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.

Community in midst of urban hen pilot, continues sustainable practices

There's some fowl play underway in Okotoks these days.

The town, just 15 minutes south of Calgary, is in the midst of an urban hen pilot, which started May 1 and runs until September of next year.

"Two to three months ago, there was discussion in council, which was public, and they decided shortly thereafter to move to pilot project status," said Jon Begg, communications manager for the Town of Okotoks.

Surrounding communities hold their value

The appeal to small-town living just a stone's throw from the "big" city is nothing new. Yet recent housing market intelligence suggests it's more than just lifestyle preferences driving homeowners beyond Calgary's borders.

While slower economic activity has influenced housing markets across the province, CREB®'s latest Surrounding Area Quarterly report found prices in areas surrounding Calgary have remained fairly stable.

Get your hands dirty and grow your own fruits and veggies

Will you jump up today and start growing your own food?

Even though it's early spring and you might not have an acreage or farm-scale garden, today is the perfect day to get started.

With water shortages in California – where most of our lettuce comes from – and climate change everywhere, it's time to try your hand at gardening.

Time to tidy up your portfolio

With spring in full swing, Calgarians are noticeably starting their annual spring-cleaning.

Yards are being tidied and garage sale signs litter street corners.

Yet, many don't realize now is an opportune time to reassess winter's finances and do a financial spring cleanup.

Calgary demographics influence housing

Calgarians, characterized in a recent report as among the youngest in Canada, are altering the city's housing landscape through a unique set of needs and wants, including a more diverse rental market, work/live spaces, home offices and multi-generational housing.

In its recently released The Changing Face of Calgary report, Urban Development Institute – Calgary and the Canadian Home Builders' Association – Calgary note the median age in Alberta (major urban centres) is a nation-low 36.5 years, and as the "population bulge trends toward youth, housing needs shift."

First reading on suite reform passes after marathon debate

In a more than 10 hour debate, Calgary city council made a small step towards secondary suite reform last night.

First reading was passed on a motion allowing secondary and backyard suites in Wards 7, 8, 9 and 11. If passed, those wishing to apply for a suite in those wards, which are comprised of 83 communities, could begin with a development permit instead of appearing before council.