March News

March is off to a snowy start, but the worst of winter is definitely over. It's that time of year where a lot of people opt to take a vacation somewhere warm to take a break from the melting and freezing cycles that are so common this time of the year. If travelling this year for spring break isnt in the cards for you this year, don't worry - this newsletter is full of tips and ideas on how you can get that spring break, warm weather vacation feeling without even leaving the city.

In market news, we continue to see a relatively balanced market heading into spring, with reasonable inventory levels across most housing types. There is increased demand and a slight decrease in inventory for detached homes under $700,000, making this market segment a bit of an exception to the otherwise balanced market. I anticipate a busy spring, with great homes coming onto the market across price points. It is also an excellent time for first time home buyers as some neighbourhoods are seeing very competitive pricing on apartment style homes and rowhouses. If you are wondering if now is a good time for you to make a move, let's connect. I can review the market conditions that relate best to your goals and needs, and advise you of your best options in this market.

This month I also have a feature write up about Mount Royal, one of Calgary's most historic and desirable neighbourhoods. While it is inner city and within walking distance of downtown, it is also quiet, elegant and rich with history and charm.

Please reach out if you have any questions about the market, a particular community or getting your home ready to sell. Have an excellent rest of the month!

Mount Royal is an affluent, historic community just south of Calgary's downtown and Beltline communities. In the early 1900s, it was promoted as an exclusive community, marketing to Calgary's most successful business men. As many of these men were American, the area became casually known as American Hill, although its formal name has always been Mount Royal, named after the then Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR) President's home community in Montreal.

What does the railway have to do with how one of Calgary's most prestigious communities was developed? Well back in the late 1800's, CPR hired surveyors to lay out Calgary's original downtown grid system of streets and avenues. CPR was also instrumental in shaping Calgary's urban geography, directly developing and marketing residential areas and further influencing the city's layout. Mount Royal was the first estate community created, and they also laid the groundwork for the development of the community of Scarboro. Mount Royal saw the bulk of its first estates built between 1904 and 1914. The land titles restricted use of each parcel to single family homes. In an effort to ensure that the community was as elite as marketed, buyers had to commit to spending a set minimum amount on construction materials and costs.

Today the community features a mix of these historic mansions as well as newer, more modern homes. The neighbourhood is still one of Calgary's most desirable and exclusive communities. Residents appreciate that it is within walking distance from downtown as well as trendy 4th Street and 17th Avenue SW. There are a plethora of amazing restaurants, stores and amenities just minutes away walking distance from trendy 4th Street and 17th Avenue SW. Mount Royal offers many wonderful features to home owners, from spacious homes to tranquil tree-lined streets, and a strong sense of community.

It's easy to bring a taste of those tropical vacation vibes to your home! Here are 10 decor accents you can integrate into your favourite room to add a touch of the tropics to everyday life.

Ratan headboard: By adding a ratan headboard, your bedroom just might feel like a resort oasis!

Tropical print chair: This statement piece adds a punch of exotic paradise to any room

Wallpaper: Create a statement with wallpaper that will have you feeling like you are in the jungle. If wallpaper is too much of a commitment, consider a tropics themed art piece for the wall.

Throw pillows: These beachy pillows will remind you of days spend with our feet in the sand and the cool breeze off the ocean

Dinnerware: Spice up your everyday meals with vibrant tropical dinnerware.

Eclectic Ceiling fan: Re-create that warm vacation breeze with this beautiful ceiling fan.

Coastal bedding: Easy, breezy, and beautiful - you'll love the cool tones and laidback vibes of these linens.

Room Screen: Dividing a space never looked so good! This tropical room screen is both functional and will remind you of laid back vacations.

Flamingo Candle Holder: These adorable flamingo candle holders at a touch of colour and tropical inspiration to any space.

Jungle themed rug: Complementing just about any style of floor, this rug adds a touch of green and warmth year round.

These fun activities will have you to feeling like you are staying on a tropical resort - without you having to leave the city!

While it is always nice to hop on a plane and head to a resort for Spring Break, we know that's not always possible. What IS possible though, is to enjoy some of the best parts of a tropical vacation, without having to leave Calgary. Here are some ideas on how you can get that tropical vacay feeling, right here in the city!

There are several options in Calgary to enjoy a carefully crafted, Spring Break worthy cocktail while dining on delicious culinary treats that will take you back to your last beach resort vacation

A must-visit Latin restaurant and nightclub known for bold cocktails, vibrant dining, top DJs, and unforgettable events

Think basalt and bamboo, torches and tropicals. A cavernous lounge where heat and haze meet bright citrus and island spice. Settle into the warmth; the night slows down here.

Authentic Caribbean food in NE Calgary - jerk chicken, oxtail, curry goat, roti, and more.

One Love is Calgary's southwest destination for Caribbean flavors. Enjoy authentic tasting dishes, with nostalgic flavours. Whether you're in the mood for juicy jerk chicken, spicy red snapper or quick and easy patties, they have it all, and they have it delicious.

Aloha Modern Kitchen is where fresh flavors meet modern island-inspired cuisine. They bring a vibrant twist to classic dishes, using locally sourced ingredients whenever possible. Their menu blends Pacific flavors with contemporary culinary techniques, offering everything from shareable plates to inventive entrées and craft cocktails.

Since opening in 2019, Lulu Bar has offered Calgarians an escape from the ordinary. Lulu's menu pays tribute to the Pacific Ocean and the many regions that touch it, with influences from Asia to Hawaii, California to British Columbia, resulting in light and fresh fare that is heavy on flavour. The welcoming, airy space is reminiscent of that hidden gem spot from your last vacation.

The Beach YYC

Whether you're looking for a fun way to stay active, join a recreational league or just unwind on the sand, our indoor beach offers the perfect escape, no sunburns, no sunscreen!

Devonian Gardens

Devonian Gardens is an urban oasis in the heart of Calgary that offers one hectare of botanical gardens including over 500 trees, 50 varieties of plants, a 900 sq. ft. living wall, fountains, fish ponds and a playground to climb and explor​​e.​​

Welcome to Havana Cuban Dance Studio, where they offer the best instruction in a diverse range of dance classes, including Salsa, Bachata, Merengue, Reggaeton and Cha-Cha! Whether you're a complete beginner or an aspiring dancer, their group and private classes cater to all ages and skill levels.

With their Venezuelan heritage at the heart of their teaching, Moises and Lianabel bring a rich cultural experience to every class, filled with sabor and passion. Their mission is to teach the culture of Latin rhythms while fostering a fun, friendly, and inclusive environment for students of all backgrounds.

Whether you're brand new to plants or have the greenest thumb, they can't wait to build a connected community of indoor and tropical plant enthusiasts! Theyoffer a unique range of workshops that strike the perfect balance between education and creativity.

Willow Park Wine and Spirits

Meet new people, try a new libation or two, and learn a few tricks about how you can take your knowledge of tequila and/or rum to the next level.

Tropical themed spa services to help you relax, just like a great vacation!

Aqua and Dive Watersports

Skin diving is snorkeling while making breath-hold dives to observe aquatic life, up close and personal. It's a great way to explore the underwater world when you're not able to scuba dive or if scuba diving just isn't your thing.