Welcome to The Calgary Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Small Business Awards celebration.

• 29% jump in home sales.

• Upcoming Calgary Flames games.

• Calgary's historical milestones.

• Colonel James Macleod's legacy.

and much more!

Support Local

We are all about supporting Calgarians whether that means:

• Businesses

• Artists

• Charities

• Sports

• Performers

If you would like to nominate yourself, your business, or someone you know to be featured in a future issue of this newsletter, fill out this form (link)

Quote of the Week

“If you plan on being anything less than you are capable of being, you will probably be unhappy all the days of your life.”

-Abraham Maslow

My Goal For the Week

Training my “ability to focus” as if it were a “muscle.” I have always had a tough time focusing for long(er) periods of time, and am making the effort to overcome this.

One Idea For a Better Week

Dedicate the first hour of your day towards physical and mental well-being.

1. Spend the first 20 minutes stretching.

2. Spend the second 20 minutes journaling.

3. Spend the final 20 minutes reading.

This will set the tone for the rest of the day.

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 community in Calgary holds the distinction of being the city's oldest neighborhood?

• A) Bridgeland

• B) Inglewood

• C) Kensington

• D) Mission

News

Here are some recent news stories from the previous days and weeks.

🏢 Business:

• The Calgary Chamber recently celebrated the end of Small Business Week by announcing the winners of the 2023 Small Business Awards, shining a light on the diverse and thriving small business community in the city.

• There’s buzz in the real estate market as Calgary home sales saw a significant jump of 29%, setting a new record and showcasing a vibrant housing market.

• There's a positive outlook towards the 2023 Calgary Stampede with a notable optimism about earnings, reflecting possibly a good economic rebound for the city.

• Calgary’s energy sector is seeing a promising outlook with companies like Cenovus and Canadian Natural reporting substantial earnings, hinting at a strong recovery post previous economic challenges.

💰 Finance:

• The 2023 Economic Outlook suggests Calgary is on a steady path to avoid a recession despite global economic concerns, thanks to commodity price-driven growth and diversification efforts.

• A robust housing and investment outlook for 2023 is expected to contribute to Calgary’s economic stability with about 13,100 housing starts and $5.7 billion in new building investments anticipated.

🏀 Sports:

• The basketball scene is lively with the University of Calgary Dinos hosting the Calgary Cup, marking the exciting return of basketball tournaments in the city.

• A new chapter for the Calgary Flames and the city as a deal has been finalized for a new $800-million arena, paving the way for more sporting and entertainment ventures.

• The Calgary Flames showcased a strong performance against the Winnipeg Jets in a recent game, winning 5-3, much to the delight of local hockey fans.

🎉 General News:

• The weekend was lit at the Calgary Farmyard with a beautiful display of thousands of lights under the evening sky, offering a magical outing for visitors.

• New details have emerged regarding a notable gold heist at Toronto airport, shedding light on a high-profile case.

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 Rangers (October 24) Catch the Flames as they face off against the Rangers in this thrilling NHL matchup.

🏒 Calgary Flames vs. St. Louis Blues (October 26) Experience the intensity of the NHL as the Flames battle the Blues on home ice.

🏈 Calgary Stampeders vs. Winnipeg Blue Bombers (October 27) Join the roaring crowd at McMahon Stadium for a gripping CFL face-off.

Music & Concerts

🎵 The Doobie Brothers (October 25) Rock out with the timeless tunes of The Doobie Brothers at the iconic Scotiabank Saddledome.

🎶 Infected Mushroom (October 26 - 27) Dive into a psychedelic trance with Infected Mushroom's electrifying performance.

🎤 OPEN MIC NIGHT (October 23) Unleash your talent or enjoy a night of music, poetry, and laughter at this vibrant gathering.

Events

🍂 CALGARY FRIGHT FEST 2023 @ PAPI NIGHTCLUB | OFFICIAL MEGA PARTY! (October 26 - 27) Dance the night away with spine-chilling fun at the hottest Halloween bash in town.

🎨 Paint And Sip Night For Adults In Calgary (October 28) Unleash your inner artist over a glass of wine at this relaxing and creative event.

Hobbies

👻 CALGARY FRIGHT FEST 2023 @ PAPI NIGHTCLUB | OFFICIAL MEGA PARTY! (October 26 - 27) Celebrate Halloween with a bang at PAPI Nightclub's mega fright fest.

Family

👸 Alberta Ballet: The Sleeping Beauty (October 26, October 28) Delight in the enchanting performance of The Sleeping Beauty by the Alberta Ballet.

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 Disney Movie” and this is what I got.

Let me know what ideas you have for this. I really enjoy making these types of photos.

Famous Calgarians

Colonel James Farquharson Macleod: Calgary's Beacon of Law and Order

Colonel James Farquharson Macleod wasn't just a pivotal figure in Calgary's history. He was a symbol of law, order, and diplomacy in the Wild West days. His vision and leadership played an essential role in shaping Calgary into the city we know and love today.

1. A Scot in Canada: Early Life (1836-1870) Born in 1836 on the Isle of Skye, Scotland, Macleod migrated to Ontario, Canada, where he initially pursued law. But the universe had grander plans for this young Scot.

2. The Call of the West: Joining the North-West Mounted Police (1870-1873) In the early 1870s, sensing the need for law and order in the western frontiers, Macleod joined the North-West Mounted Police (NWMP) – a decision that would change his life and Calgary's destiny.

3. The Great March West: Establishing Presence (1874) 1874 saw Macleod lead the NWMP's March West, a daunting expedition to combat the illegal whiskey trade and establish a police presence in the western territories.

4. Building Bridges: Fort Macleod and Relations with Indigenous Tribes (1874-1875) Setting up Fort Macleod, Macleod emphasized building a strong relationship with the Indigenous peoples, especially the Blackfoot Nation, ensuring peace and mutual respect.

5. A Nod to His Roots: Naming Calgary (1875-1876) Naming the region ‘Calgary’ after his ancestral home in Scotland, Macleod ensured that his roots and the city's destiny were forever intertwined.

6. Treaty 7: A Landmark Agreement (1877) Macleod's diplomatic prowess shone in 1877 when he played an instrumental role in the signing of Treaty 7, ensuring a lasting peace between the Crown and the Blackfoot tribes.

7. A City in Making: Calgary's Development (1877-1880s) The late 1870s and 80s saw Calgary grow leaps and bounds. With the Canadian Pacific Railway's arrival and a growing community, Macleod's vision of a thriving city was taking shape.

8. Back to the Courtroom: Later Years in Law (1887-1890) Though Macleod eventually stepped back from active police duty, he returned to his legal roots. He served as a magistrate, ensuring that Calgary's spirit of justice remained strong.

9. Legacy Secured: Final Days (1890-1894) The early 1890s marked Macleod's retirement. And though he passed away in 1894, the foundations he laid for Calgary ensured his legacy would endure.

10. Living On: Macleod's Immortal Influence (1894 and Beyond) Today, his name graces various landmarks around Calgary. From streets to schools, Colonel James F. Macleod remains an integral part of Calgary's spirit and identity.

So, there you have it! The life and times of a true Calgary legend. Through determination, diplomacy, and a deep love for the city, Colonel James Macleod helped shape Calgary's very soul.

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