March 6, 2019
 

In this issue:

  • March CA Awareness Month is here!
  • Energizing Spaces Fund Round 1 Deadline March 31
  • Neighbour Day 2019
  • Alberta Culture Days Grant Funding
  • Municipal Development Plan Review Engagement Opportunities

… and more!

March Community Association Awareness Month is here!
As proclaimed by Mayor Nenshi, March is Community Association Awareness Month here in Calgary! We kicked off the celebrations on Friday with an exciting event featuring the big reveal of the 2019 Faces of Community! Click here to meet the inspiring volunteers we’ll be featuring all month long and make sure to check out their video interviews. You can follow along and take part in all the action on social media this month using the hashtag #yyccamonth, and let us know how you’ll be celebrating March Community Association Awareness Month!

Energizing Spaces Fund Round 1 Deadline March 31!
Are you looking to replace your old, energy-sucking electrical appliances or upgrade your outdoor lighting to LED bulbs? The round one application deadline for the Energizing Spaces Fund deadline is March 31st.  Click here for more information and to apply today.

Calgary Parking Authority Funding Opportunity
The Calgary Parking Authority is launching a new sponsorship program with the goal of funding parking, transportation or mobility related projects within Calgary that will benefit members of the community. This program will provide groups and organizations access to a pool of funding to help complete projects to build community spaces and involvement. For more information contact sponsorship@calgaryparking.com

Baseline Engagement Workshop
The City of Calgary is hosting an important workshop on how community engagement can be improved. Participants will discuss tools and resources to better support communities and other stakeholders during engagement, as well as clarification of roles and responsibilities. This session will take place on Saturday, March 16th and registration is limited. Click here to learn more and sign up.

PIP: Community and Citizen Involvement – March 9, 2019
Orientation to the Planning Process: 201 – March 12, 2019
Board Basics 201 – March 16, 2019
Treasurer’s Workshop for the Inexperienced Accountant – March 21, 2019
Monday Matters – April 1, 2019
Click here for more upcoming events
Neighbour Day 2019
This year’s Neighbour Day falls on Saturday, June 15th! Neighbour Day is an opportunity to get together with your neighbours and celebrate Calgary’s strong community spirit. The City of Calgary is once again waiving its greenspace booking fees for approved Neighbour Day events taking place on June 15th. As of January 1st, 2019 The City has waived fees for block party permits. Please note that the deadline to apply for these permits is May 24th, 2019. Click here for more information.
Alberta Culture Days Grant Funding
Alberta Culture Days is an opportunity to discover, experience and celebrate arts and culture through local events and activities across the province. The Government of Alberta is providing funding to assist community organizations in hosting Alberta Culture Days events. Community organizations can apply for up to $10,000 to celebrate and showcase their culture between September 27 to 29. Applications will close April 4th at 4:30 p.m. Click here to learn more.
Free Electronic Recycling Programs for Communities!
We are excited to partner with eCycle Solutions to deliver industry leading electronics recycling programs for collection and processing. Now part of the Federation’s Benefits of Membership (BOM) program, eCycle Solutions will offer our services to Calgarians in 2019 and beyond all free of charge. eCycle Solutions is a 100% Canadian company that has been diverting electronic waste since 2005 and as a registered processor with Alberta Recycling Management Authority (ARMA) they will pay your organization for the collection of eligible products. For more info on how you can have them out at your next event click here.
Fighting Fraud in Non-Profit Organizations
When was the last time your non-profit board talked about occupational theft and fraud and how to prevent it? Join CanaGlobe Compliance Solutions on March 27th for their free workshop on Fighting Fraud in Non-Profit Organizations. Learn about the warning signs that theft and fraud may be occurring in your organization, how to discuss it with your board and how to prevent it. Click here to learn more or to register.
Save up to 30% of Water Heating Cost
If you are a home-owner or you manage a facility where your hot-water use is limited to certain hours of the day, a Gas Water Heater Timer (GWHT) is ideal for your hot water tank. It lets you program your water heater to lower the gas-control-valve temperature setting for periods of time with low hot-water demand, and raise the temperature setting when hot-water demand is high. It also offers the additional advantage of extending the life of your water heater due to reduction in idling time. They are available online at around $100.
International Women’s Day March 8th!
March 8th is International Women’s Day, a day to recognize women’s achievements and acknowledge the challenges women continue to face in the quest for gender equality. This year will mark the 20th anniversary of annual celebrations with 2019’s theme being “Balance for Better.” Join the conversation online using the hashtags #BalanceforBetter and #IWD2019 or check out the Women’s Centre of Calgary’s International Women’s Day Potluck on March 8th from 5:30pm-8:00pm to enjoy a relaxed evening of community and connection (along with music, door prizes and a potluck dinner!). For more information click here.
Here are a few highlights from our urban planning world this month. Be sure to check our blog for a complete listing of recent events and updates!

1. Municipal Development Plan Review Engagement Opportunities
We have been working with other stakeholders to provide input on the direction for the Municipal Development Plan and Calgary Transportation Plan review. It is expected that the documents will be consolidated into one city-wide comprehensive Plan with tools for enabling desired growth and change. Key items for review will include updating maps and policies, addressing gaps, and the monitoring system. Public Engagement opportunities can be found at the link above.

2. Partners in Planning
This season’s final Basics course, called Community & Citizen Involvement, is coming up this Saturday. We also have an exciting walking tour focusing on Planning Green Spaces coming up on April 13th, and another on Accessibility & Affordable Housing on May 11th. Register through the link above. If you’re eligible for your certificate this year, we will contact you in May.

3. Established Areas Growth and Change Strategy (EAGCS)
The EAGCS Steering Committee as well as the Public Environment Working Group have been meeting to discuss where we should invest to support growth and change, what we should invest in, and how we can activate the investment and support. The steering committee is looking to bring their work to date to Committee in May, and this presentation would likely allow public input. Engagement to the broader community will also be moving forward in the next few months. We will continue to update you as we learn more.

Tip-Sheet Membership Drive
Is your membership committee at your Community Association considering
running a membership drive? We have excellent resources to help
you plan a successful membership
drive – check them out!
1. Why Residents Buy in
2. How to Use Recruitment Tools Effectively

3. Following Up on What You Do
 
Partners in Place Powwow
Connect Charter School teamed up with TsuuT’ina Education Department, Mount Royal University, Lakeview Community Association, and the Outdoor Council of Canada to host a community Powwow. Together, these organizations held an awesome cultural celebration that was inclusive and fun for all who attended! To read more on this story, click here.