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Pumpkin season is in full swing, and this week's events lean right into it. Calaway Park's Halloweekends is on through Thanksgiving Monday, with a costume parade every afternoon, and Cobb's Adventure Park has a pumpkin patch open Fridays through Sundays if you'd rather pick one out for carving. Either works for a family outing, especially with the long weekend coming up.

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Calgary's blue carts and community recycling depots can now take a wider range of household packaging, as of October 1. The change comes from the second phase of Alberta's Extended Producer Responsibility rules, which put manufacturers and brands in charge of the packaging they supply and aim for the same materials to be accepted in recycling programs across the province.

Four categories of packaging that used to end up in the trash are now accepted: foam items like egg cartons, takeout containers and foam blocks; aerosol cans for things like cooking spray, sunscreen and hairspray; flexible plastic such as chip bags and granola bar wrappers; and tubes, including toothpaste and deodorant containers.

"It's a practical improvement that makes recycling easier and more convenient for households across the city," said Sharon Howland, Leader, Program Management, Waste & Recycling Services.

Anything going in the cart should be emptied and rinsed or wiped out, and placed in loose rather than bagged. Collection days aren't changing.

Residents won't see any difference on their ENMAX bills. With producers now covering most recycling costs, the city already lowered the single-family blue cart fee on April 1, 2025, saving each household $7.17 a year.

Multi-family buildings are included too. Property managers and condo boards can register with Circular Materials to get free collection and the updated list of accepted materials.

The full list is at calgary.ca/recyclemore, and 311 can answer questions.

🔥 One person is in life-threatening condition after a fire at a gas plant east of Calgary near Hussar on Friday. Two workers were injured, and nearby homes were briefly evacuated.

🚇 Mayor Jeromy Farkas wants to pitch a plan for the Green Line through downtown that includes a short underground tunnel funded with federal help. The province says a downtown tunnel is not on the table.

🔪 A man was fatally stabbed in East Village on Friday night after what police believe was a fight between two men who knew each other. The suspect fled and remains at large.

🏇 A Calgary company has acquired Alberta's Century Downs and Century Mile racetracks for about $23.2 million. Industry leaders say it's a vote of confidence as horse racing struggles elsewhere in Western Canada.

☕ Deerhead Cafe says it has been overwhelmed by community support after asking for help to stay open. The family-owned business is still facing significant debt and back rent.

🚲 Coun. Dan McLean wants Calgary to pause bike lanes that remove traffic lanes or parking until the province brings in new rules. Another councillor is pushing back on the idea of pausing projects already underway.

🚨 Redcliff RCMP are asking for help identifying a man who allegedly approached a 12-year-old girl at a park in July and asked if she wanted a ride in his vehicle. She didn't get in and wasn't hurt.

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Two 1956 cars are among the draws at this year's Trellis Society Soirée, a black-tie fundraiser at the BMO Centre on October 24. A Calgary collector gave both in a single donation: a Mercedes-Benz 300SL "Gullwing" and an Austin-Healey 100M. They got a preview at the Rogers Charity Classic in August and will be on display at the Soirée, where the auction officially opens.

Proceeds will be shared between Trellis and the Alberta Children's Hospital Foundation. Trellis's portion moves it closer to its goal of 250 new affordable housing units in Calgary by 2030, while the foundation's share goes to its Emerging Adult Mental Health program, which serves people aged 16 to 24. Overall, the evening raises money for youth and families dealing with homelessness, poverty and mental health challenges.

A silent auction rounds out the fundraising, with a range of experiences and packages donated by local businesses. Bidding starts October 5 and closes at 10:30 p.m. on the night of the event, and can be done online at growwithtrellis.ca/soiree or in person during the cocktail reception. A separate live auction of premium items and experiences takes place from the stage, for attendees only.

Maillot Homes and the rest of this year's sponsors are covering event costs up front, which Angela Clarke, Chief Strategy Officer of the Trellis Society, says means "every dollar raised on October 24 goes directly to programs for youth and families."

Last year's Soirée raised more than $1.3 million for Trellis programs. Matching donors are again doubling what comes in through auction purchases and direct donations, so every $100 given or bid is worth $200 to the cause.

🍴The Guild: A downtown restaurant in a heritage building on Stephen Avenue, built around live-fire cooking and Alberta beef. Look for steak frites, a burger, and house sausage, plus a Tuesday steak-and-wine pairing for two. It also has one of the city's bigger patios.

🍴Bar Chouette: This Beltline restaurant and cocktail bar puts a modern spin on French-leaning classics, with a menu that plays with familiar flavours in unexpected ways. The vibe is warm, eclectic, and made for gathering with friends and neighbours.

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

🎟️ Halloweekends: Calaway Park's friendly Halloween celebration runs weekends and Thanksgiving Monday through October 12, with a stroll through Hallotown, meet-and-greets in the Enchanted Forest, and a daily parade at 3:30 p.m. Regular admission applies.

🎟️ Pumpkin Palooza: Cobb's Adventure Park invites families to wander a pumpkin patch, snap photos, and pick out a pumpkin to carve. Runs Fridays through Sundays, plus Thanksgiving Monday, from October 2 to 25, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tickets are $21.95 online.

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

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