1. Open Space Assessment (plan for green spaces)

An Open Space Assessment is how The City plans for the future of the open, green spaces in a community. The City will work with the community to develop a long-term plan for the future use of the neighbourhood’s existing green spaces.

Projected cost: $5,000-$10,000

2. Active stencils / distance marking on existing pathway

This can encourage walkers to interact with the stencils and make the walk more enjoyable, unexpected and fun for all ages. e.g. hopscotch, circle maze, jump game. It can also help people better understand what is close by in their neighbourhood.

Projected cost: $1,000-$2,000

3. Outdoor Program - How do you play day?

An opportunity for children to participate in unstructured play to help to connect and deepen friendships while developing skills and confidence.

Projected cost: $1,000-$3,000

4. Tool Lending Library / Yard Maintenance on a Budget

Helping you create a yard that you are proud of! Providing opportunities to learn about keeping your yard looking nice including what plants to use to minimize maintenance. The Tool Lending Library would assist Falconridge/Castleridge by having a limited variety of home and garden tools that can be borrowed. It would also provide education on how to use the tools and techniques to help maintain yards and outside spaces.

Projected cost: $1,000-$3,000

5. New programs

New programs such as Cricket, Bhangra classes, Geocaching &/or Pickleball would promote being active, help connect residents to each other and encourage better health and inclusion.

Projected cost: $1,000-$3,000

6. Back Alley Parties

We can transform a back alley from what it may look like now to a temporary public space that residents can enjoy!

Possible ideas could include a popcorn machine & benches set up for neighbours to visit, outdoor yoga or dance classes, and big scale games to play.

Projected cost: $1,000-$3,000

We would need community support to make this experiment happen. If this initiative goes forward we would need community volunteers to host in their back alley. If you would be interested in volunteering to help, be sure to answer the Volunteering question below (19) and make sure you've signed up for email updates!

7. Fire hydrant art

Where do fire hydrants go when they are no longer used for public fire safety? We’d like to explore taking a few of these old hydrants, repainting them using artists and/or existing youth programs, and then installing them in the off-leash dog park to provide beauty and enjoyment for both the two and four-legged park users.

Projected cost: $2,000-$5,000

8. Community Clean-up (additional/enhanced day)

We heard from many residents of Falconridge/Castleridge that they would like their community to be clean and beautiful. In partnership with our Community Standards team, we can partner with volunteers to offer an additional community clean-up day with the possibility of cleaning up community parks and public spaces (includes free trips to the landfill). To celebrate increased pride in the communities, we would conclude the day with an event at the Community Association building.

Projected cost: $4,000-$6,000

9. Street decoration

The creation of art and place-making brings people together, promotes a sense of community, builds connections and strengthens relationships. Adding visual interest to a street reminds motorists that they have entered a vibrant and active community and encourages them to drive with appropriate attention and care.

e.g. Paint the pavement or installing flower planters

Projected cost: $3,000-$5,000

10. Evening walking group with Calgary Police Service (CPS) / Community safety conversation

Falconridge/Castleridge residents shared that safety was of primary importance to them. Specifically people said walking in the evening/night was a time they felt unsafe.

This initiative is an opportunity for residents to come together with a common purpose of promoting overall health, healthy aging and reducing stress through walking. It also encourages residents to get to know one another which promotes a feeling of safety. This would also be an opportunity for education in different areas of community safety.

We would need community support to make this initiative happen. If this initiative goes forward we would need three community volunteers. If you would be interested in volunteering to help, be sure to answer the Volunteering question below (19) and make sure you've signed up for email updates!

11. Activate unused green spaces

We could explore the possibility of a Community Garden in Castleridge. Community gardens provide opportunities for recreational gardening and food production in appropriate, unused spaces. They bring people together and can create a safer space by increasing visibility and engaging citizens in positive initiatives.

Projected cost $5,000-$10,000

12. 'Connecting Culture' pop-up bus

In partnership with different faith and cultural groups, each group would be responsible for the activities on the bus (dance, food, etc.) for 1-2 hours. This would improve people's understanding of different cultures and allow people to meet their neighbours and build relationships.

Projected cost: $1,000-$3,000

13. Youth Action group

Build community pride working with students from Bishop McNally, Terry Fox Junior High and City of Calgary Community Social Workers. In partnership with students from local schools, youth and their allies strengthen their communities through education, mobilization and resource development. Youth would be committed to pioneering meaningful leadership opportunities for the others.

14. Walking School bus

A Walking School bus is a simple way to reduce the number of cars traveling to and from school and give families a safe, active way to get to school. Volunteer parents act as Walking School bus leaders, one or two times per week. The group walks past each home and children join the walk along the way.

This can also create stronger relationships between families in the neighbourhood and children can develop friendships, learn and practice traffic safety skills, and enjoy active transportation daily.

15. Night Market in green space

A Night Market transforms an outdoor space to bring together creatives from culinary, design, performance and graphic arts sectors to celebrate community, diversity and the power of food. This supports healthier, more connected and more self-determined communities.

16. Micro-grant support

You or other community members have great ideas for programs and improvements in the neighbourhood but might need a little help to get started. This initiative would help community members apply to ActivateYYC and other community grant programs that support resident-led initiatives.

Initiatives led by residents build connections in local neighbourhoods and encourage community pride.

We would need community support to make this initiative happen. If this initiative goes forward we would need community members willing to help others with their micro-grant ideas. If you would be interested in volunteering to help, be sure to answer the Volunteering question below (19) and make sure you've signed up for email updates!

17. Green space between Terry Fox High & the Community Association

This green space (or natural conservation space) is an urban nature area but we want to help the neighbourhood use it better. What do you think would make this green space better?