Calgary and Alberta - A brief overview

Alberta is one of Canada's 10 provinces (there are 3 Territories with lesser autonomy and administered with more federal government assistance). Provinces are analogous to American states, having their own governments and generally running their own affairs with a great deal of independence from the national government in Ottawa. Our flag suggests the diversity of Alberta's terrain, comprising the Great Plains, Foothills and the Rocky Mountains. Canada's internationally best-known National Parks, Banff and Jasper, lie entirely within Alberta. The provincial economy is dominated by petroleum and natural gas exploration and production. Conventional and bituminous deposits rival Middle East reserves. Agriculture and ranching, distribution of goods, transportation and tourism plus rapidly growing hi-tech industries contribute to the province's favorable circumstances.

Calgary is Canada's 4th largest city (pop. 1,100,000) and 4th most ethnically diverse.  At 3500 ft ("official" altitude, with some communities a good deal higher), Calgary is the country's highest altitude major population center. Being in the "rain shadow" of the Rockies and at high altitude ensures sunny skies most of the year. The resulting semi-arid conditions are congenial to outdoor activities but often problematic for agriculture.  Warm Chinook winds regularly moderate the winter climate. Calgary is the nation's center for petroleum exploration and with the rest of Alberta enjoys a robust economy. The University of Calgary provides among the most advanced medical research facilities in the world.

In 1988 Calgary hosted the Olympic Winter Games. Facilities built then remain fully operational with the result that athletes from across the country receive their winter sports training here. In 2006, Canada earned 24 medals at the Olympic Winter Games and 18 of those athletes called Alberta "home". Proximity to the Rocky Mountains (only 45 minutes away), with some of the finest skiing anywhere, largely rural surroundings and extensive natural parklands within the city make Calgary especially appealing to outdoor enthusiasts.

Calgary is visually attractive. Roloff Beny, the eminent photographer, once chose Calgary and Tehran as the most beautiful cities in the world although on a day at -30C in January it is tempting to question the merit of his opinion. The city is said to have more urban parkland than any other in North America. That claim might be an exaggeration but it is obviously a fact that practically everyone in the city seems to be a short distance from beautiful public spaces. There is an abundance of new construction featuring innovative architecture. Attractive downtown views and parks provide numerous photographic opportunities.

Photo notes:

Unless otherwise noted, all photographs taken with Nikon D300 and Nikkor 16 - 84 mm

Downtown Calgary in 2001

Film photograph (RB67)

Calgary in relation to the rest of Canada and the western US