December is upon us, which means festive decorations, celebratory feasts, and great times spent with family and friends. It’s also a time to show goodwill towards each other and do what we can to help others who may be in need of a helping hand. Whether it means a few extra donations to the Calgary Food Bank, or volunteering with charities that are close to your heart, December is a great time to give back! Whatever your plans are for the holidays, we wish you a safe and enjoyable season and best wishes for the new year!
Queensland Off Leash Area Update
The Queensland Off Leash Area has been identified for future development of a dry pond to prevent flooding on Bow Bottom Trail, and nearby properties during significant rainfalls.
Dry ponds prevent the stormwater system from becoming overwhelmed and help prevent water from backing up into basements or flooding into houses or businesses. They also reduce street flooding, preventing damage to vehicles and other property.
This past winter, feedback was gathered as part of Phase One engagement. It was discovered that the park space is primarily used by dog walkers and for unstructured recreational play but also serves as a connector to nearby main streets. The feedback from this phase has been incorporated and developed into a plan for the park. Phase Two engagement recently took place to solicit final thoughts on the proposed plan. For more information on dry ponds, this project, and the feedback received so far, please visit engage.calgary.ca/bowbottom.
Ice Rinks
Are you looking forward to bringing out those ice skates again? Or maybe playing a friendly game of shinny? Bob Hall and the rink volunteers will be busy again flooding and grooming the shinny rink and pleasure rink once the weather gets colder (traditionally in the middle of December). If you’re one of the many skating fans who just can’t wait, follow our Deer Ridge Outdoor Rinks Instagram (@deerridgeodr) for more information. As well, if you’d like to help with rink maintenance, please email us at [email protected].
January Family Skate
The Deer Ridge Community Association will be hosting our annual January Family Ice Skating Party on Saturday, January 10 from 12:00 to 4:00 pm. We’ll have hot dogs, hot chocolate, hot coffee, a warming fire, music, leisure skating, and a shinny game open to everyone in the hockey rink! This event is free to attend and open to everyone in the community, so bring your friends and family, and plan to have a great afternoon full of fun!
Things To Do This Winter
• Christmas Markets – Looking for unique, handmade crafts for gift giving? Or maybe you want to treat yourself to some freshly baked goods! Many communities are setting up Christmas markets throughout the month of December, including the Deer Run Community Association whose Christmas Market is on Saturday, December 13 from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm.
• Christmas Light Sightseeing – Get the family together and go for a nice stroll through the neighbourhood to check out the wonderful light displays that the community has to offer! Or check out some of these incredible light displays within Calgary or just outside the city:
– Lions’ Festival of Lights: Located along 24 Avenue NW and 14 Street NW, the 39th Annual Lions’ Festival of Lights illuminates the Confederation Park Golf Course with over 600,000 bulbs spread across 25,000 strings! This free event runs until January 8, 2026, from 5:30 pm to midnight.
– Airdrie Festival of Lights: Located in Nose Creek Park in Airdrie, the Airdrie Festival of Lights is Western Canada’s largest, free, outdoor walk-through Christmas light display that has been a family-friendly tradition since 1996. Celebrating its 30th season, this event runs until December 31, 2025, from 6:00 to 9:00 pm.
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