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Solutions & Substitutions by Reena: Battling Mosquitoes
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Town of Okotoks Water Conservation and Leak Detection Program

The Town of Okotoks is working with EPCOR and Corix Water Products to implement a Water Conservation and Leak Detection Program. The program will continue to update or replace existing water meter infrastructure to provide advanced metering features. Starting summer 2016, approximately 8,400 residential and commercial properties throughout the Town will have their water meter…
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Salvation Army: Community Garden Slashes Food Bills and More

At The Salvation Army’s community garden in Swift Current, Sask., planting seeds and investing a little bit of time is improving the quality of life for low-income families and individuals. “There are many benefits to the community garden,” says Sandra Brong, The Salvation Army’s community and family services coordinator. “Participants eat healthier, save money on…
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CREB: Demand Down with Net Migration

City of Calgary, August 2016 – In step with City census data on declining net migration levels, housing sales activity totaled 1,741 units in July, a 12.6 per cent decrease over last year and the 20th consecutive month of year-over-year sales declines. “Continued pullback of sales activity is a sign of economic conditions,” said CREB® chief…
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Solutions & Substitutions by Reena: Dusting
By Reena Nerbas Lumpy Gravy Dear Reena, How embarrassing, I had a house full of company for supper and I thought that everything was organized and ready to go. As everyone came up to serve themselves the buffet style meal that I prepared, someone pointed out that my homemade gravy was runny. In a panic,…
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Fun and Foraging for Wild Edible Plants in Southern Alberta

The Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society hiking guide takes a food columnist out to enjoy a beautiful day in nature. They identify and taste wild edible berries, leaves and plants near the Sibbald Flats area of southern Alberta, and explore various ecosystems in the wilderness. CPAWS created this video to celebrate connecting to our Alberta…
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Solutions & Substitutions by Reena: Turkey Preparation Tips
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Competition Bureau Warns Consumers about Deceptive Door-To-Door Sales of Water Heaters and HVAC Systems

Don’t be fooled by misleading pitches for no-cost upgrades OTTAWA, ON — The Competition Bureau is urging consumers to be wary of deceptive tactics used by door‑to‑door salespeople trying to get you to sign a contract for a new water heater or heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system. These salespersons frequently offer so‑called “no‑cost” upgrades,…
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Solutions & Substitutions by Reena: Getting Out the Smell
By Reena Nerbas Stains on Leather Jacket Dear Reena, You helped me with a problem several years ago when my car trunk was drenched in gasoline. You told me to stuff the trunk with crumpled up newspaper which I did and the smell was gone. You also helped my daughter fix scratched C.D.’s using peanut…
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Barbecue Fire Safety Served up During Calgary Stampede

Stampede is the time of year when Calgarians are enjoying barbecues with friends and family, and fire officials are reminding people to follow simple safety tips. Danielle Larivee, the Minister of Municipal Affairs and also the Minister responsible for the Office of the Fire Commissioner, demonstrated the importance of barbecue safety alongside Calgary Fire Chief…
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Solutions & Substitutions by Reena: Salt
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Energy at Home: How We Can Become More Sustainable

By Coral Bliss Taylor Most of the concerns raised about the unsustainability of our energy practices focus on industrial activities, such as development of the oilsands. But other sectors give rise to big energy sustainability issues too. Consider housing. A friend recently asked what could be done to make his new house more sustainable. It’s…
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Home Prices Down, But Not Out

City of Calgary, July 2016 – Calgary home prices continue to slide in most areas of the market, but not at the rate that many might expect. This is partly due to June’s resiliency in the detached and semi-detached sectors of the market, where sales compared to new listings and standing inventory started returning to more…
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Low-Interest Home Equity Loans Will Help Seniors Age in Community

Application forms are now available for senior homeowners looking to repair or modify their homes under the Seniors Home Adaptation and Repair Program. The program provides a low-interest, home-equity loan to eligible senior homeowners to finance needed repairs or adaptations that will help them remain independent in their own homes. Seniors could use the loan…
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Solutions & Substitutions by Reena: Nail Polish Spill
By Reena Nerbas Adhesive Stain on Upholstery Dear Reena, I recently picked up a used rear window, and left it in the back of my van, leaning up against the rear seat. The black adhesive softened in the heat and some transferred to the upholstery fabric, leaving an ugly black streak stain. What can I…

