March is Community Association Awareness Month

Behind every rink, every community garden, every neighbourhood event, there are ordinary people giving their time to make something extraordinary happen. March is Community Association Awareness Month (CAAM), and it's the perfect moment to recognize that quiet, tireless work.

Mayor Jeromy Farkas officially proclaimed March as CAAM, carrying on a tradition that stretches back to 1962. This year carries extra weight, as the Federation of Calgary Communities marks its 65th anniversary as the backbone organization supporting community associations across the city.

A City Designed Around Neighbourhoods

Calgary's community associations go back to the Ratepayers and School Associations of the 1890s - neighbourhood groups that pushed for local interests long before City Hall got involved. By 1912, city planners were already envisioning Calgary as a network of walkable neighbourhoods tied to schools and green spaces. That original vision still echoes in how we build communities today.

When the Federation of Calgary Communities was formally incorporated in 1961, it brought together just 47 community associations. Today, that number has grown to 160 CAs representing more than 200 neighbourhoods, and it keeps growing as Calgary expands.

More Than Programs

Community associations aren't just event organizers. Together, they steward and activate over a billion dollars in City-funded infrastructure - rinks, halls, fields, and facilities - delivering sports, recreation, and social programming right in our own backyards. Calgary's community association network is one of the largest in Canada, powered by more than 20,000 volunteers citywide.

A Thank You to Ward 3's Community Volunteers

Right here in Ward 3, we are lucky to have dedicated community associations and incredible volunteers powering them. These boards meet regularly, plan events, manage facilities, and advocate for our neighbourhoods, all on a volunteer basis. They deserve our recognition, our gratitude, and our support.

Northern Hills Community Association Serving the northern communities of Ward 3 with programs, events, and a strong neighbourhood voice. Learn more at nhca.ca

Hidden Valley Community Association  Building connection and community pride in Hidden Valley through year-round programming. Learn more at hiddenhut.org

Livingston Community Association  One of Calgary's newest communities, already building a vibrant association from the ground up. Learn more at livca.org

Sandstone MacEwan Community Association A longstanding pillar of the Ward 3 community, offering events and resources for all ages. Learn more at sandstonemacewan.com

To every board member, event coordinator, and committee volunteer across Ward 3 - thank you. This city is better because of you!

Support Your Local CA This March!

Whether you've lived in your neighbourhood for decades or just moved in, there's a place for you in your community association. Here's how to get involved:

• Find your local CA: Search your neighbourhood at calgarycommunities.com

• Buy a membership: Dues directly fund programs and facilities near you

• Attend an event or CA board meeting: Show up, meet your neighbours, and learn about what's going on in your community.

• Volunteer: Bring your skills to a board and help shape where you live