Advancements in screen resolution come at a cost. Is it worth it?

When it comes to television, more pixels are always better, right? Higher resolution, higher definition, bigger numbers are good. It seems so obvious.

Yet, as is often the case when talking about technology, it's not quite that simple.

With a rapidly aging population, laneway homes may be the future of housing

Consider this nostalgic scene: a grandmother bakes cookies while her granddaughter stands on a stool beside her, kneading the dough. Such rare quality time could be a daily occurrence for those who sign up for the perks of multi-generational living, say Studio North co-founders Mark Erickson and Matthew Kennedy.

The architects recently finished building a laneway home for a West Hillhurst 1950s post-war bungalow. Their client, who grew up there, commissioned the home for his wife's parents to join them.

Buying directly from a builder has many advantages and a few potential drawbacks

Myron Hildebrand is no stranger to working with builders. His current home is proof of that experience, having hired Sunset Homes to execute the build on his semi detached space, which he intends to turn into two investment properties.

"Buying from a builder, you have so much more control over the final product," said Hildebrand. "It's a fun process to go through."

Lake living in Chestermere has the Totlands feeling great about relocating

When it came to finding their forever home, sussing out a community that offered a shorter commute to work was top of mind for Jared and Vera Totland.

The young couple, who are both 30, had been living in Calgary's deep south for a few years.

"Driving downtown to work was getting to be an hour each way," recalled Jared, a chartered accountant. But it wasn't just the work commute that was becoming a headache. everything felt like a long drive away, said Jared.

These are exciting times for James Robertson as he watches the massive University District mixed-use development rise from the ground in northwest Calgary.

As president and chief executive officer of West Campus Development Trust, which is spearheading the impressive project, Robertson proudly points to some recent accomplishments as a clear indication that this proposal is now well on its way and not just a grandiose plan.

A roadway off of Shaganappi Trail N.W., leading directly to the site, opened at the beginning of December, providing easier access. A Discovery Centre opens March 11, which will include a 3,000-square-foot information area about the project as well as two areas that are 1,000-square-feet to serve as sales centres and show suites for builders Truman and Brookfield Residential.

New energy savings programs set to save Albertans money

Saving money and energy in your home has just gotten a whole lot easier.

The province has announced details of energy savings programs aimed directly at all Alberta residents, whether they are homeowners, renters, or businesses.

As Calgary considers a bid for the 2026 Olympics, it will likely find no stronger booster than the city's real estate industry

The prospect of hosting another Olympics is undoubtedly creating a lot of a buzz in Calgary and the city has no bigger booster of the cause than its real estate industry.

The City officially announced last month that an exploratory committee (www.shouldcalgarybid.com) is investigating whether Calgary should bid to host the 2026 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games.

While there's no guarantee the City will actually go through with it, hosting the Winter Games for a second time could be a boon for Calgary's real estate market.

With plenty to see and do, the Municipal District of Foothills may be your next day-trip destination

South of Calgary lies the Municipal District of Foothills. Okotoks, High River, Black Diamond, Turner Valley and Longview are all within the district's boundaries, an area that encompasses some 3,600 square kilometres of ranchlands and rolling foothills.

According to 2011 census figures, not only is the district home to 21,258 people, it also
offers Calgarians and area residents a variety of interesting attractions. The website www.coollittletowns.com – an initiative of several southern Alberta communities – provides information on district attractions, from hundreds of unique shops, restaurants, galleries, activities and experiences.

Boost your soil, save your back and protect the environment this spring with biochar

Al Chomica, formerly from Calgary, is explaining to me over the phone how biochar, a new garden product he is testing, holds both minerals and soil life firmly. He has been making biochar for years, but this spring he is excited to try a new commercial source.

Biochar, a natural long-lasting form of soil humus, is created from burning organic matter in a low-oxygen environment. It is not wood ash. It is the hard part left over after the fire. Chomica says it stockpiles food in the soil, saves your back and will improve the world.

New water heater technology and incentives are making tankless systems feasible for more Calgarians

here's nothing better than being in plenty of hot water. Not the metaphorical kind, the real stuff. If you've ever felt the shower go cold while you're still covered with soap and shampoo, you know what I mean.

But new water heater technology is helping reduce the likelihood you'll run out of the hot stuff, while providing environmental and money-saving benefits.