The proper way to collect wildflower seed in Calgary and area

By his own admission, Murray considers himself an amateur green thumb.

He bought an acreage property in Springbank 10 years ago and has continued to improve his garden space every year.

But now he is thinking of something big.

How to get the best rate

One of the most costly mistakes when renewing a mortgage is to not looking at all the options. Both blindly signing a renewal statement, or not signing one at all, and allowing the mortgage to renew automatically, can be costly.

Here is what you need to know when it comes time to sign on the dotted line, again:

Start looking 13 months before your mortgage renewal date

Depending on your mortgage lender, it may be beneficial to renew or switch lenders more than a year in advance. A low rate for a one- or two-year term can, in many cases, be more financially beneficial than riding out the last year of a current mortgage at a higher rate, even if you have to pay a penalty.

Transit communities provide options for Calgarians on the go

Calgary's evolution as a transit community didn't happen overnight. It just seems that way.

The city's light-rail transit system actually dates back to 1978, when construction began on the south leg, stretching nearly 11 kilometres from Anderson Road to Seventh Avenue. More than three decades later, the system has added three more lines, most recently opening a new $122.9-million Tuscany/Rocky Ridge stop along the northwest Red Line.

Report finds Canada trails only Hong Kong as ideal spot for Chinese immigrants

This is the second of a four-part homebuying series for new Canadians in partnership with the Epoch Times. Each month, the series will explore hot-topic issues such as understanding market trends, processes for buying a home, determining factors that influence house prices and more.

The lure of future employment, particularly in oil-and-gas-rich Alberta, has made Canada
a top destination for Chinese citizens, a new report found.

In a release from global financial services provider Barclays titled The Rise of the Global Citizen, Canada is the second-most popular place Chinese citizens to call home, preceded by Hong Kong and just ahead of the United States.

New Central Library design highlights Calgary's increasing stature

Calgary's transition into architectural adulthood continued this week with the public getting its first look at the newly announced Central Library.

Replacing the 1960s-era bunker-like WR Castell Library, the new library, to be located at Third Street and Seventh Avenue S.E., will feature a four-storey "chinook arch-esque" atrium built over top of a section of LRT line.

Not only will the building bring 240,000 square feet of usable library space to Calgary's East Village, its ambitious design represents another step forward for a city that many believe is finally growing up.

REALTOR® guided transactions offering more than just peace of mind

By Nolan Matthias

While no bank has come out and said it, their actions speak louder than words. Banks prefer to lend on properties where the transaction is handled by a REALTOR®.

As mortgage professionals, we have noticed increased scrutiny on private sales is becoming the norm – and for good reason.

An additional $300 million in development and as many 500 new condos are slated for East Village after a partnership announcement between RioCan Investment Trust and Embassy BOSA including a Loblaws grocery store.

"Calgary is on the tipping point right now, with condo living becoming a more sought after alternative to suburban life," said Ryan Bosa, president of Embassy BOSA. "The future of Calgary is up not out, and developments like the East Village showcase how Calgary is creating vibrant, sustainable communities."