Ward 1 is a Community within a Community
Sense of Community is important
As a long-time resident of the Ward, Judi Vandenbrink shares a strong sense of community for Ward 1. With over twenty years of residency in Bowness, Judi has come to recognize how schools, daycares, community centres, public events and the existence of walking routes are essential to Ward 1’s communities. Safety is a must. Residents who feel comfortable and safe out in the community will participate in more activities and develop a stronger sense of community pride.
Social Wellness is a key component
Judi Vandenbrink is motivated to achieve cohesive communities through affordable housing, transportation options and social activities designed to meet the needs of seniors, children and all citizens. Judi’s approach to social wellness is informed and supported through her experience as a single parent raising two daughters, Cora (now 30) and Darcie (now 28); finding affordable housing options for her aging parents; a foster parent for run-away teenagers (1990-1993); International Student’s Home-Stay Program (1990-2010), and Certified Fitness Leader (Alberta Fitness Leadership Certification Association) since 1989.
Business community revitalization
As a business person, Judi Vandenbrink is innovative and qualified to examine all the factors to building and revitalizing business in the community. She would like to see an active Business Revitalization Zone (BRZ) to strengthen existing businesses and encourage other small businesses into the area.
Environment is our responsibility
helping students at St. Basil School paint their compost binsHousing is a key element
As the President of EcoConsulting since 2005 and the Founder and current Executive Director of EcoLiving Events Ltd (2002), Judi Vandenbrink has a proven track record of taking action. Through her work with this non-profit organization, as well as acting as a volunteer and consultant on multiple diverse environmental projects, Judi demonstrates that the citizens of Calgary can initiate change. Her personal dedication to the environment has been influential, most notably through environmental education (both adults and youth) with regards to alternative energy technologies, water conservation, energy efficient building technologies, city parks, community clean up, graffiti response, climate change and pollution control.
Citizens need to travel safely
Judi Vandenbrink recognizes how essential it is to have public transportation accessible while improving roads, bicycle lanes and traffic calming within urban communities. She is concerned that building extensive roadways are going to create higher taxes as roads require maintenance (pot holes repairs, resurfacing, snow-removal). A better solution is to improve our public transit to better serve all our citizens.”
Housing is a key element
Whether protecting community pride in existing housing, initiating affordable options and retrofits or contributing to new housing standards that make sense for single family and high density housing, Judi Vandenbrink has done her research and is ready to work with, and listen to citizens.
Parks are a priority
As a keen outdoors person, sports enthusiast and environmental leader, Judi Vandenbrink has a balanced approach for parks such as Bowness, Baker and Bowmont to have public access, as well as maintain ecological integrity. Green spaces in all communities are essential for healthy, happy citizens as they offer an area to be physically active and make social connections. Calgary has wonderful greens spaces that must to be protected.
Dialogue
To have an open and accountable government requires regular dialog with the community, and an open book policy with regards to spending and expenses.