Canada’s first dementia-inclusive park

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Good morning !

Last week, we asked how you were feeling about the possibility of a teachers strike in Alberta this year. Although some people were understandably concerned about disruptions to schooling, the majority (62%) were supportive of teachers’ demands.

Here’s some of what readers had to say:

• “Teaching in the classroom is so difficult now from when I taught 20 years ago. Teachers face large class size, diverse students (slow learners, non-english students, behaviour problems, special needs) all without the help of assistants, special resource classes, etc.)”

• “The issues teachers have to deal with are overwhelming. Behavioural issues, disrespectful students, lack of support from parents.”

• “These school children have had to survive the pandemic, more disruptions to their learning are not appreciated. However, I am well aware that teachers, particularly in this province, are not treated with the respect and salary they deserve.”

👀 In today's edition:

• Calgary youth deploy bear spray at bus station

• Closed door meeting between Carney and energy execs

• Commemorating Calgary’s first gay bar

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WORTH KNOWING

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QUICK POLL

Calgary breaks ground on Canada’s first dementia-inclusive park

A new kind of green space is taking root in southeast Calgary, as Parks Foundation celebrates the groundbreaking of the Martin Family Legacy Garden—Canada’s first public park designed specifically for people living with dementia and their caregivers. The project, which broke ground during National AccessAbility Week, aims to create a safe, peaceful, and inclusive space in the Dover community. With completion expected in 2026, the park is being built near key care centres such as Bethany Riverview and the Greater Forest Lawn 55+ Society, making it accessible for many of the Calgarians it’s intended to serve.

The design of the park was informed by extensive consultation with caregivers, health professionals, and dementia experts. Features will include flat, looping pathways, noise-buffering landscaping, and enhanced signage to support wayfinding. Shaded seating areas and a central community plaza will offer opportunities for rest and social connection, while a play structure encourages intergenerational interaction—recognizing that many caregivers are also parenting young children. The park is part of the City of Calgary’s broader commitment to making public spaces more equitable and accessible for all residents.

Support for the Martin Family Legacy Garden has come from a wide range of partners, including The City of Calgary, Alzheimer Calgary, and the Province of Alberta, as well as community donors like the Martin and Richardson families. For many, the project is deeply personal. Patty Orr, who cared for her mother living with dementia, said she sees the garden as a tribute to the values her mother held: inclusivity, community, and access to nature. Through their collective efforts, the project’s backers hope the garden will become a place of connection, healing, and dignity for years to come.

Need to know

🏳️‍🌈 Canada Post has released a new stamp to commemorate Club Carousel, Calgary’s first gay bar, which opened in 1970.

💔 Two young men have died following an off-road collision involving dirt bikes. Police are still investigating the crash.

⭐️ Calgary businessman and philanthropist Jim Gray was recognized for his work through the MindFuel Foundation, which Gray founded in the 1980s under the name Alberta Science Foundation.

🚨 Five Calgary youth have been charged after an altercation between two groups at a bus stop ended with bear spray being discharged.

💔 A man has died after reportedly falling from a Victoria Park condo tower on Sunday morning.

👀 Calgary company Mr. Mike's Plumbing has been charged with 11 violations under the Occupational Health and Safety Act. In 2023, a young apprentice plumber died on a work site while employed by the company.

🧵 Prime Minister Mark Carney was in Calgary over the weekend to meet with oil and gas executives in a closed-door meeting.

💻 Whether you're an established enterprise or a scaling startup, find a co-working space that's right for you. Connect with a WeWork expert today.*

*Sponsored Listing

SPONSORED BY RED ROOSTER WINERY

Red Rooster Winery welcomes you

Red Rooster Winery is now open for the season
Perched on the Naramata Bench just five minutes from Penticton, Red Rooster Winery is your must-visit destination this season. Soak in panoramic views, sip bold wines, and embrace the laid-back vibe that makes every visit feel like a getaway.

Open daily | 11am – 5pm

Tasting Experiences
Whether you're new to wine or a seasoned sipper, we’ve crafted two unforgettable ways to experience Red Rooster.

Flight Club
First rule? Always taste the wine. Enjoy a relaxed, standing tasting of four distinctive wines at the bar, paired with behind-the-scenes insights from our passionate team.

The Roost Reserve
Take your time with a seated tasting of six premium wines. This guided experience is designed for curious palates ready to explore deeper stories and bold, elegant pours.

Sip, savour, soak in the views— click here to book your Naramata Wine Escape today!

Pop-up sushi bar brings Tokyo-inspired nights to Calgary

A new dining concept is coming to Calgary for a limited time, offering an immersive taste of Japanese late-night culture. Oori Nori, a 30-seat hand roll bar and cocktail lounge, is taking over the former Sensei Bar space on 14th Street SW for just 100 nights this summer. Opening June 6, the pop-up will run Thursday through Saturday evenings until early September, bringing with it a tightly curated menu of made-to-order hand rolls, small share plates, and a sake-forward drink list.

Created by the team behind local favourite OLEA, Oori Nori is something of a culinary experiment. Channelling the energy of Tokyo street corners after dark—graffiti-splashed walls, low lighting, and a thrum of curiosity—the space is designed to be both intimate and interactive. Culinary director Ryan Blackwell describes the experience as “a creative lab,” where food is crafted in real time and designed to spark conversation, experiment with flavour, and leave guests wondering what’s next.

The pop-up is part of a larger plan to rotate bold culinary concepts through the same space, using each run as a way to test ideas and push Calgary’s food scene in new directions. With only three nights a week and a limited window to visit, Oori Nori offers a fleeting but flavourful glimpse into what might be the next big thing in local dining.

Where to eat and drink

🍴 Kati Kati Dessert: This local café blends the comfort of traditional Thai desserts with creative twists, offering a menu packed with buttery toasts, fluffy Bingsu, and freshly made croffles. Each dish is thoughtfully crafted to bring a taste of Thailand's rich dessert culture to the heart of the city.

🍴 Rising Tides Taproom: This community-driven space is rooted in the belief that collective support uplifts everyone, showcasing local craft beverages and creating an inclusive environment for all. With a welcoming vibe, new drink releases, and soul-warming food from Vamos Tacos, it’s a hub for connection—especially for Calgary’s 2SLGBTQIA+ community.

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

Things to do

🎟️ The Wilde on 27 X Teatro Restaurante Chef Collaboration: For one night only, The Wilde on 27 will host a nine-course tasting menu created by chefs Aron Auty and Camilo Kobek, highlighting seasonal ingredients and bold culinary technique. With limited seating and optional wine pairings, reservations are required for this elevated dining experience.

🎟️ Calgary Wild at Home: Calgary Wild FC plays at McMahon Stadium on June 6 against the Halifax Tides in the Northern Super League. It’s a chance to catch competitive women’s soccer and enjoy a lively local sports atmosphere.

🎟️ Cancer Recovery: Cooking for Taste & Swallowing Difficulties - June 11. Join other cancer survivors to learn nutrition tips to help with eating challenges due to cancer treatment. Caregivers welcome. (Free, in-person program by AHS Dietitians).*

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