August 2026 Calgary Newsletter
 Hope you had a great long weekend celebrating Alberta Heritage Day! Now that summer’s in full swing, let’s make the most of what’s left of it. This month’s newsletter has a lot for you. We’ve put together a guide to K-12 schools in Calgary, perfect if you’re thinking about a move before the new school year starts. You’ll also find the latest market stats, a look at what’s happening around town this August, and our neighbourhood profile.Don’t miss the photo feature either, some fun backyard ideas to enjoy before summer wraps up.As always, if you have any questions about buying, selling, or just want to chat about the market, we’re here for you. Talk soon! Steve Williamson, REALTOR® Ph: (403) 397-7757 Email: NextBigMoveCalgary@gmail.com Web: www.NextBigMoveCalgary.com “Just because you talk to a REALTOR® doesn’t mean you have to move “Change drives real estate. If you, a family member or friend, are experiencing change that affects your living space, give us a call and let’s have a conversation. Our goal is to provide you with trusted real estate data for you to be able to make an informed decision “to stay or not to stay”.  Need a trusted professional? Dr Sean de Lima Thiel – Chiropractor, Kaylee Groenevelt – Insurance, Jacki Harris – Mortgage Broker, Jeff Fitzgerald – Property/Rental Manager, Stephen Williamson – Residential REALTOR, Swantje Macke-Monteiro – Interior Decorator/Design, Reg Hendryanto – Digital Marketing/Web Design, RC MOVERS   Price declines driven mostly by apartment condominiumsAs we move into the second half of the year, it is not a surprise to see slower market activity. In July, both sales and new listings eased over June levels, declining to 1,904 sales and 3,323 new listings. Sales were nine per cent lower than last year’s levels, while new listings were 15 per cent lower. The adjustment in both sales and new listings caused little change in the sales-to-new-listings ratio, which sat at 57 per cent…READ MORE    Calgary housing market stable while prices fall nationwide – CTV Calgary no longer ranks among most affordable Canadian… – Calgary Herald Busy spring homes market tails off amid falling sales, prices – Calgary Herald    Music in the Plaza (Wednesdays, until Sep 2) Grab a lawn chair and settle in for one of Calgary’s most popular free concert series, featuring a different local Alberta artist each week at Heritage Plaza. Enjoy dinner on the Selkirk patio, browse the Mercantile shops, or just kick back with popcorn and good music.Red Panda Breakfast (Sundays, Aug 2–Sep 20) Start the day with a hearty pancake breakfast, then get an exclusive early viewing of the red pandas in their new Asian Highlands habitat. It’s a perfect, educational morning for families and little ones of all ages.Marda Gras Street Festival (Aug 9) Head to Marda Loop for Calgary’s longest-running street festival, free and made for families, with street performers, live music, and magic shows. Wander the artisan vendors and local shops for a full day of neighbourhood fun.Carifest (Aug 14–16) Join the parade and feel the rhythm of Caribbean culture come alive with music, dance, and vibrant costumes at Cowboys Park. It’s a colourful, welcoming celebration for the whole family to enjoy together.Expo Latino (Aug 14–16) Bring the family to Prince’s Island Park for Western Canada’s largest Latin festival, packed with music, dance, and food from across Latin America. Three days of culture and celebration await visitors of all ages.Priddis & Millarville Fair (Aug 15–16) Head to Millarville Racetrack for a weekend of old-fashioned, country-style fun with farm animals, wildlife displays, and exhibits. It’s a charming outing with activities for kids and adults alike.GlobalFest (Aug 27–30) Gather at Spruce Meadows for Alberta’s can’t-miss summer festival, featuring cultural performances, food, and jaw-dropping nightly fireworks. It’s an unforgettable evening that delights the whole family.     Moving to Calgary with school-age kids? Here is how the K-12 system works and how to find the right school for your family. Understanding Alberta’s K-12 System Alberta’s education system runs from kindergarten through grade 12: elementary (kindergarten to grade 6), junior high (grades 7–9), and high school (grades 10–12). Calgary offers four main types of schools, each with different enrollment processes and programs. Alberta’s official education resources provide an overview of the choices available to families. Public Schools Public schools are operated by the Calgary Board of Education (CBE) and are free to attend. Placement is based on your home address. Use the CBE’s online search tool to find your designated school and explore the programs offered. Catholic Schools The Calgary Catholic School District (CCSD) operates Catholic schools across the city, with placement also based on your home address. Verify your designated school directly with CCSD. Independent Schools Independent schools operate outside public school authorities and often follow distinct educational approaches or philosophies. They charge tuition, and families can choose any school regardless of address. Browse options through Alberta’s independent school resources. Public Charter Schools Public charter schools are publicly funded and built around a specific educational focus or approach. Admission processes vary by school, so check the individual school websites and the official Alberta charter school resource for details. School Rankings and Specialized Programs Rankings show one view of academic performance but don’t capture everything about school quality. The Fraser Institute publishes school rankings that offer a useful starting point. Many schools also provide specialized programs such as French Immersion, International Baccalaureate (IB), and Advanced Placement (AP). Getting Started Identify your designated school, then visit and tour prospective schools and speak with staff. A local REALTOR® can help you weigh neighbourhood locations and proximity to schools, but always confirm school assignments with the appropriate school authority.    Livingston is one of Calgary’s newest communities, a master-planned neighbourhood in the city’s north that’s grown fast since development began in 2015. It sits north of Stoney Trail, with Centre Street running through it for an easy route into downtown, plus quick access to Deerfoot Trail and a 15-minute drive to the airport.The centrepiece is the Livingston Hub, a 35,000 square foot facility built by the Homeowners’ Association, the largest of its kind in Alberta. Residents get programs, events and a place to gather, along with more than 250 acres of green space, walking paths and an off-leash dog park on the Nose Creek Pathway.A retail development is also underway at Livingston Centre, bringing a grocery store, gas bar and other shops and services right into the community. It’s a young, family-heavy neighbourhood, still growing, with more amenities on the way.   |
| Steve Williamson, REALTOR®CIR Realty Direct: (403) 397-7757www.NextBigMoveCalgary.com  For a free home evaluation – click here To refer a family member or friend – click here |