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It seems the older I get, the more I think in quarters. Let me explain…after every three to four months I reflect on how I did in my last quarter. Did I hit my business targets? Did I get sufficient exercise? Did I have enough exercise and fun? Is my life progressing in the direction I want it to go? Am I moving towards a designed life or am I just living day to day reacting to the circumstances around me? On a quarterly basis, these are the many thoughts that run through my head.

Recently, I ran into a friend and colleague at work, Tim Banfield, who is constantly setting out on new challenges and adventures. On many occasions he has invited me to join him on those adventures including mountain climbing, ski tours, biking and many more. After months of saying no, I finally said yes and we picked Tuesday 22 September to do head out and do something fun.

We ultimately decided to do a multi pitch climb at the Ghost area (Don Getty Wildland). While I have ridden my road bike a little bit in this area, I really had no idea where we were going. Getting there in Tim’s Grand Cherokee was almost enough of an adventure with all the twists and bumps in the road. After arriving and a short hike from the drainage area, we were at the base of our chosen route called Heidies with Hilties – a 5.10b route established in 2000 by two women by the name of Heidi. The last time I did a 5.10b was at Smith Rock in Oregon in 1991 with my brother Tommy… and it was a single pitch, so this would definitely prove to be a challenge.

Tim led the four pitches and I followed. At one point I thanked Tim for keeping the rope tight and he replied that he was giving me a ‘girlfriend belay’. With a taunt rope, I was able to successfully do the entire climb without falling. During the entire clime Tim reassured me that at no time were we ever in danger, and I acknowledged that. However, at the same time – my body was completely exhausted as we reached the top at the final pitch. We repelled down and at the base of the climb, we had a picnic snack before going on a short hike.

Completely at peace, I lied on the ground … so thankful to be in this amazing location. In retrospect, the highlight of the day was not the adrenalin pumping climb up the steep wall, but the relaxation of hanging out at the base in complete peace. At the same time, I needed the climb to enjoy the peace of just hanging out. I guess it is the ying and yang or pendulum of life – you cannot have happiness without sadness, you cannot have success without failure, exhilaration comes from peace. Thanks to Tim, I’m already making a plan for some adventures next quarter!

Are  you looking to Sell or Buy a home in Calgary and need someone who won’t rest until you’ve found your dream home or until your home is sold? I’ll work hard to earn your trust and to deliver exactly what you need. Contact me at 403-589-0004 or at TheHowardTeam.net.

About Bryon Howard

Bryon Howard and his team of Calgary real estate professionals sell an average of two homes a week. He is a member of the MLS Million Point Club, which ranks him roughly in the top 1% of productive realtors in Calgary. His aim is not just to please clients but to help them buy/sell a home in Calgary at the best price, in the shortest time, and with the least hassle. He is a member of the RE/MAX House of Real Estate that leads in the Canadian market. Learn more about Bryon at TheHowardTeam.net.

Hurray the holidays are finally here! The snow has fallen, and melted… and fallen and everywhere you look, there are signs of the festive season. The bright lights and beautiful music make the cold weather not so bad after all. In fact, Calgary is a great place to be during Christmas time. There are plenty of events happening around the city to help you get in the spirit of the festivities.

Our family looks forward to the holidays as a time to relax, unwind, and spend time together. We also make it a point to enjoy the great outdoors. Heading to the mountains for a few days of skiing has become an annual tradition. Even though everyone is way faster then me now, I still love it! When you have some of the best slopes in the country just an hour or two away, staying indoors all winter is not an option! Walks in the city that give us mountain views can be breathtaking. The pinkish glow of the early morning sun on mountain peaks always stops me in my tracks.

The holidays are all about family and traditions, and of course, the food. Every family has their own special recipes. I love to make French Breakfast Puffs fresh on Christmas morning. They are an easy and simple treat that we now refer to as “Christmas Puffs”. I put the ingredients together the night before, so it’s an easy task on Christmas morning. I’ve included the recipe below. Thanks to my Mom for sharing it with me many years ago.

French Breakfast Puffs

Combine 1/4 cup sugar and 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon; set aside.

In a bowl stir together 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup sugar, 1/2 teaspoons baking powder, 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg, and 1/8 teaspoon salt.

In another bowl, combine 1 beaten egg, 1/2 cup milk, and 1/3 cup melted margarine or butter; add to flour mixture, stirring just till moistened.

Lightly grease muffin cups or line with paper bake cups; fill 2/3 full.

Bake in a 350 oven for 20 to 25 minutes or till golden.

Immediately dip tops into 3 tablespoons melted margarine, then into sugar-cinnamon mixture.

Server warm. Makes 12.

From our family to yours, we wish you a safe and happy holiday season. Find some time to unwind and make special memories with the people that matter most. Travel safe if you plan on escaping to somewhere a little warmer or plan on traveling across the country to visit loved ones. At the end of the day, our family and friends are what makes it all worthwhile.

We wish you all the best and we look forward to connecting with you again in the New Year.

Are you looking to Sell or Buy a home in Calgary and need someone who won’t rest until you’ve found your dream home or until your home is sold? I’ll work hard to earn your trust and to deliver exactly what you need. Contact me at 403-287-3880 or at  www.GreetingsCalgary.com. 

 
About Shirley Wright

Like everyone, I have been involved in real estate my entire life! Like you, I grew up in a home! My husband and I purchased our first home in 1998, and since 2001 I have been assisting my husband, Bryon Howard, in our real estate investments and his work as a Top Producing Sales Professional.
I assist sellers and buyers meet their goals, efficiently and have fun doing it.
To serve you better, I network daily with top producing REALTORS in various markets across North America, keeping abreast of the many and varied trends and cycles of real estate.
I look forward to serving you to help you find what you want in our exciting city. Please take some time searching my website www.GreetingsCalgary.com. Many of my clients have advised that the search engine incorporated here is very user friendly.

I would like to take the opportunity to introduce one of the newest members of the Howard Team.  For some of you, she might be a familiar face.  I’m pleased to announce that my wife, Shirley, has made the move into real estate.  Shirley acquired her real estate license at the beginning of this year, and some of our buyers and sellers have already had the chance to work with her.

Coming from a background in music and education, Shirley is passionate about teaching our clients everything they need to know about their real estate transaction.  After graduating from McGill University with a Music Degree and then doing an Education Degree at the University of Prince Edward Island, music has been at the heart of Shirley’s teaching career.  She has been teaching music for 22 years and over the last 10 years, she has been employed by the Calgary Board of Education.  Shirley is an accomplished cellist and performs with the Calgary Civic Orchestra.  She has shared her love of music with countless students and also provides cello lessons at a private music school.  To add to her list of accomplishments, Shirley is also bilingual.

For many people, buying or selling a home is a learning experience.  Even though our clients hire us to represent their best interest in the transaction, they still want to have a strong sense of awareness each step of the way.  After all, buying a home is one of the most important decisions that you make in your life.  Shirley prides herself in providing exceptional customer service, and will take the time to answer all of your real estate questions.

As always, we appreciate your business and your referrals.  Shirley and I look forward to assisting you with your real estate needs.  Have questions about selling your home?  Thinking about making a move in the near future?  Don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Are  you looking to Sell or Buy a home in Calgary and need someone who won’t rest until you’ve found your dream home or until your home is sold? I’ll work hard to earn your trust and to deliver exactly what you need. Contact me at 403-589-0004 or at TheHowardTeam.net.

About Bryon Howard

Bryon Howard and his team of Calgary real estate professionals sell an average of two homes a week. He is a member of the MLS Million Point Club, which ranks him roughly in the top 1% of productive realtors in Calgary. His aim is not just to please clients but to help them buy/sell a home in Calgary at the best price, in the shortest time, and with the least hassle. He is a member of the RE/MAX House of Real Estate that leads in the Canadian market. Learn more about Bryon at TheHowardTeam.net.

Yes is the answer… now what is the question?

At some point in the past 8 months I was at a Real Estate workshop where the speaker asked us about our ability to be versatile. He asked us to frequently get out of our comfort zone. He told us when being asked to do something, to “Say Yes… then explore the question.”

I wrote notes during the seminar, and upon getting back to my office, I created a list of “Actionable Items” that I wanted to implement in my business. I entered in my Google Calendar “Yes is the answer… now what is the question?” This statement now pops up on my Calendar weekly.

When friends Helen and Greg invited Shirley and I to join them on a 12-day walk from Coast to Coast across the United Kingdom, I immediately said “Yes”.

After saying “Yes”… Shirley and I reasoned if we could. Our youngest child is in the final year of high school. He would be okay. I have a good team in place at RE/MAX. They don’t need me everyday. I have hit my sales goals in the past couple of years. Financially, we can do this.

I don’t like walking. I walk my dog reluctantly. I basically hate it – unless I’m walking with one of my kids and/or Shirley. I never imagined I would ever walk across England.

I like to run, bike, paddle, etc. Walking is slow. I’m not peaceful enough. I don’t spend this amount time with anyone. Will my wife tolerate me after spending ALL day with me for 12 consecutive days… and I value this friendship. Will we still be friends?

So, after saying “Yes”… I booked the tour. A few weeks later, I booked the flight. I few weeks later, I booked the train… then the taxi that would take us to the departure point. I needed to do each step to fully prepare myself.

10 days prior to departure… I considered cancelling. There are always many reasons to cancel. I didn’t.

We began Day 1 by collecting a stone from the Beach on England’s West Coast, at St. Bees. It was a Dramatic walk south, along the coast, prior to heading up towards the mountains inland to the Lakes District.

We travelled through the Lake District – up mountains – and down. We ended each day in a small village with a pint or two and a nice meal.

We walked, picnicked, drank, ate and slept for 12 days. Upon arrival in Robin Hood’s Bay, 307 km later, we launched our stones that were collected in the Irish Sea – into the North Sea.

It was awesome. What did I learn?   Say YES more!

Are  you looking to Sell or Buy a home in Calgary and need someone who won’t rest until you’ve found your dream home or until your home is sold? I’ll work hard to earn your trust and to deliver exactly what you need. Contact me at 403-589-0004 or at TheHowardTeam.net.

About Bryon Howard

Bryon Howard and his team of Calgary real estate professionals sell an average of two homes a week. He is a member of the MLS Million Point Club, which ranks him roughly in the top 1% of productive realtors in Calgary. His aim is not just to please clients but to help them buy/sell a home in Calgary at the best price, in the shortest time, and with the least hassle. He is a member of the RE/MAX House of Real Estate that leads in the Canadian market. Learn more about Bryon at TheHowardTeam.net.

“St Mary’s High School” by User:Thivierr – Photo taken with digital camera by User:Thivierr, who uploaded to English Wikipedia first, and then later to Commons.. Licensed under Public domain via Wikimedia Commons.

Families with young kids are drawn to the Altadore neighbourhood because there are a variety of great schools nearby.  The Altadore School is a public elementary school that accommodates kids from kindergarten to grade 6.  There are approximately 240 students and this school features an award winning naturalization area called “The Owl’s Nest”.  Students will go on to attend Mt Royal Junior High School for grades 7-9.  Central Memorial High School is the designated public high school for the area.  This school boasts an excellent theater program.  They are also affiliated with the National Sport Academy which provides additional training and resources for athletic students.

The St. James Elementary and Junior High School is the designated school in the Catholic stream.  Students will go on to attend St. Mary’s High School or Bishop Carroll High School.  Bishop Carroll differentials itself with a self-directed learning program.  Students who attend Bishop Carroll have the freedom to customize their curriculum to accommodate their personal goals, learning objectives and future plans.

There is an international French school as well as five other private schools in the Altadore area.  Rundle Academy is the leader in individualized learning for students with learning disabilities.  This school offers additional support and creative learning techniques to help students overcome difficulties with reading, writing or mathematical learning challenges.

Post-secondary students living in the Altadore area, who are planning on attending Mt Royal University, will be able to take advantage of the convenient 10 minute drive to school.  Mt Royal University provides applied degrees, career diplomas, as well as certificate programs.  The University of Calgary, which is about 15 minutes away, is another highly sought after institution.  They offer over 200 programs and are considered to be one of Canada’s top research universities.  The engineering and geoscience programs are constantly raising the bar for Calgary’s petroleum and geoscience industries.

Are  you looking to Sell or Buy a home in Calgary and need someone who won’t rest until you’ve found your dream home or until your home is sold? I’ll work hard to earn your trust and to deliver exactly what you need. Contact me at 403-589-0004 or at TheHowardTeam.net.

About Bryon Howard

Bryon Howard is a top-producing real estate agent with RE/MAX House of Real Estate in Calgary, Alberta. He and his team sell an average of two homes a week–mostly single-family homes, luxury homes, condos and commercial properties. He is a member of the MLS Million Point Club, which ranks him roughly in the top 1% of productive realtors in Calgary. Bryon is above the pack because he aims not just to please clients but to help them buy/sell their dream home in Calgary at the best price, in the shortest time, and with the least hassle. He is well-equipped to do this with his sterling education, capped by an MBA degree from Athabasca University and degrees from Acadia University, the University of Prince Edward Island and the Universite de Bourgoyne in France.

Planning on heading out to enjoy some of the summer festivals this year around Calgary? There are so many great events to choose from. Although nothing can quite stack up against the Stampede, each festival offers its own unique selection of food, vendors and entertainment.

Kicking off the summertime is the Lilac Festival, held on Sunday, May 25th . This one day celebration takes place on 4th Street between 13th Ave South and Elbow Drive. With spring in the air, it’s a great time to shake off the winter blues and come out for the parade and a full day of family entertainment.

In June, the Father’s Day Festival is taking place on 8th Ave between 4th and 7th . The street will be closed for pedestrian access only during the Father’s Day weekend and there will be street performers, live music and a cool car show.

The Banff Bike Fest, taking place on June 12th to 15th , is the perfect excuse to head out of town. Cycling enthusiasts will have a chance to participate in one of seven competitive and non-competitive races. There is over $20,000 in prize money up for grabs this year.

Craving some authentic souvlaki? The annual Calgary Greek Festival welcomes over 10,000 guests at the Hellenic Community Centre. This festival takes place on June 21st to the 23rd this year.

Ready for patio season? The Kensington Sun and Salsa Festival is the place to be on July 20th . This year marks the 21st anniversary of Kensington Village’s annual festivities. Visitors can sample a wide variety of salsas, shop from the street merchants and enjoy one of the many local restaurants.

This year’s Ironman 70.3, being held on July 27th , was so popular, it actually sold out. If you were lucky enough to get a spot in what is considered to be one of the most challenging and scenic Ironman courses, you are in for an exciting and memorable day.

You don’t need to go all the way to New Orleans for Mardi Gras – you can find it right here in Marda Loop! This family festival takes place on August 10th . The Kids Quarter will have bouncy castles, games and face painting. Check out the Art Tent to see some of our local talent on display.

Looking for your next favorite restaurant? The Taste of Calgary is a one-stop-shop where you can sample the best cuisine from local vendors. The event takes place from August 14th – 17th at Eau Claire Festival Plaza. Guests can purchase $1 food tickets that they can redeem for tasty snacks and beverages from over thirty local establishments. This is a great way to try something new and discover a whole bunch of great restaurants at once.

If you are planning on staying in the city for the August Long Weekend, you will want to check out the Dragon Boat Festival at Glenmore Reservoir.  This even draws hundreds of competitors who have been training hard all summer to be the fastest team on the water.  This exciting cultural event celebrates the ancient sport of dragon boat racing and has plenty of entertainment to make it worth spending the day.

Are  you looking to Sell or Buy a home in Calgary and need someone who won’t rest until you’ve found your dream home or until your home is sold? I’ll work hard to earn your trust and to deliver exactly what you need. Contact me at 403-589-0004 or at TheHowardTeam.net.

About Bryon Howard

Bryon Howard is a top-producing real estate agent with RE/MAX House of Real Estate in Calgary, Alberta. He and his team sell an average of two homes a week–mostly single-family homes, luxury homes, condos and commercial properties. He is a member of the MLS Million Point Club, which ranks him roughly in the top 1% of productive realtors in Calgary. Bryon is above the pack because he aims not just to please clients but to help them buy/sell their dream home in Calgary at the best price, in the shortest time, and with the least hassle. He is well-equipped to do this with his sterling education, capped by an MBA degree from Athabasca University and degrees from Acadia University, the University of Prince Edward Island and the Universite de Bourgoyne in France.

My wife Shirley and our son playing frisbee

My family is one of the things in my life that inspires me to work hard, take care of myself and do my best in everything that  I set out to do.  Even though our kids are getting older, my wife and I like to spend time with them whenever their busy scheduels and our allow.  We appreciate the great outdoors together by going hiking, kayaking, or just a walk with our dog Max in the local parks.  We try to go cross country skiing a few times a year.  After a busy day, we all realy enjoy a meal together at home as a family.  The time that we spend together creates lots of great memories and allows us to talk and enjoy each other’s company.

My son is especially good  at reminding my wife and I about the importance of our connections with our friends and family.  Like everyone else our lives get busy with work and other obligations, and he will freuquently ask a question –  making sure that we take the time to connect with the people that are important to us.  Sometimes our kids need to remind us where our real priorities lie when we get caught up in the details of our daily lives.

One of the best things about living in Calgary is that there is no shortage of activities that you can do as a family.  Whether your family enjoys outdoor activities, theatre, or science – there is something for every age and activity level.  Each season brings new opportunities for adventure and trying to keeping up with the kids is sure to keep you feeling young at heart.

If you are looking for an exciting event this spring, The Calgary International Children’s Festival is taking place May 21st to the 24 th .  This is a great family event that offers live shows, open air activities, and a toy theater.  Bring your kids to get their faces painted and enjoy all the lively entertainment that this show has to offer.

Are  you looking to Sell or Buy a home in Calgary and need someone who won’t rest until you’ve found your dream home or until your home is sold? I’ll work hard to earn your trust and to deliver exactly what you need. Contact me at 403-589-0004 or at TheHowardTeam.net.

About Bryon Howard

Bryon Howard is a top-producing real estate agent with RE/MAX House of Real Estate in Calgary, Alberta. He and his team sell an average of two homes a week–mostly single-family homes, luxury homes, condos and commercial properties. He is a member of the MLS Million Point Club, which ranks him roughly in the top 1% of productive realtors in Calgary. Bryon is above the pack because he aims not just to please clients but to help them buy/sell their dream home in Calgary at the best price, in the shortest time, and with the least hassle. He is well-equipped to do this with his sterling education, capped by an MBA degree from Athabasca University and degrees from Acadia University, the University of Prince Edward Island and the Universite de Bourgoyne in France.

Although I am a long way off from calling myself a professional, I am definitely passionate about cycling. If you are looking to take up a new sport that helps you maintain your physical fitness, allows you to enjoy the outdoors, and pushes your personal limitations, cycling is a fun and rewarding sport.

Join a group that will motivate or inspire you to ride. Although cycling can be considered a non-competitive sport, riding with a group will help you to improve your endurance. It provides a fun social atmosphere and holds you accountable to make sure that you get out and ride at the scheduled time.

Develop a training plan. Decide how far you want to go, and figure out what you need to do to get there. Establish a plan that will gradually get you closer to your goal without over exerting yourself. If you are used to working out with cardio equipment at the gym, you may want to invest in a power meter or heart rate monitor. This allows you to have a good idea of how your body is responding to the workout.

Sign up for an event like a race or charity ride. Forcing yourself to shape up for an important event adds an extra element of accountability. It gives you something to look forward to and helps you to connect with other cyclists. If you are new to cycling, start with a non-competitive charity ride for an organization that is meaningful to you.

If you are already into cycling … a little more than your average bird … MEC in Calgary is offering a great event on Saturday, April 26 from 6:30-10:30pm. If you are over the age of 18, MEC is inviting dedicated riders, performance cyclists and club-level racers to their first MEC Rider Expo. Alex Stieda will be on hand to discuss his training regime and his Olympic and Tour de France experiences.

And there will be beer! I’m registered! Hope to see you there.

Register here. It’s free! http://events.mec.ca/event/15187/mec-calgary-rider-expo

This June will be the second annual Bike Month in Calgary. The City of Calgary established Bike Month to provide an opportunity to promote cycling education and encourage residents to adopt this fun, economical and healthy transportation alternative. There are three family-focused bike festivals happening this month in the city. There are also a series of maintenance clinics and information sessions that are available for free or by donation.

Are  you looking to Sell or Buy a home in Calgary and need someone who won’t rest until you’ve found your dream home or until your home is sold? I’ll work hard to earn your trust and to deliver exactly what you need. Contact me at 403-589-0004 or at TheHowardTeam.net.

About Bryon Howard

Bryon Howard is a top-producing real estate agent with RE/MAX House of Real Estate in Calgary, Alberta. He and his team sell an average of two homes a week–mostly single-family homes, luxury homes, condos and commercial properties. He is a member of the MLS Million Point Club, which ranks him roughly in the top 1% of productive realtors in Calgary. Bryon is above the pack because he aims not just to please clients but to help them buy/sell their dream home in Calgary at the best price, in the shortest time, and with the least hassle. He is well-equipped to do this with his sterling education, capped by an MBA degree from Athabasca University and degrees from Acadia University, the University of Prince Edward Island and the Universite de Bourgoyne in France.

Our dog Max is an Australian Shepherd/Collie mix. He is 11 years old and has always loved tagging along with our family when we went hiking or kayaking.  Although a dog is supposed to be a man’s best friend, Max seems to prefer my wife over me.

I used to bring him running with me when he was a puppy.  He had plenty of energy and had no problem keeping up.  Now that he is 11, he has no interest in hitting the pavement.  If I put my shoes on and ask him if he wants to go for a run, he avoids eye contact and hides behind my wife.

Although he’s not much a runner, Max loves to go for walks.  We walk him twice a day, using a nylon leash.  This helps to keep him off other people’s lawns and helps us to maintain control if he gets excited from seeing another dog.

If you are like us and you like to bring your dog on hiking adventures outside the city, the public health office is warning that deer ticks continue to be a problem.  Although the percentage of deer ticks that are testing positive for Lyme disease is still relatively low in Alberta, it’s a good idea to check your dog’s coat after spending time in a forest or around long grass.

As a dog owner, it is also important to know that spring is considered to be flea season.  There are many things that you can do to help your dog prevent fleas naturally.  A balanced diet strengthens their immune system and will help them resist pests on their own.  Give your dog a bath every six weeks with a gentle shampoo that won’t dry out their skin.  If your dog has a bed, it’s also a good idea to wash it or replace it on a regular basis.

Calgary has 150 leash free parks within the city.  The Altadore Park provides an excellent leash free area that stretches between 38th  Avenue and 50 th  Avenue where you can bring your dog to let off some energy and get to know the other dogs (and humans) in your neighbourhood.

Are  you looking to Sell or Buy a home in Calgary and need someone who won’t rest until you’ve found your dream home or until your home is sold? I’ll work hard to earn your trust and to deliver exactly what you need. Contact me at 403-589-0004 or at TheHowardTeam.net.

About Bryon Howard

Bryon Howard is a top-producing real estate agent with RE/MAX House of Real Estate in Calgary, Alberta. He and his team sell an average of two homes a week–mostly single-family homes, luxury homes, condos and commercial properties. He is a member of the MLS Million Point Club, which ranks him roughly in the top 1% of productive realtors in Calgary. Bryon is above the pack because he aims not just to please clients but to help them buy/sell their dream home in Calgary at the best price, in the shortest time, and with the least hassle. He is well-equipped to do this with his sterling education, capped by an MBA degree from Athabasca University and degrees from Acadia University, the University of Prince Edward Island and the Universite de Bourgoyne in France.

It has been almost 10 years since my family of four move to Altadore. We quickly fell in love with the community and became avid Altadorians. My son has loved it since the day we walked to the My Favourite Ice Cream shop and he saw the crazy number of ice cream choices.

Altadore has evolved significantly since we moved in. The old Safeway has moved west to the Garrison Woods site and Marda Loop has evolved into a more upscale restaurant and shopping district. Shirley loves that she can now walk to Phil & Sebastian’s her favourite place to meet up with friends. Yes we have Starbucks and Second Cup. In addition, we have neighbourhood pubs, yoga studios (even a Bikram Studio which Shirley loves), Chinook Music Studio, and two diners – who could ask for anything more?

Sure we miss the Farmers’ Market when it was in Currie Barracks just across Crowchild Trail, but we are looking forward to the new high street with its shops that will open there in a few years. Being on the east side of Crowchild has it benefits as you have lots of options getting downtown for work and play.

Great Schools

The main reason we live in Calgary is the incredible choice we have in education for our kids. Our children, as well as our niece and nephews who also live in Altadore have had great school experiences at Mountain View Academy, Altadore Elementary, Calgary Science School, Bishop Carroll High School, Saint James Elementary and Junior High School and Masters Academy. Calgary Academy is the school where our daughter found great success with her learning.

Shirley has been teaching at Central Memorial High School since 2004, she is currently the director of the String Orchestra program. This CBE high school boasts a great Performing and Visual Arts program, the National Sport Academy and one of the top teams of academic teachers in the city.

Just south of Central Memorial is the campus of the Career and Technology Centre at Lord Shaughnessy High School. This school has state of the art facilities where students can explore specific applied career pathways like being a chef, pharmacy technician, mechanic or a cosmetologist.

Hidden Gem

We are also close to The Military Museums of Calgary, which is a hidden gem. When family and friends visit for the first time we will often take them there where the history and artifacts are definately interesting. Calgary is often criticized for its lack of history, yet with the Glenbow, Fort Calgary, Heritage Park, Stephen Avenue, Inglewood and the Military Museums this city has much to offer. And they are all just minutes from Altadore.

Altadore is for the dogs

Max our dog loves joining Shirley on errands in the neighborhood. He is a local celebrity as everyone says “Hi Max!” He can count on treats at our RBC branch, the Post Office and especially from Kathy at Marda Loop Tailoring. RBC recently offered him a job as a greeter for 5-dog biscuits an hour, he really did want to take the job and was not happy to come home with Shirley.

Altadore boasts perhaps the best off-leash dog park in the city – River Park. It is a linear open space with lots of different tree plantings and rolling hills at the top of the Elbow River’s west escarpment (above Sandy Beach). As a dog owner we appreciate the benefits of being able to walk out the door and in minutes Max is running to play with other dogs and we can stroll on our own or chat with our neighbours and those visiting from other communities. River Park is the meeting place for the community – it is our town square. Even in the middle of winter, thousands of people will use the park for a leisurely stroll, tobogganning, or as part of a run.

Cycling Paradise

As avid cyclists, we can all cycle easily to 17th Ave and Downtown for some urban fun, or we can head to the Glenmore Reservoir for a more recreational and nature 20 km loop around the reservoir. Frequently I will ride ten minutes to North Glenmore Park, then do interval loops in the park for an awesome 60 to 90 min workout. Beginning in May, I leave can leave home on my road bike at 5:30 am and ride to Springbank and get home by 7 am to start my workday invigorated – with 45km’s in my legs.

Shirley loves to cycle downtown in the summer, ten minutes and you are there, no parking hassles, no tickets and it is all downhill so you are not sweaty when you get there! Exploring the city cycle paths gives a new perspective on the city, different from walking or driving. Shirley loves seeing all the horses in the parks along the bow river during Stampede week.

Great bike ride close to Altadore and Marda Loop.

The Arts

We are also looking forward to the opening of the King Edward School as an art space as we will be able to walk there for concerts and exhibitions, maybe take a class or two. We are also old fashion and love to walk to the Alexander Calhoun Library to just relax and read a few magazines or check out their recommended reading bookshelf. I told you Altadore is like a small town, you can walk to everything.

Great Investment

Altadore has been a great investment for our family, not only in the quality of life that it offers, but also in the capital appreciation of our home. Buying or first home in 2004 – was a bit like winning the lottery. Altadore homes have appreciated over 200% since 2005. The greatest appreciation of any community in Calgary.

While some people question, how can people afford a home in Calgary’s inner city communities today, I say how can you not afford one. The best investment we made was stretching ourselves to move to Altadore 10 years ago. I don’t know of anyone who has regretting moving to an inner city home in Calgary.

One of my neighbours recently said, “I feel like I went to bed in Altadore, and woke up in Elbow Park.” She said this as a result of the numerous million-dollar homes now in our community, with several recent sales exceeding two million.
Last word

While Calgary boasts many wonderful communities, there is something special about Altadore and its small town east coast charm.