Community members, young athletes and Calgary Stampeders players got an early look at Fonda Park's new flag football fields at a community preview event on Saturday, Oct. 3.

The City of Calgary is delivering three new flag football fields at Fonda Park (1017 Fonda Ct. S.E.) in partnership with the Stampeders Foundation's 2026 Grey Cup Legacy Project. The fields respond to the rapid growth of flag and touch football in Calgary, a sport gaining popularity with youth and adults alike, while bringing more opportunities to participate closer to families in the surrounding communities.

"Fonda Park was selected because it already has the infrastructure, the transit access and parking needed to support increased recreational use," said Deputy Mayor Dan McLean. McLean noted that the project repurposes underused playfields, including an underused baseball diamond, while keeping valued community amenities like the skate slab and playground. Two of three fields are complete and will be open for booking starting April 2027, while the third field will begin construction next spring.

The event focused on what the fields are for: getting kids to play. Stampeders Jaylon Hutchings and Folarin Orimolade joined young athletes on the field for a try-it session open to all ages.

A permanent home for flag football

The fields bring organized flag football to an area of the city that hasn't had local access before.

"Most kids don't stop playing sports because they lose interest. They stop, or never start, because it's too expensive, too far away, or too hard to fit into family life”, said Logan Ruzycki, a coach with the YYC Flag Football League. "If you were a kid in this part of the city and wanted to play flag football, it usually meant a long drive."

Ruzycki noted that flag football needs little equipment, is low-contact, and lets boys and girls of all sizes and skill levels play together from day one. "But sport is only as accessible as the place you play it."

Better use of park space, more access to sport

The Fonda Park Playfield Enhancements project supports two of The City's long-term strategies for parks and recreation: GamePLAN and Connect: Calgary's Parks Plan. Together, they guide how The City can make better use of existing public spaces, respond to changing recreation needs and bring more opportunities closer to where Calgarians live.

Connect calls for multifunctional parks that can serve a range of community needs. At Fonda Park, that means adding dedicated sport fields without taking away what neighbours already use and value. Fonda Park remains a community park first: when the fields aren't booked for organized sport, they're open and free for public use.

The project also reflects GamePLAN's Level the Playing Field and Change the Game principles. It increases access to recreation in a traditionally underserved area, removes barriers like travel distance, and repurposes underused space to meet changing sport and recreation needs.

A Grey Cup legacy

The Stampeders Foundation's 2026 Grey Cup Legacy Project is contributing $500,000 toward the project, alongside City funding through Recreation & Social Programs and the Parks & Playground Amenities (PAPA) program. The fields are a lasting, community-level legacy of the 2026 Grey Cup Festival.

"You don't have to play professional football to learn hard work, teamwork and resilience. You just need an opportunity to play the game," said Calgary Stampeders president Jay McNeil.

Known as T2E, a clever play on their postal code, the car show event was born out of the Rides & Rods festival founded by several Greenview Industrial auto shops coming together, including local wheel expert and motorsport enthusiast Jim Wright 18 years ago. Over time, it has evolved into a large, community -focused celebration and this year expanded to a two-day celebration.

"Greenview is full of unexpected moments," says Executive Co-Directors Deicha Carter and Tel Bruce. "You might come for a T2E concert or car show and leave with a new favourite coffee shop, discover an artist's studio, or meet the owner of a family-run business that's been here for generations. That's the experience we want people to have." 

This year’s T2E two-day event will span seven city blocks and feature more than 150 classic cars, hot rods and motorcycles for show and shines, alongside an artisan market, free kid zone, live music, a community art installation tour, live mural painting, family-friendly activities, and a brand new downhill mini car derby. For the first time, the festival will also include nighttime entertainment, with light projections, a moonlit market, burlesque, and high energy music performances featuring Yukon Blonde and the Vanishing Ones trick motorcycle riders. 

T2E gives the area’s mostly small, locally owned businesses, many of them multi-generational, a chance to connect with first-time visitors and showcase what the BIA has to offer. 

“At the heart of our BIAs are the people, events and experiences that make Calgary unique,” says Kim Mustard, Manager for The City’s Major Partners. “We hope Calgarians will take the time to experience T2E – it is our only industrial BIA, and is a unique community mainly centered around automotive business culture with music, food, art and more. Our BIA partners are essential in building strong local economies and communities.” 

The City of Calgary supports 15 BIAs working to enhance and promote their defined geographic district to make it more vibrant, safe and welcoming for businesses, visitors and all Calgarians. Summer events, like T2E, highlight the role BIAs play in fostering local economic activity and creating spaces for Calgarians to gather, explore and celebrate our business districts. 

Learn more about Calgary BIAs, and our BIA Summer Events 

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Dr. Don Henderson, the Curator of Dinosaurs at the Royal Tyrrell Museum, said sea stars require extremely specific conditions to fossilize, making specimens of this age very rare and limited to only a handful of sites worldwide. The boulder that holds the sea star was placed there during the playground's construction in 2005 leading us to believe the fossil has remained there for over 20 years. Dr. Henderson says he has inquired where the boulders were sourced from, but the exact location has not been confirmed.

Sitting at the playground where the fossil was found, Alyssa crouched down studying her discovery further. When asked what her favorite thing about the fossil was, she replied, “I love how preserved it is”. Even at the age of seven, Alyssa is thinking beyond this moment, recognizing the importance of preserving a piece of Alberta’s history.

Speaking with Alyssa’s parents, it was clear this was a special moment for their family filled with pride, excitement and a touch of disbelief. They described their daughter’s passion for palaeontology and the thoughtful questions she brought to the Tyrrell team, including “how do sea stars fossilize if they don’t have bones?” a question that left many adults saying, “I had never thought of that.”

Dr. Henderson explained that “Tyrrell’s mandate is to preserve the fossil heritage of the province” meaning the fossil must be carefully removed from the park and stored in a controlled environment for research and conservation. The Tyrrell team used a diamond saw to diagonally cut into the stone, removing the section of rock containing the fossil, leaving the remaining boulder in place. City crews are working to smooth out the area and will be pouring new concrete to reconstruct the remaining rock. The fossil was taken back to the Tyrrell Museum where it will be cleaned, cataloged, and may eventually go on display.

Alyssa watched from a distance as the fossil was removed, climbing to the highest point of the playground for a better view. Once the rock was lifted, she had a chance to hold her discovery — a small but meaningful moment after her curiosity set everything in motion.  

Laureen Bryant, an Archaeologist from The City of Calgary’s Cultural Landscapes group, says in Alberta fossils are protected under the Historical Resources Act. It is very important to report suspected fossil finds directly to the Royal Tyrrell Museum. This includes noting the location, photographing the find, and most importantly leaving it undisturbed, making sure not to damage any fossils you encounter. For more information about reporting fossil finds, visit the Royal Tyrrell Museum website.

The City of Calgary Parks & Open Spaces team was amazed by Alyssa’s commitment to conservation and recognized her unbound potential and enthusiasm for science. As a thank-you, Parks & Open Spaces presented her with some small tokens of appreciation. These included swimming passes from The City of Calgary’s Recreation and Social Programs group, admission from Calgary Civic partners at the Calgary Zoo, TELUS Spark Center and Heritage Park along with a tree to plant in memory of the day she uncovered a remarkable piece of history.

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Media contacts

Royal Tyrrell Museum 
Ashley Makohoniuk, Head of Marketing and Public Relations
Ashley.Makohoniuk@gov.ab.ca

They were loaned to The City on a handshake and a smile back in 1986. A prolific craftsperson, Tom never sold any of his creations but instead loaned it to organizations that displayed them. From the late 1960s until his death in 1984, Tom carved approximately 200 masks out of pine and spruce burls harvested from the Jumping Pound Area of Alberta.

On March 6, The City and Tom Ward’s family are honouring the Calgarian and his creations by signing a formal agreement ensuring the wood carvings stay on display at Devonian Gardens.

“It’s extremely important to our family that these carvings remain in a public place where they can be appreciated by park visitors,” said Tim Ward, Tom’s son.

Carving was just one of Tom’s hobbies that helped him unwind after a day working in The City’s planning department and later as lead for The City’s first bylaw enforcement office.

“My father was a prolific craftsperson,” said Tim. “While he was recovering in England following the Second World War, someone showed him how to do needlepoint. From there he started also creating rugs and then taught himself wood carving.”

Tom, along with his family and neighbours, built an outdoor studio and community gathering place in his backyard. There, he would work in front of an enormous fireplace for 10 to 20 hours per week. The family also made numerous trips outside Calgary to collect logs to fuel his passion.

“He got a permit from the Head of Forestry in those days to harvest dead and diseased trees that had knots,” said Tim. “We would go out in the dead of winter because the trees grew in areas with moist muskeg that were only accessible when it was really cold. So, we would trek in, cut down these logs with knots in them, carry them out then attach them to our 1950s four-door sedan and drive home.”

Tom was known as a generous force of nature that was always open to sharing his time, including teaching others how to carve and shared many conversations in front of the fire.

“He would look at a piece of wood and already see the creation he was going to make,” said Tim. “When he carved you could watch him take the face out of that piece of wood; that unto itself was unique.”

The family feels that there really is no better place than in a park for Tom’s unique wood carvings as he deeply loved the outdoors and the company of trees.

“Having his carvings in Devonian Gardens is really perfect, quite serendipitous; we actually couldn’t imagine them anywhere else,” said Tim, adding that he has heard this from many family members.

From September 25–27, all adoptable cats will be available for $84.52 + GST. The following week, from October 2–4, it’s the dogs’ turn to shine — all adoptable dogs will be available for $100 + GST.

Every animal adopted from Animal Services Centre comes with more than just a wagging tail or a gentle purr. Each pet is spayed or neutered, vaccinated, microchipped, health-checked and comes with a one-year license. This means families can feel confident knowing their new companion is not only affordable, but also healthy, safe and ready to settle into their forever home.

“These events are a wonderful opportunity for Calgarians to meet some of the incredible pets in our care and give them the loving homes they deserve,” says Kathleen Dickson, Coordinator, Animal Care and Clinic Services. “We’re proud to provide high-quality, cost-friendly adoptions that not only connect people with new companions but also support responsible pet ownership in our city.”

Adoptions will take place at the Animal Services Centre (2201 Portland St S.E.) during regular hours of operation. Stop by, meet some four-legged friends and see if one steals your heart.

For more information and to view adoptable animals, visit calgary.ca/pets/adoption

In a wide-ranging interview about how, where and when to vote, Returning officer Kate Martin and Assistant Director of Elections Andrew Brouwer give listeners a glimpse into what to expect on Election Day and some of the work that goes into ensuring a fair and accessible election.

There are several new rules for this election and more polling stations. The new rules include political parties, mail-in ballot changes and the reintroduction of hand counting.

Martin says ensuring Calgarians the process is fair and unbiased is the key work of her team.

“Independence and impartiality are important so Calgarians can have trust in the process,” said Martin.

“Some of the differences Calgarians will see is the name of the political party right next to the candidate’s name on the ballot.”

Brouwer explains that arranging hundreds of thousands of Calgarians to have their voices heard, is a big job.

“We have 261 voting stations across the city,” said Brouwer.

“Those are all inspected to make sure they are physically accessible and meet our needs and are close to transit.”

The pair share important information on how to vote, convenient advance voting options and what steps are taken to ensure the voting process is trustworthy.

“Calgarians should be confident that the ballot they cast will be secure," said Martin. 

This year’s election of Council, The Mayor and trustees for both the public and Catholic school boards will go Oct. 20. The last day to have nominations filed to Elections Calgary for those hoping to run in this election is Sept. 22.

You can view the podcast at calgary.ca/podcast or through most popular podcast providers.

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The Calgary Centre for Performing Arts (formerly Arts Commons and now Werklund Centre) opened its doors.

The young Saddledome, two years into its operation, hosted concerts by Tina Turner, Neil Diamond and Dire Straits, among others.

And in October 1985, the Municipal Building opened under the proud leadership of Mayor Ralph Klein.

Since then, the building’s public spaces have stood the test of time and remained largely original. These spaces, including Council Chamber and the Fair Entry, City Payments Services (formerly Corporate Cashiers) and Assessment & Tax (formerly Tax Advisory) service counters are key to how we serve Calgarians. They were due for updates, and this fall, we’re excited to share how we’ve revitalized them and incorporated contemporary design, building code and accessibility standards. 

Council Chamber gets a modern makeover to better serve everyone

Council Chamber has received a renovation and lifecycle upgrade—making it more welcoming, accessible and functional for everyone who uses the space. 

This August, we completed a two-phase modernization project that refreshed the Chamber from top to bottom, with improvements that support Council, City employees and the public in a more inclusive and inviting environment.

What’s new?

The first phase, completed in August 2024, focused on improving the workspace for Council and Administration. Updates included height-adjustable Council desks for improved ergonomics, and enhanced technology integration to better support connectivity in the Council area.

The second phase, finished this August, focused on the public gallery, where Calgarians and employees sit during Council and Committee meetings. Key improvements include:

• New gallery seating that meets today’s accessibility and ergonomic standards.
• Power access on select seating so guests can charge their devices.
• Dedicated seating for presenters waiting to address Council.
• New carpet, paint and acoustic wall panels to improve sound quality and rejuvenate the space.

These changes are designed to make it easier and more equitable for Calgarians to participate in local government.

The project budget for Council Chamber lifecycle upgrades for both phases was approximately $2 million, funded by a facility asset sustainment budget.

Third floor service counters become more user friendly for patrons and frontline staff

We have made some exciting changes to the Fair Entry, City Payments Services (formerly Corporate Cashiers) and Assessment & Tax (formerly Tax Advisory) service counters, a main stop for Calgarians accessing vital City services. Since the counters opened in 1985, Calgary has evolved tenfold and the demand for services provided at the counters has risen sharply.  

To better serve the diverse needs of our fellow Calgarians, we’ve added service points, modernized the layout, increased accessibility and given spaces a fresh, welcoming look. These upgrades will not only bring the space up to current design, building code and accessibility standards but also make it easier for everyone to access the essential services provided by Fair Entry, Assessment & Tax and City Payments Services.

Improvements include:

• More Fair Entry counters.
• Enclosed meeting rooms for patrons who prefer to speak with City staff in private.
• Height-adjustable service counters for better accessibility and ergonomics.
• Improved layout for easier movement and less congestion.
• A welcome desk to provide help and answer questions.

For many patrons, these service desks are a first step toward accessing vital City programs and services. These upgrades help ensure that their experience is respectful, efficient and welcoming.

The overall budget for the Fair Entry, City Payments Services and Assessment & Tax service counter renovations was approximately $5 million, funded by a facility asset sustainment budget.

Why it matters

“These projects are about more than just replacing old furniture and finishes,” says Susan Robinson, Facilities’ manager of Building Infrastructure. “We wanted these spaces to better reflect our values—welcoming, inclusive and accessible for everyone. These changes support Calgarians, Council and staff, and we believe they’ll make a positive difference in how City services are accessed and delivered."

And let’s be honest—1985 was a great year for shoulder pads and cassette tapes, but everything from hairstyles to ergonomics and accessible design has evolved since then. These lifecycle upgrades and modernization improvements bring the Municipal Building’s public spaces into the present, ready to serve the city for decades to come.

Council Chamber

_{The Council Chamber lifecycle upgrades included height-adjustable Council desks for improved ergonomics, and enhanced technology integration to better support connectivity in the Council area.}

_{The original 1985 seating in the Council Chamber’s public gallery has been replaced with new seating that meets today’s accessibility and ergonomic standards. Power access is available on select seats so guests can charge their devices.}

Third floor service counters

_{New Fair Entry service counters and two enclosed private customer meeting rooms, designed to promote superior customer service.}  

_{The Fair Entry waiting area features a kid-friendly interactive art installation called a sparkle wall, which lights up when touched and adds an element of fun to the space.}  

_{Coming soon: Assisted listening devices will be available at designated counters. This technology broadcasts a signal to hearing devices to amplify sound and reduce background noise, making it easier for people with hearing loss to communicate more effectively.}  

_{Coming soon: The Fair Entry waiting area will feature a bright mural to welcome patrons to the space.}  

_{Coming soon: The windows along The City Payments Services area will be updated with City images.}  

This year saw the launch of the Neighbour Day microgrant, which offered up to $2,500 per event. All $70,000 in available funding was distributed, helping support 43 community events that attracted more than 20,000 Calgarians. 

Despite the rain, Neighbour Day 2025 was a great success, with Calgarians coming together to celebrate community spirit across the city. 

Among the initiatives funded through the new microgrant were painting petite chairs in Chinatown, providing wellness services downtown and decorating birdhouses in the southeast. Each reflecting the diversity and heart of Calgary’s neighbourhoods. 

Painting community pride in Chinatown 

At the Chinese Cultural Centre, the Chinatown Business Improvement Area (BIA) welcomed attendees to a lively cultural event that included martial arts performances, lion dances, vendor booths and hands-on art activities. 

A key highlight was a chair painting station where families, children and seniors painted miniature Adirondack chairs to take home. These pieces of art served as symbols of expression and connection while honoring Chinatown’s rich cultural heritage. 

Event attendees at the Chinese Cultural Centre painting miniature Adirondack chairs. 

“Neighbour Day is all about bringing the community together, connecting with one another and simply enjoying the day,” said Judy Eng-Hum, event organizer with the Chinatown BIA. “It’s a chance to share stories, build relationships and celebrate what makes our community so unique.” 

Caring for community at Good Neighbour 

At the Central United Church, the local nonprofit Good Neighbour hosted the Be a Good Neighbour celebration. The organization operates out of the church basement year-round providing food clothing and trauma-informed support to low-income Calgarians including newcomers, seniors and unhoused residents. Dozens of partner agencies contributed their services, making it a true community-wide effort.   

Volunteers served BBQ meals while guests received free wellness services including massages, haircuts and access to health resources. Games, music and conversation brought a sense of joy and dignity to the day. 

With Good Neighbour being a volunteer operation, organizers welcome Neighbour Day with open arms to celebrate their community and give back to those in need.  

“The funding really helps grassroots nonprofits like ours afford more fun things,” said Alice Lam, co-founder of Be a Good Neighbour. “I also love that it's a citywide highlight on all the incredible neighborhoods and all the incredible volunteers that make the city run.”  

Birdhouses and belonging in Millican Ogden 

At the Millican Ogden Community Association (MOCA), the focus was on creativity and inclusion. Families gathered to paint wooden birdhouses with colorful designs and unique personal touches. The event also included music and games with a calm friendly atmosphere that encouraged meaningful connection. 

Zev Klymochko, vice president of MOCA, was appreciative with how Neighbour Day binds the community together with simple activities. 

“I think it helps people realize that we can promote neighbourhood pride,” said Klymochko. “When people attend events in their community, they don't have to go out of their neighbourhood. It strengthens that community.” 

Neighbour Day continues to grow 

Neighbour Day was first introduced in 2014 and continues to grow each year, with communities putting their own spin on what it means to connect. Whether through cultural celebration, public art or social support, the day is a reminder that great neighbourhoods are built on one conversation, one shared experience and one moment of kindness at a time. 

The City of Calgary and Calgarians need to work together to manage our stormwater. The City’s Stormwater Management Strategy reduces the impact of flooding, ensures public safety, reduces damage to property and helps keep our rivers healthy by way of storm drains, outfalls and storm ponds.

• Storm drains reduce stormwater off sidewalks, streets and roads, bringing it into an underground pipe system and carrying it all the way to the nearest outfall.
• Outfalls are the exit points by which stormwater leaves the pipe system and enters our rivers or creeks.
• Storm ponds naturally treat stormwater by slowing the flow, allowing sediment and pollution to settle before entering our rivers.
  
  

While storm ponds are found in newer communities, stormwater is not cleaned by a treatment plant, which is why keeping it free of pollution is critical. Clean stormwater ensures our rivers, creeks and surrounding lands, as well as local wildlife and fish, remain healthy for future generations.

You can help keep stormwater clean and our rivers healthy by doing these simple actions:

• Point downspouts toward lawns and gardens or use a rain barrel. 
• Limit the use of fertilizers and pesticides. 
• Sweep up debris from your garage and driveway instead of washing it away.
• Wash your vehicle at a car wash instead of your driveway.
• Never pour anything down the storm drain.
• Pick up pet waste and litter and put them in the proper waste containers. 

What ends up on our streets, ends up in our rivers. To learn more about keeping our rivers, creeks and wetlands healthy, visit calgary.ca/stormwater.

While Calgary has over 1,000 City of Calgary playgrounds – not including community and school playgrounds – there are many places throughout the world that have very few playgrounds. For this reason, when City of Calgary playground equipment no longer meets Canadian standards, we donate the pieces that would otherwise end up in a landfill to charitable organizations that repurpose the equipment.

“While the equipment may no longer meet City of Calgary standards and Canadian Standards Association (CSA) guidelines, it can still be of great value and provide safe play opportunities for children in other countries after being refurbished and professionally and properly installed,” said Artur Kochanczyk, Infrastructure Lead, Parks & Open Spaces, City of Calgary.

The City’s Parks Infrastructure Team has repurposed playground equipment for years, donating it to various charitable organizations. In 2024, The City donated over 40 pieces of equipment to Alberta-based not-for-profit organization, Hope Mission. They collect, refurbish, transport and professionally install playgrounds in countries where children have less access to free play amenities.  

“(By partnering with The City), we have been able to give the gift of ‘play’ to orphanages, schools and communities that would otherwise never have access to developmental play,” said Deryk Kirchner, International Director for Hope Mission. “Each playground has had volunteer teams from the sponsoring groups go with a professional certified builder from Alberta to install the equipment together with local community members and hosts. Many of our builders have come from Calgary and they ensure the playgrounds are installed properly and safely.” 

One such playground was built at an orphanage and school in Belize where the power of having more opportunities to play was very evident shortly after the equipment was installed. “When the children come into the classroom they are chatting and already socially engaged and the teachers felt they had gained one to two hours of effective education because of the playground,” said Kirchner.

In addition to providing opportunities for play, donating this equipment reduces waste by repurposing equipment that would otherwise end up in a landfill.

“Our Parks & Open Spaces staff are always looking for ways to reduce waste and find a new use for materials, where possible,” said Kochanczyk. “This program to donate playground equipment that we can no longer use here in Calgary is a great example of this.” 

_{Photos courtesy of Hope Mission: Children enjoying refurbished playground equipment at an orphanage and school in Haiti.} 

<sub>Photo courtesy of Hope Mission: A playground in Mozambique built using donated playground equipment.


Photo courtesy of Hope Mission: A child enjoying a new playground built in Bullet Tree Falls, Belize.</sub> 

_{Examples of the types of playground equipment donated by The City of Calgary to Hope Mission in 2024 to be refurbished and professionally installed in communities outside Canada.}