Calgary Council Pledges $190M for Playgrounds

0:00Calgary City Councilors just made a big move to save every single playground in the city, boating unanimously to recommend 190 million dollars over the next 10 years. That cash would keep all 1,172 playgrounds up and running, no exceptions. Without this funding, a city report warned that 80% of them about 9 on 60 could get yanked over the decade. It's all tied to Calgary's rapid growth, stretching resources thin as the population booms and neighborhoods evolve. Counselors like DJ Kelly called it a total no-brainer, but he pointed out shifting demographics might mean rethinking spots. Maybe swap some kid zones. For senior benches and older areas, Andre Shabot, the committee chair, back to spin, but pushed for private partners to chip in, like through naming rights on playgrounds. Parks Foundation Calgary is all in. The CEO Cynthia Watson highlighting how they leveraged city dollars big time for every one dollar from the city.

1:00Last year, they pulled in 3.6 from donors, and this year it's up to 4.8. They team up with neighborhoods and funders to stretch that 19 million annual need even further. This recommendation heads to full council next, then the four-year budget for final sign-off, but with these partnerships firing, Calgary's play. This could stay strong and maybe even expand as the city keeps growing. I'm Corey with the story, that's your Calgary News Today update, AI-powered and always on.