From the open spaces, to the views to the quiet of nature — acreage living provides a breath of fresh air for homeowners looking for country living with easy access to the city.

Whatever direction you travel away from the city, whether it be the mountains to the west; the foothills to the south, the lakes to the east or the rangelands to the north, there are acreage properties fitting for families looking for space for little ones to roam or couples looking for some peace and quiet.

With two kids, two cars and a dog, the Robsons are the image of the typical family.

Having purchased a larger home in the city's northwest to accommodate their growing family, the Robsons are typical in another way as well, as they're part of a growing number of Calgarians who are upgrading to bigger and more expensive homes.

The City has announced plans for an addition to the path and bikeway along the crest of the Glenmore Reservoir.

Once completed, the "missing link" — as the section of pathway is being touted — will provide Calgarians with both a scenic resource and recreational amenity joining an existing path in North Glenmore Park to the one along the Glenmore Trail Causeway.

The City is drawing up urban design guidelines for large commercial sites, guidelines that could change the face of big box shopping in Calgary.

According to the City, the guidelines would provide consistent guidance to developers and City staff to help ensure large commercial sites create a pleasant public realm, allow for safe pedestrian and cycling movement, reduce the need for car travel within the site, are environmentally sustainable and can be adapted for other uses.