Four reasons to Reno right now

Posted by on April 25th, 2016

The trickle-down effect in Alberta continues. Calgary’s renovation companies are also feeling the effects of the current slowdown and depending on who you talk to, this could be good news for you if you’ve got the budget and inclination to do those home improvements.

Some renovation firms say their business has dropped by as much as 30 per cent in the last 48 months while others say they’re just as busy as always.  Many contractors still working say jobs are smaller.  And while you probably should find someone that has some bandwidth to take on more business, make sure you do your homework and make sure that the reason why they’re slow has nothing to do with the quality of their work.

With the possibility of home renovations costing less than…

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The debate over density in Calgary

Posted by on April 14th, 2016

On one hand, we’re mad about urban sprawl.  Acres and acres of farmland carved up and paved, planted with single-family homes on tiny lots.  Taxpayer money poured into suburban infrastructure with little left over for schools or recreation centres.

Then on the other, we're upset that our older neighbourhoods are in decline.  Children have moved away, schools are closing yet property values are high and unaffordable for families who can use those schools.  Densification can revitalized these neighbourhoods in Calgary, referred to as being in the donut of decline – a ring of 35-plus year-old neighbourhoods.  But some poo-poo the idea of jamming people into lovely old neighbourhoods like sardines.  

There’s got to be a happy medium.  Perhaps, “good…

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Pilot sees partial parking ban in Mission

Posted by on April 7th, 2016

Love 4th Street but hate the parking?  The City of Calgary hears you and is trying to do something about it.

Because there are so many great restaurants, bars and shopping spots on 4 St SW in the Mission area, the city says it will ease a parking ban along the busiest part of this road.

So, starting in the middle of June, the city will dump the current parking ban which is in effect between 3:30 pm and 6:00 pm, but only on the east side of the street.  That’s going north from Elbow Drive into downtown, and of course at that time of day, most people will be headed south after a long day of work downtown.

Cost-effective and temporary

The city’s parking strategist Eric MacNaughton says this is only a pilot project.   The only cost involved is…

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