Gord Lowe
Alderman - Ward 2

Term 3

Working for Ward 2:

During his third term as Alderman for Ward 2, Gord Lowe continued to work for his Ward and the City.

Ward 2: 

  • Inland Athletic Park – the irrigation system was upgraded and use of the facility expanded with partnerships with Baseball Canada and others.
  • Worked in consultation with the North West Communities to secure land from the Province of Alberta and to create a comprehensive Regional Recreation Complex north of Royal Oak at 90th street and Country Hills Boulevard  to provide further recreation opportunities for Ward 2.
  • The Crowfoot LRT Station was opened.
  • Extension of the North West LRT line to Rocky Ridge was approved and funded.  Changes to the timing of the Municipal Infrastructure funding from the Province has delayed start on that project by about a year but the project will proceed.
  • Road widening along Country Hills Boulevard is proceeding.  The interchange at Beddington and Country Hills Boulevard is open.
  • Improvements to Symons Valley Road are underway, including signalization of the intersection at Kincora Boulevard and Symons Valley Road.
  • Consultation with the Province of Alberta urging their completion on the Shaganappi and Stoney Trail Interchange continues.
  • Two phases of Beacon Hill Shopping Centre are open and the third and final phase is under construction.
  • Business’ are open in Spy Hill Industrial Park with more planned.  The Inland Pipe Plant in open and operating immediately west of the Spy Hill Land Fill Site.
  • Royal Vista Business Park is developed and being marketed with several properties sold and under construction. Those planning to occupy the business park include the headquarters building of local companies, a Canada Post distribution centre, a City of Calgary Police, Fire Station which will include access to City business offices, a hotel convention centre, auto body shops and a manufacturing business. This will generate a significant number of job opportunities.
  • Land use has been granted to expand the retail area in the Royal Oak Shopping Centre.  Several new restaurants, banks and a medical office are planned.
  • Community Consultation has been undertaken  and action started to improve the intersection of 112th Avenue/Country Hills Boulevard and Royal Birch Way to accommodate traffic expected to be generated as a result of the closure of the access from Rocky Ridge Road to Crowfoot Trail and development in Royal Vista Business Park.
  • Planning is underway for a comprehensive business and retail center and Transit hub at Sage Hill.
  • Action has been taken to identify aggregate hauling routes with a view to getting the gravel trucks off roads which go through residential communities.
  • The Church of the Latter Day Saints Temple was approved in Royal Oak and the ground breaking ceremony held.  It is expected the Temple will be completed in 2011.
  • In accordance with agreements with the Province of Alberta an Ismaili Temple will be built in Royal Vista Park.

City Wide:

  • As Chair of the Standing Policy Committee, Finance and Corporate Services led Council to develop the City’s second three year budget, based on approved business plans and performance measures.  Linked the outcomes of the Capital Budget to the Operating budget to ensure completed projects and service changes were identified and considered and the operating costs are known and budgeted for before construction starts.  The budget presentation and reporting documents have been recognized internationally with the City of Calgary receiving awards of excellence from the Government Financial Officers Association for the documents form, clarity and transparency.
  • As member of the Standing Policy Committee, Land Use Planning and Transportation ensured decisions affecting transportation and land use met policy and the goals of the City.
  • As a member of Council attended and participated in the majority of the meetings of the Standing Policy Committees Utilities and Environment and Community and Protective Services.
  • As member of the Calgary Planning Commission reviewed development proposals city wide.  Participated in a detailed review and amendment of the new Calgary Municipal Development Plan and the Calgary Transportation Plan (PlanIt Calgary).
  • Appointed by Council to serve with representatives of Industry and the Community on the PlanIt Implementation Committee to ensure the two plans (Calgary Municipal Plan and Calgary Transportation Plan) are clearly understood and implemented evenly and fairly across the City.
  • Member of the Audit Committee.
  • Chaired a Safety Audit of Calgary Transit.  The majority of the recommendations have been accepted and implemented – the remainder are waiting funding.
  • Council appointed member of the ENMAX Board of Directors ensuring the City’s perspective and interest is represented at the Board.