When a summer heat wave strikes NW Calgary, AC failures surge—often turning minor issues into major headaches for unprepared homeowners.  

 

Older units in communities like Charleswood or Collingwood regularly break down as sudden temperature spikes push idle systems to their limits.  

 

The most common failures—capacitor problems, refrigerant leaks, and dirty coils—can often be avoided or quickly diagnosed with a five-minute checklist of thermostat, breaker, and unit checks.  

 

If DIY steps don’t work, asking the right questions separates true 24/7 emergency services from delayed or overpriced fixes.  

 

Repairs on older systems may not be worth it, especially with outdated R-22 refrigerant or rising energy bills—replacement with models like Lennox, Carrier, or Trane is frequently the wiser investment.  

 

Annual spring maintenance, especially coil cleaning, is the best prevention.  

 

Booking a professional AC check before the next heat wave ensures local peace of mind and comfort all summer.

Montgomery’s Chalk the Block is BACK! 🖍️
Join us for a vibrant day of art, community, and summer fun at the Chalk the Block Competition & Street Market!

Watch talented artists transform the streets into colorful masterpieces during our chalk art competition, and explore a lively street market filled with:
✨ Local vendors & unique finds
🍔 Delicious food trucks
🎶 Live music & entertainment
🎯 Games & activities for all ages
🍻 Beer garden & more!
Bring your friends, family, and creativity—there’s something for everyone!
Don’t miss one of Montgomery’s most exciting summer events. See you there!
Vendors – apply now! Email Kelliecarterevents@gmail.com for more info.

THANK YOU to our amazing sponsor, Leaf Filter

Who is it for?

All ages

HOW MUCH

Tickets : FREE

Free to attend

How to get tickets?

At the door: FREE

WHEN & WHERE

 

Date: Saturday June 27, 2026 | 1 PM – 7 PM

Art competition throughout the day alongside a market with local vendors. Beer garden, live stage.

Venue & Address

Montgomery BIA, 4628 Bowness Rd NW

Wheelchair accessible

Free Parking

The Day I Found a Star from Long Ago

 

Can you imagine what Alyssa might say when she tells her kids this story??

 

I wasn't looking for anything special that day. Just playing at my Calgary playground, climbing on the rocks like I always do. But then I saw it—a dark shape in one of the big boulders, maybe five centimeters across.

 

Most people would walk right past, but I knew what it was. Fossil!

When I told Grandma and Grandpa, they called the Royal Tyrrell Museum.

 

Can you believe it?

 

They said a sea star could be 250 to 400 million years old! The experts said these fossils are super rare—only found in a few places on the whole planet.

 

They even cut the rock out with a diamond saw to take it to their museum. My find might go on display someday!

 

If you were Alyssa, what would you wonder... “when I'm grown up, will I remember this day?

 

Will I look back and think, "That little kid just made something amazing happen"?

 

I hope so.

 

Maybe being curious about dinosaurs helped her see what others missed.

 

Maybe someday other kids will come by and look too, because sometimes the biggest discoveries don't need expensive tools—they just need someone to pay a little attention. And ask some questions?

 

Did you see this story  by Global News Ken MacGillvray? How awesome is this   Photo from Global News

Raising a twice-exceptional (2e) child in NW Calgary neighborhoods like Edgemont, Varsity, and Dalhousie brings daily swings between brilliance and struggle.

 

Children with both giftedness and learning differences—such as ADHD, autism, dyslexia, or anxiety—may argue like lawyers yet melt down over small mishaps.

 

The standard Alberta education system often divides "gifted" and "special needs" into separate boxes, leaving 2e kids misunderstood and unsupported.

 

To truly help, families need a comprehensive psychoeducational assessment from local professionals who recognize both strengths and challenges.

 

Choosing between CBE neighborhood schools, Westmount Charter, Foothills Academy, or homeschooling depends on your child’s unique profile and needs.

 

Effective advocacy—demanding specific accommodations and focusing on daily routines—can transform frustration into steady progress.

 

With targeted support and local resources, 2e families in Calgary can move from overwhelmed to strategic, helping remarkable children thrive.

Raising a twice-exceptional (2e) child in Calgary communities like Edgemont, Varsity, and Dalhousie means navigating a world of extremes—gifted brilliance and unique learning challenges, all at once.

 

Parents often see their child devour complex topics, yet struggle with basics, facing emotional ups and downs that the traditional school system rarely understands.

 

Alberta’s education system typically separates “gifted” and “needs support”—but 2e students live in both worlds.

 

A comprehensive psychoeducational assessment is the critical first step, helping clarify strengths and challenges for individualized supports.

 

Options include CBE schools with IPPs, Westmount Charter, or specialized programs at Foothills Academy—each offering unique resources for gifted and neurodiverse learners.

 

Beyond school, local organizations like Calgary Dyslexia Society, supportive therapists, and intelligent assistive tech can make daily life smoother.

 

Strategic advocacy transforms overwhelm into actionable steps, ensuring your child’s abilities are recognized and nurtured—right here in NW Calgary.

Supporting senior parents in NW Calgary often means balancing their independence with the urgent risks of harsh winters and health emergencies.

 

When temperatures drop to -28°C and a furnace stops, adult children feel powerless from afar.

 

Traditional check-ins and lifeline pendants rarely offer true assurance, while technology can feel invasive or complex.

 

Instead, modern smart home systems—like ambient movement sensors, smart thermostats with instant temperature alerts, and discreet pill dispensers—provide vital protection without sacrificing dignity.

 

Families can customize routines: motion sensors confirm medications are taken, smart locks simplify caregiver access, and power backups keep essentials running during Calgary’s winter outages.

 

Partnering with local installers solves challenges unique to Varsity, Dalhousie, and Edgemont bungalows, while government programs like SHARP may help cover costs.

 

The result: a supportive home that delivers real-time peace of mind for families—and true independence for seniors.

When your phone rings at 6 AM with a worried call from Varsity, you realize how vulnerable seniors can be during a -28°C Calgary winter.

 

Adult children across Alberta face a daily balancing act: protecting aging parents in their own NW Calgary bungalows, while respecting their privacy and independence.

 

Modern smart home systems go beyond lifeline pendants or weekly check-ins.

 

Essential tools—from contact sensors and smart thermostats with temperature alerts, to voice-activated lights and motion routines—help detect falls, monitor winter heating, or send check-in confirmations without cameras or uncomfortable devices.

 

Cellular backups and local support matter for real NW Calgary conditions, including outages and challenging home layouts.

 

Start simple: address your top fear, whether it’s hypothermia or missed meds, then add layers only as needed.

 

Peace of mind comes as technology quietly assures you, letting your parent age gracefully at home—safely and independently.

Calgarians are urged to prepare for a dramatic temperature plunge and the return of snowfall this week.

 

Forecasts indicate daytime highs will reach only 5°C on Tuesday, December 9, before sharply dropping to -18°C by Friday, December 12.

 

Snowfall is expected to accompany the cold, with light snow and flurries on Thursday and Friday potentially bringing up to 1 cm of accumulation.

 

This abrupt shift follows the stretch of mild weather city residents enjoyed earlier in the month.

 

Locals are reminded to bundle up, make sure vehicles are equipped for winter, and keep an eye on weather alerts.

 

Taking these steps will help everyone stay safe as Calgary transitions into full winter conditions.

Calgary lights up with festive celebrations this December, welcoming residents and visitors to a true winter wonderland.

 

Step back in time at Heritage Park’s “Once Upon a Christmas”, complete with charming wagon rides, carolers, and even a Heritage Holiday Train journey.

 

Catch the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra at Grace Presbyterian Church, where beloved holiday classics fill the air.

 

At the BMO Centre, stroll through the dazzling Holiday Wonder festival, or enjoy the Market Collective Holiday Markets for handcrafted gifts and local music.

 

Meet local entrepreneurs at the Winter Popup at Platform Calgary or celebrate community achievements at the Calgary Climate Hub Volunteer Holiday Extravaganza.

 

This season, Mayor Jeromy Farkas urges Calgarians to support neighborhood shops and restaurants, ensuring Calgary’s spirit shines bright for all.