This March, The City of Calgary and the Federation of Calgary Communities (FCC) are celebrating the 156 community associations that represent 250+ neighbourhoods during Community Association Awareness Month. Calgary’s community associations represent the largest volunteer movement in the city, and play a crucial role in fostering connected, well-maintained and engaged communities, enhancing the quality of life for all Calgarians.
“By collaborating with our partners who provide important services to Calgarians, we are able to offer safe and welcoming spaces for individuals and families,” says Mayor Gondek. “A key priority for Council is supporting and investing in Civic Partners such as libraries, arts groups and community organizations to ensure people who live and visit Calgary can have great experiences.”
Each year, more than 20,000 volunteers contribute approximately 2.4 million hours to support social, recreational and educational programs across Calgary. The City of Calgary and the Federation of Calgary Communities are encouraging Calgarians to get involved—whether by volunteering, becoming a member, attending events or joining their community association board.
“Community associations bring people together and create a sense of belonging and unity through events, programs and volunteer efforts,” says Hayley Saunders, Team Lead of Community Partnerships at The City of Calgary. “Community Association Awareness Month is a time to recognize and celebrate Calgarians who build stronger, safer and more connected neighbourhoods. When our communities thrive, our whole city benefits.”
The City of Calgary partners with community associations through 24 Neighbourhood Partnership Coordinators who connect them to City resources and support their organizational goals. The impact of this collaboration is evident in communities like Sandstone MacEwan.
“The Sandstone MacEwan Community Association shares a fantastic working relationship with our City of Calgary Neighbourhood Partnership Coordinator,” says Sue Coatham, Sandstone MacEwan Community Association President. “Through this relationship we have been successful in replacing a 25-year-old shed at one of our rinks with a building that is the hub for our free skate exchange program. Further, after years of effort we have a new rink that replaced a 25-year-old skating rink that will support our communities for the next 25 years.”
The Federation of Calgary Communities also plays a vital role in supporting our community associations by leveraging information sharing across the network, delivering support and educational resources and supporting funding opportunities for resident-led projects.
“Community associations are unique to Calgary. Run by volunteers, these organizations provide accessible programming, events, and, in many neighbourhoods, affordable rental spaces that foster social connection, recreation and local economic activity,” says Leslie Evans, Executive Director of the Federation of Calgary Communities. “As our city grows and changes, these organizations play a crucial role in fostering vibrant, complete communities and support the concept of the 15-minute city—where residents can access essential services, recreation and social opportunities within a short walk or bike ride from home. At the Federation, we are proud of the work of community associations and the work that we do to support their leadership, and help their organizations thrive.”
Calgarians are encouraged to connect with their local community association, attend an event, join a program, volunteer or become a member. Find out more at the Federation of Calgary Communities’ campaign page.