By Kobe Gallagher Tulloch, Newsletter editor
I’ve been thinking a lot about home, this week. Something about snow-muffled mornings and air that leaves paper cuts along your lung-lining reminds me of growing up in British Columbia’s frozen north. So I’ve been moving a touch slower, enjoying the nostalgia. Eating soup.
I’m most reminded of home when I get my car stuck. I’ve tried to avoid that little piece of reminiscing, but I think that makes me one of the few, not the many.
On the docket
- Car mechanics incoming payday
- Betting the house on Plowy McPlowface
- Waves of new work hitting the Journal
And don’t forget! If you’re willing to brave the roads, the Calgary Journal is hosting an event on Friday from 3-6pm.
We’ll have BBQ, a DJ, and a handsome newsletter editor eager to meet his adoring fans.
Oh, and a serious conversation about the future outdoor recreation around Calgary, and whether or not Alberta needs an outdoor recreation advocate. Our journalist in residence, Doug Horner is hosting an expert panel featuring Banff-Kananaskis MLA Sarah Elmeligi.
Come say hi! Pretty please!
👉 Reserve your spot for free here.
— Kobe
Calgary snow struggles: by the numbers
By Kobe Gallagher Tulloch, Newsletter editor
Snow finally fell this week; Calgary was plunged into chaos.
On Monday, Nov. 18th, roads saw as much as 15 centimetres of snow touch tarmac. Calgarians didn’t take it too well. The city was home to more than 280 crashes by Monday evening, including a Highway 1 pileup of a dozen vehicles. More than 100 of said collisions were reported to occur between 4:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m., as rush hour saw Calgary drivers all attempting to make it home on roads that had seen the full day’s snowfall. By 7 a.m. Tuesday, The Alberta Motor Association had an 18-hour wait time for towing services.
The snowfall didn’t stop there. This Saturday broke records as Calgary’s snowiest Nov. 23rd on record, although traffic incidents have seemed to slow, as Calgarians either adjusted to drive for the conditions, or actually slap their snow tires on their vehicle; something that The Weather Network reports should have been done by Nov. 5th at the latest.
Drivers are far from the only ones affected by the sudden winter weather. Thousands of transit riders found themselves waiting for busses that would never arrive, or would far too late. The blame for these delays has been put on the outdated hardware and software behind Calgary’s transit operations, which is now over 20-years old. The system tracks busses in real time, theoretically allowing route adjustments around traffic incidents or particularly treacherous roadways. However, buses frequently lose connection, and the system’s general unreliability leaves both drivers and riders alike stuck in the cold and waiting for information.
The city’s snow removal crews are around the clock, prioritizing major routes like Crowchild Trail. The city provides a percentage-based progress report on its snow-clearing operations, along with real-time tracking of its snow plows. The fleet of snow plows was named by local schoolchildren submissions in 2021, with fan favorites like Fast & Flurrious, Brinestone Plowboy, and Plowy McPlowface. The Calgary Journal editorial board has been considering an attempt to track each plow’s total distance traveled, as to facilitate a horse-race-style gambling ring. My next month’s rent is currently riding on Sprinkles.
The Newsweek index
The Roundup
By Kelsea Arnett, News editor
Aside from the heavy snowfall Calgarians and most of southern Alberta grappled with this weekend, here are a few articles that aren’t weather-related to keep you in the loop for the week ahead:
Alberta is overhauling its auto insurance system. Here’s what the experts have to say | Edmonton Journal
Calgary council approves budget, 3.6% property tax increase | CBC News
Indigenous equity stake in natural gas pipelines now in doubt, TC Energy says | The Globe and Mail
Calgary councillors make last-minute push to keep Inglewood pool open | Calgary Herald
New Green Line LRT alignment expected from province in coming weeks | CBC News
A glance at the Journal
Juno Award winners Striker play Dickens on Monday, part of the Shredding North America Tour
Edmonton band opens Monday for headliners Seven Kingdoms, alongside Lutharo
Photos: Calgary Stampede crowns a new First Nations Princess
Pacey Strangling Wolf of Kainai Nation was crowned the 2025 Calgary Stampede First Nations Princess […]
Amid closures, music fans fret over the future of Calgary’s live scene
For some people, nothing beats watching a live musician play right in front of you. […]
Around town
By Charlotte Vos, A&E editor
Until Dec. 21, 2024
Murder on the Links
If you’re a fan of Agatha Christie’s novels or murder mysteries, then don’t miss this stage adaptation of Murder on the Links. With a six-person cast, Vertigo Theatre is bringing this classic mystery to life with extra shows added to the roster. Get tickets here.
Nov. 30
Hindu Heritage Month
Celebrate Hindu Culture at the Central Library this Saturday with cultural food, traditional music and art exhibits. This event is free and people of all ages and backgrounds can attend. Make sure to reserve a spot here.
Dec. 1
Stocking Stuffer Holiday Walk/Run
If you want to make some great holiday memories with the family this year, make sure to join the Stocking Stuffer Holiday Walk/Run. Collect fun items on the five kilometre route, and earn some delicious treats upon completion, including donuts and hot apple cider. Register here.
Dec. 1 – 15
Festive Goat Yoga
What better is there than festive goat yoga? Starting on Dec. 1, Festive Goat Yoga will be hosted at Granary Road alongside their Christmas Market. Tickets are going fast, so make sure to grab them while they’re available!
Take our survey!
Don’t forget to take our short survey on sports and active living in our city and you could win a $100 gift card!
Meet the masthead
Meet Jasleen, the Journal’s Treaty 7 editor!
Kobe Tulloch: Can you introduce yourself for me?
Jasleen Bhangu: Hi, I’m Jasleen. I’m the Treaty 7 editor.
What got you into journalism?
I’ve definitely always been a strong writer, and had a passion for storytelling and connecting with people in the community.
Do you think you’re gonna stay in journalism?
I think I’ve enjoyed my time writing stories for the Calgary Journal, however I am excited to venture out into the world of communications and look into other streams, specifically corporate work, as I really enjoyed my time at Suncor as an intern.
That is the most corporate communications answer you could’ve given. Do you have a favourite piece you had published for Suncor?
Probably my Indigenous veteran story, From the skies to the mines. So an Indigenous veteran, learning about his journey, becoming a veteran, being a part of that world, and then transitioning into oil and gas, and what looked like for him.
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