Expanded downtown cycle track set to open

Calgary cyclists dreaming of a road to call their town will soon see those dreams become reality.

Adding to Calgary's existing cycling infrastructure, four downtown streets will soon see the addition of dedicated bike lanes.

Along with a shared space running down a section of Stephen Avenue, the four new lanes will transform Fifth Street S.W., Eighth, Ninth and 12th avenues into bike-friendly routes as part of a pilot project by the City of Calgary.

Interest rates, economic uncertainty impacting Calgary market

For Calgarians Matt and Vanessa Haug, the stars aligned when they decided to purchase a new home in southeast Calgary.

The couple cited low interest rates and competitive house prices behind their decision to act now rather than wait – a sentiment slowly emerging since energy-sector uncertainty took hold in Calgary's housing market late last year.

"We got 2.69 [per cent] on a five-year fixed rate. It definitely impacted our decision," said Matt, who also cited house prices behind their decision to buy and noted the lower rate did not impact how much they ultimately spent on their new home.

This Sunday, Calgarians are invited to the ReTree YYC Fair at South Glenmore Park to learn more on restoring the city's urban canopy after Snowtember, a snow storm last fall.

The City of Calgary and industry experts will be on hand to give talks, demos and answer any tree questions residents might have about how to care for their trees. There will also be free mulch, activities for kids, entertainment and food options.

Surrounding communities hold their value

The appeal to small-town living just a stone's throw from the "big" city is nothing new. Yet recent housing market intelligence suggests it's more than just lifestyle preferences driving homeowners beyond Calgary's borders.

While slower economic activity has influenced housing markets across the province, CREB®'s latest Surrounding Area Quarterly report found prices in areas surrounding Calgary have remained fairly stable.

Calgary demographics influence housing

Calgarians, characterized in a recent report as among the youngest in Canada, are altering the city's housing landscape through a unique set of needs and wants, including a more diverse rental market, work/live spaces, home offices and multi-generational housing.

In its recently released The Changing Face of Calgary report, Urban Development Institute – Calgary and the Canadian Home Builders' Association – Calgary note the median age in Alberta (major urban centres) is a nation-low 36.5 years, and as the "population bulge trends toward youth, housing needs shift."

First reading on suite reform passes after marathon debate

In a more than 10 hour debate, Calgary city council made a small step towards secondary suite reform last night.

First reading was passed on a motion allowing secondary and backyard suites in Wards 7, 8, 9 and 11. If passed, those wishing to apply for a suite in those wards, which are comprised of 83 communities, could begin with a development permit instead of appearing before council.

Living in the inner city for a year, rent free?

Such just one of the perks offered by the Calgary Municipal Land Corp. (CMLC) with partners FRAM + Slokker and Embassy BOSA and Knightsbridge Homes for Calgary's "best job" offer acting as the Resident Ambassador for the re-emerging community.

Calgary's extensive pathway network lets cyclists roam far and wide

Cycle City: A three-part series exploring biking in and around Calgary

What stretches 770 kilometres across Calgary, reaching virtually every area of the city, yet doesn't contain a single car?

Even if you are already aware of Calgary's extensive pathway system, the scope of the city's multi-use pathways is the envy of other cities.

CREB staff take in shelter from perspective of single-mothers

As part of Claire's Campaign 2015, members of the public were invited to experience Calgary's Inn from the Cold from a perspective of a single-mother.

Claire's Campaign is named for the mother of businessman and philanthropist Gary Nissen, who has offered to match every donation made to Inn from the Cold during the month of May to a maximum of $200,000.

Some CREB staff participated in the experience today, here's a timeline of what went down.