The Government of Canada is investing more than $3.4 million towards reanimating key gathering spaces in Calgary, Alberta.

Through this support, 13 community initiatives will be revitalized to safely welcome back visitors, stimulate local economies, and assist the city’s recovery following the COVID-19 pandemic.

Below is the list of projects receiving federal funding.

• Arts Commons is receiving $200,000 for an accessibility enhancement initiative at the facility.
• Beltline Neighbourhoods Association is receiving $200,000 to upgrade High Park in the downtown area with an outdoor stage, firepits, seating, murals, and activity stations.
• Calgary Science Centre Society is receiving $637,500 to revitalize and expand the outdoor park at the 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 facility.
• Cerebral Palsy Association in Alberta is receiving $94,305 to renovate the second floor of its Life without Limits Centre, to address accessibility barriers and better accommodate the needs of its patrons.
• City of Calgary is receiving $562,500 to help revitalize an underutilized portion of a city park by installing a bike pump track. The track will provide a safe recreation activity space for children, preteens, 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 $9595 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 firepit, benches, picnic tables, and a winter skating rink in the Evanston neighbourhood.
• 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 greenspaces in the Willow Ridge neighbourhood 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.