Mature and distinctive communities are a point of pride for Calgary's southwest residents

Lawyer Chris Davis is no stranger to Calgary's southwest, a sprawling quadrant of the city roughly bordered by the Bow River to the north, Macleod Trail to the east, and the city limits to the south and west.

"My family has long roots in the southwest, going back to the early 1920s," he said, adding he spent his early years growing up in Lower Mount Royal and is also running for city council in Ward 8 in this fall's municipal election.

"Historically, there seemed to be a big divide as to whether your family chose to live north or south of the Bow River."

Because of his familial connection, Davis found himself gravitating toward an adult life in the southwest, residing in Bankview, Elbow Park, Garrison Woods, Parkhill and Richmond-Knob Hill at various times.

Granary Road will offer more than the traditional farmers-market experience

A new farmers market set to open just south of Calgary city limits is reimagining the traditional market as a family entertainment venue.

Granary Road will have a variety of shops in its public market, but also an active learning park that is a mash-up of a children's playground and an interpretive centre.

"Parents are always looking for something to do with their children and while we have some amazing attractions in Calgary, there aren't enough," said Jane Walter-Lockwood, director of business development for Granary Road.