Calgary celebrates Community Association Awareness Month and Federation’s 65th anniversary
This March, the Federation of Calgary Communities alongside The City officially kick off Community Association Awareness Month (CAAM) as proclaimed by Mayor Jeromy Farkas. Dating back to the first Community Association Awareness Week in 1962, CAAM continues to celebrate the 160 community associations (CAs) that make Calgary a great place to live, work and play. This year marks a milestone for the Federation celebrating 65 years of supporting community associations, grassroots non-profits, and the incredible volunteers who run them.
A Calgary Legacy
Calgary’s community associations are built into the fabric of our city. Born out of Ratepayers and School Associations in the 1890s, community associations have represented and advocated for community interests since their inception.
In 1912, the “city plan envision[ed] a patchwork of [neighbourhoods] with recreational areas linked to schools” (Calgary Herald, April 30, 1989). This vision of community development served as the catalyst for the first community associations and remains ingrained in how we plan, build, and think about our neighborhoods today. As Calgary expands and new communities emerge, new community associations will continue to incorporate. Currently, community associations represent over 200 neighbourhoods across our city.
“We continue to grow because Calgary’s community associations are growing,” says Leslie Evans, Executive Director at the Federation of Calgary Communities. The Federation was incorporated in 1961 with only 47 community associations; today, there are 160 community associations serving neighbourhoods across Calgary.
“As these groups focus on making life better for their neighbours, we’ve made sure that our services keep pace with their needs. We’re here to support the 160 community associations and 147 other non-profit organizations, so that they can focus on what they do best: serving their communities,” says Evans.
A Unique Identity
Calgary’s community association network is one of the largest in Canada — 20,000 volunteers strong. Community associations and social rec. organizations steward and activate over $1 billion in City-funded infrastructure to provide sports, recreation and social programs close to home.
“Community associations bring that ‘small town’ feel to a big city,” says Evans, “they are one of the many reasons that every community in our city has a unique character. CAs ensure that as Calgary develops, the spirit of connection grows with it. For the past 65 years, the Federation has proudly supported the community association movement in Calgary.”
Be Part of It!
Whether they know it or not, every Calgarian has been positively affected by the work of their community association. This March, we invite you to "Be Part of It" by supporting the volunteers who strengthen our connections:
· Find your local CA: Discover your association by visiting the "Find My Community Association" page at calgarycommunities.com/mccam
· Join & Support: Buying a membership or attending an event directly funds the programs and amenities that improve quality of life for everyone.
· Volunteer: Bring your passion for community and urban planning to your local board to help shape Calgary’s future.
About the Federation of Calgary Communities
For 65 years, the Federation of Calgary Communities has been a support organization for CAs and other grassroots non-profits. We provide the services, tools, and advocacy needed to sustain the unique volunteer-led model that makes Calgary’s neighborhoods the most vibrant in Canada.
In 1962, the Federation launched Community Association Awareness Week, which received its first Mayoral Proclamation in 1981. Since then, the initiative has evolved into Community Association Awareness Month (CAAM), a city-wide celebration
The Federation is a proud civic partner of The City of Calgary. The City supports Calgary’s community associations through the work of Neighbourhood Partnership Coordinators, who connect with CA boards and attend all community association meetings. Together, we work to empower CA boards, ensuring they have the resources and support they need to thrive.
Media Contact
Leslie Evans, Executive Director
The Federation of Calgary Communities
Leslie.evans@calgarycommunities.com
403-244-4111 ext. 201
403-975-7904