Latest news with #CityofCalgary
CTV News
3 days ago
- Business
- CTV News
Calgary adding fluoride back into drinking water starting on June 30
Fluoride will officially be reintroduced to Calgary's drinking water at the end of June. In a news release Thursday, the City of Calgary announced that the long-planned addition will start on June 30. The city says it is adding fluoride back into the drinking water supply 'as a safe and effective public health measure to prevent dental cavities and improve oral health.' 'Fluoride is present in minerals and found naturally in soil, air and water. For healthy teeth, natural occurring fluoride levels in the Bow and Elbow Rivers will be supplemented to help protect against tooth decay,' the city said. 'The treatment plants will increase fluoride to the optimal level of 0.7 milligrams per litre (mg/L) as recommended by Health Canada's Guidance for Community Water Fluoridation.' The reintroduction of fluoride was approved by a plebiscite as part of the 2021 civic general election, with 62 per cent of people voting in support. The city spent $28.1 million on infrastructure costs to facilitate the reintroduction, plus additional annual costs of $1 million for operating and maintenance at both water treatment plants.
Calgary Herald
4 days ago
- Health
- Calgary Herald
Calgarians asked to help track invasive mosquito linked to West Nile virus and avian malaria
Article content A research collaboration between the University of Calgary and the City of Calgary is calling on Calgarians to help track an invasive mosquito species that could pose a growing health risk to people and animals. Article content Dr. John Soghigian, an assistant professor at the UCalgary Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, is leading the study on the northern house mosquito (Culex pipiens), an invasive species that has spread rapidly across Alberta since it was first detected in Edmonton in 2018. Article content Article content The species was identified in Calgary in 2022 and is now found across much of southern Alberta. Article content Article content 'This is the mosquito that, in 1999, was in New York when West Nile virus emerged there,' said Soghigian. 'That makes it a little bit of a concern here.' Article content Culex pipiens is known to transmit several diseases, including West Nile virus — which affects both humans and horses — and avian malaria, which can be fatal for exotic birds. In Calgary, the virus has been linked to the deaths of two penguins at the Calgary Zoo in recent years, Soghigian said. The species may also spread dog heartworm, though prevalence in Alberta remains low. Article content To better understand the mosquito's behaviour, range and potential public health risk, the University of Calgary and the city launched a citizen science project encouraging park visitors to collect mosquito samples from Inglewood Bird Sanctuary and Ralph Klein Park. Collection kits and instructions are available on-site. Participants are asked to capture mosquitoes, place them in a provided vial, record the date and location and then submit the sample for analysis. Article content Article content 'We're hoping to . . . track where this mosquito is and what pathogens it's associated with,' said Soghigian. 'West Nile virus is the main pathogen that we are concerned with from this mosquito.' Article content Article content The mosquito's tendency to feed primarily on birds raises additional concern, as birds serve as the primary hosts for West Nile virus. Article content 'This is why this mosquito is quite a concern from a public health perspective, because it has the capability of transmitting diseases from birds to humans.' Article content West Nile virus is the most common mosquito-borne disease in Alberta. While most human cases resemble mild flu symptoms, the virus can cause severe encephalitis, particularly in elderly or immunocompromised individuals.
CTV News
5 days ago
- General
- CTV News
Coyote encounters in N.W. Calgary community force Canada Post to alter mail delivery
A coyote is seen in this file image. (Pexels) Encounters with coyotes have forced Canada Post to change their mail delivery strategy in a northwest Calgary community. Canada Post confirmed employees have encountered the animals on one of the delivery routes in Cambrian Heights, which is located near Nose Hill Park and Confederation Park. 'In this instance, we devised a temporary plan to deliver mail every three business days using a team delivery approach,' Canada Post said in a statement to CTV News. 'We have also been in touch with local officials about this situation. Regular delivery will resume as soon as it is safe to do so.' Canada Post said any residents with questions about mail delivery can contact the customer service team online or by telephone at 1-866-607-6301 (TTY: 1-800-267-2797). 'We encourage our delivery agents to make the call if they feel it is unsafe to deliver to a household,' Canada Post said. Coyote pups are likely emerging from their dens this week, which can lead to an increased level of territorial aggression, according to the City of Calgary. If you notice a coyote nearby, the city says to: Make sure your dog is under control—get it on-leash if it isn't already, or pick it up if it is smaller; Stand your ground and try to make yourself appear large; Wave your hands/arms; Shout and make noise; Do not run from the coyote—instead, back away slowly while keeping your eyes on the coyote; Consider carrying something that makes noise, like a jar with coins, that you can shake to deter a coyote; and If the coyote is very persistent, you can throw small rocks or sticks near, but not directly at, the coyote. The city encourages Calgarians to report coyote sightings and aggressive or threatening behaviour to 311. With files from CTV News Calgary's Jacqueline Wilson
CBC
22-05-2025
- General
- CBC
Calgarians' trust in city hall sees bump from last year
The City of Calgary's 2025 Spring Survey results are out. Residents are feeling satisfied with the quality of services they receive and more optimistic about the future compared with 2024.
CTV News
21-05-2025
- General
- CTV News
Calgarians can apply for new microgrant for Neighbour Day 2025
Calgarians are once again invited to participate in Neighbour Day next month, and this year there's a new microgrant to help. The annual citywide celebration was inspired by the way citizens came together to help each other during the historic flooding that devastated Calgary back in 2013. Now, every June, Calgarians are encouraged to celebrate their community on Neighbour Day. The event will be held on Saturday, June 21. Calgarians can participate by planning a block party, BBQ or neighbourhood gathering. This year, people can apply for the #YYCNeighbourDay microgrant to support their neighbourhood event. The microgrant offers up to $2,500 in funding to help amplify the events Applications are open until May 31. Permits for block parties and greenspaces are free, and applications are open until May 31. 'Neighbour Day is a uniquely Calgary tradition that shows how powerful it is when people come together,' said Mayor Jyoti Gondek in a Tuesday news release. For more information on Neighbour Day you can visit the City of Calgary's website.
