Calgary Citizen Newsletter Thursday May 9

Plus, YYC arcade spots, single use bylaw scrapped, and tree falls

Good morning !

It’s that time of year when the Calgary Stampede unveils its latest and weirdest new food offerings and the aptly named Cowboyaki (which is takoyaki, a ball-shaped Japanese snack cooked in a moulded pan) is just the tip of the hat. Sure, you can still get your regular food offerings like mini donuts and corn dogs, but the more adventurous eaters can also get a gator pepperoni pizza, cheeseburger ice cream, a pickle fry poutine, and other wild concoctions. Answer our poll below to let us know what you think of this year’s menu.

👀 In today's edition:

  • City reverses single-use bylaw

  • Calgary tops travel list

  • Check out these arcade spots

Today’s read time: Approx. 4 minutes

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QUICK POLL

Out of the new Calgary Stampede food, which one would you be willing to try?

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WORTH KNOWING

☀️ Today: High 16C, Low 8C. See the 7-day forecast.

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

After public pressure and scrutiny, the city’s single-use bylaw is repealed

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Calgary businesses are longer required to collect a fee from customers for single-use or reusable bags after city council officially repealed the single-use items bylaw. The bylaw passed in January 2023 to limit the amount of single-use items that end up in city landfills. The bylaw came into effect in January, requiring businesses to charge 15 cents for a single-use bag and $1 for a reusable bag, rising to 25 cents and $2 ultimately.

CBC reported that a 2019 City of Calgary study showed that 3.5 million plastic bags, 6.4 million disposable utensils, 2.4 million takeout containers, and 2.4 million disposable cups were thrown away every week in Calgary.

According to CTV, councillors voted 12-3 in favour of repealing the controversial bylaw after political and public pressure. City administration will now work to bring forth recommendations for a new single-use bylaw.

In case you missed it

Need to know

🎵 Renowned U.S. songwriter works on ‘Beaches’ musical with Calgary performers.

🌲 The extreme wind knocked down a tree into a southwest Calgary home.

🪧 City councillor labels Danielle Smith’s Bill 20 social media post ‘misinformation’.

🧳 Calgary topped a list of 10 cities Canadians are travelling to for summer 2024.

🚰 Drought, floods, pandemic — how the city is working to improve food security amid crisis.

❤️ A local mother is keeping the legacy of her daughter alive, 10 years after she lost her to complications with Type 1 diabetes.

☀️ Another pattern flip will push the city’s weekend temps to the mid-20s.

👮 A family doctor has been charged with sexual assault — the fourth time he's been accused of the same offence since 2017.

🏒 Calgary Flames to pick ninth at the upcoming NHL draft.

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Check out these five awesome YYC hot spots to get your gaming on

Pin Bar is loaded with pinball games, food, trivia, karaoke, and more. // Instagram

We don’t know about you, but there’s something inherently fun about taking the controls and getting a little competitive with friends or family. We’re big fans of arcade-style games so we thought we’d share some places to check out for some friendly competition. You can’t go wrong at any of these spots.

Greta: Whether you’re a fan of old-school arcade games or prefer the latest in gaming experiences, Greta has something for everyone with two floors of games to explore. Did we mention the in-house food truck and the bar?

The Rec Room: From air hockey to Mario Kart and Pac-Man to virtual reality, this Deerfoot City spot is great for the whole family to enjoy. Once you need a break from gaming, settle down with some Canadian-inspired cuisine.

Pinbar: Pinbar is loaded with—you guessed it—pinball games. But they also have other classics, too, and karaoke and trivia nights. Located on the lively 17th Ave.

Boogie’s Burgers: With a retro rock-and-roll vibe, this made-to-order burger and milkshake spot also boasts classic games like Ms. Pac-Man to Mortal Kombat. Even better, there are two locations (Renfrew and Marda Loop) to enjoy.

Loco Lou’s: This hot spot near SAIT is loaded with delicious food and drinks on the main level and arcade games above. Make sure to challenge the general manager to a game of basketball while you are there.

Where to eat and drink

🍴 Village Pita Bakery: An authentic Middle Eastern staple that uses fresh pita and quality ingredients to make delicious quick bites like cheese pies, meat pies, chicken wraps and more while also stocking grocery items like spices and candies.

🍴 Rising Tides: Have you checked out this Bowness gem yet? It’s a great spot to enjoy locally made beers and finger food. Discover why this spot has 4.9 stars on Google.

Have a food or drink suggestion? Message us and we might share it!

Local specials

💸 Jubilations Dinner Theatre: Students and seniors can take advantage of the $51.25 special pricing every Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday. Catch Journey to the ’80s until June 1.

💸 The Harry Rosen Outlet at Crossiron Mills is stepping into spring by offering customers the opportunity to buy one pair of new shoes and get the second new pair at 50% off until May 12.

Have a promo suggestion? Message us and we might share it!

Things to do

🎟️ Otafest 2024: Calgary’s Japanese pop culture festival with shopping, cosplay, games, anime, and stars. Friday to Sunday at the Telus Convention Centre.

🎟️ Inglewood Night Market: The first night market of the new year is back with a diverse collection of vendors selling handmade crafts to vintage clothing, antiques and collectibles, artisan eats, and more. Friday in Inglewood.

Have an event suggestion? Message us and we might share it!

READER PIC

One of our readers sent this artsy shot of Purple Perk coffee in Mission. // Razvan Ungureanu

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

Krista

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