W9R: Get To Know Your Great Neighbourhood!

Dare we say it?…. Spring is in the air!

The weather looks fantastic this weekend, giving us the perfect opportunity to go outside and get to know your great neighbourhood! Inspired by our friends at the City of Calgary communications team, we put together a fun activity full of remarkable places to visit in Ward 9:

INGLEWOOD BIRD SANCTUARY: This 36-hectare wildlife reserve is visited by more than 270 species of birds, 21 species of mammals (including deer), 2 amphibians, 2 reptiles, 7 species of fish and 27 species of butterflies. The sanctuary is a short drive (5 km) east of downtown on the Bow River. It offers two kilometres of trails through open grasslands and forests. Trails are open from dawn to dusk every day of the year.

TELUS SPARK: Whether you’re a young family, in your tweens and building new ideas, or an adult who is compelled to find the ‘why’ behind the science, TELUS Spark is for you. TELUS Spark is Calgary's Science Centre. Facilitators fuel curiosity. Exhibits and programs ignite a sense of wonder and excitement. Conferences and events act as a catalyst for innovation and new ideas. The Body Worlds: Animals Inside Out exhibit is also currently on display until March 1, 2020!

IRONWOOD BAR AND GRILL: A family-friendly venue with regular showtimes 7 days a week, this Inglewood staple has a full list of local and international arts alike!

CALGARY ZOO: The Calgary Zoo is home to nearly 1,000 creatures across 119 species, and is one of the city’s favourite family destinations. One third of Calgarians visit every year, and more than 97,000 have annual memberships. Operated by the Calgary Zoological Society, a not-for-profit society founded in 1929, the Calgary Zoo is one of just five zoos in Canada accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. It’s the perfect time to check out the Penguin Walk!

YW COMMUNITY HUB: A variety of programming offers something for everyone - including exercise facilities and classes, a community kitchen, and more, all while supporting women and families in Calgary!

MUSIC MILE: The coolest stretch of live music in Calgary connects two of our best-loved and most walkable neighbourhoods, Inglewood and East Village. Here you’ll find a growing energy of talented musicians building community around top-notch, accessible, live entertainment every day and night, year-round, in over 20 live music venues. Walking this mile-long streetscape and blocks nearby, your senses are amplified as you feel the trendy and soulful vibe of homegrown music venues sprinkled amongst celebrated restaurants, shops, galleries, green spaces and event sites.

BRIDGELAND CENTRE AVE: If you’re looking for a perfect ‘long walk’, Centre Ave has it all. Along the way, you’ll pass the Bridgeland-Riverside Community Rink, Murdoch Park, and a collection of Calgary’s historic landmarks, accompanied by some of the most beautiful views in the city and a short hop, skip, and jump away from the best restaurants in the area!

THE LIVERY: The Livery Shop was originally located in a historic building in the community of Inglewood in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. The idea of a workshop and show room appealed to two local companies, CoutuKitsch Jewelry, and Camp Brand Goods Apparel, who's owners became fast friends on the local Calgary market circuit. In November of 2014, the four owners opened The Livery Shop inside of the old Livery Stable. What began as a show room with a few items grew into a space that supports local artisans and brings in the best of the best independent brands that range from our backyard to around the world. 

BEAVERDAM FLATS: Having recently undergone significant restorations, Beaverdam Flats is a natural environment park that lies across the eastern bank of the Bow River. Get as close as you can to take in some breathtaking sights, smells, and sounds, right in the heart of the city!

ST. PATRICK’S ISLAND: Another riverfront gem, St. Patrick’s Island offers the perfect “wild oasis” without having to leave Calgary! You’ll find a fishing cove, naturalized wetlands, wooded areas with meandering pathways, a playground, and a hill that offers some of the best views in the city. There’s also a monumental public art installation, a completely accessible picnic area and an amphitheatre.

POW PIZZA: Give your tastebuds a powerful punch and explore one of the most unique and delicious ‘za joints in the city. Locally owned and operated, their story is as lovely as their people!

ESKER GALLERY: DYK that admission is free!? Esker Foundation is a contemporary art gallery located in Mohkinstsis/Calgary. As a leader in the Calgary arts community, Esker presents relevant, accessible and engaging contemporary art exhibitions, forward-thinking educational programs, and innovative publications. Esker reflects on current developments in local, regional, and international art and ideas; creates opportunities for public dialogue, and supports the production of groundbreaking new work and research.

ALL SAINTS RUSSIAN ORTHODOX CHURCH: One of the oldest and most beautiful places to contemplate and practice faith, we recommend a visit, even if it’s just to appreciate the beautiful architecture.

INDEFINITE ARTS: A beautiful space that offers exhibitions and programming for all ages and abilities., the Indefinite Arts Centre is Canada’s oldest and largest disability arts organization, providing artistic training, creation, and exhibition opportunities for people with developmental, physical, and acquired disabilities. Every week, 300+ artists come through our 12,000 square foot multimedia studio and gallery space in Calgary. Working alongside talented instructors, their artists are supported and empowered to experience the entire artistic creation process – from conceptualization to exhibition.

INTERNATIONAL AVE: International Avenue is a vibrant business district with a diverse ethnic composition located on 17th Avenue S.E., from 26 to 61st streets, in Calgary. There is an interesting mix of business representative of the cosmopolitan neighbourhoods surrounding the Avenue.  Now known as Calgary's Culinary and Cultural Capital. It offers one-stop shopping with access to a selection of restaurants and grocery stores from around the world, as well as a wide range of other retail goods and services. Over 425 businesses operate within the zone.  Convenient free parking is available throughout.

MAX PURPLE BRT: Since operation, the MAX Purple BRT has completely changed transportation, access, and the vibrancy of East Calgary. Regardless of time or day, we urge you to try it and learn how much easier your commute can be!

BLACKFOOT DINER: Edna Taylor opened the truckstop/diner in 1956 and became well known by truck drivers from across North America including most of the local folks in the Calgary area too. The Blackfoot Truckstop serves breakfast, lunch and dinner 24 hours a day. With everything from bacon and eggs to a roast beef dinner, it’s considered a staple in Calgary’s food scene.

BOB BAHAN CENTRE: A city-run recreational facility that provides an affordable option to get active with friends and family! You can also register for scheduled programming or flexible drop in passes!

HARVIE PASSAGE: Construction on Calgary's Harvie Passage is now complete. The passage, which has been closed since the June 2013 flood, has been completely redesigned from river to shore. This design is more resilient and has been designed to withstand volumes of water similar to the those that damaged the previous passage structures. Additional benefits of the project include the new shoreline spaces along the passage that have been developed for people wishing to enjoy the beauty of the Bow from land. There are tree-lined walkways and beach areas for the public. These spaces are a delightful complement to the nearby Pearce Estate Park. However, as with river users, we caution all users of this area to exercise caution in or near the water.

VALLEYVIEW PARK: Valleyview Park is a relatively new park in Calgary's southeast separating the Dover and Southview communities that has a spray park, ball diamonds, beach volleyball courts and playgrounds. It also has some of the most amazing pathways and views if you’re considering a stroll!

JACK SETTER AREA: You can still enjoy all of the amenities even if you don’t live in Millican-Ogden, including an indoor ice rink, drop in programs, and more!

FUSE 33: If you’re looking to learn a new skill or take a fun workshop with a friend, Fuse33 has you covered! You can also explore a full membership to access their makerspace or test the waters with a drop-in pass!

SOUTHVIEW BLUFF : This hidden gem will take your breath away on a clear night. A perfect place to end up and reflect after exploring all of what Ward 9 has to offer!