Calgary Citizen Newsletter Tuesday Nov. 7

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Good morning, there!

People who greet strangers at least once a week are three times more likely to be happy than those who don’t, according to a new study. The GenWell Project and researchers at Simon Fraser University shared that more than 90% of the time when we speak to strangers, both parties have a positive experience. Talking to strangers can also increase optimism, trust, happiness, and compassion. Those findings led to the creation of GenWell Project’s Talk To A Stranger Week Nov. 20-26, intended to create awareness of the benefits of talking to strangers.

I already do this because I love those little interactions with strangers that can never be replicated and it always gives me a boost. I have a few memories of moments with strangers that made an impact that I will never forget. I’m inviting you to share any of your special, funny, or just weird moments with strangers and I will share some next week! Send yours to [email protected].

- Krista Sylvester, Managing Editor

👀 In today's edition:

• More secondary suites could be on the way

• Stunning Northern Lights captured in photos

• YYC student earns prestigious scholarship

Today’s read time: Approx. 4 minutes

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WORTH KNOWING

☁️ Today: High 9C, Low -3C. 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.

More Calgarians are applying to build secondary suites in their homes

The city is hoping that a rise in the number of applications for secondary suites in new communities will result in more affordable housing and more housing options. Numbers released Monday show that applications rose by 114% in the third quarter of this year compared to Q3 2022 with a total of 762 secondary suite building permit applications.

According to Global News, one industry insider says it isn’t only Calgary owners looking to secondary suites to make an extra income as a lot of out-of-province owners are also investing.

As the Calgary Herald explains, city council is considering extending the amnesty program timeline to continue to waive fees to develop or register secondary suites until 2026, a measure that has been in place since 2018.

As City News reports, there is increased demand for basement suites and secondary suites due to rising inflation and higher mortgage payments.

Related Story

Need to know

🌌 'Out of this world': Calgarians take in stunning Northern Lights display over the weekend—you need to check these photos out!

💔 A Calgary dog owner says their 12-year-old Beagle was killed by other dogs while on walk.

🎤 Calgary singer Tate McRae is scheduled to appear on Saturday Night Live as a musical guest.

💊 New data shows that Alberta and Calgary are experiencing their worst opioid death rates on record.

🏗️ The last remaining buildings from Calgary's second Chinatown will soon be demolished.

👩🏽‍🍳 Tasty, Low Salt Cooking Nov 21 - Learn how to cook delicious meals with less salt in this free virtual cooking demo with registered dietitians from the South Health Campus Wellness Kitchen. Recipes included!*

👮 Calgary police say charges have been laid after a poppy donation box was stolen from a gas station.

⛲ A Historic Calgary intersection has returned to being a park like it was in the 1930s.

💸 The Calgary veterans food bank is under increased demand: ‘It’s pretty much doubled’.

*Sponsored Listing

COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT

Calgary student earns prestigious scholarship to fuel her science and technology journey

Driven by a love for learning, Dr. E.P. Scarlett High School 2023 Nigerian-Canadian graduate Tumi Fabiyi was recently awarded the prestigious Amazon Future Engineer scholarship. The scholarship aims to remove the financial burden for exceptional university students from underserved and underrepresented communities. Fabiyi more than fits the bill with her exceptional academic and extracurricular achievements, as well as her advocacy for diversity in science and technology. We spoke with Fabiyi about her science and tech journey.

Tell us about yourself and what led you to pursue science and technology.

Throughout high school, I took every opportunity to learn about tech and be a leader for inclusivity and equity in my community. I am driven by my love of learning, problem-solving, and social consciousness, which are inspired by my background and upbringing. Despite growing up without as many opportunities, I was fascinated by science and technology. I was always tinkering with things to learn how they worked, and immersing myself in STEM programs at my school or library.

What do you love about the science and tech field?

I love science and tech because of the potential for endless creativity and the means to solve the world’s most pressing issues. What excites me the most about engineering is how it challenges my thinking and pushes me to solve problems in innovative ways using diverse perspectives. In robotics or computer science classes, I fell in love with the process of creating, applying, and improving when things didn't work out.

What do you want to do when you're done with your schooling?

Once I’m done with school, I hope to delve into AI research, robotics, and drone imaging technologies for the purposes of mitigating the effects of climate change and supporting demining efforts in developing nations. I also plan to give back to my community and continue my passion for community service. By mentoring and speaking to aspiring engineers, continuing to volunteer my time with organizations I believe in, and starting my own initiatives, I hope to stay true to my roots and inspire others.

Things to do

🎟️ Composition: A Songwriter’s Retreat: Are you a Canadian singer-songwriter? Sign up for the Blue Jay Sessions’ new three-day songwriter’s retreat to hone your skills.

🎟️  Calgary Hitmen vs. Edmonton Oil Kings: On Friday, bring the kids to the Saddledome to check out the Hitmen game as they take on their northern rivals. Tickets start at $18.

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

Where to eat & drink

🍴 Traylor Parker’s: Recently opened at Big Rock, Traylor Parker’s offers an authentic Texas BBQ menu with staples like brisket, ribs, turkey, and pulled pork!

🍴 Oakberry: Have you checked out this newly opened downtown spot yet? This global chain is known for its healthy snacks in the form of açaí bowls and smoothies.

🍴 Luubaan Restaurant: Enjoy East African food with a tantalizing selection of traditional Somali dishes and a menu that showcases the rich flavours and spices of the region.

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

Local specials

💸 Yoga Santosha: Interested in a yoga membership? For your first month at Santosha, purchase a discounted intro membership for $49.

💸 Bottlescrew Bills: The last Thursday of every month means 40% off all packaged beers that are over $8.

💸 Stage West: Join Stage West on Wednesdays for a night of seasoned delight, where seniors can savour a delectable dinner and a live performance for just $75.

Know of any hot specials or deals? Message us and we might share it!

That’s it! Thanks for reading. If you have a hot story tip you want to share, feel free to reply back anytime.

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

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