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#Sunnyside365 January 8, 2016

January 8, 2016 / Ara

This little newspaper box hanging around outside of The Roasterie might not be part of the Little Free Libraries initiative, but its existence embodies the plucky nature of Sunnyside…

A disused, free news paper bin was cleaned up, painted, and decorated to be a book depository. It’s not fastened down, has no instructions, yet it is looked after by passers-by and stewarded by it’s fanbase. The books inside are a truly eclectic mix of material.

Metaphorically, the 10th Street Library (as it’s known) represents this part of Calgary as it has come to be known: interesting in outside appearance, appealing to visitors with it’s quirks and characteristics, yet well worn from use. On the inside, all matters of opinions from all sorts of sources, from a diverse variety of people.

#Sunnyside365 January 7, 2016

January 7, 2016 / Ara

The C-Train moves through Sunnyside, taking it’s passengers off into the night.

#Sunnyside365 January 6, 2016

January 6, 2016 / Ara

Calgary has 16 designated off-leash dog parks, 3 of which are in Hillhurst-Sunnyside (if you count Rotary park on the East side of Centre Street and Crescent Heights Park). As well, Hillhurst, West Hillhurst and Sunnyside are home to over 1200 dogs, and countless dog-friendly businesses.

Just remember to be a good neighbour and pick up your poop!

#Sunnyside365 January 5, 2016

January 5, 2016 / Ara

A bright January day greets residents of Sunnyside.

#Sunnyside365 January 4, 2016

January 4, 2016 / Ara

“We moved to Canada in December 2010, but we moved to Calgary in October 2012. We moved to this condo (St. John’s on 10th) in May of 2014.

We met at a Christmas Eve party back in 1995. We were both working for DisneyWorld. I was general of Epcot until April of 1997. Now I work for West Jet. I’m Senior Vice President of Guest Experience.

I love the convenience of being around the little shops and restaurants. We love being in this neighbourhood. It feels like a small town but in an urban area. We were living in Marda Loop but we knew we wanted to be in Kensington.” Ed (left)

“My last role with Disney was in Community Relations. It was great! I got to liaise with important people. I got to meet JJ Abrams, Michael Jackson, Michael J. Fox… I gave them all tours of DisneyWorld. Before that I was in Human Resources. I got to recruit animators for Mulan. Now I guess you can call me a home maker. We lived in California for a while and sold our house to Jim Parsons–you know, Sheldon from Big Bang Theory? He’s a really wonderful guy, really funny.

This is a very friendly community. Extremely friendly, and welcoming. There’s a warm and inclusive feeling in this neighbourhood.” Geoff, (right)

#Sunnyside365 January 3, 2016

January 3, 2016 / Ara

“I’ve lived here for six years, but by proxy, over twenty. My dad lived here and I’d always visit. It’s one of those communities that just sticks with you, like a good vacation.

I’m reminded by my own historical narrative. I’ve got memories with the streets and places throughout this community over the past two decades. For example, I’ve been getting the same pho for over twenty years over on 10th street.

I love the walkability. I love the cats, the smell of the Roasterie. You can see downtown and you’re right next to the core of the city, but it feels like your a million miles away from it. It’s one of the few places that feels like a community.” Jon, with his fiancee, Mel

#Sunnyside365 January 2, 2016

January 2, 2016 / Ara

“His name is Milo. He’s got a personality like Eor from Winnie The Pooh. He wears the vest because he gets separation anxiety if he’s away from people too long. Milo is eight years-old and we get to dog-sit him pretty regularly. He’s a great dog to have around the house.”

#Sunnyside365 January 1, 2016

January 1, 2016 / Ara

Among the words, quotations, and art installations at Poppy Plaza on Memorial Drive is this word.

‘Solace’ is a word that can be defined as comfort in a time of stress, support in a time of sadness, or to share cheer in order to raise one’s spirits.

My wish for this new year is to have a peaceful home, community, city, country, and world. If any of us should feel distress, we can turn to one another for solace.

#Sunnyside365 December 31, 2015

December 31, 2015 / Ara

The City of Calgary moves. On foot, on bike, public transit, car; and all the while, the Bow river keeps flowing through it all.

I think there’s a metaphor in there, but I’ll wade into it another time.

At the end of 2015, I’d like to thank all my followers. Since June 21, they’ve pushed me to seek out 194 photo subjects. I’d also like to thank all the people who have participated: the folks I’ve chatted with in coffee shops, the local business owners, the members of the community, Druh Farrell (Ward 7 City Council), the HSCA, and all the people who have inspired me to shoot better photos, seek out new places, as well as all the little nooks and crannies that Sunnyside and Hillhurst have to offer.

Most of all, I’d like to thank all the people who have lived in this neighbourhood, served as business owners, residents and community builders. This city owes it to you.

Built in 1921, the Louise Bridge was constructed to move street cars and pedestrian traffic over the Bow River between downtown Calgary and the Kensington Area. The bridge was named after William Henry Cushing’s daughter, Louise.

William Henry Cushing served Calgary for six terms as a City Councillor, and a short term as Mayor in 1900-1901. He also served as an Albertan MLA.

The Louise Bridge is a beloved feature of Calgary’s riverscape and sees over 30’000 cars travelling on it per day, as well as countless pedestrians and cyclists.

#Sunnyside365 December 30, 2015

December 30, 2015 / Ara

“Is it me or are those geese flying the wrong way? It makes you wonder, ‘What do they know that we don’t?'”

Ara Shimoon