Fair Calgary
What is Fair Calgary?
Fair Calgary is a City of Calgary policy that aims to ensure that all Calgarians are capable of using the programs, services, facilities and public spaces directly provided by The City of Calgary. The policy was approved by Calgary City Council in November 2006. Vibrant is currently working with The City to implement the policy.
What are some of the next steps?
It is anticipated that the following list of “next steps” will be completed during 2009:
- A common list of eligibility criteria will be developed and adopted by The City’s various departments to streamline processes;
- The City will ensure the needs of ESL clients are met;
- City departments will promote all of The City’s low-income subsidy programs – not simply their own department’s programs;
- Application forms will be simplified;
- Guidelines will be developed regarding the use of individual versus household eligibility income; and,
- In preparation for the 2012-2014 business-cycle, Administration will consider an amendment to the Fair Calgary Policy that may include increasing the income eligibility for the Low Income Transit Pass Program to 100 per cent of the pre-tax Low Income Cut-Offs (LICO) for Calgary, rather than the current 75 per cent of LICO. If approved, this change would significantly benefit Calgarians. Also being considered is a “sliding-scale” for Low-Income Transit Passes.
What are some of the longer term considerations and strategies?
The City is considering several long term strategies, including the following:
- A review of subsidy programs to see if the differentials between age groups are fair;
- Developing a program that would consolidate the administration of low-income subsidy programs. Currently, applicants must separately apply for each of The City’s subsidy programs, often at various locations.
