As of the end of June, Calgary has seen 144.6 mm of rainfall. While the rain seemed to put a damper of summer activities in the city in June, the number was far behind the record of 247.6 mm set in 2005, a record that had been held since 224 mm fell in that same timeframe in 1902. For gardeners in the city, rain is part of the sustenance that helps their gardens grow, and even if you aren't a green thumb, having a rain barrel handy can help save on the water bill while maintaining a green lawn.

For some, the image of the typical Calgary condominium might conjure visions of an affordable and stylish option for first-time buyers – an attainable way for first-time buyers to enter the market, often in the most desirable neighbourhoods in the city. However, as Calgary continues to mature and evolve as a city, other possibilities begin to present themselves.

With many economic prognosticators predicting doom and gloom for housing markets in Vancouver and Toronto, a report from TD Economics suggests the prairie provinces, namely Alberta and Saskatchewan, could see their housing markets continue to gain momentum.