On March 17, Calgary’s Sunalta community marked a milestone moment: the grand opening of its new Community Hub building. This is more than just a new space—it’s a testament to the power of a community invested in itself, a demonstration of what happens when people come together to create something meaningful.
From the beginning, this project has been driven by a community-serving lens. The Sunalta Community Hub exists because residents, community organizations and partners continue to show up, invest and participate. The result is a new expanded space that meets a critical need we see across Calgary: community-based capacity. The Hub provides the room—both literally and figuratively—for people to gather, grow and access the programs and services that make neighbourhoods strong.
Meeting Community Needs in Sunalta
Through community engagement, the Sunalta Community Association identified food security and social isolation as two key challenges. The expansion was built to help address these issues and future needs as our city continues to grow and evolve. A long-term goal of the Hub is to be self-sustaining through rental space and a coffee kiosk, among other revenue-generating enterprises, with funds raised reinvested into programs for Sunalta residents.
Collaboration in Action
“Congratulations to the Sunalta Community Association on the grand opening of the new Sunalta Community Hub. This space is a testament to the power of collaboration and the strength that comes from working together to support local needs,” says Karen Young, president and CEO of United Way of Calgary and Area. “When organizations, community leaders and residents unite with a shared vision, we create hope and lasting impact.”
United Way of Calgary and Area (United Way) has been proud to support the Sunalta Community Hub since the beginning of the Community Hubs Initiative in 2017, a partnership with the City of Calgary and founding partner, Rotary Clubs of Calgary. Through the generosity of Calgarians, United Way has invested significant seed funding, operational support and capital investments into the initiative. At the beginning of Sunalta’s expansion project, United Way provided funding for the initial community engagement strategy—ensuring that the expansion was informed by the voices and needs of the people it serves.
This funding has been agile, allowing the Sunalta Community Association to respond in real-time to the evolving needs of the neighbourhood, which includes many newcomers, each arriving with a unique set of experiences and challenges. It’s a trust-based relationship that works because our values align: inclusivity, support and the belief that communities thrive when they have the right spaces to connect and collaborate.
A Shared Vision for the Future
The new Sunalta Community Hub is the result of a collective effort. Residents, the Sunalta Community Association, the City of Calgary, United Way’s Community Hubs Initiative, the Government of Alberta, Rotary Clubs of Calgary, key donors and many others have all played a part in bringing this vision to life. Their commitment reflects a broader understanding—community spaces like this matter. They foster hope and connection, strengthen local networks, and offer a foundation for new opportunities to emerge.
“To everyone who has supported this project, whether by contributing time, funding, expertise or advocacy—thank you,” says Maria Topolnyski, Manager, Community Hubs Initiative. “The Sunalta Community Hub stands as a reflection of your dedication. And to the wider community who sees the value in spaces like this, we invite you to continue showing up, engaging and shaping the future of this incredible place.”
Be Part of the Hub’s Next Chapter
The grand opening is just the beginning of a future where hope and community will continue to thrive. As programs, rentals, and the coffee kiosk launch in the coming months, the Sunulta Community Hub will continue growing as a space for connection, resilience and local impact. Be part of the journey —follow the Sunalta Community Association on social media or sign up for their e-newsletter to be the first to know when the Hub is open for programs, rentals and coffee!
About United Way of Calgary and Area
United Way of Calgary and Area (United Way) is celebrating 85 years of innovation and impact. Since 1940, we have united individuals, workplaces, community partners and government to create lasting social change.
Rooted in a global movement more than a century ago, United Way has been dedicated to improving lives through the power of collective community action. We invest strategically, partner with purpose and mobilize agencies to work together and solve complex social issues like poverty and mental health. Our work and investments stay local.
Join us in shaping the future. Visit hope.uwca.ca to be part of the change. Thank you for 85 years of inspiring hope and strengthening our community.