Calgary Citizen Newsletter Thursday July 27

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Good morning, there!

The 17th annual Calgary Fringe Festival launches on Aug. 4 in Inglewood and I’m excited to check out the diverse and eclectic shows during the eight-day festival. With local gems and International treasures, there’s something for everyone. For local acts, I’m excited to check out Date Night, Gameshow 33, and Drag Me Kicking and Screaming. I hope you have a fun Fringe Festival experience!

- Krista Sylvester, Managing Editor

👀 In today's edition:

• Calgary clinic still under fire for charging

• Two people dead in a house fire

• A fun event for a serious cause

Today’s read time: Approx. 4 minutes

WORTH KNOWING

🌧️ Today: High 22C, Low 11C. 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

Calgary clinic controversy makes news across Canada: To pay or not to pay to see a doctor?

A Calgary medical clinic is under fire for offering a membership program where patients can pay $4,800 per year for a two-parent family membership, covering two adults and their dependent children or $2,200 for an adult membership.

Clinic speaks out: Dr. Sally Talbot-Jones, owner and manager of the Marda Loop Medical Clinic, told CBC News that she struggled with the decision for a year but says the clinic has been struggling and wanted to give its patients options.

A “concerning precedent”: The Alberta NDP and Friends of Medicare are speaking out against the move, saying the province needs to put a stop to a Calgary clinic planning to charge annual fees for faster access to a physician, as Global News has reported.

Not the only one: As CBC News reports, the Marda Loop clinic isn’t the only one offering a membership system as the health-care system struggles under the weight of increased pressure.

Warning from Feds: Health Canada says the move to charge its patients a fee to gain faster access to a family doctor could be breaching Medicare laws and says Alberta risks losing federal transfer health payments if Premier Danielle Smith doesn’t act, according to CTV News.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT

Need to know

🔥 A house fire in the city’s southwest has killed two people while two escaped unharmed. (Global News)

👮 After slamming a handcuffed woman to the ground face first, a police officer will not serve jail time despite being found guilty of assault. (CTV)

🐁 A Calgary restaurant was forced to close after officials uncovered a major mouse infestation and a myriad of other safety violations. (City News)

🚔 A stolen truck led police on an hours-long chase through the city, resulting in multiple charges against three people. (Calgary Herald)

🚙 Hundreds of car enthusiasts are travelling across the province as summer car show season is in full swing for Albertans. (CBC)

💔 Divers found the body of a Calgary man while pulling garbage from the river during the Shambhala Music Festival in BC. (Info News)

🐧 The Calgary Zoo’s newest Humboldt penguin chick is a male! A name for the chick will be shared in the coming weeks.

🎪 A combination of acrobatics and the art of clowning, the internationally-acclaimed Cirque du Soleil production KOOZA is coming to Calgary.

🦮 The demand for certified assistance dogs from the Pacific Assistance Dogs Society and National Service Dogs has increased and both are looking for volunteers.

🐪 The Calgary Zoo recently chose to euthanize its 11-year-old male camel due to declining health.

🎨 An Alberta public art installation is one of 100 finalists internationally for a prestigious award and you can vote online by July 31.

🎸 Calgary-born vintage pop soulster Jeff Eager has released a new lead single for his upcoming album.

🚸 Bored kids? Calgary's Child Magazine is here to help! Calgary’s Child Magazine’s free weekly newsletter is packed with family-friendly activities, local events, excursions, and giveaways. Sign up here and never hear “I’m bored” again!

COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT

Amplifying local musicians, supporting charity, and making a change at A Not So Silent Summer

Calgarians are set to gather for an unforgettable night of local music, DJ beats, and patio vibes, all while raising money and awareness for the local charity #NotInMyCity (NIMC). Hosted by L&M Productions, A Not So Silent Summer is one of many A Not So Silent Events that the group has put on for NIMC. Since 2019, L&M has raised $80,000 for the cause and continues to raise funds and awareness against human trafficking and sexual exploitation. This summer’s event will take place July 28 at the Calgary Marriott Downtown Hotel and features three local artists as well DJ sets.

We caught up with Morgan Melnyk from L&M Productions to learn more about the event and its cause.

Where to eat and drink

🍴 PB & J YYC: Calgary’s only sandwich shop dedicated to PB & J, this shop offers all kinds of unique peanut butter sandwiches made with homemade, freshly ground nut butter.

🍴 Dorian Uncovered: The Dorian Hotel has launched its third-floor patio space, which is the perfect setting for any event. Additionally, a skilled culinary team will be at your disposal in the space.

🍴 Bike and Brew: Combining cycling with coffee, Bike and Brew’s cafe serves quality coffee, tea, and beer. The experienced and passionate baristas create delicious beverages for all to enjoy!

Local specials

💸 Golfuture: At the classic driving range of Golfuture, golfers can hit unlimited balls for just $22 an hour. Fore!

💸 Trop: Stop in for weekend brunch at Trop and indulge in $5 Caesars and $6 mimosas from 11am to 2pm.

💸 Sammie Cafe: Enjoy happy hour at this Marda Loop stop by indulging in $12 sandwiches and $6 beers from 4 to 6pm!

🗓 Things to do

Thursday

• Pinball Flip Frenzy: Think you're the pinball wizard? Enter Revival Brewcade’s pinball tournament every second Thursday—all skill levels are welcome! Just $10 to enter, try your hand at Revival Brewcade on July 27.

• Pints & Photography: Test the latest Sony Alpha camera equipment while sipping on local beer and snapping photos! Hosted by The Camera Store at RAD Studio on July 27.

Friday

• Calgary Night Market: Head over to the Calgary Night Market to support local vendors and try delicious food! The night market is held at the Bridgeland Community Association on July 28.

• RuPaul's Drag Race: Fans of the popular TV show can catch Werq the World Tour at Jubilee Auditorium on July 28.

Saturday

• Flip the Script: Join Fort Calgary for the opening of its new art exhibit, which features more than 150 artists. The event is free to attend at Fort Calgary on July 29.

• South Asian Food Festival: A cultural gathering featuring food from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, and more, stop in for the festival at Temple Community Association on July 29.

Sunday

• Yoga With Adoptable Puppies: The cutest fitness class in town, bring a mat and enjoy some yoga with puppies! Taking place at Eau Claire on July 30.

• BanglaFest: Join the Bangladeshi Society of Calgary for its inaugural Bangladeshi cultural extravaganza! A diverse array of talented artists will hit the stage downtown on July 30.

Monday

• International Blues Festival: A full week of concerts, workshops, and events, the 19th annual Calgary International Blues Festival is back at Shaw Millennium Park from July 31 to Aug. 6

• Ziggy Alberts: With captivating live performances, Australian singer-songwriter Ziggy Alberts has fans all over the world. Catch his Rewind Tour at The Palace Theatre on July 31.

That’s it! Thanks for reading. If you have a hot story tip you want to share, feel free to reply back anytime.

We’ll see you back here on Tuesday, same time, same place!

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