Well, we're back after our break for the holidays and they couldn’t be more glad that we record the show indoors because Your Neck of the Woods has been dropped in the deep-freeze the last couple of weeks. For our first show back, Jason and I had the pleasure of chatting with a once political rival in the form of Ward 1 Councillor Sonya Sharp. Sonya graciously took some time to come on the show and talk about what her priorities have been in serving as your Councillor up here in Northwest Calgary as well as to give some great insight into the biggest civic story right now, the termination of the Event Centre project which happened to occur over our holiday break.

I must say what a refreshing change of pace it is to have someone representing us who makes being open and honest and human such a big priority. This is something I was aching to see and I know many of you listening were as well. In addition, Ward 1 is going to be receiving some additional traffic signals to promote road safety, so far, I must say I’m fairly impressed. From local priorities we move on to the big news of the day here in Calgary the arena we have discussed so much on the show will no longer be happening in the form that was presented, that is despite being weeks away from construction beginning. While Calgary Sports and Entertainment were the ones to officially terminate the deal; to call administration and the Mayor’s new asks to approve the project strange would be an understatement, they were the proverbial mouse given a cookie asking for far more than their glass of milk. Then the lacklustre efforts it would seem from the timeline given by Councillor Sharp tell me that one side, the other, or both were merely getting cold feet and looking for the nearest unlocked fire door. Council is meeting on Tuesday to hopefully give us some answers although given the city’s habit of keeping this kind of information in the black hole that is the in-camera session we may never know. As far as the future of the project many council members like Sonya seem to be largely in the dark as we are except for the fact that city officials have said they are searching for a new partner to continue the project. Needless to say, all three of us share skepticism that as reliable and financially available a partner could be found. Wiser words were never spoken then the words we’ll see.

On the lighter side this week the conversation not only turned to holiday plans which on the whole were scaled back in no small part due to the Hoth-like temperatures were currently experiencing as well as continued frustrations from Covid 19 but also to Sonya’s journey from the University of Lethbridge through the building industry, to her time as a lifeguard, to city administration and small business owner, to Council itself. Needless to say, an interesting path already with some absolutely entertaining anecdotes from Councillor Sharp’s time in university. An absolutely fantastic conversation from somebody not only representing Your Neck of the Woods but who grew up here as well. Many thanks from a fellow St. Francis Brown and fellow ULeth Pronghorn. We definitely look forward to having you on the show again.

You can follow Sonya Sharp on social media @SonyaSharpYYC to follow updates from city Council and Ward 1 as well as community events and projects. If you need to get in touch with Councillor Sharp follow the link and fill out the contact form, we hear this is the best way to reach her:

https://www.calgary.ca/citycouncil/ward-1/warddefault.html?redirect=/ward1 

We want you to be part of the conversation so if you have topics, you want us to discuss, questions for guests or any feedback follow me on social media @JMcGregoryyc and don’t forget to use the hashtag #YNOTW