In its spring and summer newsletter, Avison Young said Calgary's commercial real estate sector remains resilient despite "growing concerns" about Alberta's future economy.

With the energy sector remaining cautious about weakening oil prices and the uncertainty surrounding the Keystone XL and Northern pipelines, as well as Alberta recording a sixth consecutive deficit this year, the newsletter says economic growth remains "decidedly positive".

Alberta is blessed with some obvious geographical advantages. To the west, the foothills and Rocky Mountains provide ample opportunity for recreation, and the prairies to the east offer plenty of lakes and rivers to enjoy. But when it comes to Calgary, suitable locations for aquatic activities can be tough to come by.

With Cranston bordering Fish Creek Park and the scenic Bow River; and Auburn Bay, it's neighbor to the east, containing its own 17-hectare freshwater lake, the two communities on Calgary's south side have essentially brought the best of Alberta into the backyards of area residents.

Alberta's seniors and persons with disabilities can expect 920 Affordable Supportive Living Initiative spaces in the form of $68.3 million grants from the provincial government.

The money will help support spaces being built in Calgary, Red Deer, Rocky Mountain House, Valleyview and Slave Lake, communities identified as having some of the highest needs in the province for supportive living spaces and services. The funds will contribute up to 50 per cent of the capital costs, with any remaining amount coming from the organizations.

As temperatures in Calgary increased in May, so did the city's housing starts.

"The trend of total housing starts increased slightly in May, due to strong construction in both the single-detached and multi-family markets," said Richard Cho, senior market analyst for Calgary with the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC).

For the month of May, housing starts in the city were 11,316 units compared to 11,270 in April. The trend is a six month moving average of the monthly seasonally adjusted annual rates (SAAR) of total housing starts.

Jumping into the new home pool is first-time buyer Duncan Hall, 25, set to take possession of his newly constructed condo in July.

"I have rented before but found that owning is smarter in the long run," he said. "I didn't like paying someone else's mortgage when I was renting and wanted to own something that would help me in the long run."

In order to address changing needs and a growing amount of visitors to Stanley Park, City of Calgary Parks is encourage the public to review design concepts and proposed management strategies with an open house June 15.

"We hope to enhance visitors' experience and boost the park's environmental health through redevelopment," said Keith Parker, parks manager in charge of planning and development. "We are working with a number of stakeholders to identify refurbishment needs as well as management practices that best balance the needs of all park users."

The open house will be held at the Parks Administration Building at the park. Park representatives will be on hand as well as representatives from Stantec consulting team. There will be displays and an opportunity to comment on the draft vision, goals and guiding principles for the management strategies as well as a review of two design concepts for the park.