Calgary Citizen Newsletter Thursday Aug 30

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Good morning, there!

One of my favourite events is just around the corner and this year’s Calgary International Film Festival (CIFF) kicks off with the opening film Geoff McFetridge: Drawing a Life. Directed by Dan Covert, it’s a documentary about the Calgary-born and raised artist who has worked with Sophia Coppola and Spike Jonze, among others. The lineup features a bold and diverse selection of films, including award-winning features from Cannes, Toronto, and other world-class film festivals. With 16 premieres and 20 Canadian feature premieres, check out the full lineup for the festival that runs from Sept. 21 to Oct. 1.

- Krista Sylvester, Managing Editor

👀 In today's edition:

• A worsening housing crisis

• Historic missing persons case

• The Temptations hit Calgary stage

Today’s read time: Approx. 4 minutes

QUICK POLL

WORTH KNOWING

🌧️ Today: High 22C, Low 13C. See the 7-day forecast.

🚗 Driving today? Check the current traffic situation, and find the city’s traffic report and road closures.

⚠️ Here’s the current smoke forecast / check Calgary wildfire and fire restrictions and the Alberta Wildfire Dashboard.

Calgary’s rental crisis continues to worsen

Despite being known as one of Canada’s most affordable big cities, Calgary’s rental prices are increasing faster than anywhere else in the country. Additionally, Calgarians are struggling to find affordable homes as hundreds of thousands are moving to the city increasing the competition.

The cost to rent: CBC reports that it now costs an average of $1,718 for a one-bedroom apartment and $2,121 for a two-bedroom apartment in Calgary. Although high, Vancouver and Toronto continue to hold the spot for most expensive rents, while Calgary is in 26th place.

Hundreds of thousands moving in: Global News reports that while the federal government’s expanded immigration targets have brought more people to Calgary, interprovincial migration has also been driving up demand. Recent data shows that rent citywide has increased by 25% in the past year.

Students struggling for homes: Calgary Herald reports that while students are waitlisted for campus residences, the University of Calgary’s student union is urging residents to consider renting their homes to students. However, experts say renting to students could significantly raise premiums on property insurance.

Decades in the making: CityNews reports that experts say the affordable housing crisis has been stewing for decades. Calgary Mayor Jyoti Gondek says the cause of the crisis is not as important right now. It’s how to fix it.

Related Story

Need to know

🏃 A Calgary Marathon founder and celebrated Canadian runner died following a Sunday night car crash at 91 years old. (Global)

🐕 Hoping to increase adoptions to curb the influx of pets, the Calgary Humane Society is hosting a puppy party event this Friday from 2 to 5pm. (CTV)

🔎 Police are searching a rural property outside of Bragg Creek for possible human remains in relation to a historical missing persons case. (Global)

🧑‍⚖️ A former Calgary teacher who pleaded guilty to raping and robbing a number of women was sentenced to 13 years in jail. (CBC)

🚌 A Cochrane teenager says she's "never taking public transit again" after being physically attacked, bear-sprayed, and robbed. (CTV)

🌈 Despite recent hate directed toward the LGBTQ+ community, the Calgary Pride Parade will march on with bolstered security. (Calgary Herald)

⛺ A homeless encampment tucked in a forested area northwest of Deerfoot Trail and Glenmore Trail is being dismantled by the police. (CTV)

✈️ A 24-year-old female pilot from London, Ont. was killed after her small aircraft crashed south of Calgary. (London Press)

🛑 As the summer season transitions into the new school year, the city is reminding drivers to prioritize safety through the "Be Safe" campaign.

📅 September’s Calgary Culture Days highlight arts, culture, heritage, diversity and community spirit in the city with arts and cultural events.

🍏 The Farm Stand Program is back, giving Calgarians access to fresh, locally-grown produce. The program has expanded by 10 new community hubs this year.

👐 Calgary’s Women in Need Society is calling on all Calgarians to extend a helping hand through donations of funds, goods, or time to help families in need.

👐 More than 3,500 fire evacuees have registered in Calgary and the city has provided 1,248 hotel rooms for evacuees at participating hotels.

🚸 Bored kids? Calgary’s Child Magazine’s free weekly newsletter is packed with family-friendly activities, local events, excursions, and giveaways. Sign up here and never hear “I’m bored” again!

COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT

Tony Award-winning Broadway show Ain’t Too Proud is coming to Calgary this September

An electrifying Broadway musical based on the true story of the American vocal group The Temptations is coming to Calgary’s Jubilee Auditorium from Sept. 19 to 24. Nominated for 12 Tony Awards and the winner of the 2019 Tony Award for Best Choreography, Ain’t Too Proud tells the story of brotherhood, family, loyalty, and betrayal. The national show will have audiences dancing in their seats and singing along to one of Motown Records’ most successful groups.

We spoke with Michael Andreaus, who plays Otis Williams, to learn more about the show and what Calgarians can expect.

Where to eat and drink

🍴 Shiki Menya: Serving some of the best ramen in the city, be sure to get to Shiki Menya early! Doors open at 11am and close at 3pm, or whenever they run out. Don’t be surprised if the lineup is out the door and down the street!

🍴 Higher Ground Cafe: Established in 1982, Higher Ground has been listed as one of the best cafes in Calgary. Dine in and enjoy its relaxed, warm environment, or take it to go!

🍴 Reader’s Garden Cafe: After a short stroll through the beautiful Reader Rock Garden relax at the Garden Cafe located in a historic building discreetly tucked away behind the trees and shrubbery.

Local specials

💸 Color Me Mine: At Colour Me Mine uptown, grab the back-to-school packages for a 15% discount off items! Packages include a mug and a school-related item.

💸 Schanks Sports Grill: Enjoy Family Sundays with brunch till 2pm and half off arcade games, mini golf, and pool!

💸 Westside Recreation Centre: Enjoy a whole day of fun at Westside Recreation. For under $20 per person, access swimming, wall climbing, a variety of courts, drop-in exercise classes, and more!

🗓 Things to do

🎟️ Celestial Harmony: The energy of a full super moon in Pisces is often considered to be intense and emotionally charged, join Lumina Sound & Wellness for guided breathwork and sound bath at The Room YYC on Aug. 31.

🎟️ Back to School Bash: Ace Events is throwing a back-to-school party for students over 18! Kick back and enjoy the night before the semester starts at 628 8 Ave SW on Sept. 1.

🎟️ Alberta Day: Join Heritage Park for Alberta Day! Admission to the park will be free so you can experience the sights, sounds, and smells of living history across 127 acres on Sept. 2.

That’s it! Thanks for reading. If you have a hot story tip you want to share, feel free to reply back anytime.