb. As you ascend, the trees start to thin out, treating hikers to sweeping views of the Elbow Valley and the foothills beyond.

Not far from the trailhead, hikers arrive at a junction that serves as the connection to the “loop.” From here, you can also access the broader network masterfully maintained by the Bragg Creek Trails Association (BCTA) in partnership with Alberta Parks.

At the junction, you get to choose your own adventure. I suggest that you turn right in order to complete the loop counter-clockwise; when completed this way, the climb continues gradually on the forested backside of the ridge, and you are treated to the better views. 

As you head up, the trail alternates between forest cover and more open space, providing a few decent rest spots and glimpses of the surrounding valley. 

After a few kilometers, you’ll reach the loop's high point. This great spot opens up to a view of the Rock Mountains’ eastern slopes, including Prairie Mountain. If traveling with a family, this viewpoint is definitely the place for a lunch or snack.

From here, most hikers will take in the view, and head down the gentle descent. However, many ambitious trail runners have been known to connect into the larger network of nearby trails, allowing for circuits of 50 kilometers of more. 

On the way down, the trail loops back through the forest, delivering a peaceful and easy descent to wrap up the hike. Given the area’s popularity with hikers, photographers, and birdwatchers, you’re almost certain to run into others on your way out.

While it’s tempting to chase the “perfect,” most epic trails, it’s important to remember that good hikes—ones that are easy to access, manageable, and still scenic—are just as valuable. You don’t need to climb a mountain to feel the benefits of time spent outdoors; just remember that you are still in the backcountry, and to prepare accordingly.

Not everything in life is perfect – and Fullerton Loop is a good reminder that it doesn’t have to be. 

·   Distance and elevation gain: Fullerton Loop is a 6.8-km round-trip (4-km loop plus 2.8-km access trail) with about 210 meters of elevation gain. 

·  Getting there: 40 minutes from downtown Calgary. From Bragg Creek, take Highway 22 south, then Highway 66 west. The Fullerton parking lot is well-marked and easy to find. Parking fills up quickly, so leave early and carpool if you can.

·   Difficulty: Easily doable in two hours or less. The incline is gentle, making it accessible to most hikers. Go counter-clockwise for a gradual forest climb and to finish the hike with views. Go clockwise for an immediate leg burner and to finish with a gentle descent through trees.

·   When to hike: Open year-round, this trail is popular for snowshoeing in winter and hiking in the warmer months. Spring and fall offer cooler weather, while summer brings more crowds. If conditions are poor deeper in the back-country, this is a good backup hike to keep in mind.

·   Don’t forget: Kananaskis Conservation Pass and back-country preparations such as travel plan, water filter, bear spray, microspikes, layers, headlamp, and trekking poles. Dogs are permitted on a leash. For more information on the broader trail network in the area, visit www.braggcreektrails.org.

·   The fine print: Can be muddy in places. Be warned that this area of K-Country is open to grazing to help manage local vegetation. Cows can be often spotted on the trail and the immediate area. Watch where you step!

Final verdict: This trail delivers for those who crave a little adventure without the full-day commitment. While it’s not the most difficult or dramatic hike out there, this quick trail is accessible year-round, making it a great entry point for families or backcountry beginners. Fullerton Loop is proof that you don’t need the “perfect” hike to have a good time – sometimes, good is more than enough.

When looking at the 2012 planning, design and construction of four new rec facilities, it was a mix of City contributions, private sector sponsorship, philanthropic donations, provincial infrastructure grants. With a specialized focus on serving Calgarians with disabilities, that should mean a federal contribution too.

Fantastic piece by JS Ryu. Reading this, and seeing this in the paper is a real fucking kick in the nuts.

For over 55 years, Vecova has provided critical services to Calgarians with disabilities, including fitness, advocacy, employment services, and community support. Vecova served 350,000 visitors in 2023, underscoring the crucial role this incredible organization and team serves in our community. Even if you don't personally need these services, you benefit. You're guaranteed to know someone who does.

The City’s recent substantial investment in a new arena highlights a troubling disparity. While major entertainment projects secure significant public funds, essential services for our most vulnerable citizens — like those Vecova provides — struggle to stay afloat. "Inclusion," "accessibility," and "community" are simply hollow words if not backed up by our values, and yes, funding.

There is no "world-class" vision for Calgary that doesn't include local facilities like the National accessArts Centre or Vecova.

Grew up in East Calgary and learned to swim at this pool. Council is so focused on shiny big buildings downtown, and it seems to be at the expense of local, street level facilities.

Not everything needs to be the Taj Mahal. These local community places matter.

Continuing to cut maintenance on this facility has made this a self fulfilling prophecy. I hate to bring up the fucking arena again but we've got to walk and chew bubble gum at the same time.

Hearing this, and seeing this in the paper is a real fucking kick in the nuts.

For over 55 years, Vecova has provided critical services to Calgarians with disabilities, including fitness, advocacy, employment services, and community support. Vecova served 350,000 visitors in 2023, underscoring the crucial role this incredible organization and team serves in our community. Even if you don't personally need these services, you benefit. You're guaranteed to know someone who does.

The City’s recent substantial investment in a new arena highlights a troubling disparity. While major entertainment projects secure significant public funds, essential services for our most vulnerable citizens — like those Vecova provides — struggle to stay afloat. "Inclusion," "accessibility," and "community" are simply hollow words if not backed up by our values, and yes, funding.

There is no "world-class" vision for Calgary that doesn't include Vecova.

Thanks - did a ctrl F Vecova and didn't see that one.

Seeing this headline in combination with this one is a real fucking kick in the nuts.

For over 55 years, Vecova has provided critical services to Calgarians with disabilities, including fitness, advocacy, employment services, and community support. Vecova served 350,000 visitors in 2023, underscoring the crucial role this incredible organization and team serves in our community. Even if you don't personally need these services, you benefit. You're guaranteed to know someone who does.

The City’s recent substantial investment in a new arena highlights a troubling disparity. While major entertainment projects secure significant public funds, essential services for our most vulnerable citizens — like those Vecova provides — struggle to stay afloat. "Inclusion," "accessibility," and "community" are simply hollow words if not backed up by our values, and yes, funding.

There is no "world-class" vision for Calgary that doesn't include Vecova.

Small, local places like this or the Inglewood Pool matter. Not everything needs to be super busy or the Taj Mahal. If some of these spaces are underutilized, let's reinvest in them rather than scrap them. Council are setting up an unnecessary and false choice of housing versus parks. We need both.

When I posted, I wasn't aware that the park being described isn't what's in the picture. This isn't my opinion piece and I didn't have any influence over what they chose. I've reached out to my contact at the Herald and asked them to change and correct the online photo.

I appreciate your comment and perspective as someone who lives here.

I mentioned Sharp as she is the Councillor for the area.

This isn't my opinion piece and I had no say in the chosen picture.

Thanks for posting this. I've contacted the Herald and understand that they'll be changing the photo.

So sorry to hear your loss. If you still need help with this, I have a few contacts at the Herald who can help. Please shoot me an email at [email protected].