The Kiwanis Club of Calgary Chinook in collaboration with Calgary Housing Company and Two Wheel View held a bike and helmet giveaway at their Vista Heights Complex on April 21, 2021.

The partners believe it’s a great way to give back to the community, make every child feel special, while creating a way for them to get exercise and explore their community. The day was dry, sunny, and warm, with temperatures in the teens for volunteers and the Two Wheel View mechanics to set up the bike station.

Volunteer Joanne indicated, “It was wonderful to see the excitement of the kids”.  Over 13 bikes and 12 helmets were given away that day, in fact they returned the next day to provide a special bike to a teenager as they did not have a bike suited for her on the day of the event.

Darlene, the  Bike Co-ordinator of the event exclaimed, “when I went to drop the bike off, I was so happy to see a young  mom helping her child learn how to ride their bike with training wheels.  Darlene further exclaimed that the event drew interest from passerby’s who were inquisitive to what the event was about.

Special thanks to Calgary Neighborhoods, Daniel Kebede for securing the park behind the unit for the event.

Volunteers from the Bike Even.

The post Bike Event at Vista Heights appeared first on Calgary Housing.

Join us in celebrating the achievements of our sector, while recognizing the work that still needs to be done, so that all Canadians have a safe place to call home.

COVID-19 has reminded everyone of how important it is to have access to safe and affordable housing.

In a statement marking National Housing Day, Calgary mortgage and Housing (CMHC) notes that some of those hit hardest by the pandemic are our most vulnerable populations – people experiencing or at risk of homelessness, seniors, women and children fleeing domestic violence, and people with disabilities.

Each year, National Housing Day is held on November 22 to recognize the important work done by housing partners across Canada to improve access to housing for everyone in Canada.

Now, more than ever, says CMHC, National Housing Day is an opportunity to reflect on the work that still needs to be done. As our communities recover from the pandemic, we need to ensure that everyone in Canada has access to affordable and equitable housing. Housing is a cornerstone of sustainable and inclusive communities, and housing is a basic human right recognized by the United Nations and all levels of government in Canada.

Take a moment this National Housing Day to celebrate the achievements of our sector – especially during such a challenging year, while recognizing the work that still needs to be done, so that we can continue to gain momentum in ensuring that all Canadians have a safe, and adequate place to call home.

National Housing Day Links and Resources

• National Housing Day info from CMHC
• Multi Faith Housing’s National Housing Day Celebration
• About National Housing day from daysoftheyear.com

How to celebrate National Housing Day in 2020?

Although these are interesting times – especially when it comes celebrating events – it is still possible to make the most of your National Housing Day while remaining safe!

Attend a virtual celebration!

Multifaith Housing in Ottawa is hosting their National Housing Day celebration online at 1pm (3pm EST)!

Share your thoughts on social media!

The Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation has put together a toolkit with backgrounds to use in virtual meetings and frames to use in social media.

• National Housing Day info from CMHC
• If you mention CHRA on Facebook and on Twitter (@CHRA_ACHRU) they will share your post or tweet.
• You can also use the #NationalHousingDay hashtag!

Talk about your story!

• Share your success story, recent progress, or achievement of goals as it relates to the importance of housing.
• Talk about the need for Community Housing in your area.
• Give kudos to someone who deserves it.

Join your fellow Canadians across the country in celebrating this very special day! Share why housing matters to you, especially during COVID-19m and, help raise awareness of the importance of safe, affordable and inclusive housing for everyone in Canada.

The post November 22 is National Housing Day appeared first on Calgary Housing.

New community space is a partnership between Calgary Housing Company, carya, and Calgary Municipal Land Corporation

Calgary Housing Company (CHC), in partnership with carya and the Calgary Municipal Land Corporation (CMLC), is excited to announce the start of construction of Village Commons – a brand new community hub that will be located on the second floor of CHC’s East Village Place (610 8^th Ave SE).

On September 24^th CHC and its partners hosted an event in East Village’s 5^th Street Square providing a taste of what is to come at Village Commons.

After an extensive process to determine the programs and services desired by residents and the community, CHC found the perfect partner in carya – an organization with more than 110 years of creating healthier, more connected communities in Calgary. It was critical to find a strong partner that could operate a sustainable program without subsidies from CHC’s residential operations.

“We are pleased to have found such great partners, and that we are able to be part of developing an important resource for the community,” said Sarah Woodgate, President of Calgary Housing Company.

Village Commons will feature a community kitchen designed by Group2 Architecture Interior Design Ltd, in partnership with their kitchen consultant, Burnstad Consulting, an art studio for classes and self-directed creativity, recreation spaces, a family counselling centre, and common areas for neighbours to get to know each other. All Calgarians will be welcome to learn, cook, create, and access the mental health supports they need to thrive.

“carya got its start in East Village in 1910, so we’re thrilled to be coming full circle with Village Commons,” said carya CEO Monique Auffrey. “After months of isolation due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this community gathering space will be more important than ever.”

65% of East Village residents live alone, which means that social isolation is an ongoing concern. Village Commons will join existing landmarks such as the Calgary Public Library, Salvation Army, and Studio Bell as an important place in the neighbourhood to gather, access resources, and build community.

“I am really quite excited about this project,” says area Councilor Druh Farrell. “It’s another piece in the puzzle of a diverse new community coming together. carya does such great work – I know the programs they offer will be a great value to seniors, families and other residents of East Village.”

Through partnerships with the Calgary Sports and Entertainment Corporation and the Calgary Flames Foundation, Farm Credit Canada, and others, carya has already begun to imagine what programming in Village Commons will look like. Alongside new food and nutrition opportunities, many of carya’s existing programs will be offered in the space, all at either no or low cost. Funding and donations, including a grant from the Government of Alberta’s Community Facility Enhancement Program, are helping to make this possible.

carya will connect with an estimated 24,000 people from all ages and stages of life in the first five years of opening the new space. Village Commons will open its doors in early 2021.

CHC is also pleased to be partnering with CMLC who will project manage the construction project. CMLC brings significant project management expertise as well as important perspective as the agency responsible for the implementation of the East Village Master Plan.

“East Village has evolved into a vibrant mixed-use community with a diverse mix of residents. carya’s Village Commons enriches the community and brings an important community space where residents of all ages are welcome,” said Kate Thompson, President and CEO, CMLC.

Additional commercial space on the ground floor of the building is being offered for lease with the goal of locating tenants who will further contribute to the rapidly evolving neighbourhood.

CHC purchased East Village Place in 2016 and currently provides 163 affordable homes in the building.

About caryacarya is a social profit agency dedicated to building strong families and communities for generations. Since 1910, carya has been providing support through counselling, groups, education, community development, in home assistance, and more. These services help Calgarians of all ages build the skills they need to deal with life’s challenges and develop meaningful and thriving relationships.

About Calgary Housing Company (CHC) Calgary’s largest residential landlord, CHC manages approximately 7,100 homes in subsidized and near market programs for Calgarians not well served by the regular housing market. CHC is wholly-owned by The City of Calgary.

About Calgary Municipal Land Corporation (CMLC)CMLC strives to strengthen connections between people and the places they share. Created and owned by the City of Calgary, CMLC works to achieve the City’s objectives for urban densification, community renewal, infrastructure investment and placemaking.

The post Construction of East Village Commons Underway at CHC Property 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.

Seniors’ week is June 1-7, 2020. Help us celebrate seniors’ week by supporting, recognizing and honouring seniors in your community.

Seniors are a vital part of our communities. As parents and grandparents, mentors and friends, employees and employers, they make a difference in our lives. And it is important that we continue to recognize, celebrate and support seniors during the COVID-19 pandemic. Seniors’ Week has been celebrated since 1986 to celebrate and recognize seniors throughout the province. This is a great opportunity to honour and recognize all that seniors have contributed to making our families, communities and our province stronger.

In Calgary  the theme for this year’s Seniors Week is Resilience. The City is asking all citizens to come together and celebrate the resilience of the older adults in our community. All events to celebrate this week are being held virtually, so that people can maintain safe, physical distancing.

There are things you can do to celebrate and support Alberta seniors and recognize this week safely and responsibly!

Get involved!

Record your interactions (video or photos) and post on your favourite social media platform using the hashtag #abseniors

Keep connected & support seniors

There are so many great opportunities to stay connected with the older adults in your life, say thank you, make sure they are safe, and see if they need anything. To do so safely, here are some ways to stay connected:

• Make an audio or video call, email or send letters to check in
• Host a family dinner online
• Host a virtual games night with family and friends
• Write letters and send cards, drawings or photos to seniors in local continuing care facilities
• Arrange outdoor visits that observe physical distancing restrictions

Offer assistance

This is a great time to support the emotional, mental and physical well-being of older adults and to spread good cheer throughout your community.

• Offer to assist with grocery and prescription purchases – online or delivery
• Organize a local group to offer physically distanced yard cleaning for seniors
• Drop off gift baskets and/or homemade cards at seniors’ homes
• Volunteer with organizations that support seniors, like telephone check-in program
• Recognize outstanding supports for seniors during the COVID-19 pandemic

Share your stories

• Interview seniors and capture their stories and history
• Host a virtual music concert
• Host an online poetry reading
• Host a podcast with guest speakers
• Invite older adults you know to participate in online educational, activity or cooking classes
• Conduct a “drive-by” parade – make signs, honk your horns and wave
• Host a physically-distanced dance or musical performance outside a seniors complex
• Have a virtual story-telling evening

Get more info

• Seniors week info from the Government of Alberta
• Seniors week information from the City of Calgary

Seniors Week Events

Seniors’ Week: ‘More than a Number’ Livestream Reading | Wednesday, June 3, 2020, 7 – 9 p.m.
A humorous play follows five friends through a game of cards that gets sidetracked as things heat up over whether ageism really exists and what form it takes in their personal lives. Participate via Facebook

Fact or Fiction – Seniors Housing in Alberta | Thursday, June 4, 2020, 6 – 7 p.m.
A presentation from the Calgary Seniors Housing Forum Society about the true realities of seniors housing today and potentially dismiss some recent myths circulating about seniors housing today. Register via eventbrite

Seniors’ Week: Dementia and Risk Reduction | Friday, June 5, 2020, 9:30 – 11 a.m.
Learn the different types of dementia, signs, symptoms, diagnosis, ways to reduce risk and programs/services available. Register via Alzheimer Calgary

Seniors’ Week: Watch Party – Feature Film: ‘The Great Disconnect’ | Friday, June 5, 2020, 6 – 8:15 p.m. Explores what some experts are describing as the “age of loneliness”. Despite Western advances in technology, living conditions, education and healthcare, we as a society are isolating ourselves from one another because of this, facing a health crisis that affects all ages, genders, races and cultures. Register by Eventbrite

Senior Specific Supports

The following resources have been collected to support seniors during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Way In: supports for Seniors –  a collaboration of Calgary based agencies providing a coordinated response to seniors requiring supports and services. Call 403-SENIORS (403-736-4677) for assistance. [Added 5/13]

Elder Abuse Resources from Alberta health – visit the website for resources or call the Calgary Elder Abuse Resource Line at 403-705-3250. Call 911 if you or someone you know is being abused and is in immediate danger. [Added 5/13]

Essential numbers for seniors in Calgary – [PDF] an easy to reference page with contact information for essential services including the Way Inn, the Distress Centre and the Elder Abuse Resource line. [Added 5/07]

Information Resource from Alberta Seniors and Housing – Alberta Seniors and Housing has compiled information geared specifically to Seniors. Seniors who need information and supports can still contact Alberta Supports at 1-877-644-9992. [Added 4/22]

The Kerby Centre is providing a Grocery Delivery Program for seniors in the community, and they have lifted the income requirements. Call the program at 403-234-6571. [Added 3/27]

COVID-19 Seniors Information Hotline – senior-specific services including food security, emergency shelter, prescription and grocery delivery and emergency financial support. [Added 3/27]

Seniors Support Resources from the Kerby Centre – Kerby Centre is closed to the public, but is still supporting vulnerable seniors. More information is available on their website. [Added 3/27]

The post Happy Seniors’ Week from Calgary Housing Company appeared first on Calgary Housing.

The local State of Emergency in Calgary continues, with public events cancelled through August 31, 2020 and with limited or restricted access to public spaces. See below for outdoor related information gathered from The City of Calgary and stay tuned for more information on what to expect with CHC spring and summer programs.

Spring Cleanups at CHC Properties

Due to continued uncertainty around how long gathering size restrictions will be in place, The City has cancelled all community cleanup events scheduled for 2020. This includes community cleanups at Calgary Housing Company properties.

CHC Community Gardens

Calgary Housing Company Tenant Liaisons are looking into some options to support tenant gardening at CHC properties. An update will be provided when more information becomes available.

City Community Gardens

Currently, city community gardens remain open for use for the 2020 growing season. Each community garden group is responsible to create an action plan for managing:

• Physical distancing of 2 meters.
• Movement of people in or out of the gardens.
• Ensuring there is adherence to best practices for the cleaning and disinfection of tools, surfaces, gates or garden boxes.

The City will open watering systems beginning mid-May, weather pending. They will also be supporting existing community gardens with additional soil or compost. Communities should contact 311 and ask for their Parks Community Strategist.

Visit The City’s COVID-19 (Coronavirus): Outdoor spaces and parks and scroll to ‘Community Gardens and COVID-19’ for more information.

Reminder About City Facility Closures and Cancellations

To help prevent the spread of COVID-19, several facilities and services remain closed to the public or have limited access with appropriate physical distancing measures. The following closures and restrictions are in effect as of May 8 and are subject to change:

• Playfields and ball diamonds: Open for non-organized, passive use only with appropriate physical distancing​
• Recreation facilities, regional athletic parks, playgrounds: Closed to all users
• Golf Courses: Open with physical distancing restrictions. COVID-19 City golf course protocols.
• Park spaces, natural areas and pathways: Open with physical distancing guidelines in effect. Read more for information on safer use of skate parks, play fields, disc golf courses, tennis courts, etc. Learn more:COVID-19 (Coronavirus): Outdoor spaces and parks

View all COVID-19 (Coronavirus): Closures and cancellations

Neighbour Day – June 20, 2020

They City has not yet announced plans for Neighbour Day activities, however Mayor Nenshi is asking people to reach out to him on Twitter and Instagram using the hashtag #yycneighbourday to share ideas on how we can spend time with our neighbours and celebrate neighbor day while remaining physically apart. Read: Find a way for us to celebrate Neighbour Day during COVID-19, said Mayor Nenshi

Outdoor spaces and parks

As the weather warms up, it is natural to want to get outside to enjoy some sun and fresh air. However, The City reminds us if we go out, spread out. This means outside of those who live in your household, you must practice physical distancing in all outdoor spaces. Please ensure you are aware of the rules and guidelines to help limit the spread of COVID-19 when enjoying outdoor spaces in Calgary including city parks and pathways. Learn more by visiting COVID-19 (Coronavirus): Outdoor spaces and parks from The City.

Event Cancellations

All public events have been cancelled until August 31, 2020 due to COVID-19. The following events and programs included:

• All Community Associations will be closed and regular programming cancelled.
• City events and activities at Devonian Gardens, until further notice.
• Fire Safety Presentations, until further notice.
• Fire Station Tours, until further notice.
• Fire Truck Bookings, until further notice.
• Municipal Complex Tours, until further notice.
• Surplus Furniture Sales, until further notice.
• Volunteer Tour Guide Program, until further notice.
• YYC Tree education workshops.

To view the full list of event cancellations visit COVID-19 Facility Closures and click events cancellations

The post Local State of Emergency and Spring Time Activities at CHC Properties appeared first on Calgary Housing.

Check out this list of free family friendly things to do throughout the month of February. Click the links for more information from externals listings including familyfuncanada.com, todocanada.ca, Calgary.ca and Eventbrite.ca. Calgary Housing is not affiliated with any of these events and is providing this information as a service.

Free Activities All Month Long
(From todocanada.com)

Ice Skating at Olympic Plaza
Daily 10am-9pm | Olympic Plaza, 228 8 Ave SE

Curling on the Island
Daily 9am-7pm | St. Patrick’s Island

Planetary and Museum of the Moon
Sun. 12-5pm & Thurs 10am-9pm |  701 11 Street SW

Sunday Fundays at Devonian Gardens
Sundays 12-3pm | Devonian Gardens 317 7 Ave. S.W. (4 floor in the CORE Shopping Centre)

Free Activities Friday February 7

Family Fridays at TELUS Spark
After 4pm | 220 St. George’s Drive NE

Traditional Song & Dance by Pwatsimowin
6:00 PM | 3311 Centre Street NW

Free Activity & Event Websites

The City of Calgary

Family Fun Canada

To Do Canada

Events from our Partners

Carya Events

Carya Groups

Momentum Events

Free Activities Saturday February 8

Senior & Youth Game Night | 3:00 PM | 7750 Ranchview Drive Northwest

Free Events Family Day Weekend (February 15-17)

Winterpalooza | Various Venues, Calgary | Feb 13 – 16

GLOW Winter Light Festival | Downtown, Calgary | Feb 14 – 16

Free Activities Saturday February 15

Winterfest | 11:00 AM | Lakeshore Drive Sylvan Lake, AB

Family Day @Febfest | Foothills Centre. #4-204 Community Way, Okotoks

Beltline Bonspiel | 11am-5pm | Lougheed House, 707 – 13 Ave SW

CECA Winter Festival | 1-3pm | 1150 Everridge Dr SW

Free Family Day Activities | Monday February 17, 2020

Eau Claire Free Family Fun Day | 11am – 4pm | 200 Barclay Parade SW

Funderful Family Day at Trico Centre 10am – 2pm | 11150 Bonaventure Dr SE

Pajamas, Stories, and Cartoons! Family Day at the Central Library | 12-4pm | Central Library

Free Family Day Skating| 1 – 2:15 pm | Select Calgary Arenas

Free Family Day at Royal Tyrrell Museum | Royal Tyrrell Museum , Drumheller

Free Activities February 27

Games Night at Heritage Park | 5 – 10pm | Selkirk Gallery Room | Heritage Park, 1900 Heritage Drive SW

The post Free Family Friendly Events in Calgary – Feb. 2020 appeared first on Calgary Housing.