Calgary's Community Strength Lies in Its Gathering Places, Says Think-Tank Leader
As Calgary prepares to welcome its two-millionth resident, community leader Linda Southern-Heathcott has been contemplating what makes the city vibrant, welcoming, and interconnected. The Spruce Meadows president and CEO, who is participating in a virtual think-tank created with Postmedia's Countdown to 2 Million project, argues that the solution is straightforward: focus on people, experiences, and physical places.
The Heart of Community: People and Their Interactions
Vibrancy fundamentally begins with people, who serve as the heart of every interaction and the soul of each neighborhood. Calgary's community is remarkably diverse, encompassing competitors and colleagues, lifelong friends and new arrivals. What unites residents is not uniformity, but rather a collective willingness to engage actively, listen attentively, and celebrate both shared strengths and unique differences.
Calgary's Rich Tapestry of Gathering Locations
Connection is built through gathering, and fortunately, Calgary offers numerous places that invite people to come together. Residents can listen to an elder at the Calgary Central Library, experience music and culture at Studio Bell, stroll through the Devonian Gardens, or explore history at Lougheed House. Outdoor enthusiasts can spend an afternoon in Bowness Park, walk along the river pathways, cross the Peace Bridge or the King George Pedestrian Bridge, and take in sweeping views from Nose Hill Park.
Families gather at the Calgary Zoo, explore innovation at Telus Spark Science Centre, visit the Military Museum to better understand historical sacrifices, or spend time at many other locations rich with learning opportunities. These spaces collectively foster social bonds and community engagement.
Celebrations That Define Calgary's Spirit
The city's celebrations further reflect its identity and strengthen collective spirit. From the energetic Calgary Stampede to the vibrant Nagar Kirtan parade, the POW parade, and the Pride parade, these moments of shared joy create lasting connections. Residents rally behind local teams including the Calgary Flames, Calgary Roughnecks, Calgary Stampeders, Wild FC, and Cavalry FC, while also celebrating world-class show jumping at Spruce Meadows in south Calgary.
Each gathering, whether large-scale events or small neighborhood meetings, weaves stronger threads into the fabric of the city, enhancing social cohesion and community resilience.
The True Luxury of Shared Experiences
Southern-Heathcott believes Calgary offers something rare: the luxury of experience. True luxury is not defined by material possessions but by moments that emotionally move people—laughter shared with friends, the shiver of a winter festival, knowledge gained through dialogue, or tears shed in empathy. These experiences shape individuals and deepen their connection to the city.
Facing Challenges Together Strengthens Belonging
The community faces meaningful challenges collectively, including the ongoing journey toward reconciliation, the resilience demonstrated during devastating wildfires, and the collective highs and lows of supporting local sports teams. In these moments, residents learn, grow, and strengthen their sense of belonging, revealing Calgary at its most authentic.
By celebrating the places where people come together, Calgary nurtures a stronger community. This requires reaching over fences—both literally and figuratively—and committing to tolerance, generosity, and unconditional support for one another. This spirit is what makes Calgary truly extraordinary, according to Southern-Heathcott's reflections.
