[btimbit]

Here's a reply from their councilor ( ward 2) someone posted on Beyond. Mine hasn't replied yet sadly

Thank you for your email to Councillor Magliocca on Councillor Farrell’s Motion to reduce the speed limit in Calgary to 30 km/h on residential roadways. Councillor Magliocca has read through this Motion and is opposed to it for a number of reasons.

First of all, there was zero consultation with Calgarians on this matter. Matters like this, which will impact all Calgarians should have public input. Unfortunately, this Motion is just an attempt to push the anti-car ideology of some Councillors on to all Calgarians, without consultation.

Councillor Magliocca is also very concerned about what passing this Motion will mean to taxpayers. The Motion specifies signage costs in the range of $5 Million, plus more for education and engagement programs. $5 Million could be used to do substantial pedestrian safety enhancements like RRFB (Rapid Rectangular Flashing Beacon) crosswalks lights, line painting and safety signage. If this Motion passes, property taxes may need to be increased in next year’s budget to pay for new speed limit signs and other implications of this Motion.

Councillor Farrell’s Motion references Brussels and Stockholm as city’s that have went towards lower speed limits. Furthermore, much of the background information in the Motion references European studies. The goal of many of these European studies is to reduce the amount of cars on our streets and increase biking and walking. The fact of the matter is that Calgary is not Brussels or Stockholm. Calgary is a winter city in which most Calgarians drive to work, to shop and to wherever else they choose to go to. Councillor Magliocca believes that it should not be City Councils job to change the behavior of Calgarians.

Councillor Magliocca is also concerned that this motion will cause confusion on Calgary roadways. The Motion specifies that the 30 km/h speed limit would apply to residential roadways and “select minor” collector roadways. Unless there is a sign on every single street, it would be very difficult for Calgarians to know the speed limit on different streets throughout the city. This will also cause significant enforcement challenges. Overall, this Motion will cost taxpayers a lot of money and do very little, if anything, to improve driver and pedestrian safety. For these reasons Councillor Magliocca will not be supporting Councillor Farrell’s Motion.

Councillor Magliocca appreciates your comments on this matter and will keep your comments on file for when this matter is debated on Monday.