by Anne Burke
There were Ratepayers Associations for residential interests and political issues in the late 1880s. School Associations were active with sports and recreation. During the 1920s, early community groups were formed. After the Society’s Act recognized community associations in 1924, the name and designation were used to incorporate the first in 1930, with an initial listing by 1945 in the Calgary Municipal Manuals. With community growth the movement accelerated in the 1950s. The Federation of Calgary Communities (FCC) was formed when 47 communities with a unified voice wanted to provide sports and assist community development. The Glenbow Archives at the University of Calgary contain the constitution and bylaws, letters, newsletters, programs for conferences, historical files on communities, and information on the Edmonton Federation of Community Leagues. Soon after FCC was registered in 1961 under the Society’s Act, Community Association Week was proclaimed. By 1973, FCC supported and educated community associations while participating in civic planning. However, Minor Sports Calgary later separated and took over the sports program. The Friends of the Federation of Calgary Communities Society (since 1988) is a charitable organization which intends to educate and enhance life in Calgary neighbourhoods. It supports community sports, recreation, culture, and social initiatives. In 1990, FCC represented an estimated 100 communities. As an advocate, it still works closely with the City of Calgary in community development, urban planning, zoning bylaws, and transportation policy. The members are not only community associations and community-based nonprofit organizations, but also resident associations and rural community associations. Members receive training in good governance and financial literacy, grants and funding opportunities, Heart of the City conferences, and Community Heroes Awards to celebrate volunteers. An online community forum, resource library, workshops, and one-on-one support are available. More at www.calgarycommunities.com.
