Due to the ongoing safety concerns around dining out these days, the humble backyard grill – already a fixture for many during the summer months – has newfound appeal.

If you're new to the grilling game or your current barbecue has seen better days, it might be time to go shopping. However, there are some key points to consider before you buy.

The second quarter of 2020 marked the first full quarter since COVID-19 began to weigh on the economy.

Calgary housing sales slowed by 35 per cent compared to the previous year. This is better than original expectations, thanks to June figures that were far stronger than initial estimates. The pullback in new listings in the second quarter caused inventories to trend down, preventing a more significant decline in prices.

Year of Construction: 1907
Community: Mission
Architectural Style: Edwardian Gable Front
Architect: B.C. Mills Timber and Trading Co.

Located in the oldest part of the historic community of Mission, the Stepney Residence holds a unique distinction. It is a rare example of a prefabricated house constructed using pre-assembled, interlocking wall panels that still displays its original cladding. In fact, it is the only confirmed example left in Calgary.

Year of Construction: 1913
Community: Elbow Park
Architect: George Fordyce
Builder: James Hay Garden

Year of Construction: 1901
Community: East Village
Architectural style: Western false front

At almost 120 years old, the Sanders Residence holds the distinction of being the longest-standing continually occupied home in the East Village. The home is an excellent example of Western false front architecture, a style that was common among commercial buildings in the Old West of the United States and Canada, but quite rare among residential buildings.

Year of Construction: 1929
Community: Glenbrook
Architectural Style: Vernacular

The McClary Residence is one of the oldest homes in the community of Glenbrook. In fact, at the time it was built, the community did not yet exist.

During the early 1980s, a new craze was sweeping across North America. Outdoor waterslides quickly became the hottest summer attraction in city after city, and Calgary was no exception.

As anyone who has recently spent time in any of the city's 8,000 hectares of green space can attest, Calgarians are eager to get outside.

Driven by the long-awaited arrival of summer and the need for closer-to-home recreation options due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the popularity of Calgary's parks is on the rise.

Despite the gradual reopening of businesses and other public spaces as part of Alberta's relaunch strategy, COVID-19 still loom large in our daily lives several months into the pandemic. As a result, the humble backyard might be where many Calgarians spend much of their time outdoors this summer – whether they're seeking sanctuary or a place for small, physically distanced gatherings with friends and family.

So, there's no time like the present to make the most of that space. Here are six easy ways to spruce up your yard and create the outdoor oasis you've always wanted.

It takes a lot of work to build a dream.

Over the span of 12 months, Homes by Avi teams work to develop designs that "wow" and intricate, jigsaw-puzzle construction to make the Stampede Rotary Dream Home a winner.