Calgary Celebrates Community Association Awareness Month and 65 Years of Federation Leadership

Calgary is celebrating Community Association Awareness Month (CAAM) this March, as the Federation of Calgary Communities joins forces with The City of Calgary to recognize the vital role community associations play across the city.

The month-long celebration has been officially proclaimed by Mayor Jeromy Farkas and highlights the contributions of 160 community associations that help make Calgary a vibrant place to live, work and play.

This year also marks a significant milestone: the Federation is celebrating 65 years of supporting community associations, grassroots non-profits and the thousands of volunteers who power them.

A Legacy Rooted in Calgary’s History

Calgary’s community association movement traces its roots back to Ratepayers and School Associations formed in the 1890s. By 1912, a city planning vision promoting neighbourhoods connected through recreational spaces and schools helped shape the development of local associations — a model that continues to influence Calgary’s urban design today.

Community associations have long served as advocates for neighbourhood interests, helping guide development and ensuring residents have a voice in local decision-making.

The Federation was incorporated in 1961 with 47 member associations. Today, it supports 160 community associations and 147 additional non-profit organizations serving more than 200 neighbourhoods citywide.

A Network Powered by Volunteers

Calgary’s community association system is one of the largest in Canada, supported by approximately 20,000 volunteers. Together, associations and social recreation organizations steward and activate more than $1 billion in City-funded infrastructure.

These facilities and programs provide accessible sports, recreation and social opportunities close to home, strengthening community bonds and enhancing quality of life.

Community leaders say associations help preserve the “small-town” feel within Calgary’s growing urban landscape, ensuring each neighbourhood maintains its unique character while fostering connection and civic pride.

How Calgarians Can Get Involved

Residents are encouraged to take part in Community Association Awareness Month by supporting their local association in several ways:

• Find your local association: Visit the Federation’s website to discover your neighbourhood CA.
• Join or attend events: Memberships and participation directly fund programs and amenities that benefit the community.
• Volunteer: Join a board or committee to help shape the future of your neighbourhood and contribute to urban planning discussions.

Organizers emphasize that nearly every Calgarian has benefited from the work of their community association — whether through local events, recreational programs or advocacy efforts.

65 Years of Support and Partnership

Since launching Community Association Awareness Week in 1962 — which later evolved into Community Association Awareness Month — the Federation has worked to provide advocacy, training, governance support and operational tools to volunteer-led boards.

The Federation remains a civic partner of The City of Calgary. Through Neighbourhood Partnership Coordinators and ongoing collaboration, the City and Federation work together to ensure community associations have the resources and guidance needed to thrive.

As Calgary continues to grow and new communities emerge, organizers say the spirit of grassroots leadership remains central to building strong, connected neighbourhoods for generations to come.