• 85 Million Dollar expansion to Calgary's MNP Sports Centre (formerly The Lindsay Park Sports Centre),Jesse Sinclair

    85 Million Dollar expansion to Calgary's MNP Sports Centre (formerly The Lindsay Park Sports Centre)

    Exciting News for Homeowners and Prospective Calgary Residents! MNP Community & Sport Centre, alongside its partners, is thrilled to announce a significant milestone in the Centre's rich 40-year legacy: The Leisure Expansion Aquatics Project (LEAP)! Geared towards enhancing the quality of life for individuals and families, this project aims to bring new aquatic amenities to the heart of Calgary, specifically tailored for those residing in and around the downtown core and Beltline area. Transforming Calgary’s Heart with a Focus on Community LEAP represents a groundbreaking leap forward in the commitment to cultivate a healthier and more closely-knit community. With a substantial investment of $85 million, generously contributed by The City of Calgary ($57.5 million), the Province of Alberta ($20 million), and the Lindsay Park Sports Society ($7.5 million), this expansion goes beyond constructing facilities; it's about constructing healthier futures. What's in Store? The west expansion is meticulously designed to offer enjoyment and community bonding, featuring: A cutting-edge lazy river and hot tub Water slides complemented by a tot pool and play structure A designated viewing area for parents to unwind while keeping an eye on the aquatic fun Simultaneously, the south expansion will redefine the Centre's main entrance, establishing an inviting welcome space leading to a vibrant community hub, complete with: Enhanced gathering spaces for social interaction and community building A variety of food and beverage outlets To complement the project, upgrades to existing facilities are announced, including various enhancements to the locker rooms, bleacher seating, the competition pool, dive tank, and teaching pool. These improvements aim to enhance the overall experience for homeowners and those contemplating a move to Calgary. Construction with Their Community in Mind Scheduled to commence in mid-2024, the construction is anticipated to span 30 months. The dedicated project delivery team, comprising The City of Calgary, M3 Development Management, GEC Architecture, Bird Construction, and an extensive network of subconsultants and subtrades, is committed to maintaining operational excellence throughout the phased construction. This transformative project is designed to make Calgary an even more appealing and vibrant place for homeowners and individuals looking to establish roots in the thriving community.

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  • Top 9 reasons to have a home garden in the city,Jesse Sinclair

    Top 9 reasons to have a home garden in the city

    In today's fast-paced world, more and more people are looking for ways to reconnect with nature. One of the best ways to do so is by having a home garden in the city. While it may seem unconventional to have a garden in an urban setting, there are numerous benefits that make it worthwhile. Let's explore the Top 9 reasons why having a home garden in the city is a great idea. 1. Lifestyle Enhancement: Having a home garden allows you to adopt a healthier and more sustainable lifestyle. By growing your own fruits, vegetables, and herbs, you have complete control over the quality of the food you consume. You can avoid harmful pesticides and chemicals, ensuring that what you put on your plate is truly nourishing and organic. 2. Neighborhood Beautification: A home garden adds beauty and charm to your neighbourhood. Whether it's a small balcony garden or a lush backyard oasis, the sight of vibrant plants and flowers can lift the spirits and create a sense of tranquility amidst the hustle and bustle of city life. 3. Food Quality and Flavour: Nothing compares to the taste and freshness of homegrown produce. When you grow your own food, you can harvest it at the peak of ripeness, resulting in superior flavor and nutritional value. From crisp lettuce to juicy TOMATOES!, your taste buds will thank you for the incredible flavours that can only be found in a home garden. 4. Save on Your Grocery Bill: Growing your own food can help you save money in the long run. While starting a garden may require some initial investment, the cost of seeds and gardening supplies is typically much lower than constantly buying produce from the store. Plus, the more you grow, the more you save! 5. Therapeutic Benefits: Gardening is not just about growing food; it's also a therapeutic activity that can reduce stress and promote mental well-being. Getting your hands dirty, tending to plants, and watching them grow can be incredibly rewarding. It allows you to escape the noise of the city, connect with nature, and find solace in the simple act of nurturing life. 6. Grounding and Connection: Living in the city often means being surrounded by concrete and skyscrapers. Having a home garden provides a much-needed connection to the earth. Digging in the soil, feeling the texture, going barefoot/grounding yourself, and seeing the transformation from seed to harvest grounds us and reminds us of our place in the natural world. 7. Sunlight and Vitamin D: Urban living can sometimes limit our exposure to sunlight, which is essential for our overall health. By creating a home garden, you provide yourself with an opportunity to soak up some much-needed vitamin D. Spending time outdoors and basking in the sunlight can boost your mood, strengthen your immune system, and improve your overall well-being. 8. Community Building: Gardening is a fantastic way to connect with your neighbors and build a sense of community. As you tend to your garden, you may find yourself exchanging tips and advice with fellow gardeners in your area, maybe even a cutting of a new plant! It's a great conversation starter and an opportunity to learn from each other's experiences.  9. Gift your excess yield Sometimes (or at some points during the summer) you will have a larger harvest than your family can consume. Nothing feels better than gifting some of your home-grown produce to a friend or neighbour who appreciates it. You might even inspire them to start growing! Having a home garden in the city offers a multitude of benefits that extend beyond just fresh produce. It enhances your lifestyle, improves the quality of your food, provides therapeutic benefits, and fosters a sense of community. So, whether you have a small balcony or a spacious backyard, consider starting your own urban garden and reap the rewards of this enriching and fulfilling endeavor.

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  • House plants for improving indoor air quality,Jesse Sinclair

    House plants for improving indoor air quality

    In today's fast-paced world, where most of us spend a significant amount of time indoors, it's essential to ensure that the air we breathe is clean and healthy. While many factors can contribute to indoor air pollution, one effective way to combat this issue is by incorporating house plants into our living spaces. Plants are not only aesthetically pleasing but also have the remarkable ability to improve indoor air quality. Apart from producing oxygen through the process of photosynthesis, certain plants can effectively remove volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from the air. VOCs are harmful chemicals that can be emitted by various household items such as cleaning products, paints, furniture, and even carpets. As a homeowner or home seller, it's crucial to consider the impact of air quality on both lifestyle and the quality of life. By educating potential buyers or tenants about the benefits of house plants, you can help them create a healthier living environment. When it comes to choosing plants for improving indoor air quality, some species are particularly effective. Here are a few popular options: 1. Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata): Also known as "Mother-in-law's tongue," this plant is a popular choice for its ability to absorb toxins like formaldehyde and benzene. It's also incredibly low maintenance, making it ideal for those with a busy lifestyle. 2. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum): With its beautiful white flowers, the Peace Lily not only adds elegance to any room but also acts as a natural air purifier. It removes common pollutants like formaldehyde, benzene, and trichloroethylene from the air. 3. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum): This resilient plant is not only easy to care for but also highly effective in removing formaldehyde and carbon monoxide from the air. Its cascading green leaves make it a visually appealing addition to any space. 4. Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis): Known for its medicinal properties, Aloe Vera also improves indoor air quality by absorbing formaldehyde and benzene. Additionally, its gel can be used to soothe minor burns and skin irritations. By incorporating these plants into your indoor spaces, you can significantly reduce the levels of harmful chemicals floating in the air. This can lead to various health benefits, such as reduced allergies, improved sleep, and increased productivity. Whether you're looking to buy a new property or considering options for new construction, it's essential to prioritize indoor air quality. By highlighting the benefits of house plants, you can create a healthy and inviting atmosphere that your family, prospective buyers, or tenants will appreciate.

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