Once destined for freeway construction, historical community now a local jewel

* Old neighbourhoods, new Calgary: A look at some of Calgary's earliest communities and how they're evolving with the times 

Few neighbourhoods in Calgary can match Inglewood's storied history. From its beginnings in 1875 as the city's first main street to its more recent resurgence as a hot spot for boutique shopping, fine dining and live music, the inner-city community has reimagined itself to keep pace with an evolving landscape.

Most recently, Inglewood was bestowed one of its biggest honours, being named the Greatest Neighbourhood in Canada by Great Places in Canada. The competition included 32 nominations and more than 14,500 votes from Canadians across the country over a seven-month period.

Making holiday wreaths from nature's bounty

* photo courtesy Rocky Mountain Wreaths

It's that time of year, when the days grow short, your windows need scraping and your plastic sparkly wreath comes out from storage for its repeat seasonal appearance.

But it doesn't have to be that way.You could start cutting greens in your own landscape and bring the rich evergreen smells of the season into your home.

Simply get out into the garden and cut what you need for table decorations, swags and containers (as long as the plants aren't frozen stiff). If it's pliable, it's cutable.

Freedom is as easy as one, two, three

To be mortgage-free faster, it is up to borrowers to take the necessary steps to accelerate  payments. And it's not as simple as waiting until your lucky six numbers come up in the lotto.  Paying off a mortgage sooner is all about strategy and automation.

Here are three ways to cut your mortgage down to size.

Motion to provide 18-month window under review

Calgary homeowners with existing illegal secondary suites could have an 18-month window to get city approval if a current motion by council is approved.

On Monday, Ward 10 Coun. Andre Chabot suggested establishing a year-and-a-half "relaxation" for homeowners with current suites to meet with city officials and determine if their suites are legal or apply to make them so. After the 18 months, owners would be fined for a first offence.

The motion would also enable city administration to identify legal suites on an interactive map available to the public.