The balmy temperatures across southern Alberta have people moving from the ski slopes onto the golf course. “I’m from Cape Breton, and they got 30 centimetres (of snow), so to be able to golf in February is like a dream,” said Shawna Baldwin. Fox Hollow Golf Course, known for letting golfers play in the winter if Mother Nature co-operates, filled up the tee sheet Wednesday. “Right now, it’s looking like we should be able to get golfers on the property up until at least next Friday,” said Greg Griffith with Fox Hollow Golf Course. “You’re playing real golf. You’re not just hitting on a driving range, which, you know, there’s many good facilities to use for the winter, but nothing beats being out and watching your ball fly.” Calgarians are enjoying a break from winter. For Lisa Sullivan, the family arborist business, Cowboy Trail Tree Service, is in full swing. “Feeling slammed. It’s exciting because it’s good for business,” Sullivan said. Sullivan says people are hoping to get a jump on garden prep ahead of the growing season. “People are concerned about this false spring kind of thing happening, and some of the trees are actually starting to bud out,” Sullivan said. “If we get another freeze, which we likely will, those new fresh buds are probably going to be damaged.” Alberta Blue Cross held its annual Winter Walk Day in an effort to promote healthy living during the year’s “chilly” months. “It is a nice change. This time last year, we had to cancel Winter Walk Day in Calgary because we had wind chills of almost -30 degrees,” said Stephanie Carlson with Alberta Blue Cross. This chinook blast is sticking around for a bit, and it also comes with warnings from officials. Lakes, ponds and rivers are melting at a rapid rate, creating dangers for all. “There’s a lot of areas where people are used to through the winter season, whether it’s a shortcut or area they walk through every day,” said Alex Kwan with the Calgary Fire Department. “Conditions can change within hours of the same day.” The warmer temperatures are also sparking fire advisories in the region.
