Welcome to The Calgary Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Latest updates on the Calgary Flames and Wranglers

• Drop-off fee at Calgary International Airport

• New direct flights from Calgary to Iceland

• And more…

Quote of the Week

"Your work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work. And the only way to do great work is to love what you do."

- Steve Jobs

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!

Nose Hill Park is one of the largest urban parks in North America. What is unique about its environment?

A) It is home to several rare fescue grassland areas.

B) It contains the only natural ice cave in an urban North American park.

C) It has an untouched forest grove that dates back to before the city was founded.

D) It features a natural hot spring used by Indigenous peoples for millennia.

Answer to Last Week’s Trivia

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

Answer: Willie O'Ree

News

💼 Business

There will soon be a $4 drop-off fee at the Calgary International Airport for passengers arriving by taxi, Uber or Lyft. This is expected to take place in January 2024. (link)

A Calgary-born AI company, Ambyint will be returning to Calgary after relocating it’s headquarters to Houston, Texas. Ambyint is an oil well optimization software company. (link)

🏒 Sports

Calgary Flames won a close match against the Montreal Canadiens. Connor Zary and Nazem Kadri both contributed with a goal each. The final score was 2-1. (link)

Calgary coach Ryan Huska praised Dustin Wolf's performance, noting his poise and ability to control rebounds. The Flames struggled with power plays, going 0-for-3. (link)

🏦 Finance

Greenfire Resources Ltd., a Calgary-based energy company, announced plans to release its operating and financial results for the quarter ended September 30, 2023, and to host a conference call to discuss these results. (link)

DIRTT reported an 11% increase in revenue compared to the second quarter and a 6% increase compared to the prior year. The net loss was $6.3 million, slightly better than the previous year's $6.7 million. (link)

📰 News

WestJet announces starting in May 2024, they will be offering direct flights from Calgary to Iceland. (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 Wranglers Vs. Tucson Roadrunners (November 21). Catch the excitement of a hockey game between the Wranglers and the Roadrunners at Scotiabank Saddledome. (link)

🏒 Calgary Wranglers Vs. Tucson Roadrunners (November 22). Another chance to see the Wranglers in action against the Roadrunners at the Scotiabank Saddledome. (link)

🏒 Calgary Wranglers Vs. Abbotsford Canucks (November 25). Don't miss this thrilling hockey matchup against the Canucks at the Saddledome. (link)

Music & Concerts

🎤 Hayden Chloe Doucet Concert (November 20). Experience an evening of soulful music at The Grand with performances by Hayden Chloe. (link)

🎶 The Cat Empire Concert (November 24). The Australian ska and jazz band The Cat Empire will be performing live at the MacEwan Hall Ballroom. (link)

Family

🎭 Hadestown (November 21 – 26). A Tony Award-winning musical retelling of Orpheus and Eurydice, "Hadestown" combines myth with a vibrant score. It's a captivating theater experience for families. (link)

💡 Lions Festival of Lights ( November 25). This free event is a dazzling display of lights along 14th Street NW at the Confederation Golf Course. It's an excellent opportunity for a family outing to enjoy the beautiful light installations. (link)

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 an Underground City” 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

Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT) Established (1916)

In 1916, Calgary saw the establishment of the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT), which marked a pivotal step in the city’s educational development. Conceived as a response to the growing need for technical training in Southern Alberta, SAIT began its mission to equip young people with the practical skills necessary for success in a rapidly industrializing world. Its doors opened during a time of global turmoil amidst World War I, yet it promised a beacon of progress and vocational opportunity.

SAIT's early years were characterized by an ambitious spirit to empower a workforce that would build and transform the province's landscape. The institute quickly adapted to the changing needs of the industry, expanding its curriculum to include aviation, radio technology, and nursing. This adaptability was a testament to Calgary's innovative ethos and its commitment to respond to the demands of a burgeoning economy with pragmatism and foresight.

Over the decades, SAIT has grown into one of Canada’s premier polytechnic institutions, boasting a wide array of programs and a reputation for excellence in applied education. The campus itself has become a landmark in Calgary, reflecting the city’s evolution and its investment in a skilled and educated populace. SAIT’s success and longevity are not just triumphs of education but also emblematic of Calgary's vibrant community and economic resilience.

Famous Calgarians

R.B. Bennett (1870-1947)

Introduction: From Calgary Businessman to Canadian Prime Minister

Richard Bedford Bennett, born on July 3, 1870, in Hopewell Hill, New Brunswick, moved to Calgary and became a prominent businessman before embarking on a political career that would lead him to become the 11th Prime Minister of Canada. Though his tenure was marked by the struggles of the Great Depression, his contributions to Canadian law and policy were significant, and his philanthropic efforts left a lasting legacy.

Early Ventures in the West (1897-1905)

Bennett ventured westward to Calgary, a burgeoning town in the Northwest Territories, seeking new opportunities. He established himself as a successful lawyer and businessman, becoming one of the city's most influential figures. His legal acumen and entrepreneurial spirit were instrumental in the development of Calgary's early economy.

Rise in Politics (1905-1930)

Bennett's political ascent began with his election to the Alberta legislative assembly. He quickly made the leap to federal politics, where his oratory skills and conservative policies garnered attention. By 1927, he had risen to become the leader of the Conservative Party, positioning himself as a formidable figure in Canadian politics.

At the Helm of the Nation (1930-1935)

In 1930, at the height of the global economic downturn, Bennett was elected Prime Minister. His term was defined by his efforts to combat the Great Depression in Canada, including the creation of the Bank of Canada and the Canadian Wheat Board. Despite criticism for his handling of the economy, Bennett's policies laid the groundwork for Canada's social welfare system.

Legacy and Philanthropy (1935-1947) 

After leaving office, Bennett moved to England, where he was elevated to the House of Lords. He remained engaged in public service, donating significantly to educational institutions, including the University of New Brunswick and the Calgary Public Library. His philanthropy reflected his enduring commitment to public life and education.

The Passing of a Statesman (1947) 

On June 26, 1947, Bennett passed away in England, but his legacy continued to shape Calgary and Canada. His story is one of ambition, service, and a complex legacy that invites both admiration and critique.

Major Achievements:

• Served as the 11th Prime Minister of Canada from 1930 to 1935.

• Established the Bank of Canada and the Canadian Wheat Board.

• Was instrumental in the early development of Calgary's economy.

• After his political career, he became a philanthropist, supporting education.

• First and only Canadian Prime Minister to become a member of the British House of Lords.

R.B. Bennett's life journey from Calgary businessman to Canadian Prime Minister exemplifies a commitment to public service and economic development, marking him as one of the city's most distinguished historical figures.

Photo of the Week

Connect With Me

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

-Matthew Larsen