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We asked whether you trust Calgary's water system to keep up with the city's growth, and cautious optimism won out. A number of you pointed to concerns about the glaciers feeding Calgary's water supply, worried that growth is outpacing what the city can sustainably support long-term. Others tied it back to sprawl, arguing that spreading the city outward puts more strain on the system than building up would. A few also gave credit to how quickly the city responded to recent water main issues, saying it left them feeling more confident that problems will keep getting handled.

👀 In today's edition:

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⛈️ Today: High 16C, Low C. 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.

💻 Keep up-to-date on stories and more at CalgaryCitizen.com

Calgary's Traffic Safety Team has closed out Operation Silent Night, its enforcement push targeting excessive vehicle noise along 17th Avenue S.W., after issuing more than 200 enforcement actions over the course of the campaign. Working alongside Calgary Police Service, officers handed out 240 tickets — including 41 specifically tied to noise violations — plus 40 warnings, addressing ongoing complaints from residents, businesses, and council about noise and safety along the corridor.

Under the city's Traffic Bylaw, a vehicle crosses into excessive-noise territory if it emits more than 92 decibels at idle or more than 96 decibels while moving. Beyond loud exhausts and revving engines, officers also caught drivers speeding, making illegal U-turns, and driving without registration or insurance during the operation.

"Operation Silent Night demonstrated the value of combining officer presence, education, and enforcement to address issues that matter to Calgarians," said Inspector Brad Johnson, head of the Traffic Safety Team. "The results show that when drivers understand the rules and see a visible enforcement presence, we can make a meaningful difference in reducing excessive vehicle noise and improving the quality of life for residents and businesses."

With that campaign finished, the team is turning its attention to playground zones as students head back to class, starting with a rotation through northwest Calgary communities. Playground zones are in effect daily from 7:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. year-round, and speeding fines scale with how far over the limit a driver is caught — $249 for 15 km/h over, climbing to $543 for 30 km/h over, before surcharges and demerits.

"Back-to-school season is one of the busiest times of year around schools and playgrounds," Johnson said. "Slowing down in playground zones is one of the simplest and most effective ways drivers can help keep children safe."

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. Residents can report traffic concerns through the Calgary Police Service's Traffic Reporting page using the Traffic Service Request form.

💔 The Calgary Fire Department added three names to its fallen firefighter memorial this week, honouring members who died from occupational cancers linked to their work.

🪪 Alberta is easing driver's licence renewal rules after a summer surge tied to its new citizenship-marked cards, now accepting recently expired passports and a wider range of citizenship certificates as proof.

🏒 Three Calgary parents are speaking out about a 2024 carbon monoxide scare that sickened over 20 young hockey players, pushing for mandatory CO monitors after learning the rink had none.

⚖️ A four-week trial has begun for a Calgary man accused of sexually assaulting seven underage girls he met on Snapchat, with 28 charges including sexual assault and luring.

🏛️ A Calgary councillor is standing by his decision to leak preliminary budget documents, calling it the right move despite council tension and a request for provincial guidance on confidentiality breaches.

🦴 Archaeologists uncovered new artifacts at the John Ware homestead near Millarville this summer, adding to the record of one of Alberta's first Black settlers and his family's life on the land.

🧑‍🍳 Easy & Healthy Mediterranean Cooking (Everyday Meals) September 17  Improve nutrition for heart health, brain health or general well-being. (Free in-person class from Registered Dietitians).*

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After nearly a decade standing nameless at TELUS Spark, Calgary's beloved scrap-metal Albertosaurus is officially Rusty. The name was revealed at Brainasium Outdoor Park, where young summer campers counted down before unveiling giant letters spelling out the winning name beneath the 30-foot sculpture.

The name came from more than 1,200 submissions gathered through social media, online entries, and colouring sheets filled out by kids across the city. A 10-member Spark Dino Naming Council narrowed the list down over three rounds of voting, weighing kid appeal, science relevance, Calgary connection, and general memorability before landing on three finalists: Rusty, Strata, and Sprocket. Rusty won out, in part for the way it plays off the sculpture's rust-brown finish while offering a natural jumping-off point for talking about chemistry and materials science.

Four-year-old Milan, who submitted the winning name through one of Spark's colouring sheets, was randomly selected from the pool of entrants who suggested it. "There's something pretty special about a four-year-old helping name a Calgary landmark," said Guy Labine, CEO and President of TELUS Spark. "Now one simple name gives families another reason to look closer, ask questions and get curious about the science that's been standing right in front of us for years."

Sophia Langlois, Chair of TELUS Spark's Board of Directors, said the naming process reflected the community spirit behind the project. "Rusty's name came from Calgarians, and today's celebration belongs to them too," she said.

The sculpture, created by Canadian artist Russell Zeid entirely from scrap metal, was once a fixture at Chinook Centre before relocating to TELUS Spark. Rusty now joins the science centre's other familiar faces, including robotic dogs Flint and Steel and Birdly.

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🍴 Native Tongues Taqueria: More than just a taco shop, this spot also serves up chilaquiles, cochinita pibil, and a build-your-own burger, plus a standout salsa tasting flight. Save room for the glazed doughnuts, and pair your meal with something from the extensive tequila and mezcal list.

🍴 Trolley 5: This Beltline brewpub is a Calgary staple, especially when its two street-facing patios open up for summer. Expect a rotating beer lineup alongside pub classics like chicken potstickers, burgers, and pizza, with brewery tours available for anyone curious about how the beer gets made.

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

🎟️ University District Block Party: Retail Main Street celebrates community with live music, a family fun zone, and activations from local businesses on September 13. Free and pet-friendly, running 1 to 4 p.m.

🎟️ Saskatoon Farm Harvest Market: Foothills County marks the season with over 80 vendors, wagon rides, farm-fresh produce, and fall treats on September 12 and 13. Tickets are $9 online (must pre-purchase); kids 10 and under free.

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

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