CEP Calgary x February : Advocacy/ Activism

At the February event we will be focusing our topic on how communities, organisations or individuals might be able to create unique partnerships to reach a common goal - in our case environmental sustainability, safe neighborhoods and a resilient economy (the three pillars of sustainable development). We will call on our panel to highlight the challenges and successes of advocacy at grassroots levels, what is being done in Calgary, and what can be achieved with collaboration between the private and public sectors. The panel are from varied backgrounds and so will be able to speak specifically to their prior experience, making this event a unique melting pot of what has been done and what can be done to influence policy and drive real change in Calgary.

Our panel is a mixture of City of Calgary change-makers and community champions all ready to share their stories, opinions and predictions in the realm of community advocacy in Calgary.

Jonathan Chapman – City of Calgary Transportation Planner for Livable Streets

Jonathan Chapman joined the City of Calgary in August 2014 and is currently a Programs Coordinator in the Livable Streets division leading teams in the planning and design of traffic calming projects, place-making initiatives, tactical urbanism and community building projects, and the implementation of the City’s Pedestrian Strategy. He is currently collaborating with University of Calgary staff on research studying the relationship between walkability and health and cultural barriers to walking for newcomer Canadians. He previously worked for 8 years with Watt Consulting Group as a transportation planner and project manager. He graduated from the University of Calgary with a B.Sc. in Pure Math and a M.A. in Philosophy, and has received his Professional Transportation Planners designation (PTP) from the Institute of Transportation Engineers. He is an author, playwright, and father of three.

Kevin Schlauch – Barley Belt Calgary and biking ambassador

Kevin is responsible for the campaign to City Council to improve access to the Barley Belt breweries, especially along 42nd Ave and especially for bicycles. The campaign was a huge success and in November 2018, Calgary City Council set aside $5.5 million for this project. The benefits are not only for active transportation users, but also for the tourism sector and local economy. The barley belt consists of 6 craft breweries from the communities of Manchester and Highfield and boasts ‘7kms of craft beer adventure’.

Jordan Pinkster - Trout Unlimited Canada, Backcountry Hunters and Anglers & Global Public Affairs

Jordan is a consultant for Global Public Affairs assisting clients with strategic communications and government relations. Prior to Global, Jordan worked as the Chief of Staff for a member of Calgary City Council and has a wealth of experience in Calgary municipal politics. Jordan volunteers with the Bow River Chapter of Trout Unlimited Canada and with the Alberta Chapter of Backcountry Hunters and Anglers. Jordan holds a Bachelor of Arts in Policy Studies from Mount Royal University.

Chris Ollenberger – Managing Principal of Quantum Place

Chris has over nineteen (19) years of real estate management and development experience, including extensive experience in the residential and commercial development sectors. His diverse experience includes: building management teams; placemaking and urban design; negotiating with regulatory officials on a wide variety of issues; project management; media relations; government relations and public consultation for a wide range of projects throughout Western Canada. He is a strategically minded individual who has tons of experience in getting things done.