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A culture of constant improvement at The City of Calgary.
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Community Stewardship for Biodiversity



The Community Stewardship for Biodiversity (CSB) program began in 2010 as a pilot in three natural areas across Calgary and has grown to include 15 parks with over 400 volunteers donating nearly 1500 hours to protect and sustain the biodiversity of Calgary’s natural areas.

The biodiversity of our natural areas is threatened by invasive species such as Leafy Spurge, Canada Thistle and Goatsbeard. These plants take over natural areas and choke out the native species which can destroy the integrity of the ecosystem. Whenever possible, non-chemical treatments are used to remove these invasive species. However, these types of treatments are time-consuming and require many hands. To better remove these invasive species and educate Calgarians about the processes, Parks created the CSB program which combines volunteer efforts and education sessions.

Volunteers and community groups that participated in the program increased their understanding of the strategic plans and regulations that guide Parks’ practice and were empowered with the knowledge to guide future actions that lead to the health and sustainability of our environment.

The CSB program is an example of Transforming Government through:
  • Sustainability: making a healthy community and environment for now and in the future through the protection of the biodiversity of our natural areas.
  • Transparency: allowing citizens to understand the complex work Parks does through hands-on engagement.
“I know that I make a difference and that’s satisfying. In my role with McHugh Bluff, I have acquired a new respect for the very difficult job of City workers.... “....CSB Volunteer

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A culture of constant improvement at The City of Calgary.
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What is Transforming Government?

Government exists to serve citizens. Every day, citizens are touched by The City of Calgary and the services it offers. Transforming Government is a culture of constant improvement at The City of Calgary — improvement that makes life better for all citizens.

In 2011, Mayor Naheed Nenshi and City Council unanimously agreed to embrace and reinforce this approach to constant improvement — Transforming Government is a way to do just that. So, when you see the Transforming Government stamp on something, you know it is part of something that makes Calgary even better.

A public work, an initiative, project, program or plan marked with Transforming Government reflects one or more of the following principles:

Transparency provides a clear view of exactly what’s going on “behind the scenes”, so citizens can understand why a project or service exists.

Accountability is the clear demonstration of how and why The City has done something, and that The City and Council accept responsibility for the decision, program or plan.

Civic Engagement is a commitment to bring together citizens, organizations, and City employees in the planning and development of our great city.

Innovation describes new ideas, services, or approaches that make living and working in Calgary even better.

Citizen Orientation ensures that a program, project or service is designed with customers or citizens in mind.

Sustainability describes long-term thinking that makes for a healthy community, environment, and economy, now and in the future.

Public Spaces

Customer Service

Transportation

Environmental