Summer is finally here!

The Calgary Stampede kicks off tomorrow (officially) and runs for the next 10 days. While there seems to be two mindsets about Stampede (you love it or you really don't want to go anywhere near it) there is no denying it does so much for the city. Over 5000 people (many youth) are hired to work on the grounds and support events. The Calgary Stampede also brings in more than $600 million to our economy each year. And of course, there are thousands of volunteers across Calgary putting on pancake breakfasts, putting on events and activations in every quadrant, as well as welcoming and guiding tourists where they need to go. For many of these visitors, this is their first time visiting Calgary. It's been shown over the years that the western warmth and hospitality they experience during Stampede inspires many people to move to Calgary, which also helps boost the economy (and the real estate market!).

In market news, the sales and inventory levels continue to be quite stable, with the high-end luxury home segment and the starter-home market seeing the most activity in June. These conditions are expected to continue through the summer months.
I'm excited to share that I have two fantastic new listings to share (see full details below). The first is a stunning bungalow-style villa located in the quiet, amenity-rich community of Signal Hill. The second listing is a rare opportunity to own a charming character home in one of Calgary's first communities - Elbow Park. Both these properties have a lot to offer and won't last long on the market. Check out the details below and let me know if you'd like to learn more.
If you are thinking of listing your home, or are looking for insights into the market or when to look for your next great home, drop me a line!
Have an excellent July!

New Listing 🔥- Signal Hill

31 Sierra Morena Manor SW

Welcome to this gorgeous bungalow-style villa in the desirable community of Signal Hill, just steps from Westhills Towne Centre. The main floor impresses from the moment you walk in - soaring ceilings, an abundance of natural light, and a warm, open-concept layout anchored by a stunning gas fireplace. The living room showcases breathtaking south-facing mountain and green space views, a striking floor-to-ceiling stone fireplace, and gleaming new white oak hardwood underfoot. The kitchen boasts crisp white cabinetry adorned with black quartz countertops and stainless steel appliances - a timeless, designer combination. The bright, fully developed walkout basement expands your living space considerably, offering two additional bedrooms, a full bathroom, and a generous recreation area with direct access to the backyard. Enjoy the ease of low-maintenance condo living in one of Calgary's most sought-after southwest communities - minutes to shopping, the LRT, top-rated schools, and quick access to the mountains via Stoney Trail. View the full listing here and schedule your private viewing today!

Feature Community

Built in the mid-late 80's, Signal Hill is Calgary's highest inhabited ridge, 1,190 metres above sea level - making it one of the best communities to catch a gorgeous sunset over the mountains.
It's no wonder that over 14,000 residents call it home, from Sienna Hills to Signal Ridge. It is a highly sought after community for families, seniors and young professionals alike due to its amenity rich surroundings, easy access to downtown, the ring road as well as an abundance of pathways and greenspaces. Signal Hill is bounded by Sarcee Trail to the east, 17th Ave to the north, Stoney Trail to the south and 69th St to the west.
Families with children have strong public, Catholic, charter and private school options within the neighbourhood or a short drive away. The Signal Hill Community Association offers programming and events for all ages, including winter sports, summer day camps, arts and crafts, pickleball and so much more. Signal Hill is truly a great community with so much to offer residents year round, at any age!

New Listing 🔥- Elbow Park

3620 9 Street SW

Tucked into the heart of Elbow Park, this is your chance to plant roots in one of the city's most prestigious communities.Set on a coveted 50' x 120' lot on one of Elbow Park's most desirable streets, this charming 4-bedroom, 4-bathroom bungalow offers timeless character and exceptional space in one of Calgary's most established inner-city communities. Step inside to a layout that balances classic bungalow charm with everyday function, offering generous principal rooms and comfortable, well-proportioned bedrooms throughout. With 4 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms, this home is ideally suited to empty nesters looking to downsize without compromise, or a family seeking a manageable, character-filled home just minutes from downtown and countless amenities.

Battalion Park, on the edge of the community of Signal Hill, has been home to the rock formations outlining the numbers 137, 113, 151, and 51 for more than a century.
The site was formerly known as Camp Sarcee, land leased by the Tsuut'ina Nation to the Canadian Militia. Established in 1914, the camp was located right next to the current communities of Signal Hill and Glamorgan. Over 45,000 soldiers, primarily from Alberta, attended Camp Sarcee for training before being sent overseas during the First World War.
Before departing, soldiers marked their unit numbers on the hillside using thousands of stones. Military engineers first plotted the outlines, and soldiers then filled them in with whitewashed rocks - over 16,000 to be precise! The stones were hauled up the hill by hand in sacks from the nearby Elbow River (about 2km away), when soldiers had free time. Originally, about two dozen unit numbers covered the hillside. Today, only four remain, although all but one were relocated elsewhere over the years.

For more than a century, local military and paramilitary organizations, including Calgary garrisons, veterans of the 137th Battalion, and members of the Royal Canadian Legion, have continued the tradition of whitewashing and repainting the numbers as an act of remembrance.

Battalion Park has been designated as a heritage site by both the city and the province. In addition to the historical stone formations, the park also features biking and walking pathways as well as a lookout landing. It is accessible via the pathways, by car (address is near 3001 Signal Hill Dr SW) or by transit.

Picnic Perfect Pinwheels

2.5 cups grated fontina cheese
1.5 cups grated asiago cheese
1⁄3 cup fresh basil (cut into slivers)
12-16 black olives, pitted and chopped
1⁄3 cup green onion, diced
1 garlic clove, minced
½ cup mayonnaise
6 large flour tortillas
leaf lettuce, cleaned and patted very dry and sliced into slivers (2-3 leaves)
10-12 pieces of roasted red peppers, cut into thin strips

Directions:

Mix together grated cheeses, basil, black olives, green onion, garlic and mayonnaise.
Thinly spread mixture on one side of each tortilla.
Then at the one end of the tortilla, lay 3 or 4 strips of roasted pepper as well as a few pieces of slivered lettuce.
Roll up the tortilla tightly.
Wrap each tortilla tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to use.
Remove from refrigerator and slice each tortilla on a bit of an angle. Each tortilla should yield about 8 slices. If there are messy end pieces, it is totally acceptable to eat those in the moment vs. serving them to guests.
Feeling fancy? Display the slices on a platter with a little parsley or other garnish. Or just eat them. No judgement here.