The Calgary Group Chat: What your friends are talking about this week (July 28)

Welcome to the Calgary Group Chat, your spot for all the local updates you’ll want to have in your back pocket. Between new businesses popping up, big changes happening around the city, and plenty of things to add to your calendar, there’s always something to talk about in Calgary. We’re rounding up the stories that have people talking and the updates you’ll want to know before they make their way to your own group chat.

Now, let’s take a look at everything that’s been going down in the city this week.

What’s new, Calgary?

Calgary’s Olympic Oval is getting an upgrade

One of Calgary’s most iconic Olympic landmarks is getting a glow-up. The Olympic Oval at the University of Calgary is set to receive $52 million in upgrades that will help modernize the facility and keep it serving athletes, students, and the community.

There’s no timeline yet for when the construction will begin or when the upgrades will be complete, but we’ll be sure to keep you updated when things get moving.

Abercrombie and Fitch has officially made its return to Calgary

A familiar face has returned to CF Chinook Centre as Abercrombie and Fitch officially opens its new Calgary location. The nostalgic retailer is back with a refreshed space, bringing back the brand’s signature denim, cozy basics, and everyday staples that helped make it a mall favourite.

And shoppers won’t have to wait long for another familiar name to return, with Hollister set to open a new location right above Abercrombie, later this summer.

Nose Hill Park has some unexpected landscapers

Calgary’s Nose Hill Park has some unexpected visitors this summer. A herd of 600 to 800 goats is currently grazing in the Rubbing Stone Hill area. The goats are there as part of a temporary program that helps control invasive weeds and reduce wildfire risks in the area.

While they might look like they’re enjoying a giant buffet, they’re helping support the health of the park’s natural landscape.

Think you know Calgary? This festival might surprise you

If you’ve ever wondered how Calgary became the city it is today, Historic Calgary Week is a chance to dig a little deeper. Running now until Aug. 3, the annual festival is bringing the city’s stories to life through guided walks, tours, and events that explore the people and places that helped shape Calgary.

The Calgary Zoo has three adorable new residents you’ll want to see

The Calgary Zoo has three new faces for visitors to meet this summer. Three red panda cubs were born last month and are now out exploring the newly opened Asian Highlands habitat. The cubs have joined their parents, Udaya and Linus, and big brother Ashu in the refreshed space, which was built with the animals’ natural behaviour in mind.

That’s the latest Calgary tea for now. The city is always changing, and there’s always something new to discover, whether it’s a new place to check out, a local update worth knowing about, or a hidden gem you didn’t even know was right in your backyard.

We’ll be back next week with plenty more to talk about, but until then, have a great week, Calgary!

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Kaiya Williams

Kaiya is a Calgary-based writer and content creator with a background in marketing and digital storytelling. She has a passion for community-driven stories and covering local experiences that connect people.

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