The Sunalta Community Hub is officially opening its doors today, marking a significant milestone in the evolution of the Sunalta neighborhood. The Hub, which will serve as a gathering place for residents and a resource for community-building activities, promises to enhance the quality of life in the area with a variety of services for all ages.
The development of the Sunalta Community Hub was made possible by The City of Calgary which invested approximately $3 million through the Established Areas Growth and Change Strategy and the Centralized Climate Fund. In addition to this, Sunalta Community Association also secured funding from the Government of Alberta, Calgary Foundation, United Way’s Community Hubs Initiative, and local businesses, family foundations, and residents.
“The Sunalta Community Association consists of a group of people who believed in their power to do amazing things for others. They rallied a community, philanthropic investments and navigated City funding initiatives to create a neighbourhood living room where all are welcome. I encourage everyone to visit, if for nothing else but to realize and be inspired by how much a community filled with imagination and willpower can accomplish,” says Councillor Courtney Walcott.
“It is so exciting to see another project, made possible in part by the Community Facility Enhancement Program, come to life in Calgary. Alberta’s government is proud to support local non-profit organizations that address the needs of women and families in our communities, and the Sunalta Community Hub project will do just that. I am thankful to all who have contributed to the development of such a meaningful initiative and I look forward to seeing operations commence,” says the Honourable Tanya Fir, Minister of Arts, Culture and Status of Women.
The Sunalta Community Hub is a part of United Way’s Community Hubs Initiative. The initiative has committed significant seed funding, operational support and capital investments to help Sunalta build a welcoming, inclusive and supportive neighbourhood.
“Congratulations to the Sunalta Community Association on the grand opening of the new Sunalta Community Hub. This space is a testament to the power of collaboration and the strength that comes from working together to support local needs,” says Karen Young, president and CEO of United Way of Calgary and Area. “When organizations, community leaders and residents unite with a shared vision, we create lasting impact.”
The vision for the Hub is to remove social isolation and improve food security. A variety of programs will be offered ranging from social support, food programs to cultural programming. The Hub is also a social enterprise, with the income it generates going back into the community.
“The opening of the Sunalta Community Hub showcases the strength of Sunalta’s spirit,” says Jenny Vickers, Executive Director of the Sunalta Community Association. “The Hub is a gift to the community and it is thanks to the dedication of our staff, board of directors, resident volunteers, project team, local businesses and non-profits, political allies, and the generosity of our funders that we have reached this pivotal milestone.”
