Over the past year, Vibrant Communities Calgary (VCC) has been exploring different ways to engage Calgarians in civic matters, including zine workshops, community conversations, and a public survey.
The first engagement included the making of zines (small publications) that gave participants an opportunity to show what a city with enough for all looks like. The Enough for All Zine mural was co-created with over 160 Calgarians who shared their vision and hopes for the future of our city. People from various communities, including those with lived experience of poverty, frontline staff, youth, and community leaders, shared insights about the social issues most important to them. Here are the key social issues identified by participants, in order of importance:
Affordable Housing and Food
Calgarians want affordable housing and food security. People called for affordable housing and mixed-use development to ensure everyone has a home. People also want better food access through community fridges and an exploration of ideas like public fruit trees. By building more housing and considering various community-based approaches to food, Calgarians want to create sustainable, livable communities for all.
“What would it look like to have a healthy, resilient, diverse, and inclusive food system that is economically and environmentally sustainable?”
Employment & Education
Calgarians want job opportunities, skills training, financial literacy, and early learning and care for children. They support investing in future generations to improve access to job markets and career development.
“Early learning and care is the key success to help the future.”
Transportation and Green Spaces
People want safe and accessible transit, bike lanes, walkable streets, and more green spaces in their city. Access to public transit and green spaces impacts physical and mental health by keeping people active and connected. Calgarians want climate-conscious city planning and better urban access to nature.
“What changes do I want to see? Accessible green spaces, affordable housing, bridging disconnected neighbourhoods, better accessibility for the transit system, proper bike lanes, a happier, open, connected community.”
Connection
Calgarians recognize that connection is our strength and want to foster belonging in the face of loneliness. Many participants highlighted the need for more creative spaces, community storytelling, and cultural celebrations to build relationships.
“Meet your neighbours, take part in community events and projects, help someone out, get informed about poverty, say hello or smile at a stranger, [and] vote.”
The voices behind the mural show a clear vision for Calgary—a city with housing, food security, accessible public transit, green spaces, jobs, and educational opportunities. Calgarians want a more inclusive, resilient, and people-focused city, where everyone can thrive.
