For residents of Calgary's lake communities, having such a special amenity available during the COVID-19 pandemic has been a blessing. Now, those communities are looking ahead to, hopefully, even better times this summer as the province reopens and restrictions are lifted.

The CREB^® REALTOR^® Community Foundation has announced that non-profit real estate developer and property manager HomeSpace Society is the recipient of its 2021 Legacy Grant in support of local housing and shelter initiatives.

Year of Construction: 1885

Address: 1880 First St. S.W.

Community: Mission

Architectural Style: Queen Anne Revival

Built in 1885, the Rouleau Residence is one of the oldest buildings in Calgary and stands as a reminder of Mission's rich Francophone history.

Enthusiastic conversations around potential cycling pathways connecting Okotoks and Airdrie to Calgary could open up a whole new way to explore the region. As e-bike access and popularity grows, commuting between the municipalities on two wheels is becoming a practical option for many cyclists.

In the age of COVID-19, connecting with others is a lost art. Thanks to cohousing and a new model that aims to broaden its use, however, that sense of community could return with a vengeance.

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In 2021, Merit Kitchens is officially half a century old, and the company is helping its customers join in the 50^th anniversary festivities.

Anyone who receives a cabinet quote before Nov. 30 will be entered into a draw for a beautiful gift basket containing gift cards, kitchen gadgets, wine and more, currently valued at over $500 and growing. There's also a draw for a Banff getaway for two in 2022. Contact the Merit Kitchens showroom for more details.

The company's theme for the year is "strength and beauty" and they are determined to let the world know just how much that truly means to them.

To celebrate this important milestone, Merit invited Lynda Reeves, founder of House & Home magazine and one of the world's top interior designers, to select an exclusive colour collection for the anniversary.

The COVID-19 vaccine rollout, a rosier economy and the opening of post-secondary institutions to in-person classes could all improve Calgary's residential rental vacancy rate by as early as this fall.

That's the prediction of industry watchers for a rental market that currently sits at a vacancy high of 6.6 per cent, although steady average monthly rents continue to be made even more attractive for renters by incentive offerings.

Over the last year, nearly everyone across the world has become familiar with gathering online. Whether it's working from home or online school, learning via laptop or smartphone has become commonplace.

The City of Calgary has embraced this trend by posting a series of home improvement webinars on its website. The sessions available online aim to reach the many Calgarians who have been unable to gather this type of information in person during the pandemic.

You only get one chance to make a great first impression, so why waste an opportunity to get a leg up on other sellers?

Whether it's for better listing photos or to impress during showings, improving your home's curb appeal doesn't have to be expensive. Here are five cheap ways to boost your home's curb appeal:

It's only June, but Calgarians have already gotten a taste of the 30-degree temperatures usually reserved for the peak summer days of July and August. This summer could be a hot one, and it'll feel even hotter if, like many Calgarians, your home doesn't have air conditioning.

Here are five tips for keeping your home cool without A/C this summer: