1. A new management plan for Bowness Park to enhance its beauty and usability will be implemented in 2011-2012.
2. Three new indoor rinks at Canada Olympic Park are scheduled to be completed by December 2010. A fourth new indoor ice arena should be completed in 2011. City Council directed that $20 million be contributed to this project.

1. The new Northwest Regional Recreation Centre: with the support of City Council, the local M.L.A. and a citizens’ group representing at least 10 of the surrounding residential communities, this project is expected to move forward in September or October of this year, provided that a land purchase agreement is concluded with the Province of Alberta.
2. A new pedestrian bridge will connect the bike path in Tuscany over to the Scenic Acres bike path on the east side of Stoney Trail.
3. A new screening fence will be built on the south and east boundary of the L.R.T. Park and Ride lot in Scenic Acres.
4. New concept plans for both Foothills and Glenmore Athletic Parks were approved by Council in July 2010. These concept plans will form the basis for major new sports facilities in the future.
5. The acquisition or construction of at least 200 affordable homes annually across the city: this social housing program is projected to continue for at least the next several years.

1. Calgary Community Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Reduction Plan: I have been highly supportive of the City’s efforts, such as the Calgary Climate Change Accord, which set bold corporate greenhouse gas (CHG) emissions standards.
2. Engaging business and institutions to help reduce energy costs through energy efficiency will, I believe, further enhance Calgary’s existing reputation as a leader in GHG reduction.
3. I believe that involving Calgary Economic Development in the plan will support City Council’s priority to “develop a local business environmental strategy.”

1. The process of public engagement is a part of City Council’s policy, and I believe it is a key part of the on-going process of effectively communicating with the citizens of Ward 1.
2. By far the majority of all communication from Ward 1 residents is by e-mail. My office endeavours to respond to all e-mails in a timely fashion.
3. Telephone calls are another form of important communication, and I endeavour to return calls as soon as possible, as well.
4. Over the years I have been in public office I have made a practice of attending all community association annual general meetings and as many of each community’s regular board meetings as possible.
5. Most community associations sponsor a monthly newsletter or publish one, themselves. I send an article to them each time they publish a newsletter, giving information on topics of current interest to residents in their respective communities.
6. Another important form of communication and engagement with constituents is the hosting of public open houses. Most open houses are focused on a specific City of Calgary capital budget project; e.g., the extension of the L.R.T. line from Crowfoot Station out to the next station at Tuscany/Rocky Ridge/Royal Oak. In addition to the open houses, the Transportation Infrastructure Department holds regular meetings with a group of residents from the residential communities surrounding the new station. I have supported and attended many of these, as well.

City Council and the citizens of Calgary face a number of challenges and issues in the next three years. The most significant, but not the only, challenges include:

1. Continuing to improve the city's road and public transit system without significantly increasing the City of Calgary's debt.
2. Ensuring that the appropriate land use planning framework is in place to manage the pressures of growth in the city, including lands recently annexed to Calgary in the west and northwest quadrants of the city.
3. Identifying and assigning priorities for the most important infrastructure projects required in the city.
4. Implementing a sustainable long-term financial plan, given the Agreement with the Province of Alberta for the funding of major infrastructure projects in Calgary.
5. Providing for affordable housing as a funding priority in the Province of Alberta/City of Calgary agreement, including a cost-sharing formula with both the Province of Alberta and the Government of Canada.

Dale has served the constituents of Ward 1 through nine terms as Alderman. He has lived in northwest Calgary for over 38 years and served in a volunteer capacity on various civic committees and boards prior to being elected to office in October 1983.

Currently, Dale sits on the following boards and committees (2007-2010):

• Standing Policy Committee on Finance and Corporate Services
• Standing Policy Committee on Land Use, Planning & Transportation
• Audit Committee
• Gas, Power and Telecommunications Committee, Chair
• License and Community Standards Appeal Board
• Corporate Pension Governance Committee
• Calgary Parking Authority
• Subdivision and Development Appeal Board
• Calgary Regional Partnership
• Inter-Municipal Committee (IMC), City of Calgary/Rocky View County

Dale’s wife, Yvonne, is a retired principal for the Calgary Board of Education. Pursuing her passion for education, she will continue to teach at the University of Calgary in the fall of 2010, preparing students to become teachers. Part of her extensive background includes working on projects in Kosovo and in western China through the U of C and C.I.D.A. (Canadian International Development Agency).

A Personal Statement from Dale Hodges