The creation of a new downtown community association, the first from the city's core in a decade, is a sign of the growth of a healthy city as it emerges from the pandemic, says the executive director of the Federation of Calgary Communities.

Recreational swimmers left high and dry by closures of pools around Calgary's core may find a new home at the Repsol Sport Centre.

The Macleod Trail S.E. facility will undergo a major expansion following a decision by city council in June to commit $45 million toward new leisure aquatic facilities.

Jenna Dutton and her fiancé have called the city centre community of Ramsay home for the past two years. Prior to that, Dutton lived in next-door Inglewood.

"I'm drawn to the area because of the local shops, the heritage buildings, the diversity, the cool music scene and that everything is within walking distance," said Dutton.

In other words, Dutton is drawn to the urban lifestyle. It's a way of life characterized by walkability, community diversity and proximity of amenities, something she was exposed to while living in Montreal.

Over the past decade Marda Loop has evolved and changed, transforming from a quiet, off-the-radar neighbourhood into a hip, city centre destination. The change is being fueled, in part, by Marda Loop's business district, which runs along 33rd and 34th Avenue south west.

"Marda Loop is growing up from a commercial area in a suburban setting to a much more urban, walkable and lively business community," said Bob van Wegen, executive director of the Marda Loop business district.

Named after the Marda Theatre and the old 33rd Avenue streetcar, which "looped" back to downtown, Marda Loop was originally limited to the business district.

Humming with an eclectic, urban vibe, Calgary's inner-city community of Connaught attracts a variety of residents, from millennials to empty nesters. The community brims with multi-family housing, tree-lined parks, community vegetable gardens, purpose-built dog playgrounds, and a variety of unique restaurant and retail offerings. As an added bonus, many of these businesses, such as Kalamata Grocery and Analog Coffee, are spearheaded by local entrepreneurs.

"There is just this huge appeal – there are the parks and the trees and you are also in the thick of it. It's a real community where there is something for everyone," said Connaught resident Patricia Insole.

When it comes to housing, the northeast riverside community of Bridgeland and its under-the-radar neighbour Renfrew offer loads of diversity. Both communities feature everything from wartime bungalows and mid-century character homes to modern infills and innovative condo projects.

Perhaps one of Calgary's most vibrant and eclectic communities, the Beltline has something for everyone – fabulous restaurants, hip cocktail bars, a variety of pubs and craft breweries, upscale grocery stores, green space galore, and an enticing selection of condo-style housing for buyers of all stripes.

It's not a spot where you would normally expect to find a recreational space. Yet, Flyover Park, located under the overpass that links westbound Memorial Drive to 4^th Ave S.E. and the East Village, is the newest addition to Calgary's parks system.

With many people trading in their downtown commute for a home office due to the COVID-19 pandemic, proximity to the city centre has been less of a priority for house hunters this year.

In fact, a new emphasis on creating comfortable, productive workspaces within the home and the reduced importance of living anywhere near the office have increased buyer interest in areas just outside Calgary's city limits – where prices are lower and space is plentiful.

While the COVID-19 pandemic has many Calgary businesses seeing red, Graywood Developments is betting on black ink for its two new condo projects here in the city.