A look at the beneficial - and not so beneficial - insects in your garden

Aphids are considered bad bugs. They multiply in the garden and are visible on the tips of rose bushes and highly fertilized annuals. The first line of defence against aphids is water. Hose off plants or clip off and throw away aphidcovered growing tips. Another option is to let the good bugs get rid of the bad bugs for you.

Mid-year update shows sales up in Calgary market

The beneficiary of a rental market where selection was less than limited, Calgary's condo market saw sales skyrocket through the first six months of 2014.

According to CREB®, year-to-date condo sales (apartment and townhome) in the city rose by 22 per cent through the first six months of 2014, increasing from 3,698 last year to 4,503 in 2014.

Calgary's park communities bringing a little nature to your own backyard

When searching for the ideal home, a few key area selling features come to mind, notably access to major roadways, proximity to schools and potential for greenspace.

That's no problem for Calgary and its communities, which boast more than 10,000 hectares of parkland and almost 800 kilometres of pathways.

Calgary's million dollar market continues to post positive numbers

Calgary's luxury housing market remained among the top performers in all of Canada through the first half of 2014.

Propelled by a thriving economy, high average incomes and an influx of new Calgarians, sales of homes priced at $1 million or more increased by 18 per cent through the first six months of 2014, according to CREB®'s annual mid-year forecast update.

Mid-year forecast calling for more supply, added choices

Mario DeMarco thought he was prepared for anything after deciding to become a first-time homeowner.

The 25-year-old Calgarian has spent the past two years saving for a down payment, and was recently promoted at work, giving him the financial stability to purchase his own place – ideally a condo in the Beltline.

Today Calgary Economic Development and Calgary Chamber held a Business Recovery Task Force Commemoration sharing stories from local businesses impacted by 2013 flooding.

Also released at the event was an Emergency Business Contact Database to help facilitate communication and collaboration between the Calgary Emergency Management Agency (CEMA) and the business community during emergencies such as natural disasters.