Want to read how council hopefuls in other wards responded to our dinner-themed scenarios? Click here.
You have a friend coming to Calgary who has never visited the city before. What restaurant would you take them to and why?
Brent Alexander: Oh, so many to choose from! But I would have to say River Cafe – great setting, even better food and wonderful service – and only a stroll or bike ride from our home.
Dean Brawn: Hayden Block Smoke & Whiskey because the food & atmosphere is great and it’s in the heart of Ward 7!
Marek Hejduk: I really like Shikiji on Center Street. I lived in Japan and it’s very authentic Japanese cuisine that my wife and I enjoy. I also love Il Chianti on 20th and Edmonton trail if my friend didn’t like Japanese food, the pasta is the freshest.
Margot Aftergood: Oxbow at the Riverside Inn in Kensington, great duck wing appetizers!
Druh Farrell: We have so many great restaurants in Calgary, it’s almost impossible to pick. The Silver Dragon in Chinatown is a community icon that’s been family-run for generations.
You are inviting several friends to join you for dinner. Two live on the outskirts of the city and their car is out of service. They must travel 20 km to reach the restaurant and they’ve asked you for advice about the best way to get there. What would you recommend and why?
Brent Alexander: Use the Transit app to find out the best way to the restaurant or a station we can pick them up at and go together.
Dean Brawn: I will pick them up because that’s just what I do.
Marek Hejduk: Depends on where they live but either Transit, Car2Go or more likely I’d just pick them up myself in the Highlander.
Margot Aftergood: First choice, car pool with friends if they can. If not, then look at public transit. If they’re on an LRT route it could be the fastest.
Druh Farrell: Get on your bike, cycle to the C-train station, get on the train, get off within the Car2Go boundaries, take a Car2Go, stop at the Peace Bridge, take a selfie, take a short stroll on the pedestrian friendly pathway, and waltz into the restaurant. It’s all about transportation choice.
You arrive at the restaurant, and first course arrives. You notice one of your friends is double-dipping in the shared appetizer. How do you react?
Brent Alexander: Come on, has no one watched Seinfeld? Play it for laughs!
Dean Brawn: I’ll join them and make a point of verbalizing that if he’s good with it, so am I. Then it’s out there for all to know we’re doing it. If he/she apologizes, we all chuckle about it and move on, or order another one so those uncomfortable with the practice, don’t need to worry.
Marek Hejduk: Do as in Rome.
Margot Aftergood: If it’s the Duck wings at the Oxbow, I’d get him to keep the one he’s dipping in and order me a new one!
Druh Farrell: “Hey, you’re double dipping!” “So?” “Well… When in Rome!”
The main course has arrived and the conversation has turned to politics, specifically secondary suites. Your good friend tells the table he has been fighting to convert his basement to a secondary suite but has been caught up in red tape at city hall. He then confesses he’s renting it out despite it being illegal. Will you report it? Why or why not?
Brent Alexander: Yes, report it. Strong believer in playing by the rules – not just when it is convenient to do so. But then also work to fix the system (not just the application!).
Dean Brawn: This is the perfect time to educate on the process, find out if they know about it and walk them through zoning, building codes, etc.
Marek Hejduk: I’m not reporting a friend, I would however point out that there are legal requirements that should be adhered to and he/she should do their best to meet those requirements. My friend should keep following the process for legalizing the suite.
Margot Aftergood: I’m opposed to approvals of illegal secondary suites. They could be fire traps. So yes, I would advise him to immediately stop renting it out. If he is zoned for a secondary suite I would suggest he get it up to code before renting it out. If he is not zoned for secondary suites, I would not support his application without support from neighbours and the community.
Druh Farrell: I would try to ensure that the suite is safe and encourage my friend to go through the proper process.
All responses have been edited for typos, but not for grammar and wording.