On Saturday, Feb. 26, 2022 the Government of Alberta announced its decision to proceed to Step 2 of its Return to Normal plan on March 1 (Alberta to lift almost all remaining health restrictions | alberta.ca).

Effective March 1, 2022 the following changes to CHC’s business operations will be implemented:

Face coverings are no longer required in common areas and hallways of CHC managed properties.

• Scheduled maintenance in occupied units will commence on March 1, 2022.
• Common areas to open at full occupancy.
• Programs and events are permitted on all CHC managed sites.
• Outdoor patios will open, weather permitting.
• Indoor and outdoor social gatherings are permitted.

• Front counters will remain closed. Please continue to use our online and telephone contact options.

As self-isolation is still required for those with COVID-19 in order to prevent transmission, CHC will maintain the following until the Government of Alberta moves to Step 3:

• Residents are to continue reporting COVID-19 infections to their Property Manager and Tenant Liaison. CHC keeps this information confidential and uses it to provide residents with support during self-isolation and monitors our properties to prevent an outbreak on a CHC site.
• CHC will continue to as screening questions for COVID-19 prior to scheduling maintenance work.  If a person in the household has COVID-19, the work will be scheduled after their self-isolation is complete. If the work is an emergency, the work will proceed with staff using the appropriate Personal Protective Equipment.
• Hygiene protocols and social distancing will continue to minimize transmission as we “Return to Normal”

For detailed, current information on Provincial restrictions and guidance, please visit the Government of Alberta site: COVID-19 Public Health Actions

Click here to view March 1 Government of Alberta Information Release on Restriction Changes 

The post COVID-19 Update – Restrictions Ending appeared first on Calgary Housing.

Summer is just around the corner, so we have put together resources to help you get ready and stay safe while having fun. Read on for:

• COVID-19 safety this summer
• Fire safety resources
• Tips for trampoline and swimming pool safety
• Tips for preventing mold and pests

COVID-19 Safety this Summer

The Government of Alberta announced their Open for Summer Plan on May 26 with provincewide health measures being removed in three stages, as vaccine targets are reached and hospitalizations decline.

• Stage 1: Two weeks after 50 per cent of Albertans age 12-plus have received at least one dose of vaccine and COVID-19 hospitalizations are below 800 and declining.
• Stage 2: Two weeks after 60 per cent of Albertans age 12-plus have received at least one dose of vaccine and COVID-19 hospitalizations are below 500 and declining. At this stage Distancing and masking requirements remain in effect
• Stage 3: Two weeks after 70 per cent of Albertans age 12-plus have received at least one dose of vaccine. At this stage, all restrictions will be lifted, including ban on indoor social gatherings, but isolation requirements for confirmed cases of COVID-19 and some protective measures in continuing care settings will remain.

According to the Government of Alberta, since we have reached the 50 per cent threshold for one-dose vaccination on May 18, and with hospitalizations well below 800, Alberta will enter Stage 1 on June 1. Based on the current pace of vaccinations, Alberta is projected to enter Stage 2 in mid-June and Stage 3 in late June or early July.

These are estimates only and rely on all Albertans continuing to drive down our hospitalizations while increasing vaccination numbers.

Fire Safety Resources

Refer to these safety resources as you think about cooking food on a barbecue or sitting around a fire this summer.

Using Barbeques Safely

Gas BBQs are allowed but must be located at a safe distance of at least 2 feet from fences, railings, walls and buildings while in use or while still hot. Hibachis and other charcoal BBQs are not permitted on CHC sites.

• BBQ Safety Tips from the Government of Canada
• City of Calgary Picnic Site Info

Fire pits, wood burning stoves and chimineas are prohibited

Fire pits, wood burning stoves and chimineas are prohibited on all CHC sites, including yards and common areas. You can book fire pits at community parks. Hibachis and other charcoal BBQs are not permitted on CHC sites.

• Bookable Fire Pits at Parks
• Fire Bans and Advisories

At home fire safety tips

These resources will help you practice safe cooking habits in your kitchen all year round.

• Safe and Sound: Fire Prevention and Safety Tips
• Fire Prevention: Serve up fire safety in the kitchen

Tips for trampoline and swimming pool safety 

Follow the safety rules below if you live in a CHC home with space for a swimming pool or trampoline. CHC is not responsible for any incidents that result from use of a swimming pool or trampoline.

Trampolines safety information

Trampolines are permitted if the tenant follows manufacturers’ guidelines and directions.

Location must be at least 3 feet from fences, buildings, trees, parking areas and other obstacles.

• A net is mandatory and must be in good repair.
• Secure trampoline to protect from high winds.
• Not all yards will accommodate the size of a trampoline safely.
• CHC is not responsible for any incidents that result from use of a trampoline.

Refer to Trampoline Injury Prevention and Safety from the Government of Alberta for tips.

Swimming pool safety information 

Calgary Housing Company does not permit a pool that is greater than 18 inches in height and/or 6 feet in diameter on CHC property including yards, common areas and play areas.

• Pools must be drained at the furthest point away from all buildings with water drained away from buildings.
• Children must be supervised at all times.
• Calgary Housing Company is not responsible for any incidents that result from use of a pool.

Refer to the City of Calgary wading pools, spray parks and outdoor pools page for details on when these facilities will open and for information on COVID-19 protocols.

Tips for preventing mold and pests 

The moisture and humidity of summer along with spending more time outside can create circumstances for mold and pests. Follow these tips to prevent mold and pests in and around your home.

Preventing mold in your home

Mold seeks moisture, warmth and food to grow, so you can prevent mold from growing by controlling moisture and keeping your home dry. Following these tips and can prevent mold from growing in and around your home.

• Maintain correct room temperature (Between 16* Celcius (61*F) and 21* Celsius (70*F) and air circulation.
• When cooking, open a window or turn on exhaust fans if available.
• Turn on bathroom exhaust fan (where equipped) for at least 15 minutes after a shower or bath.
• Increase the airflow in your home: keep interior doors open, keep furniture one inch from the wall and open your curtains and/or blinds.
• Do not hang blankets on windows as this traps moist air, and reduce the amount of materials you store that collect moisture such as fabrics, paper, and wood.
• Keep your unit clean at all times to allow for good ventilation and airflow.

Refer to additional information on mold from the Government of Alberta for more.

Preventing pests in your home

To avoid attracting pests, rodents or stray animals, please help keep your home and surroundings clean and free of garbage and debris.

If you notice pests such as bed bugs, cockroaches or mice in your unit, please call your Maintenance Administrator or (587) 390-1200.

• Garbage, Recycling and Compost at Multi-Family Homes
• Tips for preventing mice from the City of Calgary
• Information on cockroaches from the Government of Alberta
• Information on bed bugs from the Government of Alberta

The post Getting Ready for a Safe Summer appeared first on Calgary Housing.

Free tax clinics are still taking place during COVID-19 which you may be eligible for if you have modest income and a simple tax situation.

Free tax clinics will have criteria to determine whether you qualify for free tax filing service. Generally you may be eligible for help at a free tax clinic if you have a modest income and a simple tax situation.

What does ‘Modest Income’ mean? 

According to the Government of Canada, generally a modest income means your total family income is less than the amount shown in the chart below, based on the size of your family. These are suggestions and community organizations may set different amounts.

Suggested income level

What is a ‘Simple Tax Situation’? 

In general, your tax situation is simple if you have no income or if your income comes from sources like regular employment, pension or benefits such as the Canada Pension Plan, disability insurance, employment insurance, and social assistance. Also income from registered retirement savings plans (RRSPs), support payments, scholarships, fellowships, bursaries or grants and interest (under $1,000) would generally be classified simple.

Your tax situation is not simple if you are self-employed or have employment expenses, have business or rental income and expenses or have have capital gains or losses. Also situation where you may have filed for bankruptcy in the tax year (or the year before, if that return has not yet been filed) or are completing a tax return for a deceased person.

Upcoming Learning Opportunity

What You Need to Know for Filing Your 2020 Taxes Webinar – On Tues., Mar. 2 from 10am – 11am join a session with the CRA on how to file your 2020 income taxes.

Info on Tax Clinics in Calgary

Sunrise Tax Clinics – Sunrise is honored to lead the Taxation and Benefits programming in Calgary. Register today to set up an appointment for tax filing for 2020.

BowWest Tax Clinics – BowWest hosts free tax clinics where volunteers complete tax returns for individuals and families with modest incomes and simple tax situations. The income guideline is $35,000 for individuals and $50,000 for families.

Salvation Army Tax Filing Services – Salvation Army Community Services will assist people with taxes starting February 16. Please call 403-220-0432 for more information

Tax Info from Momentum                

Tax Filing Dates Everyone Should Know – Important deadlines and dates to start planning your tax return, even if you only earned a small amount of income.

Tax Filing Resources Everyone Should Know – Information about about free resources available online, whether you plan to file taxes on your own, or get help.

Information from the Government of Canada 

Government of Canada listing of Free Tax Services – Through the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program, community organizations host free tax clinics where volunteers file tax returns for eligible people.

Payment arrangements – If you cannot pay your balance owing on or before April 30, 2021, the CRA may accept a payment arrangement only after you have reasonably tried to get the necessary funds by borrowing or rearranging your financial affairs.

The post Free Virtual Tax Clinics in Calgary appeared first on Calgary Housing.

Calgary Housing Company is actively monitoring for risk of COVID-19 and is ready to activate efforts to reduce the chances of an outbreak at our properties and offices.

In order to keep Calgary Housing Communities safe, our Pandemic Response Team is working with CHC staff to monitor the ongoing pandemic situation and make decisions about activities like enhanced cleaning services, wellness checks, or other efforts that support the health, safety and wellness of our tenants, staff, and contractors.

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, monitoring for cases in our offices, managed properties and communities is an important tool to help stop the spread of the virus. Monitoring for cases allows us to proactively implement mitigating measures we have ready to go, like enhanced cleaning, education services that will help prevent an outbreak and other support for our tenants and staff in the event of an outbreak.

Information CHC Uses to Monitor for COVID-19 Risk

Since the pandemic began in March, Calgarians have worked together to keep each other safe from COVID-19. Calgary Housing Company uses different types of information to understand risk of COVID -19 exposure in our offices and properties, including:

• Asking tenants to self-report COVID-19 illness and exposure,
• Requiring employees to report COVID-19 illness,
• Requiring employees to  self-report exposures to illness that requires quarantine,
• Using contact tracing logs for our employees,
• Utilizing situational reports from the Calgary Emergency Management Agency (CEMA), and;
• Monitoring the Alberta Government’s Covid-19 website.

Tenant Self-Reporting to Keep Our Communities Safe

Alberta Health Services does not notify CHC of positive cases on our properties, so self-reporting any positive cases in your home is an important tool to support the effort to keep our communities safe. If you have a positive case of COVID-19 in your home, please contact your Property Manager. This will help us monitor and track active and recovered COVID-19 cases on our properties and help us understand risk level.

CHC does not release information on our COVID-19 tracking but will take extra steps on a property if there are three households with active cases of COVID-19 on one property. Extra steps we may take to ensure the safety of our tenants and prevent exposure and transmission include: increasing janitorial services, offering additional support services to tenants, checking in to make sure tenants are okay, and implementing the essential visitors policy at the affected property.

If you have a positive case of COVID-19 in your home, you can contact your Property Manager or Tenant Liaison for support while you quarantine. You can also self-report exposure and self-isolation, especially if you need help. Our Tenant Liaisons and Property Managers are always here to help you.

Additional information and Resources

Government of Alberta Covid-19 Status Map – The Government of Alberta’s website provides important community information and identifies the status of Covid-19 cases  through the Alberta community on status maps, which designates regions as “open”, “watch” or “enhanced” relaunch status. View the COVID-19 Status Map by Region

Contact and case tracing to keep our communities safe – Albertans can use the Governmemnt of Alberta’s contact tracing app ABTraceTogether. The app lets people know if they have been exposed to COVID-19 or if they have exposed others – while protecting their privacy. Quickly identifying and isolating positive cases is an important part of our response to the COVID-19 pandemic, and preventing the spread. Learn more about ABTraceTogether

The post How Calgary Housing Company monitors for cases of COVID-19 appeared first on Calgary Housing.

Tenants in more than 480 households who recently received late payment or rent arrears notices have successfully addressed rental arrears issues. The tenants have entered payment arrangements, paid their outstanding balances or are working with CHC to address rent arrears and payment plans going forward.

“It is clear that many people in our community are struggling,” says CHC President Sarah Woodgate. “We are pleased at how our tenants and staff have worked together to make sure families stay housed and avoid falling further behind.”

In August, 508 households received notices of late payment or outstanding arrears. Of those, 481 have worked with CHC on a go-forward plan, 17 have moved out and 10 have gone forward to enforcement. For those in enforcement, the opportunity to make payment arrangements is still available.

For many years, CHC has had eviction prevention practices in place to provide options and support for our tenants struggling to pay rent. This year, those practices were formalized in the Eviction Prevention Policy and Procedure which has been crucial in responding to the challenges of COVID-19 and the economic downturn.

A focus of this approach is to help tenants avoid falling behind and creating arrears they may not be able to address.

“Once they fall a few months behind, it can become almost impossible for tenants to catch up – they can end up in a hole they can’t get out of,” says Housing Services Manager Greg Wilkes. “We alert our tenants and work with them as soon as possible so that doesn’t happen. That’s what the August notices were for.”

In August, 508 households received notices of late payment or outstanding arrears. Of those, 481 have worked with CHC on a go-forward plan, 17 have moved out and 10 have gone forward to enforcement.

One way CHC stays in touch is with wellness checks. CHC staff have done thousands of wellness calls in recent months – contacting families and individuals to inquire about challenges they are facing and, when possible, connecting them with services and resources.

CHC has  been able to help families and individuals with applications for federal COVID income supports, to connect with food supports and other basic needs supports. These supports have been described as critical for people who are struggling to make ends meet.

CHC is a non-profit organization operating just over 7,000 housing units offering for low and moderate income Calgarians who are not well served by the regular market. These affordable homes are offered through several different programs that range from deep subsidy to near-market rental options.

Almost 25,000 Calgarians including over 10,000 children, live in a CHC-managed home.

“If tenants are struggling to pay rent, they should contact us to discuss the options and supports available to help them manage their situation. We want our tenants to be successful – we want them to stay housed and we have tools to help.”

CHC President Sarah Woodgate

Calgary Housing Company’s first priority is to provide housing options for low and moderate income Calgarians struggling to find affordable housing in the regular market.

CHC depends on rental income to manage the operations and rental units. Unfortunately, challenges posed by COVID-19 and the state of the local economy have led to a significant increase in rental arrears and late payment of rent. August saw a doubling of late rental payment notices and an increase to rental arrears of 40 per cent.

“People are struggling,” says Wilkes. “We are walking the balance of helping people to stay in their homes while we also manage our business to keep providing those homes.”

“If tenants are struggling to pay rent, they should contact us to discuss the options and supports available to help them manage their situation,” says CHC President Woodgate. “We want our tenants to be successful – we want them to stay housed and we have tools to help.”

CHC’s Eviction Prevention Program includes:

• Interest free/penalty free payment plans to recover missed rent
• Connections to resources – financial assistance (i.e. Canadian Emergency Response Benefit – CERB), enhanced on site food programs to support food insecurity, etc.
• Wellness check calls to tenants
• Increased communication with residents outlining support information and resources
• Tenants who are on provincially-funded subsidized programs are able to apply for rent adjustments and reduced rents based on changes of income.

Tenants having trouble paying rent on time can contact their Property Manager, Account Administrator or Tenant Liaison. They can also contact our office at (587) 390-1200.

The post Eviction Prevention Efforts Keep CHC Tenants in Their Homes appeared first on Calgary Housing.

In August, The City of Calgary ramped up pressure for affordable housing solutions on the Federal and Provincial governments as it endorsed and submitted a community plan calling for investment in affordable housing in Calgary totaling $624M over the next three years (Federal – $349M, Provincial – $275M).

The COVID-19 Community Affordable Housing Advocacy Plan is intended to create a more resilient housing system to respond to future shocks while focusing on community priorities and aligning local interests with opportunities for investment identified by federal and provincial stakeholders. Outcomes of the plan, if implemented, would include:

• Deliver housing for up to 12,000 Calgarians, meaningfully addressing homelessness in our city and addressing a long-standing affordable housing deficit;
• Build or and secure more than 5,400 new homes – increasing the asset base of the non-profit housing sector and reducing reliance on future government funding;
• Leverage economic conditions favourable to real estate acquisition and construction and mitigate potential collapse in the tourism and residential sectors by securing homes for those who need them;
• Create 2,800 residential construction jobs across 22 non-profit affordable housing construction projects

The plan proposes two streams of activity. The first stream, intended to rapidly create homes for 600 Calgarians experiencing or at risk of homelessness, would require $58.7M in funding shared between the province and federal government. This stream includes acquisition of 300 homes in hotels and surplus market properties as well as increased funding for Rent Supplements that support people in existing market and non-market homes.

The second stream would roll out over three years and see the development of 4,800 new homes at a cost of $537M. The total includes 3,000 homes ($300M) built or acquired in partnership with the private sector and 1,800 homes ($237M) in 22 previously identified, shovel-ready projects. Almost $186M has already been sourced or committed for the shovel-ready projects which include developments by The City of Calgary, Homespace, Horizon Housing, Silvera for Seniors, The Mustard Seed and others.

The Plan was developed by a committee of 65 individuals from 42 organizations from private, non-profit, and government housing sectors. The group included organizations serving Calgarians experiencing homelessness, seniors, Indigenous people, and families as well as organizations representing non-market rental housing, attainable homeownership, market rental landlords, builders and developers, and Federal and Provincial government representatives.

The committee’s plan was then presented to Calgary City Council’s Intergovernmental Affairs Committee which endorsed it and agreed that it should be forwarded to the Federal and Provincial Governments.

In early August, Mayor Naheed Nenshi sent the plan to Alberta Premier Jason Kenney and Federal Minister of Families, Children and Social Development Ahmed Hussen.

“When implemented” said Mayor Nenshi in his letter to Premier Kenney, “(the plan) will make considerable strides towards ensuring Calgary emerges with a stronger civil society that will ensure more of our citizens can live with dignity, access opportunities to improve their lives, and contribute to our economic recovery.”

Mayor Nenshi’s letter emphasized the need for collaboration between orders of government and the need for the Province to participate in order to enable access to federal funds.

• Aboriginal Friendship Centre of Calgary
• Aboriginal Standing Committee on Housing and Homelessness
• Accessible Housing Alberta Network of Public Housing Agencies (ANPHA)
• Altus Group
• Aspen Family and Community Network
• Attainable Homes Calgary
• BILD Calgary Region
• Bishop O’Byrne Housing Association
• Calgary Chinatown Seniors Housing Society
• Calgary Dream Centre
• Calgary Drop-In & Rehab Centre Society
• Calgary Homeless Foundation
• Calgary Residential Rental Association
• Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation
• Community Housing Affordability Collective (CHAC)
• CUPS
• Fireside Property Group
• Generations: Multi Generational Housing & Community Centre
• Government of Alberta, Community & Social Services, Housing & Homeless Supports
• Government of Alberta, Seniors & Housing, Housing Capital Programs
• Habitat for Humanity
• Homes for Heroes Foundation
• HomeSpaceSociety
• Horizon Housing Society
• Inn from the Cold
• Jack Long Foundation
• Métis Calgary Family Services Society
• Métis Urban/Capital Housing Corporation
• Norfolk Housing Association
• Siksika Off-Reserve Affordable Housing
• Silvera For Seniors SORCe
• The City of Calgary, Calgary Housing
• The City of Calgary, Calgary Neighbourhoods
• The Elder Statesmen Group
• The Mustard Seed Society
• The SHARP Foundation
• Treaty 7 Urban Housing
• Trinity Place Foundation of Alberta
• United Way of Calgary and Area
• Vibrant Communities Calgary
• Woods Homes
• YWCA Calgary

Documents

• COVID-19 Community Advocacy Plan Overview
• Mayor Nenshi Letter to Premier Jason Kenney
• Mayor Nenshi Letter to Minister Hussen

The post COVID-19 Community Advocacy Plan appeared first on Calgary Housing.

Calgary Housing Company is committed working with tenants who are at risk of eviction due to rental arrears by developing a rent payment plan.

At Calgary Housing Company, our mandate is to provide affordable housing to low and moderate income Calgarians. As a compassionate and caring landlord, we believe in the core value that everyone should have access to safe, affordable housing.

All tenants are responsible for paying their rent, however we do recognize the loss of income and financial hardship that some tenants may face, particularly through the COVID-19 pandemic.

If you are having difficulty with your rent payments, please contact your Property Manager immediately to develop a rent payment plan. If you are facing eviction due to non-payment of rent, you must enter into and a rent payment plan to avoid eviction.

What is a Rent Payment Plan?

Rent payment plans are an agreement between a landlord and a tenant that outlines the payments that will be made over a period of time to catch up on rent arrears. A rent payment plan considers the income and expenses, the amount of rent owing, and a reasonable, agreed to time period for repayment. This help us to develop a payment plan that can be successful and is within the financial means of households.

Failure to adhere to the rent payment plan may result in eviction.

The post Eviction Prevention and CHC Rent Payment Plans appeared first on Calgary Housing.

On August 1, a City of Calgary bylaw will come into effect requiring Calgarians to wear face coverings in public places.

Although this bylaw does not apply to residential properties including those operated by Calgary Housing Company, CHC is strongly recommending that all tenants wear face coverings in common areas including elevators, building lobbies, hallways, laundry rooms and other areas where multiple people may interact.

Face coverings have been shown to assist with a reduction in the transmission of the coronavirus and can help us to keep the curve flat in our community.

Please be aware that CHC employees are also required to wear face coverings in any situation where physical distancing is not possible.

We’re all in this together – we appreciate the efforts tenants are making to help keep our community safe.

For more information:

Face Coverings – information from Alberta Health Services

The City of Calgary Temporary Face Covering Bylaw

The post CHC Strongly Recommends Face Coverings in Properties appeared first on Calgary Housing.

On June 21, Canada will be celebrating National Indigenous People’s Day, a day to recognize and celebrate the cultures and contributions of Indigenous peoples from across Canada. Let’s gather together – online – to celebrate the rich cultures and stories of Indigenous peoples in Alberta.

Join Calgary Housing Company as we recognize the importance and sacred nature of cultural ceremonies and celebrations that usually occur during this time. While celebrations and events for National Indigenous History Month may be different this year than those in the past, we can still share and learn from stories, traditions and culture in new ways that keep us together and connected.

Upcoming Events

There are events happening throughout the week and weekend, including a large number being led by Alberta Health Services (AHS).

Morning Song | Daily
Sherryl Sewepagaham leads us in a song each morning this week at 9:00 a.m. for as part of AHS’ National Indigenous Peoples Week celebrations. [Listen live via Zoom]

June 18 & 19: AHS Lunch time Learning Sessions [Register via Eventbrite]
Leading up to National Indigenous Peoples Day on June 21, AHS is pleased to present lunchtime learnings from Indigenous leaders online via Zoom. All are welcome, and we invite you to sign up for as many sessions as you would like. Please feel free to share the link as only those who are registered will be able to participate.

• Thursday, June 18 @ 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. – Remembering a way of life: Storytelling with Geraldine Potts
• Thursday, June 18 @ 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. – Sharing from the Alberta Native Friendship Centers
• Friday, June 19 @ 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. – Outreach work and community experiences in “the new normal”

June 19: National Indigenous Peoples Day virtual celebration | June 19 from 12-12:30pm | Hosted by Alberta Aboriginal Training and Jobs via Facebook. Bringing together the province to celebrate Indigenous culture and creativity online. Join Minister Rick Wilson and guest performers in an afternoon of Indigenous song, dance and celebration.  [View More]

June 21: National Indigenous People’s Day Virtual Pow Wow and Celebration | June 21 from from 12-5pm | The summer solstice is a culturally significant day for many Indigenous peoples and is now acknowledged by celebrations held in towns, cities and First Nations communities across Canada. Join virtually in this online celebration on June 21, 2020.  [Learn More]

Useful Links

• Aboriginal Awareness Week Calgary
• 2020 National Indigenous Peoples Day Celebrations from AHS
• CBC’s 35 books to read for National Indigenous History Month
• The Honouring Mother Earth Committee

Indigenous Awareness Resources

• Métis Nation of Alberta
• Government of Alberta: National Indigenous History Month
• Government of Canada: History of Indigenous peoples in Canada
• Importance of National Indigenous History Month
• Aboriginal Standing Committee on Housing & Homelessness

Indigenous Supports & Resources

• Aboriginal Friendship Centre of Calgary
• Indigenous Programs and Services Listing from the City of Calgary
• Additional Aboriginal Support Resources from the City of Calgary
• Indigenous Services from the Calgary Public Library
• Indigenous Initiatives Boys & Girls Club of Calgary
• Indigenous Health from Alberta Health Services

The post June 21 is National Indigenous People’s Day appeared first on Calgary Housing.

Neighbour Day is a yearly celebration of Calgary’s strong community spirit. It started in 2014 in honour of the incredible support and generosity Calgarians showed after the 2013 floods. Now it’s an opportunity to connect with our neighbours, show how we care for each other and celebrate how we make Calgary a great city.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it is more important than ever that we connect with our neighbours. But we must do so while practicing physical distancing to keep everyone safe. We are encouraging all Calgarians to plan and host virtual events and try some of the activities below with your neighbours.

How to plan for Neighbour Day

Hosting a virtual event via video chat or phone is the safest way to connect with your neighbours this year. Reach out to your neighbours to help plan your event details, such as:

• What video chat tool will you use? (Microsoft Teams, Zoom, FaceTime, Google Hangouts, etc.)
• Who will schedule the event online and send invitations?
• Who will prepare the materials you need for your event activities?
• What activities will you do during your virtual event? You could:
  • Share a virtual meal or BBQ;
  • Share your acts of kindness with one another;
  • Help support Calgary businesses (e.g. order delivery or takeout from a local restaurant, purchase local goods, etc.);
  • See ideas below; or
  • Make up your own way to celebrate your community spirit!

Don’t forget to share your experience with the City of Calgary on social media using #yycNeighbourDay!

Share your celebrations online!

Share your Neighbour Day celebrations on any social media platform using #yycNeighbourDay for a chance to be featured on City channels.

Check out what the City of Calgary has put together for our community to celebrate neighbor day in a bit of a different way, including fun community based activities you can do as a family, or safely with your neighbours!

For the Whole Family [PDF Downloads]

• Neighbour Day Scavenger Hunt
• Neighbourhood I spy
• Neighbour Day June 20 colouring sheet
• I heart Neighbour Day colouring sheet
• Calgary skyline colouring sheet
• Neighbour day Pledge Card

Links and Resources

• June 20, 2020 Neighbour Day Page
• More at Home Activities
• Committing to 3 simple acts of kindness

Adapted from Neighbour Day information from the City of Calgary. For more information, ideas and resources visit the City of Calgary June 20, 2020 Neighbour Day Page

The post Calgary’s Neighbour Day June 20, 2020 appeared first on Calgary Housing.