Calgary Citizen Newsletter Tuesday Feb. 4

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Good morning !

On a whim, I entered into this year’s Calgary Underground Film Festival 48-hour moviemaking challenge, which is shown during the late-April festival that we love so much. Listen, I’m not promising it’s going to be good but I jumped at the chance to throw my name into the mix with just a few spots left and I made the cut! No, I’ve never made a film before, but filmmaking has been an untapped passion of mine so why not have some fun with it? I’m also waiting to hear back about a grant application for my eight-episode video podcast called “Sondering Strangers” that I want to produce, direct and co-host. Fingers crossed that I get good news about that grant in late May so that I can bring that project to life!

👀 In today's edition:

• Tariffs, trade wars, and truces

• SOS: Have you seen this dog?

• Porch pirates caught red-handed

• Explore Egypt from right here in YYC

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WORTH KNOWING

❄️ BRRRR! It’s cold! Today: High -22C, Low -26C. See the 7-day forecast.

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

QUICK POLL

Calgary businesses and organizations react to tariff and trade war rollercoaster

It’s been a whirlwind few days as trade tensions between Canada and the U.S. have been flaring up leaving many local businesses and organizations forced to make contingency plans. While a last-minute deal between Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and President Donald Trump has at least paused the trade war tariff exchange for 30 days, many local businesses were planning ways they can alleviate the impact.

Wise Guys Liquor Store owner Sean Semark has always been a supporter of local beers and products when possible but he told Calgary Citizen he would be investing in more Canadian products in light of the 25% tariffs Trump threatened to take hold today. “My shop has always prioritized local products and we are constantly rotating Alberta-made beers on our shelves. But now, more than ever, we will be doubling down on our local purchasing,” Semark said before the pause was announced Monday.

He didn’t plan to remove any US products from shelves, but Semark was pondering if he would restock them when they run out. For now he doesn’t have to make that decision, but he wants to do the right thing for his loyal customers if the time comes. “Our role as a liquor store is to allow customers to make their own choices when shopping with us. I’m optimistic that our customers will make the right choice without having to necessarily point them in the right direction.”

The threat of 25% trade tariffs and 10% on energy exports was creating a lot of fear and uncertainty for Canadian businesses, including right here in Calgary. The Calgary Chamber of Commerce says its members are deeply concerned by the consequences these types of trade wars will have on businesses and workers across the country.

“We have been clear: tariffs are bad economic policy—whether imposed by the U.S. or as retaliation—with the consequences borne by Canadians, Americans and businesses on both sides of the border," says Deborah Yedlin, president and CEO of the Chamber.

For now, Canadians can breathe easy—at least for the next 30 days.

Related Story

Need to know

📦️ A woman’s quick reaction was caught on camera as she stopped would-be thieves trying to lift a package from her front door—and you have to see this!

💔  ‘I’d do anything for her’: A local family is frantic after their beloved dog who was accidentally let out of their back gate by a utility employee.

💸 At least one Calgary bar is considering ditching American booze amid trade tensions.

❄️ Cold and slippery conditions across the city during the latest winter wave have left dozens of crashes in just a few days.

👮 The public inquiry for a local care worker who was stabbed to death on the job has started.

🥶 The extreme cold that’s gripping the city is leading to concerns for the vulnerable population.

🐅 The Calgary Zoo is planning a series of habitat redevelopments before its 2029 centennial.

🏘️ Calgary home sales are down 12% in January, but numbers are still above the seasonal average.

⚖️ TRIGGER WARNING: 'I can't stop crying': Jurors hear tearful 911 call from 90-year-old sexual assault victim.

Visit Egypt without even getting on a plane with Horizon of Khufu at Chinook Centre

Imagine a space of nearly 10,000 square feet where you’re transported to Cairo and can freely wander through Ancient Egypt with your friends and family. If you want to discover another era in an entirely unique way, head to Chinook Centre for Horizon of Khufu. The dates of the exhibition have been extended two extra months (until March) due to the popularity. Besides visiting the incredible exhibition ourselves, we also spoke with PHI Studio’s Myriam Achard who says this immersive exhibit offers the incredible feeling of being in Egypt—and we agree!

Can you share some of the finer details of the tour? A key element of Horizon of Khufu is Mona, the virtual guide who accompanies you throughout the experience. Mona is an Egyptologist who provides fascinating insights and stories that bring ancient Egypt to life. The experience was developed in collaboration with professor Peter Der Manuelian, an Egyptologist from Harvard. His expertise ensured the scientific accuracy of the site’s reconstruction and the re-enactment of ancient practices. Every detail, from the architectural features to the cultural elements, has been carefully crafted to create an authentic and captivating experience.

Obviously, the exhibition is super popular. Can you share some of the feedback you've heard? The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. Visitors often describe the experience as “magical” and “astonishingly realistic.” Families love the way it blends learning with fun, and many say they feel as though they’ve travelled to Egypt without leaving their city. One visitor said, “It felt like stepping back in time to ancient Egypt.”

Tell us about the technology. Horizon of Khufu is a walkable, virtual reality immersive experience. The technology tracks your movements in the space, ensuring that you can freely explore without running into obstacles. This tracking also allows you to see the avatars of other participants, making it a shared and social experience. The sound is integrated into the headset, which enhances the immersion by surrounding you with the sounds of ancient Egypt as you explore.

Lastly, why Egypt? Egypt has an unparalleled ability to inspire awe and wonder. It’s a place of timeless fascination, where history, mythology, and culture converge. Visitors not only dream of exploring the grandeur of ancient Egypt but also learn about its incredible history. Egypt allows us to tap into both the magical and the educational aspects of immersive storytelling, making it the perfect setting for this groundbreaking experience.

Where to eat and drink

🍴 Sweet Pea Afternoon Tea-YYC: Did you know this cute tea shop exists in southeast Calgary’s Copperfield? We didn’t either, but we can’t wait to check out the afternoon tea experience. You can also enjoy afternoon tea boxes to go!

🍴 Taco Libre: This authentic Mexican spot has only been open for a few months and is already garnering rave reviews. We heard the food is pretty delicious and people love the staff. Apparently there is even a mushroom taco!

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

Things to do

🎟️ Murder Mystery at the Park: Heritage Park is hosting A Wedding to Die For on select dates until April 5. Set in 1922 at the charming Wainwright Hotel during the prohibition era, this three-act murder mystery will keep guests on the edge of their seats.

🎟️ A Tribute to Bob Marley: On Feb. 8 head to Jack Singer to celebrate reggae icon Bob Marley’s 80th birthday celebration as the Calgary Phil and Arts Commons present a brand-new orchestral experience through their Legends of Reggae series.

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

That’s it!

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