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Calgary in the 1990s: Growth, Innovation & Identity

The 1990s were a decade of reinvention for Calgary. Coming out of the turbulence of the '80s, the city entered a period marked by new industries, population growth, and real estate momentum that would help define the urban landscape we know today. As a top performing real estate and highly experienced construction industry professional, I see this era as a pivotal point when Calgary stepped out of its traditional energy-centric mold and embraced broader opportunities.

Economic Expansion & Diversification

In the 1990s, Calgary began to shift from an oil-and-gas-heavy economy to one with growing stakes in telecommunications, technology, and finance. TELUS emerged as a major player in the city…

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We are thrilled to bring you the latest in Calgary's luxury living, market insights, and exciting local happenings! Whether you are dreaming of a high rise with breathtaking views or staying ahead of Calgary's real estate trends, this edition is packed with everything you need to make informed decisions. 

Here's what you will find inside:

  • Downtown Luxury Living: Dive into Calgary’s exclusive high end properties with unparalleled views and state of the art amenities.

  • Calgary’s Safer Mobility Plan: Find out how the city is making strides to improve safety, accessibility, and efficiency for all commuters.

  • First Time Buyer Tips: Maximize your savings with the First Home Savings Account (FHSA) and get one step closer to owning…

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Calgary's Growing Population and the Need for a Safer Mobility Plan

Calgary is a city on the rise. As of 2024, Calgary's population had grown to approximately 1.6 million—a significant 17.5% increase over the past five years. This ongoing growth is a testament to the city's strong economic foundation and its appeal to residents and businesses alike. However, with growth comes an increasing demand for efficient, safe, and accessible transportation options for all.

Use our quick navigation guide below to jump to any point of our blog on Shaping Safer Streets: Calgary’s Vision for the Future of Mobility: 

  • What’s Driving Calgary’s Growth?
  • The Safer Mobility Plan: A Vision for a Safe Future
  • A Unified Approach to Safety
  • Vision Zero: A Safer…

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Secret Rooms and Hidden Spaces: The Allure of Unique Home Design

Secret rooms and hidden spaces are exactly what they sound like—concealed areas within a home that are either hidden from plain sight or accessible only through clever mechanisms. Historically, these spaces served practical purposes, such as hiding valuables or providing refuge during unrest. Think medieval castles with hidden passages or Prohibition-era homes with secret bars.

Today, these spaces have evolved into stylish, functional, and often playful features that add character to a home. As a real estate and construction professional, I’ve seen a growing interest in these elements from Calgary homeowners looking to personalize their living spaces.

Start with Purpose

Before…

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Okotoks' Water Journey: From Growth Cap to Sustainable Expansion

Let me tell you about a small Alberta town that made a bold move—Okotoks. Just south of Calgary, this community once said "no thanks" to unlimited growth because of one big issue: water. Yup, you heard that right. Water, or the lack of it, shaped everything from housing to infrastructure. But now? Things are changing in a big way.

For years, Okotoks had the slowest growth in the Calgary metro area, sitting at around 1.43%. Compare that to Airdrie (4.5%), Cochrane (5.6%), and Chestermere (4.8%), and it becomes clear: this was a deliberate choice. As one former town councillor put it, "totally driven by our water policy."

Fast forward to today, and a once far-off idea—the …

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Thriving Gardens & Smart Water Use: A Calgary Gardener's Guide

Calgary gardening enthusiasts, get your gloves ready and your spirits high, because we're about to dive headfirst into creating the garden of your dreams while being water wise wonders! Let's transform our Calgary green spaces into thriving havens!

 

Use our quick navigation guide below to jump to any point of our blog on The Essential Preseason Prep for Your Best Garden Yet: 

  • The Unique World of Calgary Gardening
  • Preseason Prep
  • When to Plant
  • Choosing the Right Plants for Calgary's Climate
  • Smart Water Management for Calgary Gardens
  • Maintaining Your Calgary Garden Throughout the Season
  • Addressing Specific Calgary Gardening Challenges
  • Building a Rain Garden in…

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Calgary in the 1980s: Boom, Bust & Cultural Maturation

Homes, Communities & Opportunity

The 1980s were a decade of extremes in Calgary. The city started off riding high on the last waves of the oil boom, only to hit a sharp downturn midway through. But what followed was a shift in mindset: smarter urban planning, a growing cultural scene, and a move toward economic diversification. As both a real estate advisor and builder, I look at this decade as the moment Calgary started maturing beyond its boomtown reputation.

The Economy: From Soaring to Sober

Early in the decade, oil prices hit record highs. Calgary’s downtown expanded quickly with glass towers and high-end offices. But the 1982 oil price collapse—and the introduction of the National…

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Welcome to the April edition of our newsletter! 

Spring is in the air, and so is the buzz of the real estate market! As the days get longer and the flowers begin to bloom, we're diving into an exciting month of opportunities for both buyers and sellers. Whether you're looking to embrace the luxury of mountain living, explore Calgary's hidden gems, or simply get a jumpstart on your gardening goals, this edition has something for everyone.

What to Explore in This Edition:

  • Mountain Luxury Living: Embrace elevated elegance in the Canadian Rockies
  • Spring Into Action: Why April is the best time to sell your home
  • Tax Tips: How to maximize your real estate related tax credits
  • Local Events: Exciting happenings around Calgary this month
  • …

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Thinking About Building a Home in Alberta? Here's What You Really Need to Know Before You Break Ground

Let me be straight with you—building your own home in Alberta sounds like a dream, right? Wide-open spaces, custom finishes, maybe even that big garage or dream kitchen you’ve always wanted. But here’s the deal: it’s not just about pretty blueprints or Pinterest boards. Building from the ground up takes real planning, grit, and a solid understanding of what you’re getting into. I've seen too many people dive in without a game plan, and trust me, that's a recipe for stress.

Are You Actually Ready for This?

This isn’t like a weekend renovation project. Building a home is a major undertaking. So ask yourself:

  • Got any construction or…

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Storm Ponds: Purpose, Safety, and Community Impact

In many of Calgary's newer communities, storm ponds have become a crucial component of urban water management. These ponds are designed to capture and hold stormwater runoff, including rainfall and snowmelt, before it reaches the city's rivers, creeks, and streams. While these storm ponds are essential for protecting our water systems and local environments, understanding their purpose, design features, and safety considerations is important for both residents and the local wildlife.

 

USE OUR QUICK NAVIGATION GUIDE BELOW TO JUMP TO ANY POINT OF THE IMPORTANCE OF STORM PONDS: 

  • Flood Control
  • Water Quality Improvement
  • Ecosystem Support
  • Types of Storm Ponds: Understanding Their Unique…

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