Community associations have always been places where neighbours come together to solve problems, celebrate local identity, and create opportunities for connection. Now, there’s a new space in Calgary designed to support that work.
Good Places HQ is the Federation of Calgary Communities’ new innovation hub, located near the Franklin LRT station. Created to support community-led initiatives, Good Places HQ provides a flexible and welcoming space where community associations, volunteer groups, and local organizations can gather, collaborate, and bring ideas to life.
Good Places HQ is the physical home of the Good Places Project, a Federation of Calgary Communities initiative that helps neighbourhoods create vibrant, welcoming, and connected public spaces. Through training, resources, partnerships, and hands-on support, the Good Places Project empowers community associations and local groups to imagine and deliver projects that reflect the unique character and aspirations of their communities.
The space was created with the goal to give community builders the room and resources they need to connect, share knowledge, develop skills, and create projects that strengthen neighbourhoods. Whether you’re planning community events, hosting a volunteer workshop, designing a public art project, or building infrastructure for a local initiative, Good Places HQ offers a space to make it happen.
The Hub includes:
- Flexible gathering space for meetings, workshops, and community events.
- Breakout rooms for planning sessions and small group collaboration.
- Comfortable seating areas for informal conversations and networking.
- A unique garage workspace—a light-industrial woodworking and arts studio where community projects can be designed and built.
From constructing planters and picnic tables to creating signs, art installations, or neighbourhood gathering spaces, Good Places HQ provides practical tools alongside opportunities for collaboration.
At the heart of Good Places HQ is the idea of placemaking, but what is placemaking?
Placemaking is a community-driven approach to designing and activating public spaces to reflect the needs, identities, and aspirations of the people who use them. It can include everything from murals and pop-up events to permanent improvements in parks, streets, pathways, and gathering places.
Simply put, placemaking is how communities transform shared spaces into places where people connect, belong, and take pride.
Why does it matter?
Communities across Calgary are growing and changing quickly. At the same time, many organizations are working to build stronger volunteer networks and create opportunities for neighbours to connect.
Placemaking helps communities strengthen social connections, foster inclusion and belonging, create shared experiences, and build pride in neighbourhoods. Because when people help shape the places where they live, they are more likely to feel connected to their community and to one another.
Whether you’re exploring a new community initiative or looking for a collaborative space to gather your team, Good Places HQ is ready to welcome you.
Interested in using the space or learning more? Reach out to the Good Places team at [email protected] or visit the Good Places Project website to discover how this new community hub can support your next project.
