I’m Myke Atkinson, Independent Ward 7 Candidate: Ask Me Anything

[RoadGame]

So I'm actually in Myke's ward and while I appreciate the humour I have been giving some thought to a question for him.

Briefly for context, I'm in a part of the ward that has undergone some of the most intense densification. I don't live in one of the 4 or 8 plexes, but I support the redevelopment. I happen to think blanket rezoning should only apply within a reasonable walking distance of LRT lines, which includes my 'hood, but that's a different matter.

Anyway, as someone in a redev hot spot, one of the issues I am noticing is people parking too close to the intersection, especially where there are 2-way stops. When you're the stopped vehicle, it's nearly impossible to get enough of a sightline to be confident about entering the intersection safely. I think it would be helpful if the city painted curbs in the areas around intersections where you're not allowed to park (e.g. 5m from stop signs) to make it easier for people to comply with the rules. I'd also be in favour of stepped up enforcement to follow where curbs have been painted.

Anyway I know this is a super tactical suggestion/question compared with some of the bigger-picture questions people are asking, but I'm trying to highlight that even people who generally support density can see that there are some pain points with implementation. I wish we had more nuance in discussion of these kinds of things, so 'be the change' etc.

Best of luck to you, sir.

[MykeAtkinson]

Originally Posted by CroFlames

I don't live in Ward 7, but what are your plans for the drug abuse problem in the ward and in the city?

I understand no big city is without this problem, but as Calgary continues to expand, I fear we are heading for a Vancouver-style Hastings street.

Not in the Ward? Am I still supposed to care what you think?

You are right that no large city is immune to the challenges of addiction and drug use, but how we respond to it makes all the difference. What we are seeing on Calgary’s streets today is the result of a toxic drug supply, housing insecurity, and major gaps in mental health and addiction supports. Simply moving people along or increasing enforcement does not solve the issue.

My approach focuses on addressing the root causes while improving safety for everyone. That means:

• Partnering with the provincial and federal governments to expand access to treatment, mental health care, and harm reduction services (many of these responsibilities fall under health care and provincial jurisdiction).
• Reinvesting in affordable and supportive housing, because it has proven through Housing First models that it is far less costly to house people than to manage homelessness through emergency services. We can care properly for people and save money.
• Strengthening community safety programs that feature outreach workers like social workers and PACT (Police and Crisis Team), so people get help instead of cycling through hospitals, jails, or shelters.
• Explore rolling mental health response into our existing emergency response services. We didn't always have ambulances, but at some point re realized we could do better than loading people with broken legs into the back of police cruiser. We need to meet this moment and need similarly.
• Using vacant city buildings as community hubs where residents can access wraparound supports like job training, counseling, and connection to services.

We cannot allow any part of Calgary to become a place of deep and visible suffering like Hastings Street. The best prevention is early, coordinated action that makes sure people have housing, care, and a path to stability long before they end up in crisis or in the depths of addiction.

[CorsiHockeyLeague]

Originally Posted by Parallex

3: Winterizing green spaces: Do you have any thoughts on ways City Hall can increase public use of it's many park and playground spaces that (IMO) are mostly unused during the colder months.

This is an interesting question for a candidate running to serve the ward that contains Shouldice and is on the doorstep of Dale Hodges where many Ward 7 residents spend time.

Also would be interested in his thoughts about how to continue to improve the main Montgomery strip near Notable, etc... some revitalization of the sidewalk and bike path through that area has occurred, which creates an opportunity to make a nicer sort of "main street" area, but it's not there yet.

[MykeAtkinson]

Originally Posted by troutman

I can attest Myke was a great leader and manager at CJSW.

https://cjsw.com/program/2025-munici...tion-coverage/

I like Myke!

Thanks! I like you too!

Originally Posted by troutman

How do you feel about Cowboys taking over Shaw Millennium Park?

Millennium Park is one of the only green spaces in the downtown west end, and it was handed over for a private event without real consultation. I don't believe that should have happened, and the public still doesn't know the details of the agreement. Getting this right going forward is super important so that we minimize the impacts for the next nine years of the sponsorship deal.

Originally Posted by troutman

Do the Stampeders need a new stadium, with contributions from the City?

I support the Stampeders as part of Calgary’s culture and history, but I am cautious about major public funding for private sports facilities. The City should focus its investments on infrastructure that benefits everyone, like recreation centers, transit, parks, and affordable housing. I would much rather dedicate sporting dollars into community sporting facilities like the Multisport Fieldhouse proposed right next door to McMahon. If there is a proposal for a new stadium, it should only move forward if the public contribution is transparent, limited, and tied to clear community benefits such as year-round public use or affordable access for local events.

Originally Posted by troutman

Should Calgary seek future Winter Olympics?

I love what the Olympics once meant for Calgary, but I do not think another bid should be a priority right now. Our focus should be on getting our own house in order: things like housing affordability, climate resilience, safer streets, and downtown revitalization. If we make Calgary a city that works better for its residents, we will naturally be ready to host world-class events in the future. Right now, our energy and resources are better spent on local people and communities.

If we do ever host the Olympic Games again, I strongly believe we should look at revisiting the 1988 logo. It is absolutely gorgeous.

[MykeAtkinson]

Originally Posted by PaperBagger'14

Do you have any opinions of the candidates in ward 12? Bonus points if you use humorous gifs in your answer

Sorry, but I barely have enough time for Ward 7.

[MykeAtkinson]

Originally Posted by Cowboy89

What in your mind are the core responsibilities of the municipality of Calgary and in what order of priority?

I see the City of Calgary’s core responsibilities falling into three big buckets:

How we get around.
That means maintaining sidewalks and roads, improving public transit, and building safer streets for people walking and biking. Mobility is the foundation of a functional city, and it shapes everything from affordability to quality of life.

What we build.
This includes housing, infrastructure, parks, recreation facilities, and the planning decisions that guide growth. The City’s job is to make sure development is sustainable, affordable, and supports strong neighbourhoods.

City vibrancy.
This covers how we create spaces that feel alive and safe — everything from small business vitality to community events, arts, culture, and lighting. It also means addressing the root causes of crime and ensuring people feel secure in public spaces.

These three areas are very related and getting all three of them right is crucial to having a livable city, so I'm opting out on your ask to rank their priority.

[The Yen Man]

Good on you Myke for taking the time to engage our community. I'm in Ward 2, but if I was in Ward 7, I'd definitely consider voting for you.

[Sr. Mints]

Hey Myke.

Vecova’s recent closure demonstrates how vulnerable important community services are when provincial and federal funds fail to materialize. Given your stated commitment to reinvest in innercity infrastructure, would you support increasing the City of Calgary’s financial commitment (beyond its current level) to ensure similar essential facilities aren’t lost?

And if so, how would you propose the city raise or reprioritize funds to do so?”

[jwslam]

Originally Posted by RoadGame

So I'm actually in Myke's ward and while I appreciate the humour I have been giving some thought to a question for him.

Briefly for context, I'm in a part of the ward that has undergone some of the most intense densification. I don't live in one of the 4 or 8 plexes, but I support the redevelopment. I happen to think blanket rezoning should only apply within a reasonable walking distance of LRT lines, which includes my 'hood, but that's a different matter.

Anyway, as someone in a redev hot spot, one of the issues I am noticing is people parking too close to the intersection, especially where there are 2-way stops. When you're the stopped vehicle, it's nearly impossible to get enough of a sightline to be confident about entering the intersection safely. I think it would be helpful if the city painted curbs in the areas around intersections where you're not allowed to park (e.g. 5m from stop signs) to make it easier for people to comply with the rules. I'd also be in favour of stepped up enforcement to follow where curbs have been painted.

Anyway I know this is a super tactical suggestion/question compared with some of the bigger-picture questions people are asking, but I'm trying to highlight that even people who generally support density can see that there are some pain points with implementation. I wish we had more nuance in discussion of these kinds of things, so 'be the change' etc.

Best of luck to you, sir.

Not W7 here, but I have similar gripes in my neighbourhood of bad parkers. Realistically to your suggestion though, I can't name any place in Calgary I've seen with painted street curbs... so to introduce something new probably won't blow over well. Agree that enforcement is lackluster... I can call at 9am and my "low priority" call won't get attended to until 5pm when the problem is long gone.

[Fuzz]

Painted curbs are super ugly though.

[calumniate]

What do you think of Lake Bonavista and dogs in general?

[TheIronMaiden]

Myke, How do you think #####posting on the internet has impacted democracy?

Sorry, let me rephrase that as an ethical question. Is it wrong that I think #####posting about politics is funny?

[RoadGame]

I don't want to derail the thread with a debate over parking or painted curbs, but I will say that as luck would have it I got to meet Myke on my doorstep last night and have a good chat. It confirmed all the impressions I had developed from reading his materials, watching his videos and watching a couple of Ward 7 debates.

Most excited I have been about a councillor candidate in a long time.

I really hope centrists and progressives in our ward can rally around him, even if they had been leaning towards one of the other candidates prior to this.

[wireframe]

Originally Posted by RoadGame

I don't want to derail the thread with a debate over parking or painted curbs, but I will say that as luck would have it I got to meet Myke on my doorstep last night and have a good chat. It confirmed all the impressions I had developed from reading his materials, watching his videos and watching a couple of Ward 7 debates.

Most excited I have been about a councillor candidate in a long time.

I really hope centrists and progressives in our ward can rally around him, even if they had been leaning towards one of the other candidates prior to this.

I couldn't agree more. Myke Atkinson is the most exciting candidate I've seen at any level. I took Monday off work to volunteer getting the vote out.