PLACE MATTERS: A NORTH CALGARY PROJECT
In 2022-2023, we joined forces with Vivo for Healthier Generations to uncover what creates a sense of belonging in North-Central Calgary. Together, we launched a community engagement initiative to understand the strengths of North Calgary and how we can make it better. Along the way, we measured factors like engagement, connections, and community activation. This effort provided valuable insights that shaped a strategy and toolkit for grassroots park development in North Central Calgary. It also helped us identify a set of priorities for future community-led outdoor space projects.
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We collaborated with key community mobilizers on events and targeted engagements. These included: a blessing of the land, bus tours (one for local business owners and operators and the other for community activators), subject matter expert interviews, a capital projects survey, and a public engagement prioritization event on Neighbour Day.
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During the project, the 17 communities that make up North Central Calgary, shared your values connected to outdoor public spaces. These values are the bedrock of our vision for North Calgary’s outdoor spaces:
Connectivity: We should aim to connect community members with each other, with the natural environment, and with other communities.
Prosperity: Our spaces should support local businesses, connecting them with our community, and giving back to our neighborhoods.
Safety and Belonging: We’re should creating places that foster a sense of safety, inclusivity, and community ownership.
Health and Wellbeing: Every park and corner should be designed to promote physical and mental health and wellbeing.
Maintenance and Sustainment: Our spaces should be crafted with longevity in mind, ensuring they’re maintained for generations to come.
Inspiration and Activation: Outdoor spaces can be our canvas for art, stages for events, and gateways to nature, inspiring our community
Joy and Entertainment: Most importantly, outdoor spaces are the playgrounds of joy, where every moment is cherished, and laughter and memories bloom.
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We presented a range of community-identified projects along with a framework to guide further project prioritization and community involvement. Support from volunteers and community organizations, donors, and organizations like Parks Foundation will be needed to bring these projects to life.
In-Progress Projects (2024-2027):
Symons Valley Park (~$3M): Multi-use Park with rink, tennis courts, basketball, pump track, playground, amphitheater, and art in Symons Valley
Kincora Sport Court & Gathering (~$250K – $400K): Multi-use sport court and community gathering space in Kincora
Creating Coventry Future Phases (~$200K – $400K): TBD – Games Park / Nature Play Park in Coventry Hills
VIVO Public Art & Community Gathering (~$500K – $1M): Mural, Active / Playful Art furnishings for gathering at VIVO. $150K in funding already raised
North Calgary Pump Track & Gathering Space (~$600K – $900K): Pump track and community gathering space near Nose Creek / Harvest Hills
Sandstone MacEwan Rink Project (~$850K): Multi-use sport and rink space in Sandstone Valley. $500K in funding already raised
Future Prioritized Projects (2027-2032)
7. North Calgary Multi-Use Sports & Plaza Gathering (~$500K – $750K): Basketball, soccer, sport amenity with Plaza in Evanston
8. North Calgary Natural Playground and Dog Park (~$300K – 500K): Natural Playground and Dog Park in Carrington/Livingston
9. Destination Playgrounds: (~$500K – $1M): Destination playground projects with community gathering, prioritizing Beddington Heights
10. North Calgary Youth Activity Park (~$750K – $1M): Parkour, skateboarding, basketball, youth-focused amenity in the area of Hidden Valley / Sandstone Valley / MacEwan Glen
Future Regional Park Project (2027-2032)
11. North Calgary Regional Park ($TBD): Strong desire for regional amenity. Budget, scope and location TBD
Insights gathered throughout the Place Matters project helped establish two toolkits for communities and a full report of our findings. The Community Engagement Toolkit includes an overview of the engagement methods completed during the project, lessons learned, and community engagement recommendations. The Community Advocate Toolkit gives advice, resources, and contacts for how to progress your community project from the initial idea through activation and maintenance.
North Calgary Prioritization Map
This map includes several projects identified by Place Matters at various stages of development. These projects have been prioritized based on equity, North Calgary priorities, stage of development, and demonstrated ability to leverage funds. Exact locations have not been confirmed for many of these projects and additional research, engagement, and funding will be required to move these projects forward.
