The photo contest became a certified hit with 100 entries and generating more than 12,000 ‘likes’ on its Facebook page during its run that challenged Calgarians to look at the historic neighbourhood of East Village with new eyes.

The winning shot went to Soha Zia who received over 3,600 ‘likes’ for her dream-like shot of the tiny people First Villagers.  She won a three-night stay in Montreal’s amazing Place d’Armes Hotel & Suites with $1,500 spending money.

The runner-up prize went to Jonathan Zantua, whose carefully designed East Village backdrop earned him the Canon OS 7D camera.

The contest shined a light on the exciting developments going on in what had been a neglected part of town. “We wanted Calgarians to experience what the new East Village had to offer,” FIRST marketing spokesperson Brandi Sabados tells Around Town/Condo Living.

FRAM + Slokker vice-president of development and construction, Fred Serrafero says East Village is a one-of-a-kind community. “To find undeveloped land in such a wonderful location so close to the financial centre and on the river banks is very rare, and we wanted everyone to realize the opportunity this presented.”

Sabados says they were really happy with the turnout for the photo competition that tapped into the strength of social media that they will be doing another one soon. “You can bet this won’t be the last contest of this kind that we will have, there are lots of exciting plans ahead,” she adds.

Click the photo above to see this Soha Zia's winning photo and other entrants.