W-18: Deadlier than Fentanyl

By Diane Colley-Urquhart on May 2016

With all the recent media coverage on fentanyl and its dangers to users and the public at large, it is truly disheartening to hear about a new, more dangerous drug that is hitting our streets. The legal opioid, dubbed W-18, is now infiltrating North America's drug scene and is being called the deadliest drug trend in more than three decades. W-18 is 100 times more powerful than fentanyl and 10,000 times more powerful than morphine. W-18 is not regulated by federal drug law and has no clinical use. As a result, it cannot be detected by routine drug testing – this[...]

Media Advisory: City Enlisting Sex Offenders and Convicted Violent Criminals?

By Diane Colley-Urquhart on April 2016

[audio mp3="http://councillordiane.ca/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/Radio-Interview-with-Kingkade-Breakenridge-on-Mayor-Nenshis-Allegations.mp3"][/audio] CALGARY, AB – April 29, 2016 As Chair of the Standing Policy on Community and Protective Services, I along with six of my Council appointed colleagues provide governance oversight to Community Services which includes Calgary Community Standards, Calgary Emergency Management Agency, Calgary Fire Department, Calgary Housing, Calgary Neighbourhoods, Calgary Parks, and Calgary Recreation. Collectively, these service areas contribute to Calgarians’ wellbeing, safety and quality of life by providing sport, art, culture, leisure activities and parks; strong communities through social connectivity and good neighbour policies; and safety by providing reliable emergency and disaster response systems, and, Bylaw Services. Bylaw[...]

My Update on the SW Transitway Project

By Diane Colley-Urquhart on April 2016

[audio mp3="http://councillordiane.ca/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/20160418-122042.mp3"][/audio] Based on the feedback that I have heard over the past several months from my constituents, I am having increased concerns regarding the SW Transitway project. Above all, my biggest concern is the cost estimates of the project which was unanimously approved by Council over five years ago.  The approved budget was for $43M. We need to have transparency as to where the budget currently stands and I will ensure that I will seek that clarity on your behalf.  I am concerned that there has been a significant increase to this budget now that the detailed functional designs[...]

Transportation Network Company Bylaw Amendments – Effective April 4, 2016

By Diane Colley-Urquhart on April 2016

On February 22, 2016, my Council colleagues and I gave three readings to Bylaw 12M2016, which amends the Livery Transport Bylaw to allow Transportation Network Companies (TNCs) to operate, while giving taxis and limousines flexibility on price setting. Livery Transport Services (LTS) has implemented system upgrades, and as of April 4, 2016, will be equipped to accept applications for both TNCs and their drivers. LTS is also prepared to accept submissions for smartphone applications for TNCs, Limousine Brokers and Taxi Brokers. In order to use an app to book, perform and collect payment for trips, all industry participants must have their App approved by[...]

SW Bus Rapid Transitway “Petition”

By Diane Colley-Urquhart on March 2016

Prior to the Strategic Planning meeting of Council on March 21st, 2016, people opposed to the SW Bus Rapid Transitway presented City Clerks with a “petition” apparently signed by over 3000 people. As a result, I have been asked about the “petition” and its validity. It is important to note that as an elected official, I am not permitted to view it under the Municipal Government Act (MGA). As a result, I don’t know what the statement or the purpose of the petition was; or under what premise individuals signed this petition or if signatures were witnessed. As such, I[...]