Calgary Soccer Centre gets a new name and a decade of support

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Good morning !

Last week, we asked what you thought about the recall petitions against 14 UCP MLAs, and 58 per cent of you said it was a good use of accountability. Others worried it's being weaponized or simply distracts from more pressing issues.

This week, we're shifting from provincial politics to local happenings as the holiday season settles in across Calgary—from Heritage Park's festive new train to transit changes and a notable naming sponsorship.

👀 In today's edition:

• A notorious intersection gets new life

• Winter safety for vulnerable Calgarians

• Transit routes face changes citywide

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WORTH KNOWING

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QUICK POLL

Calgary Soccer Centre gets a new name and a decade of support

The Calgary Soccer Centre has a new name and a new partner committed to keeping it thriving for the next decade.

The City of Calgary announced a 10-year naming sponsorship agreement with MaxWell Realty that will officially rename the facility to the MaxWell Soccer Centre. The sponsorship will support day-to-day operations and investments to ensure the centre's long-term sustainability.

"We're proud to work with organizations who care about Calgary," said Jarret Hoebers, manager of recreation service delivery at the City of Calgary. "By working together, we're investing not only in recreation infrastructure but in the spirit of community itself."

Despite the name change, everything else stays the same—the centre remains open and accessible with no changes to programs or services.

MaxWell Realty president Bill Tarrabain said the partnership reflects the company's understanding that community connection matters. "At MaxWell Realty, we understand that a home is more than four walls, it's where people feel connected, supported and inspired," he said in a statement. "That same spirit lives at the MaxWell Soccer Centre, where thousands of families, friends and neighbours come together every year."

The investment aligns with GamePLAN, the city's 25-year strategic plan for recreation that ensures every Calgarian has a place to play, practice, and compete for generations to come.

Need to know

🛢️ Alberta and Ottawa's pipeline pact to the BC coast has drawn mixed reactions from Indigenous groups, with some concerned about late consultation and BC First Nations opposing any exemption to the oil tanker ban.

💧 Calgary lost 22 per cent of its treated water last year to leaky pipes—enough to fill 46 Olympic pools daily—prompting an accelerated program to increase leak detection, pipe replacements, and advanced metering infrastructure.

🚌 Calgary Transit is cancelling Route 70, the Valley Ridge Express to downtown, by year's end due to low ridership, prompting a petition with over 600 signatures and concerns from Ward 1 councillor Kim Tyers.

🏗️ A developer plans to revitalize the notorious "bad luck corner" at 17th Avenue and 14th Street SW with over 300 mixed-use residential units and retail space by 2028, hoping to restore the intersection's former vibrancy.

❄️ Calgary has renewed its extreme weather response program as winter arrives, providing day spaces, shelter transportation, and supplies to help the city's homeless population survive deadly cold temperatures.

🚗 A masked carjacker stole a vehicle while a grandfather was dropping off his grandchild in Walden, then crashed into a power pole and reversed into a fire truck before police arrested the 23-year-old suspect.

🐭 First Street Market food hall in the Beltline was temporarily closed by Alberta Health Services after inspectors discovered pest activity, with all 10 restaurant vendors working to resolve the issue.

🚌 Calgary Transit says it needs an additional $5 million to increase base service to maximum capacity with existing buses, as demand continues rising but on-time performance has dropped to 84.4 per cent due to increased traffic congestion.

All aboard Heritage Park's first-ever winter train

Heritage Park is bringing train rides to winter for the first time with the launch of its Heritage Holiday Train, powered by a newly restored 1951 diesel-electric locomotive that's ready to usher families through a snowy Prairie Christmas.

The train makes its public debut during Once Upon a Christmas on December 6, marking what park officials call a significant step toward year-round rail experiences. The restoration was funded by Prairies Economic Development Canada, Travel Alberta, and the City of Calgary.

"Trains have always been at the heart of the Park's storytelling, so bringing a winter rail experience to our guests is an incredibly meaningful step forward," Heritage Park president and CEO Lindsey Galloway said in a statement. It's a festive experience now, but signals the park's long-term vision for all-season storytelling.

The Heritage Holiday Train runs throughout Once Upon a Christmas on December 6-7, 13-14, and 20-23. Annual members can add the train to their visit or upgrade to exclusive caboose seating, while non-members can book bundled tickets that include both the holiday experience and the train ride.

Where to eat and drink

🍴 Starbelly Open Kitchen: This globally inspired casual dining spot in SE Calgary cooks everything from scratch using locally sourced ingredients, featuring 16 open kitchen bar seats where chefs surprise and delight guests, plus a temperature-controlled glass wine vault and an annual Truffle Week celebration each December.

🍴 NOtaBLE The Steakhouse: Located at 4611 Bowness Road NW, this rustic steakhouse serves 100% Alberta-raised beef wood-fire grilled over hardwood with prairie pride, offering lunch, dinner, brunch, and a full bar in an atmosphere of warm hospitality and Alberta heritage.

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

Things to do

🎟️ Tea With Mrs. Claus: Join Mrs. Claus for a cozy afternoon of storytelling, tea, and treats as she shares heartwarming tales from the North Pole on December 6-7 at Calgary Farmers' Market West and December 13-14 at Calgary Farmers' Market South from 1-3 PM, with tickets at $35 plus fees

🎟️ Light Up the Square: Celebrate the 11th annual community tree lighting on December 6 from 2-6 PM at 5th Street Square (5 St & 7 Ave SE) with firepits, carolers, a hot cider and beer garden by Cold Garden, holiday crafts, a visit from Santa, and the tree lighting at 5:15 PM, plus bring donations for Alpha House's clothing and food drive.

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That’s it!

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