Latest news with #DougClark
CBC
01-05-2025
- Automotive
- CBC
Calgary cyclists concerned with Edworthy paid parking plan
Social Sharing The City of Calgary's plan to renovate Edworthy Park's north parking lot and implement paid parking to recoup the cost has left members of the cycling community concerned. Located in northwest Calgary, Edworthy Park has long been a staple for cycling enthusiasts, and changes to the accessibility of parking there could be problematic, explained Doug Clark, president of cycling non-profit Bike Calgary. "If they start charging for it, is that actually the right thing to do? Is it going to encourage people to re-evaluate the way they move around the city and choose more sustainable, more overall cost-effective ways of doing it?" Clark, a frequent visitor to Edworthy Park, suggested that cyclists may be dissuaded from parking at the lot or even incorporating cycling into their schedule if parking is no longer free. Designated 'Park and Bike' site The popular north Edworthy parking lot is one of the city's seven designated Calgary Park and Bike sites. People commuting by both car and bike are encouraged to park at one of the sites to avoid fees for downtown parking while getting exercise and minimizing traffic congestion on their way downtown. The locations are five to eight kilometres from the core. "At least part of that trip is a healthy and a sustainable way to move around the city. So certainly I don't want to do anything that discourages that ability to offer those transportation choices," said Clark. However, he added, implementing paid parking at the Edworthy lot is an extra cost for cyclists that contradicts the city's intent for commuters to save on paid parking downtown. According to the city, the proposed development includes resurfacing the pothole-ridden gravel lot along with installing designated parking spaces, better drainage, new lighting, EV chargers and a machine to pay for parking, for an approximate cost of $1 million. "That's going to come out of taxpayers' pockets," said Clark. "Is that really the best way to spend the money? Are we sort of complicating the issue in terms of incentivizing the right kind of transportation choices that people take in the city?" Paid parking to recoup development costs Terry Wong, councillor for Ward 7, said the city first began moving forward on the parking lot project early in April due in part to concerns brought up by property owners. "We're not doing this to dissuade people from riding their bicycles," he said. "We're doing this to create more, much more functionality in the park, in the parking lot, for different people to use it." He noted that the Edworthy lot project is still in the early stages of development and that Calgary Parking is exploring a number of options, such as offering a few hours of free parking prior to charging, offering a monthly rate or having designated paid parking areas. "Any parking infrastructure to put in has to be cost recovered somehow, so that's where the paid parking comes in," said Wong. Calgary resident Sara Mills, who regularly parks and bikes from the Edworthy lot on her way downtown, says she doesn't mind the parking lot not being paved. She would rather not have to pay for parking as a consequence of the planned development. "I think this is a really great place to have free parking and encourages people to ride their bikes and stay active and commute to work in alternative ways other than driving," said Mills. "Because I find that is very common, driving in Calgary, and it's not super accessible in the city to ride bikes in a lot of ways. So I think having this really does encourage that." Construction could start by spring 2026, pending construction permit approval.
Yahoo
13-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Wilson Sonsini Launches Innovative General Counsel in Residence Program
The New Program Will Benefit Clients Through Insights and Advice from Experienced In-House Counsel PALO ALTO, Calif., February 13, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati, the premier provider of legal services to technology, life sciences, and growth enterprises worldwide, today announced the launch of its innovative General Counsel in Residence (GCIR) program. Modeled after the entrepreneur-in-residence roles at venture capital firms, the GCIR program offers a short-term opportunity for accomplished general counsels from technology and life sciences companies to provide invaluable advice to the firm's clients. Through the GCIR program, clients gain unprecedented access to a wealth of practical knowledge and insights from peers who have successfully navigated similar challenges. By drawing on these shared experiences, clients gain a deeper understanding of their operational obstacles, avoid common pitfalls, and make more informed decisions regarding their legal priorities. This, in turn, helps clients strategically allocate resources, optimize operations, refine their legal functions, and broaden their business perspectives. The GCIR program complements Wilson Sonsini's Executive Advisory Program (EAP), which offers customized, long-term support to clients at every stage of growth—whether they are high-growth start-ups, late-stage companies preparing for an IPO, or large multinational corporations. Likewise, the EAP is designed to assist companies of all sizes, from those with limited or no in-house legal resources to those with established legal teams. For more information, visit the EAP overview page. "We're excited to launch our GCIR program, offering technology and life sciences clients direct access to trusted advisors who genuinely understand their specific needs," said Doug Clark, managing partner at Wilson Sonsini. "Kiki Haar was the ideal candidate for our inaugural GCIR. With her extensive in-house background, she is uniquely positioned to support general counsels' continued evolution as strategic leaders within the C-suite." Clark continued, "This program not only provides interim support that benefits both participants and clients, but also aligns with our EAP, which has a longer-term focus on client success." Katherine (Kiki) Haar has spent more than 20 years advising both public and private technology companies, having served as both in-house and outside counsel. Her work has spanned diverse industries, including enterprise software, telecommunications, digital entertainment, renewable energy, and investment banking. Most recently, Haar served as general counsel at Sumo Logic, where she was instrumental in guiding the company through its transition from a late-stage private firm to a publicly traded corporation, and later to a private-equity-owned entity. In this role, she oversaw global legal affairs and acted as a strategic advisor to both the executive team and the board of directors. Before that, Haar was senior vice president, general counsel, and chief privacy officer at Informatica, where she managed a globally distributed team of legal, compliance, and license compliance professionals. Her experience spans various legal areas, including corporate governance, regulatory compliance, SEC reporting, privacy and data security, intellectual property, go-to-market and commercial matters, employment and equity compensation, and international legal affairs. Earlier in Haar's career, she was a corporate and securities associate at Wilson Sonsini, focusing on representing technology companies in public and private offerings, corporate governance, and mergers and acquisitions. "At Wilson Sonsini, clients are at the heart of everything they do, and the GCIR program is a perfect example of how the firm partners with them to deliver exceptional, forward-thinking service," said Haar. "As the first participant in this program, I am honored to leverage my background to provide guidance that extends beyond traditional legal counsel. My goal is to help clients address their strategic, operational, and departmental initiatives with insights from real-world experience, gained through navigating similar challenges myself." Haar earned her J.D. from UC Berkeley School of Law and holds a B.A. in economics from the University of Chicago. About Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati For more than 60 years, Wilson Sonsini's services and legal disciplines have focused on serving the principal challenges faced by the management and boards of directors of business enterprises. The firm is nationally recognized as a leading provider to growing and established clients seeking legal counsel to complete sophisticated corporate and technology transactions; manage governance and enterprise-scale matters; assist with intellectual property development, protection, and IP-driven transactions; represent them in contested disputes; and/or advise them on antitrust or other regulatory matters. With deep roots in Silicon Valley, Wilson Sonsini has more than 1,000 attorneys and 18 offices in 17 technology, business, and regulatory markets across the United States, China, and Europe. For more information, please visit View source version on Contacts Kimberly Brooks+ 1.212.453.2881kbrooks@ Sign in to access your portfolio
