Welcome to The Calgary Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Growth in Calgary's IT Sector

• Upcoming Calgary Flames home games

• A deep dive into the life of Guy Weadick

• And more…

Quote of the Week

“Keep your face always toward the sunshine — and shadows will fall behind you.”

— Walt Whitman

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!

What year was Calgary officially established as a city?

A) 1875

B) 1884

C) 1893

D) 1902

Answer to Last Week’s Trivia

Calgary is often referred to as "Cowtown." What is the origin of this nickname?

Answer: B) Its rich cattle ranching tradition

News

💼 Business

Calgary's Office-to-Residential Conversions - Calgary's innovative program to convert vacant office spaces into residential apartments has been a success, addressing the housing crisis and revitalizing the downtown area. (link)

Tuk Tuk Thai's Expansion in Calgary - Tuk Tuk Thai, a popular Thai restaurant in Calgary, continues to thrive, expanding its presence and becoming a culinary favorite, highlighting the city's growing diverse food scene. (link)

Growth in Calgary's IT Sector - Calgary's IT sector is experiencing significant growth, offering new opportunities for employment and technological innovation, marking a positive trend in the city's economy. (link)

🏒 Sports

Chicago Blackhawks Defeat Calgary Flames 4-3: Despite being down key players, the Blackhawks secured a win against the Flames. The game saw a fierce competition, with both teams displaying strong offense and defense, leading to a nail-biting finish. (link)

Calgary Hitmen's Promising Performance in WHL - The Calgary Hitmen showed promising signs in the Western Hockey League, delivering impressive plays and demonstrating their potential as a strong contender in the league. (link)

🏦 Finance

Lafarge Canada is supplying OneCem low-carbon cement for a groundbreaking 3D-printed housing project, emphasizing sustainability in construction and addressing housing needs. (link)

High Arctic Energy Services Inc. held a special general meeting, with shareholders deciding against removing the Chairman of the Board, indicating confidence in the company's leadership and direction. (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. Arizona Coyotes (January 16) - Experience the thrill of NHL hockey at the Scotiabank Saddledome, cheering for the Calgary Flames against the Arizona Coyotes. (link)

🏒 Calgary Flames Vs. Toronto Maple Leafs (January 18) - Join the electrifying atmosphere at the Scotiabank Saddledome for another high-stakes NHL game featuring the Flames and Maple Leafs. (link)

🏒 Calgary Hitmen Vs. Prince Albert Raiders (January 21) - A Western Hockey League matchup that promises excitement for hockey fans, with the Calgary Hitmen hosting the Prince Albert Raiders. (link)

Music & Concerts

🎵 Candlelight Concert (January 20) - Immerse yourself in the enchanting experience of Fever’s Candlelight Concerts, featuring talented musicians in a unique, illuminated setting. (link)

🎤 Mean Girls The Musical (January 16 – 21) - Enjoy the hilarity and energy of this Broadway musical, a perfect blend of humor and catchy tunes, at the Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium. (link)

Events

♠️ World Series of Poker Circuit (Until January 22) - Participate in the excitement of the WSOP International Circuit at Deerfoot Inn & Casino, featuring a variety of poker games and tournaments. (link)

Image of the Week

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

This week, I typed in “Calgary as a giant eco-friendly treehouse community” 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 founding of Fort Calgary by the North-West Mounted Police (1875)

The founding of Fort Calgary in 1875 marked a pivotal moment in the history of Calgary, setting the stage for the city's growth and development. Established by the North-West Mounted Police (NWMP), the fort was primarily built to bring law and order to the region and to manage the illegal American whiskey trade. Its strategic location at the confluence of the Bow and Elbow Rivers made it an ideal spot for controlling the major trade and travel routes used by Indigenous peoples and early settlers.

The establishment of Fort Calgary was a response to the lawlessness that pervaded the Western Canadian frontier. The illegal whiskey trade, particularly from Fort Whoop-Up, had led to increased violence and tension in the region. The arrival of the NWMP, led by Colonel James Macleod, helped to stabilize the area. The fort, named after Calgary Bay on the Isle of Mull in Scotland, became a symbol of peace and order. The presence of the NWMP discouraged illegal activities and fostered a safer environment for the burgeoning trade and settlement.

Fort Calgary not only played a crucial role in maintaining law and order but also laid the foundation for the growth of the Calgary community. The establishment of the fort led to increased settlement in the area, as traders, ranchers, and settlers were drawn to the stability it provided. Over time, the fort grew into a central point for commerce and social life in Southern Alberta. The original fort structures have long since been replaced, but the site remains a significant historical and cultural landmark, housing the Fort Calgary Historic Park, which commemorates the fort's central role in Calgary's early development.

Famous Calgarians

Guy Weadick (1885-1953)

Early Life and Introduction to Rodeo (1885-1905)

Guy Weadick was born in 1885 in Rochester, New York. Growing up, Weadick was captivated by stories of the Wild West and cowboys. His early exposure to rodeo shows and circus acts fueled his passion for the cowboy lifestyle and western culture.

Dreams of the West (1906-1911)

In his early 20s, Weadick traveled to the western United States, immersing himself in cowboy life. He worked as a ranch hand and rodeo performer, honing skills that would later be pivotal in his career. This period was crucial in shaping his vision of celebrating the cowboy culture.

Conceiving the Calgary Stampede (1912)

Weadick's vision of a grand celebration of the West culminated in the idea of the Calgary Stampede. He imagined an event that would not only showcase rodeo talent but also celebrate the spirit of the Western frontier. His enthusiasm and persuasive skills led him to garner support for this grand event.

The First Calgary Stampede (1912)

In 1912, Weadick's dream became a reality with the first Calgary Stampede. It was a resounding success, drawing large crowds and featuring rodeo events, exhibitions, and performances that celebrated the Western way of life.

World War I and Struggles (1914-1918)

During World War I, Weadick served in the Canadian Expeditionary Force. The war years were a challenging time for him, and the Stampede was put on hold. This period was marked by personal and professional struggles.

Reviving the Stampede (1919-1920s)

Post-war, Weadick focused on reviving the Calgary Stampede. Despite financial and logistical challenges, his persistence paid off. The Stampede returned, gradually regaining its popularity and becoming an annual event in Calgary.

The Great Depression (1930s)

The Great Depression posed significant challenges for the Calgary Stampede. Weadick navigated these difficult times with creativity and resilience, ensuring the Stampede's survival despite economic hardships.

World War II and Later Years (1940s)

During World War II, Weadick continued his involvement with the Stampede, although the event faced more challenges due to the war. In his later years, Weadick remained a respected figure in Calgary, known for his contribution to preserving Western heritage.

Legacy in Calgary and Rodeo Culture (1950-1953)

Guy Weadick passed away in 1953. His legacy, however, lives on in the Calgary Stampede, which has grown to become one of the world's largest and most famous rodeo events. Weadick is remembered as the visionary who brought the excitement and culture of the cowboy lifestyle to the forefront.

Posthumous Recognition and Impact (Beyond 1953)

After his passing, Weadick's impact on Calgary and the Western culture continued to be celebrated. He is honored as the founder of the Calgary Stampede, a cultural institution that not only celebrates rodeo sports but also symbolizes Calgary's identity and heritage.

Key Achievements of Guy Weadick:

• Founder of the Calgary Stampede, one of the world's most renowned rodeo events.

• Instrumental in popularizing and preserving cowboy culture and Western heritage.

• Overcame numerous challenges to establish and sustain the Stampede.

• His vision and determination transformed Calgary's cultural landscape.

• Weadick's legacy continues to influence rodeo sports and Western celebrations globally.

Guy Weadick's life and achievements reflect his deep love for the Western way of life and his commitment to celebrating and preserving this unique culture. His legacy endures in the Calgary Stampede, a testament to his vision and enduring impact on Calgary and the world of rodeo."

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

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