Peace pole, House of Friendship and more: What to know about the Rotary International Convention in Calgary
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Rotarians and community leaders from around the world will assemble in Calgary this weekend for Rotary's largest annual gathering.
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The annual Rotary International Convention is returning to Calgary for the first time in nearly 30 years, taking place at the BMO Centre from Saturday to Wednesday.
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More than 15,000 Rotary members and participants from more than 120 countries will unite to celebrate humanitarian service, cultural exchange and global peacebuilding.
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As Rotary members take in the city, Calgarians should expect a vibrant wave of visitors in traditional dress exploring the city centre.
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To accommodate the event, CTrain service will be increased for the length of the convention, running every seven minutes during peak hours and every 10 minutes outside of peak hours.
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Calgarians can also expect heavier traffic downtown, at Calgary International Airport and along the city's key routes.
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To mark the occasion, the Calgary Tower will glow red and yellow on Saturday and Sunday to honour Rotary's fight to eradicate polio worldwide.
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Then, the tower will be blue and gold from Monday to Wednesday in honour of the organization's broader mission to promote health, peace and prosperity.
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Established by Chicago attorney Paul P. Harris in 1905, its worldwide membership now exceeds 1.4 million.
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According to its website, Rotary International's mission is to 'provide service to others, promote integrity and advance world understanding, goodwill and peace through our fellowship of business, professional and community leaders.'
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Calgary falls under Rotary District 5360, which comprises 13 clubs in the city and more than 40 across the wider region. Founded in 1914, the Rotary Club of Calgary Downtown was one of its first clubs in the country.
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Clubs in Calgary have contributed to projects such as the Rotary/Mattamy Greenway, a 138-kilometre urban pathway that encircles the city, Calgary Rotary Challenger Park and the Rotary Flames House.
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