1. What is the Federation of Calgary Communities?
  2. How do I apply for my organization to be a member of the Federation of Calgary Communities?
  3. Is the Federation of Calgary Communities a division of The City of Calgary?
  4. What is a community association?
  5. Is there a list of all community associations?
  6. How do I find out what programs my community association offers?
  7. Is there information on community hall rentals?
  8. How do I advertise in community newsletters?
  9. Where do I get a copy of my community’s bylaws?
  10. Is there information on my community association’s boundaries?
  11. How do I find out if my community association is a registered charity?
  12. How do I find out who my Alderman, MLA or MP is?
  13. What is the difference between a community association and a residents association?

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1. What is the Federation of Calgary Communities?

The Federation of Calgary Communities is the support organization for over 200 not for profits in including Calgary and area community associations. Since its incorporation in 1961, The Federation of Calgary Communities mission has been to improve neighbourhood life in Calgary by providing services and programs that create, support and enhance vital and representative community based associations.

The Federation provides its members and community associations with five areas of service:

  • financial services
  • urban planning
  • member services
  • building safe communities
  • celebrating communities

Working with its many partners, The Federation of Calgary Communities strives to engage Calgarians in becoming involved in their community through volunteering, membership and other support functions. With over 20,000 community volunteers, The Federation along with Calgary’s community associations is the largest collective volunteer movement in the city!

 

2. The Federation of Calgary Communities offers four kinds of membership:

  1. Regular – registered residential community association within City of Calgary boundaries
  2. Associate – registered residential community associations outside the City of Calgary boundaries
  3. Service – registered associations within City of Calgary boundaries that are not community associations, but are a community based not-for-profit organization
  4. Auxiliary – registered resident associations within City of Calgary boundaries

In order to be considered as a member of the Federation of Calgary Communities, the organization must send a letter with the following:

  1. Name and purpose of the organization
  2. Description of who the organization serves and how it benefits the greater Calgary community
  3. Incorporation certificate for society
  4. Current Annual Return (stamped)
  5. How your organization works with their local community association (if at all)

The Executive Director then presents the letter to the Board of DIrectors at the enxt board meeting (last Monday of every month).  If approved the fee is based on the type of organization.

 

3. Is the Federation of Calgary Communities a division of The City of Calgary?

No, The Federation of Calgary Communities is a registered society and is not a division, department, or sector of The City of Calgary. However, the Federation does receive funds as fee-for-service for specific programs provided to the City of Calgary.

 

4. What is a community association?

Community associations are neighbourhood-based volunteer organizations working to provide social, educational and recreational opportunities for their residents. The community association network has more than 20,000 volunteer strong making it the largest volunteer movement in the city!

Community associations come in all shapes and sizes and are dedicated to addressing local issues, opportunities and needs. One hundred of them operate community halls and related facilities.

Community associations in Calgary have the ability to create that small town feeling in a large urban centre. By engaging residents in civic life and offering social and recreational programming; community association are a bumping place that brings neighbours together.

Community associations are individually registered as a society under the Alberta Government Societies Act. As a registered society their membership elects a Board of Directors to govern the organization. The only governing body that regulates community associations is the membership of the association.

 

5. Is there a list of all community associations?

Yes, the Federation of Calgary Communities has a list of all community associations, in booklet format, containing contact information, mailing address, facility capacity, hall rental information, and more. This booklet is available for purchase by calling our office at (403) 244-4111, or click here to visit our online store.

 

6. How do I find out what programs my community association offers?

Please refer to your community’s page to find out what programs they offer. Click here to find your community.

 

7. Is there information on community hall rentals?

The Federation of Calgary Communities does have hall rental contact information for all community associations. Find your community or call The Federation’s office at (403) 244-4111 for more information.

 

8. How do I advertise in community newsletters?

Contact the Federation of Calgary Communities office at (403) 244-4111 ext. 204 to discuss community newsletter advertising options, or click here to find a community and contact them directly.

 

9. Where do I get a copy of my community’s bylaws?

As bylaws are public documents you can as your community association for a copy. If they do not have a copy you can order a copy from any Alberta Registry Office, the office where you renew both your vehicle and drivers license. There is a fee for ordering a copy from a registry office. Please contact the registry office nearest you to order a copy, or for more information.

 

10. Is there information on my community association’s boundaries?

Yes, please click here to refer to the individual community pages which outline their boundaries.

 

11. How do I find out if my community association is a registered charity?

Please visit the Canada Revenue Agency website at www.cra-arc.gc.ca to view a list of registered charities and to search your community association’s name, or call The Federation of Calgary Communities office at (403) 244-4111.

 

12. How do I find out who my Alderman, MLA or MP is?

To find your Alderman, please visit the City of Calgary website at www.calgary.ca or call the Aldermanic office at (403) 268-2430.

To find your MLA, visit the Legislative Assembly of Alberta website at www.assembly.ab.ca or call their office at (403) 427-2826.

To find your MP, please visit the Parliament of Canada website at www.parl.gc.ca or call their office toll-free at 1-866-599-4999.

 

13. What is the difference between a community association and a residents association?

A community association is an organization formed by the residents of an area:

A residents/homeowner's association is a compulsory organization created by a land developer: