Aggregate sales in the communities surrounding Calgary grew by nearly 12 per cent in 2013 for a total of 4,400 units. Unlike trends in the city, the level of new listings in surrounding areas fell by one per cent in 2013 compared to the previous year. Rising sales activity, combined with a decline in new listings, helped reduce somewhat elevated supply levels and supported some price growth.

Areas surrounding the city have not only benefited from the strong economic fundamentals in the region, but have attracted many consumers looking for more affordable product with existing amenities in place.

The winter months are here, and with that comes a drop in the temperature resulting in what could be a costly heating bill.

It can be quite the conflict on whether to dial down the thermostat, or keep a toasty temperature and have a hefty bill come in the mail. In order to save a few dollars here are a few ways to keep a warm home and money in the bank.

A new guidebook will set common standards for new community development and provide building blocks for community design.

The new document has been proposed to be a part of the Municipal Development Plan, which will allow the area structure plan to refer to the New Community Planning Guidebook.

Assessment notices have been mailed to about half a million property and business owners, signalling the start of the customer review period.

The 2014 property assessment roll has a total value of $276 billion, and the business assessment roll sees a total value of $3.15 billion.

Typical single residential properties are being assessed at $430,000 compared to $410,000 in 2013 and the typical residential condominium is assessed at $260,000, compared to $250,000 in 2013.

No, not that kind of bacon. A film series featuring renowned architect Ed Bacon is aiming to help Calgarians better understand how a city is planned.

Every Wednesday night in January and February offers a different film about city building topics. After each film the audience is invited to engage in discussion about what they just saw, and how it can impact Calgary, and people as individuals.

Calgary's community of Aspen Woods and west Airdrie will see new schools being built.

The Aspen Woods school will benefit about 750 Kindergarten to Grade 6 Roman Catholic Separate School District students, and the Airdrie school will serve 600 Rocky View School Division Kindergarten to Grade 4 students.