Living in neighbourhoods with high levels of poverty and isolation can negatively impact life expectancy, physical and mental health, early childhood development, high school completion rates, and overall quality of life. Our ongoing commitment to the Community Hubs Initiative is a result of a partnership between The City of Calgary and United Way of Calgary and Area, with Rotary Clubs of Calgary as a founding partner. Community Hubs are welcoming and inclusive spaces where residents build connections, access supports and services, and work together to identify and respond to community needs, all of which contribute to stronger neighbourhoods.
Key features of Community Hubs
Welcoming
and inclusive
gathering spaces
Connections to
each other and
the community
Easy access to
supports, services,
and resources
Platforms to
spark community
economic outcomes
What are Community Hubs?
Community Hubs are welcoming and inclusive spaces where residents go to make friends, pursue common interests, and find support when they need it. It’s a place that’s welcoming, inclusive and connecting. There is no one single model or right way of creating a community hub. They can be formal or informal, loose, or structured. A communal garden, a group of grandparents who knit scarves for kids, a drop-in workshop where people learn how to write a resume, access the Internet, or play with their children—these can all be community hubs. A hub may start out simply as a place for people to get together and later add programs and other functions that serve the community. Community hubs provide a different mix of resources that address area-specific needs. In this way, hubs reflect and strengthen the communities that create them. In keeping with the Enough for All poverty reduction strategy, everyone should have at least three people to call on in a time of need, and hubs forge these vitally important social connections.
A Hub is a space that…
• Meets many needs
• Is open to everyone who is part of the community
• Is created by the community, for the community
• Has more than one purpose
• Helps those who use it improve their community
What happens at Community Hubs?
Locations of our Community Hubs
Resource Library
Highlights from each Community Hub site
Since the initiative launched in 2017, it has engaged 156,676 individuals. The Hubs exist in five neighbourhoods across Calgary, each tailored to meet unique community needs. Below is a snapshot of the variety of programs, activities, and services residents can access through their local Hubs:
Hub site: Bowness Community Association
Neighbourhoods served: Bowness, Greenwood Village, and Montgomery
Highlights:
- Community building events
- Seniors’ activities
- The Landing: gathering space for community
- Food security resources and opportunity
Co-located agencies and partners:
- carya
- RISE Calgary Resource Centre
- Little Oaks Early Education
Contact:
Tess Van Den Bosch, Hub Site Lead
E: tvandenbosch@mybowness.com
Nicola Youle, City of Calgary Social Worker
E: nicola.youle@calgary.ca
More information:
Address: 7904 43rd Ave NW
Website: mybowness.com
Hub site: The Alex Community Food Centre and Bob Bahan Aquatic & Fitness Centre Centre
Neighbourhoods served: Albert Park, Dover, Radisson Heights, Southview, Forest Lawn, Erin Woods, Forest Heights, and Penbrooke
Highlights:
- Food and well-being programs
- Sacred Medicinal Garden
- Community Neighbourhood Grants
- Skill building opportunities
Contact:
Natasha Brubaker, Hub Site Lead
E: nbrubaker@thealex.ca
Tara Selinger, City of Calgary Social Worker
E: tara.selinger@calgary.ca
More information:
The Alex Community Food Centre
- Address: 4920 17th Ave SE
- Website: thealexcfc.ca
Bob Bahan Aquatic & Fitness Centre
- Address: 4812 14th Ave SE
- Website: calgary.ca/csps/recreation/pools/bob-bahan.html
Hub site: North of McKnight Community Hub at The Genesis Centre
Neighbourhoods served: Taradale, Saddleridge, Martindale, Castleridge, Falconridge, Coral Springs, Savanna, Cityscape, Skyview Ranch, Redstone, and Cornerstone
Highlights:
- Newcomer & youth programs
- Free tax clinics
- Accessible space for community groups
Co-located agencies and partners:
- The Genesis Centre
- Trellis (1000 Voices)
- Saddletowne YMCA
- Saddletowne Library
Contact:
Shelina Bata, Hub Site Lead
E: sbata@growwithtrellis.ca
Kiima Bailey, City of Calgary Social Worker
E: kiima.bailey@calgary.ca
More information:
Address: 7555 Falconridge Blvd NE
Website: genesis-centre.ca
Hub site: Sunalta Community Association
Neighbourhoods served: Sunalta
Highlights:
- Toy and games lending library
- Community gardens
- Community activities and programs
Contact:
Grace Donner, Hub Site Lead
E: grace@sunalta.net
Tamara Baldwin, City of Calgary Social Worker
E: tamara.baldwin@calgary.ca
More information:
Address: 1627 10th Ave SW
Website: sunalta.net
Hub site: Village Square Leisure Centre
Neighbourhoods served: Whitehorn, Temple, Rundle, and Pineridge
Highlights:
- Resident-led skill building initiatives
- Community living room
- Community-made art projects and murals
Co-located agencies and partners:
- Centre for Newcomers
- Village Square Library
- Calgary Transit Fair Entry
- Alberta Health Services
Contact:
Jenna Pothier, City of Calgary Social Worker
E: jenna.pothier@calgary.ca
More information:
Address: 2623 56th Street NE
Website: calgary.ca/csps/recreation/leisure-centres/village-square.html
Frequently Asked Questions
Reports & Publications
Partners and Supporters, 2017-2022
We would like to thank all the generous individuals who have supported the Community Hubs initiative. Special thanks to philanthropists Mike and Sue Rose for their early investment in the project.
Legacy Circle ($1 Million and over):
Shell Canada Limited
Pillars of Philanthropy ($500,000 to $1 Million):
Pembina Pipeline Corporation
Innovator’s Circle ($350,000 to $500,000):
ENMAX Corporation
Champion’s Circle ($200,000 to $350,000):
Repsol
CIBC
Corporate Partner ($50,000 to $200,000):
BMO Financial Group
Mawer Investment Management Ltd.
NOVA Chemicals
Individual Philanthropists ($100,000 or more):
The Ark Foundation
Jim Dinning & Evelyn Main
Bob Jones & Kristie Smith
Kanovsky Family Foundation
Eric & Christie Le Dain
Barry & Val Munro & Family
Mike & Sue Rose
Donald & Eleanor Seaman
Shaw Family Foundation
Bill & Sharon Siebens
Contact
For more information on the Community Hubs Initiative or to explore partnership opportunities, please contact:
Wendy Mendes
Manager,
Community Hubs Initiative
United Way of Calgary and Area
Email: wendy.mendes@calgaryunitedway.org
Maria Topolnyski
Liaison,
Community Hubs Initiative
United Way of Calgary and Area
Email: maria.topolnyski@calgaryunitedway.org
Janneth Mayorga
Liaison,
Community Hubs Initiative
United Way of Calgary and Area
Email: janneth.mayorga@calgaryunitedway.org