Reporter Picks

Every year, Global Calgary reporters cover hundreds of stories. Many of the stories have an impact on the community, but some also leave an impact on the journalists that bring them to life. 

Here are our reporters’ top picks, for their favourite story of 2012. 

Gary Bobrovitz: Mar Fallout- March 14th   The scandal involving a fundraiser to pay off Gary Mar’s expenses incurred during the PC leadership campaign is my pick for my top story of the year. It was a huge exclusive report for Global Calgary, and became an issue in the provincial election campaign.

David Boushy: Mission Fire- December 13th This is on my list because of its oddness.  A couple gets married, while a fire rips through the house they were living in.  The happy newlyweds have lost all of their possessions.. but ahhh… don’t care cause they have each other.  And as it turns out, friends and family weren’t in on their wedding plans… they were trying to elope! The story fell into my lap. This was another classic “reveal.”

Jill Croteau: Donor Reunion – September 24th My submission is for a story called ‘Donor Reunion.’ It’s about the recipient of a heart transplant meeting the mother of the young man who had to die in order for her to live. Lise’s son was killed in a bicycle accident and she donated his organs. It was a compelling story not often seen, because donors are supposed to be anonymous to their recipients. The first moment of this mother and this young woman Kerri meeting for the very first time was full of such raw emotion. Tears flowed, and in the middle of a bustling airport – a remarkable moment between the two of them was being shared-it was as if time had stopped. It was extraordinarily real and genuine.

Jayme Doll: Lougheed Passes Away – September 13th The death of former Alberta premier Peter Lougheed gripped the nation. It gave us a chance to pause and remember a great politician and also reflect on the state of our affairs currently. His lengthy legacy has inspired many who knew him.  Many younger generations learned about this great man through his passing, and because of that it’s a story that stands out to me.

Reid Fiest: Horse Tale – November 22ndI will never forget the November day when I chased Marty the horse throughout downtown Toronto for Grey Cup 100. Such a fun day, and a highlight of the big game for Calgarians and I think all Canadians.

Carolyn Kury de Castillo: Ha Ling climb – September 23rdA great feat in the Alberta rockies. A quadriplegic woman ascended Ha Ling Peak near Canmore.

Tracy Nagai: Cancer Questions – August 15thThis story was tough to cover, trying to understand why someone would fake having such a terrible and fatal illness. In the end, bringing light to this issue helped Kristopher Cook’s victims find justice.He pleaded guilty to fraud over $5000 in December.

Sarah Offin: Cull of the WildAlberta is set to decide the fate of about 800 wild horses that roam Alberta.Myself and photographer George Glen headed into the foothills to get up close to the majestic creatures.

Mia Sosiak: Catholic board HPV Vote – November 28thMy submission is called ‘HPV Vote,’ because the impact of this controversial decision that has the potential to literally save thousands of lives.I also met an amazing mother, HPV victim Audrey Farrier, whose personal story of struggle I will never forget.

Bindu Suri: Family Home – February 16thThis story is about a father and son that had to abandon ship off the coast of Hawaii, and their reunion with the rest of the family at the airport.I like this story because it shows you that family is the most important thing you have in life. It’s a good reminder especially over the holidays, that having good health and happiness is really all you need.

Doug Vaessen: Calatrava bridge opens – March 30thMy favourite story this year was the opening of the Peace Bridge. After more than a year of bickering and political infighting on a $25 million pedestrian bridge that many thought was unnecessary, Calatrava’s bridge opened to huge fanfare and immediately became a gathering spot for Calgarians.I especially loved going to the bridge for an evening story to find a band entertaining people as a fashion photographer snapped pictures in and around all the people who just wanted to experience the bridge first-hand.