Funding stops at the 'Deerfoot divide' say residents, candidates at Ward 10 debate

Can east Calgary get the recognition it needs? That was a key question on the minds of candidates and residents alike at a rare in-person candidate debate in Ward 10 Wednesday. 

"We need to make sure we fight for what's in it for us," said candidate Abed Harb, a provincial civil servant currently on leave.

He said the gravel parking lot at the Max Bell LRT station is one good example. The on-going issue of street-racing on 52nd Street is another.

"We never see any police addressing the issue. This is the common theme with Ward 10. Because it's Ward 10 — it's east of the Deerfoot — we don't get our fair share. If I get elected, I will ensure that we do get our fair share."

Six out of the 11 candidates running in this ward turned out for the debate Wednesday evening. Just two dozen residents and supporters sat in the audience, but already 400 people had seen the live stream by the time the event ended.

On policing, candidate Leslyn Joseph, a student and activist, argued more police funding should go toward mental health services as the police often don't want to take those calls anyway.

On the question of how to manage the pandemic, each of the six candidates cited the need to prioritize safety.

Candidate Tony Dinh said: "What happened recently, where (city council) tightened restrictions so the hospitals can catch up with demand, I believe they saved some lives."

Masks can help businesses, added candidate Andre Chabot. "Whatever it takes, we need to get our economy going forward again."

Chabot is a former three-term councillor. He ran for mayor and lost in 2017.

Mushtaq Kayani and Issa Mosa were also at the debate for Ward 10. The ward stretches from Deerfoot Trail to the edge of the city, between Memorial Drive and McKnight Boulevard.

This campaign, CBC Calgary is also talking with residents in each ward to understand what matters on the ground. Add your thoughts online here.

Here are four residents who attended Wednesday's forum.

Pat Richardson

Ask Pat Richardson what's on her mind regarding the municipal election and she has an answer ready.

"I want to talk about densification. I'm really concerned about the plans to put higher density housing into older neighbourhoods," said Richardson. 

That increase in density seems to be automatic, she says. "The character of the neighbourhoods that's being lost. The availability of space for the people who live here, the lack of parking — that becomes a problem."

But it's not just densification on her mind. 

"I also want to talk about spending. I feel there's a lot of things we're spending money on that we don't need and that has to stop," she said. For example, she says, "if the Flames want a new arena, they should be developing it themselves and paying for it. They make a lot of money and I don't think we should have to pay for that."

Ricardo Cosentino

Ricardo Cosentino says he wants to see investment in infrastructure, to see the city change and grow. But he says there's a pattern of unequal investment that needs to be addressed.

"The wards east of the Deerfoot are being treated different than the wards west of the Deerfoot. That comes to amenities and also crime, infrastructure. I think east of the Deerfoot sees a lot less of that," said Cosentino, who is also a chartered accountant and treasurer for his local community association.

"I think what's important for Ward 10 is the Deerfoot divide and how to get more infrastructure spending and development into this ward. Because it's been pretty sleepy for a long time."

Rose Abbott

Rose Abbott, a nurse at the nearby Foothills Medical Centre, said she wants candidates to be talking about fiscal responsibility.

"I want to see some fresh perspectives on how they view the city, on fiscal responsibility ... and how they're spending the money," said Abbott, stepping outside the debate for a quick interview.

"I just really think over the last five to seven years there's been a general blunder on things," she said. "For the arts, and I'm all for the arts, but when our taxes go up and we're told we don't have enough vehicles to do proper snow removal. Or parks and recreation, they're closing down rec facilities. Those are the things I want to see running.

"I don't mind our taxes going up, but ... I'd like to see more programs toward elder care, toward child development, recreation and of course, helping with homelessness."

Tara Pasveer

There's a tension between doing what benefits the whole city and what benefits the community, says Tara Pasveer, a local volunteer and professional engineer.

For example, she says, "with the Green LRT line, I think is a great idea. I love it. It's important. But there are issues with the northeast line and I think that has to do with the northeast being not as rich as the other areas."

"I live in Vista Heights. We're one of the smallest communities in Ward 10 and we seem to be forgotten quite a bit," she says. "Our housing (costs less); we don't pay as much taxes. I feel because of that, we don't get the same projects in our communities as richer communities. 

"In Vista Heights, we have a playground where people speed beside for years. We built a new playground there and asked for a new crosswalk. (City officials) said it wasn't busy enough. 

"Or 16th Avenue and 19th Street, that intersection is atrocious," she said. "It's busy all the time and they still keep pushing it off the list of important infrastructure projects. That's just a few examples."

What would you like the candidates to be talking about, both for your ward and the city? Tell us about it, give us some detail and together we can dig deeper into some key election issues. You're invited to add your thoughts here.