Looking for volunteers!

Fellow Calgarians, we need your help.

When my colleagues on City Council and I make decisions, we look for guidance from our Boards, Commission and Committees (BCCs). And we now have some openings that need volunteers.

The citizens who volunteer on these BCCs bring important expertise and perspective that we is invaluable for us here at City Hall.

We are currently recruiting volunteers to serve on the various BCCs. Here are just a few that need filling:

• Audit Committee - Contribute to overseeing financial matters at The City and provide input into the decision making process at City Council.
• eGovernment Strategy Advisory Committee - Monitor and guide the overall vision, strategy, and program plan for eGovernment at the City of Calgary.
• Heritage Authority - Provide advice to City Council on all matters related to historic resources in the City, including the restoration, alteration, and demolition of sites in The City’s heritage inventory.
• Saddledome Foundation - Contribute to the operation of the Scotiabank Saddledome for the benefit of amateur athletics, hockey development, and research.
• Public Art Board - Promote awareness of art in The City and act as a resource to City Council on all public art matters.
• Aboriginal Urban Affairs Committee - Represent the concerns of Aboriginal Calgarians to City Council. Investigate areas of concern to people of Aboriginal ancestry and make recommendations on policies and resolutions that would give urban Aboriginal people a more meaningful role within the Calgary community.

Please visit calgary.ca/cityclerks to view the full listing of BCCs with current vacancies and find information on how to apply. Although some positions have specific eligibility requirements, most member positions require only your enthusiasm, interest, and commitment.

The deadline for applications is 4:30 p.m., Friday, September 19, 2014. I look forward to having you help us make important decisions that affect all our fellow citizens.

- Mayor Naheed Nenshi

Mayor Nenshi's office budget and expenses: January 1 - May 31, 2014

Below are the Mayor’s Office budget and expenses for January 1, 2014 to May 31, 2014. This is part of City Council's disclosure policy and our ongoing commitment to transparency and openness.

The information includes:

• a budget summary
• details of the expenses in areas like travel, hosting, and communication

Download and view the operating budget for the Office of the Mayor.

Download and view the expenses for the Office of the Mayor.

During this period, Mayor Nenshi did some travel. Those travel expenses are included in the above documents. However, some travel was paid for by third parties (e.g.: conference organizers). Those include:

• International Leaders Program (London, UK), Feb. 1-8 - UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office
• LondonX Conference (London, ON), Mar. 1 - LondonX
• BC Southern Interior Local Government Association (Penticton, BC), May 1-3 - SILGA
• Annual Meeting of Northwest Territories Communities, (Inuvik, NT), May 8-9 - NWT Association of Communities

Real-time bus info coming to Calgary Transit

This news is a game-changer for Calgary Transit and Calgarians. With real-time information on all our buses, transit users can get audio and visual updates about their location while on the bus. More important: citizens will eventually be able to find out exactly when their next bus will arrive to pick them up at their stop. This will revolutionize the way we all use Calgary Transit--especially in the winter!

Real-time info is an important part of the RouteAhead customer service improvement plan, and I'm very excited to see it become a reality.

- Mayor Naheed Nenshi

--

Calgary Transit Operator, Richard Gallant,
checks out new onboard real-time display

Calgary Transit begins testing real-time system

Calgary Transit is excited about its upcoming real-time bus information system. Starting Monday, Aug. 4, Calgary Transit will begin testing the first part of the system. Buses will be equipped to make onboard audio/visual announcements advising customers of upcoming stops along their bus route.

Earlier this summer, Calgary Transit successfully tested this component with out-of-service buses. Now they are ready to see how the system performs on their entire fleet while in service.

Minor tweaks to the system may be needed as the system is tested but Calgary Transit does not anticipate major issues. Customers are encouraged to provide feedback about the system by tweeting @calgarytransit, calling 403-262-1000, or speaking with their bus driver.

What will the real-time bus information system do?

When fully implemented, the real-time bus information system will not only provide stop announcements on buses but also real-time bus arrival times. Currently, only scheduled bus times are available to customers. The real-time bus arrival information will eventually be available through a new responsive website, teletext, and teleride.

The real-time arrival information component of the system will be tested this fall and the full system is expected to launch later this year.

- Cross-posted from Calgary City News Blog