166 new homes coming to downtown Calgary

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Most of you told us that you buy food directly from Alberta producers at least once a week. Readers said they often head to the South Calgary, Millarville, and Blackfoot markets to pick up local and Canadian products—even if the price is a bit higher. Meat and poultry were the most popular items on their shopping lists.

👀 In today's edition:

• Poilievre is back

• Calgary students struggle to find housing

• One dead, one missing in Kananaskis canoe incident

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WORTH KNOWING

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QUICK POLL

166 new homes coming to Calgary through downtown office conversion

A total of 166 new rental homes are on the way to Calgary, thanks to a project that will repurpose a vacant downtown office tower. The building at 606 4th Street SW will be transformed into modern apartments through $64.3 million in federal financing, up to $10.5 million from the City of Calgary’s downtown incentive fund, and $9 million in equity from 606 Fourth Inc. The funding comes through the federal Apartment Construction Loan Program, which was recently expanded to make it easier for projects like this to move forward.

The city has been leaning heavily on office conversions as a way to bring more homes into the market while tackling Calgary’s high downtown vacancy rate. Since 2021, 21 office buildings have been approved for conversion, a pipeline expected to create more than 2,600 new homes. Three of those projects, including the newly opened Element Calgary Downtown, are already complete, with several more scheduled to welcome residents next year.

Together, these efforts highlight how Calgary is tackling two challenges at once—revitalizing empty office towers while adding much-needed rental housing. For residents, it means more options for living downtown and the promise of a more vibrant, mixed-use core in the years ahead.

Need to know

🗳️ Pierre Poilievre campaigned to return to Parliament through a federal byelection in Battle River-Crowfoot that made history with 214 candidates, forcing election officials to use unprecedented write-in ballots instead of standard voting forms.

🚨 A Calgary police officer shot and seriously wounded a 61-year-old man during a confrontation in the Yorkville area after responding to a domestic incident call, with Alberta's police watchdog now investigating the shooting.

💰 Alberta's government reversed controversial changes to its expense disclosure policy after facing widespread public backlash over reduced transparency requirements for government officials' spending.

⚱️ Alberta cemeteries implemented new strategies to address challenges from increasing cremation preferences, dwindling burial space, and inflationary pressures while planning expansions to serve their growing communities.

🏠 Calgary post-secondary students faced housing shortages as both Mount Royal University and University of Calgary reported their dormitories were completely full, with waitlists reflecting the ongoing rental market pressures affecting campus accommodation.

💔 A canoe accident on Barrier Lake in Kananaskis Country resulted in one Calgary resident's death, another's hospitalization for hypothermia, and a third person remaining missing as rescue teams continued their search.

🏡 Calgary launched a $30 million Indigenous-led housing program designed to create between 150 and 350 culturally appropriate housing units specifically for Indigenous residents who represent a disproportionate share of the city's homeless population.

SPONSORED BY BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS OF CALGARY AND AREA

Male mentors needed. Be the difference.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Calgary and Area is Calgary’s mentoring charity. Right now, there are over 100 kids on our waitlist who are waiting for a male mentor. If you can give a couple of hours a week, you could change a young person's life. Find out how to become a mentor.

Seven Indigenous musicians to showcase new work at Studio Bell

Seven Indigenous musicians from across Canada will soon gather in Calgary to take part in the National Music Centre’s 2025 OHSOTO’KINO Music Incubator. The artists—Beaatz, Beatrice Love, Brandi Vezina, Damase Elis, Lacey Hill, Raven Reid, and Uncle Trent and Friends—will spend five days at Studio Bell next month learning new skills, connecting with mentors, and collaborating with one another.

The program, which launched in 2022, is meant to give artists space to grow their careers while celebrating the diversity of Indigenous music. This year’s group spans genres from hip-hop and folk to soul and country, reflecting the wide range of voices being nurtured. The incubator will close with a public showcase and reception on September 17 at Studio Bell, giving Calgarians the chance to hear the musicians’ work and meet them in person.

Organizers say the initiative is about more than training—it’s about creating community. Rooted in a Blackfoot phrase meaning “to recognize a voice of,” the OHSOTO’KINO program has become a platform for emerging Indigenous artists to share their stories and connect with audiences. For Calgary, it offers both residents and visitors a chance to experience music that is deeply personal, cultural, and inspiring.

Where to eat and drink

🍴 UNA pizza + wine: This cozy neighbourhood spot serves California-inspired thin-crust pizzas paired with carefully curated wines and locally-sourced ingredients for an elevated casual dining experience.

🍴 Righteous Gelato: This artisanal gelato maker crafts treats using honest, natural ingredients while operating as a force for good, with their Calgary factory location offering exclusive small-batch flavours, behind-the-scenes tours, and a unique coffee bar experience you won't find in stores.

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

Things to do

🎟️ Flavours & Finds Summer Market: Check out the free outdoor market at cSPACE Marda Loop, which brings together local artisans and food vendors offering handmade goods, allergy-friendly treats, and specialty items in a pet-friendly environment perfect for an afternoon of discovery and community connection.

🎟️ Drive-In Movie Night with Made by Momma: Get your tickets for a nostalgic drive-in movie screening of High School Musical 3 under the stars at Southcentre Mall while supporting local families in need through Made by Momma, with all ticket proceeds going directly to this Calgary charity that provides meals and support to mothers facing adversity.

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

That’s it!

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