Supply gain in apartment sector threatens to impact price

Declines in residential housing sales activity eased in July, creating, when combined with stable inventory levels, no change to the month-over-month price.

Year-over-year sales fell by 14 per cent to 1,995 units in July, compared to a 17.8 per cent decrease the previous month. Despite the decline, sales activity during the month was consistent with the 10-year average.

While sales decline eased, so too did the decline in new listings, causing the unadjusted sales-to-new listings ratio to edge down to 67 per cent in July and months of supply to increase to 2.53 months.

Quebec City is taking a gazebo music pavilion in the heart of their city and replicating it in Calgary's East Village.

"I'm honoured to unveil plans for a new public space we can all enjoy," said Mayor Naheed Nenshi at the announcement. "It is an honour to receive this gift, on behalf of all Calgarians, from our sister city and its citizens."

In 2008 during Quebec City's 400th anniversary, Calgary presented the city with the sculpture Do Re Me Fa Sol La Si Do by Canadian artist Joe Fafard, which was placed on Boulevard Champlain along the banks of the St. Lawrence Seaway. Identical sculptures can be found in downtown Calgary.

Stampede event highlights continuing urgency to house Calgarians in need

With the Calgary Stampede shining a spotlight on our city's sense of community, an event held during this year's Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth highlighted the continuing needs of some of our community's most vulnerable citizens.

As part of Stampede Week, Horizon Housing – one of several local organizations dedicated to housing the city's most vulnerable residents – held a barbecue, with residents on hand from the organization's properties.

Serving tenants with a variety of special needs – including those with mental health challenges, physical disability, families and seniors living below the poverty line and the working poor – Horizon Housing executive director Kim O'Brien said while the current state of Alberta's economy is debatable, it hasn't changed the willingness of Calgarians to give to a good cause.

The Town of Cochrane has released it's schedule for the 2015 Streets Improvement Project.

Work is scheduled for:

• Glenbow Dr. from Fifth Ave. to Highway 22


• Railway St. from Nan Boothby Library to Charlesworth Ave.


• Fifth Ave. from Griffin Rd. to CPR tracks


• Benchlands Dr. and Benchlands Pl.


• Powell St. between Ross and Pope Ave.

Short-term fixed re-emerging as alternative

Variable rates are back in fashion after the Bank of Canada lowered the overnight  lending rate in January, and economists expect another decrease in the near future.

Yet, even though variable rates make sense, most borrowers are still leaning toward fixed-rate mortgages for no reason other than certainty. Consumers like to know what their mortgage rate is going to be.

The good news is there are options for risk-averse borrowers who don't want to dive into the variable-rate waters, but still want the low rates that come with the floating products.

Genesis launches neighbour-friendly development in Airdrie

Genesis has a vision every time it puts a shovel into the ground: construct a home that reflects your dreams, but that is entirely within reach.

Now, that reach extends to Airdrie, where the award-winning land developer and residential homebuilder has recently opened three new show homes in its Bayside Pier 11 neighbourhood.

By: Areni Kelleppan, Green Calgary

The benefits of rain barrels, composters

Calgarians are getting ready for spring, and that means gardening.

With a small investment and a little hard work, we can make our homes more appealing and welcoming. A tree here, a shrub there and a few plants sprinkled throughout will not only make your neighbours smile, you will, too.

And whether you skillfully harvest home-grown veggies or are just starting out with a few perennials, nothing makes your plants happier than un-chlorinated rainwater and nutrient rich compost. 

Hamlet west of Calgary in midst of revitalization

Asought-after destination for artists and outdoorspeople alike, the hamlet of Bragg Creek is in the midst of a modern-day revitalization.

In late April the community, located just 20 minutes west of Calgary, held a three-day design workshop highlighting areas of importance for the community's revitalization.

Suggestions included re-emphasizing Bragg Creek's reputation as a trailhead community, its small hamlet feel, arts and culture richness and proximity to the Elbow River and Calgary.

Rafting, golfing, rodeo and more in Alberta's foothills

With its location in the foothills of the majestic Rocky Mountains along the banks of the Red Deer River, you can't blame Alberta vacationers for flocking to the Sundre area.

Sitting just an hour from Calgary, Sundre boasts a population of 2,700 permanent residents. However, bolstered by the town's idyllic location, that number can increase by the thousands given the town's thriving RV scene.

Pioneer and farming roots hold strong in town and village to the northeast

Located just 35-minutes northeast of Calgary in the heart of Alberta's farmland sits Irricana, a town known for its laid-back atmosphere and sense of community spirit.

The town hosts several functions throughout the year, notably the Pioneer Acres Annual Show Aug. 7 – 9. This year's show will feature an antique car and truck parade, Pioneer World Exhibits and farming demonstrations that harken back to the days of the early settlers.