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$203M investment for affordable housing in Calgary and beyond

Funding for homes and heritage, two animal encounters, and your new watering hole.

BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS OF CALGARY AND AREA

Good morning !

When we asked how you felt about the Farmers’ Almanac prediction of a colder, snowier fall, the response was clear: “not ready!” Many readers weren’t surprised given this summer’s weather, but enthusiasm for an early winter was definitely low.

👀 In today's edition:

  • 100+ candidates to run against Poilievre

  • Two animal encounters for Albertans

  • Alberta #1 in Canada for cannabis sales

Get your story told! Promote your business, event, or restaurant in front of 34,000+ engaged locals! Contact our team today.

WORTH KNOWING

🌧️ Today: High 11C, Low 7C. See the 7-day forecast.

🚗 Driving today? Check the current traffic situation, and find the city’s traffic report and road closures.

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$203M investment brings new affordable housing to Calgary and beyond

Photo: Unsplash

More than 2,300 new affordable housing units are on the way for Alberta, thanks to a major investment of over $203 million from the federal and provincial governments. The funding is part of Alberta’s Affordable Housing Partnership Program, designed to meet the growing need for low-cost housing as the province’s population continues to rise.

Calgary is set to benefit in a big way, with nine local projects receiving funding. That includes more than $28 million for Calgary Housing Company and over $30 million for Onward Homes Society. Other projects involve turning vacant office buildings and hotels into homes and building new mixed-income and senior-friendly spaces across the city.

“This investment means thousands more Albertans will have a safe, affordable place to call home,” said Jason Nixon, Alberta’s Minister of Assisted Living and Social Services. The province has committed to putting another $655 million into the program over the next three years, aiming to support even more housing projects across Alberta.

Need to know

🐻 A Calgary couple encountered a grizzly bear that followed them down the Troll Falls trail for several minutes until they successfully scared it away by roaring and making themselves appear larger.

🏠 Residents near a northwest Calgary church demanded closure of its homeless day centre after a woman claimed to witness a stabbing incident, though police found no evidence to confirm the assault occurred.

⚽ Alberta implemented new rules banning transgender athletes from women's sports starting Sept. 1, but the regulations won't apply to visiting competitors from other provinces due to jurisdictional limitations.

🐴 Two university students rescued a week-old foal that had become trapped against a bridge in the Kananaskis River, eventually reuniting the young horse with its mother after transporting it downstream in their canoe.

🏌️ Fifteen-year-old Aphrodite Deng from Calgary made history by capturing victory at a major American junior tournament, becoming the first player from Canada to achieve this milestone in the competition.

🗳️ A record-breaking 108 candidates registered to run against Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre in Alberta's Battle River-Crowfoot byelection, with most affiliated with electoral reform advocates seeking to demonstrate flaws in the current system.

🍺 Albertans reduced their alcohol consumption by nearly two litres per person since 2008 while simultaneously leading Canada in legal cannabis purchases, though experts suggest the trends aren't directly connected.

🚧 Calgary closed a major downtown intersection near the Stampede grounds until October to accommodate construction projects, forcing event-goers to use alternate routes despite summer concerts and conventions scheduled at nearby venues.

SPONSORED BY BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS OF CALGARY AND AREA

How shared experiences empower Travis and Draiden

Travis and Draiden share a special bond through their shared experience with ADHD. Draiden, full of energy and curiosity, sees in Travis a mentor who truly gets him. For Travis, mentoring Draiden is like reconnecting with his younger self—someone who once faced the same challenges. Their relationship is playful, understanding, and rooted in mutual respect.

What makes their connection powerful is Travis’s approach: he doesn’t try to change Draiden. Instead, he embraces who he is, offering tools to help him navigate the world while celebrating his neuro-divergence. Hearing from a trusted adult that he’s okay just as he is gives Draiden a boost of confidence and self-worth. Together, they show the power of acceptance, empathy, and shared experience.

Travis made a difference, just one hour at a time. Learn how you can too!

30 billion milestone reached by Alberta’s Heritage Fund

Photo: Unsplash

Alberta’s Heritage Fund has reached a new milestone, hitting $30 billion after a $2.8 billion contribution from this year’s surplus. The fund supports services like health care and education, while aiming to keep taxes low.

The province plans to grow the fund to $250 billion by 2050. Once that goal is met, the income generated will be used to help stabilize Alberta’s economy, invest in infrastructure, and support public services.

The Heritage Fund Opportunities Corporation, led by Joe Lougheed, is responsible for managing the fund’s investments. The corporation aims to modernize oversight and explore global opportunities to help ensure the fund’s long-term stability for Alberta’s communities.

Where to eat and drink

🍴 Prosperity Bar: Escape to downtown Calgary's tropical oasis where tiki cocktails and jungle vibes transport you to an exotic paradise without leaving the city.

🍴 Brooklyn Dumpling Shop: Experience the future of fast food at this automated dumpling shop where you order from a kiosk and retrieve hot dumplings from lockers, turning classic favourites like Philly cheesesteak into bite-sized parcels.

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

SPONSORED BY BC DAIRY

BC DAIRY

From barn to bistro: one farmer’s mission

Russell Reitsema isn’t just milking cows—he’s reshaping how we think about food. A third-generation dairyman with a sharp mind and an open heart, Reitsema runs Westview Dairy in Abbotsford, where the days start early, the work is steady, and the mission runs deep. He’s teamed up with chefs like Ned Bell to connect what happens on the farm with what lands on your plate. “We grow it, they plate it,” he says. “Together, we make it matter.” Whether he’s feeding calves or hosting The Modern Rustic podcast, Reitsema is driven by one thing: real connection—from the soil to the table. Read his story here.

Things to do

🎟️ Bug Soup at the Bow Habitat Station: Dive into the fascinating underwater world of wetlands where your family can safely discover and identify the amazing creepy crawlies that make marshes such a vital and delicious buffet for wildlife.

🎟️ Zumba Gold in East Village: Join the free Carya Zumba Gold class at 5th  Street  Square for a fun, easygoing dance workout that’s perfect for seniors and anyone seeking a social, low-impact fitness boost.

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

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