Premier announces two new mitigation projects while Mayor Nenshi expresses some concerns

Alberta Premier Jim Prentice has given the go-ahead for two flood- mitigation projects to protect High River and Calgary from future flooding.

"The waters receded more than a year ago, but for many Albertans last summer's floods are far from over," he said. "Those directly affected by this disaster have told me they expect their government to act faster to help them feel safe in their communities and get on with their lives."

Expert says Calgary home inspections should be mandatory

When first-time homeowner Mario DeMarco made the "largest purchase" of his life, he wanted to ensure there were no surprises – that there would not be any major issues with the property before he signed on the dotted line.

DeMarco quickly turned to a home inspector – a move he credits as key in contributing to what turned out to be a smooth buying process.

"[It was] one of the few times in the process that I had the ability to control the situation," he said of purchasing his condo in Lower Mount Royal. "It is no different than getting an inspection on a used car before purchasing it. I wanted to know if there was water damage, electrical issues, plumbing issues..."

Taras Grescoe was the latest keynote speaker in Calgary's Soul of the City speaker series presented by Calgary Economic Development, the Calgary TELUS Convention Centre and Calgary Transit yesterday at Fort Calgary.

In Driving Change, Wheeling Possibilities; the future of getting around in Calgary, Grescoe, an authour, speaker and researcher who lived in Calgary in the '70s spoke about his varying experiences with transportation around the world. Here's some of what he had to say.

The final architectural design of Calgary's New Central Library was unveiled today.

CREB®Now was on hand for the showcasing of the structure which, when completed by 2018, will connect the East Village to the downtown including the encapsulation of the LRT line. Here's some quotes from the event.

Lyle Edwards, chairman for Calgary Municipal Land Corporation (CMLC)

"One of the most important things we did along the journey to the design you're going to see today was engage with Calgarians to find out their needs and their vision for the new central library."

"To ensure the new library meets citizens needs we worked with the City of Calgary and the Calgary Public Library to run a robust public engagement program, through that program more than 16,000 Calgarians shared their ideas, aspirations and hopes  for the new central library."

Transit communities provide options for Calgarians on the go

Calgary's evolution as a transit community didn't happen overnight. It just seems that way.

The city's light-rail transit system actually dates back to 1978, when construction began on the south leg, stretching nearly 11 kilometres from Anderson Road to Seventh Avenue. More than three decades later, the system has added three more lines, most recently opening a new $122.9-million Tuscany/Rocky Ridge stop along the northwest Red Line.

Report finds Canada trails only Hong Kong as ideal spot for Chinese immigrants

This is the second of a four-part homebuying series for new Canadians in partnership with the Epoch Times. Each month, the series will explore hot-topic issues such as understanding market trends, processes for buying a home, determining factors that influence house prices and more.

The lure of future employment, particularly in oil-and-gas-rich Alberta, has made Canada
a top destination for Chinese citizens, a new report found.

In a release from global financial services provider Barclays titled The Rise of the Global Citizen, Canada is the second-most popular place Chinese citizens to call home, preceded by Hong Kong and just ahead of the United States.

New Central Library design highlights Calgary's increasing stature

Calgary's transition into architectural adulthood continued this week with the public getting its first look at the newly announced Central Library.

Replacing the 1960s-era bunker-like WR Castell Library, the new library, to be located at Third Street and Seventh Avenue S.E., will feature a four-storey "chinook arch-esque" atrium built over top of a section of LRT line.

Not only will the building bring 240,000 square feet of usable library space to Calgary's East Village, its ambitious design represents another step forward for a city that many believe is finally growing up.

An additional $300 million in development and as many 500 new condos are slated for East Village after a partnership announcement between RioCan Investment Trust and Embassy BOSA including a Loblaws grocery store.

"Calgary is on the tipping point right now, with condo living becoming a more sought after alternative to suburban life," said Ryan Bosa, president of Embassy BOSA. "The future of Calgary is up not out, and developments like the East Village showcase how Calgary is creating vibrant, sustainable communities."

*CREB®Now real estate news luxury feature*

Calgary has always had a flair for luxury living

Luxury comes in many shapes and sizes. Earlier this year, a penthouse unit in the Princeton Hall highrise at Eau Claire sold on MLS® for a record $4.4 million. A Priddis-area home, meanwhile set a provincial record in June when it went on the market for a cool $38 million.

Yet set amid today's multimillion-mansions and copious condos comes a reminder of just how far Calgary luxury housing market has come.

*CREB®Now real estate news luxury feature*

Calgary's prosperity driving demand for high-end housing

While the final tally won't be in for a few more months, it appears Calgary's luxury homes market is on the verge of the best year in the city's history.

According to CREB®, 611 homes priced at $1 million or more have sold through the first eight months of 2013. That number includes a record-setting 69 properties sold in August alone, which broke the previous record of 64 .