Calgary Citizen Newsletter Thursday August 17

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Good morning, there!

Country Thunder is back at Fort Calgary this weekend, kicking off on Friday with Jon Pardi and then Tim McGraw and Keith Urban headlining the rest of the weekend. Upcoming artists including Bailey Zimmerman, Chase Matthew, and Carly Pearce playing alongside many other country music stars and local musicians. Weekend general admission and single-day general admission tickets are still on sale so be sure to grab yours. All ages are welcome at the festival and it will be an unforgettable night for all country music lovers!

- Julie Patton, Intern

👀 In today's edition:

• Calgary Humane Society can’t accept more animals

• Alberta’s agriculture industry decimated

• Check out some of our favourite pet stores

Today’s read time: Approx. 4 minutes

QUICK POLL

WORTH KNOWING

🥵 Today: High 35C, Low 14C. 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 Humane Society forced to close its doors to animal intakes

At double the ideal capacity limits, the Calgary Humane Society (CHS) has temporarily closed animal intakes. Over the past several weeks, the organization has admitted an overwhelming number of animals. It has even seen people coming from outside the jurisdiction seeking surrender services.

Surging cost of ownership: Anna-Lee Fitzsimmons, associate director of community engagement, told CBC the cost of owning a dog has increased to an average of about $2,500 per year, not including medical expenses. The cost of owning a cat has reached $1,800 per year.

Lack of pet-friendly homes: Fitzsimmons told Global News another factor adding to the surge of surrenders is the lack of pet-friendly rentals. Between higher rent prices and a lack of housing, renters are forced to surrender their pets so they themselves can find affordable housing.

Research: CTV reports that the CHS urges Calgarians to do their research before taking in a pet. The organization says, "Speak with a veterinarian about annual vet costs (including the cost of spaying or neutering your pet). Consider pet insurance for unexpected veterinary bills, talk to your landlord and make sure you source your pet responsibly."

An ongoing problem: In May, the shelter also hit capacity and pleaded for the adoption of animals. Fitzsimmons told the Calgary Herald that fewer people are showing interest in bringing home a new pet. She adds that if adoption is too much commitment, Calgarians can sign up to foster an animal.

Related Story

Need to know

🚜Over a dozen municipalities in Alberta have declared agricultural disasters, and any relief the rain may have is likely too late for most. (CBC)

🚰 This is how the city’s declared Stage 1 Outdoor Water Restrictions will affect you due to drought and record low flow levels of the Bow and Elbow Rivers.

🍺 A Calgary-based cidery says distribution markups are unfairly impacting cider distribution, with Alberta breweries paying an extra 10 cents for every litre of beer distributed, whereas cideries pay $1.81 per litre. (CityNews)

👮A high-risk offender was released into the Calgary community on Tuesday after serving a 28-month sentence for sexual assault.

👮 A former Canada Revenue Agency employee was arrested by the RCMP and is accused of embezzling nearly $20,000 in COVID benefits. (Global)

👮 A 21-year-old man who was accused of sexual exploitation of teenage girls in late May faces more charges as three new victims have come forward. (CTV)

🎒 Stephen’s Backpacks Society is helping children get back to school by providing backpacks, as many families are tight on cash. (CityNews)

🗺️ The city has created an interactive map of spaces to help keep you cool on hot summer days including cool public spaces, water fountains, splash parks, and wading pools.

🏈 Defensive back Shaquille Richardson is returning to the Calgary Stampeders after a stint in the National Football League and helping Toronto win the Grey Cup in 2022.

🎭 Mamma Mia! A theatrical dining experience that is dedicated to ABBA is coming to Calgary this November!

🎭 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!

THE CALGARY GUIDE

Check out our favourite local pet stores

Pets are wonderful companions that bring joy into our homes and that’s why we love to spoil them so much. Luckily for Calgary pet owners, the city has such a wonderful and diverse selection of pet stores across the city. We compiled a list of five of our favourite local pet stores where you can find nutritious food, stylish accessories, and the squeakiest of toys.

Doodle Dogs

DoggyWood Limited

PAWSitively Natural Pet Food & Supplies

Bon-A-Pet-Treat!

Urban Dog Market

Read the full story to find out more about each shop.

Where to eat and drink

🍴 Jane Bond BBQ: Calgary’s top-voted BBQ brand has a new location downtown on 11 Ave. SW. Order plates or platters to try all the delicious BBQ Jane Bond has to offer!

🍴 Mondays Plant Cafe: Grab a drink, plant-based breakfasts, and more at this little cafe. A warm and inviting space, Mondays will make you feel right at home!

🍴 Jaffa Grill House: This Mediterranean eatery offers delicious dishes including salads, wraps, and platters featuring chicken or beef shawarma, shish tawouk, falafel, beef ribeye, and more.

Local specials

💸 Sunday Cider: Sunny Cider is accepting fruit donations to make cider every weekend until Oct. 1. Any donation that is more than 15kg of fruit earns a coupon for one glass of cider and 10% off anything in the taproom.

💸 Downhill Karting: Downhill Karting at WinSport has some awesome online-only deals! For $36 get four downhill rides and one free digital photo.

💸 Staples: Save on back-to-school shopping at Staples with up to $300 off laptops, monitors, and tablets!

🗓 Things to do

Thursday

• Farm to Table Pig Roast: Support local and savour the flavours of a 12-hour slow-roasted and smoked suckling pig dinner at Cravings Market Restaurant on Aug. 17.

• Art on Tap: Immerse yourself in creativity at this paint-and-sip party as Kakes & Kanvas leads you through a painting class at Elite Brewing on Aug. 17.

Friday

• Vietnam Now Festival: Explore Vietnamese and Vietnamese-Canadian culture through film, music, food, and more at the second annual Vietnam Now Festival at The Prairie Emporium from Aug. 18 to 20.

• Sole Scholars: A larger-than-life shoe experience, this sneaker-filled installation features an eight-foot-long sneaker and live sneaker painting at Cross Iron Mills from Aug. 18 to Sept. 4.

Saturday

• Monster Jam: A full-throttle family fun activity, Monster Jam is back and ready to showcase its world-class drivers at the GMC Stadium on Aug. 19 and 20.

• Chinatown Street Festival: Enjoy live performances, explore Cultural Tents and treat yourself to a variety of delicious cuisines all in Chinatown on Aug. 19.

Sunday

• Sin & Gin Soiree Cabaret: A monthly Cabaret show filled with music, burlesque, drag, comedy, cabaret, and more! Catch this month's feature at Lil' Red Rooster on Aug. 20.

• Pippin The Musical: Told through song and dance, the tale of Pippin follows a young prince who longs to find passion and adventure. Catch the show at the StoryBook Theatre until Sept. 3.

Monday

• Honey Bee Hive Tours: Get your beekeeping suit on and venture into a live beehive tour at Heritage Park on Aug. 21.

• Aggüdo Chess Night: Join Aggüdo every Monday for its chess night! Get some friends and enjoy a game of chess on Aug. 21.

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

We’ll see you back here on Tuesday, same time, same place!

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