Calgary Citizen Newsletter Tuesday Sept. 26

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Good morning, there!

If you haven’t had a chance to enjoy the Calgary International Film Festival yet, there’s still just under a week left to get your butt in those cinema seats. Tonight, I’m checking out Cynara, a Canadian riveting true-crime investigative documentary. On Thursday, I’m excited to check out I’m Just Here for the Riot, about the Vancouver riots after the Canucks Stanley Cup loss in 2011. On Sunday, I might catch Anatomy of a Fall to wrap up the festival for another year.

- Krista Sylvester, Managing Editor 

👀 In today's edition:

• Creative people, creative solutions

• What’s wrong with our tap water?

• Local filmmaker makes CIFF debut

Today’s read time: Approx. 4 minutes

QUICK POLL

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WORTH KNOWING

⛅ Today: High 21C, Low 5C. 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.

Taking matters into his own hands, one Calgary artist is creating spaces for creatives

Creative people come up with creative solutions. That’s why it’s no surprise that as artists in Calgary struggle to find space, a crafty man has turned an unusual district into an arts community. Well, it’s not quite a community yet, but Douglas McKeag has a vision for what it could be. Inglewood is home to numerous breweries, shops, and scrap yards and there’s one colourful building that stands out.

Supporting local artists: McKeag is an actor and real estate entrepreneur who bought the BonnyBoom building with The Old Trout Puppet Workshop in mind because the group needed a new space to workshop puppets and props.

Still dreaming: McKeag isn’t done yet, as he has many visions for what BonnyBoom and his blooming arts community could be. He hopes to build a small theatre, put on an arts festival, hold galleries, and host many events.

Read the full story to learn more about McKeag’s plans.

Related Story

Need to know

🚰 It’s not your imagination: smelly and off-tasting tap water has been happening in households across the city and this is why.

🐆 There’s been a wildlife warning after a cougar was caught on camera in southwest Calgary.

💰 A partial settlement has been approved in the Calgary Stampede abuse lawsuit: 'A good first step'.

💔 A man is in life-threatening condition after an incident at a Calgary pub holding an eating contest.

👮 Four people have been charged after a man was kidnapped and assaulted in a southeast community.

⚖️ A bylaw that puts a buffer between protesters and drag events is facing a legal challenge.

🫶 'Critical for healing': Alberta's first mental-health park opens in Calgary to much appreciation.

❤️ A cancer diagnosis has prompted a Calgary auctioneer to look for bids on his own company.

🏠 Buying a house costs a lot less in Edmonton than in Calgary and this is why.

COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT

Calgary writer and filmmaker’s film screened at the Calgary International Film Festival

Local writer and filmmaker Sandi Somers screened her film Hailey Rose at the Calgary International Film Festival. The film is a fun, brightly executed, family dynamic dramedy filled with quirky characters and explosive drama. Somers began the project a few years ago with a variety of talented Alberta filmmakers.

Tell us about your film?

Hailey Rose is the story of a twenty-something Hailey who ran away from her mother and her coastal Nova Scotia hometown when she was eighteen. After a decade of silence from her family, Hailey's frantic sister Rose calls with news compelling her to come home—only to discover a stunning surprise. It is a project that’s close to my heart. I started writing it quite a few years ago and put it on hold to work on my first feature, Ice Blue.

What inspired the film and how will the audience relate to it?

In many ways, it’s a homecoming story not just for the character but also for myself. Having grown up on Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia, and then moving to Calgary over 30 years ago, I feel as though I have two places I call home. This film is in many ways an homage to my hometown and those people who helped me build a strong foundation. The themes are universal, ones I’m sure many people can relate to within their own lives and family stories.

Things to do

🎟️ Ruben & Clay: Twenty | The Tour: Join two of the most beloved American Idol contestants ever as Ruben Studdard and Clay Aiken stop at the Jack Singer Concert Hall on Sept. 29.

🎟️ Cocktails for Critters: Join the Calgary Humane Society for its annual gala raising funds for the vulnerable animals in our community. The gala will take place at The Westin Calgary on Sept. 29.

🎟️ Tasty, Low Salt Cooking Oct 10: Learn how to cook delicious dips and sauces with less salt in this FREE virtual cooking demo with registered dietitians from the South Health Campus Wellness Kitchen. Recipes included!*

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

*Sponsored Listing

Where to eat & drink

🍴 Happy Cup serves refreshing fruit smoothies with boba, as well as your choice of either a cold or warm tea for those extra chilly days.

🍴 Mighty Halifax is a Halifax-style donair restaurant that will satisfy your cravings for the coast with menu items such as donair egg rolls, fish and chips, burgers, swag, and more!

🍴 Original Joes: The Tuesday wing spot where you can sink your teeth into a plate of half-priced wings after 2pm.

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

Local specials

💸 Nerd Skates: If you’re thinking of getting into some roller skating, check out Nerd Roller Skates’ last chance and discounted skates!

💸 Calaway Park: Gather a group of 12 or more friends and enjoy a thrilling day for only $37+GST per person, with a bonus complimentary ticket offered for every 12 tickets purchased. Head there before the park closes for the season on Oct. 9.

💸 South Block BBQ: Every day after 10pm grab meats like brisket, pork belly, turkey, ribs, and pork for half off!

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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