Welcome to The Calgary Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Upcoming Calgary Wranglers home games

• AI art of the week

• A deep dive into the life of George Stanley

• And more…

Quote of the Week

“It’s not the mistake that matters, it’s how you interpret the lesson.”

—Michelle C. Ustaszeski

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 iconic Calgary tower features a 360-degree observation deck and a revolving restaurant?

A) Sky360

B) The Calgary Lookout

C) The Calgary Tower

D) The Bow Lookout

Answer to Last Week’s Trivia:

The historic fort in Calgary that is a re-creation of an 1875 trading post is B) Fort Calgary.

News

💼Business

City of Calgary CFO Carla Male and the director of corporate planning relieved of duties.(link)

Some Calgary businesses embracing Diwali as sales event.(link)

🏒Sports

Flames prospects Rory Kerins and Jakob Pelletier form dynamic duo for Wranglers.(link)

🏦Finance

eStruxture to build $750M data centre north of Calgary.(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

⚽ 2024 CPL Final
Spruce Meadows Calgary, AB
Saturday November 09 | 1:00 PM | (more info)

🏒 Calgary Wranglers vs. Henderson Silver Knights
Scotiabank Saddledome Calgary, AB
Saturday November 09 | 6:00 PM | (more info)

Music & Concerts

🎸 A Night with Cody Jinks & Ward Davis
Grey Eagle Event Centre Calgary, AB
Friday November 08 | 8:00 PM | (more info)

🎶 Collective Soul
Grey Eagle Event Centre Calgary, AB
Sunday November 10 | 8:00 PM | (more info)

Family

🎨 Paint Night/Workshop
Paint Escape Studio 91 Millbank Drive Southwest Calgary,
Sat, Nov 9, 2024 7:30 PM - 9:30 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 “Spaceport integrated into Calgary's central hub.” 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 Flames' arrival in 1980.

In 1980, the city of Calgary, Alberta, marked a significant milestone in its sports history with the arrival of the Calgary Flames, a professional ice hockey team. The Flames' relocation from Atlanta to Calgary was a momentous event, signaling not just the expansion of the National Hockey League (NHL) into Western Canada, but also the emergence of Calgary as a major player in the professional sports arena. The team's arrival was met with great enthusiasm and excitement from the local community, who eagerly anticipated the advent of top-tier hockey in their city.

The Calgary Flames, originally established as the Atlanta Flames in 1972, moved to Calgary following the 1979-80 season. This shift was primarily driven by financial difficulties and a desire to find a more lucrative market for the team. The move was a strategic decision by the NHL to tap into the passionate Canadian hockey market. The Flames were welcomed with open arms by a city that was hungry for its own NHL team, and their arrival was seen as a validation of Calgary's growing status and its love for the sport of hockey.

In their inaugural season in Calgary, the Flames played their home games at the Stampede Corral before moving to the Olympic Saddledome, which was later renamed the Scotiabank Saddledome. The team's first season in Calgary was a success both on and off the ice, as they made it to the playoffs, instantly igniting a fervent fan base. This marked the beginning of a long and cherished relationship between the city of Calgary and its beloved Flames, a relationship that has endured for decades and become an integral part of the city's cultural and sporting identity.

Famous Calgarians

George Stanley (1907-2002) - Designer of the Canadian flag.

Early Life and Education (1907-1929)

George F.G. Stanley was born on July 6, 1907, in Calgary, Alberta. He grew up in a time when Canada was still developing its distinct identity. Stanley pursued his early education in Calgary before heading to the University of Alberta, where he received a Bachelor of Arts in 1929. His academic excellence foreshadowed a life of scholarly pursuits and significant contributions to Canadian history and heritage.

Academic Endeavors and Military Service (1929-1946)

After completing his undergraduate studies, Stanley went on to the University of Oxford as a Rhodes Scholar, earning a Master of Arts. The outbreak of World War II saw him enlist in the Canadian Army, where he served with distinction. His military service, coupled with his academic background, gave him a unique perspective on national identity and symbolism, which would later play a pivotal role in his design of the Canadian flag.

Historical Scholarship and Teaching (1946-1963)

Post-war, Stanley resumed his academic career, focusing on Canadian history. He became a professor at the Royal Military College of Canada in Kingston, Ontario, and was deeply involved in historical research. His scholarly work during this period established him as a respected historian and academic, contributing significantly to Canada's understanding of its past.

The Idea of a New Canadian Flag (1963-1964)

Amid growing calls for a distinctive Canadian flag, Stanley, leveraging his deep understanding of history and symbolism, proposed a new design. His idea was for a simple flag featuring a single red maple leaf on a white background, flanked by two red bars. This design was meant to represent all Canadians, irrespective of their linguistic or ethnic backgrounds, and symbolized a new era of Canadian identity.

The Flag Committee and Stanley's Influence (1964)

Stanley's proposal was submitted to the parliamentary committee tasked with choosing a new flag. His thorough historical rationale and the simplicity of his design won over the committee. His involvement was crucial in the debates and discussions that led to the adoption of the flag, showcasing his influential role in this pivotal moment in Canadian history.

Adoption and Unveiling of the Canadian Flag (1965)

On February 15, 1965, the new Canadian flag, largely based on Stanley's design, was officially raised for the first time. This marked a significant moment in Canada's national history, symbolizing unity and independence. Stanley's contribution was recognized as a key element in creating a unifying symbol for the nation.

Later Career and Honors (1965-1996)

Following the flag's adoption, Stanley continued his academic career and public service. He served as the Lieutenant Governor of New Brunswick from 1981 to 1987. Throughout his later years, he received numerous honors, including Officer of the Order of Canada, recognizing his contributions to Canadian society.

Connection to Calgary and Legacy in Alberta (Throughout Life)

Though Stanley's career took him across Canada and overseas, his connection to Calgary, his birthplace, remained an integral part of his identity. He frequently referenced his Alberta roots as shaping his views on Canadian identity and unity. His legacy in Alberta is celebrated, particularly in Calgary, where his contributions to Canadian heritage are a source of local pride.

Personal Life and Passing (1907-2002)

George Stanley was known for his modesty and dedication to Canada. He led a life marked by public service, academic achievement, and a deep commitment to his country. He passed away on September 13, 2002, leaving behind a legacy as the designer of the Canadian flag and as a distinguished scholar and public servant.

Retrospective and Influence on Canadian Culture (Post-2002)

After his passing, Stanley's influence on Canadian culture and identity continued to be celebrated. His vision for the Canadian flag has become a defining symbol of the nation, representing Canada's values and unity on the global stage. His academic works and public service have inspired subsequent generations of Canadians.

Key Achievements:

•  Designed the iconic Canadian flag, adopted in 1965.

• Served as a professor of Canadian history and as a historian.

• Served in the Canadian Army during World War II.

• Served as the Lieutenant Governor of New Brunswick from 1981 to 1987.

• Received the Officer of the Order of Canada for his contributions to Canadian society.

George Stanley, born in Calgary and a distinguished scholar, left an indelible mark on Canadian history through his design of the Canadian flag. His academic and military background uniquely positioned him to contribute to Canada's national identity. Stanley's legacy endures in the flag that flies across the nation, symbolizing unity and diversity, reflecting his lifelong dedication to Canada.

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.

-Yannick Lyons

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