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The Calgary Bike Swap returns May 2 at Vivo for Healthier Generations, with every bike tech-checked for safety before it hits the floor. But this year comes with a bigger ask: founders Chris and Laura Grant say they can no longer fund the event on their own after 15 years and are looking for community members to help carry it forward. If this event matters to you, now's the time to show it.

👀 In today's edition:

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🌤️ Today: High 2C, Low -8C. 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.

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For 15 years, Chris and Laura Grant have run the Calgary Bike Swap — a tech-checked, theft-flagged used bicycle marketplace that has quietly become a lifeline for more than 30 community organizations, from recovery foundations to refugee support groups. This year's event takes place May 2 at Vivo for Healthier Generations in northeast Calgary, and it could be one of the last.

In a candid message to the community, the Grants say they can no longer fund the event themselves. Despite submitting 45 grant applications across categories ranging from technology to cycling education, they've received nothing — and are currently dipping into their retirement savings to keep it going.

"In the current landscape, one group consistently receives all the grant funding," they wrote. "We aren't the only nonprofit that has lost funding, but we are all silent."

The stakes are real. The Bike Swap supports more than 100 community alliances, donates rebuilt bikes to marginalized families, survivors of human trafficking, newcomers, and people with disabilities, and runs the only nationally recognized cycling education program in Canada. Last year, bike donations dropped by half while demand increased.

The May 2 event runs from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with consignment drop-off in the morning and sales opening at 2:30 p.m. Volunteers are needed and get first pick of bikes. Those interested in helping secure the event's future beyond 2026 can reach out directly to Chris and Laura.

💻 Calgary-based CoolIT Systems is being acquired by U.S. company Ecolab for $4.75 billion US in what's being called one of the city's biggest tech deals ever. The company's 650 employees are set to receive average payouts of around $240,000 US each.

🩸 A Calgary for-profit plasma clinic run by Grifols was rated non-compliant by Health Canada in December after inspectors found problems with donor assessment, equipment maintenance, staff training, and record-keeping. The company says it is working to address the findings.

⚕️ Alberta's proposed Bill 18 would limit access to medical assistance in dying to patients expected to die within 12 months, drawing strong opposition from 25 health-care workers who say the legislation undermines professional judgment and removes patient autonomy.

🏠 The Calgary Drop-In Centre says it does not expect the upcoming closure of the Sheldon Chumir supervised consumption site to significantly strain its capacity, though it notes demand for its services remains high and the broader system requires coordinated support.

🚨 A man in his 20s has died following a domestic assault at a southeast Calgary home earlier this week. Police are still searching for suspects and say there is no risk to the broader public.

🔍 Calgary police are investigating a serious assault in the northeast community of Rundle after being called to the scene Sunday evening. Few details have been released.

🧑‍🍳 Easy & Healthy Mediterranean Cooking (Fresh & Flavourful) April 15 Improve nutrition for heart health, brain health or general well-being. (Free ONLINE class from Dietitians).*

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As Calgary works through repairs to the Bearspaw South Feeder Main, TELUS Spark Science Centre is joining the city's call for water conservation — and its building design means it was already doing more than most.

As a LEED Gold-certified facility, Spark collects rainfall and snowfall from its roof, filters it through vortex separators, and stores it in underground cisterns to flush toilets and urinals — reducing its reliance on city water by roughly 60 per cent. Stormwater from parking areas feeds a retention pond used to irrigate 12 surrounding acres, and native drought-tolerant plants keep outdoor municipal water use close to zero.

The centre is also encouraging visitors to follow the city's conservation guidelines during the repair period: shorter showers, full loads only, and flushing toilets only when needed. For more information, visit sparkscience.ca.

🍴 Yim Siam Thai Street Food: A family-owned spot on Macleod Trail SW, Yim Siam was born out of a desire to bring the street food of Bangkok to Calgary — the owners grew up around it and have been in Canada since 2003. The vibe is warm and casual, the kind of place that feels more like a friend's house than a restaurant.

🍴Garbanzo's: A Bridgeland staple serving bold, Greek-inspired Mediterranean food out of a spot inside Blush Lane, Garbanzo's does pitas, bowls, and sides built around juicy grilled meats, vibrant house-made dips, and generous portions. There's also a downtown location in Gulf Canada Square for weekday lunches.

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

🎟️ Easter Egg-Venture at Spruce Meadows: Spruce Meadows is hosting a family Easter event on Saturday, April 4 (11 a.m.–3 p.m.) with Calgary's biggest egg hunt, a chance to win $10,000 in cash prizes via hidden hand-blown glass eggs, food trucks, a goat petting zoo, face painting, and bouncy castles. Tickets are $15 plus GST, with children under three free and a 20% discount when you buy four or more.

🎟️ Easter Egg-Stravaganza at Bowness Community Association: Taylor Markets is bringing its fourth annual Easter market to the Bowness Community Association on Saturday, April 4 (10 a.m.–4 p.m.), with 70 local vendors, food trucks, pony rides, face painting, crafting workshops, and free pictures with the Easter Bunny. Admission, parking, and loot bags for the first 100 families are all free.

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

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We’ll see you back here on Tuesdays and Thursdays, same time, same place!