This is Calgary

Stephen Avenue, the outdoor pedestrian mall in the heart of Calgary’s downtown, has changed in recent years. Once bustling with shoppers and tourists, the area is quieter now, with a regular police presence to monitor for crime and social disorder. Call it... an Eighth Avenue Heartache. The city wants to bring back that atmosphere and foot traffic, so it's working to revitalize Stephen Ave - one block at a time. Jenny talks to city project manager Amy Stansky about what’s been accomplished so far, and the challenges of getting more cash in the next budget cycle, given other major infrastructure work that needs doing in Calgary. This is Calgary is produced by CBC and hosted by Jenny Howe. Thoughts? Story ideas? [email protected]

This week in our politicial panel, we hear about the findings of a new CBC-commissioned poll regarding support for Alberta separating from Canada, as well as Premier Danielle Smith and the UCP government. The survey was commissioned by pollster Janet Brown. Loren talks to Shannon Phillips, a former Alberta NDP cabinet minister and founding partner of Meredith, Boessenkool and Phillips Policy Advisors, and Ian Brodie, a senior advisor at New West Public Affairs who once served as chief of staff for Prime Minister Stephen Harper. Thoughts? Story ideas? [email protected]

For weeks, a private landfill has been on fire in southeast Calgary, affecting air quality in at least 19 neighbourhoods of the city. The Calgary Fire Department has the fire under control but says it could take weeks or even months to fully extinguish the blaze. The company that owns the site is also facing legal issues. This week, Jenny talks to Calgary Fire Chief Steve Dongworth about why the dump fire is proving such a challenge, and why CFD plans to bring in specialists from outside the province to help. For more information about the fire, visit calgary.ca/landfillfire. This is Calgary is produced by CBC Calgary and hosted by Jenny Howe. Thoughts? Story ideas? [email protected]

In the first of our bonus political episodes, we hear analysis on the Alberta NDP's surprise win over the UCP in the Calgary-Shaw byelection. Loren talks to Shannon Phillips, a former Alberta NDP cabinet minister and founding partner of Meredith, Boessenkool and Phillips Policy Advisors, and Ian Brodie, a senior advisor at New West Public Affairs who once served as chief of staff for Prime Minister Stephen Harper. This is Calgary will drop these extra episodes every Friday through the Alberta referendum vote on October 19th, to keep you up to speed. You'll still get a fresh episode with Jenny every Wednesday, too. Thoughts? Story ideas? [email protected]

Did you say... Green Line? Yes, there's news. A city committee has approved a surface route along 10th Avenue Southwest as the next section of Calgary's expanding LRT network, bringing the line to the edge of downtown. Jenny talks to two city councillors whose wards run parallel about why this route is better than the above-ground options, and why — even though the dream of building the Green Line to the north end of the city is still very much alive — rapid bus transit up Centre Street North is a good interim solution. This is Calgary is hosted by Jenny Howe, and produced by CBC Calgary. Thoughts? Story ideas? [email protected]