FCC, U of C join forces to support community development

A new agreement between the Federation of Calgary Communities and University of Calgary aims to offer students real-world urban-planning experience, valuable data for community planners and some certainty for homeowners.

The agreement with the university's Faculty of Environmental Design (EVDS) formalizes ongoing efforts to get students into the field, aiding community associations in conducting research, consulting residents and coming up with planning documents to guide future growth and redevelopment.

"This partnership is really critical from the point of view of having access to experience and skills (community associations) wouldn't otherwise have access to," said FCC president Leslie Evans, whose federation has some 150 member associations.

Screamfest
One of the more fright-inducing events around the city, Screamfest lets visitors experience haunted houses, Halloween-themed games, creepy and disturbing entertainment and flat-out fear. The event is rated PG-13 and takes place at the Grandstand Building at Stampede Park. Visit www.screamfest.ca for more information.

Calgary Ghost Tours
With tours showcasing local ghost stories and tales from some of the city's most historic neighbourhoods, locals and visitors alike will get a glimpse into the mischief, mayhem and even murders of Calgary's storied past. Inglewood Ghost Walk (Oct. 24; Oct. 30) takes visitors through "Calgary's most haunted neighbourhood," while the Oct. 23 tour will showcase the city's downtown ghouls. Visit www.calgaryghosttours.com for more information.

Scaring others a family tradition for Calgary household

For most of the year, Calgarians go to great lengths to boost their homes' curb appeal. After all, removing unwanted trash and old rubbish to make a home welcoming is part of what makes a neighbourhood great.

Yet around this time of the year, these same people will do their best to make their homes as unwelcoming as possible – when those old garbage bags, stained sheets and broken furniture become valued commodities.

Welcome to Halloween in Calgary.

Design your landscape to suit your neighbourhood, yourself

For homeowners, their work is never done once they've found their dream home. In fact, it's often just the beginning.

During this time of year, most owners will turn their attention to the yard. My advice: please your neighbours in the front yard and please yourself in the back. Everything else is icing on your landscape cake.