More than $3.4 million through Prairies Economic Development Canada (PrairiesCan) will help revitalize, reinvent, and modernize 13 community gathering spaces for the benefit of Calgarians of all ages and abilities, while creating or maintaining 74 jobs

March 16, 2022 – Calgary, Alberta – Prairies Economic Development Canada

The Government of Canada is investing in community initiatives that revitalize public spaces to safely welcome back visitors and stimulate local economies. Accessible and modern spaces that bring people together, encourage creativity and support businesses will play a central role in Calgary’s quality of life and economic recovery.

Today, the Honourable Daniel Vandal, Minister of Northern Affairs, Minister responsible for Prairies Economic Development Canada, and Minister responsible for the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency, joined by Member of Parliament for Calgary-Skyview, George Chahal, and Mayor of Calgary Jyoti Gondek, announced a federal investment of more than $3.4 million for 13 community projects in Calgary that will help re-animate key gathering spaces and assist the city’s economic recovery following the pandemic.

Projects receiving federal funding include:

• Arts Commons is receiving $200,000 for an accessibility enhancement initiative at the Arts Commons facility in Calgary.
• Beltline Neighborhoods Association is receiving $200,000 to upgrade High Park in downtown Calgary with an outdoor stage, fire pits, seating, murals and activity stations.
• Calgary Science Centre Society is receiving $637,500 to revitalize and expand the outdoor park at Calgary’s TELUS Spark centre through the installation of an Indigenous programming gathering circle, medicine garden and science-based play areas.
• Calgary Zoological Society is receiving $750,000 to install a bison habitat at its Calgary facility.
• Cerebral Palsy Association in Alberta is receiving $94,305 to renovate the second floor of its Life without Limits Centre in Calgary to address accessibility barriers and better accommodate the needs of its patrons.
• City of Calgary is receiving $562,500 to help revitalize an under-utilized portion of a city park by installing a bike pump track. The track will provide a safe recreation activity space for children, pre-teens, teens and adults of all riding experience levels to enjoy.
• City of Calgary is receiving $75,000 to activate underutilized downtown parking into an accessible outdoor event site.
• City of Calgary is receiving $75,000 to install permanent seating and shade structures at seven parks in northeast Calgary.
• Edgemont Community Association is receiving $9,595 to build an outdoor gathering space with an information centre, picnic tables, and benches.
• Evanston Creekside Community Association has received $200,000 for the construction of a community hub and gathering space with paved paths, a fire pit, benches, picnic tables and a winter skating rink in the Evanston neighborhood. 
  
• Heritage Park Society is receiving $438,750 to build a fully accessible antique railway car at Heritage Park.
• North-East Centre of Community Society is receiving $142,500 to enhance the Genesis Centre rooftop patio and install an outdoor inclusive gathering space for the public.
• Willow Ridge Community Association of Calgary is receiving $37,695 to install benches throughout green spaces in the Willow Ridge neighborhood and upgrade an existing community garden with new accessible garden beds and fencing. 

The combined federal investment of $3,422,845 is expected to help create or maintain 74 jobs, increase accessibility to community spaces for residents and visitors, and support investment attraction and business activity.