Welcome to The Calgary Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Sport Calgary’s festival of sports returns

• Calgary Flames game recap

• A deep dive into the life of A.W. Dingman

• And more…

Quote of the Week

"He who has a why to live can bear almost any how."

– Friedrich Nietzsche

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 is the popular nickname for the city of Calgary?

A) The Gateway to the Rockies

B) The Heart of the New West

C) Cowtown

D) The Stampede City

Answer to Last Week’s Trivia

The river that runs through Calgary is C) Bow River.

News

💼 Business

Obsidian Energy prepares to unveil its 2024 capital and operating budget. (link)

🏒 Sports

Alberta Junior Hockey League's Bandits team to join British Columbia Hockey League in 2024-25. (link)

Calgary Flames secure a 4-3 overtime win against Columbus Blue Jackets, highlighted by Dillon Dube's goal. (link)

The Calgary Surge, a team in the Canadian Elite Basketball League, announced their 2024 season schedule. (link)

🏦 Finance

Calgary's economy shows resilience and growth potential amidst global uncertainties. (link)

Calgary residents face a 7.8% property tax increase in 2024. (link)

Money Mentors launched an initiative to address the impact of debt on mental health (link)

📰 News

Canada's New Horizons for Seniors Program funds 61 Calgary community projects with $1.3M. (link)

Ohana Care in Calgary launches five senior-friendly activities for community engagement. (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

🏒 Sport Calgary's Festival of Sport
Olympic Plaza
Saturday, Feb. 3rd | 1:00–5:00 PM | (More Info)

🥌 Chinook Blast Curling Matchup
Olympic Plaza
Thursday, Feb. 2nd - Sunday, Feb. 5th | 12:00–4:00 PM | (More Info)

Music & Concerts

🎶 The mini jams, hosted by One Big JAM
Olympic Plaza
Thursday, Feb. 2nd | 11:45 AM | (More Info)

🎧 Pineo and Loeb
Sub Rosa, Calgary
Thursday, Feb. 2nd | 9:00 PM | (More Info)

🎵 High Performance Rodeo and Block Heater
Olympic Plaza, Calgary
Friday, Feb. 2nd - Sunday, Feb. 4th | 6:00–10:00 PM | (More Info)

🎤 Reggae Night
Ironwood, Calgary
Friday, Feb. 2nd | Evening | (More Info)

Family

🏰 Cooperative Cardboard Fort Building
Pixel Park, Calgary
Sunday, Feb. 4th | 2:30 PM | (More Info)

Events

💻 Winter Hackathon at Bow Valley College
Bow Valley College, Calgary
Friday, Feb. 2nd | Time TBD | (More Info)

🛍️ Four Winds Indigenous Showcase and Market
Calgary City Hall, Calgary
Saturday, Feb. 3rd | 11:00 AM | (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 “Retro-futuristic 1950s style Calgary with modern technology” 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 arrival of the Canadian Pacific Railway (1883)

In the late 19th century, the completion of the Canadian Pacific Railway marked a pivotal moment in Canada's history. The year 1883 witnessed the arrival of this transcontinental railway, symbolizing not just an engineering feat but also a new era of connectivity and national unity. The railway stretched from the Atlantic to the Pacific, knitting together distant regions and facilitating the flow of people, goods, and ideas across the vast Canadian landscape.

The construction of the Canadian Pacific Railway was an arduous endeavor, fraught with challenges ranging from difficult terrain to financial hurdles. Yet, the determination and resilience of thousands of workers, including a significant number of immigrants, turned this ambitious dream into a reality. As the final spike was driven, it signified the triumph over the natural barriers that had long segregated communities and hindered development.

The arrival of the railway in 1883 had profound implications for Canada's future. It opened up untapped resources, spurred economic growth, and played a crucial role in the settlement of the Canadian West. Moreover, it reshaped the nation's social fabric, fostering a sense of national identity and unity. The Canadian Pacific Railway was not just a means of transportation; it was a symbol of progress, innovation, and the indomitable spirit of a young nation poised for growth and prosperity.

Famous Calgarians

A.W. Dingman (1850 - 1936)

Early Life and Business Ventures (1850-1913)

A.W. Dingman, born in 1850, began his career in the United States before moving to Calgary. His early business ventures varied, but his entrepreneurial spirit was evident from the start. This diverse background set the stage for his later success in the oil industry.

Move to Calgary and Early Oil Explorations (1914-1919)

Dingman moved to Calgary, where he was initially involved in various business pursuits. His interest in oil exploration in Alberta grew, leading to his involvement in early drilling efforts in the region.

Turner Valley Discovery and Impact (1920-1929)

Dingman played a pivotal role in the Turner Valley oil discovery in 1914, a landmark event in the Canadian oil industry. This discovery marked the beginning of the oil boom in Alberta and had a significant impact on the province's economy.

Challenges and Business Development (1930-1936)

Despite the initial success, the oil industry faced various challenges, including economic fluctuations and technical difficulties in extraction. Dingman navigated these challenges, contributing to the development of the industry in its early stages.

Community Involvement and Legacy in Calgary (Throughout Life)

Apart from his oil ventures, Dingman was actively involved in the Calgary community. His contributions went beyond the oil industry, impacting the city's development and growth.

A.W. Dingman's Key Achievements:

• Instrumental in the Turner Valley oil discovery, sparking Alberta's oil industry.

• Contributed to the early development and growth of Calgary's oil sector.

• Active participant in Calgary's business and community spheres.

A.W. Dingman's role in the Turner Valley oil discovery and his subsequent contributions to the oil industry in Alberta marked him as a key figure in the history of Calgary's economic development. His entrepreneurial efforts in the early 20th century helped shape the oil industry in Western Canada, leaving a lasting impact on the region's economy and development.

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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