Good morning, Calgary.
We just hit 1.6 million people. That number gives off serious big city energy. But the magic of Calgary has always been that it is a metropolis with a small-town soul. We have the culture and the infrastructure, but we also have the tight-knit community.
Let's address the elephant in the room. I started seeing comments in some Facebook groups that I frequently visit as I hunt down the latest events for you. People are saying Calgary has changed—that we are becoming colder, more aggressive, or losing our community vibe.
I don’t buy it.
I have lived in five countries, and Calgary still has the best energy. Here, cars stop for a single pedestrian. The driver waves. The pedestrian waves back.
We decide what this city is. We keep the warmth by acting like it. Let’s not feed the narrative that we are losing our way. We are still the best place to raise a family and enjoy life, but it is in our hands to keep it that way.
Sorry for the philosophy rant on a Monday. But let me know if you agree?
Do you think Calgary is losing its friendly vibe?
Aside from the deep thoughts, we have actual news: The water restrictions are finally gone (long showers are back!), the airport just launched a massive aerospace hub, and the property assessments are in the mail.
Now, the fun stuff. We barely resisted featuring the penguins again (we know, they are great). Instead, we are featuring Men Without Hats.
Enjoy the read and talk to you Thursday.
Let’s get to it.
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Everyone is moving to Calgary. New StatCan numbers confirm what traffic already told us: we are growing fast. The Calgary area grew by 2.9% last year, one of the fastest in Canada, just behind Edmonton’s 3.0%, and matching Moncton’s 2.9%. We are now a city of 1.6 million people. See the data
Calgary’s new Aerospace Hub takes off. The Aerospace Innovation Hub just opened its doors on the departures level of the Calgary International Airport. Run by Innovate Calgary, the space features views of the Rockies and aims to support up to 180 companies and to catalyze more than $50 million in investment. It is a major push to keep local talent—and future drone tech—grounded right here. Read the story
The taps are fully open again. The City lifted all water restrictions this morning. The final pump at the Bearspaw plant is active and the system is stable. You can finally take that guilt-free long shower (be mindful of course). Read the update
Your house might be worth more than you think. The 2026 property assessment notices are in the mail. The median single residential value hit $706,000 this year, a slight bump from 2025. You have until March 23 to check the City’s math. See the details
Invermere’s finest lands in Marda Loop. Om Organics opened its first standalone shop on 33rd Avenue SW. While they are technically from B.C., we consider Invermere "honourary Calgary" given how many of us spend weekends there. It is a solid addition to the neighbourhood. Read the story
This is Baloo. He is a one-year-old Great Pyrenees mix who tips the scales at 90 pounds. He is effectively a small polar bear with excellent manners. He already knows his "sit" and "down," and his primary hobby is competitive sunbathing.
Baloo is a gentle giant, though he can be shy around men at first and needs a patient owner to help him build trust. Since he loves to roam, he requires a home without children and a yard big enough for a 90-pound patrol (acreage is ideal).
If you have the space and the heart, he is waiting.
How to adopt: Call 311 and ask to speak to Animal Services to book an appointment. See his profile
Monday
Flames vs. New Jersey Devils | Monday night hockey at the Dome. Puck drop is at 7:00 p.m. Get tickets
The Penguin Walk | The King Penguins take their daily royal stroll at the Zoo at 10:30 a.m. Plan your visit
Tuesday
Men Without Hats | The 80s legends (Safety Dance, Pop Goes the World) are playing the Bella Concert Hall. 8:00 p.m. Get tickets
HPR: I Would Prefer Not To | Opening night for this new work by Strange Victory Performance. 7:30 p.m. at the Heather Edwards Theatre (Contemporary Calgary). Get tickets
HPR: Dream Machine | One Yellow Rabbit’s "beat circle" creation continues its run. 7:30 p.m. at the Big Secret Theatre. Get tickets
Wednesday
Flames vs. Pittsburgh Penguins | Crosby is in town. Game time is 7:30 p.m. Get tickets
ProArts: The Calgary Fiddlers | A high-energy fiddling concert in the Cathedral Church on 7th Ave. Free entry. Starts at 12:10 p.m. More info
Jubilations: Let It Be Beatles | A new dinner theatre tribute to the Fab Four. Dinner service starts at 6:15 p.m. Get tickets
HPR: Juliet: A Revenge Comedy | The "choose your own adventure" Shakespeare spoof opens tonight. 7:30 p.m. at Martha Cohen Theatre. Get tickets
HPR: Beyond Fallujah | A powerful play about a war correspondent, opening tonight at the Engineered Air Theatre (Arts Commons). 7:30 p.m. Get tickets
Hillhurst Sunnyside Farmers' Market | The weekly indoor market is the perfect spot to grab local produce and perogies mid-week. Runs 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the HSCA. See vendors
Thursday–Sunday Lookahead
Shoresy Winter Classic (Thu) | The Bulldogs play a "real" game at the Dome. Get tickets
RV Adventure Sale (Thu–Sun) | The unofficial start of camping season. The massive sale takes over the BMO Centre all weekend. Get tickets
CPO: It Takes Two (Fri) | The Calgary Phil performs a symphonic collaboration at the Jack Singer. Get tickets
HPR: Miss Rita’s Lucha VaVOOM (Sat) | Mexican wrestling meets burlesque at WinSport. Get tickets
Flames vs. Ducks (Sun) | A 6:00 p.m. Sunday game. Get tickets
Want your event to be featured? Hit reply and send us the details. If it's cool, we'll share it with Calgary.
Virago | The Blues Can | Mon, 8:00 PM Info
Punk Rock Bingo | Ship & Anchor | Tue, 7:00 PM Info
Tom Phillips & The DTs | The Blues Can | Tue, 8:00 PM Info
CMC Slide Show | Ironwood Stage | Tue, 7:00 PM Info
Matthew Jay | The Blues Can | Wed, 8:00 PM Info
Midnight Peg w/ Brain Bent | Ship & Anchor | Wed, 9:00 PM Info
Open Mic Night | Ironwood Stage | Wed, 7:00 PM Info
Johnny Rockitup | Gravity Espresso | Wed, 6:30 PM Info
Garrett Barbuto | Ironwood Stage | Fri, 8:00 PM Info
9th Avenue Big Band | Ironwood Stage | Sat, 2:00 PM Info
Petunia w/ Morgan le Fae | Ironwood Stage | Sat, 8:00 PM Info
Sunday Jazz Jam | Gravity Espresso | Sun, 2:00 PM Info
Blue Gospel | Ironwood Stage | Sun, 2:00 PM Info
The Croome Brothers | Ironwood Stage | Sun, 7:00 PM Info
Have a great week.
P.S. Forward this to someone who has already abandoned their "New Year, New Me" gym schedule.