Expanded downtown cycle track set to open

Calgary cyclists dreaming of a road to call their town will soon see those dreams become reality.

Adding to Calgary's existing cycling infrastructure, four downtown streets will soon see the addition of dedicated bike lanes.

Along with a shared space running down a section of Stephen Avenue, the four new lanes will transform Fifth Street S.W., Eighth, Ninth and 12th avenues into bike-friendly routes as part of a pilot project by the City of Calgary.

Calgary city council votes unanimously for East Village development

In a rare move, all 13 members of Calgary's city council agreed to approve a once-controversial "carless" condo development in the East Village.

Located directly east of the old St. Louis Hotel, N3 is set to include 167 units that developer Knightsbridge Homes says are priced $70,000 less than comparable developments because of the lack of a parkade.

N3 buyers will get a furnished unit, as well as a free bicycle and $500 Car2Go credit.

"Everybody thought we were nuts," Knightsbridge president Joe Starkman said about the carless development. "There is a market out there for young people; the car just isn't a priority."

Interest rates, economic uncertainty impacting Calgary market

For Calgarians Matt and Vanessa Haug, the stars aligned when they decided to purchase a new home in southeast Calgary.

The couple cited low interest rates and competitive house prices behind their decision to act now rather than wait – a sentiment slowly emerging since energy-sector uncertainty took hold in Calgary's housing market late last year.

"We got 2.69 [per cent] on a five-year fixed rate. It definitely impacted our decision," said Matt, who also cited house prices behind their decision to buy and noted the lower rate did not impact how much they ultimately spent on their new home.

This Sunday, Calgarians are invited to the ReTree YYC Fair at South Glenmore Park to learn more on restoring the city's urban canopy after Snowtember, a snow storm last fall.

The City of Calgary and industry experts will be on hand to give talks, demos and answer any tree questions residents might have about how to care for their trees. There will also be free mulch, activities for kids, entertainment and food options.

Hamlet west of Calgary in midst of revitalization

Asought-after destination for artists and outdoorspeople alike, the hamlet of Bragg Creek is in the midst of a modern-day revitalization.

In late April the community, located just 20 minutes west of Calgary, held a three-day design workshop highlighting areas of importance for the community's revitalization.

Suggestions included re-emphasizing Bragg Creek's reputation as a trailhead community, its small hamlet feel, arts and culture richness and proximity to the Elbow River and Calgary.

Rafting, golfing, rodeo and more in Alberta's foothills

With its location in the foothills of the majestic Rocky Mountains along the banks of the Red Deer River, you can't blame Alberta vacationers for flocking to the Sundre area.

Sitting just an hour from Calgary, Sundre boasts a population of 2,700 permanent residents. However, bolstered by the town's idyllic location, that number can increase by the thousands given the town's thriving RV scene.

Pioneer and farming roots hold strong in town and village to the northeast

Located just 35-minutes northeast of Calgary in the heart of Alberta's farmland sits Irricana, a town known for its laid-back atmosphere and sense of community spirit.

The town hosts several functions throughout the year, notably the Pioneer Acres Annual Show Aug. 7 – 9. This year's show will feature an antique car and truck parade, Pioneer World Exhibits and farming demonstrations that harken back to the days of the early settlers.

Calgary's surrounding towns offer plenty for the two-wheeled crowd

Calgary's current push to increase the cycling opportunities has sparked a two-wheeled revolution that's caught fire beyond just the city limits.

Offering a bucket list of amenities, Calgary's satellite communities have used their considerable geographic areas to their advantage, creating cycling networks that have drawn international events such as the Tour of Alberta and Banff Gran Fondo to its borders.
Here's an overview of just some of the opportunities in the region.

Airdrie continues to see strong population growth, focuses on community lifestyle

Airdrie has come a long way from its railway village roots.

Located 10 minutes north of Calgary, the city's population continued to boom in 2014, increasing by nearly 11 per cent to 54,891.

Since 2004, the booming community has more than doubled in size, with an average annual grown rate over the past five years of 7.6 per cent.