T
he first Avenue innovation issue came out in June of 2020, a period mostly characterized by great uncertainty. The most optimistic among us held out hope that the widespread pandemic-induced lockdowns in place were merely temporary; the least felt a sense of impending doom. But, wherever you landed on that spectrum, stories about innovators and the innovation mindset became something of a balm, a reminder to look above and beyond what was weighing down the here and now. Four issues later, we’ve emerged warier, if not wiser, but just as dedicated to celebrating the innovation sector and the bright minds within it. Our city is fertile ground right now for those who see our current hand and would raise it one better. From new approaches to the old-stock industries that built this city (oil and gas, agriculture) to tech startup enterprises in a range of fields, the innovation economy in Calgary is a hive of activity and this issue pinpoints some of its buzzworthy individuals and organizations. Along with the innovation issue, we’re once again staging our annual Innovation Event on June 14 at Platform Calgary. It’s a chance for readers and stakeholders to join us as we dive deeper into some of the themes represented in these pages and expand upon them as well. For tickets and information, visit AvenueCalgary.com/InnovationEvent. While the innovation event traditionally includes a focus on the “food of the future,” this issue focuses on the treats we’re craving right now with a new
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edition of the “Best Things To Eat” list. Returning curators Carmen Cheng and Chanry Thach — a pair of local writers/content creators we like to refer to as our “BFFs” (best foodie friends) — share their latest round of flavourful finds, a mouthwatering assortment of baked goods, bottled sauces, beverages and more. Those who know and love this list understand that it’s as much about exploring as it is about eating, a de facto guide to discovering new makers and markets in the city. For those who would rather have these food and beverage items all in one place, however, I’m happy to announce that we’re bringing back the Best Things To Eat Market, with vendors drawn from this year’s as well as previous years’ lists. The market is set for Saturday, July 22, out in Rangeview, a new community with an innovative planning approach that pays homage to the area’s legacy of farming and rural culture. The market event will be free and open to the public. We hope to see you there.
SHELLEY ARNUSCH EDITOR IN CHIEF s a r n u s c h @ re d p o i n t m e d i a . c a
THE INNOVATION STORY
A-list ADVANTAGE
If you’re interested in attending the Innovation Event, consider signing up for Avenue’s membership program (a.k.a. the “A-List”). A basic membership provides early-bird access and a 15-per cent discount on ticket purchases, while A-List+ members get free access to all Avenue events. Memberships come in six-month or one-year plans. To purchase, visit AvenueCalgary.com/shop.
may/june 2023
P H O T O B Y H E AT H E R S A I T Z ; C L O T H I N G S T Y L I N G B Y G R A V I T Y P O P E
Editorʼs Note
