Welcome to The Calgary Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Calgary expected to outperform national growth rates

• Annual Basketball Bonanza for Mary's Meals

• Calgary addresses need for more housing

• And more…

Quote of the Week

"No one is more hated than he who speaks the truth.”

– Plato, Ancient Greek Philosopher

My Goal For the Week

I need to work on “thinking more long-term” instead of short-term, and I am going to start doing that this week.

One Idea For a Better Week

If you have work to do, or you have to study, or you have to do chores, try setting a 60 minute timer, putting all of your devices away, and then working on it until the timer is up. It is a great way to be more productive.

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-born athlete is known for breaking the color barrier in the National Hockey League (NHL)?

A) Jarome Iginla

B) Grant Fuhr

C) Willie O'Ree

D) Mike Marson

Answer to Last Week’s Trivia

In what year did the Calgary Flames win their first and only Stanley Cup to date?

Answer: 1989

News

💼 Business

Calgary's economic forecast appears brighter than much of Canada, with the city expected to outperform national growth rates due to affordable housing and lower living costs attracting both interprovincial and international migration. The influx of newcomers is predicted to drive up demand for housing, services, and infrastructure. Despite a projected deceleration in 2024, employment growth and real wage increases are anticipated to uplift consumer spending for the year.

Mayor Jyoti Gondek emphasizes the importance of investing in downtown revitalization, which has shown early success, as crucial for increasing the city's revenue base.

🏒 Sports

The Calgary Flames pulled off an exciting comeback victory against the Nashville Predators, with Blake Coleman scoring the game-winner. The Flames scored three times in the third period, overturning the game to a 4-2 win, and adding a thrilling chapter to their season.

🏦 Finance

Maxim Power Corp., a key player in Calgary's energy sector, released its third-quarter financial and operating results, which reflected a challenging period with a net loss compared to the previous year. Despite a significant drop in revenue and net income, the company is navigating through the complexities of the energy market with strategic adjustments.

📰 News

Calgary is showing its community spirit as residents rally to support a man whose mobility scooter was stolen, offering help and resources. This act of kindness highlights the city's strong community bonds.

Banff, a popular tourist destination near Calgary, is set to welcome visitors back to one of its iconic hotels after a major $30 million renovation, ensuring that the charm of the town is preserved while offering modern comforts to tourists and supporting the local economy.

The City of Calgary has taken a proactive step towards addressing the need for more housing by announcing the conversion of three downtown office buildings into housing and long-stay hotel suites, which will help revitalize the downtown area and provide residents with more living options.

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 (November 16) Cheer for the Flames as they take on the Vancouver Canucks at the Scotiabank Saddledome.

🏀 4th Annual Basketball Bonanza for Mary's Meals (Friday, November 17) Skills training and a competitive game between Calgary Police and Fire at Clear Water Academy Gym.

Music & Concerts

🎸 Metric Concert (Friday, November 17) Catch the iconic band Metric live at The Grey Eagle.

🎵 The Glorious Sons (Saturday, November 18) Rock out with The Glorious Sons at The Grey Eagle.

Hobbies

🎨 Art Market Art & Craft Sale (November 16-19) Art lovers unite at the Telus Convention Centre for one of the city's premier art and craft sales.

🧘 Relaxation Techniques for Busy Boss Babes (November 19) Learn yoga and relaxation techniques to ease into the busy season at Abbatoir Studio.

Image of the Week

Every week, I have a habit of making some AI art about our city.

This week, I typed in “Calgary on Mars” 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

Calgary Tower Opens its Doors [1968]

In 1968, the Calgary Tower, originally named the Husky Tower, was inaugurated to celebrate Canada’s centennial year. The brainchild of Husky Oil and Marathon Realty Company Limited, this towering structure was a bold declaration of Calgary’s economic ambition, fueled by a thriving oil industry.

Standing 191 meters tall, the tower reshaped Calgary’s skyline, offering panoramic views of the cityscape against the backdrop of the Rockies. Its iconic status was further cemented by its revolving restaurant, a novelty that provided visitors with a rotating vista as they dined.

The tower’s opening symbolized Calgary’s emergence as a city with grand aspirations, transcending its image as a mere gateway to the Rockies or the host of the Stampede. It came to embody a mix of western tradition and contemporary urban culture, projecting Calgary’s desire to be recognized globally.

Famous Calgarians

William Aberhart (1878–1943): Introduction

William Aberhart, a prominent figure in Alberta's history, is remembered as a transformative educator, religious leader, and politician. Born in Ontario, his journey took him to Calgary, where he made his most notable contributions, including founding the Social Credit Party and serving as the Premier of Alberta from 1935 until his death in 1943. Aberhart's legacy is multifaceted, reflecting his roles as a principled educator, a religious innovator, and a political maverick.

Early Life and Education (1878-1905)

Born on December 30, 1878, in Kippen, Ontario, Aberhart was a curious and academically inclined young man. He trained as a teacher, a career that would become the cornerstone of his early professional life.

A Passion for Teaching (1905-1910)

Aberhart's early teaching career was marked by his innovative approach to education and a deep care for his students. He became known for his dedication, often providing extra tutoring and organizing extracurricular activities to enrich his students' learning experiences.

Spiritual Awakening (1910-1915)

Though not raised in a religious household, Aberhart found a deep connection with Christianity in his youth, which evolved as he grew older. His beliefs would later significantly influence his professional and political life.

Religious Leadership in Calgary (1915-1935)

After moving to Calgary, Aberhart's religious activities blossomed. He became an unpaid pastor, founded a Bible study group, and, leveraging the power of radio, expanded his religious influence across the prairies.

The Political Call (1935)

During the hardships of the Great Depression, Aberhart turned to politics, driven by a desire to apply the Social Credit theory to address economic challenges. He founded the Social Credit Party of Alberta and quickly rose to prominence within the province's political landscape.

Premier of Alberta (1935–1943)

Aberhart's political career peaked when he became the Premier of Alberta. Despite facing challenges in implementing his party's platform, he initiated significant social and economic reforms​.

Challenging Times (1937)

Aberhart's tenure wasn't without controversy. He faced opposition from the federal government and even the Lieutenant Governor of Alberta, which led to significant constitutional debates.

Innovation and Relief Efforts (1938-1943)

Despite resistance, Aberhart's government managed to establish the Alberta Treasury Branches, a significant legacy in the province's financial sector. He also instituted various social welfare and relief programs.

Death and Enduring Legacy (1943)

Aberhart's unexpected death in 1943 left a void in Alberta politics, but his influence persisted. His initiatives in the realm of social credit, educational reform, and religious broadcasting left an indelible mark on the province​​.

William Aberhart's Major Achievements

• Founded the Social Credit Party of Alberta and served as Premier from 1935 to 1943.

• Established the Alberta Treasury Branches, which persists as a significant financial institution.

• Instrumental in the widespread adoption of radio for religious broadcasting in Western Canada.

• Implemented social welfare programs and relief efforts during the Great Depression.

• Named a Person of National Historic Significance by the Government of Canada in 1974.

Connect With Me

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

-Matthew Larsen