Happy New Year!

2024 is shaping up to be another busy year in the Calgary real estate market as high demand continues for all styles of homes. Sale prices and homes sold have remained steady throughout the fall and into early winter (a period where it is typical to see more of a slow down in the market). I expect we'll continue to see prices rise heading towards spring, as inventory levels remain lower than market demand. If you or someone you know are thinking about buying or selling this year, give me a call so we can chat about what to expect, and your options.

In this month's newsletter we're featuring one of my favourite communities - Elbow Park. It's a gorgeous community rich in history, character and amenities. I also have shared 10 enjoyable activities you can explore this winter right here in Calgary - outdoors AND indoors.

I look forward to connecting with you soon about any questions you might have about the market, communities, or listing.

~Richard

Community Feature

Elbow Park is one of Calgary's oldest and most desirable neighbourhoods. It is a tight knit community of about 1200 households, nestled primarily on the west side of the Elbow River, south of Upper Mount Royal and east of Altadore.

Most of the area making up what we know today as Elbow Park was homesteaded from the mid-late 1800s until the city annexed the land in 1907. In 1909 many of the spacious, larger lot homes immediately along the Elbow River were constructed. Over the next few years the rest of the neighbourhood was constructed, including Elbow Park school, making it Calgary's first "master-planned" residential communities.

Believe it or not, at that time Elbow Park was considered a suburb, although today it is very much an inner city community. Many of the original homes remain, while others have been replaced with more modern homes over the years. As such, it is a beautiful neighbourhood with charming, eclectic character, stunning tree canopies as well as lots of parkland and pathways to explore. There is also a very active community association serving the neighbourhood, hosting year-round events and activities for residents.Are you interested in living in Elbow Park? I have an exciting new listing coming soon. Stay tuned for details!

You can learn more about the rich history of Elbow Park here.

10 Fun Activities to Love in Calgary this Winter -

Inside and Out

We've definitely seen some pretty cold temperatures in Calgary already this year! While some people love getting outside regardless of temperature, other people prefer to stay warm indoors. Looking for some different and enjoyable things to do around town? Here are 5 ways to spend your free time outdoors, if that's your preference, and 5 ways to have fun indoors if it's not:

Get Outside:

St Patrick's Island Outdoor Curling Rink

Try your hand at one of Canada's most beloved winter sports! Playing outside this winter on the synthetic curling sheet on St. Patrick's Island. It's free AND fun. Play solo or in teams - you can even make your own rules!You can find this synthetic pop-up curling rink in Confluence Plaza, at the east end of the island and near the Calgary Zoo parking lot.
When: January 26 - February 24
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Snow Rodeo

Check out some of the world's best freestyle snowboarders for a weeklong festival of style and acrobatic trickery at the FIS Snowboard Slopestyle & Halfpipe World Cups at WinSport. Watch some of the top riders in the world catch big air and compete for cash prizes and points toward world ranking and Olympic qualification. This event is free to the public.
When: February 8 -11
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Chinook Blast

It's Snow Much Fun! Warm up Your Winter with the third annual Chinook Blast, a winter festival celebrating community, culture, and civic pride. Explore festival events, free festivities and activities (some are even indoors - shhh!).When: February 2 - 19
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Learn to Snowshoe

Have you wanted to try snowshoeing or get back into it and don't know where to start? U of C Active Living offers seminars on the basics, as well as outdoor how-to-workshops (includes rentals), and even guided tours in Kananaskis. Not a student or faculty? No worries. Active Living programs are open to the public!When: Various dates
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Winter Birdwatching

Calgary is home to many birds who stick around despite our cold climate. Get to know these amazing feathered neighbours by taking a winter birding walking tour offered by a number of organizations in the city including the Wild Bird Store, The City of Calgary and Nature Calgary. Or explore areas like Carburn Park and Fish Creek Park on your own.
When: Various dates
Learn more

Stay Warm Indoors:

High Performance Rodeo

For three wild weeks in January, One Yellow Rabbit presents the High Performance Rodeo, an international festival of live art. It's a chance for Calgarians to watch touring performances from across Canada, acclaimed international shows and new and experimental work from artists here at home. The programming is bold, cutting-edge, funny, frank and full of heart. From theatre to dance, music to film, free lunchtime concerts and last-night cabarets, there's something for everyone.
When: January 15 - February 24Learn more

Skate the Olympic Oval

Being indoors doesn't mean being inactive. Channel your inner Olympian and come for a public skate on what's known as the fastest ice in the world! Rental skates are available if you need them!
When: January 12 - March 15
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YYC Hot Chocolate Fest

With over 70 vendors participating, you'll have a chance to enjoy many versions of this classic winter beverage - from the traditional to the whimsical. How many will you try? And with $1 - $3 from every cup going to Meals on Wheels, you'll be helping to provide meals to fellow Calgarians in need. Sweet.
When: February 1 - 29
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Films at The Fort

Every weekend, Films at the Fort features screenings of popular movies from the past several decades. Tickets include popcorn and admission to the interpretive centre.
When: Weekends
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Take an Indigenous Art/Culture Workshop