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We asked whether a councillor was right to leak preliminary budget documents, and this one clearly struck a nerve, with a huge number of you weighing in. Most sided against him, pointing out the documents were still just a "wish list" at an early, unreviewed stage, and arguing the leak created unnecessary panic and confusion rather than real transparency. A smaller group disagreed, saying taxpayers have a right to know what's being discussed regardless of the stage, especially given growing frustration with closed-door meetings at city hall.

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Alberta and Build Canada Homes are teaming up to fund more affordable housing across the province, with an initial slate of 21 projects expected to add at least 1,460 new units. The projects span the housing spectrum, from supportive and transitional housing to homes aimed at low- and moderate-income households.

The funding comes from two directions: more than $165 million from Alberta's existing Affordable Housing Partnership Program, and up to $220 million from Build Canada Homes in grants and loans. Add in roughly $238 million from municipalities, non-profits, and private partners, and the partnership is expected to drive about $623 million in total housing investment.

Federal Minister of Housing and Infrastructure Gregor Robertson tied the announcement to a broader national push to modernize how homes get built, pointing to methods like off-site and factory construction as a way to speed up delivery. "By strengthening our housing supply, supporting Canadian workers and businesses, and investing in new construction methods, we are not only creating homes today, we are building the capacity Canada needs to grow and prosper for generations to come," he said.

Nathan Neudorf, Alberta's Minister of Assisted Living and Social Services and Minister Responsible for Housing, said the structure of the deal keeps provincial priorities in the driver's seat. "This agreement will help get more affordable homes built while ensuring Alberta's priorities remain at the centre of housing decisions in our province," he said.

A joint Collaboration Table will bring the two governments together to pick priority projects and align funding, with Alberta-recommended projects getting first crack at federal dollars. The partners also plan to build toward a single, streamlined application process for housing proponents trying to access both provincial and federal money at once.

The deal builds on Alberta's Stronger Foundations strategy, launched in 2021, which has already put more than $730 million toward affordable housing and pushed the province roughly 70 per cent of the way toward its target of supporting 25,000 additional affordable households by 2031.

🔥 A fire continues to burn at a southeast Calgary landfill nearly a week after it reignited, with nearby residents reporting throat irritation and worsening symptoms. Mayor Farkas and Coun. Ward are calling on the province to publicly release detailed air quality test results.

🗳️ If Albertans vote to pursue a second, binding referendum on separation this October, the timeline for when it would actually happen remains unclear, with legal and political hurdles complicating Premier Smith's earlier goal of a spring 2027 vote.

📜 Alberta's October referendum also includes a question asking whether the province should push to let provinces opt out of federal programs like pharmacare without losing funding, part of a broader debate over Ottawa's spending power.

🏛️ Premier Smith criticized Calgary council's use of closed-door meetings after a councillor leaked confidential budget documents, suggesting the city consider pre-briefing sessions instead of in-camera debates.

💧 The city says no outdoor water restrictions are expected this week despite electrical work tied to the North Calgary Water Servicing Project, thanks to cooler temperatures and lower seasonal water demand.

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Calgary Culture Days is back for its 12th year, running throughout September with a month's worth of arts and culture events across the city. If you haven't had a chance to check it out yet, there's still plenty of the month left to catch a festival, film screening, art exhibition, dance performance, or workshop — many of them free.

"One of the things that makes Calgary Culture Days so special is the element of serendipity," said Olivia Rocskar, Arts & Cultural Development Coordinator with the City of Calgary. "You might come across an event and leave with a new perspective, a new connection or a deeper appreciation for a community, culture or art form. Those moments of curiosity and connection stay with people long after the event is over."

Mayor Jeromy Farkas framed the initiative as more than just entertainment. "Arts and culture are no longer a nice-to-have. They're a need to have," he said. "They connect us to our history, help tell the stories of Indigenous Peoples and the many communities that have shaped Calgary, and reflect who we are today."

This year's celebration includes four Cultural Ambassadors helping spread the word: Farkas, Evelyne Kemajou of Portail de l'Immigrant Association and Franco Festival Calgary, Marc Stevens of the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra, and artist and designer Kristy North Peigan of the Piikani First Nation. Stevens pointed to the range of ways people can engage with arts in the city, from street performers and murals to concerts and dance classes, saying those experiences are often what makes people fall in love with Calgary beyond just the job that brought them here.

The City is also backing 20 local recipients through its Calgary Culture Days Microgrant program this year, aimed at bringing new and expanded programming to Calgary's downtown throughout the month.

Calgary Culture Days runs through September 30, with a full list of events available at calgary.ca/CultureDays.

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🍴 Bow & Bend Rooftop: This downtown rooftop spot at the Element hotel is keeping its patio open into the fall, with heaters, blankets, and new fire tables for cooler evenings. The menu leans into the season with dishes like braised beef and truffle rigatoni, all paired with sweeping views of the Bow River as the leaves change.

🍴 The Lake House: Overlooking Lake Bonavista, this longtime favourite serves creative dishes inspired by Rocky Mountain flavours in one of the city's more scenic settings. It's also a popular pick for weddings and special events.

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

🎟️ Hot Air Balloon Glow: Calgary Farmyard debuts its first Harvest Lights Balloon Glow on September 18 and 19, with glowing hot air balloons, thousands of lights, a flashlight corn maze, and live music. All farm attractions stay open after dark. Tickets start at $36.95, online only.

🎟️ Beethoven Lives Upstairs: Jack Singer Concert Hall blends live symphonic music with storytelling on September 20, introducing kids to Beethoven through a boy who discovers his eccentric new upstairs neighbour is the famous composer. Tickets range from $36.50 to $51.50.

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

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