Ah, autumn. The air is crisp, the leaves are turning, and the local wildlife is starting to get a bit… noisy. If you live in the foothills of Alberta, you've probably noticed it. The skies are filled with V-shaped formations, and the air with a symphony of honks that can only mean one thing: the Canada geese are packing their bags and heading south. It's a grand annual exodus, a feathered road trip that signals the change of seasons more reliably than any calendar.

You see, a goose's life in the fall...

By Rory Hale – REALTOR®, CIR Realty, Rural Properties & Acreages near Calgary

As the summer draws to a close, there are a lot of chores to be done on a rural property, from prepping your septic, ensuring your tractor is ready to move snow, harvesting your garden or crops,  and of course, making sure you have enough firewood.

In the Alberta foothills, harvesting firewood isn’t just a chore — it’s a way of life. Every fall, our chainsaws are busy, Sure, we gather firewood all summer from deadfall...

By Rory Hale – REALTOR®, Rural Properties & Acreages near Calgary

Hello, wonderful folks, and welcome to another edition of Wildlife Wednesday! As a realtor specializing in the breathtaking foothills of Alberta, I often get asked what truly makes living out here so special. Is it the wide-open spaces? The stunning mountain views? The peace and quiet? Yes, all of that, and so much more. But today, I want to introduce you to one of our most magnificent neighbours, a creature that embodies the spirit...

By Rory Hale – REALTOR®, Rural Properties & Acreages near Calgary

There’s something magical about the first crackle of a wood stove on a frosty morning. Out here in the Alberta foothills, where the stars shine brighter and winter hangs on a bit longer, heating with wood isn’t just about comfort—it’s a way of life.

At our home, we heat with wood most of the time. We're lucky enough to have access to standing dead trees, which we responsibly harvest and season. Not only does this save us a lot in...

With the recent weather, more than a few people have posted about frozen septic systems.

If you are unsure about your system or if it’s your first winter on the property, it’s always a good idea to have a licensed professional check your systems and make sure you are winter-ready. I was lucky enough to have a great contractor explaining a few simple things to do to prepare your septic for winter.

A few things to consider,

Always keep your system full; the volume of water helps prevent freezing....

Winter preparation is a big part of Rural life. Linkedin 

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Do you think you have enough firewood?

So, the answer I gave was right. It’s never enough. Cold snaps burn through wood rapidly.

Here is what’s left; we have burnt through a lot of our wood.