Calgary Citizen Newsletter Tuesday April 30

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Good morning !

As the city council's largest and longest public hearing ever enters its second week, more than 400 Calgarians have already spoken with more sessions this week. Our former fabulous intern Julie Patton shared a school project with us to help our readers better understand this controversial debate. Patton and her group peers won an award at Mount Royal University for their top Research and Scholarship Days presentation for dissecting the Home is Here housing strategy. Check it out to better understand what it means for the affected groups: Homeowners, renters, and the unhoused.

Krista Sylvester, Managing Editor

👀 In today's edition:

• Save our smalltown theatres

• Denver taps Calgary for ideas

• Mother’s Day events not to miss

Today’s read time: Approx. 4 minutes

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WORTH KNOWING

🌧️ Today: High 6C, Low 1C. 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.

Calgary filmmaker explores the crucial role smalltown theatres play in Alberta and the people behind them

Anytime Calgary filmmaker Levi Holwell drove through Drumheller, he would take note of the old theatre on the street corner and wanted to dig deeper into the story behind it. That’s how the largely self-taught filmmaker’s most recent project came to life. The doc titled Magic Hours is a departure from his previous work. “I found myself thinking about the future of some of our historic movie theatres across the province,” he says, adding it’s not just the costs associated with running them that is the challenge. “One of the main issues is the changing landscape of the entertainment industry, with the rise of streaming services and on-demand viewing options making traditional movie theatres less appealing to some audiences, especially young people.”

Magic Hours reveals the challenges and triumphs of these cultural institutions facing existential threats. Through poignant interviews and captivating visuals, the doc features nine independent theatres across the province and digs into the history of independent theatres and the need to preserve these cherished landmarks. “In Alberta, the theatre scene finds itself in a bit of a state of crisis, with many of its cherished spaces facing the looming threat of closure,” Holwell says. “Despite these daunting odds, a group of incredibly dedicated individuals has stepped forward to ensure these cultural institutions remain integral parts of the community.”

Holwell believes that transitioning small-town theatres to a not-for-profit model offers the most hope for their preservation. “Apart from their historical significance, these theatres are key in cultivating vibrancy and identity within small towns,” he says, adding they serve as tangible reminders of the nostalgic past. “While a movie theatre might not be the sole pulse of a small town, its presence often signifies the economic health of the community.” Holwell says it’s crucial for communities to actively engage and rally behind these cherished institutions. “Quiet apathy and neglect are often the silent culprits behind the demise of these businesses. While many people may express sadness at the thought of losing their local theatre, it’s essential to move beyond mere sentiment and take concrete action to help them survive.”

Magic Hours is available to stream for free on CBC Gem.

Related Story

Need to know

💔 Calgary man who helped his parents get out of Gaza says there’s more work to do.

🔨 A contractor who did work on the Property Brothers apologized in court and told a judge he "screwed up" as he pleaded guilty to charges of forgery.

🌨️ Take those snowbrushes back out: snow and rain expected over the next few days.

🏢 Denver looks to Calgary for solutions to downtown vacancy woes.

🚶 Albertans are concerned about disappearing hiking trails near Calgary due to planned logging.

🪧 Actor and activist Elliot Page is once again calling out Alberta’s government for its “appalling” proposed policies impacting trans youth.

👮 Calgary school principal charged with possessing, accessing child pornography.

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Check out these local Mother’s Day events with the family in May

It’s that time of year again when we celebrate our mothers and there is no shortage of things to do around the city from food and fun to crafts and runs. Here are just a few we think you might enjoy.

What do daddy-long legs spiders and human moms have in common? Find out at Mother’s Day at Spark! This event is your ticket to food, adventure, and discovery in this all-inclusive afternoon brunch that includes admission to the TELUS Spark Science Centre, live science demonstrations, a photo booth and more. Cost is $80 for 13 and above, $40 for youth 3-12, and children under two are free.

Have a proper cup with mum at the Lougheed House. Located on nearly two acres, this sandstone prairie mansion was built in 1891 by Senator Sir James Alexander Lougheed and his wife. They raised their family there, made the home one of the finest residences in Canada’s west, and provided the political and social hub of Calgary until 1936. Treat Mom to a fancy afternoon tea in the historic conservatory on May 11 and 12. Price is $59.95 per person.

Score a sweet swag bag while working those mom muscles at the SportChek Mother’s Day Run, Walk and Wheel. One of Calgary’s largest family fundraising events, it supports both Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities along with the Calgary Health Foundation. All events will start in the east parking lot of Chinook Centre.

Where to eat and drink

🍴 Flirty Bird: This spot now has five locations in Calgary offering Nashville-style hot chicken sandwiches in a variety of spice levels and with classic accompaniments like homemade creamy coleslaw, macaroni salad, and poutine.

🍴 Dinner & A Show: The Patsy Cline Project & Hank Lives: Join Ranchman’s for a night filled with fine country music and delicious food and prepare to get swept away by the exceptional talent of Lisa Brokop and Paul Jefferson on Sunday at 5pm.

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

Local specials

💸 Meow Charity Thrift Shop is offering 25% off all kitchen items and 35% off all bar items until May 5. Take this as an opportunity to donate items from your spring cleaning. 

💸 Hudson’s Bay Seniors' Day is every Tuesday at all Hudson’s Bay locations in Calgary where those aged 55+ can enjoy 15% off their entire purchase in-store only.

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Things to do

🎟️ Jane's Walk Festival: Take part in this global event that takes place each May encouraging Calgarians to wander the streets and check out 50+ colourful murals located downtown the first weekend of May.

🎟️ Cooking When Fatigued May 15: Learn to prepare and cook healthy meals when you live with chronic fatigue or mobility issues related to neurological conditions or arthritis. This free, virtual class is hosted by an AHS registered dietitian and occupational therapist.*

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

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