Calgary Citizen Newsletter Thursday March 20

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Good morning !

Last week, we asked how you felt about daylight saving time, and it seems that most of you barely notice the change! Some of you said that you were fine with an extra coffee or tea in the morning, while others commented that the biggest nuisance was getting the tall ladder out to change the clock on the wall.

👀 In today's edition:

• Thoughts from our readers on Canada’s new PM

• Construction around the Saddledome and BMO Centre

• Keeping Calgarians fed

Get your story told! Promote your business, event, or restaurant in front of 34,000+ engaged locals! Contact our team today.

WORTH KNOWING

☀️ ⛅️ ⛈️ ❄️ Today: High 9C, Low -4C. 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

Readers share positive reflections on Mark Carney

Prime Minister Mark Carney is back on Canadian soil after his first international trip and expected to call an election within a matter of days.

After Carney was chosen as leader of the Liberal Party of Canada and slated to become the country’s next prime minister (which he now is, after being sworn in last week), we asked readers for their thoughts and feelings on the change. Here’s what we heard from two of our audience members:

From Martin:  
I believe it’s time we finally vote and elect a qualified individual whose background and experience qualifies him and speaks to the challenges a head. We’ve too long accepted the negativism and personal attacks directed at the government in power which have deteriorated into personal attacks. This venom has to end and can only be brought about by a leader who speaks to unifying Canada rather than dividing us into geographic factions. Canada is not “Broken”. If one looks at history as a good indicator of future accomplishments it’s clear the Liberal party has been the architect of many of our existing social programs we enjoy today. I don’t wish to see a Trumpian environment existing in Canada with the stripping away of the social programs that exist today and focused on anger, hate and division. Canada is a great country. Let’s keep it that way and support the direction and challenges ahead.

From Tom:
I am feeling more relieved with the Liberal leadership results. I thought Trudeau came into his own under attack by Trump. For 9 years, it seemed to me that he didn't know what kind of leadership he should manifest; it seemed he was floating from issue to issue. While in the last few months he might have followed his instinct and responded naturally with dignity, firmly and strongly to a megalomaniac in the White House. I liked him for that.

Carney has potential. I liked his acceptance speech. I like that he is learning French, for I identify with that. He puts the economy first and support of vulnerable citizens next. He seems determined to create a robust economy which will give the government resources to help the vulnerable.

I don't think it's sustainable for political parties to throw money at the electorate for votes. Canada cannot sustain repeated deficits, year after year.

I am scared of Poilievre taking leadership. His background demonstrates that he and I don't view our national community the same.

Need to know

🦛 The Southcentre Mall has a new look as the Calgary Food Bank’s Canstruction competition heats up. The structures, built out of cans, include a hippopotamus created by the Calgary Co-op and a frog built by Grade 9 students.

🍎 The province announced the creation of 18 new grade schools in Calgary.

🇨🇦 Canada’s iconic department store, Hudson’s Bay, announced that it was liquidating unless an immediate solution emerged. Calgary staff shared their thoughts, with one team member saying, “I’ve worked with the Bay my whole life.”

⛑️ Calgarians are being mindful as Alberta Health Services confirmed cases of measles in the Calgary area.

🍴 Alberta will be joining a federal school lunch program designed to ensure that all students have nutritious lunches daily.

🚧 Officials have advised that construction has begun around the Saddledome and the BMO Centre, causing disruptions for anyone travelling to the area.

🚊 The federal government has approved funding for the Green Line LRT, with construction expected to begin later this year.

💻 Whether you're an established enterprise or a scaling startup, find a co-working space that's right for you. Connect with a WeWork expert today.*

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Nominate a woman making history in Calgary

Heritage Park, a historical village located along the Elbow River, has launched nominations for the Women Making History in Alberta Awards, an annual program that honours extraordinary women across the province who are shaping history through bold leadership, innovation, and transformative contributions to their communities.

“Women have always played a critical role in shaping Alberta’s story, and through these awards, we have the privilege of shining a light on those who are actively creating the next chapter,” said Brittney LaBranche, Heritage Park Society board chair. “We invite Albertans to nominate the remarkable women they know and help us honour their invaluable contributions.”

Nominations are open in four categories:

• Community Builder Award: Honouring Alberta’s women leaders driving lasting change in non-profits, social services and community development.

• Entrepreneurial & Innovator Award: Recognizing Alberta’s trailblazing women in research, innovation and entrepreneurship.

• Vera Burns Award: Honouring Alberta’s pioneering women leaders from the past or those who continue to make change and have exemplified resilience, leadership and a pioneering spirit in Alberta.

• History Maker in the Making Award: Celebrating Alberta’s future women leaders.

Speaking of her 2024 award win, Christine McIver, founder of Kids Cancer Care, said, “I was very honoured to receive this bittersweet recognition which came just months after I retired from an organization I founded over 30 years ago and where I was blessed to work on the creation and funding of programs which brought awareness to those facing the challenges of childhood cancer.”

Nominations can be made online and are open until March 31. An awards luncheon will be held on June 6.

Where to eat and drink

🍴 TPE Dinner Series | Wicked: Head to the Prairie Emporium for a special dinner event that features food, music and drag performances inspired by the famous Broadway musical and film. You’ll enjoy a six-course dinner created by SAIT chef Katelin Bland and cookbook author Dan Clapson, who will draw inspiration from moments throughout Wicked, as well as the land of Oz in general, with a fun à la carte cocktail menu featuring drinks inspired by the musical's key characters.

🍴 Añejo Restaurant: Where else will you find food and drinks inspired by the flavours and culture of Jalisco and Central Mexico? Head to Añejo to try Guajillo ribs, pollo milanesa, and crispy fish tacos—and don’t miss the churros for dessert. If those weren’t enough, the restaurant boasts a tequila menu with over 200 varieties.

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

Things to do

🎟️ Earth Hour Calgary 2025: Head to the Central Library on Saturday to celebrate Earth Hour with free family fun, Indigenous performances, a repair exchange, interactive booths, pedal power bikes, and a dance party.

🎟️ Calgary Retired Teachers Association Art Show: Sponsored by the Calgary Retired Teachers Association, join to browse original artwork in a variety of styles and mediums, meet the artists, and enter to win door prizes. Check out art cards, jewellery, stained glass, and illustrated books. This Saturday from 10am to 4pm at Parkdale United Church, 2919 8th Ave.

🎟️ Tasty, Low Salt Cooking April 1 - Learn how to cook delicious meals with less salt in this FREE in-person cooking demo with registered dietitians from the South Health Campus Wellness Kitchen. Recipes included.*

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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…

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