CentreCity

Centre City Advent Calendar Dec. 31

This is the last day to play with this Centre City Advent Calendar!  We just wanted to say thanks first of all to everyone who took the time to check back each day and leave comments with ALWAYS the correct answers...great work, everyone - you clearly know your centre city.  Maybe next year we'll work a little harder to stump some of you.  

In case you're new to this blog, each day we've been posting a portion of a photo - just to give you a hint.  The photos are taken from areas in Calgary's Centre City.  If you need to check the parameters of the area, click here.  The following day, we post the photo in its entirety, along with what it is and also the location - and then of course the new partial photo as well.  We will focus primarily on art, architecture, monuments and interesting displays.  Make sure you leave us a comment if you think you can guess what the partial photos are of.  The prize if you guess correctly?  The satisfaction of knowing you're right, of course. 

Here's the full photo from yesterday's clue:

This is a lovely shot of the Olympic Plaza in downtown Calgary.  And Jeremy K guessed correctly, despite the blurry clue we gave. 

Here's our FINAL photo clue - any guesses?  

  
  

 

Looking for Last Minute New Year's Eve Plans?

If you're still on the hunt for some last minute New Year's Eve plans, maybe we can help.  We've put together a quick list of some family-friendly and also adult only activities for Calgarians looking to get out on the last night of this decade.  

Family-Friendly:

 

- Good news!  You might have heard that the Bright Lights Festival has been cancelled...but the city HAS managed to get the ice installed at Olympic Plaza after all so if you feel like braving the cold, you can definitely head down there for some quality skating time in the Centre City on NYE (there just won't be any fireworks or free entertainment this year).  

- Grab a thermos of hot chocolate and walk down Stephen Avenue to check out some of the great Christmas lights and decorations that are still up.  And don't forget about the new lights at the Langevin bridge, as well.  It's definitely worth checking those out when you have some time.  

- With this new dump of snow, you could easily bundle the kids up, load up a sled and go for a short walk through Central Memorial Park - then head back home to warm up by the fire (maybe some hot buttered rum for the adults, cocoa for the kids!).  

- Zoo Year's Eve:  Lots of entertainment, beautiful "Zoolights", and an 8:30 pm fireworks display.  Tickets must be pre-purchased and please note a limited number of tickets are available.  For details, click here. 

 

- Selkirk Grille at Heritiage Park HIstorical Village.  They're hosting a five course dinner at the Grille - there'll be lobster bisque, braised short rib ravioli, and everything in between....to purchase tickets, call (403) 268-8500.  And to check out the full menu, click here. 

And for grown ups - if you're looking for a late night out with plenty of bubbly, music and good times, here's a lengthy list of bars, pubs and restaurants within the Centre City (and a few in other parts of the city) that are hosting their own New Year's 2010 parties.  

Whatever your plans are, we wish you warmth, happiness and good cheer for you and yours on new year's eve.  And don't forget to drink responsibly - remember that transit is free on NYE after 6 pm. 

 

Centre City Advent Calendar Dec. 30

Just a few days left to go with our advent calendar!  

In case you're new to this blog, each day we've been posting a portion of a photo - just to give you a hint.  The photos are taken from areas in Calgary's Centre City.  If you need to check the parameters of the area, click here.  The following day, we post the photo in its entirety, along with what it is and also the location - and then of course the new partial photo as well.  We will focus primarily on art, architecture, monuments and interesting displays.  Make sure you leave us a comment if you think you can guess what the partial photos are of.  The prize if you guess correctly?  The satisfaction of knowing you're right, of course. 

Here's the full photo from yesterday's clue:

(photo by "Sherlock77")

JonSun is correct, the photo clip was from a full picture of The King Edward Hotel.   And for more reading on the plans to transform this landmark into the National Music Centre, click here.

And here is today's photo clue - any guesses? (apologies for the blurry night photo)

  
  
 
 

Centre City Advent Calendar Dec. 29

Time again for our advent calendar challenge...we're doing this right up until Friday so you just have a few days left to play.    

In case you're new to this blog, each day we've been posting a portion of a photo - just to give you a hint.  The photos are taken from areas in Calgary's Centre City.  If you need to check the parameters of the area, click here.  The following day, we post the photo in its entirety, along with what it is and also the location - and then of course the new partial photo as well.  We will focus primarily on art, architecture, monuments and interesting displays.  Make sure you leave us a comment if you think you can guess what the partial photos are of.  The prize if you guess correctly?  The satisfaction of knowing you're right, of course. 

Here's the full photo from yesterday's clue:

Mike guessed this one correctly - it's the old Lewis Stationery building.  It looks wonderful, even through the muck of a car windshield on Boxing day (when we took the photo).

We're going to try really hard to stump some of you...so behold our clue for today:  any guesses? 

 

   

Centre City Advent Calendar Dec. 28

Time again for our advent calendar challenge...we're doing this right up until Friday.    

In case you're new to this blog, each day we've been posting a portion of a photo - just to give you a hint.  The photos are taken from areas in Calgary's Centre City.  If you need to check the parameters of the area, click here.  The following day, we post the photo in its entirety, along with what it is and also the location - and then of course the new partial photo as well.  We will focus primarily on art, architecture, monuments and interesting displays.  Make sure you leave us a comment if you think you can guess what the partial photos are of.  The prize if you guess correctly?  The satisfaction, of knowing you're right, of course. 

Here's the full photo from yesterday's clue:

This is a shot of The Galaxy Diner on 11th Street SW and Jeremy K had the correct answer.  They make fantastic milkshakes there! 

Any guesses as to what and where this photo clue is from?  

 

Centre City Advent Calendar Dec. 27

Time again for our advent calendar challenge...we're doing this straight through to Jan 1st, 2010.  

In case you're new to this blog, each day we've been posting a portion of a photo - just to give you a hint.  The photos are taken from areas in Calgary's Centre City.  If you need to check the parameters of the area, click here.  The following day, we post the photo in its entirety, along with what it is and also the location - and then of course the new partial photo as well.  We will focus primarily on art, architecture, monuments and interesting displays.  Make sure you leave us a comment if you think you can guess what the partial photos are of.  The prize if you guess correctly?  The satisfaction, of knowing you're right, of course. 

Here's the full photo from yesterday's clue:

 Mike was right - it's the scramble crossing (also known as the Barnes Dance - had to look that one up!) at 2nd ave on Barclay Mall Street by the Sheraton and Eau Claire Mall.  

Okay so only a few clues left - any idea what this is from?  Leave us a comment! 

 

Centre City Advent Calendar Dec. 26

Time again for our advent calendar challenge...we're doing this straight through to Jan 1st, 2010.  

In case you're new to this blog, each day we've been posting a portion of a photo - just to give you a hint.  The photos are taken from areas in Calgary's Centre City.  If you need to check the parameters of the area, click here.  The following day, we post the photo in its entirety, along with what it is and also the location - and then of course the new partial photo as well.  We will focus primarily on art, architecture, monuments and interesting displays.  Make sure you leave us a comment if you think you can guess what the partial photos are of.  The prize if you guess correctly?  The satisfaction, of knowing you're right, of course. 

Here's the full photo from yesterday's clue: 

This is the little green gazebo in Tomkins Park just off 17th Avenue and 8th Street SW (beside Mount Royal Village and the well-used, well-publicized public restroom). 

And now for our clue of the day (a shot taken from back in the day of sandals and dry roads...): 

Can you guess where/what this is?  If so, make sure to leave us a comment.  

Centre City Advent Calendar Dec. 25

Merry Christmas and happy holidays everyone! 

Today's advent calendar posting is coming in a little/lot later than usual but nevertheless, here it is.  

In case you're new to this blog, each day we've been posting a portion of a photo - just to give you a hint.  The photos are taken from areas in Calgary's Centre City.  If you need to check the parameters of the area, click here.  The following day, we post the photo in its entirety, along with what it is and also the location - and then of course the new partial photo as well.  We will focus primarily on art, architecture, monuments and interesting displays.  Make sure you leave us a comment if you think you can guess what the partial photos are of.  The prize if you guess correctly?  The satisfaction, of knowing you're right, of course. 

Here's the full photo from yesterday's clue: 

(photo courtesy the CMLC and MarkShannon)

And Mike (how on earth did you guess this one?  Do you have super powers?) is correct.  It is the Langevin bridge with its new LED light setup - casting a lovely reflection on the Bow River.  

Here's our clue for today - we'll give you until 2 pm tomorrow to guess...

 

 

Changes to Some Parking in the Beltline Area

We wanted to draw your attention to some amendments recently made to the Land Use Bylaw.  It means parking requirements for several commercial establishments could change, allowing a zero parking rate when businesses are on the ground floor of either a mixed-use building (that means with an office, hotel or residential above them) or when the business has a useable space of under 465 square meters.  

The businesses that have the above parameters and are located within 4th Street between the Elbow River and 17^th Avenue SW will be affected. 

Here are some examples of businesses that will benefit from the changes:  

• Beauty and Body Service,
• Computer Games Facility,
• Convenience Food Store,
• Drinking Establishment – Medium,
• Drinking Establishment – Small,
• Food Kiosk,
• Liquor Store,
• Outdoor café,
• Personal Apparel Service,
• Restaurant: Food Service Only – Medium,
• Restaurant: Food Service Only – Small,
• Restaurant: Licensed – Medium
• Restaurant: Licensed – Small, and
• Retail Stores.  

**If you'd like to read more on the changes, you can access an online copy of the updated Land Use Bylaw here and click on "Amendments" at the bottom of the left menu.

 

Bright Lights, Big Bridge

 (Langevin Bridge Lights - photo via CMLC and Mark Shannon)

It couldn't be a better time of year than this festive holiday week for the 100 year-old Langevin bridge over the Bow River to don its brilliant new blanket of lights. So tonight if you're feeling inspired by the chinook-y weather, you should make it your walking destination and check it out.  

The bridge is now covered in 5,600 LEDs that can change color and sequencing with the help of a computer.  Not only is it a visually appealing artistic display, the permanent lights are also meant to create a safer and more inviting environment in the East Village.  The cost of the project is $370,00 and the payoff will be in bringing more people into the area while providing better security with a well-lit path.  It's all part of the City of Calgary's Riverwalk program in which efforts are being made to improve the 4 kilometer stretch which links Eau Claire to the Macleod Trail/Lindsay Park area along the Bow and Elbow Rivers.  

 (Ward 7 Alderman Druh Farrell, at the helm of the light show.  Photo by CMLC and Mark Shannon)