Calgary Citizen Newsletter Tuesday Feb. 25

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Good morning !

With all of this talk from Trump about becoming America’s 51st state, we thought it was a good time to check in with our readers to get their thoughts on the matter. So, we are curious: Would you want to become a part of the USA? Why or why not? Send us your thoughts and feelings to [email protected] and we will craft together a story with the feedback we receive. Let us know what you love about Canada if you want to stay, and let us know what you think is appealing if you want to go and we will share the results either Thursday or Tuesday. Have a good week!

👀 In today's edition:

• “Quiet apathy and neglect”

• USA vs. Canada billboards popping up

• Family mourns good Samaritan killed

• Get a jump on garden season

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 8C, Low 0C. See the 7-day forecast.

🚗 Driving today? Check the current traffic situation, and find the city’s traffic report and road closures.

QUICK POLL

“Quiet apathy and neglect”: Calgary doc filmmaker explores the downfall of small-town theatres in Alberta

If you’ve ever driven through Drumheller, you might have noticed a quaint historic theatre on one of the street corners. It’s one of those things that is a rarity these days, with even Calgary only having a couple left (The Globe and Plaza Theatre). Calgary filmmaker Levi Holwell wanted to capture the rise and fall of old school theatres in his documentary titled Magic Hours, which reveals the challenges and triumphs of these cultural institutions facing existential threats.

“I found myself thinking about the future of some of our historic movie theatres across the province,” he says. “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. 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 discovered that it’s not just the costs associated with running these relics 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.”

Through poignant interviews and captivating visuals, the documentary features nine independent theatres across the province and digs into the history of independent theatres and the need to preserve these cherished landmarks. 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.”

You can support Calgary’s theatre scene next month by attending the Calgary Underground Film Festival at Globe Theatre from April 17-27.

Related Story

Need to know

🍁 A 'Premier Trump, Province of America' sign seen on a local bus shelter has been taken down, as the company that manages the advertising on the shelter is calling it vandalism. Meanwhile, a billboard promoting the idea of Alberta joining the USA has popped up north of Calgary.

🏥 Alberta to build two involuntary addiction treatment centres in Calgary, Edmonton.

💔 Family mourns a man killed while trying to calm a dispute during an after-hours party.

🏠️ An $8.8M Calgary mansion with Guggenheim-inspired glass dome is now for sale.

❤️ 'Trying to stay strong': Ukrainians in Calgary reflect on three years of war.

❄️ The city is reminding homeowners to keep their sidewalks safe as the warmer temperatures melt the snow into ice.

👮 Peace officers will soon be under the temporary command of the city’s police in an effort to crack down on fentanyl and social disorder, as per a provincial request.

🪧 Around 800 support staff at the Calgary Board of Education and another 350 from the Calgary Catholic School District walked off the job Monday.

🚓 A man was rushed to hospital in critical condition after a shooting between two vehicles.

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It’s never too early for Calgary’s green thumbs to start planning their spring gardening

OK, we know it’s still technically winter but we also know how fast spring garden season creeps up and how fast it’s gone again. From seasonal garden centres to year-round facilities, there are many locally-owned garden centres to choose from and we wanted to share a few of our favourites to get your green thumb ready for spring.

Country Gardens and Nursery: This longtime Springbank greenhouse offers a variety of plants from herbs and vegetables, to roses and perennials and there’s no shortage of diverse options.

Golden Acre Home and Garden: Located in the city’s northeast, Golden Acre offers a wide variety of gardening products as well as webinars to learn to plant seeds, germinate, and care for plants.

Greengate Garden Centres: Located on McLeod Trail, this garden centre already has its Begonia Bulbs arriving for spring season. We personally love the indoor tropical options and bonsai plants.

Plantation Garden Centre: This 4th Street NW garden centre is known for its extensive selection of plants, including unique and hard-to-find varieties. They also offer gardening supplies, tools, and accessories, along with workshops and events.

Spruce It Up Garden Centre: Located just south of the city, this centre is open year-round and offers a wide variety of plants, including tropical, perennials, trees, and shrubs.

Where to eat and drink

🍴 Krooked Provisions: This popular spot located at Fresh and Local Market and Kitchens is known for its home-made sauerkraut, pierogies, sandwiches, borscht, mac and cheese, and more. We simply can’t get enough of the dill pickle pierogies!

🍴 COBS Bread: On March 1, celebrate Hot Cross Buns Day at COBS Bread by playing a rendition of "hot cross buns” and get a free, baked-from-scratch, handcrafted hot cross bun.

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

Things to do

🎟️ The Rule of Jenny Pen: On Wednesday at 7pm, CUFF is bringing this gripping New Zealand horror film starring John Lithgow and Geoffrey Rush to Globe Cinema for Off the Cuff.

🎟️ The Oratory Live Talk Show: On March 1, head to Contemporary Calgary for an evening of connection, creative expression, and healing through art, play, and storytelling. A meal will be provided to the Walker Foundation’s “Feed the Streets” program for each person in attendance.

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

That’s it!

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And before you go, we’d love to know…

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