Quality Affordable Services Delivering public services means more than just developing and financing new projects. It means taxpayers must be able to afford and value the services the City provides. Calgarians want value for their money. And low income citizens should have access to services that are designed for the common good. Priorities for the future... Improve snow removal. Improve the recycling program to lower cost and improve participation. Ensure future communities are planned properly and don't start with transportation, recreation and education infrastructure deficits. Ensure low income Calgarians have a voice at City Council. Work cooperatively with the Provincial and Federal governments to ensure quality services are sustained in our growing city. Accomplishments... During Helene`s 2004-2007 term as Ward 3 Alderman, city services were improved: Funds were secured for the new Fire/EMS/Police station in Saddletown Circle. The official opening is September 14, 2010. A facility with a library, recreation centre and offices for Saddle Ridge, Castleridge and Martindale Community Associations was planned and is now being built. Helene worked with community leaders to secure $80 million for the project. Land was identified for Fire, Police and Emergency Medical Services for Aberdeen, North Pointe, Bridgewater, and Skyview Ranch. 200 new low income housing units per year were built from 2006 - 2008. Affordable housing and rent supplements up to $63 million from provincial revenue allocations (2007). 41 low-income condo units were opened in 2007 at the Vista Grande project in Vista Heights. Planned 400 affordable housing units in the new communities of Aberdeen, NorthPointe, Bridgewater and Skyview Ranch. Habitat for Humanity projects in Evanston, Taradale and Mayland Heights. Championed the low income bus pass. A reserve fund was created to sustain this service into the future. Worked with City Council and others to develop a 10 year plan to end Calgary homelessness. "I was raised in a faith community that has a strong sense of social justice. Ensuring low income Calgarians live in dignity is an issue that's very close to my heart," says Helene. "Calgary is a city of tremendous wealth and everyone should share in our collective prosperity." Helene Larocque

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