Times have been tough since the beginning of the pandemic, but there are still incredible things happening in Calgary. This year, we took a moment at the end of each month to recap some of the most heartening events, accomplishments and initiatives going on around town.
Here’s a look back at 54 good things that happened in Calgary over the course of 2021.
HASA Launches Concerts in Care Holiday Edition
Health Arts Society of Alberta (HASA) launched a holiday edition of its Concerts in Care program to bring holiday joy to seniors with the gift of live music. Albertans can buy or donate a live concert experience from professional musicians for a long-term care home, retirement community or somewhere where a family member lives. The 45-minute concerts feature local professional artists who can perform in many genres including classical, jazz, opera, folk and more.
Cultivatr Introduces Charity Program
Local company Cultivatr, a farm-to-table delivery platform with over 500 different food products either created in Calgary or grown on local surrounding farms, launched a five per cent giveback fundraiser to support local charities. Each time a customer makes a purchase through Cultivatr, they can donate five per cent of their total bill to a local charity of their choice. The program launched in November but is ongoing.
Calgary Opera Renames Development Program to Honour Late CEO
The Calgary Opera’s Emerging Artist Development Program was renamed this month to honour W.R. (Bob) McPhee, the former General Director and CEO of Calgary Opera. McPhee originally started the development program in 2005. He passed away from cancer earlier this year on March 13, 2021. The McPhee Artist Development Program is one of only four training programs for young professional opera singers in the entire country.
Land of Daughters Starts Book Fundraiser
Local candle company Land of Daughters launched a GoFundMe to help stock the Little Free Libraries in Calgary with more Indigenous stories. Once the campaign goal of $50,000 is met, Land of Daughters will use the money to purchase Indigenous books and books by Indigenous authors and donate them to the Little Free Libraries around the city. Their goal with this project is to amplify Indigenous culture in the community and spread kindness.
Calgary Ranked as One of the World’s Best Cities
According to the best cities ranking by Resonance Consultancy, an advisor in the tourism, real estate and economic development industries, Calgary is ranked as one of the top 50 cities to live in worldwide. This is out of a list of the top 100 cities to call home with metropolitan populations of one million or more. The cities are ranked based on quality of place, reputation, competitive identity and user-generated reviews online. Calgary came in at #49, ahead of Edmonton at #86 and behind other Canadian cities Montreal (#48) and Vancouver (#46).
Southcentre Mall Hosts Sensory-Friendly Halloween Event
On October 31, Southcentre Mall, in partnership with Autism Calgary, hosted a sensory-friendly Halloween trick-or-treat event for 50 families during the quieter hours of 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. before the mall opened to the public. The event included multiple trick-or-treating stations that children could locate using a special treasure map and decorative displays for photo opportunities. The family-friendly event was open to children of all ages and abilities.
Annual Monster March Raises Over $50,000 for Charity
This year, the fifth annual Monster March, started by Wee Wild Ones owner Chloe Dusser (who was recently named one of Avenue’s Top 40 Under 40 for 2021) raised over $50,000 from October 1 to 31 for the Children’s Cottage Society‘s new Child and Family Centre. Wilder Futures, the dedicated non-profit fundraising arm of Wee Wild Ones, hosted a hybrid virtual and in-person event where participants raised funds through virtual walk-a-thons, a three-kilometre, socially distant march and market and by purchasing t-shirts, totes, prints and more by local artist Katie Green.
monster-march-2021.causevox.com
New Community Pantry Opens in Victoria Park
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The Hatch YYC, a community organization focused on spreading and sharing resources through initiatives like community fridges and pay-what-you-can thrift stores, has launched a new community pantry in partnership with local coffee shop Kaffeeklatsch. The community pantry is located in front of Kaffeeklatsch in Victoria Park and is available to all Calgarians looking to donate or take home non-perishable food items.
1205 1 St. S.W., instagram.com
National Music Centre Wins Award for Community Excellence
For the third year in a row, the National Music Centre was awarded the Western Canadian Music Award for Community Excellence. Local company Curbside Concerts, formed in the face of the pandemic during 2020 to bring live music to the people, was also nominated for the award.
The Establishment Brewing Company Named Canadian Brewery of the Year
The Canadian Brewing Awards bestowed its highest honour (Canadian Brewery of the Year) to Calgary’s The Establishment Brewing Company at the annual awards ceremony in Quebec City in September. Establishment’s Funkmorphosis, Born to Run, Ruby My Dear and Erlton Street beers also won individual medals. Alberta breweries earned nearly three dozen medals in various categories at this year’s awards, with 14 of those going to Calgary breweries. See the full list of winners here.
A Calgarian is Competing on Season 2 of Canada’s Drag Race
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With an Instagram bio that says “ICON, STAR, LEGEND,” it’s no surprise that Stephanie Prince was selected to compete on the next season of Canada’s Drag Race. Prince is one of 12 contestants — and the only Calgarian — competing for the $100,000 grand prize on season two of the award-winning show. See the full list of contestants here and catch the season two premiere on October 14.
The City of Calgary Launches Free. Period. Pilot Project
In September, the City of Calgary launched a new pilot project to make period products more accessible to Calgarians through the Free. Period. pilot project. The City of Calgary will provide free pads and tampons at four city and library facilities in partnership with the Calgary Public Library and the Youth Central’s Mayor’s Youth Council. The four facilities are the Alberta Trade Centre, Calgary Central Library, the Municipal Building and Village Square Leisure Centre.
Calgary Becomes Home of Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame
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Last month, it was announced that Calgary will be the new home of the Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame. Featuring over 1,200 artifacts from more than 150 artists, the hall of fame will be permanently featured inside the National Music Centre at Studio Bell.
Winners of the 47th Annual Rosie Awards Announced
The winners of the 47th annual Rosie Awards, awarded by the Alberta Media Production Industries Association for excellence in Alberta’s screen industries, include a healthy showing of Calgary companies. Several Calgary companies, including Prairie Dog Film + Television, A Parent Media Co. Inc. and Queer Code Collective, won in categories like best scripted series or mini-series, best children’s program or series and best narrative game or interactive project. Check out the full list of winners here.
Alberta Distillers Celebrates its 75th Anniversary
Alberta Distillers, the oldest distillery in Alberta and the Canadian Whisky awards’ “distillery of the decade,” celebrated 75 years worth of some serious accomplishments and accolades. Rye connoisseurs may know that the distillery’s Premium Rye is the world’s top-selling 100 per cent rye. It’s hyper-local too, made with 100 per cent Alberta rye grain and water from the Rockies. But this year, Alberta Distillers also won “Best Canadian Vodka of the Year” at the 2021 World Vodka Awards and double-gold at the 2021 International Spirits Competition for its Alberta Pure Vodka.
Inglewood Launched a Carless Sunday Initiative
Starting on August 1, the streets of 9 Avenue S.E. from 11 street to 14 street were closed to all vehicles in Inglewood, every Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Inglewood BIA launched this month-long carless Sunday initiative in the hopes of bringing more foot traffic to support local businesses on the strip who had expanded their storefronts and patios and promote a relaxed, Sunday shopping experience.
Calgary Athletes Win Gold at Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games
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Calgary athletes brought home the gold from the Tokyo 2020 summer Olympics. Erin McLeod and Stephanie Labbé helped Team Canada’s women’s soccer team win the gold medal, while Kasia Gruchalla-Wesierski won gold with Team Canada’s women’s coxed eight rowing team. Labbé’s incredible goalkeeping in the gold-medal soccer game against Team Sweden was pivotal to Team Canada securing its first gold medal in a women’s Olympic Football Tournament. Plus, nine additional Calgarians on Team Canada placed within the top 10 of their competitions.
$3500 Raised for Canadian Women for Women in Afghanistan
The Crescent Heights Community Association, with support from ATB Financial, hosted a drive-in movie screening of an award-winning documentary and raised $3,500 for the charity Canadian Women for Women in Afghanistan. All of the ticket proceeds to the sold-out screening of The Secret Marathon, which tells the story of the first women in Afghanistan to run a marathon, were donated to the charity. And, the film was co-directed and produced by Top 40 Under 40 alumnae Kate McKenzie.
Wood’s Homes’ Youth Culinary Arts Program (YCAP) Market Opens for Business
Wood’s Homes opened a new food market this month, the Youth Culinary Arts Program, where you can purchase quality, homemade meals prepared by youth under the guidance of Red Seal chefs. The aspiring chefs are at-risk, houseless youth between 15 to 29 years old. The program helps them cultivate their love of cooking while gaining work and life skills by learning from top-trained chefs.You can find the YCAP Market at the Inglewood Opportunity Hub, 1008 14 St. S.E., Wednesdays through Fridays, from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.
National Music Centre Announced Free Admission to Studio Bell for Remainder of 2021
Thanks to ATB Financial, the National Music Centre is offering free admission to Studio Bell every weekend until the end of the year. The announcement was made on July 19, so there are a good many weekends left to take advantage of relaxed pandemic restrictions and explore the heart of Canadian music.
Oxford STOMP Partners Donate to the Calgary Military Family Resource Centre (MFRC)
While the annual Oxford STOMP music event didn’t happen during this year’s Calgary Stampede, partners of the organization decided to keep the spirit of giving alive by organizing a donation to the Calgary Military Family Resource Centre (MFRC). The financial donation will help MFRC in its work of supporting Canadian Armed Forces soldiers, veterans and military family members, many of whom have worked on the front lines throughout the pandemic.
Calgary Zoo Announces New Polar Bear Expansion
After what feels like a lifetime, we may see polar bears again at the Calgary Zoo in the near future. The Calgary Zoo announced that part of its three-year, $31 million expansion plan will include creating new habitats and enclosures for polar bears. The Calgary Zoo’s Canadian Wild section will be updated and renovated, providing more housing for otters, caribou and whooping cranes, among other animals.
City and Country Partners with Mealshare on Sangria Fundraiser
City and Country Urban Winery has partnered with Mealshare to fundraise $10,000 through the sale of “share-gria”, bottles of Sangria meant to be shared with your family and friends. The local winery has pledged to donate 100 per cent of profits from its $10 sangria bottles to Mealshare until its goal is reached, alongside another local business, Two Rivers Distillery.
2 Weeks in Lagos Debuts on Netflix
2 Weeks in Lagos, a film by local Calgarian and filmmaker Kathryn Fasegha, made its Netflix debut on July 15, providing another boost to Calgary’s budding film industry. The heartwarming story of true love and family values was shot primarily in Nigeria but features original music by local musician Dozie. Fun fact for film buffs: 2 Weeks in Lagos originally premiered at the Cannes Film Festival back in May 2019, which is where Netflix first approached Fasegha to add the film to its roster, says Fasegha.
Bird Canada Moves Operational Headquarters to Calgary
After the City of Calgary announced last month that e-scooters were back to stay, Bird Canada announced that it is moving its operational headquarters to Calgary. The move will create 50 new jobs in the city. Bird also announced service expansion into Okotoks and Calgary’s University District.
Student Energy Launches $150 Million United Nations Energy Compact
Student Energy has launched the Student Energy’s Solutions Movement energy compact with the goal of raising $150 million to fund 10,000 youth-led clean energy projects by 2030. The Canadian youth-led charity was founded in 2009 by Kali Taylor, part of Avenue‘s Top 40 Under 40 class of 2013. Student Energy will work in partnership with New Energy Nexus and the government of Denmark to engage young people aged 18 to 30 through a combination of program funding, education, training and mentorship.
Calgary Students Successfully Lobby for Name Change of Langevin School to Riverside School
There’s nothing quite like seeing children coming together to champion a cause. After months of students, parents and community members petitioning the Calgary Board of Education to change the name of Langevin School — named after Hector-Louis Langevin who was part of creating the residential school system — the CBE has officially changed the name to Riverside School. Soon after the Riverside School announcement, Global News reported that trustees of the Calgary Catholic School District voted in favour of renaming Bishop Grandin High School, citing this as a positive step forward towards reconciliation.
school.cbe.ab.ca/school/riverside; globalnews.ca
Mount Royal University Awards Honorary Doctors of Laws
Mount Royal University (MRU) awarded four Honorary Doctors of Laws during its spring convocation ceremonies from June 7 to 10. The recipients included two Indigenous leaders, Blackfoot Elder Miiksika’am and Canada’s Parliamentary Poet Laureate Louise Bernice Halfe — Sky Dancer, who both received Honorary Doctors of Laws for their contributions to MRU’s campus community through spirituality, mentorship and advising, among many other accolades and achievements. Christine Silverberg, former chief constable of the Calgary Police Service and the first female chief of a major Canadian city’s police service, and Hal Kvisle, a long-time energy executive and former chair of MRU’s board of governors, also received Honorary Doctors of Laws.
Eight Calgarians Awarded Cultural Leaders Legacy Artist Awards
Even though it’s the second year in a row that the Mayor’s Lunch for Arts Champions has been hosted online, more than 300 guests registered for the event that saw eight Calgarians awarded Cultural Leaders Legacy Artist Awards amongst a total of 61 nominees. Congratulations are in order for Heather Morigeau, Perpetual Atife, Arif Ansari, Tank Standing Buffalo, Bianca Miranda, Lisa Murphy-Lamb, Alberta Rose Williams and Cheryl Foggo. There is a $5,000 cash prize for each winner.
The Platform Parkade Opens in East Village
Whether you’re enthusiastic about the tech industry in Calgary or just need somewhere to park next time you visit the Central Library or Studio Bell, we have great news for you. A new structure in East Village will host both the Platform Innovation Centre and 503 vehicle parking stalls. There’s also a sport court, six electric vehicle chargers and 99 bicycle parking spots. The parkade is open now, and Platform will be running out of the space by this fall.
Teatro Celebrates The Educational Partnership Foundation Grads
It’s a hard time to be a culinary student. Between isolating and gathering restrictions, they have had fewer ways to gain hands-on experience. Cue Teatro and The Educational Partnership Foundation, who have found a way to train and celebrate our next top chefs. A total of 16 Calgary high school students received 130 hours of hands-on training over six weeks of work across Teatro Group’s entire portfolio. It all culminated in an at-home dinner and Zoom event on May 27.
Ismaili Civic Ramadan Food Drive Supports Calgary Interfaith Food Bank
A food drive organized by the Ismaili Council for the Prairies resulted in a huge haul for the Calgary Interfaith Food Bank. The annual drive coincides with Ramadan, a time when Muslims fast, pray and work to serve their communities. Ismaili Civic, a volunteer group, collected 700 pounds of food, and a partnership with Save On Foods resulted in more than 5,200 pounds of food.
Calgarians Nominated for Western Canadian Music Awards
The nominees for BreakOut West’s Western Canadian Music Awards were announced in May. Congratulations are in order for Sargeant X Comrade, Tate McRae, Land’s End Ensemble with Laura Hynes and Karl Hirzer, Rubim de Toledo, Numenorean, Miesha & The Spanks, Michael Bernard Fitzgerald and numerous other Calgary-area nominees. The results of the awards will be announced this fall via digital broadcast.
E-scooters are Back — to Stay
After a two-year pilot project, the City of Calgary has selected two e-scooter rental companies to operate in Calgary on a permanent basis. The first is Bird, which is back after being part of the pilot, with some newer, metallic-coloured models. The other is Neuron Mobility, a Singapore-based company that will call Calgary it’s first North American home for bright orange scooters. Each company will have a fleet of 750 scooters.
Stats Say Alberta’s Tech Industry is Growing
Alberta Enterprise’s latest Alberta Deal Flow Study shows promise for the tech sector in Alberta — and especially in Calgary. The 2021 study reports more than 3,000 tech companies in Alberta, a 232 per cent increase from 2012. 1,776 of those are in Calgary, ahead of Edmonton, with 918, and “other,” with 389. The findings also break down figures on investment, revenue, staff size, industry and diversity. Follow the link below to see the report in full.
Vivo for Healthier Generations Breaks Ground on $62 Million Expansion
Vivo for Healthier Generations, a charity with a mission to “raise healthier generations” through research and programs, broke ground on a $62 million expansion on April 27. Expected to take 18 to 20 months to complete — creating 320 temporary jobs and 60 permanent ones along the way — the expansion will include an indoor park, an aquatic expansion with a fire pit, a six-lane, 25-meter pool, sauna and steam rooms, accessible fitness opportunities and more.
Writers’ Guild of Alberta Announces Finalists for Literary Prizes
The Writers’ Guild of Alberta (WGA) has announced the finalists for a number of literary prizes. This includes numerous awards offered by the WGA, alongside the City of Calgary W.O. Mitchell Book Prize and the City of Edmonton Robert Kroetsch Book Prize. A total of 11 Calgary authors have been nominated, including Bertrand Bickersteth, Poet Laureate Natalie Meisner and Giller Prize-winner Will Ferguson. The date of the WGA awards gala has yet to be announced, but expect the winner of the W.O. Mitchell Book prize to be announced in June.
West Totem Collab Unveiled at Bow Valley Square
A new totem pole at Bow Valley Square is raising funds for STARS Air Ambulance, Squamish First Nation and Community Futures Treaty Seven Organization. Spearheaded by Stream Flo, in partnership with Oxford Properties, Graham, and Display Co., the totem, named Xaays, was created by master carver Ray Natraoro from Squamish First Nation. It will raise awareness for several weeks before being auctioned off for a desired total of $200,000. Find it on the main floor of Bow Valley Square.
Crescent Point Energy Invests $150,000 in Calgary Zoo’s New Wildlife Conservation Centre
Ongoing Calgary Zoo patron Crescent Point Energy just announced an investment in the Zoo’s new Wildlife Conservation Centre. The contribution includes $100,000 to “help construct a new breeding and research facility dedicated to the sustainability of burrowing owls, as well as a $50,000 commitment to the Saskatchewan Species at Risk program which will support [the Zoo’s] innovative research and reintroduction work.” Stay tuned for updates on the Wildlife Conservation Centre.
Luminous Voices is Up for a Juno Award
Congratulations are in order for local professional chamber choir Luminous Voices, which was recently announced as a 2021 Juno Award nominee. The group’s album Sea Dreams is competing for Classical Album of the Year: Vocal or Choral 2021. Find out if they take a home a trophy when the Junos air on May 16 via CBC.
SMILE Therapy for Kids Opens in Southeast Calgary
March 30 marked the opening of a new therapy clinic for children with disabilities in Calgary. SMILE (sensory motor integrated learning experience) Therapy for Kids offers multidisciplinary services for children living with neurological conditions such as cerebral palsy, autism, Down syndrome, spinal muscular atrophy and more. The Calgary location is the second for SMILE, which also has a location in Toronto.
Calgary Arts Development Wins Bid to Run City’s Public Art Program
The City’s public art fund was frozen in 2017 after myriad negative reactions to works by citizens, leading the council to look for an external partner to manage the program for future success. Recently it was announced that Calgary Arts Development — which operates independently from the City though it is financially intwined with it — would take over operations through a transition process expected to last until 2024. This good news is twofold: funds left idle will finally be deployed to further beautify Calgary, and operational dollars for managing the program will remain in local coffers.
New Film Facilities Announced for Calgary
Among several recent positive developments for Calgary’s film ecosystem is the announcement that industry giant William F. White will open two new facilities in the city on May 15. Fortress Studio and Fortress+ Support will offer a combined nearly 200,000 square-feet of space for Calgary’s film industry to work, vastly expanding our capacity for major productions in the process.
Patio Supports Extended by City for 2021
Most of us are well aware how challenging things have been for Calgary’s restaurant industry due to COVID-19. In response to this, the City of Calgary is once again supporting patio dining in the city. In so many words, this involves reduced fees and red tape for adding and expanding patios throughout the city. If you’re interested in the finer details, visit newsroom.calgary.ca.
National accessArts Centre Receives City Funds
The City has pledged $2.5 million towards building the National Access Arts Centre (NaAC), the next phase in what was formerly known as Indefinite Arts Centre, a centre for artists living with disabilities. Indefinite Arts Centre suffered devastating infrastructural damage exactly three years before this funding news was shared. In a release, NaAC CEO J.S. Ryu (who part of Avenue‘s Top 40 Under 40 2019 class) shared that the new headquarters will be located on the site of the former Scouts Canada building in the city’s northwest.
Winners of Calgary Black Achievement Awards Announced
Congratulations are in order for the recipients of the Calgary Black Achievement Awards, an awards program by Calgary Black Chambers. On February 6, 15 winners were announced across 10 categories. They include our recent profile subject Cheryl Foggo (Arts, Media and Entertainment), Dr. Morris Scantlebury and Dr. Wauldron Afflick (Medicine), Mary Tidlund (Lifetime Achievement Award) and 11 others.
Calgary Public Library Launches Free Books for Kids Program With Help from Dolly Parton
You may have heard about Dolly Parton’s children’s literacy charity Imagination Library, which offers free books to kids as old as five. That foundation has now formed a partnership with the Calgary Public Library (CPL) with the same mandate under the name of My First Bookshelf. CTV reports that the CPL’s goal is to distribute 2,000 books in its first year and expand that number in the future. You must have a library card to qualify, which you can register to receive for free on the CPL website.
Designer Malika Rajani Raises Funds for Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion
Local fashion designer Malika Rajani is mid-way through her “Diversity is Love” campaign. The campaign began on February 14 to coincide with Valentine’s Day and runs until March 14. During this time, 20 per cent of all proceeds from sales of her leather jackets and women’s clothing line will go to the Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion. Rajani teamed up with a diverse array of Calgarians and photographer Farouq Samnani to create a portrait series to promote the campaign, plus a video testimonial series by Altamish Lalani. You can view all of that on Rajani’s Instagram page.
Mealshare Partners with A&W Canada
Big news for Calgary-based, youth-hunger non-profit Mealshare: it has secured a partnership with A&W Canada at a total of more than 1,000 locations across the country. The way Mealshare works is by designating “Mealshare Items” on partner restaurants’ menus. Each dish ordered generates enough money for one meal for a youth. The goal of this specific partnership is to generate 1.25 million meals per year. In Calgary, there are 51 A&W Canada locations with a collective goal to generate 60,000 meals. Local charitable partners, who help to fulfill the delivery of meals, include Brown Bagging for Calgarys Kids and Trellis (formerly known as Boys and Girls Clubs of Calgary).
Calgary Named a Best Place to Live and Work in the Film Industry
Calgary placed 10th on MovieMaker‘s latest list of the 25 best places to live and work as a moviemaker, beating out Toronto (but not Montreal or Vancouver) in the process. Its rationale for the ranking mentioned “sound stages galore, great crews and production services” as well as our proximity to the Rockies and specific facilities like the Calgary Film Centre and The CL Western Town & Backlot. The magazine also reported $200 million in area film industry spending in 2020. Recent major productions in Calgary include Let Him Go (starring Kevin Costner and Diane Keaton), Ghostbusters: Afterlife and the just-begun production of a Fraggle Rock series.
City of Calgary Provides 400 Online Stores to Local Businesses
The City of Calgary has partnered with Google for ShopHere, an initiative creating 400 free online stores for small businesses in the city. This follows an initial 45 stores that received the service in the fall and is made possible by an investment from the federal government. The 400 slots are available on a first-come, first-served basis and conditions apply.
New YYC Food Security Fund Supports The Leftovers Foundation
Donor-advised fund Place2Give Foundation ended 2020 with the announcement of a new investment in The Leftovers Foundation through its YYC Food Security Fund. The contribution allowed Leftovers to hire five part-time drivers to help deliver service. The goal for the fund is to aid the food industry by “purchasing locally sourced and produced foodstuffs at fair market value” and to employ industry workers who have been laid off.
Theatre Calgary Raised Funds for the Calgary Food Bank
Speaking of food security, Theatre Calgary recently made a substantial donation to the Calgary Food Bank. The company was able to raise more than $77,000 through with its online production of A Christmas Carol. The show — the second adaption by Geoffrey Simon Brown for Theatre Calgary — was available to audiences internationally and viewers from more than 21 countries tuned in.
Phase I Trial Vaccine Being Manufactured in Calgary
A COVID-19 vaccine undergoing Phase I trial is being manufactured in Calgary. Created by Providence Therapeutics — which operates in both Calgary and Toronto — the vaccine is called PTX-COVID19-B and is the first made-in-Canada vaccine to reach this stage of development. Calgary company Northern RNA is also on board to help with manufacturing capacity. Phase II may begin as early as May 2021 and approval for distribution may come by next year.