Calgary Newsletter (May 20th)

Your news, upcoming events, AI art, historical facts and more!

Welcome to The Calgary Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

  • Upcoming Cavalry FC home game

  • John Bean steps down

  • A deep dive into the life of Senator Patrick Burns

  • And more…

Quote of the Week

“Words are like people, I think. Put too many of them too close together and they cause trouble.”

― Carolee Dean

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 Calgary neighborhood is renowned for its annual Lilac Festival?

A) Kensington
B) Inglewood
C) Beltline
D) Mission

Answer to Last Week’s Trivia: Visitors can find a large collection of dinosaur replicas and prehistoric exhibits in C) Prehistoric Park at the Calgary Zoo.

News

💼 Business

Calgary police have laid more than a dozen charges against a man alleged to be responsible for several break-and-enters at businesses throughout the city. (link)

WestJet announces more Calgary flights to Tokyo and vacation spots starting late 2024. (link)

🏒 Sports

Flames president and CEO John Bean steps down. (link)

Calgary Canucks defeated Greater Sudbury Cubs to stay in the playoff hunt. (link)

After frustrating season, Flames prospect Jakob Pelletier aiming to get back to his best. (link)

Calgary Stampeders' training camp opens with an abundance of quarterbacks. (link)

🏦 Finance

EY Canada names Alycia Calvert as CEO. (link)

The WestJet Group boosts Calgary's global connectivity through enhanced Winter 787 Schedule. (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 Surge Season Opener v. Edmonton Stingers
Scotiabank Saddledome Calgary, AB
Tuesday May 21 | 7:00 PM | (more info)

🏈Calgary Stampeders vs. BC Lions
McMahon Stadium Calgary, AB
Saturday May 25 | 2:00 PM | (more info)

Cavalry FC vs. Valour FC
Spruce Meadows Calgary, AB
Sunday May 26 | 3:00 PM | (more info)

Music & Concerts

🎶Charley Crockett: $10 Cowboy Tour
Grey Eagle Event Centre Calgary, AB
Thursday May 23 | 7:00 PM | (more info)

🎤Night Moves - The Bob Seger Experience
Meridian Central Station Calgary, AB
Friday May 24 | 8:00 PM | (more info)

🎤Dead Man's Town - Ultimate Tribute to Springsteen
Meridian Central Station Calgary, AB
Saturday May 25 | 8:00 PM | (more info)

🎶MODO-LIVE & Club 90's Present - One Direction Night
Modern Love 613 11 Ave SW Calgary, AB T2R 0E1
Saturday May 25 | 10:00 PM | (more info)

Family

🌳Wildlife Park for Kids
CF Market Mall 3625 Shaganappi Trail Northwest Calgary,
Tuesday, May 21, 2024 | (more info)

🌲Moms Night in Nature
Edworthy Park 5050 Spruce Drive Southwest Calgary,
Tue, May 21, 2024 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM MDT | (more info)

🥋Rolling for Vida - Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Seminar (GI)
Upper / Alliance Jiu Jitsu Calgary Calgary,
Sun, May 26, 2024 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM MDT | (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 illuminated entirely by bioluminescent plants and structures” 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 Calgary flood of 2013.

The Calgary flood of 2013 was a devastating natural disaster that struck the city of Calgary, Alberta, and its surrounding areas in June 2013. Triggered by heavy rainfall and melting snowpack in the Canadian Rockies, the floodwaters surged down the Bow and Elbow Rivers, inundating communities, roads, and infrastructure. The event is considered one of the most significant floods in Calgary's history, causing widespread damage and displacing thousands of residents.

The floodwaters reached their peak on June 21, 2013, when large portions of downtown Calgary were submerged, forcing businesses to close and residents to evacuate. The city's emergency services, along with volunteers and neighboring communities, mounted a massive response effort to provide aid and support to those affected. In the aftermath of the flood, Calgary rallied together to rebuild and restore the damaged areas, emphasizing the city's resilience and determination in the face of adversity.

The Calgary flood of 2013 serves as a poignant reminder of the unpredictable power of nature and the importance of disaster preparedness and mitigation efforts in vulnerable regions. It prompted significant investments in flood mitigation infrastructure and improved emergency response strategies, helping to protect the city and its residents from similar disasters in the future.

Famous Calgarians

Senator Patrick Burns (1856-1937) - Businessman and one of the founders of the Calgary Stampede.

Early Life and Immigration (1856-1883)
Patrick Burns was born on July 6, 1856, in Oshawa, Ontario, Canada.
In 1878, at the age of 22, he moved to Calgary, Alberta, drawn by the opportunities in the emerging cattle industry in the Canadian West.

Cattle Ranching and Meatpacking (1883-1900)

In 1887, Patrick Burns co-founded the Calgary Meat Packing Company, marking the beginning of his remarkable career in the meatpacking industry. His astute business sense helped him expand his cattle ranching and meatpacking operations, making him one of Alberta's wealthiest entrepreneurs.

Founding the Calgary Stampede (1900-1912)

In 1912, Burns was one of the visionary individuals who helped establish the Calgary Stampede, a world-renowned annual rodeo, exhibition, and festival. His support for this event showcased his commitment to preserving western culture and entertainment.

Political Career (1917-1930)

Patrick Burns entered politics and served as a Senator in the Canadian Parliament from 1917 to 1930. During his time in the Senate, he championed agricultural issues and worked tirelessly for the betterment of Western Canada.

Humanitarian Efforts (1920s)

Burns was known for his philanthropy, contributing to various charitable causes in Calgary and beyond. He established the Burns Foundation, which continues to support charitable endeavors to this day.

Legacy in Business (1930s)

By the 1930s, Burns had built an extensive business empire, including meatpacking, ranching, and real estate ventures. His businesses remained successful and contributed significantly to the growth of Calgary's economy.

Public Service and Honors (1930s)

Throughout his life, Patrick Burns received numerous honors, including the Order of the British Empire and an honorary degree from the University of Alberta. His dedication to public service and business acumen earned him respect and recognition.

Contributions to Calgary's Growth (1900s-1930s)

Patrick Burns played a pivotal role in the development of Calgary, investing in various enterprises that spurred economic growth. His contributions helped transform Calgary into a thriving city.

Personal Life and Family (1856-1937)

Patrick Burns was a devoted family man, and his descendants continued his legacy in business and philanthropy.He passed away on February 24, 1937, leaving behind a lasting impact on Alberta and Canada.

Key Achievements:

  •  Co-founder of the Calgary Meat Packing Company.

  • Founding supporter of the Calgary Stampede.

  • Successful businessman with a diverse portfolio.

  • Dedicated Senator in the Canadian Parliament.

  • Philanthropist and founder of the Burns Foundation.

  • Order of the British Empire recipient.

  • Instrumental in Calgary's economic growth.

Senator Patrick Burns, a pioneer in the cattle industry, co-founder of the Calgary Stampede, and a dedicated public servant, left an indelible mark on Alberta's history. His legacy as a successful businessman, philanthropist, and advocate for Western Canada continues to inspire generations to come. His contributions to Calgary's growth and development remain celebrated, making him a cherished figure 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

What did you think of today's newsletter?

We are always looking for feedback. Give us your honest thoughts.

Login or Subscribe to participate in polls.