Calgary is a city brimming with natural beauty and vital ecological corridors. Here, prairie grasslands and verdant river valleys are interspersed with ancient stands of aspen trees – some almost 4,000 years old – and 600-year-old forests of Douglas fir.

Despite urbanization and climate change, these forests have thrived and grown. These days, one can also find a selection of non-native tree species, planted by early settlers, current residents, developers and the City, all of which contribute to Calgary's urban forest.

With plenty of space to run and play, and an envious selection of schools a stone's throw away, the master-planned community of Currie is a perfect fit for families.

With every passing year, the events of the First and Second World Wars become ever more distant parts of our country's history. Remembrance requires work, and any excuse to think about or discuss these conflicts and the sacrifices of Canadian veterans helps keep their memories alive.

In this context, three southwest Calgary neighbourhoods that wear their military history on their sleeve are especially significant.

Public art installations, plenty of green space, beautiful architecture and thoughtful urban planning that retains the site's heritage all come together to form a heady mix in Currie.

Major infrastructure and landscaping changes pave the way for Currie development

A new, major interchange is in full operation, with infrastructure built and the next stage of the massive Currie mixed-use development ready for launch.

"Last year we were focused on infrastructure. We started and completed the Flanders Avenue interchange," said Chris Elkey, senior director, real estate, Canada Lands Company (CLC), which is overseeing the project. "So that opened last fall. We had a big community event and it was a big success. It's operating. We're going to do the landscaping on it this year but for all intents and purposes it's opening and operating as it was designed to do."

On Feb. 25, the City of Calgary is reporting back to residents on changes to the proposed Currie Barracks redevelopment following public engagement sessions held last year.

"We heard what citizens had to say about the proposal, now we want to let the public know how its feedback was used, what has changed in the application and what will be included in the recommendation to Calgary Planning Commission," said Craig Sklenar, senior planner with the City's Planning Department.