120 new electric buses coming to Calgary

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Good morning !

Most of you weren't drawn to any of the three festivals happening over the weekend, with 30% saying none caught your interest. Others had existing plans, some attended the Lantern Peace Festival, and just 16% of readers joined the thousands who turned out for Sunday's 40th annual Marda Gras street festival in Marda Loop.

You'll find more details on that event and other upcoming Calgary happenings below.

👀 In today's edition:

• Roof rat sighting in Calgary

• Student-built satellite gets ready to take off

• Woman dies after collision with 12-year-old cyclist

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WORTH KNOWING

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QUICK POLL

120 new electric buses coming to Calgary

Calgary Transit will soon bring 120 new electric buses to city streets, aiming to improve reliability, reduce emissions, and prepare for future growth. With federal funding, the city can buy 30–40 more buses than if it had chosen diesel or compressed natural gas (CNG) models, while also upgrading maintenance facilities. The changes mean cleaner air, more vehicles on the road, and better service for riders.

Built in Canada by long-time supplier Nova Bus, the new Nova LFSe+ models are already proving themselves in cities like Banff, Toronto, and Ottawa. They’ll join Calgary’s mix of CNG and diesel buses, providing more flexibility and stability in fuel costs. “This investment means more reliable service, lower operating costs over time and cleaner air in our communities,” said Sharon Fleming, Calgary Transit’s director. The project will also create construction jobs in the city as garages are upgraded.

The electric buses will look similar to Calgary’s current CNG models and will mostly run on shorter routes and during peak travel times. Deliveries are set to begin in 2027, with all 120 buses expected to be in service by the end of 2028—bringing quieter, cleaner rides to neighbourhoods across Calgary.

Need to know

💔 A woman in her 50s died from injuries sustained when a 12-year-old cyclist collided with her from behind on a pathway in Calgary's Hidden Valley neighbourhood on Aug. 2.

🏠 Calgary experienced a significant 9% decline in average rental prices during July 2025, reaching $1,914 per month and marking one of the steepest decreases among major Canadian cities according to a Rentals.ca report.

🐀 Alberta's rat control program investigated a potential roof rat sighting in Calgary's Inglewood neighbourhood to maintain the province's "rat-free" status, with officials expressing confidence that the animal captured on video was indeed a rat.

🎓 University of Calgary students prepared to launch the city's first student-built satellite called FrontierSat in early 2025 to study atmospheric winds and the rare space weather phenomenon known as STEVE.

🚗 A 19-year-old man was charged with impaired driving after allegedly fleeing police and crashing into seven parked vehicles on Macleod Trail while already facing charges in a fatal December 2024 collision.

🚌 German bus company Flixbus expanded its Canadian operations to three provinces, including Alberta, doubling its mileage annually since 2022 as it aimed to fill the intercity transportation gap left by Greyhound's departure.

🎉 Thousands of Calgarians attended the 40th annual Marda Gras street festival in the southwest community of Marda Loop despite ongoing construction in the area.

August brings wild experiences to the Calgary Zoo

The Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo is offering a packed calendar of events this month, with activities ranging from early-morning animal encounters to lively adults-only evenings. Guests can choose from experiences like the Polar Bear Breakfast, Penguin Breakfast, and Sunday Safari Brunch, or take part in special ticketed events such as photography nights, drag performances, and cocktail tastings. Many offerings are already selling out, and the zoo is encouraging visitors to book in advance.

Highlights include FOCUSED: Destination Africa on Aug. 17, where photographers gain after-hours access to capture wildlife in unique settings, and the Drag Dinner on Aug. 22, hosted by local performer Nada Nuff. For a more relaxed pace, the zoo’s new “Zoo O’Clock” promotion offers 20% off admission for visits after 3pm, Thursday through Sunday, through September. A bundle discount is also available for those booking multiple Wild After Hours events.

Several family-friendly experiences continue through the month, including the chance to share breakfast with penguins or watch polar bear ‘Siku’ during his morning enrichment session. Whether exploring the grounds in the afternoon sun or enjoying themed evenings with friends, the zoo says August is an ideal time to connect with animals, learn from experts, and make the most of Calgary’s summer season.

Where to eat and drink

🍴 The Bro’Kin Yolk: Enjoy a hearty, home-style brunch made with farm-fresh eggs and plenty of care in a cozy setting where guests are welcomed like family.

🍴 Calgary Momo House: Discover a warm, vibrant space serving authentic Nepali dishes and handmade cocktails, where every plate—from savoury dumplings to flavour-packed curries—offers a taste worth seeking out.

Have a food or drink suggestion? Message us and we might share it!

Things to do

🎟️ Pints and Pistons: Come get up close and personal with a real formula continental race car, meet the Morgan 66 Racing team, and check out the view from the driver’s seat. Cold beer and good times guaranteed.

🎟️ Art in the Garden Show and Sale: Spend a summer day surrounded by vibrant blooms and original art at the 16th edition of this event, Aug. 16–17 from 10am to 4pm, where local artists showcase paintings, prints, stained glass, and more in a welcoming garden setting with free admission.

Have an event suggestion? Message us and we might share it!

That’s it!

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