CREB® chief economist Ann-Marie Lurie has seen a bit of everything in 2016. From buyers' conditions to migrational changes, Calgary's housing market has taken industry observers like herself on a wild ride over the past 12 months.

CREB®Now recently had the chance to sit down with Lurie and reflect on 2016. Here's what she had to say:

CREB®Now: Did 2016 play out the way you expected?

University research looks at solar solutions to multi-storey challenges

New research at the University of Calgary could lead to condominium and apartment high-rises being retrofitted to become energy-efficient and green-energy-producing buildings.

Caroline Hachem-Vermette, an assistant professor of architecture in the Solar Energy and Community Design Lab at the University of Calgary's Faculty of Environmental Design, is looking at new ways to optimize solar capture on multi-storey buildings to help offset their energy use.

"Most of the buildings that exist now will be existing in 50 years, so we really need to move in this direction," said Hachem-Vermette, whose interest in the area came out of wider research she did on the design of mixed-use solar communities.

City delves into intelligent traffic technologies in preparation of autonomous future

There's method to the madness that is Calgary's rush-hour traffic.

And if autonomous vehicles play into mainstream society the way many are predicting, our city could be at the forefront of changing that daily commute, suggest local officials.

While drivers stuck in gridlock may feel differently, Calgary currently operates one of the most advanced traffic systems in Canada – a claim backed up earlier year in a TomTom Traffic Index survey that identified Calgary as the least congested city in Canada.

Rebranded Calgary Renovation Show to feature what's hot for 2017

New Year's resolutions are almost as inevitable as the New Year itself. And if those resolutions include home renovation projects, then the Calgary Renovation Show is here to help.

Previously known as the Calgary Homexpo, the rebranded show returns to Calgary for its 46th year Jan 13 to 15, 2017, but with a new name, new look and new presenter – Marketplace Events, the group behind the Calgary Home + Design Show and Calgary Home + Garden Show.

"The all-new Calgary Renovation Show focuses on reimagining your current space," courtesy of some 200 exhibitors related to the latest in home and renovation trends and products, as well as a variety of guest presenters, said show manager Teri Salazar.

Real estate industry steps up to help Calgarians in need

The holiday season is here, and, for many people, that means food, family, Christmas lights, a visit from Santa and piles of presents under the tree.

But not everyone is so lucky, especially given Alberta's tough economy.

That's why many real estate professionals are stepping up their volunteer efforts this year to put some joy into the lives of their fellow Albertans.

CREB®Now looks back on 2016 with Calgary mayor

CREB®Now had the chance to sit down with Mayor Naheed Nenshi to get his birds-eye view on some of the city's most pressing issues over the past year, including who he believes is Calgary's hero for 2016. Here's what he had to say:

CREB®Now: There has been a lot of discussion regarding the cost of doing business in this city, both in the core and the suburban areas. What is the city doing to minimize their burden in the current economic climate?

New programs could see homeowners coming out ahead

If you've been paying attention, you're aware that, starting Jan. 1, we'll be paying $1.01 more per gigajoule for natural gas to heat our homes and a few extra cents a litre to fuel our cars.

It's the provincial carbon levy, and it's inevitable.

If you're like me, you want to know what the government is going to do with the revenue.

For starters, it's setting up an agency whose goal is to reduce our utility bills, decrease emissions and save energy in general.

Debt might be a fact of life this time of year, but experts warn of long-term impacts

With the holiday shopping season shifting into high gear, many Calgarians will be reaching for their credit cards.

But those decisions about taking on debt to put smiles on faces can be the unwelcome gift that keeps on giving, putting the squeeze on your ability to qualify for your first — or next — mortgage, say experts.

"Where people sometimes make a big mistake is they don't realize how much of an impact their debt has," said mortgage broker Joe Jacobs, president of Mortgage Connection Inc. in Calgary.

Housing industry expert discusses everything from affordable housing to the best room in her home

Marissa Toohey has one of the better views of Calgary's housing industry – and we're not talking about the one out of her living room. As manager of government relations and committees for the Calgary Region at CHBA - UDI Calgary Region Association. Toohey works closely with municipalities in the broader region on matters impacting the building and development industry.

CREB®Now recently had the opportunity to sit down with her to chat about everything from affordable housing to a national housing strategy. Here's what she had to say:

Bring nature indoors for low-cost decorating this season

Michelena Bamford loves the scent of natural evergreens such as junipers, pines, blue spruce, white spruce and cedars in her home.

But the owner of Calgary-based Rocky Mountain Wreaths doesn't limit herself to greens. She also gathers local dogwood, birch and wolfwillow twigs to add to her work. Combined, she says it brings nature into her home and brightens up the dark days of December.

"Different plants that we appreciate at different times of year are really important to me," said Bamford.