The booming U.S. Sun Belt, a drooping Canadian dollar, and a new speculation tax applied to popular B.C. vacation areas could all benefit Alberta's recreational property market this year.

There have been no significant changes occurring in sales activity, but the number of new listings coming onto the market continues to ease relative to 2018 levels.

The decline in new listings was enough to start chipping away at overall inventory levels, which have eased slightly compared to last year.

Designed for those who enjoy an active lifestyle, the master-planned community of Carrington in Calgary's northwest features an abundance of green space, along with a sleek architectural presence defined by European design.

I've lived in this fine city now for close to four decades, but what I've discovered is despite all that time, I still haven't experienced everything Calgary has to offer.

To change that, my goal in recent years has been to take in some of the top attractions in the city and surrounding areas that are popular among tourists who visit Calgary.

From mortgage stress test relief and red tape reduction to general economic good news and jobs to boost consumer confidence, Calgary's housing industry is cautiously optimistic the recent change in provincial government could help cross a few items off its wish list.

However, that all hinges on the new United Conservative Party (UCP) government following through on its campaign promises.

City council's recent approval of 14 new suburban communities is a vote of confidence in Calgary's future.

"It is an overall good news story," said Matthew Sheldrake, City of Calgary growth strategies and geo-demographics co-ordinator, of the communities approved in July.

Where can you take in mountain views, watch wildlife and enjoy a peaceful acreage lifestyle, all while still being able to access downtown Calgary in under half an hour? According to residents, the answer is the communities of Springbank and Bearspaw on Calgary's northwestern fringe.

Whether old or new, a home is an investment worth protecting.

"The difference between a house the owner has paid attention to and one they have not can be amazing," said Mike Becker, a home inspector for Calgary and surrounding areas with Pillar to Post Home Inspectors.

Homeowners can maintain the value of their investment by monitoring these areas of the home:

Anyone in the downtown area on the evening of April 18 was treated to a light show, as coloured LEDs on the new Telus Sky building recreated the aurora borealis in a test of a new art installation.

Artist Douglas Coupland's Northern Lights is just one of the features of Telus Sky – a new skyscraper in Calgary's downtown skyline and a sign that tough times in the city won't last forever.