The sign says ... check out these five cool places
It’s the ideal opportunity for curious Calgarians to get a peek behind some of Calgary’s closed doors.
This weekend Doors Open YYC will give Calgarians free access to significant buildings and sites, many of which are not normally open to the public.
We’ve compiled a list of the five coolest places to check out this weekend. Have a look:
1. The City of Calgary’s Sign Shop
Like a Santa’s workshop for traffic signs, this municipal facility manufactures most of Calgary’s roadway signs. This is a new Doors Open destination this year. Visitors can watch city staff working on actual projects, while moving through different stations on the production floor to see how roadway signs and graphics are produced. Registration isn’t required. The 25- minute tours run every half- hour from 10 a. m. to 4 p. m.
2. Fiasco Gelato
A popular Doors Open destination from years past, visitors will get the chance to see chefs whipping up batches of gelato and sorbetto, and they’ll also get to sample some freshly made treats. “It pretty much goes without saying, who doesn’t love ice cream?” says Doors Open board member Alyssa Berry. Registration is not required. The tour lasts 15 minutes. Visit Saturday and Sunday from 10 a. m. to 4 p. m.
3. Arts Commons
This is another tried- and- tested Doors Open entry. Arts Commons offers an impressive 40- minute interactive tour of the inner bowels of the downtown building. You have to register for the underground engineering tour, but trust us, it’s worth it. Tours depart hourly from 11 a. m. to 1 p. m. on Saturday and Sunday.
4. SAIT’s Culinary Campus
Bring your appetite for this food- themed Doors Open entry. Visitors can enjoy cooking demonstrations for fresh hummus and flatbread ( and you’ll get the recipe to take home with you, too.) There will be cookie decorating stations to keep the kids entertained. Registration is not required. Demonstrations will occur hourly from 10 a. m. to 4 p. m. both days.
5. The City of Calgary’s Traffic Management Centre
Meet the people ( and the gargantuan wall of screens) that manage your morning commute each day. This is the city’s traffic nerve centre. This guided 20- minute tour will take you through the facility and teach you how Bluetooth technology is used in rush hour to provide motorists with real- time traffic information. Registration isn’t required. Tours depart every 25 minutes between 10 a. m. and 4: 30 p. m. both days.