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Turns out most of you aren't sold on butter-dipped soft serve. We asked if you'd try it, and most readers said pass, with a few calling it downright unappetizing. A smaller group was on board, reasoning that butter, cream, and sugar are basically the building blocks of every good dessert anyway. Either way, it sounds like this one's staying a niche treat for now.

👀 In today's edition:

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⛈️ Today: High 17C, Low 11C. 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.

Calgary's Traffic Safety Team has kicked off a month-long enforcement push targeting excessive vehicle noise along 17 Avenue S.W. Running through August, the effort — done in partnership with Calgary Police Service — focuses on afternoons and evenings and follows ongoing complaints from residents, council, and local businesses.

Drivers with modified exhausts, blaring stereos, or vehicles that rev, squeal, or roar louder than legal limits can expect closer monitoring, education, and fines. Penalties include $270 for exceeding noise limits and $300 for refusing a noise test, and altering a vehicle's exhaust system to make it louder is itself a violation of the Traffic Safety Act.

"Reducing unnecessary vehicle noise creates quieter, safer streets and a more enjoyable environment for everyone who lives, works and visits these areas," said Inspector Brad Johnson, head of the Traffic Safety Team, noting noise complaints are a top summer concern for Calgarians.

Ward 8 Coun. Nathaniel Schmidt said the campaign addresses a real quality-of-life issue. "Residents should be able to sit on a patio or sleep with the window open without a vehicle roaring past and drowning everything out," he said, adding there's more work ahead but calling the initiative an important step.

Ernie Tsu, owner of Trolley 5 Brewpub on 17th Avenue, welcomed the enforcement, saying it supports local businesses and helps keep the strip enjoyable for residents and visitors alike.

The Traffic Safety Team was created by council in November 2023 with $1.69 million in funding and includes eight peace officers, two sergeants, and one inspector. It began operations in March 2025 focused on speeding near playgrounds, and is now shifting toward noise complaints as those calls typically rise in summer.

Anyone who wants to report a noisy vehicle can call the Calgary Police Service's non-emergency line at 403-266-1234, or reach out through 311 by phone, app, or online. Urgent safety concerns should go to 911.

💧 A water main break in Bowness left about 20 businesses without water and opened a sinkhole outside a local brewery, forcing it to close for the weekend.

🏊 Prairie Winds Park's water playground is closed after three E. coli cases linked to the site. Anyone who visited between July 25 and August 4 may have been exposed.

🚨 A petition backed by a Calgary MP is calling for a stronger alert system for missing, vulnerable children after Parker's death. Advocates say the current 48-hour wait is too long.

⛽ Calgary is proposing to raise natural gas franchise fees, adding about $2.45 to the average monthly bill starting in 2027. Farkas says he supports it if the extra revenue goes to infrastructure.

⚠️ A CBC investigation traced a large white supremacist group's second annual national meeting to a community hall near Millarville, about 70 km southwest of Calgary. Local residents say they had no idea, and RCMP say they're monitoring hate-motivated crime nationally.

🏡 Adult children of seniors are helping their parents decide whether to age in place. This free guide helps everyone figure it out together.*

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Mateína’s new Zero Sugar line delivers smooth, organic energy from yerba mate — no crash, no weird ingredients. With clean caffeine and theobromine, it supports lasting focus and mental clarity. It’s plant-powered fuel that helps you stay sharp, alert, and energized — without the sugar. Try it out today.

Calgary is asking residents to give Stephen Avenue another look this summer through a new initiative called See You on Stephen Avenue. The City and community partners are rolling out a mix of investments, promotions, and partnerships aimed at drawing more people downtown and supporting the businesses along the historic strip.

"Stephen Avenue is a cornerstone of downtown Calgary and a key part of our city's identity," said Mayor Jeromy Farkas. "We're inviting people to come downtown, explore what's new and support the businesses that make this street unique."

The initiative builds on the recent completion of the first block of the Stephen Avenue Revitalization Project, between 1 Street S.E. and Centre Street. As part of the initiative, Explore Downtown YYC is offering free evening and weekend parking at the nearby Harmony Parkade through June 2027. Other pieces include better lighting and cleaning, a gift card contest backed by the Calgary Downtown Association, patio promotions, and continued partnerships focused on drawing visitors to the area.

A new Stephen Avenue Safety Hub is also part of the plan, bringing together Calgary Police Service, Community Standards, Transit Public Safety, and community partners in one central spot on the avenue to coordinate and respond to concerns in an area that has historically seen a high volume of service calls.

"A vibrant downtown depends on people feeling comfortable spending time on Stephen Avenue," said Calgary Police Service Chief Katie McLellan. "The Safety Hub helps us work alongside our partners to support businesses, connect vulnerable individuals with services and contribute to a positive experience for everyone who visits the area."

More than 50 businesses and public spaces along Stephen Avenue are expected to benefit from the initiative, which organizers say is meant to support the street's long-term success as one of Calgary's most recognizable gathering places.

🍴 Vero: Chef Jenny brings regional Italian, Spanish, and French cooking to Calgary, sourcing ingredients like Puglian burrata and Spanish Jamón Ibérico through her yearly trips to Europe. It's ranked among Canada's top restaurants.

🍴 The Eden: A family-run Inglewood bistro, opened in 2017 and led by chef Dirk McCabe. Built on word of mouth and a warm, neighbourhood feel.

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

🎟️ The Pink Pop Party: A pop-music celebration for kids hits The Palace Theatre on August 16, with tributes to Taylor Swift, Sabrina Carpenter, and Olivia Rodrigo, plus dancers and glitter stations. Runs noon to 4 p.m.; minors must be accompanied by an adult. Tickets are down to the last release.

🎟️ Alberta Open Farm Days: Farms, ranches, and food producers across the province open their gates August 15 and 16 for tours, tastings, and a firsthand look at where your food comes from. Free to attend.

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

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