- Calgary Citizen
- Posts
- Bird flu prompts closure of Butterfield Acres petting farm
Bird flu prompts closure of Butterfield Acres petting farm
Plus, HallowSTEAM's creepy-crawly science wraps up at month's end

Good morning !
Last week, we asked how you feel about wildlife in your neighborhoods. Your responses ranged from "we need to share the earth with wildlife—it's their home too" to genuine fears about safety and property damage. Some of you love the coyotes and bobcats, while others are "petrified" by what's showing up in backyards—especially when grandchildren are playing outside. This local tension mirrors what happened at Johnston Canyon this week, where hikers came face-to-face with a grizzly on one of Banff's busiest trails, proving that wild animals don't always avoid crowded spaces.
👀 In today's edition:
Controversial development moves forward despite opposition
Wildlife encounters continue across the region
Classroom challenges persist as strike enters third week
Get your story told! Promote your business, event, or restaurant in front of 30,000+ engaged locals! Contact our team today.
WORTH KNOWING
☀️ Today: High 13C, Low 0C. See the 7-day forecast.
🚗 Driving today? Check the current traffic situation, and find the city’s traffic report and road closures.
⚠️ Here’s the current smoke forecast / check Calgary wildfire and fire restrictions and the Alberta Wildfire Dashboard.
QUICK POLL
Do you feel safe as a pedestrian in Calgary? |
Bird flu prompts closure of Butterfield Acres petting farm
A popular petting farm northwest of Calgary has been shut down after health officials confirmed nine cases of avian flu in its birds. Butterfield Acres in Foothills County closed voluntarily on October 13th, but Alberta Health Services made it official with a closure order four days later. The farm won't reopen until public health inspectors give it the all-clear.
If you visited the farm between October 6th and 12th, health officials want you to keep an eye out for symptoms like fever, cough, sore throat, or pink eye over the next 10 days. The good news? The risk to people is low, since bird flu mostly affects, well, birds. But if you do start feeling sick, isolate at home and call Health Link at 811 to get assessed and possibly tested.
The timing is unfortunate for a family spot that's usually buzzing with visitors during the fall. If you're feeling fine, there's no need to panic—just watch for any symptoms in the coming days. And if you have questions, Health Link nurses are available around the clock at 811.
Need to know
🏫 Rural Alberta teachers said they face unique strike-related challenges including unfilled positions, split-grade classrooms, and concerns that proposed pay changes could eliminate salary incentives for working outside cities.
🎭 Calgary's Fluid Fest dance festival expanded to four weeks this year, featuring performances from African youth circus to works exploring motherhood and racism through November 8th.
🔪 Calgary police arrested three people for questioning after a man suffered multiple stab wounds in northeast Marlborough on Sunday, requiring hospitalization with initially life-threatening injuries now upgraded to stable.
🏔️ Construction on homes and a wildlife underpass is expected to begin next year for Canmore's controversial Three Sisters development, which could eventually double the town's population despite environmental concerns.
🐻 Hikers at Johnston Canyon in Banff encountered a grizzly bear on the popular trail this week, prompting closures and reminders that bears can appear even on busy paths as they grow accustomed to human activity.
🚶 A 69-year-old woman sustained life-altering injuries after being hit in a northwest Calgary crosswalk on Sunday, the latest incident in a year that has seen 11 pedestrian deaths and over 300 collisions.
📚 Alberta students entered their third week without classes as Premier Danielle Smith warned she would legislate striking teachers back to work by October 27th if no agreement is reached, while a labour relations professor cautioned that such action could leave underlying issues unresolved and deepen teacher frustration.
SPONSORED BY BC DAIRY
When land, culture & food collide
Erik Blaney, a farmer on Tla’amin Nation land, is reviving generations of tradition by planting food, building processing capacity, and nurturing community resilience. He fights climate shocks, systemic barriers, and disconnection — all while turning soil into sovereignty, healing, and hope. Read more.
HallowSTEAM's creepy-crawly science wraps up at month's end
There's still time to experience TELUS Spark's HallowSTEAM: Webs, Wings & Wiggly Things before October ends. The month-long celebration puts bugs, worms, and all things creepy at the centre of hands-on science fun, inviting visitors to get up close with live insects, dissect earthworms in the lab, and explore why these creatures are essential to our ecosystems—all while enjoying themed treats and activities throughout the science centre.
Catch local science educator Georgia Blum and her collection of beetles, bugs, and other creatures during weekend sessions and on Halloween Day, where guests can hold and observe nature's smallest residents. Steven's Lab is still hosting daily worm dissections called The Crawling Dead through the end of the month, giving visitors a chance to explore earthworm anatomy. The Creative Kids Museum continues to offer activities designed for younger scientists, including wiggly worm races for children ages eight and under.
Don't miss Halloween Day itself, which wraps up the month with costume parades, candy at 2 p.m., mask-making crafts, and a special kids' sleepover for those who want to spend the night at the science centre. Hungry guests can still fuel their adventures with spooky-themed menu items like the Monster Finger Dog, Ghosts Cheese Pizza, and the Wiggly Worm Dirt Sundae. General admission includes access to most activities, though some workshops and adult experiences require separate tickets.
Where to eat and drink
🍴 Alumni Sandwiches: Sink your teeth into elevated comfort food at this retro-inspired eatery on 17th Avenue, where you'll find everything from spicy fried chicken creations to hearty classics, all served alongside specialty sides and a full bar.
🍴 Super Variety: Head to this Inglewood daytime spot for inventive sandwiches that go beyond the ordinary, along with unique highball drinks and a small retail section offering specialty imported provisions.
Have a food or drink suggestion? Message us and we might share it!
Things to do
🎟️ Indigenous Science Night at TELUS Spark: Explore the ancient wisdom held within rocks through Elder teachings, hands-on workshops in flint knapping and clay art, a cooking demonstration with Cree Chef Shane Chartrand using traditional earth ovens, live music, and telescope stargazing at this celebration of Indigenous knowledge on October 24.
🎟️ Electronics Recycling Drive at Southcentre Mall: Clear out your old computers, printers, phones, and tech accessories responsibly at this free drop-off event in partnership with the Electronic Recycling Association, running from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the southeast parking lot on October 25.
Have an event suggestion? Message us and we might share it!
That’s it!
Thanks for reading today. If you found something interesting, please forward this email to another Calgarian and tell them to sign up!
And before you go, we’d love to know…
What did you think of today's newsletter? |
We’ll see you back here on Tuesdays and Thursdays, same time, same place!

Reply