About Us

Our History

In the early 1970s, members of St Giles Presbyterian Church, located in NW Calgary, reviewed a City census completed at that time. This census indicated that many seniors, in North Hill and West Mount Pleasant areas, were living alone and were lonely; they needed companionship and social activity. In response, church constituents formed a drop-in centre for seniors in the lower hall of the church which, in 1973, formally became Confederation Park Seniors Citizens’ Centre. The “Tree of Life” illustration, depicted in a portion of the stained-glass window in the church, was incorporated as Confederation Park’s logo, an apt representation of the new Centre. In 1975, the Centre moved into their new building which was located on Confederation Park. 1980 heralded an addition to the building named, “The Social Room,” and, from then through the 2010s, grew to become a vibrant part of the community with over 1000 active members.

In 2020, the world as we knew it came to a standstill with the Covid Pandemic. This deadly virus ran rampant throughout Senior Centres and Residences around the world. Confederation Park was under restrictions, along with the rest of the country, for many months. We learned to stay connected in different ways and many seniors embraced technology like never before. We began offering online Zoom classes and meetings and even featured free fitness classes on YouTube for seniors around the world to stay fit. We started a frozen meal program and offered free food hampers for those who were homebound.

In early 2021, just as we were emerging from government-imposed restrictions, we were asked to leave our building as it was being decommissioned. Our home of 48 years was taken from us, and we began the life-altering change of finding new accommodations. In August of that year, Triwood Community Association reached out to us and offered us a new home in their Centre. With a change of our bylaws in 2022, we now opened our doors to welcome all adults, 18 years and older, along with seniors to create a healthy, intergenerational community.

2023 was very busy as we celebrated our 50th Anniversary. In addition to an open house and gala dinner, we had a multitude of events throughout the year. We also started a collaboration with 4 other activity centres and called it the Super Membership, allowing members access to all centres for a minimal annual charge. By the end of the year, we had 5 other centres join us totalling 10 participating centres with more throughout the city interested in the program. Our own membership had grown substantially, almost to the level it was at prior to the pandemic and our move.

Today, Confederation Park 55+ Activity Centre is a volunteer-driven, nonprofit organization, working to help aging adults and seniors reap the benefits of an active and socially inclusive lifestyle. Our Activity Centre offers a variety of dance, music, art, technology, language and fitness classes to stimulate and enhance the mental and physical wellbeing of members and non-members alike. Member clubs satisfy many interests and create a lot of laughter and fun. Member services like podiatrist clinics round out the offerings. Monthly lunches and presentations bring members together for social and educational engagement. Our flagship program, Tea and Conversation, held every Thursday afternoon, is open to the public and brings friendship, laughter, dancing and socialization to all.

We welcome all adults throughout Calgary and beyond to participate in our programs. Come by and say hello!