Calgary Citizen Newsletter Saturday Nov. 25

Thank you for helping to make the Calgary Citizen possible.

Hey Insiders, it’s Krista 👋 

Not much to say today other than I hope you have a lovely weekend and enjoy the weather and all of the fun stuff going on in the city this weekend. I'm going to the CUFF.Docs film fest, Stage West’s latest show, local farmers markets, and brunch on Sunday. Enjoy your weekend!

Here’s what happened in the news this week

1. Calgary retiree completes ‘very inspiring’ effort to walk every street in the city

A Calgary man is celebrating a pretty impressive accomplishment. Mark Shupe has overcome some tough odds along the way, tackling a challenge that’s become a matter of life and death. He has just finished walking along every street in Calgary, racking up 15,000 kilometres on a trek that’s taken him almost six years to complete.

2. Calgarians take on Black Friday sales despite high inflation, cost of living

Some Calgarians embraced Black Friday sales as they contend with high inflation and a rising cost of living. “I woke up at 6 a.m. knowing that I’m coming to Southcentre Mall to do the Black Friday,” said Myrna Tgteegee, a Black Friday shopper. According to Deloitte Canada’s holiday retail outlook, people across the country plan on spending about 11% less on gifts this year compared to last. With the holidays right around the corner, some shoppers at Southcentre Mall were pinching their pennies, while others were ready to spend.

3. Calgary police fire officer who slammed handcuffed woman on ground

The police officer who was convicted of assault causing bodily harm after throwing a handcuffed black woman to the ground has been fired. Const. Alex Dunn, who had been with the Calgary Police Service for 14 years, was dismissed Thursday, six years after he slammed Dalia Kafi on the floor of the arrest processing unit. The dismissal won't take effect until the appeal period has expired or an appeal has concluded. Until then, Dunn remains suspended without pay.

4. Alberta bans photo radar on Calgary, Edmonton ring roads, saying it’s being used to get cash, not enhance safety

Alberta says from now on, photo radar across the province will be used to improve safety, and not generate revenue. This comes following the province’s ban on new radar equipment and locations, which started on Dec. 1, 2019. Now, Alberta says photo radar on ring roads in Calgary and Edmonton will be banned. The province says it will engage with municipalities and law enforcement over the next year on removing “fishing hole” locations. The province says the cap on new photo radar equipment, programs, and locations will be extended to the one-year mark of consultation — Dec. 1, 2024.

5. Budget breakdown: What are Calgarians getting in exchange for a 7.8% property tax increase?

The City of Calgary has a new budget for 2024, following council’s 9-6 vote in favour of budgetary adjustments on Wednesday. The adjusted budget, virtually identical to what city administration presented on Nov. 7, will result in a 7.8% property tax increase — roughly $16 more each month for the average Calgary household worth $610,000. Businesses with an assessed property value of $5.2 million will face a 3.5% tax increase.

Here’s what’s happening this weekend

🗓 CUFF.Docs Documentary Film Festival: Head down to The Globe Theatre to enjoy the best in non-fiction films at the Calgary Underground Film Festival.

🗓 Blue Jay Sessions: The holiday season is just around the corner and that means Blue Jay Sessions: Holiday Edition is back with 20+ singer-songwriters from across the province who will perform over food and drinks all weekend.

🗓 International Christmas Market: Get a peek at ta wide selection of handmade crafts, artisanal goods, and delicious treats from local businesses at the Spruce Meadows International Christmas Market until Dec. 3.

And here’s what we’ve got our eyes on

👀 We tell you about the city’s Christmas markets

👀 We take a look at Jubilations’ newest show