City of Calgary Neighbourhood Partnership Report – April 2025
| Organizational Development | |||
| Organizational Health Assessment Tool (OHAT) and Service Measures (SM) for 2024 calendar year | The annual Organizational Health Assessment Tool (OHAT)/Service Measures Survey (SM) link for the 2024 calendar year is now open! We are requesting that organizations complete the OHAT/SM with their Neighbourhood Partnership Coordinator (NPC) before May 15, 2025. The purpose of this tool is to identify current organizational health, sustainability and services provided by community associations and social recreation organizations in Calgary. Partner organizations represent a critical part of community life and service delivery in Calgary and the results of these surveys assist us in telling their collective story. Although this survey is voluntary, we hope that community associations/social recreation organizations and NPCs will work together to submit information on the 2024 calendar year. Individual group information will not be shared publicly but aggregated results may be included in the annual audit report presented to Council in 2025 and other reporting opportunities. I will be contacting you soon to set-up a meeting to complete the survey. | ||
| Financial Management | |||
| AGLC Gaming Policy Updating April 1st | AGLC has updated their Charitable Gaming Policy Handbook, which will come into effect on April 1st, 2025. You can find the new handbook here. | ||
| Grants | |||
| Letters of Municipal Opinion (CFEP, etc.) | If applying for CFEP (or any other grant) which requires a Letter of Municipal Opinion, please send the request to your NPC as early as possible to gain the appropriate signatures. A minimum of two weeks would be preferential. | ||
| ActivateYYC | These grants offer $500-$5,000 for any project that activates public places, roads, parks, or empty space across Calgary. The program is open to any community association, school, organization, non-profit, business, student group, or citizen. Activate Grants will remain open until August 31st or when funds run out (whichever comes first). More information here: https://activateyyc.calgarycommunities.com/grants/ | ||
| CADA Community-Run Public Art Microgrant | Deadline: Applications open on March 5 and close on April 16, 2025Grant Website: Community-Run Public Art Microgrant Program | Guidelines | Calgary Arts Development Contact Info: alex.lingnau@calgaryartsdevelopment.comAmount: $15,000. Funding available for up to 30 projects. Eligible Groups: Open to community-run organizations, including informal groups that define themselves in terms of distinct communities, neighbourhood associations and non-profit or charitable organizations in Calgary.Activities must take place in Calgary, and applicants must either be Calgary-based, or be able to demonstrate that they regularly make significant contributions to the arts that are accessible to Calgarians. One application per group, and only one application per project. You may not receive more than one Calgary Arts Development grant for the same project or phase of a project. Recipients of this grant are eligible to apply for other Calgary Arts Development grants for different projects. Eligible Projects:Applicants are asked to submit public art project proposals with a clear connection to their communities and a specific set of goals to benefit their communities. All forms of public art are eligible for this program and community groups can hire artists at any stage of their career. Projects cannot start before the application deadline of April 16, 2025.A portion of the budget must be used to hire local artists to help carry out the project.The artwork must be in a public space that is free and accessible to all.The artwork must be safe for public interaction.Projects that require engineering approvals will not be considered (including sculptures).Successful applicants are responsible for managing their project budgets. There are no additional funds available for cost overruns.Projects must be completed by December 31, 2026.On project completion, successful applicants are required to complete a final report including a detailed expense budget, reporting on community participation and attendance, and images of completed artwork or community events. | ||
| Inspiring Neighbourhood Grant | Deadline: Applications can be submitted at any time.Grant website: Inspiring Neighbourhoods Grant (calgary.ca)Contact info: Please reach out to your Neighbourhood Partnership Coordinator (NPC) for more information and support for your project. Streams and Funding Amounts:Beautification and Placemaking – Maximum Funding $15,000 – funding increase for 2025.Communication and Engagement – Maximum funding $10,000Social, Recreation and Community Education Programs – Maximum Funding $5,000Community Safety – Maximum funding $5,000Suggestions for Community Safety projects:A series of public education sessions where a subject matter expert speaks on topics like cybercrime or scams.Self-defense classesPurchase of AED’sTechnology – Maximum Funding $5,000 Eligible organizations: Community associations in good standing with The City of Calgary and/or the Societies Act of Alberta. Groups are eligible for one project per year. Eligible projects:Occur within City of Calgary limits and be geographically defined within a neighbourhood.Demonstrate inclusivity with diverse neighbourhood participation encouraged. Be “shovel-ready”, meaning the project must be fully funded minus the amount of Inspiring Neighbourhood Grant funds being requested.Have the required insurance, permits, memorandum of understanding or other City permissions/approvals, in place prior to submitting an application.Be completed within one year of receipt of the approval letter. | ||
| Canada Community Security Program | Deadline: Ongoing Website: The Canada Community Security Program (CCSP)Contact Information:Email: ccsp-pscc@ps-sp.gc.caPhone (general Inquiries line): 1-800-830-3318Amount: Up to 70% of eligible project expenses , with a maximum Public Safety Canada contribution of $1.5 million per project.Eligible Organizations:Private, not-for-profit organizations including:Educational institutionsShelters serving victims of gender-based violencePlaces of worshipCommunity centresOffices and administrative spacesCemeteriesChildcare centresEligible Projects: Security equipment and hardwareMinor renovations to enhance securitySecurity and emergency assessments and plansTrainingProviding time-limited third-party security personnel | ||
| License of Occupation | |||
| Facility Maintenance & Capital Construction | |||
| Connecting City Resources | |||
| Spring Street Cleaning | It is that time of year again! Street sweeping is almost upon us. The City will be out cleaning the roads starting in Mid-April until June. Keep and eye out for signs in your neighbourhood or sign up online for email or text reminders. Spring Clean-up street cleaning Vehicles left on the street between 8:00am-4:00pm will receive a $120 ticket either on their windshield or in the mail. Do not park on the street even if it has already been cleaned. | ||
| Branching out Tree Program | Trees are an intrinsic part to the quality of life in Calgary. They provide a myriad of environmental benefits. They also contribute to positive mental wellbeing. Trees help us connect with our communities. Calgary’s tree canopy coverage is currently at 8.25%, this includes trees planted on both public and private property. The City is working to grow and expand our tree canopy coverage to 16%. You can help through the annual Branching Out program. Trees are provided at no cost by the City of Calgary. For more information, please see calgary.ca/branchingout. | ||
| Waste and Recycling Pick Up Changes | Starting April 22, many Calgary households will see blue, black or green cart pick-up days moving to improve routes. These updates also align with the return of city-wide weekly green cart collection. The new collection schedules will be available on calgary.ca/cartschedule by April 8.Check your schedule to:· Find out whether your blue, black or green cart pick-day is changing.· Know when your weekly green cart begins. Collection schedule changes update automatically if you have signed up for reminders. | ||
| Parks Survey and Workshops | Parks and Open Spaces is looking for your organization’s input on the importance of, and challenges for, communities to improve their local parks and open spaces. We have created a survey with a few questions we are looking for input on which will only take a few minutes to complete. This survey will be used to help to improve our programs that support enhancements in our parks and open spaces, and how we deliver them. This survey will be open until May 1, 2025. We are also hosting two in-person workshops to discuss how to improve two programs that support improving your local parks and open spaces, the Enhanced Landscape Maintenance (ELM) program and Special Tax Levy (STL) program that supports it. These workshops are scheduled for: Wednesday, Apr 30th, 2025, 1:15 PM – 2:30 PM at The Innovation Lab (main floor, Municipal Building, opposite Council Chambers, next to City Hall School) *Please arrive at 1:05 PM to sign in Friday, May 2nd, 2025, 10:15 AM – 11:30 AM at The Innovation Lab (main floor, Municipal Building, opposite Council Chambers, next to City Hall School) *Please arrive at 10:05 AM to sign in Registration for this workshop is included at the end of the survey but not required to submit responses to our survey questions. If you would like to be part of our conversations, please register today, spaces are limited so representation per community may be limited. Deadline to register for the workshops is April 23, 2025. Please click on this link to access the survey and workshop registration: Survey and Workshop Registration: Community Improvements to parks and open spaces | ||
| Compost for Community Gardens | The City of Calgary is pleased to provide community gardens, community associations, schools, and other community groups with access to complimentary Category A compost and Mulch. Please call 311 and request compost for your community garden. | ||
| Free Compost for Residents | The City of Calgary is offering complimentary compost for residents to use in their yards and gardens this spring. The compost is made from the food and yard waste collected through the Green Cart program. Where can I pick up compost?Compost is available for pickup from April 14 to May 31, by appointment only, at Shepard (South) and Spyhill (North) landfills. WhenOnline booking starts on April 1. Compost pick-up appointments will be released in the following time slots:April 14 – May 3 appointments: Available to book starting April 1.May 5 – 17 appointments: Available to book starting April 29.May 19 – 31 appointments; Available to book starting May 13.To book an appointment or for more information, visit calgary.ca/compost | ||
| Speed Limit Observation and Warning System (SLOWS) trailers | Speed Limit Observation and Warning System The City has acquired new, high-tech Speed Limit Observation and Warning System (SLOWS) trailers in response to Calgarians’ concerns about the potential for speed-related collisions in residential communities.SLOWS are stand-alone, radar-equipped devices that display the speed of oncoming vehicles. Unlike hand-held radar units, they do not require continuous hands-on operation by city staff/community volunteers. | ||
| Public Relations | |||
| Special Event Permits | We are moving into the 2025 event planning season. Some events require permits from The City to ensure the safety of staff, volunteers and attendees. It’s important to know if you need a permit, what type of permit and to submit the permit application well in advance so you have all of the right permits in place before event day. Visit Temporary outdoor tents and canopies to learn about permits required for special functions or events. If you have questions about what permits you might need, connect with one of our planning technicians by calling 403-268-5311 or online with the live chat. | ||
| Programming | |||
| Rain Barrel Rebates | The City of Calgary and Green Calgary have partnered up on a rebate program in 2025 to provide all Calgarian homeowners with an opportunity to receive $50 back on any rain barrel purchased at any retailer in Calgary after March 31, 2025. The rebate program will start receiving applications April 1 and will accept up to 3000 submissions. Those who purchase a rain barrel from Green Calgary will also be directed to apply for the rebate. Each applicant can submit a receipt for a maximum of two rain barrels per household and receive $50 per barrel. Check back here for details April 1st! Rain Barrel Sales :: Green Calgary | ||
| Other | |||
| Board Resources & Development | |||
| Public Office and Election Policy | With the federal election on now and the civic election coming up this fall it may be timely for CA boards to consider having a policy in place to govern the choices of board members. Having a policy for volunteers running for any level of government office ensures fairness and transparency. It prevents conflicts of interest and maintains public trust. Such a policy helps define clear roles and responsibilities, promoting accountability and integrity within the organization. A sample policy from the Federation of Calgary Communities is at the end of the board report or on their website under resource library. | ||
| Training | |||
| Federation of Calgary Communities Workshops | To register and view all Federation online/virtual workshops and sessions visit calgarycommunities.com/our-events/ Building Inclusive Community Engagement, April 1st, 7pm – 9pmPIP – Crafting Calgary: Planning Implementation, April 5th, 9am – 12 pmLunch & Learn: Energizing Spaces Grant, April 9th, 12pm – 1pmConflict Management 101, May 14th, 7pm – 9pmPIP – Navigating Calgary’s Blueprint: Understanding Planning, May 31 9am-12Succession Planning for Boards, June 10, 7-9pmPIP – Built form Walking Tour, June 22, 9am -12pm Additional resources are available in their resource library:Members – Federation of Calgary Communities – Improving Neighbourhood Life in Calgary Password: community | ||
| Government of Alberta – Community Development – Workshops & Trainings | For more information or to register visit: Government of Alberta – Community Development Unit Events | Eventbrite Basic Facilitation Skills Session 1 of 4, Mon Apr 7, 10amBasic Facilitation Skills Session 2 of 4, Tue Apr 8, 10amBasic Facilitation Skills Session 3 of 4, Wed Apr 9, 10amBasic Facilitation Skills Session 4 of 4, Thu Apr 10, 10amGrant Writing 101, Tue Apr 15, 10amUnderstanding your Legal Landscape, Wed Apr 16, 1:30pmThe Role of the Board Secretary, Tue Apr 22, 10amBoard Roles and Responsibilities, Wed Apr 23, 1:30pmDemystifying Artificial Intelligence (AI), Tue Apr 29, 10amLegal Responsibilities Webinar, Wed Apr 30, 1:30pmBuilding Consensus, Tue May 6, 10amOrganizational Purpose & Planning, Wed May 7, 1:30pmFinancial responsibilities, Wed May 14, 1:30pmRisk Management, Wed May 21, 1:30pmCommittees and Meetings, Wed May 28, 1:30pmBuilding Strong Teams & Effective Relationships, Wed Jun 4 1:30pm | ||