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We asked whether the City of Calgary should put more money into the Werklund Centre modernization, and readers were genuinely split. Some argued arts and culture spaces are worth the investment and shouldn't be the first thing cut from city budgets, while others felt the money would be better spent on roads and aging infrastructure. A good chunk landed in the middle, saying they'd support it only if the province and federal government chip in too.

👀 In today's edition:

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⛈️Today: High 31C, Low 15C. 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

River Hall, the City of Calgary's free downtown gathering space, is back for a third season starting July 23 and running through September 27. Last summer the temporary hub drew more than 10,000 visitors, hosted 34 events, and partnered with over 80 local programming groups — and this year it's expanding to four days a week for its first 10 weeks.

Set up in a parking lot at Lot 6, 311 8th Street S.W., River Hall turns the site into an outdoor destination overlooking the Bow River. Ten shipping containers house local vendors selling everything from craft beer and cocktails to coffee, fried chicken, and ice cream, and the space includes a stage for live music and DJs, shaded picnic areas, and family activities. Shirley's Greenhouse also returns this year, offering fresh produce through Calgary's Farm Stand Program on select dates. Admission is free, pets are welcome, and the event runs Thursdays and Fridays from 5 to 10 p.m. and weekends from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

"What makes River Hall special is that it's completely free and designed for everyone," said Carlie Ferguson, Leader of Strategy & Placemaking with the City's Downtown Strategy team. She said the space is meant to make downtown feel welcoming and accessible, whether people are stopping by after work or spending a Saturday afternoon with family.

Kate W. Mak, founder of Mynah School of Yoga, which runs classes at the site, said the space offers something rare in a busy city — a place to slow down and connect without needing a ticket or membership.

The season kicks off Thursday, July 23, with performances from Back & Forth, Jadé, Jenuiine, and DJ Sonidef, alongside a first look at the site's expanded greenspace and programming. If a summer evening downtown sounds appealing, this is shaping up to be the place to be.

🏥 Advocates want the federal government to boost health funding with conditions attached, fearing Alberta's new dual-practice model could erode universal care. Over 100 protesters rallied outside the premiers' meeting in Charlottetown.

🦟 Alberta's heavy mosquito season is driving more cases of "skeeter syndrome" in kids — a strong but not dangerous allergic reaction to bites. Experts link it to a wet summer and newcomers unaccustomed to mosquitoes.

🏳️‍🌈 The University of Calgary won't officially march in this year's Pride parade after organizers requested it opt out, though student groups can still take part.

🗳️ Mail-in ballot applications are open for Alberta's Oct. 19 referendum on separation, immigration, and constitutional reform. Elections Alberta is hiring 60,000 workers to run the vote.

🌪️ Alberta has hit 26 confirmed tornadoes in 2026, its highest count in nearly 40 years, driven by unusually wet conditions.

⚽ Calgary Wild FC lost their fifth straight match, falling 2-1 to league-leading Ottawa despite an equalizer from Kahli Johnson.

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If you've ever thought about setting a pet goldfish free in a local pond instead of flushing it, Alberta's government has a message for you: please don't. A goldfish recently pulled from a stormwater pond in Okotoks made the rounds for its size alone — 30 centimetres long, 2.4 pounds, roughly the size of a dinner plate. But behind the eye-catching photo is a problem showing up in ponds and waterways across the province.

Goldfish are one of Alberta's most disruptive invasive species once they're loose in the wild. What starts as one unwanted pet can turn into a serious infestation fast — a single released goldfish can produce an estimated 40,000 offspring within three years, breeding up to three times a year. From there, they crowd out native fish for food, damage aquatic plants, and drag down water quality as their numbers grow.

The tricky part is there's no simple fix once they've settled in. Because there's no way to remove just the goldfish without affecting every other fish in that pond or lake, the province says prevention really is the only reliable solution. That's the thinking behind its "Don't Let It Loose" campaign, which reminds Albertans never to release aquarium pets, water garden plants, live bait, or extra sportfish into local rivers, lakes, ponds, or storm drains.

"Goldfish belong in aquariums, not in Alberta's waters," said Grant Hunter, Minister of Environment and Protected Areas. "Don't let it loose. Report sightings of invasive fish and help protect Alberta's ecosystems by following the law."

There's also a public health angle: fish that are dumped, dead or alive, can carry diseases and parasites into local ecosystems. And moving live fish between waterbodies is against the law in Alberta, with penalties reaching up to $100,000 and/or a year in prison.

If you spot a goldfish or other invasive fish while out at the lake or the local pond, the province is asking residents to call the Aquatic Invasive Species Hotline at 1-855-336-BOAT (2628), ideally with a clear photo of the fish's body and fins. Anyone who suspects a fish was released on purpose can also reach the 24/7 Report A Poacher hotline at 1-800-642-3800.

🍴 Francine's: After building a following through pop-ups around the city, this spot landed a permanent Chinatown address in January 2026. The vibe leans European bar, with classic cocktails and shareable small plates like steak frites, plus house drinks like the Francine's Martini and a Crêpe Suzette Old Fashioned.

🍴 Kin Dee: Calgary's first Lao Thai street food kitchen, started by three sisters cooking their retired mother's recipes. Expect sticky rice, plenty of fresh herbs, and a standout spicy Laotian papaya salad best ordered with meat.

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

🎟️ Calgary Folk Music Festival: Prince's Island Park hosts four days of live music from July 23 to 26, with this year's lineup including Valerie June, Marty Stuart and His Fabulous Superlatives, and The Psychedelic Furs, alongside an artisan market, global food vendors, and a beer garden. Day passes range from $53.28 to $97.76, with kids 12 and under free.

🎟️ Servus Credit Union Free Soccer Friday: This free drop-in soccer program for kids and youth of all skill levels continues July 24 from 4:30 to 5:45 p.m., with the location to be announced. It's unstructured, no-coaches play meant to build confidence and friendships, and a signed waiver is all that's needed to join.

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

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