Chinook Blast kicks off tonight, the weather is absurdly good (double digits in January?!), and we've got a packed weekend ahead. In this edition: Calgarians smashed the Food Bank goal with a $2-million campaign, the Peter Lougheed Centre just wrapped a massive expansion, and we're building Canada's first dementia-inclusive park right here in Dover. Plus, the Flames have three huge home games this week, including the Battle of Alberta on Wednesday. TODAY ONLY: Get $10.00 OFF any pair of Flames tickets listed below! Let's get into it. [Note: Feature YOUR event here.]

Top 3 Stories

🍲 $2 Million Strong: Calgary Smashes Food Bank Goal

In a year when many charities saw donations dry up, Calgarians reminded everyone what this city is made of. CBC Calgary's 40th annual Make the Season Kind campaign didn't just hit its $1.5 million goal—it blew past it, raising a final total of $2,021,125 for the Calgary Food Bank. That's one of the largest totals the campaign has seen in recent years, and it came despite widespread concerns about affordability making it harder for people to give. Food Bank CEO Melissa From admitted she wasn't sure they'd make it this year: "I try to be the eternal optimist, but I wasn't sure we were going to make it because the trends we're seeing are that giving is down. Every day folks are struggling." The milestone anniversary featured special broadcasts, an online auction, the ever-popular limited-edition coffee and mug sales, and a full day of live music and programming at The Ampersand on December 18. The food bank currently feeds more than 800 households every single day, and From says the funds will go directly to essentials—milk, eggs, fresh produce, and protein—"so folks can be healthy and thriving, not just surviving." After 40 years and close to $45 million raised in total, this campaign proves Calgary still knows how to show up. Donate here.

🏥 97 New Beds: Peter Lougheed Expansion is Done

Construction has officially wrapped on the $151-million expansion at the Peter Lougheed Centre, and the refreshed emergency department is expected to open to patients in late February. The project, which has been in the works since 2021, adds space for 97 new patient beds—including 28 emergency department beds, mental health short-stay beds, psychiatric ICU beds, and minor surgical beds. Once fully outfitted, the hospital will have room for 159 patient beds plus four training beds. The expansion was desperately needed: when the Peter Lougheed Centre's emergency department first opened in 1988, it was designed to handle about 40,000 patients a year. Last year, it served 83,000. The next few weeks will focus on final preparations—furniture, equipment, and clinical tools—before the doors open.

🌳 Canada's First: Calgary's Dementia-Inclusive Park Takes Shape

Calgary is building something that's never been done in Canada before. Construction is now underway on the Martin Family Legacy Garden in Dover—the country's first public park designed specifically for people living with dementia and their caregivers. The $4-million project, led by Parks Foundation Calgary, broke ground last May and is expected to open later this year. It all started with a simple question from a foundation member: "Why are there no parks for people with dementia?" Four years later, that question has become a reality.

A quick word from today’s sponsor that helps keep the From Calgary Newsletter FREE!

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🍽️ Feature Restaurant: The Beltliner

Location: 243 12th Avenue SW (Beltline)
Vibe: Modern Diner, Elevated Comfort Food

There's something about a cold January morning that makes you crave the classics—eggs, bacon, crispy potatoes, maybe a waffle. But what if those classics got a serious upgrade? That's the idea behind The Beltliner, a modern diner in the heart of the Beltline that's been reimagining comfort food since it opened.

Named after the historic streetcar that once ran down 12th Avenue in the early 1900s, The Beltliner takes all the diner staples you'd expect and elevates them with local, seasonal, and handmade ingredients. The brown butter waffles are legendary. The breakfast poutine is indulgent in all the right ways. And the chicken and waffles—perfectly seasoned, crispy exterior, almost fluffy interior—has converted more than a few skeptics. They describe their approach as "serious cooking while not taking ourselves too seriously," which is basically the most Calgary thing ever.

The space is bright, open, and buzzing with energy—the kind of place where you can linger over coffee and actually hear your friends talk. They also have a grab-and-go counter featuring Calgary Heritage Roasting Co.'s signature Route #5 blend, plus house-made pastries if you're in a rush. And don't miss the hallway near the washrooms—it's lined with historical photos of old Calgary that are worth a look.

Pro Tip: Weekend brunch gets busy. Reservations are only accepted until 10am on Saturdays and Sundays, so either book early or plan a weekday visit. Book a table

SUPPORT FROM CALGARY

From Calgary is 100% free and independently owned and operated (heck, it’s just me!). Your contributions go toward keeping the From Calgary going so we can have more fun and build more community. I appreciate any and all support, my friends! When you support From Calgary, I’ll send you some exclusive stickers to show my appreciation!
Thank you, Brent

REPORT

🌤️ 7-Day Weather Forecast

🌤️ Pro Tip: Look Up: January Who? Forget everything you know about late January in Calgary, this weekend is going to feel more like early spring. Sunny with highs around 10°C. Yes, you read that right. Double digits. In January. The mild weather holds through Monday and Tuesday, and then Wednesday gets downright absurd: forecasters are calling for a high of 18°C, flirting with record territory for early February. Translation: This is the perfect weekend to kick off Chinook Blast outdoors without freezing, take a long walk along the Bow River, or finally check out the new Eau Claire Plaza. Leave the parka at home. A light jacket will do. Just don't get too comfortable, this is still Calgary, and winter will be back eventually.

PROPERTY: Open and spacious concept with soaring 14’ ceilings, lake access. 

PETS: Time to meet some new friends. Ladybug the dog, Brownie the cat, and Garlic the gerbil.

🥩 Save time and get $20 off your next Instacart delivery. [#ad]

CALGARY FLAMES

The Flames have a packed schedule at the Scotiabank Saddledome this week! Tomorrow (Saturday), they host the San Jose Sharks at 2:00 PM, a rare afternoon puck drop that's perfect for the whole family. Then on Monday, the Toronto Maple Leafs come to town for an 8:00 PM showdown. And if that's not enough, Wednesday brings the Battle of Alberta as the Edmonton Oilers roll in for an 8:00 PM clash.

It's been a tough stretch for the boys in red, they've dropped five straight and sit at 21-25-6 as they fight to stay in the playoff hunt in a competitive Western Conference. There's been some roster shakeup too: defenceman Zach Whitecloud just arrived via trade from Vegas, bringing some fresh energy to the blue line. The home crowd can make a difference, so let's pack the Dome this week and get them back on track. Text 403-975-5515 for tickets.

Upcoming Calgary Flames Games - Call / text 403-975-5515

Jan 31 vs San Jose Skarks at 2:00 PM - SOLD OUT
Let me know how many you need, and I can source them for you! 

Feb 2 vs Toronto Maple Leafs at 8:00 PM
Sec 206, Row 18 (2 or 4 tickets) – SOLD
Sec 206, Row 19 (2 or 4 tickets) – SOLD
Sec 217, Row 18 (2 or 4 tickets) – Text 403-975-5515 for price

Feb 4 vs Edmonton Oilers at 8:00 PM
Sec 206, Row 18 (2 or 4 tickets) – SOLD
Sec 206, Row 19 (2 or 4 tickets) – SOLD
Sec 217, Row 18 (2 or 4 tickets) – Text 403-975-5515 for price

Mar 3 vs Dallas Stars at 7:00 PM - SOLD OUT
Let me know how many you need, and I can source them for you! 

Mar 5 vs Ottawa Senators at 7:00 PM
Sec 206, Row 18 (2 tickets) – $88/pair
Sec 206, Row 18 (2 tickets) – SOLD
Sec 206, Row 19 (2 or 4 tickets) – $108/pair

Mar 7 vs Carolina Hurricanes at 8:00 PM
Sec 206, Row 18 (2 or 4 tickets) – SOLD
Sec 206, Row 19 (2 or 4 tickets) – $134/pair

Mar 18 vs St. Louis Blues at 7:30 PM
Sec 206, Row 18 (2 or 4 tickets) – SOLD
Sec 206, Row 19 (2 or 4 tickets) – $94/pair

Mar 20 vs Florida Panthers at 7:00 PM - Mathew Tkachuk + Stanley Cup Champs
Sec 206, Row 18 (2 or 4 tickets) – SOLD
Sec 206, Row 19 (2 or 4 tickets) – $164/pair

Mar 22 vs Tampa Bay Lightning at 6:00 PM
Sec 206, Row 18 (2 or 4 tickets) – $129/pair
Sec 206, Row 19 (2 or 4 tickets) – $129/pair

Mar 24 vs Los Angeles Kings at 7:00 PM
Sec 206, Row 18 (2 tickets) – $88/pair
Sec 206, Row 18 (2 tickets) – SOLD
Sec 206, Row 19 (2 or 4 tickets) – $98/pair

Mar 26 vs Anaheim Ducks at 7:00 PM
Sec 206, Row 18 (2 or 4 tickets) – $109/pair
Sec 206, Row 19 (2 or 4 tickets) – $109/pair

Mar 28 vs Vancouver Canucks at 8:00 PM
Sec 206, Row 18 (2 or 4 tickets) – SOLD
Sec 206, Row 19 (2 tickets) – SOLD
Sec 206, Row 19 (2 tickets) – Text 403-975-5515 for price

Apr 12 vs Utah Mammoth at 7:00 PM
Sec 206, Row 18 (2 or 4 tickets) – $118/pair
Sec 206, Row 19 (2 or 4 tickets) – $118/pair

Apr 14 vs Colorado Avalanche at 7:00 PM
Sec 206, Row 18 (2 tickets) – $118/pair
Sec 206, Row 18 (2 tickets) – SOLD
Sec 206, Row 19 (2 or 4 tickets) – SOLD

Apr 16 vs Los Angeles Kings at 7:00 PM
Sec 206, Row 18 (2 tickets) – $118/pair
Sec 206, Row 19 (2 or 4 tickets) – $118/pair

Please call / text 403-975-5515

Click here to see the rest of the Calgary Flames season… 

[BUSINESS OWNERS: Want to advertise to smart Calgary locals? Reply to [email protected] and let me know!]

HAPPENINGS

FEATURED EVENT

(Feature YOUR Event Here)

FRIDAY 30th

• Eau Claire Plaza – Chinook Blast Opening Night featuring Cedric Lightning + Kris Demeanor at the RISE UP Outdoor Community Stage, plus Block Heater performances from L'omelette and Tribe Artist Society. FREE! details

• Scotiabank Saddledome – Calgary Roughnecks vs. Saskatchewan Rush (Indigenous Celebration Night) at 7pm

• Jack Singer Concert Hall – Vivek Shraya at 7:30pm tickets

• Grace Presbyterian Church – Judy Collins at 7:30pm tickets

• BMO Centre – Alberta Motorcycle & Powersport Show (11am–8pm) details

• Chinese Cultural Centre – Seconds Collective Vintage Market (Jan 30–Feb 1) details

SATURDAY 31st

• F3 Calgary FREE Men’s Workout – Come join me from 6:30-7:30 AM tomorrow morning at 2019 Chicoutimi Dr. I’ll be leading the F3 Calgary workout 💪 (Details)

• Eau Claire Plaza – Chinook Blast continues with Drag on Ice 4: Frozen Disco Extravaganza featuring a queen from RuPaul's Drag Race U.S.! Plus roving performances from Le Cirque de la Nuit and Puppet Stuff Canada. FREE! details

• Scotiabank Saddledome – Calgary Flames vs. San Jose Sharks (Women In Sport Night) at 2pm. Text 403-975-5515 for tickets

• Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium – Calgary Opera: Hansel and Gretel (Opening Night!) at 7:30pm — stunning puppetry by The Old Trout Puppet Workshop tickets

• The Grand – Groundhog Day movie screening at 7pm (Bill Murray classic!) tickets

• BMO Centre – Alberta Motorcycle & Powersport Show (10am–7pm) details

• Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo – Penguin Walk at 10:30am (included with admission) details

• Prince's Island Lagoon – Skating open all day — first 50 rentals FREE from Alberta Blue Cross on select days!

• WinSport – Servus Tube Park open all day

SUNDAY 1st

• F3 Calgary FREE Men’s Workout – 6:30-7:30 AM at 2019 Chicoutimi Dr. (Details)

• Eau Claire Plaza – Chinook Blast continues with more live performances and installations. FREE!

• Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium – Calgary Opera: Hansel and Gretel matinee at 2pm tickets

• BMO Centre – Alberta Motorcycle & Powersport Show final day (10am–5pm) details

• Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo – Penguin Walk at 10:30am (weather permitting)

• Various locations – YYC Hot Chocolate Fest kicks off! Sip your way through Calgary all month, with $1–$3 from each hot chocolate supporting Meals on Wheels details

THANK YOU!

Thank you for reading From Calgary today. If you enjoyed this edition, found something useful, or learned something new, please share it with someone who lives in Calgary.

Chat soon,

Brent
Publisher - From Calgary

P.s. BUSINESS OWNERS: Want to advertise to smart Calgary locals? Email [email protected] (or reply to this email) and let me know!

P.p.s. Looking for a side hustle that could one day let you escape the rat race? Check out my friend Tim’s Private Label Masters on Skool. Tim has sold over $100 million worth of products on Amazon and is an all around great guy.

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