Head to Open Farm Days this weekend

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Good morning !

We’ve got our fair share of homebodies among readers — on Tuesday, most respondents said their ideal weekend would be spent at home. Others shared that they enjoy hiking, whether on city trails or in the mountains, and reader Mauricio told us he’s especially fond of outdoor activities with a cultural twist.

And an administrative note from me, I’m taking a few days off so we’ll be skipping the Tuesday edition of this newsletter next week, but we’ll be back in your inboxes next Thursday. See you then!

👀 In today's edition:

• Is this fire season our new normal?

• Road rage ends with screwdriver stabbing

• Chinese tariff on canola hits Alberta farmers

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WORTH KNOWING

⛅️ 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.

QUICK POLL

Local farms welcome visitors for Open Farm Days this weekend

Looking for a fun weekend activity? More than 155 Alberta farms are opening their gates this Saturday and Sunday (Aug. 16-17) for Open Farm Days, giving families a chance to see where their food comes from and enjoy some rural hospitality. It's all part of Local Food Week, which runs until Saturday and encourages everyone to buy local and support our Alberta producers.

Visitors can take farm tours, pick up fresh Alberta-grown goodies, and even enjoy some amazing farm-to-table meals prepared by talented rural chefs. As local chef Blair Lebsack from RGE RD puts it, "A lot of locally grown ingredients really resonate with Albertans and Canadians. Our wheat and Alberta beef are known around the world." It's a great way to taste the best of what our province has to offer while supporting the hardworking farmers and ranchers in our communities.

This kind of agri-tourism is really taking off, and it's easy to see why. There's something special about connecting with the people who grow our food and learning about farm life. Plus, it's a boost for rural communities when city folks head out to explore. With over 150 farmers markets across the province this summer, there are plenty of ways to support local producers and discover the incredible quality of Alberta-made food.

Need to know

🔥 Wildfires consumed an area equivalent to New Brunswick this year, making 2025 the second-most destructive fire season in Canadian history.

🏠 The city reached a significant housing milestone by approving its 20,000th secondary dwelling unit to help tackle the accommodation shortage.

🚗 A 52-year-old Calgary man was arrested and charged with assault with a weapon after allegedly stabbing another driver with a screwdriver during a traffic altercation in the northeast community of Martindale.

✈️ Hackers infiltrated WestJet's computer systems and accessed passenger data including travel document information, prompting the airline to offer free identity monitoring services.

🐕 In southeast Calgary on Tuesday, an American Pit Bull Terrier attacked a family friend, causing severe facial wounds that required emergency medical treatment, and the owner agreed to have the animal euthanized.

🏗️ Mayor Jyoti Gondek appealed to Prime Minister Carney to fast-track approval for a major cargo processing facility planned for Calgary's southeast edge.

🌾 Alberta canola producers faced significant financial losses after China imposed a 75.8% tariff on Canadian canola imports, which farmers viewed as retaliation for Canada's electric vehicle tariffs and effectively closes off their second-largest export market.

🚰 Eleven University of Calgary engineering students spent a week in May constructing a new water distribution system for the Costa Rican village of Taus, successfully doubling the community's water flow and eliminating supply shortages.

SPONSORED BY BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS OF CALGARY AND AREA

How Ben and Eason have Connected Through Curiosity

Ben, a tech professional in Calgary, was matched with Eason, a curious and driven young mind who shares his passion for STEM. From day one, they discovered common ground. They share an enthusiasm for problem-solving, experimenting, and learning new things. Ben has opened doors for Eason to network, bringing him to events where he can meet and learn from people in the tech and engineering industries.

Regulars at our match events, they are known in our community for showing up, getting involved, and always tackling new challenges together—whether it’s figuring out the greens at our charity golf tournament or diving into a hands-on project.

As a mentor, you’re paired with a young person who shares your interests, giving you both a chance to learn, grow, and inspire one another.

Ben made a difference, just a few hours at a time. Learn how you can too!

Local restaurateur Jenna Bazzana returns with a new café and a nod to family traditions

Calgary’s Downtown West End has a new spot to gather over good food with the opening of Mille Restaurant and Café in the newly refreshed Plaza 1000 at 1000 7 Ave SW. The restaurant is the latest project from local restaurateur Jenna Bazzana, who closed her longtime eatery, Sauce Italian Kitchen, just last year. Mille brings a modern twist to Italian comfort food, with recipes rooted in Bazzana’s family traditions and the welcoming spirit of her Nonna’s table.

Bazzana says Mille came together after an unexpected invitation from developer Astra Group, leading to a signed lease in only six days. “An ending is just a new beginning,” she said, reflecting on the quick turn from closing one chapter to starting another. With its sleek, minimalist design and menu built on heartfelt Italian flavours, Mille aims to bring a touch of refined dining to a corner of the city she feels has been overlooked.

The restaurant’s arrival adds to the growing sense of renewal in the West End, where new businesses, public space upgrades, and creative projects are reshaping the neighbourhood. From 8th Street SW improvements to upcoming university facilities, the area is seeing fresh momentum. Mille now joins that story, offering locals a place to connect, celebrate, and share a meal close to home.

Where to eat and drink

🍴 Sidewalk Citizen Bakery: Stop by this East Village spot where skilled bakers craft outstanding sourdough loaves and buttery pastries alongside satisfying meals that make it worth the trip for both bread lovers and hungry diners.

🍴 I Love You Coffee Shop: Discover this vinyl-spinning Beltline café that channels Japanese jazz bar vibes while welcoming coffee drinkers from dawn to dusk in a relaxed, music-filled setting where you can enjoy both caffeine and atmosphere.

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

Things to do

🎟️ Chinatown Street Festival: Experience the vibrant celebrations of Calgary's diverse Asian heritage at this exciting one-day cultural gathering featuring traditional dance performances, local food vendors, and live entertainment that brings the whole community together in the heart of the historic Chinatown district.

🎟️ Summer Skirmish 2025: Step back through nearly two millennia of military history at this immersive weekend event where costumed reenactors bring Viking raids, medieval battles, and historical warfare to life through interactive demonstrations that let you experience the sights and sounds of combat from ancient times to the modern era.

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

That’s it!

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And before you go, we’d love to know…

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