CBC: How Calgary's open-air markets form and function

The CBC examines the issue of Calgary’s open-air drug markets in a story published this week. Open-air markets, where drug trades take place openly, may seem strange, but they’re operating as intended, explains John Eck, a professor of criminal justice at the University of Cincinnati. Eck, who researches drug markets, weighs in to explain the complicated issue of how these crime hot spots operate and how he says merchants bear some of the responsibility for the hubs that have coalesced around their businesses.

Read the story here.

Featured image at top: The Circle K located off the CTrain line on Seventh Avenue S.W. has been one of the more notorious open-air markets in Calgary for years. (Joel Dryden/CBC)

Related Stories

1

Tips to avoid headaches this holiday season

December 15, 2025

A University of Cincinnati migraine expert offered a list of potential headache triggers around the holidays, and how you can try to avoid them, to 91.7 WVXU News. "There are a number of different factors that make this a very headache provocative time," said Vincent Martin, MD, professor of clinical medicine at the University of Cincinnati's College of Medicine and director of the Headache and Facial Pain Center at the Gardner Neuroscience Institute.

2

Local couple uses royalties from children's books to give gifts to kids in need

December 15, 2025

A local couple has found a unique way to give back to those in need this holiday season. Vic and Laura Troha wrote two children's books together, and this year, they are using the proceeds to buy Christmas gifts for Hamilton County foster kids. The couple are both graduates of the University of Cincinnati's College of Allied Health Sciences and met the day they graduated.

3

The hottest toys this holiday season

December 15, 2025

Local 12 turned to Lindner College of Business associate professor-educator of marketing Roseann Hassey to explain what’s got the trendiest items flying off the shelves.