Big money contest heads to UCalgary

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With Canada’s top restaurants freshly ranked, we got curious: how often are people actually dining out these days? We posed the question to our readers, and the results might surprise you. While some indulge more regularly, most told us they go out just once a month — or even less. High prices and dietary needs at home were among the top reasons for staying in.

How often do you dine out?

🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️ Once a month — or less (36%)

🟨🟨🟨🟨🟨🟨🟨⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️ I eat out at least once a week (32%)

🟨🟨🟨🟨🟨🟨🟨⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️ Maybe a couple of times a month (32%)

👀 In today's edition:

• Two runners take on 10 races in 10 days in 10 provinces

• How to lower your insurance premium

• A bar brawl early Sunday ended with a stabbing

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WORTH KNOWING

☀️ Today: High 18C, Low 5C. See the 7-day forecast.

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QUICK POLL

Big money contest heads to UCalgary

The University of Calgary is set to host the first-ever Canadian Xprize Hub — marking the nonprofit’s inaugural international site. Headquartered in California and established in 1998, Xprize describes its mission as inspiring and empowering “humanity to achieve breakthroughs that accelerate an abundant and equitable future for all.”

The organization hosts high-stakes contests (with serious cash prizes) that often span several years and are designed to spark innovative thinking through collaboration and competition. For instance, a current Xprize challenge aimed at improving water desalination technology will run for five years and award $119 million to the winning team.

“Being chosen as XPRIZE’s Canada Hub is a testament to our leadership in innovation and entrepreneurial thinking in Canada,” said Dr. Ed McCauley, president and vice-chancellor, University of Calgary. “We’re excited to see the amazing world-changing ideas and innovations that will come from the hub at UCalgary.”

UCalgary has received $1.5 million in funding from Alberta Technology and Innovation, and an additional $1.5 million from the Opportunity Calgary Investment Fund contributing to a five-year initiative to operate the hub.

Need to know

🏃‍♂️ Two Calgary marathon runners will attempt to run 10 races in 10 days and in 10 provinces to raise funds for youth sports and extracurricular activities.

💭 Separatism remains a hot topic in Alberta, and a check-in by the Canadian Press suggests that Albertans are divided.

🚗 Experts shared how drivers can lower their insurance premiums in the face of rising costs.

👀 A bar brawl early Sunday morning ended with one man suffering stab wounds and others injured.

🚔 Calgary welcomed new police chief Katie McLellan following the sudden departure of Mark Neufeld, who held the position for six years.

🏡 The City of Calgary shared more details for its Downtown Density Bonusing Offset Program, which is intended to encourage new residential developments.

💡 Calgary is using technology to help manage traffic congestion, including drones and artificial intelligence.

💰 A former Calgary real estate agent has been charged with defrauding investment clients. Police say 16 alleged victims lost $1.9 million.

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Back in bloom: 4th street Lilac Festival returns in full colour

Get ready to kick off summer in style—the 4th Street Lilac Festival, a one-day street festival, is back in action on June 1. From 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM the festival will take over the Beltline and Mission neighbourhoods for a day of music, food, shopping, and family fun in the city’s core.

“What started as a small community event has grown into a citywide tradition,” said Jennifer Rempel, the event’s producer. Rempel has led the event for the last 25 years.

“I’m incredibly proud of the team, the talent, and the heart that goes into making the Lilac Festival a place where Calgary comes alive,” she continued.

This year’s event will feature over 600 vendors, multiple performance stages, extended patios, and thousands of Calgarians coming together to enjoy the sights, sounds, and tastes of summer.

Where to eat and drink

🍴 Hayden Block Smoke & Whiskey: Located in Calgary's Kensington district, this eatery is a Texas-style barbecue restaurant and whiskey bar. Hayden Block specializes in smoked meats, including brisket, ribs, and pulled pork, prepared low and slow over 10 to 14 hours.

🍴 Shokunin: All three of Chef Darren MacLean’s restaurants made the ranking of Canada’s 100 best (last week we highlighted Eight), but Shokunin is his flagship. A Japanese izakaya-style restaurant, Skokunin pairs Canadian ingredients and terroir with the philosophy, flavour profiles, and culinary techniques of Japan.

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

Things to do

🎟️ 4th Street Night Market: This Saturday, head over to Central Memorial Park to enjoy live performances, try out new flavours, and shop local vendors — all in a kid- and pet-friendly environment.

🎟️ Oxford Stomp: You’ll need to plan ahead if you want to hear Sheryl Crow, the Sheepdogs, Dear Rouge, and Hotel Mira at the Oxford Stomp in July. The event is now in its 35th year, with proceeds going to the Calgary Food Bank.

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

That’s it!

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We’ll see you back here on Tuesdays and Thursdays, same time, same place!