The Calgary residential construction industry's view on government policy at any level often hinges on housing affordability and choice, and these issues remain a point of emphasis for builders and developers as candidates for mayor and council hit the campaign trail.

The creation of a new downtown community association, the first from the city's core in a decade, is a sign of the growth of a healthy city as it emerges from the pandemic, says the executive director of the Federation of Calgary Communities.

Recreational swimmers left high and dry by closures of pools around Calgary's core may find a new home at the Repsol Sport Centre.

The Macleod Trail S.E. facility will undergo a major expansion following a decision by city council in June to commit $45 million toward new leisure aquatic facilities.

The CREB^® REALTOR^® Community Foundation has announced that non-profit real estate developer and property manager HomeSpace Society is the recipient of its 2021 Legacy Grant in support of local housing and shelter initiatives.

The conversion of Sierra Place, the downtown office tower that formerly housed Dome Petroleum, into 82 affordable housing units is set to increase vibrancy in Calgary's core.

The COVID-19 vaccine rollout, a rosier economy and the opening of post-secondary institutions to in-person classes could all improve Calgary's residential rental vacancy rate by as early as this fall.

That's the prediction of industry watchers for a rental market that currently sits at a vacancy high of 6.6 per cent, although steady average monthly rents continue to be made even more attractive for renters by incentive offerings.

You can always go downtown. At least that's what the song says.

Much has been written about the current woes of Calgary's Downtown Commercial Core. Office vacancies are approaching 30 per cent and many businesses and commuters are conspicuous in their absence from the area.

However, there are a significant number of Calgarians who have no intention of going anywhere, even after the workaday crowd goes home.

Humming with an eclectic, urban vibe, Calgary's inner-city community of Connaught attracts a variety of residents, from millennials to empty nesters. The community brims with multi-family housing, tree-lined parks, community vegetable gardens, purpose-built dog playgrounds, and a variety of unique restaurant and retail offerings. As an added bonus, many of these businesses, such as Kalamata Grocery and Analog Coffee, are spearheaded by local entrepreneurs.

"There is just this huge appeal – there are the parks and the trees and you are also in the thick of it. It's a real community where there is something for everyone," said Connaught resident Patricia Insole.

Perhaps one of Calgary's most beautiful neighbourhoods, Crescent Heights is a photographer's dream. Situated on a staggered bluff overlooking downtown to the south and the Rocky Mountains to the west, the community is peppered with two-century-old elm trees that create whimsical canopies along the streetscapes.

"We've lived in the neighbourhood for more than five years and the view just doesn't get old," said Victor Gallardo. "I'm always thinking how lucky I am to have my everyday running route include a spectacular view of downtown and the mountains."

The Beltline is a community experiencing a period of major transition – from the reconstruction of 17th Avenue S.W. to the reimagining of Victoria Park.

Through it all, the beauty and vibrancy of this inner-city neighbourhood just seems to be getting stronger and stronger.