Once considered a bit of a blight on Calgary's landscape, the emerging East Village is fast becoming a sought-after destination for both residential living and entertainment seekers.

Here's some photos throughout the last few years of it's evolution.

From National Hockey League stars Eric, Jordan and Marc Staal who played on a backyard rink in their Ontario farmyard - not to mention the hundreds, if not thousands, of other professional hockey players - to the youngest of skaters eagerly watching their parents prepare the ice for them, the backyard rink is as Canadian as the game of hockey itself.

Here's some tips on turning your backyard into a icy mecca:

28.7%: In February, condo apartment sales increased 28.7 per cent over January

10: The Provincial government promises 10 new schools for Calgary suburbs

28,017: Net migration to Calgary in 2014, according to the 2014 Civic Census, was 28,017 additional residents

2,242: Auburn Bay saw the most additional residents with 2,242 according to the Civic Census

Making realistic (garden) resolutions for the new year

If you want to build the best garden, grow the best food and raise the best petunias this summer, now is the time to set growing goals in motion.

But whatever you do – don't compare yourself to the neighbours.

"You should see Marinette's garden," my helpful husband points out one day last fall. "It is just beautiful."

Yes, it is – no contest. I've seen pretty pots on her doorstep and I am familiar with her weed-free gardens, but my efforts are not in the same league.

A 'fantastic' year for Calgary businesses despite dropping energy prices

Despite plummeting oil prices, commercial activity in Calgary remained robust throughout 2014, creating what many industry analysts are calling one of the most competitive markets in Canada heading into the new year.

"I think it's been a fantastic year despite the last quarter of the challenging energy prices. We had some great revenue streams that were available for the first three quarters of the year," said Calgary Chamber president and CEO Adam Legge.

"Building projects are strong. You see some of the new towers going up in the downtown. You've got a lot of major infrastructure projects.

Low vacancy rates, high absorption rates in the resale condo sectors and dwindling supply in the single-family market vaulted secondary suites into the spotlight in 2014.

The issue culminated in mid-December with an 8-7 vote by city council against approval reforms – which prompted Mayor Naheed Nenshi to declare he'd leave the room during future secondary suites debates until it came time to vote. Ward 7 Coun. Druh Farrell likened the entire process to "giving birth to a chair."

The latest framework would have established a discretionary development permit process for suites where they were currently not allowed, as well as furthered public consultation with Calgarians to fully develop regulations moving forward.

The market conditions in Calgary are perfect for smart, long-term investment in real estate.  The fundamentals are sound. The Calgary real estate market is showing less volatility than  in years' past. Large jumps in prices – either up or down – seem less likely than at any other time since 2006.

Combined with low vacancy rates, rising rents, positive net migration and affordability – which, according to the RBC report on housing trends and affordability, remain at historically favorable levels – now is the right time to start teaching Calgarians how to properly invest in real estate with long term wealth accumulation in mind.

Calgary's tight rental market, combined with low mortgage rates and relative affordability, supported record growth in the city's resale condominium sector in 2014.

Combined condo (apartment and townhome) sales up to the end of November increased 19 per cent to 8,105 units, compared with 6,782 units during the same period the year prior, according to CREB®.

The all-time sales record for condo sales was set in 2006, when 8,390 homes changed hands.

"In addition to lifestyle preferences, condominiums appeal to those looking for more affordable ownership options," said CREB® chief economist Ann-Marie Lurie, who originally forecasted 7,641 combined condo sales in 2014.