Recreation properties provide fun in the sun and homes away from home

Calgary may be the second best place to live in Canada – as ranked by Money Sense in 2014 – but that doesn't mean residents of the area don't have another abode somewhere where they head for some rest and relaxation.

For those with the means, living life to the fullest often involves purchasing a second home allowing the ability to ski, swim, golf or simply bask in the sunshine moments from their front door.

Nancy and Terry Schmautz of Okotoks purchased a recreation property 20 minutes north of Puerto Vallarta, Mexico six years ago. Nancy said the couple had spent the last 25 years touring the coast via time shares or cruise ships.

To water or not to water in Calgary's early spring, that is the question

Perennial plants close to buildings were popping up in the heat wave a couple weeks ago, but my shovel clunked into ice just below the surface.

It reminded me winter is still transitioning into spring in Calgary. Our mild winter with yo-yo temperatures and light snow cover makes it both tricky for outdoor plants and stressful for gardeners such as Marilyn Brown, who was worried about her Columnar Blue Spruce and wanted to know if she should water it.

Making your home smarter - on a budget

Today's home technology solutions is allowing owners to perform a myriad of tasks, with budget being the only limiting factor.

Yet, you don't need to spend thousands to "smarten" up your home. With a plethora of affordable gadgets now available, any homeowner can increase their home's IQ without breaking the bank.

CREB®Now takes a look at some of the more popular devices available.

Real estate industry not concerned about long-term effects following provincial budget surprise

Buying a home in Alberta is about to get more expensive.

Beginning July 1, Albertans will be required to spend as much as $1,000 extra to purchase a home in the province as a result of increased real-estate-related fees in the new provincial budget.

Counted among the changes are increases to the transfer/title creation flat fee, which will go from $50 to $75 and the variable fee transfer fee will jump from $1 to $6 for every $5,000 in the home's value.

On March 26, Alberta Finance Minister Robin Campbell addressed the province on the 2015/16 budget for Alberta.

After spending $1,300 more per capita, compared to the national average, on programs and services last year, changes to spending outlined in the current budget will narrow that margin over the next three to four years.
"We have told Albertans that tough decisions would be needed and budget 2015 reflects a balanced approach that will see us return to surpluses within three years," said Premier Jim Prentice.

Program's controversy has raised the profile of placemaking. Yet how has Calgary fared in designing its public space?

Sitting in his home studio located just south of the city, Derek Besant chuckles when asked to score Calgary's efforts at developing its public spaces.

It's like asking an artist to judge his own work.

The local artist's work is familiar with many Calgarians, having designed the iconic six-metre tall balancing-chair display dubbed Homage that has sat outside Mount Royal University's student union building since the late 1980s, as well as the Enigma exhibit that once stood at the school's east entrance.

Between 8:30 and 9:30 p.m. March 28, the City is encouraging residents to hit the lights for Earth Hour.

Earth Hour is a global initiative to raise awareness about how energy use contributes to climate change and how we can all take action to reduce impact.

Calgary Unplugged, a family-friendly lights out event being held at Olympic Plaza, starting at 7 p.m. will include free hot chocolate in compostable cups, games, an Earth Hour photo booth and an LED lantern parade. Event-goers will help power music and lights on bikes provided by Open Streets Calgary.

An information session is being held tonight for Providence, an area in the city's southwest where new communities are being planned.

Providence is located at the future intersection of the Southwest Ring Road and 146 Ave. S.W. The area encompasses 789-hectares of undeveloped agriculture land with plans for residential, retail and other employment uses.