Granary Road will offer more than the traditional farmers-market experience

A new farmers market set to open just south of Calgary city limits is reimagining the traditional market as a family entertainment venue.

Granary Road will have a variety of shops in its public market, but also an active learning park that is a mash-up of a children's playground and an interpretive centre.

"Parents are always looking for something to do with their children and while we have some amazing attractions in Calgary, there aren't enough," said Jane Walter-Lockwood, director of business development for Granary Road.

Inn from the Cold reports consistent number of bed stays to 2015

A haven of hope – that's how many guests at Inn from the Cold describe Alberta's only barrier-free shelter exclusively for families, which continues to see capacity-like numbers leading into one of its busiest times of the year.

"One of the things we're doing here is restoring dignity," said director of donor relations Janeen Webb.

In the face of Alberta's ongoing economic downturn, Inn from the Cold has reported about 30,000 bed stays so far in 2016. Webb said that's consistent with 2015 when the organization saw almost 40,000 stays by year's end.

Lake communities merge city and cottage life for an experience you can't get anywhere else in Calgary

Greg Macdonald is a self-described "fishing fool."

"I'm either fishing, or thinking about fishing," he said, laughing.

This love of fishing is one of the reasons Macdonald and his wife are buying back in to the community of McKenzie Lake.

"We first bought a house in McKenzie Lake in 1999," said Macdonald.

"We sold it a couple of years ago when the market started to turn, but we just bought back in the area, because we loved lake living so much."

Three Calgarians breathe life into former convent

A cool redesign is transforming a former convent in Calgary's inner-city into a haven dedicated to seniors experiencing Alzheimer's and dementia. Called Life House, the pilot project is the brainchild of Sano Stante, Cory Krygier, and Twyla Hayes, three Calgarians who are passionate about sustainably reshaping established Calgary communities, and reconfiguring the look of elder care.

"Our focus is on providing a high quality of life and maintaining social integration with the community," said Sano Stante, president Sano Stante Real Estate Inc. and former president of CREB®.

Planned Green Line could make Calgary neighbourhoods more liveable, desirable

The upcoming Green Line will help make Calgary a more environmentally friendly place to live.

But it's also likely to make the grass look a little greener when it comes to property values in communities the multi-billion-dollar Light Rail Transit (LRT) line will serve.

"When you're looking for creative, educated and talented people, LRT access helps attract them when you have a city because it helps create diverse communities and streetscapes, and culturally distinct and diverse amenities with high quality design," said Misty Sklar, Green Line planning lead (transit oriented development) for the City of Calgary.

Flora, fauna and family fun abound in Canada's second-largest urban park

Few realize that the title of second-largest urban park in Canada belongs to Fish Creek Provincial Park. Then again, it's not just the size that attracts two million visitors a year to this sprawling natural area in south Calgary.

In addition to Sikome Aquatic Facility for swimming, the park is home to a mountain bike skills park and many sites for hiking, biking and bird watching. A number of day-use areas offer prime picnic spots, while those who seek more formal dining can enjoy the on-site Bow Valley Ranche Restaurant.

There's a visitor centre with theatre and exhibit areas, as well as the Environmental Learning Centre, a nature school that hosts students in science education from Calgary and area schools. The learning centre in particular reflects the values embraced by the park and its users.

Development at former Shawnee Slopes golf course continues with new multi-family offerings

Finally.

"After looking at it on paper for the past two or three years, it's nice to see this day come," said Patrick Briscoe, director of development project management for Toronto-based Graywood Developments, which will be launching sales for the new Fish Creek Exchange on June 17.

Fish Creek Exchange is the 23-acre, multi-family portion of the trendy Shawnee Park community in southwest Calgary that has sprung up on the site of the former Shawnee Slopes golf course.

Attainable Homes helps Calgarians make ownership dream a reality

Attainable Homes Calgary Corporation celebrated its 800th homeowner on June 7 through its non-profit down-payment assistance program started in 2009.

Launched by the City of Calgary to help retain integral professionals in the city despite a growing housing affordability gap, the program removes barriers for potential homeowners in a variety of circumstances.

Whether it's newcomers to Canada making a fresh start, young couples putting off marriage and children until they own a home, or individuals uncertain they can achieve ownership on their own, the organization has helped ease families into home ownership.

What's driving Calgary's out-of-town commuters?

Calgary roads during rush hour can be a frustrating place to be on the best of days. This is especially true for commuters that choose to live outside city limits – either in communities on the fringes or in towns a stone's throw away.

However, for many of these commuters the additional time spent driving from home to work and back every day is worth it for a lifestyle and other opportunities the city can't quite offer.

"I can't say I love the drive," said Bruce McCartney.

Since moving to Springbank – a rural community west of Calgary – from Beddington two decades ago for a bigger house and lot, the database consultant has been braving the 25-kilometre drive every weekday.

A bit of preparation, and business savvy, can make a world of difference

Summer is rapidly approaching, and odds are you've still got some stuff lying around from spring cleaning that you're not sure what to do with.

Gently used power tools, heirloom furniture, old DVDs and electronics, and all manner of items collecting dust in your basement are ripe for selling to neighbours, friends and passersby – why not have a garage sale?

These time-tested, often impromptu, community get-togethers are the perfect opportunity to score old treasures, get to know your neighbours or even make a bit of cash. Not only that, but with the ever-increasing focus on eco-friendliness and conscientious consumerism, garage sales are an excellent way to keep forgotten possessions out of the landfill.