Fall colours in Calgary. Stock image: Kui Hu / Unsplash
Five Calgary community associations are marking milestone anniversaries this year, together adding up to 290 years of volunteers running programs, halls and events for their neighbours, the City of Calgary says.
Rosedale Community Association: 75 years
Triwood Community Association: 65 years
North Haven Community Association: 60 years
Brentwood Community Association: 50 years
Sandstone MacEwan Community Association: 40 years
Run by volunteers
Calgary has more than 160 community associations, representing more than 250 communities. They're run by more than 16,000 volunteers who put in thousands of hours every year, according to the City.
"We partner with Calgary community associations to make life better for all Calgarians," Tim Mowrey, the City's manager of community partners, said in the release.
The Federation of Calgary Communities supports the associations with the social, recreational and educational programs they offer.
What associations are building now
Older associations are celebrating, and others are still adding to their communities, the City says:
Kincora is working on a new playground.
Symons Valley: the Symons Valley Leisure and Amenities Society has applied for a development permit for the first stage of a community sport and recreation hub.
Coach Hill Patterson Heights broke ground on a new community space.
Hidden Valley launched a member discount program with local businesses.
Rutland Park got an Inspiring Neighbourhood Grant for two storage containers that will be painted with murals.
Elbow Park replaced a vandalized sundial in the Gerry Shaw Garden.
Bringing neighbours together
Associations also ran events through the year. Redstone's third annual Stampede Breakfast drew about 7,000 people, and Mahogany, Montgomery, West Springs and Capitol Hill all held community gatherings over the summer, the City says.
