[Ramsayfarian]

I must be out of touch - what happened to Tapout being the standard uniform?

Tapout took a dive after the company founder wrapped his exotic sports car around a light post. However the company has recently been revived and is now the official clothing line for UFC.

[Ramsayfarian]

<Slow Clap> returned right back at you sir! Classic. :tup:

Make sure that you wear an Affliction shirt so you fit in!

Great now we both have the clap. :jester:

[Innersoul1]

This was pretty cool, thought it might be appreciated by some of you:

A train laying out its own tracks:
http://www.dump.com/traintrack/

[fusili]

This was pretty cool, thought it might be appreciated by some of you:

A train laying out its own tracks:
http://www.dump.com/traintrack/

That is so awesome. :tup:

[Innersoul1]

Heard on the radio (CBC) today that since the Crown Vic has been discontinued CPC is phasing in the Dodge Charge. Additionally, they are going back to black and white for all of their new vehicles. A main factor being that it was hard for HAWKS to track the CPS vehicles amongst all the other white vehicles on the road.

[Ramsayfarian]

Heard on the radio (CBC) today that since the Crown Vic has been discontinued CPC is phasing in the Dodge Charge. Additionally, they are going back to black and white for all of their new vehicles. A main factor being that it was hard for HAWKS to track the CPS vehicles amongst all the other white vehicles on the road.

That and not all CPS vehicles have numbers on their roof.

New markings look pretty cool.

http://calgary.openfile.ca/blog/curator-blog/photo/2012/gallery-new-look-calgary-police-service

[hulkrogan]

A little help if the SSP community doesn't mind....

I'm getting married next year, and I've got the reception figured out, but need somewhere for a ceremony. We're both rather non-religious, so it might be easier to skip the church route unless they let you just rent the building.

The types of places I've been thinking of have been:

-old barn/church in Heritage park
-zoo
-St Matthew's in Bridgeland (brick one on the ridge with the glowing red cross, close to home and looks like a cool building)
-Knox United (Cool old building, heard they don't care about what religion you are)

Anything else cool around? Any old buildings in Inglewood or somewhere like that which could be used for the purpose?

[mersar]

A little help if the SSP community doesn't mind....

I'm getting married next year, and I've got the reception figured out, but need somewhere for a ceremony. We're both rather non-religious, so it might be easier to skip the church route unless they let you just rent the building.

The types of places I've been thinking of have been:

-old barn/church in Heritage park
-zoo
-St Matthew's in Bridgeland (brick one on the ridge with the glowing red cross, close to home and looks like a cool building)
-Knox United (Cool old building, heard they don't care about what religion you are)

Anything else cool around? Any old buildings in Inglewood or somewhere like that which could be used for the purpose?

If its not booked already then I'd say look at the Shawnessy Community Hall (aka the Barn). Theres also the Rotary House at Stampede that I went to a wedding at last year. Both places though kind of work better for both the ceremony and reception at right after.

[Jimby]

Lougheed House and the Southern Alberta Pioneers log cabin are nice for small weddings.
http://www.avenuecalgary.com/articles/page/item/a-place-to-build-a-dream-on

[Bigtime]

Take a look at the new Devonian Gardens perhaps?

Friend of my wife got married at Knox United, it's a pretty cool setting.

[hulkrogan]

Awesome, keep them coming guys! Devonian would be great, I just figured booking would be an issue as it's not even done, but I might as well call. Thanks again everyone! SSP delivers.

[Cage]

...We're both rather non-religious, so it might be easier to skip the church route unless they let you just rent the building.

Highly unlikely that you would be able to just rent the building and go with your own officiant. At a minimum you should expect a church service to be conducted by the minister or other member of the repective church's personnel. For example at the discretion of the presiding minister or at the request of the Arch-Bishop, another minister can perform the ceremony.

Also any church ceremony will have to be conducted as a religious service and to the churches cannon requirements.

If your not absolutely opposed to Christianity in general, I would recommend you check out St. Barnabus Anglican Church in Sunnyside. Beautiful church and wonderful Minister in Jagdut Singh. I believe at least one member of the couple must be Anglican, however they are not too fussy with formalities.

[shreddog]

A little help if the SSP community doesn't mind....

I'm getting married next year, and I've got the reception figured out, but need somewhere for a ceremony. We're both rather non-religious, so it might be easier to skip the church route unless they let you just rent the building.
...
I've been to non-religious weddings in the following fantastic venues ...

The Ranche in Fish Creek,
Bragg Creek Community Centre, and
Stoney Nakoda Lodge (no booze is allowed though).

All great with outside scenary.

I've also been at a wedding at Assiboine Lodge ... but that may not be what you're after! ;)

[Jimby]

I was once at a family wedding at the Big Rock Brewery which is a surprisingly great venue.

[1ajs]

how about in the calgary tower?

anyhow anyone listen to cjsw on fridays?

[WIGS]

A little help if the SSP community doesn't mind....

I'm getting married next year...

If you need a photographer I can recommend someone

[monocle]

We had our ceremony and reception at the Lougheed House on May 7th last year. Awesome place.

On a completely unrelated note... Does anyone know of a good place to go out for dinner on Monday night, for an anniversary?

[Jimby]

We had our ceremony and reception at the Lougheed House on May 7th last year. Awesome place.

On a completely unrelated note... Does anyone know of a good place to go out for dinner on Monday night, for an anniversary?

Congrats on your first year! For a special occasion, I would suggest Alloy or the Tower.
May 6 is a special day for me - the day I arrived in Calgary to live!

[Calgarian]

I was really impressed with the restaurant in the tower last time I was there, very good food, and the view is obviously great.

[Wentworth]

I've been to non-religious weddings in the following fantastic venues ...

The Ranche in Fish Creek,
Bragg Creek Community Centre, and
Stoney Nakoda Lodge (no booze is allowed though).

All great with outside scenary.

I've also been at a wedding at Assiboine Lodge ... but that may not be what you're after! ;)


Are you referring to Nakoda on the Lake? (Not to be confused with casino hotel on the Trans Canada.) We were there for a wedding a couple years ago, and it definitely was not a dry wedding. Mind-blowingly beautiful location.

http://www.nakodalodge.com/

[mersar]

I was really impressed with the restaurant in the tower last time I was there, very good food, and the view is obviously great.

Yep, thats where we're likely going for our 1st at the end of July. We went there last year and loved it for just a random date night.

[Bigtime]

We had our ceremony and reception at the Lougheed House on May 7th last year. Awesome place.

On a completely unrelated note... Does anyone know of a good place to go out for dinner on Monday night, for an anniversary?

Notable, it is freaking delicious.

[MichaelS]

I will second the Big Rock brewery. Went to a wedding there in 2010 and it was a cool atmosphere (a bit more casual feeling) and a lot of fun.

[shreddog]

Are you referring to Nakoda on the Lake? (Not to be confused with casino hotel on the Trans Canada.) We were there for a wedding a couple years ago, and it definitely was not a dry wedding. Mind-blowingly beautiful location.

http://www.nakodalodge.com/Yup that is the place.

It was 5 years ago when I was there for the wedding and the message then was that since it was on the Reservation it could not allow booze as the Reservation was officially Dry. Perhaps due to the arrival of the casino they've changed that rule??

[DizzyEdge]

http://www.nakodalodge.com/weddings

On this page it says they are a licensed facility.

[WIGS]

Hey guys, I just wanted to let you know that me and my business partner from Frontier Metropolis (our Calgary T-shirt business) were interviewed by Chris dela Torre from Calgary Eyeopener and the interview will air tomorrow aka Monday morning at 7:40am on CBC Radio1 99.1 FM

Hopefully we don't sound like a bunch of bumbling fools lol :haha: as we were both kinda nervous.

[shreddog]

While walking along the Bow yesterday, I saw this ... it starts earlier every year!!!

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y222/shreddog/tooearly.jpg

[WIGS]

Did any SSP'ers hear me and Sead on Calgary Eyeopener this morning?

[Bigtime]

Did any SSP'ers hear me and Sead on Calgary Eyeopener this morning?

I missed it, can you let us know if a link comes up on their website to listen to it?

[WIGS]

I missed it, can you let us know if a link comes up on their website to listen to it?

of course :)

[kw5150]

While walking along the Bow yesterday, I saw this ... it starts earlier every year!!!

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y222/shreddog/tooearly.jpg

lol. please dont fall in that water people......

[WIGS]

http://www.cbc.ca/eyeopener/episode/2012/05/07/neighborhood-t-shirts/

Please post comments for neighbourhood shirt design ideas at bottom of page

[Bigtime]

Great interview!

Comedy shirt idea:

-Cranston: I can squish downtown with my fingers.

[jeffwhit]

http://www.cbc.ca/eyeopener/episode/2012/05/07/neighborhood-t-shirts/

Please post comments for neighbourhood shirt design ideas at bottom of page

You need a better upstate NY accent. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gijez9TRkI4&hd=1)

[Witty Nickname]

I like this one.
http://frontiermetropolis.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/1012011012-Deadmonton.jpg

http://frontiermetropolis.com/products-page/unisex-t-shirt/deadmonton-2/

[WIGS]

Hey guys thanks for the comments!
From our radio interview this morning we got CBC Calgary TV to interview us

Tune in to CBC Calgary TV for the 5'oclock news and see our interview with Terri Trembath

[WIGS]

You need a better upstate NY accent. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gijez9TRkI4&hd=1)

haha I grew up in Niagara Region, Ontario only lived in Buffalo for college/uni. I can mimic a real Western New York accent. my voice has changed to be nasally enough as is :haha:

http://nycbbb.com/feature/buffaloenglish.htm

[Innersoul1]

This is SCREWED! Happened in Singapore, Ferrari runs a red light and t-bones a taxi. It's all caught on video by the taxi driving just behind. Taxi passengers are dead as is the driver of the Ferrari. Somehow the passenger survived.
8JfAaOABk4g

[polishavenger]

lol. please dont fall in that water people......

If you think thats nuts, we saw people swimming in the bow on the zoo island last saturday.

A sign that place needs TLC soon, we found a needle hidding in the rocks two feet away from where we were sitting. :(

[AB Born]

This is the first summer with the Environment Canada website showing the Air Quality Health Index… why does Calgary’s AQHI sometimes seem crazy high? At the moment it’s a 7.

[shreddog]

Was down at the Harvie passage yesterday - the water is high, the fire department has "closed" the river and some kayakers were playing in it. Unfortunately I was there too early with the camera and only caught the flow ....

Entrance into the "easy" channel with water overflowing the sdes ..
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y222/shreddog/Harviepassageoverflowing.jpg

From the bottom looking up - no pools, fast eddies and one continual wave ...
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y222/shreddog/Harviepassageatflood.jpg

[Innersoul1]

Congrats to our very own Rusty for making ffwd best of Calgary list!

Best professor

Ron Glasberg
Noel Keough
John Manzo

http://www.ffwdweekly.com/article/life-style/best-calgary/best-of-calgary-2012-results-9278/

[WIGS]

Check out this amazing transformation of Buffalo's once-grand Lafayette Hotel, restored to its former glory into a fully mixed-use structure. I thought that the architecture geeks who love classic American architecture of the early 20th century would enjoy seeing this. It's one of the finest buildings in Buffalo once again thanks to one of Buffalo's best developers.

-Built in 1904 and designed by Louise Bethune (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Louise_Bethune), first female architect in the AIA
-once considered one of the top 15 hotels in the United States
-Included in the building is a 34-room boutique hotel, 115 apartments, a bakery, flower shop, Pearl @ the Lafayette (brewery/restaurant), a men's store, Michael A’s Steakhouse, a banquet/catering company, lobby bar and jewelry store. Basically a one stop shop for weddings.
-other interesting tidbit: The artwork at the hotel was restored by students of my alma mater, Buffalo State which has one of the best university Art Conservation programs in the U.S.

Video (http://bcove.me/78m5ot8b)
more photos (http://buffaloah.com/a/washngtn/391/apr12/apr2012.html)

[WIGS]

Congrats to our very own Rusty for making ffwd best of Calgary list!

Best professor

Ron Glasberg
Noel Keough
John Manzo

http://www.ffwdweekly.com/article/life-style/best-calgary/best-of-calgary-2012-results-9278/

kudos Rusty! :tup:

[WIGS]

Anyone checking out the *FREE* East Village Block party today from 4-10pm? It's being hosted by Market Collective and the Food Trucks will be there.
Live music right from 4-10pm.

http://www.sledisland.com/slog/2012/5/15/east-village-block-party

I have a beach volleyball game, but myself (Grant)and (Sead) the other FrontierMetropolis founder will probably be there afterwards for a couple hours.

[Bigtime]

Hmm, the wife is out on a "Moms night out", perhaps if Littletime is up for it we will walk over.

[Ayreonaut]

I walked the River pathway from Douglas Glen (well, Quarry Park) to downtown today. Wow, there are so many young moms pushing strollers in this city! Especially once I got closer to Inglewood, I would say they constituted half the people I passed.

I walked past EV but didn't pay attention to anything going on there. I was parched and b-lining straight to the Jugo Juice on 8th Ave.

[DizzyEdge]

I walked the River pathway from Douglas Glen (well, Quarry Park) to downtown today. Wow, there are so many young moms pushing strollers in this city! Especially once I got closer to Inglewood, I would say they constituted half the people I passed.


You're welcome.

[Ramsayfarian]

You're welcome.

Nice one.

I wanted to go to EV, but I had to have nap as I Sledded the night away and still went to work.

Just have enough time to fuel up and head to the Legion.


Caught No Sinners and Lou Barlow at Commonwealth and finished the night with The Shadowy Men on a Shadowy Planet. Great start to what looks like a wicked festival.

[Bigtime]

I didn't make it over to the EV thing yesterday evening, but pretty sure that I could hear it from our place.

[Radley77]

With the recent death this weekend on Harvie Passage, I have found the recent chatter about the inability of City of Calgary to enforce a ban on the Bow river infuriating. I'm on a dragonboat team (team has been in existence more than 10 years) that is on the Glenmore reservoir. The Glenmore reservoir has been shut down between June 6th to July 1st. Whereas, no ban exists on the Bow River. This has resulted in sailing clubs having to cancel competitions. Very hard to have competitive teams on the Glenmore in Calgary when you are dealing with a much shorter on the water season even though some teams train year round. IMO, there is much less risk of an accident on the Glenmore due to more experience clubs that are in operation and that the Glenmore has far less turbulence than the Bow River.

IMO, the Glenmore reservoir should be relatively more open than the Bow River, and that should implement partial (only registered\experienced clubs allowed) and full restrictions (noone allowed) for the public.

This is infuriating that people are dying because of regulatory loopholes (municipality and federal government cannot agree on jurisdiction of the river) and at the same time the City of Calgary is also making it so that experienced boating clubs cannot be as competitive on the Glenmore.

Article Glenmore Reservoir being closed:
http://www.canada.com/news/calgary/Glenmore+reservoir+closed+boaters+flood+fears+rise/6745234/story.html

Article about how Bow River can't be closed:
http://www.edmontonjournal.com/news/calgary/Fire+chief+mayor+want+tougher+rules+following+long/6876989/story.html

[freeweed]

While I understand the frustration at the reservoir being closed, I'm not sure we really need a "ban" on the rivers. Quite frankly if a few idiots want to risk their lives knowing full well the danger (this guy's boat was apparently stopped and they were warned), then so be it.

What we do need is more education. A metric fuckton more.

This latest discussion about the Harvie Passage is infuriating me. When it was proposed, designed, constructed, teased as it was delayed - the entire story was "this is a way to make the river safe for recreation, and to eliminate the 'drowning machine'". Seemingly out of the blue however, it turns out it isn't at all safe for inflatable rafts - WHICH IS 95% OF THE RECREATION ON THE BOW.

I guarantee you that if you asked random Calgarians, 99% of them would say that they think the HP was designed to make it safe to raft over. Not "an advanced whitewater course" as is suddenly being claimed. Yes, the kayak section is off to one side, but the "gentler" course very much looked like it was intended for the primary users of the river. Now suddenly we're not supposed to use it?

What the sweet christ was the point of spending millions on something that doesn't do what it was intended to do - oops, I mean was apparently never intended to do? Did the average Calgarian think it was a great idea to spend all that money just so a handful of kayakers could avoid the drive to the mountains?

When the water gets lower later this summer, I sure as shit plan on running it in a rubber boat - I personally think they're being ridiculously over-paranoid here. My frustration comes from the fact that with this talk of "bans", I can totally see the city/province stepping in and banning rafts in a couple of years. Entirely defeating the purpose of the thing in the first place.

I'm amazed that absolutely no one in the media is questioning why we built this thing if it's being claimed just as dangerous as the weir. Because I sure as heck don't remember dozens of kayakers drowning in it in the past - it was 100% rafters.

[DizzyEdge]

:previous:

Here's an article from April 2011

http://www.globaltvcalgary.com/harvie+passage+weir+project+may+open+by+august/267418/story.html

notable quote:


The passage will also offer a world-class play area for kayakers and canoeists, as well as allow rafters to float from Bowness Park all the way to the southern edge of the city.

“And now you have a channel on river right where people can float down on inflatable crocodiles of whatever they want to do and it’s perfectly safe,” says Simon Coward, kayaking instructor at Aquabatics.

“And on the other side of the river you’ve got something that can challenge even expert level paddlers which is going to be sweet.”

That said, is it being claimed that it's not safe for inflatables period, or just during these high water level periods?

[MichaelS]

With it forecast to be 30 degrees on the weekend, does anyone think the river will be down to a more "calm" level by Sunday to do some rafting?

[Full Mountain]

:previous:

Here's an article from April 2011

http://www.globaltvcalgary.com/harvie+passage+weir+project+may+open+by+august/267418/story.html

notable quote:



That said, is it being claimed that it's not safe for inflatables period, or just during these high water level periods?

Not sure that Mr. Coward has the authority to say it'll be safe for someone on a inflatable.

I think the fuss on the weekend was from the high water levels not from the new design itself, if people are dumb enough to go out with the high water then we need to do something to prevent the fire department and the police from expending resources to rescue these people.

[freeweed]

That said, is it being claimed that it's not safe for inflatables period, or just during these high water level periods?

Again, the city might want to be just a smidge clearer then.

From what I read into it, the claim is it is not safe for inflatables EVER. The high water means it's not safe for ANYONE. The police are warning all craft away from the river, period - not just the passage. I see no mention anywhere of "avoid the Harvie Passage in your dinghy until the water recedes".

My personal belief is that someone f'd up, big time. Whether the city was sold on an unsafe design, whether they deliberately ignored that and just assumed it had to be safe, or whether later engineering studies have now shown "whoops! not as safe as we hoped for". And in today's society, where no one's ever willing to admit a mistake, we won't know - we'll just get the current "duh, of course this isn't safe for an inflatable raft" line.

[freeweed]

With it forecast to be 30 degrees on the weekend, does anyone think the river will be down to a more "calm" level by Sunday to do some rafting?

Highly doubtful - the water levels in the mountains are obscene right now and more heat will just continue to raise them. And it takes a while to flush this volume through Calgary. I'd guess a couple of weeks at least before the river is down to "safe" levels. Any more serious rain and I wouldn't be surprised if we're into August before the city labels it safe.

That being said, so long as you avoid the new drowning machine most of the river is still fairly safe. Fast, but safe. People are mostly having problems on the passage from what I've heard.

[freeweed]

Not sure that Mr. Coward has the authority to say it'll be safe for someone on a inflatable.

Perhaps, but with stories like this constantly in the news for several years now you'd think someone at city hall might just have thought once that hey, maybe we should correct this misinformation.

I mean compared to the comments we're seeing this week - it's a complete 180 from only a year ago.

[Radley77]

:previous:

Here's an article from April 2011

http://www.globaltvcalgary.com/harvie+passage+weir+project+may+open+by+august/267418/story.html

notable quote:



That said, is it being claimed that it's not safe for inflatables period, or just during these high water level periods?

Oh snap... That's where the children will play...

I find the logical inconsistency annoying that the City of Calgary bans the Glenmore Reservoir which is a hell of a lot safer than the Bow River. Whereas the Glenmore reservoir is predominantly used by experienced teams that wear life jackets and include the Calgary Canoe Club, Glenmore Sailing Club, Calgary Dragon Boat Society. This year the Glenmore Reservoir and Calgary Canoe Club will be hosting the 2012 World Outrigger Sprint Championships.

The Bow River is predominantly used by the casual lazy rafter.

There is a huge difference in skill level and water conditions!

The City of Calgary had this news release "ban" about the Glenmore Reservoir:
http://newsroom.calgary.ca/pr/calgary/update-glenmore-reservoir-closed-234862.aspx

The following is a news release "advisory" about the Bow River after someone died:
http://newsroom.calgary.ca/pr/calgary/harvie-passage-river-safety-warning-236145.aspx

I've never heard of someone dying on the Glenmore Reservoir due to striking a partially submerged object. I think there has been about a dozen deaths near the weir over a century.

I don't think it's fair the way the City of Calgary treats experienced Glenmore reservoir users (some of which I have met are Olympic athletes and have the proper gear, training and experience) vastly different than reckless and ignorant Bow River users.

[Full Mountain]

Perhaps, but with stories like this constantly in the news for several years now you'd think someone at city hall might just have thought once that hey, maybe we should correct this misinformation.

I mean compared to the comments we're seeing this week - it's a complete 180 from only a year ago.

Here's the thing that most people forget during spring runoff or other high flow conditions the class of rapids generally rises at least one class depending on the rapids and conditions it could rise more, so the 'Class II' on the river right becomes a Class III in high flow. So what might be safer for a raft now is still a significant hazard and should be treated as such rather than expecting the world to pad everything. It's time for personal responsibility, the city or any other level of government shouldn't have to warn you about every danger than possibly exists, if you see something on the river that your not sure about get out and walk it first, if you going to run head long into it you better be ready to take the risk. I think that all waterways in Canada should be user rescue i.e. the fire department isn't going to come pick you up if you fall out of your boat, you damn well better be ready to deal with it on your own at least for the first bit, this is what happens in the mountains, just because your in the middle of the city doesn't mean that the danger is lessened, these are natural bodies of water regardless of it's location you better be ready to deal with what ever comes up.

Oh snap... That's where the children will play...

I find the logical inconsistency annoying that the City of Calgary bans the Glenmore Reservoir which is a hell of a lot safer than the Bow River. Whereas the Glenmore reservoir is predominantly used by experienced teams that wear life jackets and include the Calgary Canoe Club, Glenmore Sailing Club, Calgary Dragon Boat Society. This year the Glenmore Reservoir and Calgary Canoe Club will be hosting the 2012 World Outrigger Sprint Championships.

The Bow River is predominantly used by the casual lazy rafter.

There is a huge difference in skill level and water conditions!

The City of Calgary had this news release "ban" about the Glenmore Reservoir:
http://newsroom.calgary.ca/pr/calgary/update-glenmore-reservoir-closed-234862.aspx

The following is a news release "advisory" about the Bow River after someone died:
http://newsroom.calgary.ca/pr/calgary/harvie-passage-river-safety-warning-236145.aspx

I've never heard of someone dying on the Glenmore Reservoir due to striking a partially submerged object. I think there has been about a dozen deaths near the weir over a century.

I don't think it's fair the way the City of Calgary treats experienced Glenmore reservoir users (some of which I have met are Olympic athletes and have the proper gear, training and experience) vastly different than reckless and ignorant Bow River users.

I see your point, I think that the reason they close Glenmore is the dam, if for some reason (heavy rain, high temperatures, etc.) the city has to suddenly reduce the reservoir level it becomes dangerous for users of regardless experience levels or equipment.

The police keep talking about jurisdictional issues, which Transport Canada has since debunked, it seems both would fall under the same section of law and the police should have equal powers over both, maybe it's time for the provincial/federal government to get more money in place to support the regulation of these waterways.

[kw5150]

If you want to raft a flooded, swift moving, churning, ice cold, dangerous river with a history of stealing lives, and no guide and rescue gear.......then be my guest!

I prefer to wait until I can see the bottom everywhere and the river is calm enough to walk in some places.

Condolences to the family.

[Radley77]

I see your point, I think that the reason they close Glenmore is the dam, if for some reason (heavy rain, high temperatures, etc.) the city has to suddenly reduce the reservoir level it becomes dangerous for users of regardless experience levels or equipment.

The police keep talking about jurisdictional issues, which Transport Canada has since debunked, it seems both would fall under the same section of law and the police should have equal powers over both, maybe it's time for the provincial/federal government to get more money in place to support the regulation of these waterways.

I've been doing dryland practices from the shore and majority of time the ban on the Glenmore Reservoir seems absurd as the water is like glass. Also, cause we are doing short trial runs that our watercraft is nowhere near the inlet or outlet of the Glenmore. There is an oarsman that's job is to navigate the craft and everyone wears lifejackets. Average experience of people on the boat is about 5 years, with the team being around for about 10 years. I think the biggest risk for our boat tipping is from a sudden squall. Whereas the risk of a raft flipping over on the Bow River is probably about 100 times what it is on the Glenmore. From a safety perspective, there is also a lot of chatter between teams about water conditions whereas I get the sense that watercraft users on the Bow River are much more independent and may not fully understand water conditions as it pertains to their skill level.

In my opinion, City of Calgary and federal government should try to offload some of the responsibility of better education on to grass roots community organizations that use these waterways for recreational purposes. Also, by providing year round access to the water through organizations like Calgary Canoe Club etc. it helps accelerate people on learning safety versus if someone tries something like rafting alone down the river.

Funding may not be required if City of Calgary and federal government were instead to promote increasingly competent watercraft users through competent clubs instead.

[kw5150]

They need to air a TV commercial right away outlining the dangers of the Weir in high water.....or medium water, possibly even low water......There should also be a radio ad and a facebook ad. Facebook has already spread the message a little bit, but we need to show people how the river current will actually suck you under. It feel like someone grabs your ankles and pull your head under; sometimes a struggle, even with a life jacket.

[freeweed]

Might as well flog this horse to death. With all of this discussion about how the "safe" side is now actually a Class II, it's interesting to see what's on the actual project's website: (http://harviepassage.ca/about.html)

Using an existing small island below the weir, the river will be divided into two channels: a gentle channel to the south (river right) and a more challenging channel to the north (river left). Signage and design features will be used to encourage people floating down the river to use the south channel. More advanced canoeists and kayakers will be able to practice their skills on several waves on the north channel.

What if I fall into the water?

Presently, a fall over the weir would almost certainly lead to death. Once the modifications are in place, falling into the water above the weir will be like falling into other sections of the Bow River. There will be areas of faster water separated by slow, deep pools from which most people can easily swim or walk to shore. As on the rest of the Bow River, all river users need to be aware of the hazards of falling in.

I don't know, this doesn't sound like "Class II rapids" that "no one on a raft should ever go through".


Contrast this with Mayor Nenshi's recent comments:

“Even though it’s much safer than the weir was, it really is for experienced people, for experienced rafters and kayakers — it’s not for people like me, who are floating down the river. And I’m not sure we made that clear enough.”


Naheed, when the weir project itself is stating that it IS for people floating down the river...

Yeah. Either someone needs to get their head out of their ass, or stop crying wolf and admit that this is merely a high water problem.

[AB Born]

In March of 2010 Daily Planet (The Discovery Channel) did a video on the old/new weir.

http://watch.discoverychannel.ca/daily-planet/march-2010/daily-planet---march-23-2010/#clip280303

Skip to the 8 minute mark of the video.

[freeweed]

:previous: Interesting look at the construction, thanks for finding that.

[MichaelS]

Question for someone who has done it recently, how long does it take to drive to Vancouver from Calgary? I have several people telling me anywhere from 8-15 hours.

Leaving on a Friday that is not a long weekend, and hopefully on the road by 5:30 AM, so missing rush hour.

Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.

[Jimby]

Question for someone who has done it recently, how long does it take to drive to Vancouver from Calgary? I have several people telling me anywhere from 8-15 hours.

Leaving on a Friday that is not a long weekend, and hopefully on the road by 5:30 AM, so missing rush hour.

Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.

It takes me 11 hours to Horseshoe Bay in West Van with a stop for gas and a few quick pee stops. I stay close to the speed limit and I let the passers pass. I try not to eat too much because that can make me sleepy and I don't over-caffeinate because that means more pee stops!
The time change is in your favour heading west.

[mersar]

Question for someone who has done it recently, how long does it take to drive to Vancouver from Calgary? I have several people telling me anywhere from 8-15 hours.

Leaving on a Friday that is not a long weekend, and hopefully on the road by 5:30 AM, so missing rush hour.

Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.

Last time I drove it (2.5 years ago) going the other way I left Vancouver about 10am, pitstop in Kelowna for a meal and I was in Cochrane by 11:30.

[Innersoul1]

Just did the drive last week with a 2 month old and a 2 year old. Left at 5:30am with stops in Golden, Revy, Salmon Arm, Kamloops and the Coqualla(sp) (all stops averages 30 mins). We arrived in Van at 5:30pm. Didn't speed so you can totally do it faster.

[MichaelS]

Thanks guys, appreciate the input and lines up with what I was expecting.

[Calgarian]

I usually do it in about 10 hours, and that includes a stop for lunch in Revy. I usually go about 20km/h over the speed limit (except when passing, then I floor it). I have never got a speeding ticket in BC either.

[Ramsayfarian]

I usually do it in about 10 hours, and that includes a stop for lunch in Revy. I usually go about 20km/h over the speed limit (except when passing, then I floor it). I have never got a speeding ticket in BC either.

You're lucky, I've had extremely bad luck in BC when it comes to tickets. I'd say the majority of mine in the past 10 years have been in BC.

I'm usually between the 10 to 11 hour mark. A bit longer by motorcycle as I need to stop more.

[Calgarian]

You're lucky, I've had extremely bad luck in BC when it comes to tickets. I'd say the majority of mine in the past 10 years have been in BC.

I'm usually between the 10 to 11 hour mark. A bit longer by motorcycle as I need to stop more.

I rarely get a speeding ticket (anywhere) and always drive fast. I am always looking out for cops though, I try to keep an eye on any car that is similar to ones they drive and slow down when I see any car pulled over on the side of the road. I caught myself going about 165km/h down one of the steep hills between Merrit and Kelowna, I slowed down promptly after that lol.

[Ramsayfarian]

I rarely get a speeding ticket (anywhere) and always drive fast. I am always looking out for cops though, I try to keep an eye on any car that is similar to ones they drive and slow down when I see any car pulled over on the side of the road. I caught myself going about 165km/h down one of the steep hills between Merrit and Kelowna, I slowed down promptly after that lol.

I rarely get tickets as well, yet I always drive over the speed limit. I do the same as you, but I also like to follow someone a tad faster. I also like to rely on my Spidey sense.

On the July long weekend, I explained to my GF my system as we rocketed out to Fairmont for the weekend. I told her that I speed intelligently. Fastward about 45 minutes and I'm blasting down 93 and see a white car coming towards me, I hesitated a bit and didn't slow down quick enough. Sure enough, busted.

Needless to say, my GF spent the majority cracking jokes about speeding inteligently. I did point out that if I had followed my rules and waited until someone faster passed me, I probably wouldn't have gotten pulled over.

[MichaelS]

I rarely get a speeding ticket (anywhere) and always drive fast. I am always looking out for cops though, I try to keep an eye on any car that is similar to ones they drive and slow down when I see any car pulled over on the side of the road. I caught myself going about 165km/h down one of the steep hills between Merrit and Kelowna, I slowed down promptly after that lol.

I am similar to you as well. I am going to be extra dilligent with watching my speed though in BC, as they now have that new rule of impounding your car on the spot if you are going 40 over. While I normally consider 40 over to be a bit excessive, hitting 130 in a 90 zone in one of the parks is not unexpected (stretch next to Field for instance). I will have to keep an eye on my speed.

[Jimby]

I am similar to you as well. I am going to be extra dilligent with watching my speed though in BC, as they now have that new rule of impounding your car on the spot if you are going 40 over. While I normally consider 40 over to be a bit excessive, hitting 130 in a 90 zone in one of the parks is not unexpected (stretch next to Field for instance). I will have to keep an eye on my speed.

Watch out for bears! I had near death experiences both ways on my last trip.

[MichaelS]

Bears as in police (smokey?), or the real thing? Either way, I will be keeping an eye out.

[Jimby]

Bears as in police (smokey?), or the real thing? Either way, I will be keeping an eye out.

black bears running out on the highway in front of me!

[monocle]

I am similar to you as well. I am going to be extra dilligent with watching my speed though in BC, as they now have that new rule of impounding your car on the spot if you are going 40 over. While I normally consider 40 over to be a bit excessive, hitting 130 in a 90 zone in one of the parks is not unexpected (stretch next to Field for instance). I will have to keep an eye on my speed.

The wife and I drove out (and back) to Ladysmith last weekend, and I looked down at the speedo on the Coqahalla (sp? lol) and we were doing 160 in her Mazda 3...I wouldn't be writing this if I had her car impounded.

We made it back in 12 hrs, although there was a parking lot for about 45 minutes between Revy and Golden, and the morning traffic between Van and Hope.

I need a mind control device to get the idiots out of the left lane, and a death ray for the four POS's that pulled out in front of me at the last second with out signalling, even though there were six billion SLOWER TRAFFIC KEEP RIGHT signs in BC alone.

[mersar]

Hopefully someone has someone they can recommend for me someone in this city who has the equipment to move a 10'x12' garden shed from our yard, at a minimum onto a trailer we have, or using their equipment to another part of the city. Catch is the shed is at the top of a hill with a fence at the bottom so it almost needs to be lifted out of the yard. We'd rather relocate the shed (its in pretty good shape) than tear it down since the person who's buying our house doesn't want it and my father-in-law could use it.

[monocle]

Hopefully someone has someone they can recommend for me someone in this city who has the equipment to move a 10'x12' garden shed from our yard, at a minimum onto a trailer we have, or using their equipment to another part of the city. Catch is the shed is at the top of a hill with a fence at the bottom so it almost needs to be lifted out of the yard. We'd rather relocate the shed (its in pretty good shape) than tear it down since the person who's buying our house doesn't want it and my father-in-law could use it.

Stampede Crane has machines with 100'+ of stick, IIRC. Although, you might be dropping quite a few shekels if they have a min. charge...

A very easy pick, though, if you have the shed up on blocks before they show up... just belly sling on the ends, and Bob's your uncle.

[mersar]

Thanks. I've checked with a few places and the cost of moving its more than its worth, so it looks like we're going to be having a good old tear-the-shed-apart party instead.

I must say that the process of moving is really making me realize why people hate it so much, too much stress and things to deal with. At least we've got a place to move to now, though with an 8 day period between being out of our current place and moving into the new place.

[Bigtime]

Where's the new place Mersar?

[mersar]

Where's the new place Mersar?

Woodbine. Nice 4 bedroom 4 level split, with a walkout third level. Even better is that it's had virtually everything that a 30 year old house needs done to it done already.

[Jimby]

woohoo! We're 14th best city in Canada to live in! Worse than Winnipeg!
http://www.moneysense.ca/2012/03/20/canadas-best-places-to-live-2012/

[bulliver]

Ha ha, worse than Edmonton!

I'd imagine Calgary lost a lot of points because of housing costs?

[Jimby]

Ha ha, worse than Edmonton!

I'd imagine Calgary lost a lot of points because of housing costs?

Worse then Red Deer! That smarts! :D

Obviously important municipal infrastructure like sewage treatment wasn't considered a factor or Halifax wouldn't have placed 4th.

[WIGS]

Worse then Red Deer! That smarts! :D

Obviously important municipal infrastructure like sewage treatment wasn't considered a factor or Halifax wouldn't have placed 4th.

lol
from a former Ontarian's perspective: any list that puts suburban hell like Burlington and (particularly) Newmarket ahead of Calgary needs their methodology examined :haha:

[Radley77]

The following chart is meant to illustrate communities that have low crime, good commute times and pedestrian friendliness. I made this chart to compare against the Avenue Magazine best neighbourhoods survey which I belive is based on a Leger survey than actual metrics.

Also note that although the CBD\Beltline is relatively high for crime, there are 100,000+ people who work in the Centre City but do not live there.

http://img20.imageshack.us/img20/1169/bestneighbourhoodsincal.png

[Bigtime]

That's awesome Radley77, I've crossposted it to the discussion about the Avenue results in a thread over at CalgaryPuck. There's been some good discussion there about the results, and I will be interested to see the response to this.

[fusili]

If anything, this illustrates to me that Calgary is a ridiculously safe city. :D

[Bigtime]

One of the CalPuck forumers is wondering if they can see the excel sheet for it, so they can better see the individual communities. Any chance of getting it?

[MonctonGoldenFlames]

One of the CalPuck forumers is wondering if they can see the excel sheet for it, so they can better see the individual communities. Any chance of getting it?

i would love to be able to see all communities as well. great work radley77!

[Innersoul1]

This is TOO GOOD to not watch out. Turns out train geeks are called "foamers" because they foam at the mouth when they see new trains. Somehow I wonder if Bigtime sounded like this when the Antanov was in town! LOL
6lutNECOZFw

[Bigtime]

This is TOO GOOD to not watch out. Turns out train geeks are called "foamers" because they foam at the mouth when they see new trains. Somehow I wonder if Bigtime sounded like this when the Antanov was in town! LOL

I can assure you I did not, I was too focused on making sure I didn't blow it trying to get some photos of the beast. :D

I also think the whole line "I'm finally going to get a heritage unit" has become almost a type of meme to these train spotters.

[Radley77]

One of the CalPuck forumers is wondering if they can see the excel sheet for it, so they can better see the individual communities. Any chance of getting it?

Hiya, the data in the graph is in the following spreadsheet:
https://docs.google.com/file/d/0BwsAd5bH5NhnVHY3SEpQT0NXVDQ/edit?pli=1

The reference data came from the 2011 City of Calgary Census info:
http://www.calgary.ca/CA/city-clerks/Documents/Election-and-information-services/Civic-Census/2011_Community_Tables.xls

and the crime data came from the City of Calgary crime statistics:
http://www.calgarypolice.ca/pdf/CommunityCrimeStats_Dec2011.xls

I agree with Fusili's comments regarding crime. Overall rate of incidence is relatively low enough that I think greater weighting should be placed on the day to day aspects of quality of life (walkability\cyclability).

I think communities that have a high degree of walkability are the best places to live in Calgary because it means an ability to work fitness into part of a lifestyle and a greater social connectivity. My hope is that every single community in Calgary move in the direction of better active mode mobility and connectivity.

[Radley77]

I updated the graph a bit to highlight Avenue Magazine versus data which I think is more representative for 171 communities. Avenue Magazine seems to be slightly weighted towards the regions I highlighted, but there are some obvious ones that I think should be amended (like including Mission and excluding Montgomery).

http://img600.imageshack.us/img600/1169/bestneighbourhoodsincal.png

[DoubleK]

I'm looking to buy a Nexus 7 tablet. Has anyone seen them in stock anywhere in Calgary? I have been checking the Future Shop and Best Buy websites to check stock, but they have been out for a couple weeks now.

[mersar]

I'm looking to buy a Nexus 7 tablet. Has anyone seen them in stock anywhere in Calgary? I have been checking the Future Shop and Best Buy websites to check stock, but they have been out for a couple weeks now.

They're pretty hard to come by locally still. Memory Express had some initially but they are showing out of stock currently too. Best bet may be ordering it direct from Google via the Play Store unless you're willing to wait for stock to come in.