Welcome to The Calgary Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Upcoming Muay Thai World Cup

• Upcoming Calgary Petfest

• A deep dive into the life of Pat Burns

• And more…

Quote of the Week

"You will face many defeats in life, but never let yourself be defeated."

– Maya Angelou

Trivia

Here is your trivia question of the week. The answer will be shown in next week’s newsletter. Which do you think it is? No cheating!

Which bridge in Calgary, famous for its unique design and pedestrian-friendly pathway, crosses the Bow River?

A) Centre Street Bridge
B) Peace Bridge
C) Langevin Bridge
D) St. George's Bridge

Answer to Last Week’s Trivia:
The largest science museum in Calgary, known for its interactive exhibits and planetarium, is C) TELUS Spark.

News

💼 Business

Canadian government unveils $2.4 billion AI investment package: This could potentially impact Calgary's tech sector. (link)

Calgary's housing market is heating up! Home prices and rents are surging, making it the hottest housing market in Canada right now. But there's a downside: employers are concerned this affordability crisis will make it harder to attract and retain talent. (link)

Fire razed an under-construction residential building in the northwest Calgary community of Arbour Lake on Friday evening. (link)

🏒 Sports

Calgary Stampeders honor Wally Buono: The Calgary Stampeders announced they will be inducting former head coach and GM Wally Buono into their Wall of Fame. (link)

Calgary's Landon DuPont granted exceptional status to play in WHL next season. (link)

The University of Calgary Dinos recognized their top athletes, Sienna MacDonald (track & field) and Noel Vanderzee (track & field), as the 2023-24 Athletes of the Year. (link)

Western Canada High School in Calgary will change the name and logo of its sports teams from "Redmen" to something less controversial. (link)

🏦 Finance

Canada’s Energy Leaders Join the Transformation in Energy Summit in Calgary this May. (link)

Fate of giant carbon capture project still uncertain, but Pathways Alliance hopeful for deal with feds. (link)

Upcoming Events

Here are some events that are happening in our city this week. There is a good mix between sports, entertainment, conferences, concerts, and more.

Sports

🏒 Calgary Flames vs. San Jose Shark
Scotiabank Saddledome Calgary, AB
Thursday April 18 | 7:00 PM | (more info)

🥊 Muay Thai World Cup 10
Eagle Event Centre Calgary, AB
Saturday April 20 | 3:00 PM | (more info)

🥍Calgary Roughnecks vs. Panther City Lacrosse Club
Scotiabank Saddledome Calgary, AB
Saturday April 20 | 7:00 PM | (more info)

Music & Concerts

🎵 Cawston with guests Folded Hand, WATERFRONT & King Fabbs
Modern Love
Thursday April 18 | (more info)

🎤 The Tortured Poets Department: Listening Party + Taylor Swift Dance Party
Commonwealth Bar & Stage
Friday April 19 | (more info)

🎶 IKONS - The KISS Experience
Meridian Central Station Calgary, AB
Saturday April 20 | (more info)

🎸 Tori Kelly – purple skies tour
MacEwan Hall Calgary, Canada
Sun. Apr 21 | (more info)

Family

🚂 SUPERTRAIN 2024: Canada's Largest Train Show
BMO Centre, Calgary
April 20-21 | 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM EST  | (more info)

🐶 Calgary Petfest
Spruce Meadows
Dates: April 19 – 21 | (more info)

Image of the Week

Every week, I have a habit of making some AI art about our city.

This week, I typed in “Calgary with wildlife corridors and roaming animals” and this is what I got.

Let me know what ideas you have for this. I really enjoy making these types of photos.

Calgary Historical Events

The 1936 North American cold wave.

The 1936 North American cold wave, also known as the Great Freeze of 1936, left an indelible mark on Calgary and the entire continent. This historic weather event, which occurred during the winter of 1936, brought about one of the most severe and prolonged cold snaps in North American history. Calgary, located in the province of Alberta, Canada, was not spared from the bone-chilling temperatures and extreme weather conditions that gripped the region.

During this frigid cold wave, Calgary experienced record-breaking lows, with temperatures plummeting to as low as -40 degrees Celsius (-40 degrees Fahrenheit). The city, already accustomed to harsh winters, faced immense challenges as the cold wave disrupted daily life, transportation, and infrastructure. Residents had to endure frozen pipes, transportation delays, and the constant battle to stay warm amidst the relentless cold.

Despite the hardships, the 1936 North American cold wave also showcased the resilience and resourcefulness of Calgarians and the surrounding communities. It served as a stark reminder of the importance of preparedness in dealing with extreme weather events and contributed to the development of strategies and infrastructure improvements to better cope with such severe winter conditions in the future. Today, the 1936 cold wave remains a significant historical event that serves as a testament to the enduring spirit of Calgary's residents in the face of nature's harshest challenges.

Famous Calgarians

Pat Burns (1856-1937)

Early Life and Migration to Canada (1856-1878)

Born in Oshawa, Ontario, in 1856, Pat Burns had humble beginnings. At the age of 22, he made the life-changing decision to migrate west to Alberta, drawn by the allure of the open prairies and cattle ranching opportunities.

Cattle Ranching Ventures (1878-1885)

Upon arriving in Calgary, Burns became involved in the cattle ranching industry. He started his first cattle ranch near the Bow River, and through hard work and determination, he quickly established himself as a successful rancher.

Formation of the Big Four (1885-1886)

In 1885, Pat Burns joined forces with three other prominent ranchers, A.E. Cross, George Lane, and Archibald McLean, to form the "Big Four." This alliance would play a crucial role in shaping the Calgary Stampede and the city of Calgary itself.

The Calgary Stampede Inception (1886-1912)

The Big Four's collaboration resulted in the establishment of the Calgary Stampede in 1886, initially known as the Calgary Exhibition and Stampede. Pat Burns was instrumental in organizing and promoting the event, turning it into one of the most iconic rodeos in North America.

Cattle Empire Expansion (1890s-1920s)

Pat Burns continued to expand his cattle empire, acquiring vast tracts of land and herds of cattle throughout Alberta and beyond. His dedication to the ranching industry contributed significantly to the growth of Calgary and the surrounding region.

Business Ventures and Philanthropy (1910s-1920s)

Aside from ranching, Burns diversified his interests into meatpacking and transportation businesses, becoming a prominent figure in Western Canada's economy. He also engaged in philanthropic activities, supporting various community initiatives in Calgary.

The Great Depression and Resilience (1930s)

During the challenging years of the Great Depression, Pat Burns faced economic hardships, but his resilience and determination kept his businesses afloat and provided employment for many in Calgary, mitigating the impact of the economic downturn.

Legacy and Influence (1937-2022)

Pat Burns' legacy as a cattle rancher and Calgary Stampede pioneer endured long after his passing in 1937. The Calgary Stampede continued to thrive, celebrating Western culture and traditions, while his business empire remained a cornerstone of the Canadian meatpacking industry.

Honors and Recognitions (20th and 21st Century)

Throughout the 20th and early 21st centuries, Pat Burns received numerous posthumous honors and recognitions for his contributions to the Calgary Stampede, the ranching industry, and the city of Calgary, solidifying his place in Canadian history.

Key Achievements:

• Co-founding the Big Four and instrumental in starting the Calgary Stampede.

• Expansion of a successful cattle ranching empire.

• Diversification into meatpacking and transportation businesses.

• Philanthropic support for Calgary community initiatives.

• Enduring legacy as a prominent figure in Calgary's history.

Pat Burns, born in 1856, migrated to Calgary in 1878 and became a cattle ranching pioneer in the region. His collaboration with the Big Four in 1885 led to the inception of the Calgary Stampede, which he played a vital role in promoting. Burns' resilience during the Great Depression, his philanthropic efforts, and his impact on the cattle industry and Calgary's growth cemented his enduring legacy in Canadian history.

Connect With Me

If you want to connect, reply to this email and let me know what you think.

I would love to hear from you. Don’t be shy.

-Matthew Larsen

Follow me on Instagram: https://instagram.com/matthewblarsen

Poll