The award recognizes a Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) project led by The City of Calgary in partnership with DIALOG. The project examined 10 locations across downtown Calgary, exploring how design, community input and collaboration can help improve safety and the experience of people using public spaces. 

What set the project apart was its focus on implementation. Rather than producing recommendations alone, the team worked closely with businesses, community organizations, operational teams and subject matter experts to identify practical solutions that could be put into action. 

Several improvements are already underway or complete, including lighting enhancements, safety infrastructure and other measures designed to improve public spaces for residents, visitors and businesses. 

"This recognition reflects the incredible collaboration behind the project," said Darshan Tailor, Business Strategist with The City of Calgary. "Businesses, community organizations, City teams and technical experts all contributed their knowledge and experience. Together, we developed practical solutions that are helping create safer public spaces." 

Collaboration was central to the project's success. Interested parties from across sectors helped identify challenges, share local insights and shape recommendations that were both meaningful and achievable. This partnership-based approach ensured the project delivered practical outcomes rather than a stand-alone study. 

The recognition highlights the importance of investing in public spaces that support a vibrant downtown. Safer, more welcoming environments help encourage people to live, work, visit and spend time in the core, benefiting residents, businesses and the broader community. 

The project assessed 10 downtown locations and produced implementation-focused action plans designed to translate safety recommendations into tangible improvements on the ground. 

The APPI award recognizes planning excellence and innovation, celebrating projects that create positive impacts for communities across Canada. 

Jaya Dharan, CLIP Council‘s co-chair, underscores the significance of this initiative. "Immigration is vital for Calgary's economy. Immigrants bring diverse skills and perspectives that drive innovation and entrepreneurship, which are essential for our city's growth," says Dharan. 

The educational campaign will highlight how immigrants contribute to various sectors, including technology, healthcare, and education. "Immigrants complement the local workforce by filling critical gaps in jobs, which increases our productivity," Dharan adds. 

CLIP’s coordinator Arevik Tokmajyan emphasizes the importance of community engagement in the campaign. "We want to create a welcoming environment where newcomers feel valued and supported. This campaign is about celebrating the diverse talents and contributions of immigrants who call Calgary home," says Tokmajyan. 

The campaign also aims to address common misconceptions about immigration. Tokmajyan notes, "Immigrants help expand the economy by creating new businesses and job opportunities. About 250,000 immigrants in Canada are job creators and more than 60% are middle income or above, which contributing to our tax base." 

As Calgary continues to grow, the contributions of immigrants will be crucial in maintaining the city's vibrancy and competitiveness. "Immigration is not just about numbers; it's about the people who bring their dreams, skills, and cultures to enrich our community," says Tokmajyan. 

For more information about how immigration matters to YYC, visit Calgary Local Immigration Partnership. 

The community of Whitehorn witnessed the cost of groceries soaring and the need for assistance grew – that is when volunteers of the Whitehorn Community Association seized an opportunity to provide free bread to seniors struggling to make ends meet. What began as a modest offering—one item, one need—has since blossomed into a community lifeline, helping over 200 families on a weekly basis. Jenn Curley, a Neighbourhood Partnership Coordinator with The City of Calgary, supports the Whitehorn Community Association, providing support and connection to resources within The City. Jenn directly supports the community association in strengthening our neighbourhoods, making them amazing places to live, work and play.

"The food security program at Whitehorn is amazing. The volunteers have tirelessly worked to ensure everyone has access to this essential need. While they make it look effortless, I know it requires immense effort and dedication,” shares Jenn. “These volunteers donate countless hours each week, driving to pick up donations, organizing the food, preparing hampers, facilitating pick-up days, and even delivering to those who need support but cannot come to the hall. The Whitehorn food security program exemplifies how community association volunteers are making Calgary a better place to live.”

This initiative, now known as the Whitehorn Community Association Pop-up Pantry, owes much of its success to the incredible support from partners like Second Harvest and Guru Nanak Free Kitchen. But at its core, this program is powered by a dedicated group of volunteers, each bringing their unique skills and heart to the operation. Some gather donations, others sort and pack food, and many contribute their time to serve the families who rely on this resource.

"The greatest wealth is the ability to share with those in need and in a world where food is wasted, no one should go hungry,” says one Whitehorn Community Association pantry volunteer. “The pantry does this amazingly well, impacting every facet of our lives with smiles and comfort of a better community."

The pantry offers more than just food. In a time when hope and connection were in short supply, it has become a symbol of community and resilience. The success of the pantry was no accident—it is the result of the unwavering commitment and selflessness of the volunteers.

"The work to help people with food insecurity that is done at Whitehorn community truly brings hope back into the world. The countless hours that volunteers spend is truly inspirational. To see people have a bit of relieve from the concern of how they are going to feed their families is awe inspiring." -Pantry Volunteer

People of all ages have worked tirelessly, ensuring that there is always something available for those in need. Through their collective efforts, the pantry has transformed from a simple food distribution point into a symbol of solidarity, compassion, and shared strength. As the months and years have passed, the pantry’s impact has only deepened. Families who once struggled with hunger now sit at their tables with dignity, enjoying the meals they receive. The pantry has given them more than just nourishment—it has given them a sense of belonging, a reminder that they are not alone in their struggles. A family, who has directly benefited from the pantry, shares the difference it has made to them and gives thanks to all the volunteers who made this a possibility.

"You guys are the best. Everyone is nice and more patience than I would have imagined. You have helped my family so much. I'm a one income house with a lot of bills and just getting that bag or two of food every week helps so much. Thanks again for everything you guys do."

It has shown them that when a community comes together, no challenge is too great to overcome. Today, as the Whitehorn pop-up pantry continues to thrive, the simple vision that started it all has become an essential lifeline for many. It serves as a powerful reminder that, in the face of hardship, compassion, resilience, and unity can transform lives.