Calgary's surrounding towns offer plenty for the two-wheeled crowd

Calgary's current push to increase the cycling opportunities has sparked a two-wheeled revolution that's caught fire beyond just the city limits.

Offering a bucket list of amenities, Calgary's satellite communities have used their considerable geographic areas to their advantage, creating cycling networks that have drawn international events such as the Tour of Alberta and Banff Gran Fondo to its borders.
Here's an overview of just some of the opportunities in the region.

Airdrie continues to see strong population growth, focuses on community lifestyle

Airdrie has come a long way from its railway village roots.

Located 10 minutes north of Calgary, the city's population continued to boom in 2014, increasing by nearly 11 per cent to 54,891.

Since 2004, the booming community has more than doubled in size, with an average annual grown rate over the past five years of 7.6 per cent.

Community in midst of urban hen pilot, continues sustainable practices

There's some fowl play underway in Okotoks these days.

The town, just 15 minutes south of Calgary, is in the midst of an urban hen pilot, which started May 1 and runs until September of next year.

"Two to three months ago, there was discussion in council, which was public, and they decided shortly thereafter to move to pilot project status," said Jon Begg, communications manager for the Town of Okotoks.

Calgary's extensive pathway network lets cyclists roam far and wide

Cycle City: A three-part series exploring biking in and around Calgary

What stretches 770 kilometres across Calgary, reaching virtually every area of the city, yet doesn't contain a single car?

Even if you are already aware of Calgary's extensive pathway system, the scope of the city's multi-use pathways is the envy of other cities.

Cochrane is a town on the move, with new amenities such as The Quarry development and construction of a new aquatic and curling centre. Providing diverse options for recreation is important to the town and its residents, said Mayor Ivan Brooker, who recently sat down with CREB®Now to talk about everything from new projects to why the kitchen is his favourite room in the house.

CN: How do homeowners stand to benefit from recent infrastructure announcements such as the new school in Sunset Ridge and new pool?

IB: Amenities such as our new pool and curling centre greatly enhance our resident's quality of life. Providing diverse options for recreation is very important to the Town of Cochrane.

Home inspections help keep tabs on fluidity of building codes

Despite the continued popularity of reality shows that showcase the positive side of home renovations, buyers need to be ever aware of the damage that can be done when things don't go according to plan, says a local home inspector.

While the temptation to plunge into home ownership might be strong, CanPro Inspections Ltd. owner/operator Larry Pineda urges buyers to practise due diligence when purchasing a home to protect themselves against shoddy workmanship or even work done prior to changing standards – some of which may have taken place years or even decades prior.

Capital city's council passes bylaw permitting garage and garden suites on home lots

After a lengthy debate, Edmonton city council voted 9-2 to allow garage and/or garden suites on "almost any lot" in the capital.

The decision allows residents in single-family oriented zones, dubbed RF1 in Edmonton, to subdivide a property of almost 15-metres, as well as owners being able to build and rent out garage suites.

The vote was applauded by Edmonton Ward 1 Coun. Andrew Knack, who Tweeted the news as well as the fact Edmontonians now have the option to build two "skinny" homes on lots of 50 feet or greater.

Examining some of the innovative items used to market your home

Gone are the days when a humble lawn sign would be enough to let the world know your home was up for sale. Today's market, whether up or down, demands something more to get things moving.

With an eye on new technology, CREB®Now has gathered a list of technology designed to advertise your abode in the 21st century.