Calgary Citizen newsletter Tuesday Jan. 7

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Good morning !

Happy New Year! We don't know about you but that little break felt like it went so fast but it was much needed! It’s our first day back and we wanted to give you a glimpse into the biggest stories of the past year and what’s going to cost more for Calgarians this year. Enjoy the newsletter and we will be back in your inbox on Thursday with our regular coverage.

👀 In today's edition:

• The biggest stories of 2024

• Woman stuck in Mexico after husband’s death

• City council gets another raise

• Here’s what is going to cost more in 2025

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WORTH KNOWING

⛅️ Today: High 2C, Low -9C. See the 7-day forecast.

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

QUICK POLL

Looking back at the city’s biggest stories of the year

It was quite the rollercoaster year for Calgary as several splashy news items hit the headlines throughout the year. Here is a look at some of the biggest stories of 2024.

The massive water main line break captured headlines this summer, prompting warnings from city officials that the city could run out of water and this is what a professor says we learned.

The Green line controversy between the city and the province dominated headlines near the end of the year.

That massive August hailstorm in Calgary resulted in nearly $2.8 billion in insured damage.

Earlier this year, a recall Mayor Gondek campaign failed but also highlighted the mayor’s low approval ratings.

The death of former Calgary Flame Johnny Gaudreau and his brother rippled through the community.

The double murder of a school teacher and her father resulted in a police alert and set off a manhunt to end the year in tragedy.

Related Story

Need to know

💸 Calgary council gets pay raise for fourth straight year with a 3.07% bump - this is what they’re now paid.

💔 Alberta family navigates vacation death nightmare: ‘Basically stuck there’ after death.

✈️ Family returns from Christmas vacation to discover their car had been stolen from the airport.

🚅 The future of the Green Line LRT will be decided by city council in the new year as questions remain over costs and legal risks to the city.

🪧 Calgary's lone Liberal MP thanks Trudeau, but says it was time for the prime minister to go in light of resignation announcement.

⛅️ Warm up on the way for the city after a cold start to 2025.

📱 Police are asking for the public's help to identify a woman they say is believed to be selling fake iPhones.

⛽️ CBC digs into why gas prices are so different in Calgary depending on the station.

👮 Police say four people face a total of 17 charges following an investigation into a suspected fentanyl distribution operation.

🪦 Remembering former Calgary mayor Rod Sykes, who has died at 95.

Things are going to cost a little more in 2025

With the new calendar year means a new set of city fees in a time that the high cost of living is at the top of mind for many Calgarians. Here is a list of what’s going to cost more in 2025 as of Jan. 1.

TRANSIT:

Adult monthly passes go from $115 to $118, while youth monthly passes go from $84 to $86 in September. The price for a single-use fare for adult passengers went up 10 cents, from $3.70 to $3.80, while a single-use ticket for youth ages 13 to 17 increased from $2.50 to $2.55. The regular senior annual pass will cost $159 now from $154.50 and for low-income seniors it goes from $31 to $32.

CITY RECREATION:

The city’s rec Plus Pass includes access to all leisure centres, including facilities with climbing walls, water parks and wave pools, and racquetball and squash courts. The adult monthly Rec Plus Pass will increase from $66.90 to $68.65, while a regular rec pass will increase from $56.60 to $58.05 per month. The cost of a Rec Plus Pass for users 65 and older increased from $43.10 to $45.80 and a regular monthly pass rose from $36.40 to $38.65 for seniors. A Rec Plus Pass for youth 13 to 17 is now $34.30 and the regular monthly pass is now $29.

CITY PROPERTY TAXES/UTILITIES:

The city says a typical detached home valued at $700,000 will pay an extra $8.37 per month in property taxes and $5.09 per month in waste, recycling and water utilities. The way the city calculates the electricity franchise fee/local access fee could mean some Calgarians' ENMAX bills may decrease from more than $11 a month to less than $8 a month.

Where to eat and drink

🍴 Baskin Robbins: This ice cream icon is back in Alberta, with its newest shop located in Southcentre Mall. The iconic brand is offering the beloved 31 flavours (and more) that have delighted customers for decades.

🍴 Egg & Spoon: Egg & Spoon was created with a motivation to provide locally sourced ingredients in a diverse menu with a fresh, forward-thinking approach that will appeal to everyone.

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

Things to do

🎟️ Beetlejuice: It’s showtime! Based on Tim Burton’s dearly beloved film, this hilarious musical tells the story of Lydia Deetz, a strange and unusual teenager whose whole life changes when she meets a recently deceased couple and a demon with a thing for stripes. From Jan. 7-10 at the Jubilee.

🎟️ Easy & Healthy Mediterranean Cooking January 22 – Discover great flavours and improve your nutrition with recipes and tips for heart health, brain health or general well-being. (Free virtual class led by AHS Registered Dietitians)*

🎟️ Food & Nutrition: Cancer Recovery for People with Eating Challenges Jan 23 and 30. Learn tips for regaining health during cancer treatment through good nutrition with other survivors. (Free 2-session program by AHS Dietitians) 587-747-0260.*

*Sponsored Listing

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!