New developments can aid in vibrancy and evolution of established communities

In building a city, there comes a time when old needs to make way for new in the name of progress.

Yet a growing number of local builders say they are not yet ready to give up on Calgary's rich past, suggesting many often-overlooked historical areas of the city are ripe with opportunities.

Lake communities offer waterside fun in the sun

Vanessa Verkley needs little encouragement to grab a towel and head to the lake these days.

Like other Calgarians, the Auburn Bay resident has been feeling the heat of the second hottest July in seven decades.

Dealing with real estate's S word

Calgary's real estate industry has come under the microscope recently, with some questioning the degree to which professionals are obliged to reveal perceived flaws in properties up for sale.

While CREB® President Bill Kirk acknowledges there is a "grey area" that exists with stigmatized properties — a point brought to light last week when a Brentwood home that was the scene of Calgary's worst mass killing went up for sale – he emphasized reactions to such homes are as varied as the circumstances surrounding them.

* photo courtesy CMLC

Calgary's past will blend with the future as the Calgary Municipal Land Corporation (CMLC) is installing five Sentinels at the corner of Sixth Street and Ninth Avenue S.E.

The Sentinels, made of heavy glass and concrete will depict historical Calgary figures, suspended from a steel framework.

The Calgary Home + Design Show announced yesterday the return of Scots Colin McAllister and Justin Ryan of Cottage Life TV's Colin & Justin's Cabin Pressure.

"We are thrilled to have our favourite designing duo back at the Calgary Home + Design Show," said Show Manager Teri Salazar in a release. "Colin and Justin made their Calgary debut at our show in 2007, and we can't wait to host them again. From their signature humour to their savvy design insights, this popular pair are not to be missed."

The Calgary Home + Design Show announced yesterday the return of Scots Colin McAllister and Justin Ryan of Cottage Life TV's Colin & Justin's Cabin Pressure.

"We are thrilled to have our favourite designing duo back at the Calgary Home + Design Show," said Show Manager Teri Salazar in a release. "Colin and Justin made their Calgary debut at our show in 2007, and we can't wait to host them again. From their signature humour to their savvy design insights, this popular pair are not to be missed."

Calgary Transit is looking to make getting around a little easier for its bus passengers.

Early this month, transit rolled out the first phase of a real time bus information system. The phase consists of on-board audio/visual announcements of major upcoming stops along local bus routes. In total, the project cost $15 million.

Housing price growth expected to ease in second half of this year

Housing prices and sales have far exceeded expectations in the first half of this year, but improving supply levels will ease pressure on niche growth moving into the second half of 2014, said CREB® in its 2014 mid-year forecast update.

When looking at the full forecast, price growth for the typical home is expected to increase by eight per cent on an annual basis due to strong gains in the first half of the year, said CREB®  Chief Economist Ann-Marie Lurie.

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.

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.