Well, we haven’t done this in a while. No guests on this episode of Your Neck of the Woods, just Jason and I chatting about things going on in Calgary, Alberta, and the world. We’ve had a provincial budget affecting priorities right here in Calgary, the relaxing of COVID pandemic restrictions but not before civil unrest leading to the historic and potentially infamous depending on your point of view; declaration of a national emergency, uncertainty about the revitalization of downtown, the push for an official municipal bird, and most tragically a war in Europe.

While offering significant funds for municipalities only a few million for downtown revitalization in Calgary. Of course, this has us talking about the fate of the downtown strategy and different ways cities can raise funds including cryptocurrency and a tech tax while balancing having a business-friendly environment. Look for a full episode on this soon. 

On a related note, we dive into potential uses for the old Central Library and a police processing centre. These provide incredible commercial opportunities as well as the potential for a home for mental health services even if this is less likely. One other note on the core we are still seeing weekly protests even as health restrictions have eased significantly, we discuss not only these but of course the convoys and blockades especially in Ottawa which led to the first invocation of the Emergencies Act.

Locally we are also now looking at adopting an official city bird. The list of candidates includes everything from pigeons and magpies to the northern flicker and blue jay. Starting April 1 and going for a month you can vote for your favourite! We’ll have the link for you as soon as voting opens!

Of course, we couldn’t have a conversation about what’s going on in the world without discussing the tragedy in Ukraine. This has affected so many of us both directly and indirectly. The images and scenes we’re seeing are absolutely horrific and we can only hope peace and Justice return soon.

Be part of the conversation by following @JMcGregoryyc on social media and send us your comments, questions, and even suggest topics using the hashtag #YNOTW

We are all citizens. That’s the motto that encompasses everything you need to know about Citizen Brewing Company. In this episode on Your Neck of the Woods Jason and I continue our series highlighting local business stories as we go behind the mic with Joel Field head brewer at Citizen Brewing Company, a Calgary craft brewery and pub that prides itself on social responsibility and offering something for everyone.

With a background in biochemistry, brewing beer seems natural for Joel even if he started out selling speakers. If you have an interest in craft beer this episode is definitely for you, you’ll definitely learn a lot about beer and brewing. Joel and the production team at Citizen pride themselves on offering something to everyone’s taste while producing the varieties craft breweries have come to be known for.. in a similar vein Citizen offers robust vegetarian options in its pub fair, alongside seasonal and special brew offerings such as those around Pride or in support of people with MS.

We recorded on International Women's Day which was a special day at Citizen part of their proceeds went to the Pink Boots Society which exists to assist, inspire, and encourage female beer professionals through education. This emphasis on giving back extends to the brewing process as well Citizen gives their spent grain a second life, they donate all spent grain to local Biodynamic farms and small animal farms such as pigs and chickens. In addition, they’ve teamed up with 250 breweries to donate profits to clean water charities.

Jason and I have talked about supporting local for a long time especially as we continue to recover from the pandemic and Citizen is a fantastic place to do so! They have food and drinks for everyone to enjoy and do everything they can to make Your Neck of the Woods a better place!

Check out Citizen Brewing Company @citizenbrewingcompany on social media 

Shop citizen merch and order beer online at

https://citizenbrewingcompany.com

Order food for delivery on DoorDash and Skip the Dishes!

Learn more about the Pink Boots Society at

https://www.pinkbootssociety.org 

Be part of the conversation follow @JMcGregoryyc on social media submit your questions, follow updates, and suggest topics. Don’t forget to use the hashtag #YNOTW!

A place to feel at home, connect with people, and work peacefully at your own pace. That’s the vision Jordan Schmuszko and his family started the Joyful Java Cafe. This week on Your Neck of the Woods we talk to Jordan about Joyful Java as well as The Village Lifestyle Centre in Brentwood an important home for made-in Calgary businesses and community events.

The Cafe values great, fresh home-cooked food and a community atmosphere where you can connect with people, work, relax and feel at home. With large tables that include power outlets as well as quieter spaces where you can get the cafe atmosphere, but something more private. All of this speaks to the value placed on the family by Jordan and his family in particular. They want Joyful Java to feel like a place where you’re treated and fed like you’re at home. Something that adds to this is a location that lends itself to being a “hidden gem” spread by word of mouth but we all agree with the COVID situation getting better it’s time for Joyful Java to become more people’s secret spot.

Another thing about that location, the home of Rocky Mountain College is that it’s not only home to Joyful Java but also a unique local business community. The Village Lifestyle Centre is the heart of this family project. The Village acts as a home to 25 local businesses all with direct benefits to the community including fitness, education, lifestyle, groups, classes, and activities as well as an event hall! There’s really something for everyone! All the tenants at the village are sublets providing an affordable space to grow your business all attached to this community and family value.

The Village and Joyful Java are a perfect example of a project and people absolutely committed to a bright future right here in Your Neck of the Woods! Let’s get the word out and grow this community with deep roots in Calgary! With everything going on in the world we could all use another place where we feel safe and at home.

Check out Joyful Java downstairs at 4039 Brentwood Road downstairs, visit their website https://www.joyfuljavacafe.com and follow @joyfuljavacafe on social media 

Learn more about The Village at their website http://thevillagecalgary.ca and follow The Village: Brentwood’s Lifestyle Centre on Facebook 

Be part of the conversation, submit questions, suggest topics and get the latest news on Your Neck of the Woods. Follow @jmcgregoryyc and use the hashtag #YNOTW