Welcome to The Calgary Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Calgary Flames Recall Adam Klapka

• AI art of the week

• A deep dive into the life of Normie Kwong

• And more…

Quote of the Week

“Power is always dangerous. Power attracts the worst and corrupts the best.”

—Edward Abbey

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

How recent crises have forced WestJet to rebuild trust with unhappy customers.(link)

🏒Sports

Calgary Flames Recall Adam Klapka.(link)

Flames Confirm $3.5 Million Forward Season-Ending Injury.(link)

🏦Finance

Metlen Energy And Wealthsimple To Create Jobs For Alberta.(link)

Neo Financial Raises $360M to Accelerate Growth and Position Itself as Leading Challenger to Banks in Canada.(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. New York Islanders
Scotiabank Saddledome Calgary,
Tuesday November 19 | 7:00 PM | (More info)

Music & Concerts

🎤 Alexander Stewart
The Palace Theatre Calgary,
Tuesday November 19 | 7:00 PM | (More info)

🎶 Golden Ring - The Story of George and Tammy
Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium Calgary,
Wednesday November 20 | 7:00 PM | (More info)

Family

🎨 Family Paint Party
WXYZ Lounge at Aloft Hotel 2359 Banff Trail NW Unit 337 Calgary ,
Wednesday, November 20 | 7 - 9pm MST | (More info)

🤝 AAP Calgary Branch - November Networking Event
607 11 Avenue Southwest Calgary,
Wednesday November 20 | 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM MST | (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 “Urban landscape of Calgary with advanced public transport systems.” 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

Normie Kwong (1929-2016) - CFL player and Lieutenant Governor of Alberta.

Early Life and Education (1929-1945)

Normie Kwong was born on October 24, 1929, in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Raised in a Chinese-Canadian family, he faced discrimination but always maintained a strong work ethic. He attended Western Canada High School in Calgary and displayed early athletic talent in football.

CFL Career (1945-1960)

Normie Kwong began his Canadian Football League (CFL) career in 1945 with the Calgary Stampeders. Playing primarily as a fullback and later as a running back for the Edmonton Eskimos, he achieved remarkable success. Kwong won four Grey Cup championships and set numerous records, becoming one of the CFL's all-time greats.

Business Ventures (1961-1972)

After retiring from football in 1960, Normie Kwong ventured into business, establishing a successful career.He co-founded the Calgary-based company Shunda Construction, which grew into a prominent construction firm.

Public Service (1975-1981)

Normie Kwong entered the political arena as a Progressive Conservative Member of the Legislative Assembly in Alberta.He served as Alberta's Deputy Speaker and later as Minister of Public Utilities, making valuable contributions to the province.

Return to the CFL (1985-1997)

In 1985, Kwong returned to the CFL as part-owner and president of the Calgary Stampeders, renewing his ties to the city where he began his football career. His leadership contributed to the team's success, including a Grey Cup victory in 1992.

Lieutenant Governor of Alberta (2005-2010)

In 2005, Normie Kwong was appointed as the 16th Lieutenant Governor of Alberta, becoming the first Chinese-Canadian to hold this position.He used this role to promote cultural diversity, community service, and youth engagement throughout Alberta.

Philanthropy and Community Engagement (Throughout His Life)

Kwong remained committed to philanthropy and community service, supporting numerous charitable organizations.He was known for his dedication to youth sports and education, leaving a lasting impact on the Calgary community.

Legacy and Honors (Throughout His Life)

Normie Kwong received numerous awards and honors throughout his lifetime, including the Order of Canada and the Alberta Order of Excellence.His contributions to sports, business, and public service continue to be celebrated.

Personal Life and Family (Throughout His Life)

Normie Kwong was married to Mary Lee and had four children. His family played a significant role in his life and achievements.

Key Achievements:

•  CFL career with four Grey Cup championships.

• Successful business ventures, including co-founding Shunda Construction.

• Distinguished political career as a Member of the Legislative Assembly.

• Return to the CFL as president of the Calgary Stampeders.

• Appointment as Lieutenant Governor of Alberta, breaking barriers.

• Commitment to philanthropy and community engagement.

• Legacy of awards and honors, including the Order of Canada.

• Contributions to cultural diversity and youth engagement.

• Dedication to youth sports and education.

• Beloved husband and father, leaving a lasting legacy.

Normie Kwong's life was a remarkable journey from his early days in Calgary to becoming a Canadian icon. He excelled in football, business, and politics, breaking down barriers as the first Chinese-Canadian Lieutenant Governor of Alberta. His legacy lives on through his many achievements and contributions to the community, forever inspiring generations to come.

Connect With Me

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

-Yannick Lyons

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