Communities of Olds and Didsbury full of rich history and community values

As the Calgary and Edmonton Railway (today known as Canada Pacific Railway), started rumbling across Alberta, small towns and villages dotted the boundaries of the track, including Olds and Didsbury.

Olds

Incorporated as a village in 1896, Olds was named for Canada Pacific Railway traffic manager George Olds. Early industry in the town was a brick plant. In 1913, Olds College would be constructed and grow to become one of the most in-demand agricultural education institutions in Canada.

Capital city's council passes bylaw permitting garage and garden suites on home lots

After a lengthy debate, Edmonton city council voted 9-2 to allow garage and/or garden suites on "almost any lot" in the capital.

The decision allows residents in single-family oriented zones, dubbed RF1 in Edmonton, to subdivide a property of almost 15-metres, as well as owners being able to build and rent out garage suites.

The vote was applauded by Edmonton Ward 1 Coun. Andrew Knack, who Tweeted the news as well as the fact Edmontonians now have the option to build two "skinny" homes on lots of 50 feet or greater.

While some historic Calgary corner stores have gone the way of the wrecking ball, others are emerging as community cornerstones

You see them dotted around the Calgary landscape.

Some, a little rough around the edges, have been frequented by families for more than 60 years. Others have undergone transformations to become lynch pins of re-emerging communities in the city.

They're your neighbourhood corner store.

"Have you ever heard of Mary's? We used to go there all the time when we would go to [Bowness] Park," said Michelle Norman, 28.

Calgary's core office market could see vacancy increases that endure even after a recovery in oil prices

According to a new report from commercial real estate firm Cushman and Wakefield, the negative effects of the drop in oil prices could remain for up to a year after a rebound.

"Although the brunt of the declining oil price was felt in Q1 2015, it is expected that negative absorption will continue throughout 2015," said the report.

"Net rates will drop in the CBD (central business district), while the suburbs will be impacted to a lesser extent. History would suggest that we can expect tenants to begin taking back space once oil prices strengthen and the market regains confidence."

The City's annual Spring Clean-Up kicks off April 13.

While the official start of the clean-up is Monday, some sweepers have already hit the streets taking advantage off the fair weather. Winter sweeping, as it's known, allows crews to get a head start on cleaning the 15,000 lane kilometres of roadway in the city reducing he amount of material that can get washed into the sewer system.

CREBNow offers some tips on staying out of your condo board's doghouse

With the many rules and regulations accompanying a condo purchase, it can be difficult to know just what is and isn't allowed. Add an animal to the mix and even the most devout pet lover will have second thoughts about their furry friends.

In addition to city bylaws that govern owning an animal, condo boards often have their own regulations that need to be taken into account. With that in mind, CREB®Now has compiled some helpful tips on making the transition process as friendly – and legal – as possible, both for you and your pet.

Alberta registration changes are another story*

Canada Mortgage and Housing Corp. (CMHC) recently announced it would be implementing  higher premiums for borrowers who have less than a 10 per cent down payment.

The move means Canadians seeking a mortgage with a loan-to-value ratio of up to 95 per cent will see their premiums jump about 15 per cent from 3.15 to 3.6 per cent. For those with a loan-to-value ratio from 90.01 to 95 per cent, their premiums will climb from 3.35 to 3.85 per cent.

The Crown corporation's move, which takes effect June 1, has since been matched by private-sector insurer Genworth Canada. Canada Guaranty, the country's third main mortgage insurer, had not made an announcement as of press time.

Examining some of the innovative items used to market your home

Gone are the days when a humble lawn sign would be enough to let the world know your home was up for sale. Today's market, whether up or down, demands something more to get things moving.

With an eye on new technology, CREB®Now has gathered a list of technology designed to advertise your abode in the 21st century.