Home Care In West Springs, AB

Record daytime highs are likely in Alberta as temperatures soar into the lower 20s for some on Tuesday—but this taste of spring is on borrowed time

Enjoy the warmth coming for Alberta as things will be changing by the end of next week

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A short-lived burst of warmth will spread over Alberta this week to greet the opening days of April. This spring-like weather won’t stick around, though, as a cold front will sweep away the warmth just as quickly as it arrived.

Daily high temperature records are in peril for some communities as Tuesday’s gusty winds help readings soar into the upper teens and even the lower 20s.

DON’T MISS: Beware sneaky springtime sunburns as April warmth arrives

Enjoy it while it lasts. A late-week cooldown and a risk for snow will serve as a harsh reminder that winter still rules the roost this time of year.

Saturday’s daytime high of -2°C in Calgary will seem like a distant memory by Tuesday as temperatures climb into the mid-teens.

Daily record highs are likely on Tuesday as readings peak around the 20-degree mark for some communities.

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The warmest temperature we’ve seen so far this year in Edmonton was 16.2°C, a benchmark we should easily surpass this week. Edmonton will likely reach the 20-degree mark on Tuesday, hitting that benchmark nearly three weeks earlier than normal.

Given that this warmth is partially due to downsloping, gusty winds of 60+ km/h are possible at times across the southern half of Alberta.

MUST SEE: How the tropics help produce big springtime snows on the Prairies

Due to the ongoing drought conditions, forecasters and officials will monitor the fire danger rating with temperatures in the 20s alongside dry, downsloping winds.

Beware the risk of a sneaky springtime sunburn if you plan to head outdoors and enjoy the short-lived warmth this week. The UV index is steadily climbing this time of year, and the sun angle in early April is equivalent to the sun angle in early September.

The warmth isn’t long for the world.

A cold front crashing into Alberta toward the latter half of the week will send temperatures sinking back toward seasonal, with highs once again in the lower single digits across Calgary and Edmonton.

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Unsettled weather and a renewed risk for snow will accompany the cooler conditions by late this week and into next weekend. Plan ahead for travel disruptions—especially along the QE2 from Red Deer and Calgary south.

Stay with The Weather Network for all the latest on your forecast across Alberta.

For the second consecutive year, farmers and ranchers in a southern Alberta irrigation district face uncertainty regarding their ability to access water for crops and livestock.

The canals of the Lethbridge Northern Irrigation District would usually run full bore during a spring that has seen persistent dry conditions permeate the southern half of the province. But it’s only been able to provide a trickle of what’s needed this year, following a major leak in its canal system.

The issue first developed in early May after a leak was detected at the diversion from the provincially owned and operated canal system that feeds into the LNID, which comprises about 195,000 acres.

Hopes that emergency repairs carried out in May would have the system fully operational have been dashed.

The situation is dire, according to Stephen Vandervalk, a grain grower near Fort Macleod and past-president of the Grain Growers of Canada.

“The damage is essentially done,” said Vandervalk, adding some wheat and canola crops are doing OK, but questions swirl about whether water allocations will come in time to save them. Other crops have already been written off.

“Sometimes an inch isn’t enough. And for anybody who had winter crops, it’s too late. Anybody who had hay crops, it’s too late. Silage crops, double cropping silage is no good now. So, there is no turning back on a lot of this.”

This year’s issues follow other problems in April 2022, which arose when the Piikani Nation prevented access by provincial officials to the canal infrastructure due to a dispute.

Information about the dispute and the agreement that rectified it were not publicly released.

While that situation was resolved in time to have water in the canal by early May, this year’s leakage problems persist and producers’ frustrations are growing.

“I think the time has come of no more talking about how this is going to get fixed. It’s time to talk compensation,” said Vandervalk.

He said the situation is messy. It involves issues about how repair work to the canal system was done and how it was affected by last year’s dispute.

Clarity is further hindered by lack of details about the agreement between the province and the Piikani Nation, and the state of communications between LNID and its customers.

His understanding is that work that needs to be done quickly is being stymied.

“This is a 24-7 crisis,” said Vandervalk, who listed several rumours circulating among producers as to why work isn’t being done quickly enough.

He added that LNID’s Keho Reservoir is being quickly drained and likely won’t provide relief for long unless there is plenty of rain.

Alberta Agriculture and Irrigation and LNID did not comment as of press time.

He said he’s disappointed at the lack of accountability and the lack of a clear explanation of key issues within the irrigation district by all the stakeholders.

“We’re past being able to get this fixed.”

Several creeks in southern Alberta that run into the Bow, Oldman and South Saskatchewan rivers are reporting low-flow advisories.

Little to no major rain events have occurred during May and June, traditionally the wettest months of the year in southern Alberta.

Compounding the issue is a smaller than normal snowpack. However, no major interruptions have been reported at any other southern Alberta irrigation districts so far.

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The federal government will invest $24.5 million toward the construction of an affordable rental building in southwest Calgary, Transport Minister Marc Garneau announced Tuesday.

Speaking in West Springs, where the five-storey building will be home to 96 one-bedroom and two-bedroom units, Garneau said the funding is part of the Liberal government’s Rental Construction Financing initiative.

“It’s a program that’s providing a much-needed boost to Calgary’s rental supply by addressing increased demand for rental housing,” he said.

The building at the western edge of the city, to be known as the Mulberry, is being developed by Truman Homes. The company says annual rents at the Mulberry will be less than 30 per cent of Calgary’s median household income, with at least 31 units held at or below that level for at least 21 years.

More than 10 per cent of the units will meet municipal accessibility requirements. Construction of the building will be completed by June 2021.

“We want to create homes that are affordable, energy-efficient and accessible,” said Garneau. “We want to create communities where people can live close to their jobs, schools, public transit and other services.”

Ottawa has invested $13.75 billion through the Rental Construction Financing initiative since it launched in 2017. Garneau said that will lead to the eventual construction of 42,500 affordable housing units across the country.

He said the Mulberry will help address a need in an area of Calgary where there are currently not enough rental units.

“We’re aiming to not only reduce chronic homelessness by 50 per cent, but also to create up to 125,000 new housing units, repair some 300,000 existing ones and remove 530,000 households from housing need, so families don’t have to choose between paying rent or paying for their groceries,” Garneau said.

Oliver Trutina, vice-president of Truman Homes, said up to one-quarter of its projects include affordable housing initiatives each year.

Trutina said the company aims to develop “inclusive” communities.

“We recognize that people from all walks of life ought to have the right to a safe and stable home regardless of their income,” he said.

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The building, known as the Mulberry, is being developed by Truman Homes in the residential district of West Springs.It’ll feature one and two-bedroom units. Annual rents will be provided at rates less than 30 per cent of Calgary’s median household income.#cdnpoli #yyc pic.twitter.com/9f9x3XduAC

— Sammy Hudes (@SammyHudes) February 11, 2020

Mayor Naheed Nenshi said in a tweet that the federal government’s investment will help grow the city’s inventory of rental units.

“It’s important to the health and vibrancy of our city that there is rental space for families,” he said.

“The commitment to decades of rental affordability here is a great sign for families. We still have so much work to do on our affordable housing file. Our strategy calls for 15,000 more units in the non-market space, and we’ll continue to work with our partners at the federal and provincial governments to ensure that everyone in Calgary has access to housing.”

Sarah Woodgate, director of Calgary Housing, said three per cent of the city’s housing stock consists of affordable units. The average for major cities across Canada is six per cent.

“We’ve fallen really far behind,” Woodgate said. “What this translates to is a gap of about 15,000 new homes to meet the national average for urban centres.”

She said Calgary residents have identified affordable housing as a priority for investment in the city. Calgary Housing is looking to all levels of government, as well as the non-profit and private sectors, to work together to close that gap.

Woodgate added that just 28 per cent of Calgary’s housing stock includes rental units.

“The announcement (Tuesday) is a really great step forward with private sector leading the way to help increase the rental housing supply,” she said.

“It shows what can be done when there’s investments made into housing.”

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The Class A-B state baseball tournaments began Thursday in the Oklahoma City metro while Classes 6A-2A held regionals across the state. Here's a look at the schedule and scores.

Oklahoma high school baseball state tournaments

Class A

At Shawnee H.S.

Okarche 2, Wright City 1

Tushka 7, Canute 1

Amber-Pocasset 2, Rattan 1

Arapaho-Butler 5, Dewar 2

At Shawnee H.S.

Tushka vs. Okarche, 11 a.m.

Amber-Pocasset vs. Arapaho-Butler, 1:30 p.m.

At Shawnee H.S.

Semifinal winners, 3 p.m.

More:Oklahoma high school baseball: Class A-B state tournament quarterfinal roundup

Class B

At Moore H.S.

Fort Cobb-Broxton 18, Granite 4

Stuart 7, Navajo 1

Tupelo 9, Kiowa 3

Calumet 10, Roff 0

At Moore H.S.

Fort Cobb-Broxton vs. Stuart, 11 a.m.

Tupelo vs. Calumet, 1:30 p.m

At Shawnee H.S.

Semifinal winners, Noon

More:Oklahoma high school softball: Classes 6A-4A slowpitch state schedule, scores

Oklahoma high school baseball regional tournaments

Class 6A

Choctaw 18, Northwest Classen 0

Southmoore 4, Norman 0

Choctaw 12, Southmoore 1

Norman 17, Northwest Classen 1

Norman vs. Southmoore

Norman-Southmoore winner vs. Choctaw

Edmond Memorial 6, Yukon 5

Deer Creek def. Putnam North

Edmond Memorial 8, Deer Creek 1

Yukon 10, Putnam North 0

Yukon vs. Deer Creek

Yukon-Deer Creek winner vs. Ed. Memorial

Edmond North 8, Lawton Ike 3

Westmoore 17, Putnam City 1

Edmond North 13, Westmoore 2

Lawton Ike 8, Putnam City 2

Westmoore 11, Lawton Ike 0

Westmoore 4, Edmond North 0

Westmoore vs. Edmond North

Edmond Santa Fe 10, Lawton 0

Mustang 13, Putnam West 2

Edmond Santa Fe 13, Mustang 0

Putnam West 12, Lawton 2

Putnam West vs. Mustang

PCW-Mustang winner vs. Edmond Santa Fe

Owasso 20, Capitol Hill 0

Broken Arrow 11, Moore 6

Owasso 4, Broken Arrow 3

Moore 15, Capitol Hill 0

Moore 9, Broken Arrow 5

Owasso 7, Moore 1, Owasso advances to state

Game 1: Piedmont 5, Muskogee 3

Game 2: Norman North 6, Enid 2

Game 3: Piedmont vs. Norman North

Game 4: Muskogee vs. Enid

Game 5: G4 winner vs. G3 loser

Game 6: G5 winner vs. G3 winner

Game 7: if necessary

Stillwater 18, Ponca City 11

Bixby 10, Jenks 2

Stillwater 15, Bixby 3

Ponca City 6, Jenks 1

Bixby 8, Ponca City 4

Stillwater 7, Bixby 4, Stillwater advances to state

Bartlesville 2, Tulsa Union 1

Sand Springs 13, Tulsa Kelley 1

Sand Springs 8, Bartlesville 1

Tulsa Union 4, Tulsa Kelley 2

Tulsa Union 6, Bartlesville 1

Sand Springs 2, Tulsa Union 0, Sand Springs advances to state

More:Oklahoma high school golf: OSSAA Class 6A-2A girls state tournament results

Class 5A

Game 1: Carl Albert vs. John Marshall

Game 2: Shawnee vs. Altus

Game 3: G1 winner vs. G2 winner

Game 4: G1 loser vs. G2 loser

Game 5: G4 winner vs. G3 loser

Game 6: G5 winner vs. G3 winner

Game 7: G6 winner vs. G6 loser, if necessary

Collinsville 19, Tulsa Memorial 1

McAlester 4, Grove 1

Collinsville 11, McAlester 1

Grove 12, Tulsa Memorial 0

Grove vs. McAlester

Grove-McAlester winner vs. Collinsville

Game 1: Duncan vs. U.S. Grant

Game 2: Lawton MacArthur vs. El Reno

Game 3: G1 winner vs. G2 winner

Game 4: G1 loser vs. G2 loser

Game 5: G4 winner vs. G3 loser

Game 6: G5 winner vs. G3 winner

Game 7: G6 winner vs. G6 loser, if necessary

Game 1: Elgin vs. Western Heights

Game 2: Santa Fe South vs. Guthrie

Game 3: G1 winner vs. G2 winner

Game 4: G1 loser vs. G2 loser

Game 5: G4 winner vs. G3 loser

Game 6: G5 winner vs. G3 winner

Game 7: G6 winner vs. G6 loser, if necessary

Game 1: Noble vs. Southeast

Game 2: Guymon vs. Midwest City

Game 3: G1 winner vs. G2 winner

Game 4: G1 loser vs. G2 loser

Game 5: G4 winner vs. G3 loser

Game 6: G5 winner vs. G3 winner

Game 7: G6 winner vs. G6 loser, if necessary

Pryor 16, Del City 0

Coweta 11, Tulsa Rogers 0

Coweta 5, Pryor 1

Del City def. Tulsa Rogers

Pryor vs. Del City

Pryor-Del City winner vs. Coweta

Sapulpa 16, Tulsa Hale 1

Claremore 5, Tulsa Edison 1

Sapulpa 12, Claremore 1

Tulsa Edison 19, Tulsa Hale 0

Claremore 10, Tulsa Edison 8

Sapulpa 6, Claremore 2, Sapulpa advances to state

Tulsa Washington vs. Durant

Tahlequah vs. Tulsa Washington

Tahlequah vs. Durant

More:Oklahoma high school slowpitch softball: Mustang, Tecumseh, Silo win Class 6A-4A titles

Class 2A

Game 1: Central Sallisaw 7, Calera 2

Game 2: Coalgate 7, Chr. Heritage 2

Game 3: Central Sallisaw vs. Coalgate

Game 4: Calera vs. Chr. Heritage

Game 5: G4 winner vs. G3 loser

Game 6: G5 winner vs. G3 winner

Game 7: G6 winner vs. G6 loser, if necessary

Game 1: Cashion 10, Merritt 0

Game 2: Stroud vs. Hartshorne

Game 3: Cashion vs. G2 winner

Game 4: Merritt vs. G2 loser

Game 5: G4 winner vs. G3 loser

Game 6: G5 winner vs. G3 winner

Game 7: G6 winner vs. G6 loser, if necessary

Game 1: Dale 32, Quapaw 3

Game 2: Davis 15, Wynnewood 5

Game 3: Dale 12, Davis 2

Game 4: Quapaw vs. Wynnewood

Game 5: G4 winner vs. Davis

Game 6: G5 winner vs. G3 winner

Game 7: G6 winner vs. G6 loser, if necessary

Game 1: Latta 14, Oklahoma Union 6

Game 2: Ketchum 2, Haskell 1

Game 3: Latta 9, Ketchum 0

Game 4: Oklahoma Union 5, Haskell 4

Game 5: Oklahoma Union vs. Ketchum

Game 6: Oklahoma Union-Ketchum winner vs. Latta

Game 7: G6 winner vs. G6 loser, if necessary

Oktaha 22, Hennessey 3

Morrison 10, Vian 2

Oktaha 12, Morrison 0

Vian 13, Hennessey 4

Vian vs. Morrison

Vian-Morrison winner vs. Oktaha

Game 1: Panama vs. Fairview

Game 2: Tonkawa vs. Dibble

Game 3: G1 winner vs. G2 winner

Game 4: G1 loser vs. G2 loser

Game 5: G4 winner vs. G3 loser

Game 6: G5 winner vs. G3 winner

Game 7: G6 winner vs. G6 loser, if necessary

Game 1: Preston 15, Wyandotte 4

Game 2: Chouteau 12, Crescent 2

Game 3: Preston vs. Chouteau

Game 4: Wyandotte vs. Crescent

Game 5: G4 winner vs. G3 loser

Game 6: G5 winner vs. G3 winner

Game 7: G6 winner vs. G6 loser, if necessary

Game 1: Wister 5, Pocola 3

Game 2: Wilburton 2, Walters 1

Game 3: Wister vs. Wilburton

Game 4: Pocola vs. Walters

Game 5: G4 winner vs. G3 loser

Game 6: G5 winner vs. G3 winner

Game 7: G6 winner vs. G6 loser, if necessary

More:How Sulphur girls golf is carrying on at state tournament after tornado hits town

Oklahoma high school baseball area tournaments

(Best of three series)

Class 4A

At Blanchard

Blanchard vs. Ada

At Chickasha

Chickasha 9-6, Bethany 8-1

At Cushing

Cushing 4, Stigler 3

Stigler 17, Cushing 14

Stigler vs. Cushing

At Elk City

Mannford vs. Elk City

At Hilldale

Hilldale 13, Sallisaw 2

Sallisaw 14, Hilldale 8

Sallisaw vs. Hilldale

At Marlow

North Rock Creek 7, Marlow 1

Marlow 8, North Rock Creek 4

Marlow vs. North Rock Creek

At Newcastle

Newcastle vs. Perkins

At Tuttle

Tuttle 14-14, Broken Bow 0-0

Class 3A

At Bethel

Community Chr. 3-9, Bethel 2-1

At Heritage Hall

Heritage Hall 11-15, Idabel 0-4

At Lone Grove

Lone Grove 3-3, Valliant 0-2

At Mount St. Mary

Kansas vs. Mount St. Mary

At Perry

Victory Christian vs. Perry

At Salina

Salina 7-10, Lincoln Christian 1-0

At Silo

Silo 12-7, Oklahoma Christian 3-1

At Washington

Cascia Hall vs. Washington

Despite being on the edge of town, the growing community of West Springs has become a serious foodie destination. Affectionately called “The Hill” by residents, the neighbourhood has attracted a handful of Calgary culinary stars, including Vin Room and Mercato, to open satellite locations. Most recently, the owners of Mango Shiva joined in, setting up shop with its new restaurant, Ace Coffee & Diner.

West Springs is still a relatively new community, under development since 2001, but it continues to make waves. As many residents of the close-knit community will repeat, time and time again: there’s really no reason to go anywhere else.

APT22

With only 1,000 square feet of space, this carefully curated boutique feels like walking into a friend’s closet. Owner and buyer Kim Stern chooses only a size run of each item to ensure the collection is diverse. The unique details of the designer brands, including Sisters and Chaser, mean you can leave feeling confident your outfit won’t be seen on anyone else.

8561 8A Ave. S.W., 403-452-5911, shopapt22.com, @apt22

Blue Door Oil & Vinegar

photography by jennifer friesen

Blue Door Oil & Vinegar.

The old adage of “never shop when you’re hungry” doesn’t apply at Blue Door Oil & Vinegar market, which offers a tasting experience well worth the drive. The open, airy room allows customers to meander around, dipping their bread and choosing the balsamic vinegar and extra-virgin olive oil concoction that fits their taste buds. The estate-grown, high-quality olive-oil options change each season, so be sure to check in regularly to taste what’s new.

8561 8A Ave. S.W., 587-353-6888, bluedoorcalgary.com, @bluedoorcalgary

Blue Ice Diamond Jewellers

This independent jeweller is where you’ll find exclusive Italian brands like Masi Gioielli and Officina Bernardi in unique colours and styles. If you don’t see what you’re looking for, custom designs are always a possibility. And, rest assured, no one suffered for the jewels; all the diamond and gold in the store is certified Canadian-sourced.

8561 8A Ave. S.W., 403-201-6446, blueicejewellers.ca

Ace Coffee & Diner

After years of living in West Springs, the owners of Mango Shiva decided to give the neighbourhood a family diner. Neil and Kam Dhillon say Ace Coffee & Diner has been “a decade in the making,” and finally saw their vision come to life last fall. Wholesome and fresh breakfast is served all day and includes freshly squeezed orange juice and the must-try gluten-free banana bread French toast.

8244 9 Ave. S.W., 403-475-1788, acediner.ca, @acecoffeediner

Boardwalk Fries Burgers Shakes

Boardwalk may be a franchise, but it’s not your average fast-food joint. The burger patties are made to order (never frozen) and piled into unique creations, including the Hawaiian and avocado-bacon burgers. Boardwalk also carries milkshake flavours including peanut butter to cookies and cream.

873 85 St. S.W., 403-727-6400, boardwalkfries.com

Cafe Momoko

This unique combination of Korean barbecue and Japanese sushi has been tucked into West Springs since 2010, and it’s truly a hidden gem. With more than 100 items on the menu, anyone can find something to binge on. The interior is modest in size (seating only 20 customers, with lots of takeout business), but the authentic dishes pack a punch. The meat for the barbecue short ribs is marinated for 36 hours and then brought to your table, still sizzling, in a cast-iron griddle.

8 Weston Dr. S.W., 403-246-4684

Mercato West

This market-restaurant has been serving authentic Italian cuisine in the inner city for years, before bringing the experience westward. Almost everything is made from scratch, and dishes are served family-style, while a recently added pizza bar nestled inside the market offers a unique and casual dining experience.

873 85 St. S.W., 403-263-6996, mercatogourmet.com

Ohh La La Patisserie

For a swash of rainbow colour, check out the macaron selection at this bakery, where the French pastries and desserts are made fresh daily. Sebastian Judkovski, pastry chef and owner, has more than 25 years of experience, and it shows – the treats keep customers piling into the petite but vibrant storefront, yearning for another salted caramel macaron.

8561 8A Ave. S.W., 587-353-0111, ohhlalapatisserie.com, @ohhlalapatisser

Vin Room West

When the spring sunlight starts to shine, there’s no better cause for celebration – and no better course of action – than enjoying a glass of prosecco. With 109 wines by the glass to choose from (and another 100 by the bottle), you won’t be short of options. For small bites, the tapas menu has been deliberately paired with the wine – and, with preparation styles from Canada and Argentina to Asia, the options err on the side of endless.

8561 8A Ave. S.W., 587-353-8812, vinroom.com, @vinroom

Alive Danceworks

No experience is needed for these ballet and yoga classes. In its recently expanded studio, Alive Danceworks teaches kids how to move and offers adult recreational classes too. With experienced teachers and small classrooms, it’s a comfortable space to test your limits (and your flexibility).

722 85 St. S.W., 403-246-5511, alivedanceworks.com, @alivedanceworks

Colour on Fire Art Studio

This upscale, locally owned contemporary art space and accredited-learning art studio has become a hot spot for creativity in West Springs. From drop-in classes on painting pottery to glass fusion, you can make it into a girls’ night out or just take a few hours to do a workshop.

8560 8A Ave. S.W., 403-460-1089, colouronfireartstudio.com, @cofartstudio

Mama Massage

Parenting is one full-time job that never comes with vacation time – which is why Mama Massage launched in West Springs last fall. Along with customized therapeutic, deep-tissue, prenatal and relaxation massage therapy, Mama offers in-house child-minding for clients who have kids in tow.

8560 8A Ave. S.W., 403-474-6400, mamamassage.ca, @mamamassageyyc

Orangetheory Fitness

Bust away the calories accumulated at the neighbourhood’s culinary hot spots under the orange light of this new interval-training studio. More high tech than your average trip to the gym – with heart-rate monitors that track your vitals on a screen at the head of the class – the training routine has gained attention for producing results since it launched in Florida. It’s a different workout every day, insuring nobody and no body falls into a rut.

873 85 St. S.W., 403-727-6776, orangetheoryfitness.com, @otheoryfitness

[Correction: This story has been updated to reflect the proper menu items at Boardwalk Fries Burgers Shakes.]