Nine new office conversions announced for downtown Calgary

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Last week, we asked what you thought about Alberta's government using the notwithstanding clause on laws affecting transgender youth. Just over half of you said it was absolutely wrong, calling it a threat to rights and due process. Several readers expressed concern about the clause's use, with some arguing politicians shouldn't interfere in medical decisions between families and doctors. This week, we're looking at downtown Calgary's transformation, Alberta's plans to use AI for writing legislation, and new winter entertainment.

👀 In today's edition:

• Nine new office conversions announced for downtown

• Quonset Sessions brings live music to a winter venue

• Calgary Transit tests new bench designs at CTrain stations

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QUICK POLL

Nine new office conversions announced for downtown Calgary

Calgary announced details of nine new office conversion projects last week, capping what officials are calling a transformative year for the downtown core. The projects add to growing momentum in the area, which has seen major developments including arts and culture expansions at The Werklund Centre, Glenbow and Contemporary Calgary, construction of Scotia Place, and the unveiling of new public spaces like Eau Claire Plaza.

Mayor Jeromy Farkas said the city has come a long way in a short time. "Just a few short years ago, downtown Calgary was in a tough spot," he said. "Today we are on the path for a strong recovery, spurred on by new investment, innovation, and a sense of optimism and collaboration." He noted that cities around the world are now looking to Calgary as an example of how to inspire strategic investment and meaningful revitalization.

The Downtown Development Incentive program now supports 21 office conversion projects representing $805 million in private investment. For every dollar of public investment, the program generates four dollars in private investment and seven dollars in overall economic impact. Six conversions are already complete, bringing 226 hotel rooms and 490 new homes to the core, including 170 below-market and affordable units.

The nine newly announced projects will convert 947,000 square feet of office space into 972 new homes. Combined with existing projects, the incentive program will ultimately transform over 2.68 million square feet of downtown office space into 2,655 homes. Several of the new conversions plan to offer accessible, below-market and affordable units, supporting what the city calls a diverse and sustainable downtown community.

Need to know

🤖 Alberta plans to use artificial intelligence to draft its upcoming whisky legislation, making it potentially the first Canadian jurisdiction to write laws with AI, though human oversight will ensure accuracy and compliance.

🚇 Calgary Transit is testing steel and concrete bench designs at three CTrain stations as part of a pilot running until November 2026, asking riders to share feedback on which style they prefer for future replacements.

🚊 TD Bank ended its sponsorship of Calgary's downtown free fare zone three years early, prompting questions about the program's future as Calgary Transit reviews its overall fare structure through rider interviews and broader consultation.

🔥 Two people were rushed to hospital in critical condition after a fire tore through two Taradale homes on Saturday afternoon, severely damaging both properties and displacing residents while investigators work to determine the cause.

📚 Alberta's government has released a seven-recommendation report on classroom complexity, including developing class size criteria and hiring more teachers, though the teachers' association says these aren't new ideas and demands immediate action.

🥩 Southern Alberta food banks are asking the province to restart a program covering butchering costs for donated cattle, as ranchers are willing to give livestock but processing each animal costs $600 to $800.

🏒 The Calgary Flames showed their tight-knit bond despite owning the NHL's worst record when Jonathan Huberdeau fought for the first time in seven seasons to defend teammate Matt Coronato after a dangerous hit.

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Inglewood Night Market launches winter music series at Crossroads

The team behind the Inglewood Night Market is bringing summer festival vibes indoors with Quonset Sessions, a new winter music series kicking off December 5 and 6 at The Quonset inside Crossroads Market. The heated venue will feature festival-level sound and lighting, a licensed bar, and space for dancing across two nights of live music.

Opening night on December 5 features Calgary soul-funk ensemble The Mocking Shadows and indie-rock band The Frontiers, with DJ Gummi providing sets throughout the evening. Friday's Latin Heat edition brings Distro Salsa and Klave Latin Band to the stage with salsa, cumbia, merengue and bachata, while DJ Brad keeps the party going between sets.

The Quonset at Crossroads Market, typically home to markets and pop-ups, transforms into a concert venue for the series. Both nights have limited capacity and are expected to sell out, with tickets available through Eventbrite.

Where to eat and drink

🍴 UNA pizza + wine: This neighbourhood pizzeria serves California-influenced thin crust pizzas alongside hand-picked wines, focusing on local ingredients and creating a casual spot for pizza lovers across Calgary.

🍴 The Blackfoot Truckstop Diner: Calgary's oldest 24-hour diner has been serving comfort food classics like shepherd's pie and turkey dinners since 1954, when Edna Taylor opened what became the city's first truck stop within city limits.

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

Things to do

🎟️ Holiday Wonder: Calgary's newest indoor Christmas festival transforms the BMO Centre into an immersive winter wonderland from November 27 to January 3, featuring sparkling light displays and festive attractions for the whole family, with free admission for children three and under.

🎟️ Jingle Bell Jamboree: Blue Grass Garden Centre hosts a family-friendly holiday celebration on November 30 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. with visits from Santa, holiday crafts, a scavenger hunt, s'mores by the fire, and adoptable dogs from Pups with Soul Rescue.

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

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