Originally published on Jan. 16, 2021 at CBC Calgary. In the summer, with half of Memorial Drive in Calgary shut down to traffic, a group of protesters set up near the Peace Bridge to draw attention to a bewildering array of grievances. One sign attacked Justin Trudeau, another warned of 5G networks, some supported oil and … Continue reading COVID denialism and the Alberta context
Calgary
Alberta micro-maltsters serve exploding craft beer scene
Alberta might not have the hop prowess of our western neighbours in B.C., but as the craft beer scene rapidly expands under new provincial rules, micro-maltsters are popping up to bring local barley to local brews. "We're a craft maltster, so we're producing specialty malts for the craft brewing industry here in Alberta," explains … Continue reading Alberta micro-maltsters serve exploding craft beer scene
Calgary doesn’t care about you
Back in 2008, a friend of mine lived in a nice apartment with not-so-great neighbours on a bit of a sketchy corner. Still, the two-bedroom, 1950s-era space was big, relatively nice and relatively cheap at $800 per month. Six years later, that same apartment is up for rent, listed on rentfaster.ca for $3,000. That represents … Continue reading Calgary doesn’t care about you
Winter on two wheels: an interview with Tom Babin
Long marginalized as mentally unstable radicals, there’s a particular group in Calgary and beyond that is fighting back against stereotypes in an effort to bring more unwitting citizens into their fold. Terrorists? Scientologists? Climate-change deniers? Nah, winter cyclists. Front and centre in this battle for the minds is Tom Babin, senior tablet producer at the … Continue reading Winter on two wheels: an interview with Tom Babin
Cycling outside of Calgary’s inner city
While cries of social engineering and a war on cars echo off the sides of skyscrapers and condos, the city is busy turning Calgary into a bike-friendly city in newer communities and suburbs without much fuss. Although there has been at least one councillor bemoaning the separated bike lane being built on Northland Drive in … Continue reading Cycling outside of Calgary’s inner city
Clint, the calf-roping calf
So, you get to be in the Stampede this week? Yeah, pretty excited about it. Really? No. Why? Well, there’s the lack of prize money and the fact that someone will be chasing me down while mounted on the back of a horse, trying to throw a rope around my neck and stop me dead … Continue reading Clint, the calf-roping calf
Ric McIver and the extremists
When the Peace Bridge opened in March of 2012, crowds gathered to celebrate. Politicians and citizens all swarmed both ends of the controversial bridge, eager to be amongst the first to cross. Just prior to cutting the ribbon, there was a blessing by a First Nations elder — recognition that Calgary sits on traditional Blackfoot … Continue reading Ric McIver and the extremists
Out(road)rageous: $5 billion could go a long way
We seem destined to always talk about transportation. Public transit, including the long-sought southeast LRT line and the nuances of where to put the north-central line; the mess that is Calgary’s taxi system; bike lanes; pedestrian safety improvements; two-way roads through the Beltline; and now the revelation that the southwest portion of the ring road … Continue reading Out(road)rageous: $5 billion could go a long way
City of Calgary to tackle affordable housing crisis
There is at least one thing that almost everybody agrees on: there is a housing crisis in Calgary and we need more affordable housing. The devil, as they say, is in the details. The mayor has made the issue a priority and now the city is taking its first tentative steps towards creating an affordable … Continue reading City of Calgary to tackle affordable housing crisis
Public art I can’t wait to see
Council recently voted to have city administration review the public art policy. One suggestion was that the public should have more say in public art installations. I couldn't agree more. We should do away with the jury and those people who "claim" to know about "art." Here are some sculptures that I'm really excited to … Continue reading Public art I can’t wait to see
Drew Anderson 