The Springbank Off-Stream Reservoir (SR1) project is moving ahead after receiving federal approval, which is welcome news for the many Calgarians who have been advocating for upstream flood mitigation measures since the 2013 disaster.

Almost four years after the Calgary flood of 2013, flood-damaged areas have been rebuilt and efforts are underway to protect the city with new flood mitigation measures.

In riverside communities, such as Sunnyside, which was mostly saved from the raging Bow River by a berm constructed in the 1930s, obvious signs of flooding are mostly gone, but memories still linger.

"There are some people – you can see it in them – when spring melt starts to come, you can see them get anxious, (wondering) what is going to happen?" said Charlie Lund, chair of the Infrastructure Group, with Hillhurst Sunnyside Community Association's Emergency Preparedness and Response Committee.

Perched along the shores of the Bow River in Calgary's northwest, the adjacent communities of Montgomery and Bowness share a powerful sense of history.

"Bowness is now 116 years old, with generations of families that still live and work here," said Jacqui Esler, executive director of the Mainstreet Bowness BIA and former main street business owner.

On the north side of the Bow River, the inner-city communities of Bridgeland and Renfrew are attracting young, vibrant buyers in droves thanks to their funky vibe and smorgasbord of cool restaurants, coffee shops and eclectic boutiques. Here you can find local clothing designs, loads of vinyl and good local eats. Many of the venues pair up unlikely offerings, making the vibe even quirkier. Enjoy an old-fashioned shave while sipping on a vodka martini at barbershop/cocktail lounge Cannibale, or grab one of the best coffees in town at Lukes Drug Mart.

At first glance, the southeast communities of Ramsay and Ogden may seem as though they have nothing in common. Ramsay is an up-and-coming, inner-city, hipster hangout, while Ogden conjures images of a more family-centric, suburban lifestyle. However, these communities are threaded together by a common denominator that weaves through the city's landscape and is steeped in rich history – the Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR).

Appealing to a variety of demographics, the dynamic community of Cranston offers a taste of the good life.

"It's a great community with so much to offer, including schools and shopping right in the area," said Justin Castelino, marketing manager for Brookfield Residential, the developer behind upper Cranston and the niche community of Cranston's Riverstone.

Year of Construction: 1905

Address: 35 Point Drive N.W.

Community: Point McKay

Architectural Style: Vernacular

As we head into this year's flood season, the City of Calgary continues to work on mitigation measures and says Calgary is better prepared to respond to flooding than ever before, despite the COVID-19 pandemic.

Its name may evoke calmness and serenity, but the story behind one of Calgary's leading landmarks is anything but peaceful. As it evolved from a lightning rod for dissension to a symbol of unity, the Peace Bridge was judged not only for mistakes made, but also conventions challenged and lessons learned. In the process, this iconic footbridge earned the respect of friends and foes alike, one step at a time.

There aren't many large cities in the world where you can step out your front door and walk a couple minutes to one of the best trout fishing rivers in the world. Here in Calgary, however, the words "any luck?" are heard frequently on the banks of the Bow River and, to a lesser extent, the Elbow.